How To Check Your Pets for Ticks and Fleas
Keeping your pet healthy and comfortable means being proactive about potential pests like ticks and fleas, especially if they are outdoors often.
Pet-related fleas and ticks are common parasites that live on animals like dogs and cats, feeding on their blood. Fleas can cause itching, skin irritation, and allergic reactions, while ticks are known for transmitting diseases. These tiny parasites can cause big problems if left unnoticed, so knowing how to check your pet regularly is essential.
Supplies:
Tick Remover (left) and Flea Comb (right)
Flea Comb
Tick Remover/Tweezers
Magnifying glass (optional)
Gloves (optional)
Container/Bags (to place tick after removal)
Check Skin:
Ticks often attach themselves firmly to the skin.
Gently feel through your pet’s coat with your fingers, then run a flea comb through your pet’s fur, especially in thick or long areas. Fleas can get trapped in the comb’s teeth, allowing you to remove them. This will not only help you spot them but will also give you a chance to see any signs of irritation.
Fleas: Look for small, deep brown or black specks moving in the fur. You might also see "flea dirt," which are tiny black specks that look like ground pepper.
Ticks: Ticks are larger, often gray, or brown, and can be the size of a sesame seed or larger when engorged with blood. They might be found attached to your pet’s skin, typically around the ears, around their eyes, underarms, bellies, or between the toes.
NexGard is a once monthly chewable supplement that prevents and protects dogs from ticks, fleas and parasites.
Removing Fleas and Ticks:
For Fleas: If you find fleas, use a flea shampoo, or consult your vet about the best flea treatments. You can also use flea medication or collars as a preventive measure.
For Ticks: Use a pair of tweezers or a tick-removal tool to grab the tick close to your pet’s skin and pull it out gently, placing it into a sealed bag/container so that it does not escape. Avoid twisting the tick to prevent leaving parts of the tick behind. Dispose of the tick properly and monitor the bite site for any signs of infection.
After handling ticks, fleas, or anything your pet may have been exposed to, always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.
References:
https://www.petmd.com/dog/how-check-dog-ticks
https://www.banfield.com/Wellness-at-banfield/Skin-and-coat-care/How-to-check-for-fleas
Tips to Keep Your Cat from Scratching Your Furniture
You're not alone if your cat’s scratching is ruining your furniture! In this post, we’ll explore simple and practical solutions to protect your home while keeping your feline friend happy.
Keep the Environment Stimulating
Cats scratch to release energy. Interactive toys, perches, climbing spots, and hiding places will mentally and physically stimulate your cat and reduce the likelihood of scratching furniture out of boredom.
Trim Your Cat’s Claws Regularly
While this does not eliminate the behavior, regularly trimming your cat’s claws reduces the damage they may cause.
Cover Furniture with Protective Materials
Use protective furniture covers on common scratching spots, such as the corners of sofas, to reduce the wear and tear on your furniture. Cats dislike sticky surfaces, so double-sided tape may be applied as a furniture asset to keep them away.
Offer Scratching Materials
Redirect your cat to scratching materials such as scratching posts or a cat tree to avoid scratching on furniture.
Feliway Diffusers
Feliway is a product that mimics feline pheromones and can calm your cat. A calm environment and a Feliway scent plug nearby may reduce your cat's urge to scratch furniture by helping it feel more comfortable.
Refer to our post about Cat Scratchers and When to Replace Them, to find out more about the timeline of some scratchers!
Unleash the Holiday Cheer: Unique Gifts Your Pet Will Love!
It’s the Holiday Season! From interactive gadgets to cozy accessories, here are 6 unique gift ideas that will have your furry friends wagging their tails!
For Cats:
Glad Wags kitty loving his corner brush!
Self-Grooming Corner Brushes
Bring holiday cheer to your cat with this self-grooming corner scratcher, perfect for scratching and grooming!Heated Cozy Cat Bed
A cozy bed with a heating element that keeps your cat warm during the cooler months.Window Perch
A cozy perch that attaches to the window, giving your cat a sunny spot to lounge and watch the outside world.
For Dogs:
Glad Wags pup enjoying his Pupsicle!
Snuffle Mats
Treat your dog to a snuffle mat! Perfect for mental stimulation and festive fun! Hide treats in its cozy fabric folds to keep your pup entertained and engaged.Woof Pupsicle Dispenser
Cool down your pup this holiday season with a Woof Pupsicle Pop Dispenser, serving up frosty, festive treats in a safe rubber treat container!Jolly Soccer Ball
This fun, durable toy is perfect for play, offering endless fetch opportunities and cheer for your pup to enjoy.
Take a peek at our post about safety tips around the holiday season by clicking on this link here!
References:
https://www.akcpetinsurance.com/blog/guide-to-the-best-dog-toys-for-christmas-2022
https://aercmn.com/top-10-cat-toys-to-get-for-the-holidays/
https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/home-lifestyle/pets/g38114325/christmas-dog-toys/
Rainy Days Don't Have to be Ruff!
With the right essentials, you can turn a gloomy stroll into a splashy adventure and keep tails wagging through every raindrop!
We humans can easily throw on a raincoat and grab an umbrella, but it’s up to us to keep our furry pals protected when the downpour strikes. Grab your umbrella and let’s dive into the must haves for walking your furry friend in the rain!
Here are some essentials to pack for your rainy day walk:
Raincoat: Your dog will appreciate it! Not only will a waterproof raincoat help keep them dry, but it will also keep breeds with fur that mats easily (like poodles and bichons) safe from tangles. For smaller dogs, raincoats can keep them warm on chilly, rainy days.
Booties: Boots help keep your pup’s paws dry, and safe from bacteria, sharp objects and toxins that may be lurking in puddles.
Reflective Leash/Harness: Visibility can be compromised in rainy weather; therefore, a reflective leash adds an extra layer of safety on the sidewalk for passing cars. Any small glimpse of light will reflect on the leash and make the pup at the end of it more visible.
Absorbent Towels: Prepare absorbent towels at the door for when you return. It will help absorb as much moisture as possible compared to a regular towel!
Brush: After toweling off, a quick brush can help prevent knots and matting, especially for breeds with longer fur. Make sure to dry them thoroughly afterward!
Remember, on a rainy day, your pup might need some extra love and attention if they can't get their usual outdoor time. Be sure to offer plenty of snuggles and playtime inside until those clouds clear!
References:
A Guide To Verbal Cat Communication
Welcome to the purr-fect world of feline linguistics! Cat boast an impressive vocabulary of up to 21 distinct vocalizations, each a note in the symphony of cat communication. It's not just meows and purrs; it's a real language that can be as complex as a human conversation.
Welcome to the purr-fect world of feline linguistics! Cats boast an impressive vocabulary of up to 21 distinct vocalizations, each a note in the symphony of cat communication. It's not just meows and purrs; it's a real language that can be as complex as a human conversation.
Not all cats are born chatterboxes. Some, like the Maine Coons, tend to be part of the quieter breeds, while others, like the Siamese, are the talkative kitties of the feline universe.
Meowing: The signature soundtrack of feline communication! Kittens use it to summon their moms, but in adulthood, it becomes the cat's go-to language for humans. From greetings to playtime requests, expressions of excitement or frustration, to demanding attention, food, or room access – meows are the most popular of the cat communication world.
Purring: In the world of feline communication, there's one sound that reigns supreme – the purr! This sound is typically an indicator that your kitty is in a state of bliss—think lounging in a warm sunbeam or receiving chin scratches while sitting on their human’s lap. Interestingly, cats purr at a frequency between 25-150 Hertz, known to have therapeutic effects on bones and tissues. Beyond contentment, they may purr to self-heal, reduce stress, and even communicate with humans. The unique purring sound originates from the cat's laryngeal muscles rapidly contracting and relaxing.
Trilling: A trill is a high-pitched musical sound made by some cats during specific situations. Cats reserve this delightful sound for greetings and thanking their human admirers, often for treats or affection. They may also use this when communicating to their favorite feline sibling. It's the cat's way of saying, "You're my favorite."
Chirping: Initially, chirping is a mother cat's call to her kittens, adult cats also use chirps to grab attention and share their whereabouts. When faced with tantalizing prey outside the window, a chirp signifies excitement, tinged with a dash of frustration.
Chattering: Have you ever caught your cat silently chattering away? It's not Morse code; it's their voiceless jaw clash, usually reserved for spotting prey out of reach. It's the rhythm of their imaginary hunt.
Growling and Hissing: Growling is a low rumble signaling threats and impending feline fury. Hissing, its dramatic cousin, is the involuntary response to a surprise threat. Both come with a side of fear-inducing body language – arched back, flattened ears, twitching tail, and the classic Halloween cat posture. When the growls and hisses start, heed the cat's message: "Step back, I'm not in the mood!"
Spitting: More intense than a hiss, this explosive burst signals a peak threat situation. It's the cat's way of saying, "Seriously, back off!" – accompanied by a swift, lashing-out movement for added drama.
Yowling and Howling: Imagine a cat's meow on steroids, and you've got yowling – a prolonged, distressed sound. Howling is its shorter cousin. These are the sirens of cat communication, indicating physical or emotional distress. Separation anxiety, pain, or just a need for attention – it's their way of belting out their feelings.
Caterwauling: A loud, long whine reserved for unspayed females in heat. Directed at human family members, it's their expression of pain, discomfort, fear, or a blatant demand for attention.
In this enchanting world of feline sounds, any change in frequency, intensity, duration, or pitch is your cat's SOS. A trip to the vet might be in order, and for some, a dash of anxiety or pain meds could be the magical remedy. So, listen closely, fellow cat enthusiasts, for in their symphony of sounds, your furball's story unfolds, one delightful meow at a time!
References
Why Do Cats Always Land On Their Feet?
Cats possess an incredible ability that has captured human attention for generations: the skill to land on their feet. What’s the science behind this captivating cat superpower? It comes down to a combination of biomechanics, reflexes, and physics. Cats are known for their exceptional agility, and their bodies are designed to facilitate the impressive acrobatics.
Cats possess an incredible ability that has captured human attention for generations: the skill to land on their feet. What’s the science behind this captivating cat superpower? It comes down to a combination of biomechanics, reflexes, and physics. Cats are known for their exceptional agility, and their bodies are designed to facilitate the impressive acrobatics.
Flexible Spine: Cats boast a spine that's much more flexible than that of many other animals. The spine's extraordinary mobility, particularly in the thoracic region, allows cats to twist their bodies with remarkable ease. As a cat begins to fall, its body initiates a twisting motion that sets the stage for a controlled descent.
Vestibular System: Cats possess an intricate inner ear system, known as the vestibular system, which grants them an impeccable sense of balance. This finely-tuned system allows them to gauge their orientation relative to gravity, ensuring they maintain equilibrium even during a fall.
Reflexes and Rotation: Their ability to rotate their front and back halves independently adds an extra layer of finesse to their descent strategy. By manipulating their body's orientation, cats can align their feet underneath them, setting the stage for a graceful landing.
Visual Focus: Cats have a unique ability to maintain visual focus on a specific target. This skill aids them in determining their position in relation to their surroundings. As they plummet, their keen eyesight allows them to calculate the best landing.
Built-in Safety Feature: Ever notice how a cat's body opens up like a parachute during a fall? This instinctive response isn't just for show. By spreading their limbs out, cats increase air resistance, effectively slowing down their fall. This additional time allows them to adjust their position mid-air, enhancing their chances of landing safely.
The next time you watch your feline friend navigate their environment with unparalleled elegance, remember that their astonishing acrobatics are the result of an intricate interplay of biology, physics, and evolution.
REFERENCES:
Scientific American
A-Z Animals