The snowy days of winter, what does it mean for you? To most folks winter means a time of slippery sidewalks, nasty roads, flu season, and something that can be much worse for others, the Winter Blues. The winter blues does not generally happen to someone who is busy all day with things to do in the winter, because they keep active and energetic, as night time approaches, they relax and go to sleep. Now, since you have enough extra time on your hands in the winter, that it causes you to get the winter blues, lets discover a great little activity that can help fight against it and earn you some money too. Shake the Winter Blues by Making Extra Money Pet Sitting
You must live in either a house or an apartment, and if you live in an apartment you can still do the activity I am going to talk about, but you probably won’t have the same options as a homeowner has. Almost everyone sooner or later dreams of starting a home based business to make some extra money, or to be able to work part time doing something they love. There is one business that anyone can start with no upfront money needed, all that is required is patience and kindness, and this is the business of Pet Sitting. Shake the Winter Blues by Making Extra Money Pet Sitting
In the cold of winter, folks still need to go to work, or on trips, and at these times, pets need to be left in someone’s care, and this is where they need the services of a ‘ Pet Sitter ‘. There are two ways you can operate your own pet sitting business, if you own your own residence, you can watch pets inside your home, having the pet owners drop off their pets at your residence. This puts you more at ease, and you have more time to devote directly to your home duties as well as the pet sitting business, since you don’t have to spend time traveling to the pet owners residence. If you have an apartment, you may not be allowed to have pets, and in this case you would have to watch the pets at the owners residence. Simply hang some signs on store bulletin boards and place a little ad under the ‘Services’ or ‘Pet’ listings in you local Newspaper classifieds to let folks know that you want a job pet sitting. Shake the Winter Blues by Making Extra Money Pet Sitting
Make sure you have some knowledge of the pets you will be sitting, for instance read and learn about them all you can, dogs and cats are pretty easy, birds are harder, but snakes and lizards or turtles may be totally unique and could even pose a danger to you, if your not familiar with them. Pets need sleep and rest time, they need activity or exercise, they need food, water and warmth, some even require medication at certain times of the day, but all pets need patience and love. Make sure you have emergency telephone numbers, so you can call the owners veterinarian or pet clinic in case you have too, and you may also need to get in contact with the pets owner, so don’t forget the telephone number where they can be reached at. Now, when winter comes and you have nothing to do, keep busy with pet sitting and earn some extra money, while you help shake the winter blues. Shake the Winter Blues, Make Extra Money Pet Sitting
There is a website that describes numerous activities and other methods to help eliminate the Winter Blues, this website is called: Winter Activities – and it may be found at this url: http://www.winter-activities.com
You may publish this article in your ezine, newsletter or on your web site as long as it is reprinted in its entirety and without modification except for formatting needs or grammar corrections.
Pets
Do you come home from work and find your dog’s food bowls are flipped over and water is all over the floor? Perhaps you find garbage strewn all over the house? Are there holes dug all over the yard? Do you find chew marks on your furniture? Has the stuffing been pulled out of your couch? Are all of these and other naughty things being done by your lovable pet pooch? The cause is simple. Your pet is bored! Mind Stimulation for Your Dog
Now a more challenging question; what do you do about it? All dogs need to do more than eat, sleep and love you. All dogs need exercise to start with. A walk isn’t just about having a pee or a poop. A walk is a fabulous way to build a strong bond between you and your dog, and an opportunity to demonstrate to your pet that YOU are the leader. As Cesar Millan, the dog whisperer, would say, “YOU need to be the Pack Leader”. Remember that when you walk your dog, you should be the first one out of the house, the first one back into the house, and your dog should walk beside you or slightly behind you.
I know that we all love our dogs and often think of them as our children… our babies. Truth be told, in order to provide your pet with what he/she truly needs it is important that you think of your dog first as a dog, and then consider the characteristics of the breed. Then you need to remember that your pet is also an individual. Mind Stimulation for Your Dog
Some breeds need more physical exercise than others. Some need more exercise than others. Herding dogs, as an example, were bred to herd or move livestock. This “job” requires intelligence and an enormous amount of running and endurance. There are dozens of breeds belonging to the “herding” family of dogs including the various types of Sheep dogs and Shepherd dogs, Collies, and Giant Schnauzers to name a few. Other breeds like Jack Russell Terriers, Shelties, and sporting dogs, although not herding breeds, are high energy breeds; requiring more exercise than some lower energy breeds. Think in terms of a 5 mile RUN (not walk) each day as a guide. Also, you can ride a bike or roller blade while your pet keeps up beside you.
On the other side of the spectrum; Poodles, Terriers, Shih Tzus, Schnauzers, Bull Dogs, and Pugs, for example have a much lower demand for exercise. Understand that these dogs still need to be walked, at least once each day for at least one hour.
You’ll know if your dog is getting enough exercise based on its’ behaviour and weight. If your dog is gaining weight you’re either feeding him way too much, offering too many treats, or not giving him enough exercise. If your dogs’ weight is fine and he’s behaving, then the exercise that you’re giving him is likely sufficient. Remember, too, that older dogs will need less exercise than puppies. If there is any question or concern, get advice from your Vet. Mind Stimulation for Your Dog
One thing to note about walks is that you do NOT want the walk to be about your dogs’ bathroom duties. Dogs absolutely LOVE their walks. If the walk is over immediately after the dog does his “business”, he will try to hold it so the walk will last longer. In fact he may wait until you give up and go home, then do his business in the house. It will work better for you if you wait for the dog to “potty”, and then reward that behaviour with a one hour walk.
If you have some reason that you’re not able to provide your dog with the kind of walks he requires, there are a couple of things you can do. For high energy dogs you can put a back pack on them filled with water bottles. The extra weight will add more of a challenge on their walk and tire them out quicker. You can also consider purchasing a treadmill. There are treadmills designed specifically for dogs that can also accommodate the speed that your canine companion needs. When using this type of device please do NOT leave your pet unattended. Any number of accidents can occur if no one is watching. Besides, you can still use the “pack leader” attitude and strengthen your bond while your dog is on the treadmill.
Now that covers the dog walking part of this segment. Here’s another newsflash. Dogs also need to be mentally stimulated. Again, the amount of stimulation necessary is dependent on the breed and the individual dog. If there’s any question or concern, remember your Vet is an excellent resource and can guide you appropriately.
Mental stimulation can take numerous forms. Rough housing with your pet can help to stimulate them mentally; as does training. Once they’re completely “behaviour” trained, you can work on fun tricks. Playing catch or fetch is also helpful. These activities can be fun for both of you, enhance the bond between you, and keep your pets mind active. You can also consider agility training for all the same reasons. NOTE that before you begin any serious, intense regimen you should consult your pets’ Veterinarian. Some agility drills can be harmful for your dog under certain conditions; like dogs suffering from arthritis, hip or joint problems, or young pups. Agility drills involving a lot of jumping can be too stressful for young developing joints. Intense weaves are another obstacle you’ll want to be careful of when training your puppy.
Swimming is a great activity for your dog. Most dogs enjoy it; it’s good exercise and builds strength. You can have a lot of fun with your dog while swimming. It can also be easier on the joints of an older dog. Again, please check with your best resource, your Vet to make sure this is a good activity for your specific dog. There may be a health issue that would be aggravated by a particular activity. I know, like any good parent, you want what’s best for your pet.
Remember to hug your dog today. Mind Stimulation for Your Dog
-Brigitte Synesael
Mind Stimulation for Your Dog
When the weather’s nice, many people like to head outdoors – and their pets do, too. Before you let your pet go outside, make sure you’ve taken steps to prevent pests, care for their skin, and know how to spot signs of allergies. Is Your Pet Ready for Outdoor Weather?
Fleas and Ticks: Pets are susceptible to a variety of bugs and pests – especially fleas and ticks. Both should be avoided as fleas can trigger allergies and dermatitis in pets as well as infectious diseases in people and pets. Ticks may also carry diseases that can be harmful to pets. However, in a survey by the American Pet Products Association, only 64 percent of dog owners and 41 percent of cat owners purchased a flea and tick product for their pet last year. Be sure to purchase preventative topical treatments like K9 Advantix® II for dogs only or Advantix® II for dogs or cats to protect your pet. And after pets go outdoors, inspect them carefully for ticks and other insects to ensure their safety.
Grooming: A winter indoors often leaves pets with dry skin, tangled fur and a thick undercoat, which begins to shed when the weather warms. A professional grooming salon, like those found in PetSmart stores, will help keep pets cool with services like a bath, brush or hair cut to remove loose hair. Have their skin and coat moisturized with a hypoallergenic conditioner for a softer, shinier coat. Medicated flea and tick baths or spot treatments can also be added for instant relief and to help prevent flea and ticks from returning.
Allergies: Warm weather lets loose high amounts of pollen in many areas of the country and since pets can experience allergic reactions to inhaled particles like dust or pollen, pet parents should be on the lookout for signs that their pet may be suffering from allergies. Dr. Simon Starkey, veterinary expert for PetSmart, says you should monitor your pet’s behavior and consult your veterinarian if your pet exhibits reactions such as:
- Swelling or irritation of the skin, especially around the eyes, face, head and feet.
- Hives, rashes, blisters, clear discharge from eyes or nostrils, sneezing, itching and mild discomfort may also be present.
- Pets may also chew on or lick their feet constantly.
- Allergy treatment for pets varies based on severity, but usually includes antihistamines and other medications to control the allergic reaction.
Is Your Pet Ready for Outdoor Weather?
Is Your Pet Ready for Outdoor Weather? Is Your Pet Ready for Outdoor Weather? Is Your Pet Ready for Outdoor Weather? Is Your Pet Ready for Outdoor Weather? Is Your Pet Ready for Outdoor Weather? Is Your Pet Ready for Outdoor Weather? Is Your Pet Ready for Outdoor Weather? Is Your Pet Ready for Outdoor Weather? Is Your Pet Ready for Outdoor Weather?
Excessive dog barking if left untreated can lead to huge problems up to and including returning a sweet dog to a shelter house. The problem has been around for as long as we can remember. Our parents and our grandparents had to deal with nuisance barking and the upset neighbors. Do Ultrasonic Bark Control Collars Work?
Thanks to the advancements in the technologies, it is fair to say that we have unfair advantage when it comes to dealing with unwanted barking. We have great choice of no bark collars which could be divided into three major groups: Shock Bark Collars, Ultrasonic Bark Collars and Citronella Spray Bark Collars. Do Ultrasonic Bark Control Collars Work?
Shock Bark Collars Do Ultrasonic Bark Control Collars Work?
Shock Bark Collars are also referred to as E-Collar and belongs to the family of electronic collars that are designed to detect dog barking, produce and deliver a static pulse stimulation which can be of various levels (which are adjustable). This discharge is delivered via small transmitter built into the shock collar itself. Due the fact that some early models introduced in late 60s were very strong these type of collars have earned some bed reputation.
However, new models come with many different adjustable levels of correction, can be activated remotely via remote control, and may also include the GPS location which is appreciated by many dog owners. Nowadays the shock collars are designed to be used in the field of dog behavior modification and/or dog obedience training.
There are many different electronic collars on the market and thanks to the competition the prices are much more affordable than before. Amazon has a great collection of shock collars and some can be seen below.
Ultrasonic Bark Collars
While shock collars deliver static pulse stimulation the ultrasonic collars are based on delivering the sound which is beyond the range of human hearing abilities but our dog hears it and finds it very annoying. Just as with shock collar the ultrasonic collar is also activated by our dogs barking and is fully automated.
Citronella Spray Bark Collars
Citronella Spray Bark Collars are considered by many to be the most human and the safest no bark collars on the market today. It is based on delivering the spray of citronella which is found to be very annoying by dogs. As the two previous no bark collars the citronella collar is also fully automated and some models could be controlled remotely as well. Do Ultrasonic Bark Control Collars Work?
Based on the results of scientific study conducted at Animal Behavior Clinic at Cornell’s College of Veterinary Medicine it was found out that Dog Citronella Collars were more effective than e-collars and/or sonic collars. Dog Citronella Collar also comes in many different models some of which can be controlled remotely.
Well, I wouldn’t expect any dog to have “minty fresh” breath, but it shouldn’t smell so bad that you can’t be near your canine friend. There could be several reasons for your dogs’ bad breath including a broken, decayed or abscessed tooth, mouth tumors, periodontal disease, gingivitis, diabetes, sinus infections, and inflammation of the gums, kidney disease, and gastrointestinal problems. This is not an exhaustive list, but you can clearly see that it’s not as simple as “fixing your dogs’ bad breath”. You’ll have to become a bit of a detective. We’ll start with some trial and error. When a Dog’s Breath Stinks
Something Consumed?
Health Issues? When a Dog’s Breath Stinks
If you’ve ruled out anything consumed, it’s time to consider a possible health issue. The most common cause of foul breath in your canine is periodontal disease. Just like people, food particles get stuck in between your dogs’ teeth. Decomposed food causes bacteria and this combination results in plaque. This is no different than in humans. Plaque appears as a yellowish, brownish film on the dog’s teeth. As with humans, untreated plaque will develop gingivitis and will ultimately progress into periodontal disease. All dogs need their teeth brushed. Brushing their teeth is the best way to proactively prevent this health issue and it is also one of the best ways to resolve it while it’s in the early stages.
Brushing Teeth: When a Dog’s Breath Stinks
You can purchase toothbrushes especially for dogs, or you can use a soft bristle toothbrush. You may also want to consider a finger brush; a rubber cap with rubber bristles that goes over your finger. Some dogs aren’t comfortable with the toothbrush and you may have better luck with the finger brush. If you start brushing your dogs’ teeth when he/she is a puppy, there shouldn’t be any problems with it as an adult dog. Even if you’re starting with an older dog start by letting him/her sniff and lick the toothpaste. Make this a positive experience. Lots of praise and be very gentle. You may not get all the teeth brushed the first time. It’s more important for both of you to have fun with it. When a Dog’s Breath Stinks
As for toothpaste… do not use people toothpaste. It shouldn’t be swallowed and dogs don’t like the taste. You can buy toothpaste for dogs or make your own.
Toothpaste for Dogs: When a Dog’s Breath Stinks
6 tsps. baking soda
2 dashes of salt
4 tsp. glycerine
2 tsps. either beef or chicken broth
You can try 2 tsps. of peppermint extract for the “minty fresh” breath, but no guarantee that you dog will like it. If there is evidence of swelling of the gums or gingivitis, adding a little crushed sage may help with the swelling.
Dental Chews: When a Dog’s Breath Stinks
It’s important that you provide your pet with chewing opportunities. Dental chews can be purchased and will help to prevent tartar and plaque build-up. Bones, rawhide, dried pig’s ears etc. are a great way to avoid plaque build-up. Be careful of the bones you choose; heavy shin and shank bones are best. Do NOT give your dog chicken bones. You can also take your dog into the Vet on a regular basis for a thorough teeth cleaning. It’s also possible that there is an abscessed or decayed tooth that may need to be extracted. The only solution to this is a visit to the Vet. In fact, as we have already discussed, there are several health issues that could be the cause of your dogs’ bad breath. Each of these would have to be diagnosed and treated by your Vet. During this time you should keep a close eye on your pet for anything out of the ordinary. Watch for symptoms like abnormal drooling, blood or other discharge from the mouth. Is your pet sneezing or is there a discharge coming from his nose? Is he pawing at his mouth? Is he having difficulty eating or not wanting to eat? Do you notice any swelling in his face? When a Dog’s Breath Stinks
Also check out what’s happening at the rear. Is your dog constipated or does he have diarrhea? Is he passing gas? Bad odour from both ends… big trouble! Is he scratching himself? Does he eat grass but not his food? Is he vomiting? Anything you notice should be brought to the attention of his Vet.
The important thing is to remember is that there could very well be a serious health issue involved, and your dog doesn’t have any other way to tell you or to ask for your help. If your pets’ bad breath is not resolved, take him to his Vet. When a Dog’s Breath Stinks
Remember to hug your pet today.
Brigitte Synesael
When a Dog’s Breath Stinks
If you have a dog you may wonder which is the best food for your dog: dry food or canned food? That’s the great debate. There are pros and cons to both, so… let’s make a list: Wet or Dry Dog Food?
Dry Dog Food Pros Wet or Dry Dog Food?
- Helps keep dogs teeth clean from tartar
- More nutritious
- Dogs have better breath
- Easier to store
- Easier to handle
- More cost effective
- Less likely to spoil
Wet Dog Food Pros Wet or Dry Food for Dogs?
- More proteins included
- Contains fewer preservatives
- Contains less grain and more moisture keeps a dog hydrated and benefits the urinary tract
- Is very flavourful, often the preferred taste for dogs
- May be better if your dog has certain health issues
Dry Dog Food Cons
- Not all dry foods are quality foods
- Usually has more preservatives
Wet Dog Food Cons
- Sticks on dogs teeth causing tooth problems
- Requires more dental treatments
- Gives dogs bad breath
- More expensive
- Less healthy because it contains a higher fat content and more water
- Once opened canned food can spoil quickly
Now that we’ve gone over the list of pros and cons, let me say that absolutely nothing is carved in stone. Your dog may have a health issue that requires him to eat canned instead of dry. For example, dogs that have lost their chewing teeth or have dental disease may not be able to chew dry dog food, and may only be able to eat canned food. I fostered a dog once that would only eat her dry dog food with 2 tablespoons of canned food mixed in.
You will find that some experts promote canned food for puppies and switch to dry food for adult dogs. The obstacle with this is that it’s difficult to make the switch.
You may have a dog that is a really picky eater or one that gulps his food with the speed of light and then throws up. These dogs need your help. Work out a plan with your Vet. This article was not meant to have all the answers. It was intended to give you some things to think about. It’s not as simple as “grab a bag of dog food from the store” and we’re good to go. As a responsible pet parent, you’ve got some things to think about. Now, talk to your Vet, ask your questions (be sure to ask for the rationale behind the thought), and together build your strategy. Wet or Dry Food for Dogs?
Above all else, remember to hug your pet today. Wet or Dry Dog Food?
If you love your cat you’ll want to know how to keep your cat as healthy as possible. There are many different things that could come into play and be dangerous to your cat’s health, so it’s important to know what to look for to keep your cat healthy her entire life. Tips For a Healthy Cat
Once your cat has reached adulthood, the point where she has stopped growing, she continues to live a normal adult life, until around age eight or nine. During this time as an adult, your cat is stronger, and less vulnerable to the dangers that are posed as a kitten. However, your focus should be switched to maintaining a healthy adult cat, in addition to protecting your cat from possible health risks as an older cat. Keeping your adult cat at a healthy weight is also important, as an overweight cat is more likely to get other health problems. Tips For a Healthy Cat
Annual trips to the vet should be a top priority, to check up on your cat’s health and detect any problems early. You should also keep your eyes peeled for the first signs of diseases that show up in older cats, like heart disease and feline diabetes.
Cats over the age of eight or nine are considered senior cats, entering their last stages of life. However, there is still much that can be done to ensure your senior cat has a healthy life. It’s a good idea to go to the vet twice a year at this point as an additional step to detect any health problems early. Focusing on dental health is also very important now, and it may be necessary to adjust your senior cat’s diet to accommodate any health issues. For example, a cat with weak teeth may need a more moist diet, while an overweight cat should go on a weight control diet. These tips can ensure your cat will live a happy, healthy life.
You would think that feeding your dog would be the easiest part of your responsibilities as a dog owner. Wrong again! You’ll need to make some decisions and that means you may have to do some homework so you know exactly how much you should feed your dog. What Can I Feed My Dog?
For obvious reasons, the proper feeding of your dog is extremely important. Over feed and you put your pet at risk for obesity and serious health issues. Under feed and you end up causing a problem dog that chews on toys, books, etc. and steals food off the counter or table and is constantly into the garbage.
How often should you feed your dog? What Can I Feed My Dog?
Next decision… regular scheduled feeding or free feeding. Free feeding means that you keep food in the puppies bowl all the time and he/she eats whenever their hungry. There are different schools of thought regarding free feeding. Some Veterinarians feel this is the best option for your puppy because they’re growing quickly and may require more food one day than another. Others suggest feeding your puppy about 4 times each day.
My personal vote goes with the later. Here’s why… Free feeding your dog can be difficult if you have other pets (trying to keep the other pets away from it). Then, when your puppy becomes an adult, one short year later, you’ll need to retrain your dog to eat only once or twice each day. If you continue to free feed your dog throughout adulthood, you are setting the stage for an overweight dog and likely serious health issues.
Having said all of this, my recommendation would be to feed your puppy 4-6 times each day. They’re little and have lots of energy. They need to eat often to fuel their little bodies and mature properly. Maintain a regular time schedule for feeding, and leave the food available for 15-20 minutes. Then take it away. If your puppy is hungry he’ll eat, if not he’ll have another opportunity in a few hours. Upon adulthood reduce the feedings to 1-2 times each day.
You’ll notice that there are no absolute answers to the number of times each day to feed your dog. That’s because there are so many variables involved in determining the answer; age, size, breed, how much exercise does your dog get, is your dog underweight now or overweight, how many treats does he/she get each day. Each of these points need to be considered before deciding how often to feed your pet. I absolutely recommend that you consult with… guess who? Say it with me… your Veterinarian! He/she can help you set up the perfect schedule for your pet.
What about that People food thing? Okay? Or not so okay?
The answer is… not so okay. Truth be told, in moderation, some people food is harmless. However there are some foods that can be very harmful to your pet. For instance it isn’t a good idea to trim the fat off your meat and feed it to your dog. This kind of fat overload can give your dog pancreatitis which causes chronic abdominal pains.
Ham & bacon are too salty and contain too much fat. This can cause your pet to have pancreatitis and, in some breeds, could ultimately result in bloat. Bloat is a potentially life-threatening condition arising from your dog drinking too much water from the salty food.
Large amounts of liver can cause vitamin A toxicity. This is serious because it affects the muscles and can cause deformed bones. Because vitamin A also has an impact on the metabolism, severe weight loss and anorexia is also a concern.
Any dairy products like butter, cheese, and milk are harmful to your dog. They weren’t designed to eat these types of food so their bodies can’t digest them properly. The consumption of these products could cause bloating and diarrhea in your pet.
Bones, particularly small bones from chicken and fish can get lodged in your pets’ throat which can cause choking. Bones can also cause splinter and tear a dog’s internal organs.
Cat food is much higher in fats and protein than dog food. Just like baby food, dog and cat food is designed with the specific needs of each animal in mind. The extra fat is not healthy for your dog and eating cat food instead of dog food means that your pet is missing essential nutrients for his/her health. That’s why it’s called Dog Food and Cat Food, not Pet Food.
Chocolate and caffeine are toxic to dogs and negatively affects their heart and nervous system. Chocolate can cause seizures, coma and ultimately death. One 1 ounce of baking chocolate can poison a 10-pound dog. There are different kinds of chocolate some not as toxic as others. But let’s face it… does it matter? None of them are good for your pooch, so a BIG no on this treat.What Can I Feed My Dog?
Of course there’s the obvious… drugs and alcohol are absolute no no’s. You might find it comical to watch a tipsy dog, but I’m sure that you will not see the humour in knowing that the alcohol you gave him put your precious pet into a coma and possibly resulted in his death.
There are many other people foods that can cause serious health issues for your dog. There is enough evidence that many foods are harmful for your pooch that the simplest solution is to just NOT feed your dog people food at all. Another bonus to this solution is that you will not have a dog that begs for food while you eat at the table. There are so many treats that have been designed especially for your pet that it really just makes sense to stick to those. What should you feed your dog?
Brigitte Synesael
Owning a pet can be a wonderful and rewarding experience. When you adopt a dog or a cat you have the opportunity to offer them a loving future. There is nothing like walking in your front door and being greeted by a happy, slobbering puppy. Few things are more comforting than sitting on the couch and having your cat quietly crawl up into your lap. Beneficial Pet Medications
Animals get sick just like people do, but the problem is they can’t tell you their symptoms. That is why it is important to take your dog or cat straight to the vet whenever anything seems out of the ordinary. Here are a few beneficial pet medications that you might encounter the next time your special friend is feeling under the weather.
Novox (carpofen) Caplets
There are several different occasions when your veterinarian might prescribe your dog Novox caplets. For one, they might help to reduce pain after your dog has had orthopedic or soft tissue surgery. More commonly, however, your vet will recommend Novox for dogs that suffer from osteoarthritis.
Arthritis in dogs is becoming almost as common as it is in humans. Part of this is due to over-breeding, but the main reason is that because of advances in veterinary technology, dogs are simply living to an older age these days. This medication will help to reduce inflammation in the joints and can also help to reduce pain.
In many instances, your vet will recommend a glucosamine product in addition to anti-inflammatory medicine. The Novox will help to reduce pain at the moment, but the glucosamine will help prevent it from getting worse.
Cosequin Soft Chews
Human beings will often use a glucosamine and chondroitin supplement to help maintain full functionality in their joints. Veterinarians have now developed similar supplements designed specifically for dogs.
Cosequin is administered to provide cartilage support to pets who suffer from arthritis. Even if your dog doesn’t have arthritis, you can talk to your vet and see if a glucosamine and chondroitin supplement like Cosequin can help to prevent it from developing in the future.
Cosequin is convenient because you can administer the chewable tablet with food. The best way to get your pet to swallow it is to wrap it up in a piece of cheese and pretend you are giving them a special treat. Just make sure they swallow the medicine and don’t just eat the good stuff and spit out the pill.
Amitriptyline Tablets
It can be frightening when your cat starts exhibiting erratic behavior. Grooming is normal, but sometimes cats do it so excessively that they can hurt themselves. Other times you might catch them spraying urine around the house. And sometimes you can just tell that they are going through separation anxiety every time you walk out the door.
Cats go through mental problems just like human beings do. Amitriptyline is a drug that can treat many of these behavioral problems in your cat. Not only can it help to curb behavior issues, but your vet may also prescribe it to reduce chronic pain from a nerve injury or to treat inflammation from a urinary tract infection. As with any medication regiment, be sure to talk to your veterinarian first to see if these tablets are right for your cat.
Gabapentin Capsules and Tablets
The first time you see your pet go through a seizure can be a frightening experience. Living with an epileptic pet can also make you nervous all the time. What if you are at the dog park and your pup suffers a seizure? Will it freak out the other dogs and lead them to attack your pet?
Gabapentin is a medication that is designed to help control seizures in cats or dogs. Sometimes your vet may also prescribe this drug to reduce chronic pain from a recent surgery or due to arthritis. For seizure control, your vet will normally recommend that you administer the drug three times every day. However, if you are only using it for a pain reducer, then you might only have to give it to your dog or cat once or twice a day.
The responsibilities that come with having a pet are well worth the rewards. When you do everything in your power to keep your dog or cat happy and healthy, they will be sure to repay you with unconditional love for years to come.