Thursday, March 31, 2005

Canine and Feline Cancer

Cancer is responsible for more deaths in dogs than any other disease.Almost half of all pets that that are 10 years or older will succumb to cancer.

Preventing cancer or detecting it early are keys to keeping the disease at bay.

Spay or Neutering your dog or cat at an early age can reduce your pet's risk of developing tumours.

Keep light coloured pets away from too much sun.

Feed a healthy balanced diet and provide plenty of exercise.

What are some of the signs of cancer?

  • Swelling that persists or gets worse
  • Sores that do not heal
  • Loss of weight
  • Bleeding or discharge from any body opening
  • Offensive Body odor
  • Difficulty eating or swallowing
  • Lack of energy or stamina
  • Reluctance to exercise
  • Persistent Lamenss or stiffness.
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Difficulty urinating or defacating

The following treatments are available if you pet develops Cancer

  • Surgery
  • Chemotherapy
  • Radiation Therapy

Tuesday, March 29, 2005

Your Guide To Better Dog Care



Inadequate grooming does not maintain a healthy coat .A Daily and Weekly
grooming routine is essential.

Pets rely on us to help them maintain optimum health care

Lack of regular grooming results in skin problems, eye problems and ear problems

Mats that are allowed to form in the coat pull on the skin and inhibit air flow. This
creates a moisture imbalance. This condition allows for yeast, bacteria and
and fleas to make themselves at home in your dog’s fur.

Excessive hair growth in the ears causes yeast and bacteria. Many pet owners
do not include ear cleaning in their regular grooming routine. This can lead to costly
vet bills.

Hair allowed to grow around the eyes leads to conjunctivitis. And eventual blindness.

Brushing two or three times a week alleviates many of these problems.

Combing with a good Flea Comb combats flea problems.

In the summer months most long haired breeds benefit from a full body shave. This
procedure helps combat skin irritations such as Hot Spots

And finally every Good Dog deserves a doggie massage.

Friday, March 25, 2005

Pet Health Hazard's: Part 1

Flea and Tick Collars.

They release a toxic nerve gas that kill fleas.Therefore your dogs and cats breathe the fumes both day and night.The chemicals can even enter your pet's bloodstream through the skin.
Over time there can be brain and nerve damage and even cancer.

Insect Powders and Sprays.

Many of these products found at your local pet shop contain nerve affecting chemicals called carbamates.This chemical may cause muscular twitching ,slowed breathing ,a lower rate of hearbeat and sometimes death.

Pet Shampoos.
Many contain harsh chemicals and detergents

Cat Litter.
The dust from your cat's litter can get into your pets lungs.Causing asthma,bronchitis and even lung cancer.

Rawhide Chews.
Often manufacturered in third world countries where health standards are lower.These chews may contain insect eggs and also may have been processed with a high mercury content.It is possible that they also contain hydrogen peroxide,chromium and arsenic.Bacteria can also be present.

Wednesday, March 23, 2005

Pet Treats ! How to stop your pets weight gain.

Treats can be a hidden cause of your pets weight gain since you may not realize how many you are actually giving to your cat or dog each day .Don't forget that family members also are culprits for those extra pounds.

A study published in 2003 showed that 25% of dogs in the USA are overweight

The average 20 pound dog burns approximately 700 calories per day.

Based on this fact a few misplaced treats or leftovers from the table can go a long way in matching the said calories.

Helpful hints in the battle of the bulge

1. Resist the urge to feed table scraps they are high in calories and low in vitamins and nutrients also can lead to stomach discomfort and bowel problems.Not to mention you will have a pet that begs at the table.

2.Consider a treat that is specially formulated for your pet and will provide beneficial results.

a. Dental Treats that clean teeth

b.Treats with added vitamins and minerals and antitoxidants.

c.Arthritic Treats that help with pain management.

That being said there are some people foods that do make excellent healthy treats.

Cooked vegetables-green beans,carrots,peas-are great for both cats and dogs.Feed as a Treat or mix with their daily meals.

Some air popped popcorn or a bit of low fat rice cake are also good additions(no butter or salt).

For a high protein treat,cooked egg white ,a little cottage cheese or plain yogurt.

For an extra special treat I make frozen yogurt "ice cubes" for my pets.They stand in line!

And if all else fails we have a wonderful new all natural weight loss supplement from Pet Naturals.

It is called K-9 Carb Down, it is derived from a natural extract from the white kidney bean.

It has shown in canine trials to quickly reduce pounds and inches from your dogs waistline.

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