Petsmu

Finding a veterinarian can be as difficult as finding yourself a good doctor that you trust. Most veterinarians get into the profession because of a desire to help animals, but some lack the people skills to help you trust them. When you are looking for a vet you should find one that is willing to spend time talking with you and getting to know you and your dog. A vet who talks and listens to you and one that you understand is a valuable resource.

Knowing your dog and general dog health is the first step to spotting concerns that could become major health issues. You know your dog best, if they are acting more lethargic, or favoring a certain part of their body you should be concerned. Pay attention to the first warning signs and you may prevent a major illness. Be aware that signs of illness in a puppy or senior dog should be addressed more quickly, where it may be OK to monitor an adult dog for 24 hours or so if they are just lethargic or not eating.

There are many instances that you should call your vet right away. Continue Reading »

We’re all guilty of it - giving in to those big begging eyes pleading at us for a scrap from the table during dinner. Fido knows just how to get you to concede, and most of us justify that a little won’t hurt, or we don’t even think of the potential danger at all. But the truth is that human food can be harmful to your pet, and in some cases, can be fatal. It’s important to know how certain foods can be unsafe so that you can avoid them for the sake of your animal.

Here is how a few of some of the most common “human foods” become harmful for pets:

Chocolate and other foods containing caffeine
Caffeine is one of the greatest culprits because it contains an alkaloid called theobromine. Theobromine acts as a cardiac stimulant and a diuretic, which in turn can cause a heart attack or other heart and nervous system problems in animals.

Onions and Garlic
Onions and garlic are potentially harmful due to the fact that both contain thiosulphate, which can damage red blood cells and cause anemia in cats and dogs. Of the two, onions are the most toxic, as consumption of simply one serving by your pet could result in anemia.

Milk
Milk can harm your pet due to the fact that many dogs and cats tend to be lactose intolerant. The consumption of milk and milk products by a lactose intolerant pet creates a breeding ground for bacteria, causing vomiting and diarrhea.

Bones
Bones, although commonly known as a great treat for your dog, are potentially very dangerous for pets. Once eaten, bones can splinter and get stuck in the intestines, causing damage or fatality. In most splinter cases, the bones must be removed surgically.

Other Foods
Other human foods to avoid when feeding your pet are: macadamia nuts, potato peelings and green-looking potatoes, rhubarb leaves, moldy/spoiled foods, alcohol, yeast dough, tomato leaves and stems, broccoli, and raisins or grapes.

Some human foods potentially cause only mild digestive upsets, while others can be fatal. Regardless of the level of danger, the best choice for your pet is to keep him from any potentially harmful foods in order to ensure his health and safety.

So, the next time your pet looks up at you with those pleading eyes, show him you care by doing what is truly best for him and feeding him only products meant for pet consumption. In the end, both you and your pet will be glad that you did.

About the author: Paul Counts is the co-owner of Petronic.com, an online retailer of innovative pet care products and pet supplies. They carry a variety of unique products for dogs and cats. For more information visit their website at www.petronic.com.
Source: http://www.articlesbase.com

Pets get sick just like humans and are expected to take medicines to heal and get better. Online pet pharmacies offer pet owners the option of ordering any type of medicine recommended by a veterinarian and the pet owner will know that it will arrive at the residence within 24-hours. This type of pet service allows pet owners to care for their pets year-round, and receive discounted prices on the medications that they purchase for their favorite dog or cat.

Non-prescription medications can be purchased at online pet pharmacies too. Pets will often suffer from fleas and ticks, and some flea powders are sold through online pharmacies that will make these irritating pests less noticeable and some medications will create barriers to keep parasites away. Pet flea problems can affect the welfare and happiness of every family because they make their homes in bedding and carpeting and reproduce rapidly throughout many parts of the house.

These pet pharmacies keep non-prescription medications in stock that will alleviate ear mites in dogs and cats. Pet owners can save money when they shop at online pharmacies for these pet products because the mark-up taken by an online retailer is less than the prices placed on pet products found in a land-based pet store. Online pharmacies provide personal care products for pets because pets need to be groomed on a daily basis, just as human counterparts will. Pet brush sets will often include nail clippers because pets nails grow rapidly too.

Pet owners can receive deep discounts on pet products that protect a pet’s health year round. The most common non-prescription drug ordered through pet pharmacies are those that treat heartworms. Heartworm medications are available in capsules that are dispensed on a monthly basis to pets. Pet owners can order these vital medications online from these pharmacies and ensure that the pet has protection against heartworms in their bodies year round.

Some pet pharmacies keep other grooming products in stock that will keep a pets coat sleek and shiny. Non-prescription vitamins can be purchased online at pharmacies for prices that are far lower than those sold by veterinarians or in a pet store in town. These vitamins are available in pill or liquid forms and are simple to administer to pets when they are fed each day. Some water-soluble vitamins can be added to the pets water dish and consumed throughout the day. This is a convenient way to ensure that the pet has a full and satisfying diet plan.

Some dogs will benefit from pet pharmacies if they suffer from chronic musculosketal disorders. This ailment is common in large breeds of dogs and affects the soft tissues around joints. Medications to treat this animal disorder will help give a dog pain relief while reducing the amount of inflammation that occurs around the joints throughout the skeletal system. These pharmacies keep medications on hand to reduce swelling, and some are steroid based and a prescription is needed before it can be dispensed by the online pet pharmacies.

About the author: James Brown writes about Pets Warehouse discount codes, DogToys.com coupon and drsfostersmith.com on-line coupons
Source: http://www.articlesbase.com