Tick Season!

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Most people don't know that tick season can be at different times of the year depending where you live. Because some of us travel to several areas on a regular basis dragging our beloved pets with us, it is important to protect the pets from ticks. Not everyone thinks it is a good idea to use a preventive on cats and dogs as they are concerned about the side-effects and what will happen years from now because you protected you pet.

Ask your veterinarian about the products on the market now if you are not sure. Some pet insurance may help pay for these items. One vet in a state I spend a lot of time in promotes one product, while a vet in another area sells something else. Everyone has to choose what will work for them. If you are in an area such as Dixie County in Florida where there is a lot of tall grass, and it seems it is always hunting season, you will be able to find some kind of tick year round.

Colder climates seem to be spared at times. The woods of North Carolina, South Carolina, South Dakota, Europe, etc. will have ticks on a regular basis. If you live in the woods and have pets, protect them! Grooming on a regular basis is important. We have had to remove ticks when we least expected a dog had one. In addition to professional grooming pets need to be brushed daily. If you don't think it is important for your pet, think about yourself. If you dog or cat has ticks (or fleas) you will too!

If you have a pet you think has been bitten by a tick, and the pet seems ill, get it to the veterinarian. What would you look for? I could list a host of things, but to keep it simple-if a pet suddenly seems tired, doesn't eat, isn't urinating, or doesn't play with a favorite toy, you should suspect something is wrong. Pets can't tell you what they feel, but don't wait more than a day if something does not seem right. I don't like paying vet bills either (another reason to have pet insurance?) but I am not the expert when it comes to such things, so I do go when it is this important.



All photos on this blog  belong to Pat Anthony.


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Keeping our Pets Pest Free

How do we keep out cats and dogs free of fleas and other pests? What are the best products to use, and how should we go about this?

There are many products available for purchase without having to go to a veterinarian, and many are also available on line. However, first, it probably is best to talk to a veterinarian. You want to do what is best for your furry friend, and there are some things you may need to know. For instance: You can't use the same treatment on a cat that you use for your dog. Also, there are products you might be able to use on a dog if you don't have a cat in your house. If you also have a cat in your house, the products you use for your dogs will have to be different.

Flea collars are something most of us have used over the years. With the introduction of topical products that may keep our pets pest free with just a once a month application, many of us choose this. If your pet is outside in grassy areas you know could be filled with fleas and possibly ticks, be sure your veterinarian takes this into consideration.

Because you use a product on your pets to help eliminate fleas and ticks, don't feel you will never find something on your pet you were not expecting. Ticks in particular we have found are always trying to hitch a ride. Check you pet daily for any offenders. A thorough brushing every day will usually let you see if there is anything to be concerned about.

Be sure to continue bathing your dog on a regular basis with a product suggested by a veterinarian who knows what other products and medications your dog or cat is taking. This can help with your effort to keep your pet pest free, while avoiding unnecessary health concerns.


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How to Puppy Proof Your Home

Photo and dog
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T. Anthony
After bringing a new puppy into your home, you may be reminded that your space is not a danger free zone for a little guy. There are so many things to think about. Where will you start?

Use a baby gate to close off areas. One of the easiest ways to keep a puppy safe it to limit the area the dog will be allowed to enter. Use a baby gate to close off any area that does not have a door, and that contains something that will harm your pet.

Check all floor surfaces and easy to reach areas for objects a dog would chew. Pens, crayons, small buttons on toss pillows, children's toys. It won't take you long to decide what needs to be removed.

A pet crate for your new puppy will be needed for training, and the investment will help keep Fido safe when you are not available. Pet crates that resemble furniture are available if you need something that fits with your décor. Some feel putting their dog in a pet crate is cruel. However, safety first. And, a comfortable crate is better than you worrying the pup is in harm's way when you are not looking.

Close the door! Don't leave areas open for a puppy or dog to explore. They will get into anything that you don't want them to. Waste baskets, brief cases, pockets, suit cases, and cabinets are easy for puppies and dogs to get into. They all seem to be a little Houdini.

A curious pooch may chew on lamp cords that are easy to reach. Tape these out of site so your pet will not be tempted.

Area alarms that cost under $10 are easy to mount to places you may not be able to close off, or where you need extra help. They work like a motion detector, and will beep when your puppy goes near it.