When we talk about “silent killers” of dogs and cats, we’re talking about those diseases that show no early signs and yet are deadly enough to cause damage without you knowing. The sad bit is that by the time you realize your pet is ill and visit the pet hospital, the damage done could be irreversible.
Read moreWarning: Do You Know the #1 “Silent Killer” of Dogs & Cats?
Common pests and parasites that usually infest cats and dogs can also affect pocket pets, such as guinea pigs, ferrets, gerbils, hamsters, and rabbits. Unfortunately, the medications that work for your other pets may not be the best treatment for smaller animals.
Preventative care in these cases is crucial. Here are the various parasites that can harm pocket pets and the preventative actions you can do to keep them safe.
Adding heartworm and flea prevention for dogs to your to-do list as a pet owner is worth every bit of time and effort you put into it. Not only does it help keep your dog safe but also it saves you the trouble (and expenses) of treating a full-blown infection or infestation.
Read moreA Run-Down of Heartworm and Flea Prevention for Dogs
As a responsible pet owner, one of your top priorities should be to seek out the right heartworm and flea preventative. Many people do not realize this, but fleas and heartworms can be extremely dangerous to your pup. If left untreated, these pests can end up being costly for you, the pet owner, and deadly to your beloved four-legged friend.
Read moreBasic Tips on Heartworm and Flea Prevention for Dogs
Tapeworms are long, flat intestinal worms that attach themselves to your pet’s intestines. Comprised of multiple, small segments, tapeworms secure themselves to the wall of the small intestine using their hook-like mouthparts. Tapeworms are most commonly diagnosed by finding small white worms (or segments) that appear similar to grains of rice around the backside of your pet, in their feces or within your pet’s preferred sleeping and living quarters.
There are a handful of different kinds of tapeworms that latch onto pets, the most common of which is called the Diplidium or, in the cases of dogs, Diplidium Caninum, which relies on the flea as a host. Adult worms of this family can reach up to 8 inches in length, which can be extremely uncomfortable for your pet.
Tapeworms are, unfortunately, a common problem that many pets and their owners have to deal with. While they do not usually cause serious health problems to humans, regardless, it should be addressed by your local veterinarian as soon as possible. Understanding what exactly tapeworms are, how your pet can get a tapeworm and what you can do to prevent them from arriving will help you provide him or her with the best care possible.
Heartworm disease is a serious condition that affects the lungs and right side of the heart of dogs, cats and other animals. As a pet owner, you have undoubtedly been warned about the seriousness of this disease and the necessity to ensure your beloved pet is heartworm free. From taking your pet to your vet on a regular basis and keeping an eye out for any of the heartworm symptoms listed below, you are being a responsible pet owner and doing everything in your power to keep your pet healthy and happy.
Because dogs and cats of any breed are susceptible to heartworm disease, it is important for all pet owners to familiarize themselves with the characteristics of the disease as well as what can be done to prevent it.
Read moreEverything You Need to Know about Heartworm Disease and Prevention