That Pet Blog That Pet Place Pet Blog

Hello, my name is Tricia K. I currently own 3 cats, Bubba is 5, Firefly (aka Bug) is 3, and Scrappy is 7/8 months old. I have been volunteering for a rescue called “Lost Paws of Lancaster” for about 3 years, fostering for about 2 years. I have worked at That Fish Place – That Pet Place for almost 2 years as a cashier. I enjoy learning new things about all animals and applying what I learn to help others.

When you volunteer for a cat rescue, the season of spring is more commonly known as “Kitten Season”. This is the time of year that we begin getting phone calls asking us to take in pregnant or nursing moms and their litters of kittens. The more common call, however, is for “abandoned kittens.” I put quotes around it because more often than not the kittens aren’t really abandoned.

Unlike human children, who are rarely without a parent in sight, kittens can be left alone for hours at a time and the mom usually isn’t far off. In fact, mom may even be watching you. People often don’t realize this and tend to automatically assume that mom has left the litter to starve. They then decide to take things into their own hands and “help” which isn’t always in the best interest of the kittens.

How To Tell If Kittens Are Abandoned & Need Your Help

• Unless the kittens are in immediate danger, don’t move them. Mom may just be out getting some dinner, or taking a break. (You’d need to take a breather too if you had so many babies at once!). If you have to move them, make sure it is nearby where mom can see or hear them calling for her.
• Keep an eye on the nest from a distance for 12 to 18 hours to determine if they’re truly abandoned. Depending on how old the kittens are, moms can stay away for hours at a time. It can be hard to tell if mom slips in and out when you aren’t looking. A way to help tell if the mom has returned is to sprinkle flour around the area. If mom comes back she will leave paw prints in the powder.
• Don’t be alarmed if some of the kittens go missing. This is probably a good sign. Active Moms will move their kittens from place to place if they feel they are in danger.
• If hours pass and the babies are dirty, fussy and loud, it is safe to consider them abandoned. It’s important to remember to wait an appropriate amount of time and to stay calm. A lot of people panic and want to scoop the kittens up and care for them right away. However, caring for kittens, especially young ones that don’t eat solid food, is a lot of work that most people aren’t prepared to take on. It is also more dangerous for kittens growing up without a mom and the comfort and milk she provides. Whenever possible, keep mom in the picture.

What if Mom Doesn’t Return? What now?

• If you have truly abandoned kittens, and you are not prepared to take on the responsibilities of motherhood, feel free to call your local rescues. Please keep in mind that kitten season is a very busy time of year. Rescues exhaust their resources very quickly and you may be declined. Fosters for bottle babies (kittens without mommas that cannot eat solid food yet) are always in short supply because they are a lot of work.
• If you are able to foster the litter the rescues may have a waiting list that you can be put on to help your kittens and lighten your load.

Even if the rescues can’t take in your litter they may have tips and tricks to make your go at being a momma cat much easier.

This Kitten season, Please be patient and do what you can to help appropriately. While it’s hard to resist a pile of adorable, cuddly kittens, letting Mom handle their care is sometimes the best option.

Given the recent reports of the canine flu outbreak in the Chicago area, we wanted to put together a few simple tips for helping to prevent or detect if your dog has the virus.

Q: Where have cases been found so far?

A: There have been over 1,000 cases reported in the Chicago area and a few surrounding states. As of this writing, none have been reported in Pennsylvania

Q: How can I tell if my dog, or if other dogs, have the Dog Flu?

A: The best thing to look for, as with many diseases, is a change in regular behavior. The most common early signs are a hacking cough. Green discharge from the nose or eyes is another symptom. Untreated, these can develop into significant fevers or pneumonia. If you notice any of this, please consult a veterinarian

Q: How can I Help Stop My Dog From Getting Sick?

A: The virus is very contagious. The best thing to do is to avoid potentially exposing your dog to a dog who might be sick.

Q: Can people catch the disease?

A: No, people can not contract the disease from their dogs. They can, however, help spread it through contact with surfaces. For example, the virus can live on surfaces for 24-48 hours. If you pet a dog and then touch a counter top, it is possible to spread the contamination. Washing your hands and sanitizing is always a good idea in these cases.

Q: Has this happened before or is this unusual?

A: Dog Flu outbreaks occur relatively frequently. The fear with this one is that it’s a new strain that dog flu vaccinations may not prevent.
If you have any questions about the Dog Flu – please consult a veterinarian.

If you’d like to read more – please see this article – http://www.petage.com/canine-flu-outbreak-caused-by-new-strain/

The author’s posts are entirely his or her own (unless of course they’ve been hypnotized by their pets) and may not always reflect the views of That Fish Place – That Pet Place.

A lost or runaway pet can be a serious and stressful experience.  Since 2012, Help Find Sophie has used their Facebook page to assist Lancaster County residents reunite with their furry friends.  It is important to help because, let’s be honest, even the most responsible pet owner has the occasional “oopsie”.

For the past few weeks, we have wrestled with this great opportunity to spread awareness. How do we, in one small blog, highlight the vast experience and knowledge we have gained in the hundreds of reunions of which we have been a part? We could utilize our word limit by reminding you to lock your dog or secure your leashes. We could also suggest better maintaining your fences.  Or to stop asking the teenage girl from down the street to house sit, when we know she’s more concerned with watching television than your pet, which has already scaled the backyard wall.

Ultimately, we picked three simple actions that we feel are more important than minding that broken fence post that you were SURE Scruffy couldn’t fit through.

Three Ways To NOT Lose Your Pet

ID TAGS

Keep the tags on your pet’s collar! Yes, the jingle of that current rabies tag is possibly the most annoying noise you’ve ever heard (specifically at 2am when your cat decides to have a techno dance party with that moth that flew in your window).  But seriously, just do it. Did you know that all vets register those foreign numbers in a database that can be tracked back to you? We are serious…it’s true. Keep your pet’s rabies tag on for bragging rights, too.

UPDATE YOUR INFO

Update if you move. Update if you change your phone number. Update if you have inherited your great uncle John’s Pomeranian after he went to live at Whistling Breeze Retirement Home.  It’s not hard. Just call the chip company. Call your vet. You wouldn’t move without telling the post office where to forward your mail, would you? You wouldn’t leave for a week in Bahamas without setting up your work email to auto-reply, would you? NOPE….so get on the phone and update Scruffy’s contact info.

IDENTIFY YOUR PET

And no we don’t mean with the pink collar with sparkly fake diamonds (Any unique collar that could be used to identify your pet could easily slip off while your pet is loose).  But really IDENTIFY your pet with an implanted micro-chip. DO it now! Get up! Heck, you can even stop reading this blog right now….and get your pet micro-chipped. There are clinics in Lancaster County that run specials offering micro-chipping for as low as $25. That’s less than the pizza and wing special that you will probably order for football on Sunday. Micro-chip!–It’s easy. It’s like giving your pet the voice you sometimes wish they had.

Imagine this scenario: Scruffy runs off to check out the new neighbors, who happen to have a new poodle. Scruffy, who may have collected a few briars and encountered a mud puddle or two, looks like a possible stray.  Your new neighbors, unaware of Scruffy’s curious nature, scoop up your little man and assume he needs shelter. Now wouldn’t it be ideal if Scruffy could speak up and say “Hey I’m just here for the poodle, my name is Scruffy and I live down the street??”  Well guess what, Scruffy can’t do this.  And if he can please contact HFS immediately as we would LOVE to meet with you and promise not to exploit your dog for our own profit. ☺ But…just but what if…Scruffy would have a micro-chip? And these new neighbors take him to the local vet and have him scanned?  Scruffy now has a VOICE. He now has an identity. And you will get the phone call that Scruffy is safe and sound hanging out with the poodle up the street.  IT’S THAT EASY.

OUR STORY

Help Find Sophie was started in 2012. It was created after a beautiful boxer named Sophie went missing in our county. In a matter of days the number of likes topped a hundred. Lancaster Contains were out in groups, searching for this sweet girl as if she was their own. The number of concerned people that answered the call for help was overwhelming.  Unfortunately Sophie did not have a happy ending and she passed away after being hit by a car. For several weeks the site went untouched and the community mourned. Then, requests started coming in. Other Lancaster County residents began asking to post info about their lost pet. Little by little the page grew. Sophie was in everyone’s thoughts as each reunion unfolded.  She became the legacy. Members often asked, “Sophie please help lead my friend home,” or told us, “Sophie was watching out for this pup.”  So how could the page be deleted?  Hundreds of followers became thousands.  New members joined each day, some who needed help searching and others who wanted to offer their time to help search. Help Find Sophie became more than just a Facebook page looking for Sophie but now a family of members who will look out for each other. Friendships have been made. A small portion of our faith in humanity is restored every time we hear that member is out at 4am searching for a missing dog. Or that another member has rented traps to catch a cat that has been on the run for a week.

IS HELP FIND SOPHIE HERE TO SAY?

Well the honest answer is we hope not. We hope every single pet owner takes our advice. We would love to meet up with similar animal lovers for a cup of coffee instead of reading emails and scrolling through the pictures of the pets that are missing. We would much rather get to know you at the dog park instead of saying hi as we try to coax your German shepherd out of a corn field with a piece of cheese. We would love to focus our time and passion on educating and fellowship. And truth be told our husbands would most likely appreciate a conversation that wasn’t centered on “another” missing pet. ☺

So please please Spay, Neuter, Microchip!!!!

I can’t do EVERYTHING but I can do SOMETHING and TOGETHER we can make a difference in the life of a pet.

A full list of helpful tips can be found on the Help Find Sophie Facebook Page. Like us! This blog did not mention the importance of spay and neuter because come-on…you guys are smart. You don’t need us to tell you that there are plenty of friends who need homes.

Besides Presidents, their First Ladies and children, dogs have resided at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue as well.  It is no wonder that dog ownership is so high amongst the Presidential club.  Unlike their political foes and “allies”, dogs provide loyal companionship that isn’t dependent upon the latest Gallup Poll or focus group.

Presidential dogs have often endeared themselves to the electorate.  In honor of Dogs in Politics Day, here are the top five facts about first dogs:

5. George Washington’s Foxhounds

The first President had 36 dogs.  George Washington’s favorite breeds were hounds and he used them extensively on fox hunts.  The Father of Our Country, Washington can also be considered the Father of the American Foxhound.  Washington bred his hounds with the French variety, creating a new breed that survives today.

4. James Buchanan’s Newfy

Besides being the only bachelor to have become President, James Buchanan had the heaviest dog to ever occupy the Whitehouse.  Lara, a Newfoundland, was 170 lbs.  Perhaps that was the reason he remained a bachelor.

3. FDR’s Scotty

The only dog to have a statue in a national monument is Fala, FDR’s Scottish Terrier. The statue of Fala is a fixture in the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial.

2. George W Bush’s Internet Sensations!

Barney and Miss Beazley, First dogs of George W Bush, were the first presidential dogs to have their own website.

1. Abe’s First Fido

The name Fido is a stereotypical generic name for a dog.  But why is that?  Fido has a Latin base meaning “I trust” or faithful one.  The President who came up with that name for his dog was none other than Abraham Lincoln, one of our most beloved Presidents.

Hi Pet Blog Readers!

It’s finally Friday, but before we get to the weekend we have a guest blog from Richard. He has written an informative post detailing what your pet guinea pig needs for a healthy diet. Your furry friend has important dietary needs and you are the one to help them fill those needs! If you have any questions or comments please let us know, they are always welcome! Have a great weekend!

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A guinea pig’s diet is fairly simple. In the beginning, owners just need to follow some guidelines and test out different treats when their pet first arrives. The diet of the guinea pig should be made up of fresh fruits, vegetables, commercialized pellets and timothy hay.

Fruits & Veggies

A proper diet should consist of fruits and vegetables, but in moderation. If you give your guinea pig too much, they will probably have diarrhea, which is potentially very dangerous to your pet’s health if it persists.

Try out different types of fruits or veggies to see which your pet likes the most. After you’ve found a few, stick to those in their diet. Some I would highly recommend include: apples, kale, spinach, carrots, blueberries, peaches and tangerines. It’s okay to switch out a few every now and then, but always research first to see if they can actually eat it.

Here are some foods that you need to keep away from your pig: iceberg lettuce, corn, potatoes, chocolate, “human treats” and raw beans. Don’t just stick to this list alone, there are many other foods they should avoid. Remember to always do your research first.

Timothy Hay

Probably the most popular Cavy food, Timothy hay should make up the majority of your guinea pig’s diet. Yes, you heard right. Your pet can eat the same Timothy hay that is recommended as bedding for guinea pig cages.

Now, if you plan on using Timothy hay for your bedding as well, I would get a hayrack to clear up any confusion for your pet. You want to separate hay that is used as bedding from hay that is used for eating. Make it clear to them by putting treats or pellets inside the hayrack mixed-in with the hay. That way, they’ll know food belongs in that rack.

In the previous section, I mentioned that too many fruits or vegetables could cause diarrhea. If that happens, simply increase your pig’s intake of Timothy hay and it should go away. This is because this type of hay helps with digestion.

Commercial Food Pellets

When looking into food pellets at your local pet store, find a product that is 20% protein and 16% fiber. Also, make sure to look for Vitamin C in these products.

Guinea pigs need Vitamin C because, like humans, they can’t produce any themselves. A lack of vitamin will surely lead to health problems in the future. If you can’t find pellets with any, just buy them tablets and feed them about 10mg per day.

Do not feed them multi-vitamins, as excess in the other vitamins can potentially be dangerous to them.

When to Feed Them

When you first start feeding your guinea pig, pick a time that is convenient for you. You want to get them in the habit of eating food at a certain hour of the day. These critters depend on a set schedule and will often make some sort of commotion if that schedule is broken. Try your best to not be more than an hour early or late when it comes to their diet schedule.

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Just follow these simple guidelines and you’ll have a diet plan designed for a healthy piggy. I also want to note that these diet plan tips can be applied to all guinea pig breeds. And remember, when in doubt, research to see if your pet is allowed to eat it. The last thing you’d want is to poison your new friend.

Richard James has been caring for guinea pigs for over 15 years. He is the author of the care guide, “Guinea Pig Care Made Easy,” which has helped many owners raise a healthy pet. He currently owns 3 guinea pigs: 2 Silkies and 1 Peruvian. Check out his website for more valuable information about caring for Guinea Pigs.

Hi Pet Blog Readers!  As we eagerly anticipate the weekend, we have an article from guest blogger Sam Buddy.  He has written a nice post about bringing a new dog into your home.  Housebreaking a new pup or dog can be a trying task.  Sam has a few ideas that should help you get prepared for the new addition to your home.  If you have any questions or comments, or any new puppy housebreaking ideas of your own, let us know in the comments section.  Have a great weekend!

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He’s so fluffy, you could die! The latest addition to your family, a lovely, furry little thing that can literally turn you into that overexcited little girl in the movie “Despicable Me” – he’s so great for cuddling and nuzzling. All of you are likely to be blindly in love with the puppy for, at most, a week. After that, all members of the family will be pointing fingers at who should have the turn to take the cutie out for a tinkle or a poop session. You all love the pup dearly but he will prove to be quite a handful and a big challenge for the family.

One of your responsibilities as new pet owners is to housebreak your pup. This way, before his natural temperament completely takes over and habits form, you can lead him to the right path of development that will not only benefit him but also your whole family. To housebreak the doggie and protect your home dynamics and relationship, here are tips from trusted professional breeders of purebreds and designer dogs, Chevromist Kennels.

• Do your homework.  Learn more about the specific breed of your puppy because their breed will determine their characteristics and developmental needs. Knowing these things will allow you to modify your own behaviours as primary care providers, and even your home design.

• Designate places for your puppy’s daily routine.  Chevromist advises pet owners to make sure the dog has a safe place to relieve himself. Over time, this specific area will tell your dog that it’s where he can do his “business” comfortably.

• Install convenience and safety features for the dog.  These will allow him to create and stick to the routine easier so even if nobody’s home to take him out to urinate or defecate, or give him food, he can still smoothly go about his daily activities.

• Be patient.  Habit formation takes time and patience; dogs are sensitive beings and the way you deliver instructions and your reactions to them impact their ability to learn important lessons. Screaming at your pup or rushing him while he’s trying to relieve himself will stress him out and make it harder for him to work with a routine, to trust you, and at times, it may even cause him to lose control over his bodily functions.

• Reinforce good behaviour with rewards.  This is an essential part of dog training and this doesn’t need to be an edible treat all the time; extra cuddles, loving coos, affectionate pats on the head will have the pup learning necessary behaviours, like going outside to relieve himself, that would earn him such treats.

About The Author: Sam Buddy is a pet owner and a freelance writer. He feels a special connection with his pets, most especially to his dog. He treats them as part of his family. He even brings his dog with him every time he travels. He spends most his time learning and sharing informative content about pets. Sam uses this resource for helpful pet care information: http://chevromistreviews.com.au/.

Good day, Pet Blog Readers.  Today we have an interesting article written by guest blogger Christian Wolb, from Hopi Animal Hospital in Scottsdale, Arizona.  He has compiled a list of 7 fun facts you may not know about your dog.  Some are fun behaviors, some are early indicators of potential health problems.  Take a look, and if you have any fun facts about dogs that you would like to share, let us know in the comments section.  Thanks!

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How well do you know your dog sitting on your sofa? Why is he playing odd sometimes? Is your canine doing it on purpose or just desire to make fun of you? The days you are with your dogs do not guarantee how good you know them as well as their odd practices. Let’s try to find out some wonderful dog facts and know them more than what their wagging tail seems to tell.

Canine Fact Number 1:  When your dog chases his/her tail, he might need help from the vet.

A wide variety of reasons clarify why dogs chase their tail: exercise, predatory instinct, discomfort or presence of fleas. Nevertheless, to talk with your vet is the safest and surest approach to get the actual reason why your dog keeps chasing his/her tail.

Canine Fact Number 2:  Dogs dream while asleep.

Do not be shocked if you see your dog barking or moving his/her feet while asleep. He/she may have been chasing his/her dearest at the park in his/her dream. Humans and dogs share the same SWS (slow wave sleep) as well as REM (rapid eye movement) while asleep. So let him/her experience the moment to savor twitching while the eyes are closed.

Dog Fact Number 3:  They have night vision.

Do you know how dogs can freely move in the dark? How did they even get robbers trying to steal your valuables when it’s dark? Well, dogs have tapetum lucidum, which gives them the ability them to see even when it’s dark.

Canine Fact Number 4:  If he/she is acting comical, go find your umbrella.

Although scientists have not yet found the mystery behind this, but according to some, dogs can determine the weather especially when it’s going to rain. So, the next time you discover your dog acting funny, go get the umbrella straight away. Besides, it pays to be all set at all cost.

Dog Fact Number 5:  Dogs don’t sweat like we do.

Dogs do not sweat everywhere. As a matter of fact, they only sweat on their pads. When you find that their paw pads are sweating, you get the notion that the area is a bit warm for them to reside.

Dog Fact Number 6: Your dog’s nose is wet because he/she is absorbing scent.

Popularly known to be the captain of scent, dogs secrete a mucous on their nose to help them recognize the scent (more accurately than we do). When their noses get wet, they would lick them to sample the scent they have gathered with their mouth.

Canine Fact Number 7:  They are the chief of scent.

Dogs can smell 100,000 times more accurate than their owners. No wonder why even the FBI and peace order departments of our local government search help from them in searching unwanted items in certain public places. This also explains why when you leave your cookies unattended; you would be left with nothing but the food container.

There are other things that you do not understand about your pet so do not easily label them by the way they act or kick after peeing in your couch. Some of the strange stuffs they do may really be funny but it is always ideal to visit your vet on a regular basis.

Author’s bio:

Do you want to know more about your pets? Visit http://www.hopianimalhospital.com/ and discuss your pet concerns with people dedicated to provide pet care services for the wellbeing of your pets.

Hi Pet Blog Readers, Good Monday!  To start off the week, we have a post from guest blogger Karleia Steiner.  She has authored an informative article about heartworms in dogs.  Heartworms can be a serious problem for your dog, so it is a good idea to take preventative action and stop them before they affect your favorite canine.  Karleia has some great tips that should help keep your pooch happy and healthy.  If you have ideas that you would like to share, please let us know in the comments section.  Thanks!

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Heartworm disease is a condition where parasitic worms live inside of the pulmonary arteries. This condition may also affect the right side of the heart. It primarily affects dogs, but it can affect cats, foxes, ferrets, coyotes and sea lions. Heartworm disease can make an animal seriously ill and even cause death. There are treatments for this condition, but in many cases, the treatments result in complications. Fortunately, it can be prevented. Below are some tips that will help prevent heartworm.

Follow A Heartworm Prevention Plan

One of the best things that you can do to prevent your dog from getting heartworm is to follow your veterinarian’s heartworm prevention plan. Your veterinarian may recommend that your dog take chewables or tablets monthly or daily. Your veterinarian may also recommend injections. Heartworm medications will not work on an animal that already have heartworms.

All heartworm prevention medications work in the same way. They work by killing larvae heartworms. Heartworm medications do not work on adult heartworms. That is why it is very important for you to make sure that your dog consistently takes the heartworm medication.

You should also have your dog tested for heartworm at least once a year. Your veterinarian may recommend more frequent testing if needed. This will ensure your dog is heartworm-free before he or she continues taking the medication. Veterinarians can perform a blood test in order to diagnose heartworm. The test checks for antigens that the adult heartworms release into the bloodstream. However, the test usually do not detect heartworm infections that are less than five months old. You can visit Brimley-Lawrence Animal Clinic if you want to know more about heartworm testing.

Reduce Your Dog’s Exposure To Mosquitos

Infected mosquitos transmit heartworm. That is why you will also need to limit your dog’s exposure to mosquitos. The mosquitos are most active after sunset, so you should keep your dog inside during this time if possible. You may also want to consider using a product that is designed to repel and kill mosquitos. This will also reduce your dog’s chances of being infected with heartworm.

In summary, heartworm disease can be deadly, but there are some things that can be done to prevent it. You will need to take your dog to the veterinarian in order to get a heartworm prevention plan. You will also need to get your dog tested for heartworms regularly. Additionally, you should reduce your dog’s exposure to mosquitos.

Please welcome guest blogger Tabitha Strepthorne.  For our perusal, she has an informative article about letting your rabbit roam in your backyard.  While exploring your backyard and garden can be a great source of fun and exercise, there are opportunities for your rabbit to get into harm’s way.  She has some helpful tips and advice you can use to make sure your furry friend stays safe while still having a great time.  If you have any questions, comments or your own ideas for bunny fun, please let Tabitha and us know in the comments section below.  Have a great weekend!

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Whether you have a Netherland dwarf or an English Giant it is important to make sure that your pet rabbit gets the exercise he or she needs. Large, spacious hutches are great for keeping your rabbit in shape, and there are outside hutches available for sunny days. There are even rabbit harnesses that you can put onto the rabbit so that you can take your bunny for walks!

However from personal experience, some bunnies may not like the feel of the harness and they will chew through it.  Often outside hutches can seem cramped. So what to do?

Why not make the entire garden your bunny’s exercise yard? If you have a colourful, green garden with a few nice patches of grass, it may be worth looking into bunny-proofing your garden. Unfortunately if you have a pond, chances are no amount of ‘bunny proofing’ will make it safe for your rabbit to run around the garden.

Fences and Gates

Bunnies are a lot like babies. If you take your eyes off them for a minute, somehow they will find their way into the strangest cubby holes, nooks and crannies. This is why it is important to ensure that any fences are fully staked into the ground, and that any gates have a rubber lining or a low hanging base to make sure that the rabbit doesn’t crawl underneath the gate and get out of the garden.

If you have decking it is important to board up any entrances to the decking, as if your bunny is at all adventurous they will try to find a way underneath. Beneath the decking is a great place for rabbits as it is dark and shady – perfect for the summer!

Harmful Plants

Most rabbits have an innate sense of danger and will be able to sniff out any potentially harmful plants. However rabbits have strong taste buds and can be curious, particularly young rabbits, so on occasion things can take a turn for the worse.

Certain plants are incredibly harmful to rabbits, so it is important to look these up online to make sure that your bunny is safe. A few examples of common plants that can be poisonous to rabbits are oak leaves, poppies and buttercups although a little bit of digging online will harbour a more complete list of poisonous plants.

Bedding and Water

Bunnies can get nervous too! If you have a small garden and a young bunny, try placing some of its bedding in a corner of the garden. The bunny will gravitate towards the bedding as a source of familiarity and comfort, and as it gets more used to the feel of the garden the rabbit will then start exploring more and more of the garden.

The most important thing is ensuring that your bunny feels safe and secure while running around the garden. Make sure to put a bowl of water out for your bunny in a shaded area as they will become dehydrated. Weigh the bowl down with a few stones so that your bunny doesn’t knock the water over by running past it or jumping over it.

It is important to remember that nothing is foolproof! Although your bunny will be able to run and play it is crucial that you supervise them to ensure that you can take any action needed if your bunny starts getting into trouble or starts acting out. Like a small child, stay close to your bunny and be aware! With a safely bunny-proofed garden your rabbit can hop and run around to their hearts content!

Hi Pet Blog Readers,

We’ve made it to the middle of the week.  If you are having trouble battling Hump Day, we’ve got a great guest blog from Hartz that should help you get through the day and also gain some valuable knowledge on flea prevention.  Fleas can be troublesome and expensive to treat, so it’s a good idea to get ahead of the game and try to stop them before they start.  Hartz has some great information and tips that will help.  If you have any questions or comments, please let us know in the comments section below.  Thanks!

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The weather is finally turning and that means it’s a great time to think about springtime flea prevention for your dog or cat. It may come as a surprise, but fleas are active year-round, which means those pests that survive the winter are just as ready for the spring as your four-legged friend.

Before your dog or cat stands at the door, ready to get back to enjoying the warm air and fresh grass of the outside world, there are a few steps you need to take to ensure that your pet is safe from those bloodsucking pests.

Examine your pet

It is not uncommon for dogs or cats to pick up fleas during the winter, so you should inspect your furry friend for any signs of fleas or their eggs. Use a fine-toothed flea comb to check your pet for flea droppings, which are small black or dark brown specks that generally clump together at the base of your pet’s fur, or tiny white dots. If your pet has this residue clinging to his coat, then he has been infested with fleas and will need treatment before venturing outside. Fortunately, there are a few ways to instantly eliminate fleas. Your pet’s health care provider can prescribe a pill that will kill all the adult fleas present on your pet within 24 hours. In addition to medication, a bath using special flea shampoo can clean your dog or cat of any flea eggs or larvae.

Consider your pet’s lifestyle

There are so many flea-repelling products on the market that choosing just one can overwhelm pet owners. To get a better idea of what type of flea prevention care your furry friend needs, you need to take into account his outdoor surroundings and activities. For example: Does your dog like to explore wooden areas? Does your cat have a habit of climbing trees? Are there streams and other sources of water nearby? Do you and your pet live by the beach? All of these factors can increase your four-legged friend’s likelihood of contracting fleas, so you’ll need to answer these questions to better determine which flea prevention treatment is right for your pet.

Weigh the options

Once you’ve considered your pet’s lifestyle, it’s time to choose the best flea treatment for your furry friend. Most pet owners narrow the options down to the flea collar versus flea drops. Flea collars are worn around the neck and work in two ways: some emit a gas that repels fleas, while others release medication that’s absorbed into your dog’s or cat’s subcutaneous fat layer. Once absorbed, it repels and eliminates adult fleas and larvae from infesting your animal’s coat. Flea collars can typically work for several months, with some newer designs lasting for up to eight months, making it a great option for pets that are always on the go or living in high-risk areas. Meanwhile, flea drops are a topical treatment that is applied between the shoulder blades of your dog or cat. These treatments attack fleas and their eggs, immobilizing and eventually eliminating them. However, flea drops only last for one month, so they require diligence and consistency from pet owners.

Don’t forget the indoors

Flea prevention isn’t just for the outdoors. Fleas can hide in the nooks and crannies of your home, while flea eggs can lie dormant in your carpets or upholstered furniture for months on end. To ensure that your four-legged friend is safe from fleas, vacuum your home at least once a week, including your furniture, tough-to-reach corners and any bedding your pet touches. Studies have shown that vacuuming eliminates 96 percent of adult fleas and nearly 100 percent of young fleas.