Feb 3, 2021 | Dogs, Featured, Golden Retriever, Pet Health, Puppies
How to tell if a golden retriever is pregnant? Golden retriever pregnancy is a very special condition for your dog so you need to know the basics of it. Let’s have a look at what to expect from it, the risks, and the stages of golden retriever pregnancy.
Common question, “how long are golden retrievers pregnant for?”
Pregnancy in all dogs, and Golden Retriever pregnancy time is not an exception, lasts for 63 days. This term may vary by 5 days and Golden Retriver actually tend to give birth earlier. It is important to note the date you were breeding your Golden 
Retriever to provide the veterinarian with valid information and to be prepared for whelping. Have a look at the things you should consider before start breeding golden retrievers.
How long is a golden retriever pregnant is always up to the dog.
Golden retriever pregnancy signs:
At the fists stage, your Golden might become more affectionate than usual. She may start following you wanting to be petted all the time. However, some dogs on the contrary are happier to be left alone. Loss of appetite and the dog equivalent of “morning sickness” are other signs of golden retriever pregnancy.
However, after the first several weeks these symptoms go and pregnant golden retriever becomes playful like always. The main symptom here is an appetite. She does not only regain her appetite but starts eating really a lot. There is no need to introduce puppy food or vitamins into her diet. Actually, you shouldn’t do it under any circumstances! Changes in diet in pregnant golden retrievers are very dangerous because they may lead to the development of milk fever, a potentially fatal disorder that develops very rapidly.
Just feed her with regular high-quality adult dog food and give her as much food as she wants. If you still feel you need to add some other type of adult dog food, mix it gradually with regular food during the week to avoid an upset stomach. It’s a good idea to grant your pregnant Golden Retriever unlimited access to her food. She really needs to eat a lot and her stomach just can’t hold enough food at once because of her pregnancy. So it’s better if she eats less but more often. And don’t worry if she has a tendency to overeat, in golden retriever pregnancy, this habit normally goes away.
Last two or three weeks OF Golden Retriever Pregnancy
Until the last two or three weeks, there is no need to limit your Golden Retriever in physical activities. The only thing to avoid is long walks and long-distance running. However, in the last two weeks, you need to be very careful not to let her bump her belly. Otherwise, pups may be knocked off the uterus wall and their development will stop. As a result, you’ll have stillborn retriever puppies.
It is interesting that the size of the belly depends on the position puppies are situated. Sometimes you won’t be able to tell if the dog is pregnant until the last ten or twelve days. In the last days before the birth, she might start throwing up the water she’s just drunk. You may also feel or see milk coming from her nipples. However, that’s normally not the case with first-time dog mothers.
Deworming, worming, and vaccinations are highly not recommended during the Golden Retriever pregnancy. If it’s time for the annual vaccination — just wait till she gives birth, it’s safe to do when she’s nursing. If you still need to do dog deworming you should consult with your vet for pregnancy-safe treatments.
Average Size of Golden Retriever Litter
Golden Retriever Litter size depends on the breed of the dog. Larger breed dogs have larger litters. The average litter size of golden retrievers is around eight. There are a number of factors that affect the litter size. Some of them are genetics and parents’ overall health. Keeping all factors in focus the Golden retrievers can have puppies between 4 to 12. The first litter for golden retrievers is smaller. The litter comes after that is bigger.
Preparing for Whelping
Alright, let’s get you and your pregnant golden retriever is ready for the big day! First off, prepping for whelping (fancy talk for ‘puppy delivery day’) can be a bit nerve-wracking, especially if it’s your first time. It’s perfectly normal to have a million questions! Imagine this: you’ve got a comfy spot all ready, a little “nest” where she feels safe. Think low-light, soft blankets, maybe even a bit of music—yes, some dogs respond well to calm music just like we do.
From experience, the key here is making her feel like it’s her own space. It’s kinda like setting up the best-ever pillow fort but for your expecting fur-mama. This safe area will help her stay calm as labor kicks in, plus it minimizes the chances of stress-induced complications, which can be a risk factor.
Things You’ll Need in Golden Retriever Pregnancy Whelping Zone:
- Soft, washable blankets (let’s be real, things can get a bit messy)
- Plenty of fresh water nearby
- A low “privacy wall” to make her feel enclosed but still visible
- Puppy pads to help with clean-up (trust me, you’ll thank yourself later)
- Gentle lighting (think of the glow of a nightlight rather than bright overheads)
Safe Exercises for Pregnant Retrievers
Now, exercise for your pregnant golden retriever isn’t about high-speed runs or long, exhausting hikes. We’re talking gentle, regular movement—just enough to keep her muscles strong, circulation going, and energy balanced. My golden, Lemme tell ya, short morning strolls around the block? They became golden hours between your golden retriever pregnancy days.
Safe Activities for Pregnant Golden Retriever:
- Slow, Steady Walks: Think of a few 10-15 minute walks a day. The idea here isn’t calorie-burning but just keeping her moving. Walking also helps digestion, which can be an issue in late pregnancy.
- Light Fetch (If She’s Up for It): Gentle fetch in a confined space, like your backyard, can be great for mental stimulation without overworking her body. Just a few tosses—enough for her to enjoy but not so much she’s panting.
- Swimming (If She Loves It): Did you know that swimming is a fantastic low-impact exercise for pregnant dogs? It’s easy on the joints and lets her get in a good workout without straining her belly. Just be mindful of temperature and make sure she’s comfortable.
Key Takeaways:
So how long are golden retrievers pregnant? A Golden Retriever pregnancy lasts for 63 days. During this time, your dog may experience a number of changes, including:
- Increased appetite
- Weight gain
- Enlarged nipples
- Nesting behavior
- Increased affection or irritability
It is important to provide your dog with a healthy diet and plenty of rest during pregnancy. You should also take your dog to the veterinarian for regular checkups.
Here are some tips for caring for a pregnant Golden Retriever:
- Feed your dog a high-quality, nutrient-rich diet.
- Increase the amount of food you give your dog by 25-50%.
- Offer your dog small, frequent meals throughout the day.
- Provide your dog with a comfortable place to rest.
- Take your dog for short walks, but avoid strenuous exercise.
- Schedule regular check-ups with your veterinarian.
With proper care, should have a healthy Golden Retriever pregnancy and deliver healthy puppies.
Source by Archie Right, American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA)
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I tell if my Golden Retriever is pregnant?
Look for early signs like a decrease in activity, a slight increase in appetite, and possible behavioral changes such as increased affection. As the pregnancy progresses, her belly may start to grow, and nipples will become more prominent.
How long are Golden Retrievers pregnant?
Golden Retrievers are typically pregnant for about 63 days, though the pregnancy can last anywhere from 58 to 68 days.
When can a Golden Retriever get pregnant?
A Golden Retriever can get pregnant as early as 6 months old, but it’s best to wait until she’s around 18 to 24 months for a healthier pregnancy.
How can I care for a pregnant Golden Retriever?
Provide a nutritious diet, keep her at a healthy weight, and avoid strenuous activities. You may also want to set up a quiet, comfortable space for her as she approaches the later stages of pregnancy.
What are the risks of Golden Retriever pregnancy?
Like all pregnancies, there are some risks. These can include complications with delivery, especially if the mother is very young or old. Regular vet visits can help monitor her health and manage any potential risks.
Is your Golden Retriever Pregnant?
Here are some essential tools for your golden retriever pregnancy:
Feb 1, 2021 | Dogs, Pet Basics 101, Pet Community, Puppies
As a lifetime dog owner and a breeder for several years myself, I’ve found a great need for educating people in the process of purchasing a puppy online. There are so many breeders with so many options, it can all become overwhelming in a short period of time. I do support local shelters but I realize that there are many families out there that want a healthy puppy that was raised around kids to add to their family.
If you have decided that a puppy like this is what you want for your family, then you will have an adventure finding the right one for you. After you’ve decided which breed is right for your family, you need to find a breeder. You can email your prospective breeder initially, but be SURE to speak with them soon after beginning communication. You can tell a lot by the person’s attitude and you will soon know if they are knowledgable and experienced in what they are doing by asking a few questions. Here is a list of questions to ask before anything else:
1. Are you state-licensed?
– If a person is not state-licensed, then they are breeding dogs as a hobby or illegally. You want to find a puppy that has had research and planning gone into its breeding, not just two dogs thrown together to produce a puppy. If they are not state-licensed, don’t consider them. Many states have or are in the process of greatly improving their dog laws so in many states, it’s impossible to run a puppy mill and be licensed.
2. Is this your full-time business?
There are many breeders that have OTHER full-time jobs besides their kennel. This makes it nearly impossible to focus on their dogs and puppies properly. At our kennel, we have my husband and I working full-time, as well as two part-time employees. Mostly likely, if your breeder has another job, their kennel isn’t a top priority and your satisfaction is not top priority, either.
3. Do you only sell puppies bred by you?
There are many, many people advertising on the internet for other people and you never get to see where your puppy was bred and raised. If you can’t physically see the parents of your puppy, then don’t purchase it. This is especially important when purchasing a designer (mixed) breed since so many people think they can get away with breeding anything and then attaching a designer’s name to it.
You also don’t want to support a puppy mill unknowingly by purchasing a puppy from a dealer. Many times the reason that people don’t sell their own puppies is because they have something to hide at their own place or they don’t want to be responsible for any future issues. A good breeder will stand behind their puppies and offer a decent guarantee. If there is no guarantee with your prospective puppy, stay away!
4. Do you wholesale your puppies?
There are quite a few puppy mills out there that are retailing only some of their puppies and then sending the rest to pet shops, sometimes all over the country. A good breeder will meet, or at least speak to, every new puppy owner. Responsible breeders care about their puppies and where they go. A good breeder will also offer to take the puppy back throughout its lifetime rather than the puppy or dog going to a shelter due to the inability to care for the puppy.
5. Are your puppies AND adults vet checked regularly?
I’m appalled at the number of breeders who do not get their puppies or adults vet-checked. This is the single most important step to take to ensure a healthy puppy is being produced. Even breeders that get their puppies checked do not bother to get their breeding dogs checked. EVER. To offer the best quality puppy, healthy parents are a MUST. Ask for proof of the parent’s vet reports. You may not think you need to ask, but make sure the puppies have all applicable vaccinations and de-worming and ask for proof.
6. Can I see the place where your dogs are kept?
An irresponsible breeder will tell you no. You may not necessarily be allowed into a kennel for several reasons, including Bio-Security and health reasons, but you should at least be able to see the adult dogs.
7. Do you have references from past customers?
This is a very important step. Don’t overlook it!
There are many more questions to ask your potential breeder. If your breeders show signs of good communication and willingness to help you on your quest and try to work with you, you have found something special. Quick responses mean they care about you and would like to help. No email responses or phone calls returned probably means that you will not get questions answered after the sale either. Don’t expect immediate responses because responsible kennel owners are extremely busy, but 24 hours is a reasonable expectation.
Stay away from dealers and websites with 800 numbers.
They are advertising for who knows who and are probably putting a huge mark-up on the puppies. Also, beware of websites offering 10-year guarantees. This seems too good to be true and it usually is. Read the fine print and see their outrageous requirements for this guarantee to be in place. Pet shops are out of the question.
As cute as the puppy seems, refrain yourself because you could be signing up for a lifetime of heartache and vet bills. You most likely are supporting puppy mills by purchasing from a pet shop anyway.
When you go to the kennel to meet the puppy and the breeder, if you have a gut feeling that isn’t good when you get there AND when you leave, stick with it.
Despite all the risks and heartache that can be involved in purchasing a puppy online, many good, responsible breeders offer quality puppies and lifetime support. Don’t be afraid to buy online, just be smart!
Source by Alana L Snook
Feb 1, 2021 | Allergies, Dogs, Skin & Coat
Does your dog have dry itchy skin that he just can’t stop scratching? Is he relentlessly biting and licking these areas with no relief in site? By now, more than likely you’re feeling helpless with you dog’s itchy skin problem. You know there’s just got to be a simple solution that doesn’t involve dragging your dog to the vet and paying a high priced doctor’s bill.
Well…you’re right! There ARE some simple solutions to a dog with dry itchy skin. After all, it’s a VERY common problem. Here I’ll be giving you some great tips that will give your dog (and you) the relief you’ve been searching for. Let’s get started!
It can be a bit intimidating at first, trying to cure a pet’s health ailment. Don’t let your lack of knowledge on the subject intimidate you. You don’t have to be a veterinarian to solve MOST itchy skin conditions in dogs. You simply need to know what safe treatments you can start implementing and go from there. Here, I’ll be giving you my top two favorites:
The Shampoo Factor: Shampoos can work FOR or AGAINST a dog with itchy skin. It really all depends on root cause of the itch. For instance, if he’s suffering from fleas (flea allergies cause the insatiable itch), you’ll want to pick up a reputable flea & tick shampoo. He’ll feel relieve INSTANTLY as most flea shampoos kill the fleas within 24 hours of application.
Shampoos can also work against your dog when it comes to itching. If your groomer is using a particular brand, you may want to investigate. Perhaps you’re taking him to the groomer too often. See, whenever your dog has a bath with shampoo, the oil from his fur is stripped and a drying effect takes place on the skin. This can cause itchy dog skin but the solution is much simpler than the former scenario. You can either give him less baths or…
They do make dog dandruff shampoos which moisturize itchy dog skin. Try this out if you’ve already eliminated the possibility of fleas, rash, infection or a sore as the cause of the problem. Moisturizing his skin with one of these shampoos is a nice easy fix.
Soothing Solutions: Aloe Vera works especially well on “hot spots” (sores). Hot spots are incredible itchy patches of irritated skin. They usually occur when a scratch on the skin becomes minorly infected. Applying a dab of aloe vera to the spot will immediately soothe your dog. You can also dissolve Aloe Vera in a spray bottle with water. Spray the solution on your dog’s coat to give him FAST relieve.
Emu Oil is another natural substance that relieves irritated skin. It’s used best with skin irritated by ringworm, flea bites and hotspots.
Finally, Petroleum Jelly works wonders on patches of itchy dog skin. It can get a bit messy, so just put a dab on. I prefer using this solution for hotspots. It’s a nice way to prevent the dog from further infecting the area and allowing the sore to heal. Petroleum Jelly is less effective for a recurring issue such as a flea infestation.
Source by Lisa Whitaker
Jan 31, 2021 | Dogs, Flea Prevention For Dogs, Fleas, Pet Pests
Pet parents always follow proper guidelines and regime to ensure the optimal health of their furry companions. And, when it comes to pet supplies, they look for quality, efficient and affordable treatments. The major pet products or treatments that most pet owners search for are flea and tick treatments. With a plethora of the parasitic preventives available on the market, there is always an air of confusion lingering in the minds of these pet parents.
Well, to clear this mist, bringing the clear vision, here come the best preventive treatments for dogs. Nexgard, a recent addition to the palate of pet treatments, is the best option for protecting pets against harmful parasitic infestations.
Within a few years of its launch, it has emerged as a winner by effectively removing fleas and ticks from dogs. Dog parents are highly satisfied with the efficacy of the product.
Within a short span of time, Nexgard has become the first choice of both – vets and pet owners. It is the first beef flavored chew to remove external parasites from dogs. It comes at an affordable price with the best results. Here are a few important facts you need to know about Nexgard.
• This is one of the best soft chew tablets to remove nasty parasites.
• The fast acting formula protects your dog from flea and tick infestation for one full month.
• This beef flavored soft chew is approved by FDA and it is completely safe for the dogs.
• It can also be given to the puppies of 8 weeks and older. It is necessary to weigh your dog before selecting the product.
• You can give this to dogs irrespective of any breed.
How it works?
• Afoxolaner, an active ingredient directly attacks the nervous system of these external parasites. The active ingredient over stimulates the nervous system of these parasites and easily removes the parasites from your dog.
• It restricts the production of flea eggs and prevents flea multiplication and controls newly acquired fleas.
Fast Acting Formula
• It starts working within 8 hours of application and removes fleas and ticks. It removes all the fleas within 24 hours of administration.
Dosage And Safety
• Nexgard comes in four different colored packs. Before selecting a product you need to weigh your dog. You need to buy the product according to your pet size.
• It can be given directly into the mouth of a dog or you can mix it in your dog meal.
• The product is for dogs only. Using this product on a cat may create side effects like dry skin, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite and fatigue.
• Do not use this treatment on pregnant or lactating dogs.
From the above information, it can be said that Nexgard is the best, safe and affordable as well as the easiest way to remove fleas and ticks from your dog.
Source by Eugene Hix
Jan 30, 2021 | Dog Parks, Dogs, Pet Basics 101, Social Dog
I really do not hope your are eating something, but did you know that you can get a fake dog pile in long or round bits for a joke. My younger son had initiated this research of mine, by asking why I pick up the dog’s business, even though he had done it on the grass.
As a slight diversion, I found out that the meaning of pepper – our westie dog -is “An animal full of zip” Believe he has plenty of zip if you are trying to get him into the bath.
To get back to the topic in hand (sorry that was a bad turn of phase), please be responsible and try and clean up after your dog. There are a number of diseases and illnesses that can be caused by contact with dog poo. One is stomach upsets, but the most important is Toxocariasis.
Toxacra can infect young children, if they play in an area, which has been infected by dogs, and they then put their fingers in their mouths. The infection is very serious and can cause eyesight damage or even blindness. Although, the Toxacra infection is very rare, even one case is one too many.
So please help by worming your West highland white terrier (westie) on a regular basis and also disposing of dog poo quickly and safety.
One again, apologies if this subject hasn’t spoiled your food. Please appreciate the serious issues involved.
(Disclaimer: Any information contained in this site relating to various medical, health and fitness conditions of Westies or other animals and their treatments is for informational purposes only and is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own veterinarian. You should not use the information contained herein for diagnosing the health of any animal. You should always consult and check with your own vet or veterinarian.)
I do hope that you have found the article of use to you.
Good health and happiness
Source by Jeff Cuckson
Jan 29, 2021 | Pet Knowledge Center
Hyperactive dogs have the tendency of running around and having quality fun time. They do not like to be restrained so when it is time to apply the topical treatments it becomes very difficult to make them stand still. It becomes quite a task to administer the treatment. Sometimes dog owners have to get angry at their furry friends to let them apply the treatment. But it also brings in a guilt factor when the pooch looks at their owner literary asking in their doggy language “What did I do wrong?”
In order to avoid such situations it is better to give oral treatment to your dog. Sentinel for dogs is an oral tablet that is loved by dogs of all breeds due to its palatable taste. The beauty of this oral treatment is that it is a monthly chewable treatment that comes in a beef flavor. Dogs love the flavor, so it is quite easy to give these tablets to them.
The great thing about the treatment is that it is effective against all types of worms including fleas, roundworms, whipworms, tapeworms, hookworms along with heartworm disease. It contains Lufenuron which is an insect development inhibitor that interrupts the reproduction of parasites like fleas and reduces the chance of re-infestation. It is effective for an entire month and is safe to be administered in dogs and puppies at least 8 weeks of age along with pregnant bitches.
Some of the benefits of Sentinel for dogs include:
- A single treatment is quite effective in the treatment and prevention of a wide array of parasitic infections
- An oral treatment with beef flavor which is loved by dogs of all breeds
- Eliminates fleas, roundworm, whipworm, hookworm, tapeworm and flea larvae
- Lufenuron is highly safe to be given to dogs with no apparent side effects
- Prevents heartworm disease and infection
- Recommended for puppies and dogs of at least 8 weeks of age
Before getting this ingenious treatment, it is important to test your doggy with a prevailing heartworm infection. If he has not been infected, then commence the treatment. Currently Sentinel is available in the market in four different color codes depending on the weight and size of your dog.
These tablets can be given orally to the dog or mixed in their meal. If you mix it in their meal please ensure that the pet finishes the entire meal for the dose to remain effective. Give this treatment on a monthly basis. You need to take the prior consent of the veterinarian before giving this tablet to your dog. Get this ingenious product at the lowest possible rates today and keep your pooch happy and healthy.
Source by Eugene Hix
Jan 26, 2021 | Pet Knowledge Center
Dog nutrition is all about nutrients, or what your dog eats as food to keep him healthy. There are six families of nutrients: proteins, carbohydrates, fat, vitamins, minerals, and water. A balanced diet is critical for the longevity of your dog. Proper balanced pet diets increase the life-span of your dog. A nutritious diet is one of the most critical subjects to learn. Since dogs are active animals, they do eat a lot and they need proper nutrition as well as humans do.
A dog’s diet is just as important, if not more essential, than loving your dog. If you want to truly show how much you love and care about them it is essential that you keep them healthy with a proper diet. A well planned meal is very important when preparing dog food. We all know that the ideal food to feed to newborn puppies is their mother’s milk.
Pet foods are not regulated like our food is so it is critical to read the ingredient labels. General dog nutrition is the same as human nutrition; the more natural, the better. Pet owners were devastated to learn that the food the manufacturers passed off as safe was making their pets deathly ill. Some actually died before the food was withdrawn from store shelves. Choose several excellent brands and alternate between them every month or so. This will help you to avoid any dangers accidentally posed by one brand while ensuring that your pet receives the absolute best dog nutrition. Choosing a quality pet food for your dog should not be difficult. However, since the pet food recall, it’s hard to know who to trust.
Pet Medical Recorder is a simple to use software tool which will generate a set of special forms to allow you to keep track of all your dog’s medical and treatment information. It will keep records of vaccinations, worming and flea control, so you can see at a glance when the treatment needs repeating.
Naturally we want our dogs to live with us for as long as possible. Natural oils must also be included in a dogs nutrition because they are a source of energy and acids that provide your dog with the best skin and hair care.
Vitamins are of course essential for good health and we take them for granted. Humans pop a pill and can get extra vitamins. Vitamin E is another essential dog vitamin that people are increasingly using in their dogs diet. Vitamins used in such commercial foods are synthetic and minerals are in such crude forms the animals cannot use them. Then there is the even greater issue of getting each of these synthetic and mined nutrients from separate sources and mixing them together and thinking they will work together like they do when found in a natural state.
Proper dog nutrition is in our hands. What can we do to ensure the health and vitality of our beloved dogs that give so many of us their unconditional love? A proper diet is necessary if you want to keep your dog’s health in check and preventing costly trips to the vet.
Source by Andre Arnett
Jan 26, 2021 | Pet Knowledge Center
Heartworm is a parasite that gets transmitted through bites from infected mosquitoes. Larvae enter the bloodstream and migrate to the heart. Larvae live in the heart for six months before they turn into adults. If an animal tests positive for heartworm, he can be treated in an effective and safe way, unless the infestation has been present for a long time (3-4 years).
Most holistic practitioners and alternative veterinarians will explain that the healthy pet, that eats a good diet, is vaccine free, and is not currently on any heartworm medication or chemical flea and tick preventatives, most likely has a strong immune system that will fight off heartworm. None of the larvae will survive and become adults. In the unlikely event that some of the larvae should manage to survive to adulthood, it is not the death sentence that many vets and pharmaceutical companies want us to believe. A truly healthy dog will not be a hospitable host. His strong immune system will weaken heartworms and the pet should be able to fight them off with no lasting ill effects to his health.
Dr. William Falconer, a homeopathic veterinarian in Austin, Texas states: “The heartworm has been out there forever as far as we know, but we don’t read reports of wolves and coyotes being wiped out by heartworm, and yet domestic dogs are falling prey to it.”
The reason why our domesticated pets are falling prey to heartworms is because they have weakened immune systems. Canines in the wild are eating raw meat and bones and are never exposed to chemical treatments. Their strong immune systems fight off heartworm in the larvae stage, or very few heartworms survive and they do not threaten their hosts’ lives.
A parasite doesn’t intend to kill the host. The evolution of a parasite depends on completing its life cycle. If it kills the host it means the end. When parasites infest and ultimately kill the host, the host must have had health issues to begin with.
Veterinarian Dr. Levy practiced for many years in California and treated many dogs with heartworms. He observed that the only dogs that developed symptoms of heart failure were those with yearly vaccines, being fed commercial dog food and receiving drug treatments for other symptoms such as skin conditions.
Dr. Levy concluded “It is not really that different from the common intestinal roundworms, in that most dogs do not show any symptoms. Only a dog whose health is compromised is unable to tolerate a few worms. Furthermore, a truly healthy dog would not be susceptible to either type of worm in the first place. It seems to me that the real problem is that allopathic attitudes have instilled in many of us a fear of disease, fear of pathogens and parasites, fear of rabies, as if these are evil and malicious entities just waiting to lay waste to a naïve and unprotected public.”
So do we need to use a preventative every year? To see if your pet is even at risk, find out how many cases of heartworm we had in Ontario over the last few years and where the majority of cases happened. Infected mosquitoes transmit heartworm, so how about eliminating the risk by keeping your pet safe with a natural mosquito repellent and reducing mosquito populations in the environment? Stagnant water is an ideal breeding ground for them. Get rid of it. When traveling with your pet, find out how high the risk of heartworm is in those areas, and take precautions like holistic insect repellents.
Be aware that the posters from the manufacturers of preventive heartworm medications are supposed to create fear in you. And it works, doesn’t it? But is the risk as high as they make it sound? Are we buying because we are uneducated about the disease, the product, the side effects, and the actual risk for our pets? The usual dramatic poster of an open heart full of heartworm is in reality the heart of a animal with weak immunity that has been infected with heartworm for years, never been tested and never been treated.
The pills for heartworm are actually not a preventative, but the cure, which is toxic. Would you take toxic medication for leukemia every month of every year just in case you might ever get it? Most likely not. Dr. Martin Goldstein, DVM, states in his book The Nature Of Animal Healing that he believes that most of the liver diseases and cancers we see in today’s dogs are related to heartworm preventatives. His own dog and most of the clients in his practice are not treated with heartworm preventatives.
As mentioned earlier, heartworm meds, flea and tick prevention and the annual check-up are a major source of income for veterinarians. You do have a choice of saying yes or no to products or services. That does not make you a bad pet owner. That makes you a good and educated pet owner who is making careful choices by weighing the likelihood of encountering diseases or health problems from toxic preventatives. Period.
What is the best remedy for heartworm?
Ignore the ads.
Source by Corinna Bollmann
Jan 24, 2021 | Pet Knowledge Center
Were you aware that there are literally hundreds of distinct dog breeds? When you decide to get a dog, choosing the right dog breed for you and your family is essential. With so many different dog breeds available, this can become a very daunting task. Luckily, there are ways in which you can narrow down your options somewhat, making the whole thing a lot easier.
First and foremost you should be considering one major factor….. How much space do you have? If you live in an apartment there is little point in getting a large dog that takes up a lot of room and may also need a lot of exercising. For living areas with limited space, consider the Toy group of dogs such as the Terrier Group or Miniature Pinscher. Also the cost of keeping your dog should be evaluated. Very large dogs may eat significant amounts of food whereas smaller dogs will eat very little in comparison. Try doing a rough calculation of cost for several different dog breeds over a twelve month period. Take into consideration food and regular visits to the vet for inoculation, worming etc. You will see that larger dogs are very often much more expensive to keep.
If you have children, you may want to consider what dog breed would suit them. Children can be quite heavy handed with pets sometimes; getting a Chihuahua for example may not be such a good idea as they are delicate animals. Similarly, having a Great Dane or Saint Bernard marauding around the house could be dangerous for a child. The age and number of children you have should definitely be considered as this will affect what type of dog would best suit your circumstances.
Another major point to consider is how much exercise you can offer your dog. If you have a reasonable sized yard, fencing it off will provide a good space for your dog to exercise itself. If you live in an apartment, consider getting a dog that requires very little exercise. An excitable Border collie would be a poor choice for an apartment life. Also, how much exercise can YOU put up with? There is no point getting a dog that requires lots of exercise such as a Hunting or Sporting dog breed if you cannot keep up the exercise regime. Try and get a dog that suits your lifestyle.
Grooming you dog is something to think about. If you do not have a lot of spare time in your life try to avoid dog breeds like the Standard Poodle which will need very regular grooming sessions. The short haired Terriers or Whippets make a good choice for somebody who has little time to sit and groom for hours at a time. Conversely if you have a lot of free time, regular grooming sessions with your dog will provide you both with a lot of quality time that you will both enjoy.
When choosing your dog, take a look at the bigger picture. Try to resist the temptation to go for the cutest, cuddliest, adorable dog you can find. Consider your lifestyle, your home, your family and try to find a dog breed that fits best with your life. After all, your new dog will be sharing your life with you for many years to come so making sure that you are both happy is an important thing to consider.
Source by Andrew Strachan
Jan 23, 2021 | Pet Knowledge Center
There are so many choices when it comes to protecting your pet from fleas and ticks. You can choose the store-bought version, however, these products are not as effective as a product with more potency. Two of the most widely used products are K9 Advantix® and Frontline Plus®. Let’s discuss the differences between the two.
The Flea Collar used to be the only choice and then the store-bought products came about. Frontline Plus® came on the market in the 90’s. Frontline Plus® contains ingredients that have never before been used for flea and tick control. Ingredients include S-Methropene and Fipronil. Fortunately we have other alternatives to the ineffective flea collar.
S-Methropene is a juvenile hormone. This hormone is a growth regulator. Hormone growth regulators must not be present to keep the pupa from molting to an adult insect.This helps breakdown the life cycle. The other ingredient, Fipronil is an insecticide and helps attack the central nervous system of the insect. It takes time for the poison to affect the insect which gives it time to go back to it’s colony and help destroy the others.
K9 Advantix® and Frontline Plus® both kill fleas and ticks. They also,are both waterproof. They both contain 2 pesticides to kill both pests. However, Frontline Plus® is safe for cats and after the application dries it is perfectly safe for children. K9 Advantix® is lethal to cats and is questionably safe for children for a few days. Frontline Plus® is also safe for pregnant and lactating pets.
Frontline Plus® is a topical product and should be applied to your pet’s skin between the shoulder blades. Make sure to get the product on the skin and not just the fur. It is a one spot product so you apply the entire amount to that one spot. Once applied it starts killing fleas and ticks within 18 hours and continues to be effective for 30 days. You can buy this product at your local vet’s office or on-line. There is no prescription necessary.
Let’s review the advantages of Frontline Plus®:
- Effective
- Gentle
- Easy to Use
- Cost Effective
- Waterproof
- Safe
- Convenient
Make sure to research on-line for the best value for flea and tick protection. Most importantly, make sure you are providing some type of pest control for your pet so they will be healthy and happy.
Read a surprising comparison between K9 Advantix and Frontline Plus.
Source by John Frees
