November 02, 2012 - Southbridge Evening News

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2 • THE EXPRESS • Friday, November 2, 2012 PETS The Best Way To Protect Pets From Parasites (NAPS) While there are many reasons to be happy about mild weather, dog owners know that warmer days can put their dogs at an increased risk for flea and tick infestation. Flea and tick bites are not just annoying. These pesky bites can expose dogs to a number of parasite-borne diseases. Itchy fleabites can turn into open sores from constant scratching and lead to infections and serious skin problems. Tick bites can transmit Lyme disease, which in dogs can cause joint damage, kidney, heart and nervous system damage. People can get infected, too. The best way to solve a flea and tick problem is to prevent one. Being proactive is the best practice and a comprehensive system of pest prevention is the most effective. Some people may try to save money by not buying treatments for their pets but that can lead to spending more on veterinarian and doctor bills later. A comprehensive system involves treating not just your dog, but also your home and, if necessary, your yard. Start by protecting your dog. Make it a year-round practice to use flea and tick topical drops or a collar. Just because parasites are more prevalent during the warm–er months does not mean your dog is not at risk during the rest of the year. If you find yourself with a flea problem, act quickly, as this can turn into a full-blown infestation in no time. Here is a handy solution checklist: • Topical drops. Take care of your pet with a flea & tick treatment such as Hartz® UltraGuard Pro® flea & tick treatment for dogs. This treatment will provide immediate relief by starting to kill fleas within 15 minutes and will last a full 30 days. • Deflea your home. Unlike ticks and mosquitoes, which only breed outdoors, fleas can thrive indoors. Female fleas start producing eggs 24 to 48 hours after taking their first blood meal and can lay up to 50 eggs per day. These eggs are laid on your dog and easily fall off onto bedding, carpets, furniture and everything else your dog comes in contact with. Where your dog rests and sleeps be–comes a primary habitat for eggs and developing fleas. Treat your home with products that kill adult fleas plus flea eggs and flea larvae, breaking the flea life cycle. Should you find a widespread infestation, use a home fogger to alleviate the problem. • Don’t forget your yard. The final step in a complete pest management system is taking care of your yard, a place where fleas, ticks and mosquitoes can be prevalent. Ticks find their hosts by climbing on grass, shrubs and other outposts. To fully protect your dog, be sure to use products such as Hartz UltraGuard Yard Spray to eliminate multiple types of pests outside your home. For over 85 years, Hartz Mountain has provided products to keep pets healthy. An Ask The Vet section on its site can answer pet-related questions. For more information, visit www.hartzultraguard.com. Pesky tick bites and fleabites can expose dogs to a number of parasite-borne diseases. Helping Your Pet Get Ready For The Road Stop Feline Urinary Tract Problems With a Clean Litter Box (NEWSUSA) Urinary tract problems are a common affliction among cats. Regular litter box cleaning is an important step in keeping this painful condition in check. “Cleanliness is one key to avoiding cat urinary tract problems,” says veterinarian Melissa Brookshire. “Urinary tract obstructions, evidenced by straining without producing any urine, are emergency situations that require immediate veterinary attention. Once diagnosed and treated, steps for prevention should become routine. Having a fresh, clean litter box can go a long way in preventing this affliction.” Check out the following advice for hassle-free cat care and litter box help: 1. Keep the Box Clean. A big part of keeping the litter box clean is scooping clumps and solids frequently. This keeps the box fresh and increases the likelihood your cat will use it. 2. Clean Up Accidents. Clean up any “accidents” outside the litter box quickly using an enzymatic cleaner. These cleaners eliminate any scent that may encourage your cat to “use” that spot again. 3. Use Multiple Boxes. Remember that multiple-cat households need multiple litter boxes. Place the boxes in different parts of the house or on different floors. Older cats especially need access to litter boxes on every floor. 4. Make Box Access Easy. It’s best to keep the box away from any noisy or high-traffic areas. The more accessible and comfortable the litter box is for your cat, the more likely it will be used. 5. Keep Food and Litter Box Separate. Don’t place your cat’s food next to their litter box. Doing so may confuse your cat on the litter box’s purpose, or may result in unsanitary eating conditions. 6.Use the Correct Litter for Your Cat. Choosing the right litter can help make it easier to maintain a safe and sanitary environment. World’s Best Cat Litter eliminates the hassle from litter box cleanup because it’s the only litter that harnesses naturally absorbent whole-kernel corn to deliver outstanding odor control, quick clumping, easy scooping and longlasting performance. It’s safe for cats of all ages. For more information, visit www.worldsbestcatlitter.com. Home Alone Dogs: Put a Stop to the Chewed-Up Couch (NEWSUSA) Pet owners love being greeted at the door by their furry companions -- but coming home to see the sofa in chunks on the floor amid the smiling jowls of our pet isn't the welcome we hope for. "We all love spending time with our dogs, but we need to leave them at home alone sometimes," says certified dog trainer, Laura Roach, from the nationally trusted pet care franchise Camp Bow Wow. "Nobody wants to come home to chewed-up shoes or ripped furniture. A tired dog is a good dog, so it's important to give them exercise and socialization." Ensuring your pooch is well-behaved while you're gone is an important piece of dog training, but that doesn't mean they should remain cooped up all day. Dogs need exercise, and if they're holed up indoors for too long, they can develop behavioral or health issues or leave a messy accident behind for you to clean up. As Roach noted, an over abundance of both energy and boredom usually explains why some dogs go nuts when left alone. See what professional dog trainers recommend to curb chewing antics. 1. Drop your dog off at doggy day care several days a week. Services like those at Camp Bow Wow provide over 100 convenient locations across the country, where your pup can play and socialize all day while you are at work. 2. Hire a pet sitter to take Fido for a 30- minute walk at least twice a week. Most pet care facilities offer an at-home component. For example, Camp Bow Wow has certified Home Buddies care givers to get your dog out of the house for a well-deserved break. 3. Purchase some interactive dog toys to keep your pet busy while you're gone. Interactive toys are puzzles that challenge your dog's mind and make them more likely to rest when they are done playing. 4. Keep your pet stimulated. When dogs are mentally exhausted, they don't have time to think about getting into trouble. In addition to buying toys that are designed to be challenging, pet owners can take obedience or agility classes. Hire a Behavior Buddies Trainer to come to your home to give you tips on how to wear your dog out mentally and ensure your home is "dog proof." Curious what Fido can do to a living room when left home alone without exercise or attention? Play the interactive Facebook game "Bad to the Bone" at www.facebook.com/campbowwow. While on Camp Bow Wow's Facebook page, you can also vote for the finalists from their nationwide search for the worst-behaved dog. Dogs will be matched in a weekly interactive face-off contest where the winner will receive a Camp Bow Wow gift certificate. Learn more about various services from the brand you trust at www.campbowwow.com. (NAPS)—Investing a little time and effort before you leave can pay big dividends when traveling with your pet. Here are some tips that can help keep you and your pet on the road to happiness: • If traveling by car, the experts at the ASPCA recommend using a well-ventilated crate or carrier. Make sure it’s large enough for your pet to move around in. It can help if you let your pet get used to the carrier before you leave. • Pack a travel bag for your pet. Include a bowl, food, water, leash, plastic bags and grooming supplies. Additionally, remember your pet’s favorite toy or pillow. • If your pet still shows signs of travel anxiety, you’ll be glad to know there are natural remedies that can help. Veterinarian recommended and 100 percent natural, Rescue Remedy Pet is designed to help address a wide range of pet problems including anxious be–haviors from travel or change in routine, fear of loud noises, barking or scratching. You can find Rescue Remedy Pet at Whole Foods and anywhere natural products are sold. Visit www.rescueremedy.com/pets to learn more. Understanding Your Pet’s Immune System (NEWSUSA) Some pets find traveling a stressful experience. Fortunately, there are ways to reduce their anxiety. In my practice, I’ve always used probiotics in general as animals need probiotics just like humans. Adding beneficial bacteria to a pet’s diet helps the digestive system combat intestinal parasites and improves digestive function. The gastrointestinal tract is such an important foundation to pets’ immune systems because the gut is an entry point for pathogens. If you’re using probiotics, the immune system is supported and strengthened See your local veterinarian if your pet begins to display any symptoms. to fight infection quickly mange, including the problematic demodectic and aggressively. Probiotics also help stop the mange. Some animals have genetically inherited immune weaknesses that allow mange- immune system from over-reacting and creating inflammation. inducing mites to overgrow. Dogs can inherit One common issue for pets is ear infection. the mites from their parents. You will know I’ve observed that whether we used conventional or alternative treatments, adding a pro- the mites are out of control if mange becomes a problem. biotic product for immune system support Probiotics help immensely by supporting shortens the length and reduces the severity the immune system in mounting an appropriate response to the mange mites. Traditional of the infection. I usually see a better outcome by adding Del-Immune V treatments for mange can include strong (www.delimmune.com) to treatment, and generally don’t need to do additional treatments, antibiotics and dips in toxic medicines. But many dogs, if provided a good diet and Delas is common with ear infections. Immune V, can get over it on their own — Another common issue with pets is skin unless the infection is too severe. Most dogs problems, including mange. I have found that survive with veterinary intervention, but if skin problems improve quickly with a probiotic product, like Del-Immune V. I use it for severe enough, mange can be fatal. immune system support with all types of TheHeartOf Massachusetts.com
Friday, November 2, 2012 • THE EXPRESS • 3 PETS 5 Simple Ways Anyone Can Support Animal Shelters (NEWSUSA) It’s staggering to think that each year an estimated 5-7 million companion animals find their way into the care of animal shelters across the United States. Despite the best efforts of thousands of shelter workers, keeping up with the care of abandoned animals is a daunting task for even the most well-funded rescue organizations. While you may not be able to donate tons of money or time, supporting animal shelters with small contributions can make a huge difference. Here are some simple ways you can help. 1. Lend Your Expertise Shelters often have limited funds to hire individuals capable of setting up websites, writing articles for newsletters, taking pictures of available pets, landscaping the grounds or providing legal advice. Consider your skill set and how you could be a valuable resource for your local shelter. 2. Get Social Shelter animals come from diverse backgrounds, and socializing them can be key in making them more attractive candidates for adoption. Animal rescue organizations often need volunteers willing to dedicate a little time to playing with a cat or teaching a dog to sit. 3. Foster a Pet Since overcrowding in animal shelters is a constant challenge, many rescue organizations look for foster homes that may help socialize and prepare certain pets for adoption. Contact your local shelter and see if you qualify. 4. Turn Your Trash into Treasure Animal shelters go through lots of food bowls and towels each year. While your old blankets and dinnerware might seem ready for a trip to the dump, they could be put to good use. Think before you toss them, because your trash could be treasure to a pet in need. 5. Click Away Want to help shelters acquire the essentials without dipping into your wallet? Major pet brands are harnessing the power of the Internet to help pet lovers support animal shelters without spending a dime. A recent GiveLitter campaign saw more than 60,000 voters visiting www.givelitter.com to donate 100,000 pounds of World’s Best Cat Litter to shelters across the country. Pet Owners Beware: Pests Are Poised for Attack If you’re unsure of where to find a credible, licensed pest control expert, use the locator tool at www.pestworld.org. (NEWSUSA) Pets, like humans, have been anxiously waiting for warm weather to play outdoors and enjoy nature. However, pet owners should prepare for a pest battle unlike in previous years as hungry ticks, fleas and mosquitoes await their prey — of the two- or four-legged kind. Pet owners should take special care to protect their pets from ticks, fleas and mosquitoes this season, says Missy Henriksen, vice president of public affairs for the National Pest Management Association (NPMA). "Always inspect animals’ coats thoroughly after they spend time outdoors. Due to several factors, such as the low acorn crop in 2011, the biting trio are out in full force this year, and they may bring their not-so friendly diseases with them. Cats and dogs are susceptible to heartworm transmitted by mosquitoes, which can lead to lung and heart disease. Most pet owners know ticks are carriers of Lyme disease, but pet owners must also familiarize themselves with Rocky Mountain spotted fever and tick paralysis. The latter usually occurs when a tick attaches too closely to a dog’s spine, causing respiratory problems and, in severe cases, death. Fleas aren’t any safer as their saliva can transfer anemia, dermatitis and tapeworms. Fleas are known for their quick breeding capabilities, and a handful on your pet can quickly turn into hundreds in your home if left unchecked,; explains Henriksen. Their small size and mobility make it impossible to detect them on surfaces such as carpets and linens. Protect the health of your beloved pets and your family by trusting some key pest prevention tips from the NPMA: * Avoid walking through tall grass or thick, low-growing vegetation with your pets. * Bathe pets regularly to detect pests and get rid of them. If you have a longhaired animal, brush their fur to keep track of any pest activity. *Vacuum and wash pet bedding and toys often, especially if you notice or suspect fleas. * Pay attention to excessive scratching, licking or nibbling behavior in your pets. *Talk to your veterinarian about options to protect your animals, like heartworm or anti-flea and -tick medicines. * If you discover a pest problem, contact a local pest professional immediately to determine if the pest problem has occurred as a result of an infestation in and around your home. Josh Duhamel Gives A “High-Five” For Adopted Pets Josh Duhamel plays with Lucky, an adopted dog. Josh is working in partnership with PetSmart (NAPS) Approximately half of the pets that end up in shelters in North America are euthanized before they find a home. That adds up to about 11,000 pets each day—or about 4 million pets this year—that will lose their lives even though the majority are healthy and adoptable. While these figures might seem staggering, ending pet homelessness is an achievable goal. Everyone can be part of the solution and it starts with adopting your next pet. Many Americans believe adop–t–ed pets are some of the best companion animals, yet there are many misconceptions about adoption that need to be overcome. PetSmart Charities has teamed up with leading actor Josh Duhamel to launch the High-Five for Pet Adoption campaign in an effort to educate the public about these misconceptions. Duhamel has been a pet adoption advocate since he adopted Meatloaf, a companion for Zoe, his 7-year-old dachshund. Though he’s passed away, Meatloaf left an indelible mark on Duhamel—that adopted pets are so grateful for the love you have to give them— and he’s committed to raising awareness about the joy that adopted pets bring to our lives. With Duhamel, the High-Five for Pet Adoption campaign celebrates the 5 million pets that have been saved through PetSmart Charities adoption centers in Pet–Smart stores, while raising awareness about adoption in an effort to save millions more pets. Duhamel urges others to take action by: • Donating to organizations that rely on public support to run shelters and programs that save pets. Text PETS to 80888 through August 6 or visit www.petsmart charities.org to donate $5 and help PetSmart Charities reach its goal of raising $250,000 to help save 10,000 homeless pets. • Adopting a pet when you’re ready to add a four-legged companion to your family. • Sharing your story with others about how your adopted pet has brought joy to your life. One of the biggest barriers to adoption is the belief that “you never know what breed you’re going to get,” yet in the U.S., an average of 20 percent of all adoptable pets are purebred. No matter what type of pet you choose to adopt, consider these four things: 1. Space. Some breeds spend lots of time sleeping, while others need more room to run and explore. 2. Time. The need for training, attention, play and outings can vary depending on breed type. 3. Kids. If you have children, know the pet’s temperament be?fore you adopt. Most shelters will offer a pet’s history, including temperament, when it’s available. 4. Coat. Some breeds must be professionally groomed to stay healthy and almost all dogs and cats, whether long- or short-haired, shed. How much hair are you ready to handle? More tips, adoption stories and access to a list of local adoption agencies is available on www.pet smartcharities.org. Shelters everywhere are looking for help, so see which simple act can make you feel good while doing good! Keep these handy tips in mind as Pet Adoption Month draws near. How to Turn a Bad-to-the-Bone Dog Into an Obedient Pooch (NEWSUSA) Is your dog bad to the bone? Does your sweet Jack Russel guard all doors from intruders — friends and family included? Or is it your Boxer puppy that won’t stop shredding socks and underwear? Some of the cutest pooches have the worst manners. Whether you’re at work or just in another room, their mischievous play may lead to anything from home repairs to staggering vet bills. Pooches and owners alike can relate to this common problem, and getting the magical, behavioral transformation you’ve always fantasized about is closer than you think — premier pet care authority Camp Bow Wow is holding a contest, Bad to The Bone: Camp Bow Wow’s Worst Behaved Dog Contest, to discover North America’s most ill-mannered dog. The winning pooch will receive a full year of free services ($3,000 value) at a local Camp or Home Buddies (an in-home care service offered by Camp Bow Wow) of their choice. Most importantly, the winning dog will also receive free dog training to correct those bad habits. If you are a frustrated pet owner who doesn’t have time to wait to win this contest, here are five dog-training tips straight from the Behavior Buddies experts at Camp Bow Wow to get you started: 1. Proper exercise is key! A majority of behavior issues stem from a lack of proper exercise. At least one 30-minute walk per day is sufficient for most dogs. Playing in the backyard or in the house does not count as exercise. 2. Buy a dog backpack for walks. This allows your dog to have a job and adds weight with objects like water bottles or hand weights so the dog expends more energy. 3. Challenge your dog with brain puzzles. A mentally tired dog will not spend time thinking about how to get in the garbage or waste breath yipping at neighbors. 4. Take a training class. Getting your dog to respect you is critical to having your dog listen to you. 5. Send your dog to Camp Bow Wow or hire a Home Buddies Care Giver to take Fido on a walk. A tired dog is a good dog! If your beloved Fido is still opening cabinets and devouring furniture, enter him or her in Camp Bow Wow’s contest. Participants can enter on Facebook, www.facebook.com/CampBowWow, with an incriminating picture or video and a story explaining your dog’s disobedient behavior. Voting is also handled via Facebook — the contest runs through May 18. For more information, visit www.campbowwow.com. See the full list of entry rules online, as well as a location finder for the nearest Camp Bow Wow or Home Buddies near you. 25,000 Unique Visitors Every Week! TheHeartOfMassachusetts.com
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November 02, 2012 - Southbridge Evening News

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