If you have pets, you know they're expensive. I have pets myself, and the combination of food, grooming, vet bills, and what have you -- it's through the roof! If you don't think you're spending a lot on your pets, sit down one month and really track everything you spend, from your regular dog food to the occasional treat or scratching post. You might find a surprise.
Continue reading "Owning Pets Without Going Broke" »
Not many people or pets come down with Rocky Mountain spotted fever, but it does happen more frequently than many believe. If you or your pet do contract the illness, you need to know what to expect and how the disease should be treated.
Continue reading "My Dog's Bout with Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever" »
While it's true that adopting a pet is a noble cause, it's not always everything it's cut out to be -- especially if you adopt from a less-than reputable organization. While it's true that most humane organizations have the animals' best interests in mind, not all do. Before you adopt from anyone, make sure you keep an eye out for the following red flags.
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Pet odor isn't a pleasant topic. It's even less pleasant if you have to live with it. There are, in fact, people who refuse to live with pets because they're afraid the odor will create an unpleasant atmosphere. Must you remain petless if you want a clean-smelling home? Absolutely not. Here are some pet odor tips that will keep your home smelling as fresh as non-pet households.
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Heartworm is a common canine parasite in the United States, and they are prevalent anywhere that mosquitoes are found (which is almost everywhere). Prevention is relatively inexpensive and very effective, but treating a dog once it has been infected can be very costly and presents the opportunity for life-threatening complications and long-term health problems. If you have a dog, here are some things you need to know about heartworm and heartworm medication.
Continue reading "Love Your Dog's Heart: Keep Him Up-To-Date On His Heartworm Medication" »
Fleas and ticks are not just major problems for your pets, but for you and your family as well. Fleas cause severe itching and scratching in pets and humans alike. They are usually pretty harmless, but still can cause damage such as sleepless nights and constant scratching - not to mention the horrendous challenge of getting rid of them. Ticks can be very dangerous. They've been known to spread Lyme disease and other nasty problems. How do you protect yourself?
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Dog Food Resources Every Dog Owner Should Check Out
If you own a dog, you might assume that any old dog food will do. Unfortunately, this isn't the case and the wrong dog food can take years of the life of your pooch. I've written articles in the past about the importance of premium dog foods, but I've never given resources as to where you can research which foods are the best. That's about to change. If you have a dog, you have to check out these sites. It'll tell you which foods are good for your dog (and which ones might kill him).
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Fifi and Fido are part of the family, right? So shouldn't you have pet insurance for your furry friend just like you would have health insurance for any other member of your family? Not necessarily. Before you run out and buy a pet insurance policy, there are some things you need to consider.
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Those of us who have canine companions often turn to dog boarding to meet our pets' needs when we must travel. The problem is, many pet owners assume that all boarding facilities are on the up and up. They don't understand that just because a dog boarding kennel has its license and is in business, it doesn't mean it's a good place to leave your dog. Before your next trip, make sure you know these fundamental dog boarding tips.
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I recently found myself buying a puppy. How? My wife's mother asked her what she wanted for her birthday. This year, it was a Brussels Griffon (don't even ask). So while my wife's parents agreed to foot the bill (thank God) we were left with the actual responsibility of finding and buying the puppy. And that, my friends, is when I got my eye-opening education on the world of pet stores vs. breeders vs. Animal Shelters. Wondering which one is best? Even if you think you know this one, the answer might surprise you.
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Okay, I'll be the first to admit that this is a very unpleasant topic. However, as any cat owner knows, cat pee can quickly become a serious problem no matter how clean you try to keep your house. You can clean your litter boxes ten times a day and if the cats decide to use your carpet instead of the box, you're going to smell it (as will anyone who walks in your home) and getting rid of that odor can be a nightmare. Don't replace your carpet just yet. These tips will help you get rid of that cat pee once and for all.
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Most pet owners don't think twice about taking their dogs and cats in for annual rabies shots and a barrage of other yearly vaccines. And that's the problem -- they don't think twice, they just assume it's necessary. Unfortunately, many times, it's not. While vaccines are important, vets often overdo it and pet owners are wasting millions each year because of it.
Continue reading "Does Your Pet Really Need Its Rabies Shots?" »
When you take in a pet, you make a commitment to care for that pet to the best of your abilities. That means giving it proper food, shelter, medical care, etc. There are, however, vast differences between the different levels veterinary care, shelter and pet food. Just as there is a difference between a dog house with a chain and a pet bed next to the fireplace in the family room, there are huge differences between the pet foods on the market. If you want to make sure you're not shortening the life of your pet, you need to understand the differences.
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If you’re considering buying a new pet, there are some tips you might want to take into consideration. It’s certainly great to get a pet at a shelter, but don’t do this if your only reason is to save money. Buying a new pet is a big commitment, so make sure you do your research thoroughly.
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You may love your pet like you would a child. In fact, many pets are viewed more like a member of the family than an animal companion. What would you do if your pet were to suddenly suffer from a serious illness or injury? Would you be able to afford the veterinary bills associated with such a tragedy? Believe it or not, pet insurance may be the solution.
Continue reading "Is Pet Insurance Really a Good Idea?" »