Protect Your Cat Against Sunburn And Skin Cancer.

July 13th, 2007 by pets

We are all used to seeing the many advertisements on our televisions about protecting ourselves and our children from the summer sun, but do we ever think about protecting our pets? Probably not. However cats and dogs can get sun burnt too and with the same terrible consequences that causes, including the possibility of skin cancer.

Cats who are outside a lot during the summer, especially those with light coloured fur are particularly at risk from the effects of the sun and the heat. So before we let our pets outside on a summer’s day we must make sure we provide adequate care for them, just as we would for our children and ourselves.

Areas particularly at risk on your pets are their ears. They often have a much lighter covering of fur and this makes them much more likely to burn in the sun. Add this to the fact that cats will often spend hours laying in the sun and the risks of skin cancer rise dramatically. Often in Mediterranean countries you will often see a lot of cats with both their ears missing. This is because that the region receives a lot of hot sunny weather and skin cancer on cats has become so common that owners will often ask the vet to remove the cats ears to reduce the risk of them catching skin cancer. Another method used is to have the ears tattooed all over in black; this helps to reflect the sun and provides protection.

Of course there are other simpler methods to protect your pet from the effects of the sun. Simply remember when you let your pet out on a hot summers day, make sure you rub a high factor sun cream onto the ears and areas which are not as covered with a thick layer of fur. Some breeds have a very thin covering of fur all over, and it might be safer to keep these breeds inside on very hot sunny days.

Also make sure that you provide plenty of fresh water for your pet which is readily available all through the day. Perhaps have several bowls of water dotted about the garden in a cool spot. Of course making sure that there are plenty of shady places that your pet can keep cool is essential. The affects of heat stroke can come on very fast and if not treated promptly can be fatal. If you suspect that your pet is suffering from heat stroke i.e. is panty very heavily and seems to be wobbly on their legs and disorientated. Cool them down immediately in a bath of cool water and then take them immediately to a vet.

Choosing The Best Dry Dog Food

July 13th, 2007 by pets

Sometimes, the best dry dog food is the one that your dog will eat the most. It is easier to buy something that your canine will eat as opposed to having them eat dog food that may be better for them, but one that they may not necessarily like. However, there are a few things you need to consider when you walk down the pet food aisles at your local retailer.

Consider the price of the dry dog food. Often, dry dog food that are cheap or are not branded are made with ingredients like fillers and seasonings that are not necessarily good for dogs. These ingredient may be tasty, but they can be harmful to your dog. These dry dog food often have too much preservatives, which can cause your dog to develop health problems that may eventually cause them to suffer later on in life.

To increase the vitality and life expectancy of your dog, go with good quality dry dog food. You don’t really need to purchase the most expensive dry dog food there is, but it is best if you stick with dry dog food that is manufactured by a reputable dog food company and is priced reasonably.

The main ingredient in the best dry dog food is rice, corn or soybean. High quality dry dog food will also have other ingredients such as beef and chicken. Stores also sell dry dog food formulated specifically to a dog’s age. Manufacturers classify the different types of dry dog food as being for puppies, adult dogs and senior dogs. Purchasing the dry dog food that’s most suitable for your dog’s age is always important.

If you want to know what are the best dry dog foods, ask your veterinarian. Veterinarians would often recommend the branded dry dog foods. These brands are more expensive, but if you have an older dog, it may be to your advantage to pay a little more for the best dry dog food.

You will know if you’ve picked the best dry dog food by the way your dog looks and feels. When you take your dog for yearly shots, his coat should be healthy, his eyes should be clear and he should be full of energy. If your pet doesn’t look well and seems lethargic, there could be something wrong with his diet. It is always wise to keep notes about what your dog is eating on a daily basis. This way, a veterinarian can diagnose your dog more quickly and recommend the best dry dog food for your pet.

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Dog Allergy - Treatment And Prevention

July 11th, 2007 by pets

We know enough to care for our skin and keep dermatitis at bay. Just as in humans a dog allergy can be very painful and uncomfortable. A dog allergy can be extremely trying for both dog and owner. Unlike dogs, we look after our allergies, mainly because we are able to.

It’s quite possible, when your dog has an allergy; it’s something he/she will have for life. While difficult to diagnose, it’s important to beware of your dog’s signs if you’re to provide effective relieve to your dog’s allergies. Rarely will dogs grow out of their allergies, plus, it’s also unlikely that dog allergies are one-off.

Generally, most dog allergies can be traced back to a dog’s diet. If the symptoms that your dog displays, leads to confusing diagnoses, it’s best to seek advice from your veterinarian. Your first priority when dealing with your dog’s allergies should be a visit to the vet.

The sooner one acts, and starts treating their dog’s allergies the easier and less stressful it will be in the long run. Properly treating the symptoms of your dog’s allergies will certainly bring relief to your dog, but dealing with the cause of your dog’s allergy should greatly reduce distress in your dog.

Some believe using natural diets and treatments offer less harmful side effects than conventional commercial based products. More and more dog owners are looking to natural solutions in the treatment of their dog’s allergies. While it’s always advised that you seek the advice of your Veterinarian when treating dog allergies, it can also be well worth looking to some alternative methods. In the book, “Veterinary Secrets Revealed” (available at http://veterinary-secrets-revealed.com), Dr. Andrew Jones focuses on alternative home treatments for dog allergies. According to Dr. Jones, allergies are one of the most common reasons that he sees pets.

A simple change in what your dog eats, plays with or sleeps on, could be all that is needed to put an end to your dog’s pain. The use of medicated shampoos or creams on your dog’s dry or itchy skin may play a key role in making your dog less susceptible to allergies. Without a doubt, preventing your dog’s allergies is by far, a much better option than constantly trying to cure what ails them. Treatment of dog allergies is an on-going process, while prevention is better in the long run.

Remember, it is essential that you be proficient in spotting the signs in order to correctly control and treat your dog’s allergies. So, if your dog is itching or scratching more than usual, shedding its skin, or suffer from unexplainable sores, then it is more than likely your dog has an allergy of some sort and a trip to the vet is advised.