Raccoons are a common presence in urbanized areas. Properties that are located near bodies of water, forests, and woods, also commonly experience nuisance raccoon problems. Although raccoons are truly innocent and fascinating mammals, they pose several dangers and should be controlled in a safe and humane way. If you still think raccoons are not a threat, continue reading to learn the top 3 biggest dangers raccoons pose to society.
1. People
The first and most significant risk posed by a wild raccoon presence on your property is the risk of harming people, especially children. Raccoons are known carriers of several viruses and infectious diseases, including serious ones like Rabies, leptospirosis, Distemper, and raccoon roundworm, as well as less serious ones, like lice, fleas, ticks, and more. Although raccoons do not generally bite or attack, they will if they are provoked. For instance, young children who may stumble upon a baby raccoon in the yard that they think is abandoned, but in actuality, the mother raccoon is nearby and ready pounce if she feels her pup is in danger.
2. Pets
Pets are often victims of raccoon attacks because they unintentionally provoke them simply by being curious and taking a sniff. This is why pet vaccinations are so vital for the safety of your dogs and cats. This includes vaccines for Rabies, leptospirosis, Distemper, Lyme disease, and raccoon roundworm. It is also vital to give your pet a flea, tick, and heartworm medication regularly.
3. Property
Raccoons are very clever, and they have excellent memories and problem solving skills. This is one reason why they are common offenders of attic and crawl space invasions. They can use their human-like paws to grasp, rip, and pry. They tear down attic insulation, chew up electrical wiring, soil floorboards and ceilings with their droppings, and more. However, even if raccoons cannot access the inner parts of a home or building, they can still cause a load of structural damages to a property. They will tear up lawns looking for grubs, wipe out gardens, pry off siding, rip off roof shingles, rummage through garbage cans, steal bird seed and pet food, and so much more.
Dealing With a Raccoon Problem
If you have a raccoon problem, you will need to take control by eliminating whatever it is that attracts them to your property. For example:
Only take the garbage cans out to the driveway on the morning of trash pickup day, do not leave pet food and other sources of food and water outside (bird baths, squirrel feeders, bird seed, pet food bowls, stored bags of pet food, etc.), installing motion lighting or sound machines to scare raccoons away, putting up fencing to protect your gardens, and eliminating shelter options like compost piles, log piles, pet houses, and more. You will also need to contact a licensed raccoon removal and control company to inspect your property and ensure there are no entry points for raccoons to enter.
Good dog grooming is more than just having a smart dog. You can handle potential health problems. So, dog owners need to learn how to groom their dogs. It helps to identify the health issues at an early stage and get it treated successfully.
Dog’s eyes
Dog’s eyes should be shiny, white, and crust-free. Eye-lids have to be pink and always trim their hair, so they don’t get in its eyes. If you notice tear-stained fur or squinted eyes or discharge, or unequal size pupils, it is time for a visit to the vet.
Eye discharge
• Clear discharge – It can be allergies due to wind blowing or dust entering the eyes and is treatable.
• Watery discharge – Mucus from a single or both eyes is due to some foreign matter like an eyelash.
• Pus-like discharge – A yellowish-greenish colored discharge indicates severe infection.
Watery or mucus discharge is a sign of a condition called conjunctivitis. It is an inflammation of the dog’s eye lining. The causes are due to –
• Allergies
• Birth-defect
• Foreign matter
• Tear duct issue
• Injury
• Tumors
• Dry eye
• Distemper and more
Signs of conjunctivitis
• Red eyes
• Over blinking
• Crusty eyes
• Keep eyes closed
• Squinting
• Rubbing the eyes frequently with its paws
An excessive teary or watery eye is also a condition called Epiphora. This condition infects the skin or makes the fur release a terrible odor. A vet can help you diagnose the cause of conjunctivitis. Treatment can include irritant removal, antibiotics, pain relief lotion, antihistamines, or saline washes. Birth defects get treated with surgery.
Eye discharged if ignored can cause loss of vision, so visit the vet as soon as possible!
Dog’s ears
Spaniels or basset hounds have drooping ears, so are prone to suffering from ear issues. It doesn’t mean other dogs cannot develop infection nor have mites in their ears. Therefore inspect their ears after every fifteen days for dirt buildup, foreign matter, or odor.
The ear canal has to be clean and pink. Remove any visible dirt with canine ear cleaning liquid. A dog that swims a lot is prone to an ear infection. Your vet can prescribe products that help to keep its ear canal dry.
Ear discharge
• Blackish-brown crusty discharge – The dog has ear mites, which make them shake and scratch their head.
• Reddish-brown or yellow waxy discharge – It is an ear infection due to allergies, ear wax overproduction, excessive swimming, polyps, etc. Other signs are inflamed ears, head shaking, scratching, and fruity/bad odor.
Ear infection types
• Otitis Externa [Outer side, which gets treated with antifungal lotion, antibiotics, or ear drying solution]
• Otitis Interna [Inner or middle ear gets infected. Vets may flush the ear or recommend surgery in severe condition]
Ear discharge can cause balance issues, hematomas, severe pain, and even deafness. So, make an appointment with the vet for treatment!
Dog’s dental hygiene Dog’s teeth need a regular brushing along with a healthy diet routine. Even chewing toys can help to maintain their oral health. Even give regular home checks to identify any signs. Bad breath is a sign of illness disease, so a breath test is recommended. Lift its lips to examine the teeth and gums. Teeth must not show brownish tartar, and gums need to be pinkish. Brush the dog’s teeth using the proper technique twice or three times every week.
Mouth disorders
• Periodontal disease – Infection between the gum and tooth can cause pain, tooth loosening, nasal discharge, and sneezing.
• Swollen gums – When food gets trapped between teeth and tartar build-up, swollen gums develop.
• Gingivitis – Gum inflammation due to tartar, plaque, and bacteria accumulation below the gum line. Bad breathe, bleeding, swollen & red gums are signs of gingivitis.
• Proliferating gum disease – A genetic condition where gums develop over the teeth. It needs treatment to avoid infection.
• Halitosis – Food particles trapped between teeth is a great situation for bacteria to grow. Bad odor is its first sign, which gets eliminated with proper brushing.
• Salivary cysts – Under the tongue or near jaw corners, large blisters filled with fluids get developed. The vet will remove the infected saliva gland to drain the cyst.
• Mouth tumors – In the gums, you will see lumps. The vet will diagnose and surgically remove the malignant tumor.
Always look for canine toothpaste and toothbrush, or ask your vet!
Dog’s nail care
• Dogs that are more active outdoors don’t need trimming because their claws wear down. Indoor dogs do need nail care.
• Long nails can cut into the toe pad skin and cause pain or infection.
• You will need to trim nails regularly to avoid it cutting the skin.
In case you accidentally cut in, apply septic powder to stop the bleeding. Many dog owners find nail trimming intimidating, so they visit a vet or pet dog groomer.
Dog’s fur and skincare
• Check for fleas or ticks, if your dog after your dog returns from outdoors.
• Monitor for dandruff, which is caused due to skin infection and parasites.
• Brush dogs coat regularly to remove dead hairs, which can form mats and possibly affect its heart.
• Hair brushing will also stimulate skin oil distribution across the coat.
• Choose the right hairbrush.
• Bathe the dog gently with canine skincare products to maintain oil level.
• The use of proper shampoo helps to avoid multiple health issues and keeps the dog feel pleasant.
• Brush the coat before bathing to eliminate loose hair or mats, which can entrap shampoo and cause skin irritation.
• Choose a healthy diet and skin nourishment supplements to nourish the dog‘s coat and fur.
Besides the dog’s appearance, the other benefit of proper dog grooming is better health and well-being of your pet!
So you have a wonderful pet mastiff, who seems to have acquired a skin condition of some kind. This is always a heartbreaking situation, especially when you don’t get the help you need right away. No one wants to see their pet suffer.
Many dog breeds have health concerns, some minor, some major. Many mastiff owners struggle with skin and coat issues. Coats often can become dull and thin, and some mastiffs are constantly scratching or biting at their skin.
Common Mastiff Skin Problems
Mastiffs are prone to a variety of skin conditions. Some of the most common problems include:
Fleas and Ticks: These parasites can cause itching and irritation, leading to infections if left untreated.
Dermatitis: Inflammation of the skin, often caused by mastiff allergies or irritants.
Pyoderma: A bacterial skin infection that can cause crusty lesions and an unpleasant smell.
Fleas and ticks are common culprits of english mastiff skin problems. If itching and irritation are not treated they can get infections. These pesky parasites latch onto your Mastiff’s skin, leading to discomfort and potential secondary infections.
The next and one of the most common mastiff skin issuesis dermatitis or inflammation of the skin. This is often caused by mastiff allergies to food, chemicals, or other substances. the best way to determine what is causing this is through experimentation. Try changing things such as the dog’s food or your clothing detergent, to see what makes a difference.
Dealing with Dermatitis
Dermatitis, or skin inflammation, can result from food allergies, environmental irritants, or even certain grooming products. Mastiffs with dermatitis often experience red, itchy skin and may scratch excessively.
Treatment Options:
Switch to a hypoallergenic or limited-ingredient dog food if you suspect food allergies symptoms.
Gradually introduce new foods to identify any potential allergens.
Use natural or mild dog shampoos and avoid strong household cleaners that may be causing irritation.
Consult a vet to perform mastiff allergy tests if the cause is unknown.
Anti-inflammatory medications, antihistamines, or medicated shampoos may be prescribed.
To improve your english mastiff skin conditions, start with improving the condition of their dull coat by incorporating Omega-3 fatty acid supplements into their food.
Pyoderma
Finally, as a mastiff owner you should be aware of a condition called pyoderma, which is a cutaneous bacterial infection of the skin. other bacteria can also be found. The bacteria commonly involved is Staphylococcus intermedius. Staphylococcus intermedius is a normal inhabitant of dogs mucous membranes and transiently colonizes the skin without necessarily causing disease unless some other factor leads to impairment of the skins’ resistance. Most dog skin is rather resistant to bacterial disease, and pyoderma is usually regarded as a secondary phenomenon. Pyoderma is typically characterized by crusty black lesions on the dog’s back and neck area.
Dealing with Pyoderma
Pyoderma is a bacterial skin infection that often appears as crusty lesions on your dog’s skin and can give off a strong odor. It’s usually secondary to other skin issues, so it’s crucial to treat the underlying cause.
Treatment Options:
Oral or topical antibiotics as prescribed by a veterinarian to tackle the bacterial infection.
In some cases, medicated shampoos containing chlorhexidine or benzoyl peroxide can help control symptoms.
Bathe your Mastiff with vet-recommended antibacterial shampoos to reduce bacterial buildup.
Keep infected areas clean and dry to prevent further irritation.
Pustules are usually the hallmark of the disease but usually not seen since they are so fragile and burst before we recognize them. The first lesions are usually papules that will sometimes form pustules if seen. These are found usually in the groin, ventral abdomen, and axilla commonly. In some cases the dorsal trunk and neck are involved and patchy hair loss can be seen at these sites. By the time I see some of these cases, there are not many pustules or papules. It is in the more chronic state. It makes the dog itchy and miserable. It will probably make you miserable as well, since it is usually accompanied by a nasty smell and makes the dog’s skin and fur unnaturally oily. This is due to the production of inflammatory toxins and enzymes by the bacteria.
If you suspect that your mastiff has pyoderma, you should take him to the vet right away. The quicker you can get his skin disease under control. the happier you both will be. Dr. Robin Smith, DVM has written an excellent in-depth article on diagnosing and treating skin problems in mastiffs. Read more here.
Mastiffs do not reach their final physical and mental maturity until they are three years old.
2. Big Standards
While there is no maximum height, there is a minimum.
Female Shoulder Height: 27.5″ Male Shoulder Height: 30″
There is no weight standard for males or females.
3. Record-Setting
A mastiff once held the world’s record for the largest dog. In 1989, an 8-year old mastiff named Zorba, was 37″ tall (shoulder), 8’3″ long from nose to tail, and weighed 343 pounds.
4. Coming To America
A mastiff reportedly came to America on the Mayflower.
5. Oh Baby
Mastiffs have some of the largest litters at 10-12 puppies. The largest mastiff litter on record was 24 puppies, of which 20 survived past the first week.
The cost for a visit to the veterinarian office is increasing each day. Just like us our pets need health insurance to help cover the cost. I hear everyday people choosing to euthanize their pet because the cost of an injury or the cost of a needed surgery is too high for some people. Pet insurance is just like our health insurance it helps to pay the cost of these services. There are several factors that will affect the cost of the insurance. You will need to compare each of the companies to choose which one will best fit your situation. Some of these factors are:
Age of the pet
Sex of the pet
Breed of the pet
Pre-existing injury
Pre-existing illness
Type of coverage
Policy limits
Type of the pet (cat, dog horse…)
Geographical location
Which company
WHY HAVE PET INSURANCE
Most people consider their pets as an important member of their family. The devotion that pet owners have for their pets is real as the hundreds of dollars each year they spend on their pets. This money is spent on supplies, veterinarian care, food, vaccinations, toys, bedding, grooming, heartworm, fleas and tick treatments and many other items. Even with loving care the best efforts at providing preventive measures, unforeseen accidents and illnesses happen.
Most Pet Health Insurance plans include:
Initial & follow-up visits
Laboratory test and diagnostic procedures and blood test
Non-elective surgery
accidents
illnesses
Hospitalization
Anesthesia
Prescription medications
Euthanasia for humane reason
Some treatments and conditions that may not be covered include;
Routine care
Vaccinations
De-worming
Dental care
Chronic illnesses
Cosmetic procedures
Pre-existing conditions
I did find some companies that will offer coverage for routine wellness but in most cases this well double your monthly premium.
When comparing insurance companies here are some questions you need to ask;
Will my premium increase due to pet aging?
What is covered if my pet becomes sick or injured?
What are some of the exclusions I should be aware of?
What are the policy payout limits?
What are my deductible options?
What is the percentage of the cost the policy will pay?
What will cause my premium to increase?
I have compared several pet insurance companies using the following; one year old American Shorthair male cat, neutered with no pre-existing conditions. The response from the companies offered 90% reimbursement, with a one hundred dollar deductible too two hundred and fifty dollar deductible and an average monthly premium.
Here are some of the companies that offers pet health insurance:
