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  • Best Dental Chews for Dogs

    Best Dental Chews for Dogs

    When it comes to dental health, it can be difficult to get your dog to sit still long enough for a proper teeth cleaning. However, there are tons of great options for dental chews for dogs! These are great, because dogs love chewing, and they help clean their teeth!

    Your dog’s dental health is important, but it isn’t always easy getting him to sit still long enough to brush his teeth on a regular basis. Dental treats that are meant to help with the brushing process can make a big difference. They help remove plaque and freshen your dog’s breath. They also make her happy as she sees them as just another treat to be enjoyed.

    Best Dental Chews for Dogs

    MilkBone

    Dogs love the taste of MilkBone brand chews. These chews have nubs and a twisted design, so it makes them great for cleaning teeth. Thanks to the easy-to-grip design, dogs can really gnaw on MilkBone chews. This ensures that they clean crevices and hard-to-reach parts of their mouth!

    MilkBone chews are also loaded with calcium. That means that not only will they help your dog clean their mouth, but also stay healthy! There’s nothing better than making sure your dog is happy and healthy with a mouth full of clean teeth!

    Oravet

    Oravet chews are well-known for their unique bacteria-barrier properties. These chews release an ingredient that bonds to your dog’s teeth, developing a bacteria-resistant barrier. The chews have what is described as a mild, vanilla flavor.

    Oravet chews are also good at cleaning plaque and tartar from your dog’s teeth! Their design makes them ideal for getting the hard-to-clean gunk off of your pup’s teeth! It’s recommended that you give your dog one of these chews daily to see the best results.

    Dentastix

    Dentastix are a favorite dental chew due to their unique shape and flavor that dogs love. They sport a chicken flavor that encourages tons of chewing, meaning they really help to clean your dog’s teeth. Additionally, they come in a variety of sizes for all types of dogs!

    Dentastix aren’t for dogs under 15 pounds, though Pedigree does make a puppy version. Dogs of all sizes love Dentastix for their flavor, so make sure you pick the right one for your dog! Additionally, dog owners love Dentastix for their shape. Their unique X-shaped design has ridges that help to really clean dogs’ teeth. However, the chews are soft enough that they won’t hurt when chewed on by over-excited dogs!

    Greenies

    Greenies dog treats come in three flavors, original, chicken and parsley, and cheese. This is a variety that is sure to please nearly any dog. The cleaning action works on both teeth and gums and it also freshens breath. These treats are made with natural ingredients that are highly soluble, making them easy to digest. Added vitamins and minerals make them even healthier for your dog. One treat a day will keep your pet’s teeth free of plaque buildup that can result in tooth and gum problems.

    Whimzees
    Whimzees dog dental chews are made from six natural ingredients and contain no artificial colors or flavors. They are GMO, gluten, and grain-free, making them some of the healthiest on the market. The variety of shapes make them a fun treat for your dog. They are even designed with a “paw pad” to help your dog hold them more comfortably. They chewy texture creates a brushing action that helps keep teeth and gums healthy when given daily.
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  • Discount Pet Medication: Best Places to Save Big

    Discount Pet Medication: Best Places to Save Big

    When it comes to your pets, you want only the best. If your pet is sick, you want to make sure you’re getting the best quality medicine to help them get better.

    However, medicine can be prohibitively expensive. If you want to make sure you can afford the best for your pet, you might need to pick up their medications with a discount.

    What are the best ways to save on pet meds, though? Today we’re walking you through some of the best ways to save money on your pet’s medications.

    Discount Pet Medications

    Shopping Online

    It can often be much more affordable to shop for your pet’s medicine online, as opposed to vet’s offices. Vet’s offices, while important in animal health, are often unable to match the prices found on wholesale sites. They often have to include more markups in their medication, making it difficult for them to match online prices.

    Online prices, however, aren’t everything. When you shop online, make sure you’re shopping through wholesale sites to get your discounts. If you’re buying medicine from disreputable vendors or from shady, overseas sellers, you might find you’re getting sub-par medicine for your pet.

    What to Look For

    The last thing you need is to support a shady vendor. When you’re looking for the best deal on pet medication, make sure the site is reputable. You’ll want to only buy medication from VIPPS-approved sites that require prescriptions. It can be a pain to make sure you always have a prescription for medication, but it ensures the site is trustworthy.

    You’ll also want to make sure that the site is verified and secure. Some disreputable discount pet med sites are actually elaborate scams and have no intention of sending you real medication. Even those that do could be selling your information to identity thieves.

    Non-Prescription

    Even with non-prescription medication, you need to be careful. If a deal is too good to be true, it is. When you receive medicine in the mail, check the sell-by date to make sure you’re not giving your pet outdated medicine.

    Likewise, make sure any medication you buy online hasn’t been tampered with. Keeping your animal happy, healthy and safe is your first priority, so accidentally harming them is something you need to avoid.

    Remember, when in doubt, go through reputable sites, even if it means spending a bit more money. There’s no reason to let harm come to your pet just to save a few bucks.


  • How to Keep Dogs Flea-Free

    How to Keep Dogs Flea-Free

    It’s nearly time for Spring, which means that all types of insects are waking from their months-long slumber. Most evil and devious among them is the flea, which dog owners of all kinds know and despise. Today, we’re going over some of the best ways to keep your pup flea-free and happy.

    Keeping Dogs Flea-Free

    Flea Collar

    Your first consideration in keeping the itchy little bugs off of your dog should be a flea collar. Flea collars come in various types, but the preferred ones come from respected brands like Soresto. These collars make your dog seem very unappealing to fleas, as they put off a smell that confuses and poisons the bugs.

    Remember, flea collars only do their job if your dog has one before the fleas try to jump on them. If your dog already has fleas, you’ll need to treat them as well as getting a flea collar.

    Pills

    There are pills your dog can take that help with fleas as well. These are given to your dog with their food and make them unappealing to fleas, much like a flea collar. Talk to your vet about which option you’d prefer. Some dogs can’t stand collars, while others won’t wake pills. It just depends on your dog’s preferences.

    Carpets

    If your home has carpets, these could be breeding grounds for fleas you’ve carried in on your shoes. Make sure you thoroughly clean and shampoo your carpets to kill any fleas hiding in there! Focus on rooms that don’t get a lot of foot traffic. Fleas love quiet, still rooms. Don’t let their eggs hatch in your house and terrorize your pet!

    Consider getting hardwood floors installed if you’ve got pets and want to cut down on fleas. Fleas can technically live beneath the board of hardwood, though it’s much more difficult for them to thrive in such a scenario.

    Treating for Fleas

    If your dog already has fleas, you can give them a flea bath. Flea baths come with medicine that not only kills fleas but also makes your dog smell terrible to fleas. Such a bath is usually available at any groomer’s shop, and will run you between $20 and $50 on average.

    For fleas in the home, consider using carpet shampoo or spreading diatomaceous earth, or D. earth. D. earth is a compound that is deadly to fleas, cutting up their exoskeletons and causing them to lose all moisture from their bodies. Food-grade D. earth is available on Amazon for a relatively inexpensive price, and works wonders at killing fleas.

  • Natural Heartworm Treatments that Could Save your Dog’s Life

    Natural Heartworm Treatments that Could Save your Dog’s Life

    Heartworms can be very dangerous for dogs of all sizes and ages. Depending on the stage of heartworms in your dog, the symptoms could vary. In the case of severe heartworm infection, your dog could be displaying a cough, intolerance to exercise, and even weight loss. If your dog has been tested positive for heartworms but has no symptoms, then they are likely still early in the infection.

    No matter what stage your dog is at, there are steps you can take to help them. In addition to the treatments your vet suggests, you can try some of these natural heartworm treatments. In conjunction with traditional treatment, these could even save your dog’s life.

    Natural Heartworm Treatments

    Homeopathic Remedy

    While homeopathic remedies have hit-and-miss results in helping dogs with heartworms, they’re generally quite safe and worth trying. Many suggest using combinations of the following homeopathic treatments in conjunction, using them twice a day and over the course of a few months.

    The remedies suggested to be used in concert are Croton tiglium, Lycopersicum, Tanacetum, Allium cepa and Allium sativum. These are suggested to be mixed together and given to your dog orally via a dropper. Two or three drops twice a day is the suggested dosage.

    While giving these remedies to your dog, it’s recommended you consult your vet and have your dog regularly treated to see if they still have heartworms. In the event that they don’t take to this treatment, consider other remedies.

    In Older Dogs

    If your dog is older, or quite sick, it could be advised to also use Crataegus, or hawthorn, herbal tincture. This herbal tincture has properties that help the metabolism and strengthen the heart. This can be used in conjunction with the above homeopathic remedy, helping your dog’s organs during the progress of the remedy.

    Conventional Treatment

    The reason many owners opt for natural remedies for heartworms is that the conventional remedy can cause organ damage in some dogs. Older dogs, especially, can have a lot of stress put on their heart by such procedures. However, no treatment is without side effects or risks, and heartworms can be life-threatening for your dog.

    When you’re considering how to treat heartworms, make sure you consult your vet. It’s very important that you take the disease seriously and take any steps necessary to protect your dog. Depending on the stage the heartworms are at, it could be better to opt for conventional treatment due to the amount of time your dog might have left to be treated.

  • Does Your Dog Have Heartworms?

    Does Your Dog Have Heartworms?

    Many dog owners fear the possibility that their dog could have heartworms. Heartworms are a dangerous parasite that can be transferred to dogs via mosquito bites. The worms enter the dog’s bloodstream through the mosquito’s bite as microscopic eggs that grow into large worms that live in the heart of the host dog. Dogs with large amounts of heartworms inside their bodies develop symptoms including weight loss, lethargy and persistent cough. Does your dog have heartworms? And, if it does, how are you going to treat them?

    How to Treat Heartworms: Conventional or Natural?

    Conventional

    Normal procedures used to kill heartworms are often dangerous for dogs. That’s because the active ingredients used in killing the worms can cause organ damage in dogs. This is on top of the damage already done to the dog’s organs by the worms themselves. Further, once the worms die, they usually flow into the dog’s lungs. This can cause even more complications, such as blood clots, blocked airways and even more organ damage.

    The main ingredient in the procedure that kill heartworms has an ingredient called immiticide which is injected over two or three doses, though many vets prefer the three-dose version. This is because the adult worms dying in large groups can cause more damage than them dying in smaller groups. The three-dose treatment occurs over three months.

    Dogs undergoing treatment need to be kept indoors and need to be kept from strenuous activity that could increase heart rate. The risk of an embolism is lessened if the dog is kept from getting an increased heart rate, though this is somewhat difficult for some dog owners.

    While undergoing treatment, dogs should be kept indoors for a month and any physical activity that will increase the heart rate must be strictly avoided. The reason for this is to minimize the above risk of circulatory embolism.

    Ivermectin is often used in dogs who have minor cases of heartworms. That’s because it’s able to kill baby heartworms while also weakening and sterilizing existing heartworms. This prevents new infections from forming and allows your dog to naturally outlive the heartworm infection they have.

    Natural Treatments

    Some dog owners swear by natural treatments for heartworms. One such natural treatment includes the herb black walnut used in conjunction with various homeopathic remedies. These types of remedies tend to be mixed together and given to a dog once or twice a month.

    Another such natural treatment is milk thistle seed and dandelion tea. These types of treatments are often recommended for people who are using conventional treatments for their dogs, too! While the natural treatments have mixed results, some dog owners have reported them as working very well.

    Keep in mind, if you’re thinking about giving your dog natural treatment for heartworms, that you need to keep your vet in the loop. Make sure you have your dog checked up monthly for heartworms and see how your natural treatment is progressing. If your natural treatments aren’t having any effect, don’t hesitate to ask your vet about more conventional treatments.

    Prevention

    It’s actually not hard to help your dog keep from ever getting heartworms in the first place. All you need to do is be aware of some easy ways to prevent them from being infected at all. There are preventative medicines, like Heartgard Plus, that dog owners can use to keep the worms from being able to take root in the dog’s heart. This medication is given orally and must be given to the dog throughout their lifespan.

    Remember: if the area you live in has mosquitos, your dog is at risk for heartworms. You need to take immediate steps to make sure that your dogs don’t have worms. If they do, you need to start treatment right away. If they don’t, you need to get them on a prevention medication right away. Sadly, this is a reality for dogs who live in areas like the American South or other areas where mosquitos are common.

    What Happens if You Don’t Treat Heartworms

    If you don’t treat heartworms, your dog will deteriorate in health over time. As the worms grow and multiply, it becomes harder and harder for them to pump blood to their organs. This results in lasting organ damage that will make them slower, more lethargic and less healthy. As the infection worsens, your dog will eventually pass away from organ failure. Don’t let your dog suffer this fate: begin taking steps today to keep them safe from heartworms. They depend on you to take care of them, so don’t let you down!

  • Best Cars for Dog Lovers

    Best Cars for Dog Lovers

    Dog lovers are all united in one thing: they need a good car for carting their dog around. If you can’t get your pup to the park easily then why bother buying a car? In all seriousness, it can be hard to find the best cars for dog lovers. What constitutes a good car for carrying the dog in? What kind of features are you looking for? Well, today we’re digging in to that question to help you find the right ride for you and your dog.

    Best Cars for Dog Lovers

    What Does Your Dog Want?

    There are a few things that make a car great for a dog. The first and most obvious is that it needs to be easy for them to get in and out of. If the car sits too high it might be difficult for your dog to climb in and could even result in injury if they hop out. A related consideration is ample room for the dog to move around, but not so much that they get tossed about by the movement of the vehicle.

    Another aspect you’re going to want to keep in mind is that your dog wants to be comfortable. If you think about what you like in a car, it’s what your dog wants, too! Fresh air, temperature control and the like are all great aspects of a car for a dog. This means that tinted windows to keep the sunlight from heating up the back of the vehicle are a great choice!

    Your other consideration should be whether the back of the vehicle is easy to clean. If there are a lot of nooks and crannies where dirt, fur and toys can get lost then maybe it’s not the best car for you. You’ll also want a vehicle with seats that lay down flat. If there are a lot of spaces where your dog could trip or lose their toys then you should opt for a different vehicle.

    With that being said, let’s look at some of the best cars for dog lovers.

    Kia Soul

    The Kia Soul is a great vehicle for dog owners. The car sits low to the ground, meaning it’s easy for your dog to get in and out safely. The back of the vehicle also has loads of cargo space, meaning you can carry your dog and lots of their toys and things. In fact, the rear floor opens up to allow for more storage for things you don’t want the dog getting into.

    If you’re carrying food, dog toys and the like then you can store them in the under-floor storage. This is a great vehicle for dog lovers since the boxy profile allows for dog crates to be installed easily. A notable aspect of this car is that the seat upholstery is rather resistant to pet fur and is quite easy to clean.

    Subaru Outback

    The ads for this car feature dogs getting in and out of it. Case closed, everyone, this is THE dog car, article over.

    Wait, you want more than that? Alright, sorry.

    The Subaru Outback is a sizable and comfortable SUV that is great for any dog lover. The vehicle comes standard with four-wheel drive, meaning it’s a great choice for going on off-road adventures. Much like the Kia Soul, it has cloth seats that repel dog fur and make it easy to clean.

    Also like the Kia Soul, the Subaru Outback is a low-sitting vehicle that is easy for your dog to get in and out of. This is great, as it keeps your dog safe while also keeping them from struggling to get in and out of the vehicle.

    The Outback also sports a range of safety features that help you to keep your dog safe, too. If your dog runs behind the car, for instance, the vehicle will automatically stop with EyeSight safety features.

    Honda CR-V

    Honda makes a mean vehicle for both dogs and people, but today we’re talking about dogs. This great SUV has more than just the Honda name slapped on it: it’s a Honda in terms of reliability and features, too. Tons of cargo space, easy-to-clean seats and low clearance all make this a textbook “dog car.”

    The best thing about the CR-V is that it’s rather affordable, too. The CR-V starts at $24,250, making it a very affordable pick for dog lovers. The reliability and gas mileage certainly don’t hurt the vehicle’s prospects when you’re selecting your next car!

  • How to Keep your Dog Calm During Fireworks

    How to Keep your Dog Calm During Fireworks

    If you live in a state where commercial fireworks are legal, and you have dogs, this is probably your least favorite time of year. Fireworks are bad for the environment, of course, and terrible for wildlife. Not to mention, they cause most domestic pets to panic and potentially cause harm to themselves or others. Here are a few quick tips to help sooth your pets while the fireworks are going off.

    Masking Sounds of Fireworks

    One great method to help your pup feel calmer during fireworks shows is to mask the sound. Turn up the TV or crank up the tunes, hop on the couch and snuggle with your buddy. Give them tons of treats and affection and try to just keep their mind off the explosions outside.

    If your dog isn’t big on cuddling on the couch, or doesn’t like loud music, there’s another version of this technique. Go into a bedroom with lots of soft, sound-absorbing things like pillows and blankets. Grab a huge box fan and crank it up. This will provide a ton of loud white noise. Then, get in the floor and play with your dog and keep them distracted from the otherwise-distressing noise.

    Comforting Pressure

    Some dogs can’t handle loud sounds at all, so masking it is not an option. For dogs like that, pressure is the best way to keep them calm. Not a lot, mind you, just enough to be reassuring. For a smaller dog, wrap them in a blanket and just sooth them the way you normally would.

    For a larger dog who you can’t hold tight in a blanket, you’ll have to get a bit more creative. Such a dog will need a special compression vest or suit, several of which are available online or in pet stores. Find one that’s the right size for your dog and slip them into it before the fireworks start.

    I sincerely hope these suggestions help you and your dog. With luck, no one’s pup will run away or hurt themselves this year. Until then, have a safe and happy 4th of July.