Remove those pesky burrs with a flea comb.
Don’t forget to check his paws. Burrs will come right out without pulling uncomfortably on poor Fido’s fur.
Avoid Ceramic Cat Litter.
It has been linked to respiratory problems. Wheat litter, pine litter or even alfalfa pellets (rabbit food) make great environmentally friendly alternatives.
Dog-pilling trick.
Have 3 treats in your hand. Conceal the contraband (pill) in the second treat. Give the first treat and quickly offer the second treat, then the third. Will a little luck Bowser will swallow the second treat to make room for the third!
Fresh water every day saves on vet bills.
For best results use a glass bowl with filtered water, no soap! Pets hate the smell of tap water, plastic and soap. Plastic bowls can cause acne in cats and pets that drink more water are less likely to have renal issues.
Hot cars kill!
A study from Stanford University showed that during a 72-degree day it is possible for the temperature in your car to reach 116 degrees. Cracking the windows did little to help.
First Aid for Hyperthermia: (overheating)
Seconds count! Use cool water from a hose and run the water over the victim. Keep it running for several minutes. Offer water to drink only if conscious. Seek veterinary help immediately.
Avoid adjuvanted vaccines in cats.
Most rabies and leukemia vaccines for cats have an ingredient called the adjuvant. In very rare cases this adjuvant will cause a reaction at the injection site that can lead to terminal cancer!
“Purevax.” made by Merial is the only rabies and leukemia vaccine currently on the market that is non-adjuvanted. Unfortunately, these are not available at “bargain” vaccine prices.
Avoid Thimerosal (ethyl mercury) in vaccines.
Thimerosal has been linked to immune system disorders. Dog rabies vaccines will be marked with a “TF” on the vial indicating it is Thimerosal Free.
Get those toenails trimmed.
Long nails can be painful and contribute to orthopedic problems and decreased activity. A properly trimmed nail will not hang past the level of the pad. If your dog is a couch potato with skis for nails, several trims spaced weeks apart will be necessary to obtain the proper length. Don’t hit the “quick.” It’s a nerve and it hurts.