In order to naturally control fleas and ticks on dogs, use a hot oil treatment after a dog’s bath and try flea dips as well. Avoid drying out a dog’s skin when treating them for fleas withhelp from a professional dog groomer in this free video on controlling fleas and ticks on dogs. Expert: Victoria Calvin Contact: www.splish-n-splashmobile.com Bio: Victoria Calvin is a professional dog groomer in Miami, and the owner of Splish-n-Splash Mobile Pet Grooming. She is a member of the National Dog Groomers Association. Filmmaker: Paul Muller
Dog Care : How to Naturally Control Fleas & Ticks on Dogs
January 15, 2011 By 3 Comments
Dog Grooming Supply That You Need In Bathing Your Dog
January 6, 2011 By Leave a Comment
Dog grooming and dog grooming supply is important for you and your dog. Dogs are considered as part of the family, for animal lovers. As pet owners, it is our responsibility to give them proper care and to make them look fabulous and healthy like other members of our family. Dogs are the most loving pets that are domesticated. They are an adventurous animal that wants to explore anything in its surroundings, and because of this they can have a stinky smell. Their furs can be sometimes stained by crude oils, mud and any substances that could be found in your home and backyard. They can be infected with parasites on their body and furs that could develop into serious problems later.
Dog grooming is for hygiene purposes and also to hinder health-related problems caused by unhygienic practices. Dogs cannot groom by themselves they need us. Here, are some basic tips for home grooming for you to follow in attending to the grooming needs of your dog in bathing. In bathing your dog, the first thing you should do is to prepare the supplies that you need including the bathtub. Gather bath supplies such as the dog shampoo, towel, bucket and hair dryer. Bring your dog to the bath area or bathroom and bathe them in the tub. Use a bucket to pour water in their body or use a hose with a sprayer. Use medicated shampoos for fleas and ticks that are recommended by your veterinarian. You can use a shampoo with a sweet scent; this is suitable for dogs that have sensitive skin. Precautions: do not use dish soaps and shampoos intended for humans that might cause skin irritations of your dog. Consult a veterinarian for shampoos that are intended to dogs to avoid future problems. Pour water gently on the body and apply shampoo. Avoid getting the shampoo on their eyes.
Massage the body, and rinse with water until the shampoo is gone. Wipe them using a towel. Assess the body, parts of your dog especially the ears for the presence of moisture or wax wherein bacteria can reside and can develop to ear infections. Use a hair dryer in a medium setting in about 5-6 inches from its fur. The distance of the dryer is necessary to avoid burning its fur. Continue drying until the fur are about to dry. Brush the fur as you dry them for the looks that you desire. Dog grooming and dog grooming supply is important for you and your dog. Dogs are considered as part of the family, for animal lovers. As pet owners, it is our responsibility to give them proper care and to make them look fabulous and healthy like other members of our family. Dogs are the most loving pets that are domesticated. They are an adventurous animal that wants to explore anything in its surroundings, and because of this they can have a stinky smell. Their furs can be sometimes stained by crude oils, mud and any substances that could be found in your home and backyard. They can be infected with parasites on their body and furs that could develop into serious problems later.
? About the Author Learn more about the care dispens? S and I love my animals more by visiting the First Dog Supply.
Kill Fleas The Advantix Way
July 5, 2009 By Leave a Comment
Keep your dog free of fleas and ticks with Advantix. This great product provides awesome protection for your dog. No one likes to find fleas hopping on their dogs or ticks embedded in their dog’s skin. Advantix kills nearly all fleas within the first several hours, so it is helpful in dogs with dermatitis caused by flea allergies. Safe enough to use on very young puppies, Advantix does not lose its ability to kill fleas and ticks even after getting wet while swimming or bathing.
So if you should see a flea hopping around on your dog or find a tick imbedded in his skin, reach for K9 Advantix and protect your dog and your home from an infestation. Advantix does not need a prescription to use but may be purchased from your veterinarian.
Frontline Plus An Excellent Way To Control Fleas And Ticks In Your Pets
June 27, 2009 By 1 Comment
Using Frontline Plus is a fast, efficient way to control fleas and ticks on your pets. The last things a pet owner wants to see on their pets are fleas and ticks. Just seeing one of these nasty little insects makes my skin crawly! Yech! I have had very good luck on my large pack using Frontline Plus. Although I get this product from my veterinarian, no prescription is required. The most complete spot-on safeguard available, Frontline kills 98-100% of adult fleas on your dog or cat within twenty four hours! With a special ingredient that kills flea larvae and eggs, it also keeps all stages of fleas from developing. When Frontline Plus stops the development of new fleas, it totally breaks the life cycle of the flea.
Lyme Disease and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever are transmitted by four major ticks. Frontline Plus kills all stages of these ticks, which is why I use this product. Applied easily between the shoulder blades of my dogs, Frontline Plus is completely waterproof, so I don’t need to reapply it after shampooing the dogs.
Available for small, medium and large dogs, there is also a Frontline Plus for cats. Another great product for controlling emergency flea infestations is Frontline Spray. Frontline Sprays are free from possibly dangerous insecticides which are sometimes found in pet store sprays. Take it from me; Frontline Plus is an excellent way to control fleas and ticks on your pets. To purchase this and other great products, go to www.luvurdog.com.
Flea Control: Ways To Eliminate Fleas Problems For Your Pets
June 22, 2009 By Leave a Comment
With several products available for flea control on your pets, fleas can be a thing of the past. Just the thought of seeing a flea can send pet owners into a panic. Just one flea can be the start of a nightmare! With many good products available for flea control, it is easier than ever to protect your pets. Let’s look at some ways to control fleas in your dogs and cats.
Providing your dogs and cats with the most complete spot-on flea and tick protection available, Frontline Plus kills almost all of the fleas on your pet within 24 hours. It also contains an ingredient to kill the flea eggs and larvae, too. This product interrupts the life cycle of the flea, successfully stopping the development of new fleas.
Applied to the back of the neck on dogs and cats as young as 8 weeks old, Advantage kills 98% of fleas within 12 hours, and continues to work up to one month per application.
New Advantix Blue also repels and kills a majority of ticks and mosquitoes, killing 98-100% of fleas on dogs within the first 10-12 hours, and continuing to protect your dog for up to four weeks. Advantix Blue, however, cannot be used on cats.
Controlling fleas and ticks on your pets also may prevent your pet from the diseases these pests carry. Protect your pet and keep your home and environment free from fleas with a good flea control program. All of these flea and tick control products can be purchased from www.luvurdog.com, so there is no need to panic!
Knockout Area Treatment (14 oz)
June 22, 2009 By Leave a Comment
SHIPS GROUND. Please allow 4 to 7 business days for your delivery to arrive. Kills fleas and ticks. Contains a unique combination of ingredients that kills both adult and pre-adult fleas. Even kills fleas before they grow up to bite. Contains IGR, which continues to kill fleas for 120 days after application. To Use: Hold can 2 or 3 feet from surfaces to be treated. Apply to pet bedding, carpets, rugs, drapes, and all surfaces of upholstered furniture.
$9.45 |
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EPA Warns Pet Owners About Flea and Tick Products
May 2, 2009 By 1 Comment
In our on-going war against parasites, “spot-on” medications have vanquished billions of blood thirsty fleas. But, along the way thousands of pets have suffered significant, even deadly, adverse reactions. Is this an acceptable trade-off and risk? Should we take these kinds of chances with our pets’ health?
For more than a decade, pet owners have relied on flea and tick products that claim safe and effective solutions to a persistent problem. Historically, pesticides to control fleas and ticks were harsh and seemingly caused as many problems to the pets as they did to the parasites. With the advent of new topical or “spot-on” products, pet owners breathed a sigh of relief.
But now the EPA has raised a red flag and is warning pet owners about serious adverse effects seen with the use of these products. Citing a “sharp spike” in reported incidents, the EPA has increased scrutiny and may consider restricting their use.
Many different spot-on products are available to pet owners, both through their veterinarians and over-the-counter (OTC) outlets like grocery stores. Since these “medications” are regulated by the EPA and not the FDA, there is no need for a prescription, allowing anyone from the local pet store to individuals on Ebay to sell the products.
Veterinarians have long thought that significant severe reactions were the hallmark of OTC merchandise. After all, some OTC flea and tick shampoos, powders and even spot-on products rely on older, potentially dangerous ingredients. But, even newer medications aren’t immune to problems. Hartz® was forced to change labeling instructions after several highly reported adverse events with their cat product and eventually pulled it from the market.
Along with Hartz, Farnam and Sergeants also make popular OTC flea preventives and they have all seen their share of reactions along with negative publicity. In a Center for Public Integrity (www.publicintegrity.org) investigation, all three were singled out for using “pyrethroid type” ingredients. View the original EPA incident report summary
Pyrethroids are the man-made cousins of pyrethrins, a naturally occurring insecticide produced by the chrysanthemum plant. Unfortunately, pyrethrins breakdown in sunlight and don’t have any sort of residual effect, making constant reapplication necessary. The improved pyrethroids offered longer lasting protection, but some fear it comes with significant costs.
The recent EPA announcement not only included several OTC flea products, but also two preventives sold primarily through veterinarians. Generally considered safer than their OTC counterparts, seeing Frontline® and ProMeris® on the EPA’s list was a shock to many veterinarians.
So, does this news mean that we are flirting with danger whenever we use any flea product?
The EPA has not released any particular details of the 44,000 adverse events reported in 2008. At this time, it is unknown whether more serious reactions are associated with a smaller group of products or if the larger market share of a product places it on the EPA’s watch list.
Even more concerning is that there is no firm proof that any of these products can be linked with the adverse events reported. Manufacturers are required by law to report any reaction to the EPA, but most of these events come directly from consumers. The EPA admits that they do not confirm the authenticity of these reports and it is a rare pet owner who is also trained in toxicology. Many pets also receive booster vaccinations, heartworm preventive and other medications at the same time as their flea control.
Dr. Hal Little, Director of Field Veterinary Services for Merial, maker of Frontline®, says their internal records do not indicate any increase in adverse events associated with that product. “In fact,” he continues, “the number of reported adverse events has remained consistently low since Frontline’s® introduction in 1996.”
Furthermore, Hartz has stated to veterinarians that their products are often unfairly blamed for these reactions because consumers mistakenly refer to Hartz even though they purchased a competitive flea medication.
What can you do to help keep your pet flea free and safe? First, read and understand all label instructions for any flea product you might give to your pet. Veterinarians across the country are reporting many misapplications of the flea medications by owners anxious to stretch their pet health care dollar. Cats are especially vulnerable to misuse of these products, especially permethrins, but dogs can suffer as well.
Next, never discard the box of flea medication until you are sure your pet has shown no signs of a reaction. The box contains ingredient information and EPA registration numbers that are useful if any adverse event occurs. Follow the label directions, do not give topical (on the skin) medications orally (by mouth) and vice-a-versa, and do not use products labeled for dogs on cats.
Finally, follow the guidance and recommendations of your veterinarian. They completely understand how flea products work and how to handle any potential problems. Your veterinarian will also be up to date on the most accurate scientific data showing which products provide the best protection and won’t harm your pet. In my practice, we are using the flea and heartworm combination products because of the high incidence of heartworms and other parasites. For effective control, we recommend applying these products once a month all year round. As Dr. Little remarked, “this information is important to the health and well being of your pets”.
To learn more about fleas and ticks, be sure to visit www.MyVNN.com to see videos or visit www.PetDocsOnCall.com to ask questions of veterinary experts.
Debra Garrison, DVM
Pet Care in Tough Times
January 23, 2009 By Leave a Comment
The economy is in bad shape and may be for years. Whether it’s the stock market falling or crazy bail outs, saving money in tough economic times is a challenge. Pet owners also feel the stress of trying to make ends meet and many may be tempted to take shortcuts with their pet’s health care. So, when and where can pet owners cut back?
Studies have repeatedly shown that a large majority of pet owners consider their pets as a family member. We spoil them with birthday parties, presents, and all manner of toys and treats to keep them happy. But, when money is tight, extra expenses need to go. Sadly, some pet owners choose to avoid veterinary visits as one means to save money. And believe it or not, others might give up their pets completely. 
Knowing what you can safely do at home to lower your pet’s health care costs is a good way to insure a healthy pet and a healthy wallet. You should also know what to avoid!!
First, don’t skimp on wellness or preventive care. Vaccinations and parasite prevention are important parts of maintaining your pet’s health and yours as well. Diseases like rabies and Leptospirosis are zoonotic, meaning they can be spread between animals and people. Similarly, intestinal parasites or even fleas and ticks, are capable of transmitting serious diseases to our families.
Some owners might choose to buy vaccines online or from a pet store. While this idea sounds like a cost-saving measure, there are many risks. It is easy enough to learn how to give a shot, but can you trust that the supplier properly stored the vaccines? Vaccines are delicate biological suspensions and require constant refrigeration to be effective. Some need proper mixing in order to work correctly. Improper preparation could make the whole process worthless. Also, your pet could have an allergic reaction to the vaccine.
Choosing a lower cost flea product or a “do-it-yourself” dewormer at a general merchandise store is another option a pet owner might investigate to save money. Sadly, according to the Center for Public Integrity (www.publicintegrity.org), these over-the-counter products are likely responsible for a sharp increase in pet deaths and adverse events in recent years. The EPA has received more than 25,000 reports of over-the-counter pesticide reactions in pets since 2003. So, although you might save a few dollars on the product, the extra trip to the veterinarian will likely cost a lot more!
Over the Counter Flea Products may seem like a bargain, but many do not kill fleas and may in fact cause toxic reactions in your pet. I have had many pets come in still covered in fleas and these products were just applied. Care must also be taken not to use products labeled for dog use on cats. Permethrin products are extremely toxic to cats.
Pet emergencies shouldn’t be a place for shortcuts either. Dr. Elisa Mazzaferro, an emergency veterinarian in Colorado, says many owners simply use topical antibiotics on bite wounds or lacerations in order to avoid treating the pet when initially injured. But, most of these animals end up coming into the veterinary hospital with out of control infections. Dr. Mazzaferro cautions owners against bandaging their pets without proper training. If put on too tight, homemade bandages act like tourniquets, causing swelling of the limb and serious loss of circulation. And always check with your veterinarian before giving any over the counter human medication to your pet! Many pet poisonings are caused by human medications.
But don’t worry; you can still save on your veterinary bills with a few simple steps at home.
First, (and this sounds very simple) play with your pet! Veterinary behaviorists all agree that a tired dog is a happy dog and happy dogs don’t tear up furniture or get into trouble. Since behavior issues are the number one reason for abandoning pets, this fun task might literally save your pet’s life.
Playing with your pet has health benefits as well. A well-exercised pet is less likely to be overweight and suffer from obesity related problems such as arthritis, certain cancers, or diabetes.
Next, when exercising your pet, use appropriate restraints and confinements. Pets who roam freely are often hit by traffic, get into fights or eat something dangerous. Emergencies like these can end up hitting your wallet very hard.
Even loving your pet has money saving benefits. Dr. Phil Zeltzman, a board certified veterinary surgeon in Pennsylvania, says that petting and caressing your pet can help find those little lumps and bumps sooner. Cancer is very common in our pets and can be very expensive to treat. Earlier detection generally means a better outcome and usually less expensive treatments.
Despite all of these precautions, some pets will just get into trouble or develop a serious disease. Although veterinary medicine is still a bargain compared to other health services, most of us would be hard pressed to pay a big veterinary bill out of pocket. Companies like Pets Best Insurance (www.petsbest.com) offer a variety of insurance plans to assist owners with unexpected costs. But even today only a small percentage of pet owners insure their pets’ health. (See Pet Resources for more Pet Insurance Links)
If paying a premium every month isn’t appealing to you, consider investing in a Pet Health Savings Plan. PetVetPro (www.petvetpro.com) helps people save money for potential pet emergencies. Unlike insurance, the money you pay into the program is yours. This allows you the flexibility to use the savings for car repairs, dental work, or whatever – including emergency surgery for your pet!
CareCredit is also another option. CareCredit offers a full range of payment plans to meet every financing need. With the popular No Interest Payment Plans* there are no interest charges if the balance is paid in full within the specified time period. Or, if you prefer an even lower monthly payment, you can choose the low interest, Extended Payment Plan* for treatment plans from $1,000 to over $25,000. Plus, there are no up front costs, no annual fees, and no pre-payment penalties. It’s easy to apply and you’ll receive an online decision in seconds.
We all want to keep our furry friends safe and healthy, but it is challenging when just feeding the family stretches your budget. Talk with your veterinarian about your pet’s specific health needs and see what should be addressed immediately and what can wait.
Debra Garrison, DVM
3 Pack ProMeris for Dogs 11-22 lbs
November 4, 2008 By Leave a Comment
ProMeris® for Dogs is a topical, waterproof spot-on medication for the control of existing flea and tick infestations, as well as the prevention of re-infestation, in dogs and puppies 8 weeks and older. For Dogs over 11 lbs and up to 22 lbs. Effective on indoor and outdoor dogs. Each package contains 3 applicators (0.045 fl.oz. each). ProMeris for dogs uses the active ingredient metaflumizone to kill fleas. Metaflumizone, a new compound in veterinary medicine, is proven to protect against fleas, including those that may cause flea allergy dermatitis. The single spot application is easy to use. Buy ProMeris for Dogs to kill and prevent flea and tick effectively. New mode of action – voltage dependent sodium channel blocker Flea control for today’s flea challenges Long-lasting flea control for up to 6 weeks. Kills fleas that may cause flea allergy dermatitis Kills ticks that may transmit Lyme disease, canine ehrlichiosis, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever WaterproofActive Ingredients: Metaflumizone …..14.34% Amitraz…..14.34% Other Ingredients…..71.32%Directions for Use: For control of fleas and ticks, apply the entire contents of the applicator to a single spot on the skin of the dog between shoulder blades. Do NOT apply on the surface of dog’s hair coat. Avoid contact with treated area until dry. Avoid allowing the product to come in contact with your skin. Monthly application is recommended for effective control of fleas and ticks and to prevent re-infestation. Do NOT apply more than once monthly.
$57.99 |
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EctoKyl CA (12oz)
November 4, 2008 By Leave a Comment
EctoKyl CA Shampoo is a triple strength Pyrethrin shampoo formulated to kill fleas and ticks and condition the coat. Double-synergized to enhance antiparasitic activity, EctoKyl CA Shampoo kills fleas and ticks on dogs, cats, puppies and kittens (over twelve weeks). EctoKyl CA Shampoo contains Pyrethrum, a botanical insecticide derived from flowers, to kill fleas and ticks on contact with a mild shampoo base that leaves no sticky residue and rinses clean with a fresh scent. EctoKyl CA Shampoo is approved for use in all states, including California. Active Ingredient(s): Pyrethrins 0.15%, Piperonyl Butoxide Technical (PBO) 0.300% and MGK 264 0.500% . Species: Dogs and Cats
$16.64 |
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