How to Recognize a Flea
Before proceeding to treatment, it is necessary to be sure that the bugs you see are really fleas. Effective riddance and control depends to a large extent on targeting the right action to the right insect. So, what do they look like?
Fleas are very small wingless bugs that look at the first sight like specks of dust. When adult, the insect is about 0.1 inches long and its color ranges from dark brown to black.
Though these insects cannot fly, they’re extremely good jumpers – they can jump up to 3.9 feet! It is over 100 times their body size! Due to this ability, they easily move from one host to another, and will also land on anything around your home, including you. That is the way infestations are spread.
There are more than 2.000 types of these pests and they are generally species specific: e.g. cat fleas won’t feed off of dogs and vice versa.

Flea bites can cause allergic reactions in both people and pets.

The bodies of the bugs are very flat and resilient to physical damage, that’s why they can withstand scratching or other hitting. You’ll have to use your fingernails to squash it if you manage to catch one. However, it’s not effective method of extermination at all.

Read more at PestKill.Com…

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Support your local animal organization simply by walking your dog! Use the app each time you grab for the leash. It’s healthy for you, your dog, and your favorite shelter or rescue.

Click “Get the App” at the top of the page, install the free Android or iPhone app, and start taking your Walk for a Dog every day. You can change the shelter or rescue you are walking for in the setup tab of the app for iPhone users, or in the settings menu for Android users. Be sure to encourage your selected animal organization to get the word out! The more people walking for a shelter or rescue, the more we can donate. Visit http://www.wooftrax.com/ or simply click the banner below.

All the best,

Grier

www.petfriendlysites.com

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Many dogs enjoy being petted on the the chest, shoulder and base of the tail.

How Petting a Dog Benefits the Pooch — And You

Touch between a human and a dog can have therapeutic benefits for both species. In humans, petting a dog can trigger the release of the bonding hormone oxytocin. Feeling that fur can also lower your heart rate and blood pressure.

Touch also serves to soothe a mildly upset or anxious canine.  However, be cautious: It has little impact — and may cause further anxiety — if your dog is overly stressed.

Dogs derive the most benefit by being caressed in the right places with a nonthreatening approach.

Where to Pet Your Pooch

In general, canines prefer being rubbed on the the chest, shoulder and base of the tail. Your dog may have additional special places where he likes to be stroked, such as on the base of his neck or between his ears.

There are also sensitive areas where your hands are less welcome: Touching his ears, paws, end of tail, top of head, muzzle or belly could upset your dog. Specific situations in which your dog must tolerate being handled in these places, like during nail clippings, will occur. But as a general rule, avoid petting such spots until you know what makes him comfortable.

Physical restraint, such as grabbing your dog’s collar or holding him in place can evoke fear. Your dog may perceive this type of touch as threatening, causing him to exhibit signs of aggression or attempt escape.

Petting as a Reward

Touch is a useful, but underutilized, way to encourage certain behaviors. Many owners offer verbal praise — “good boy!” — when their canine does something desirable. However, a recent study found that dogs actually prefer petting more than verbal affirmations, making it effective as an immediate reward for positive behaviors.

Petting can help maintain pleasant manners, such as calm greetings — give your dog a little rub when he keeps all four paws on the floor, rather than jumping up on your guests.

However, it is important to note that petting may not be sufficient in all situations. For instance, petting your pup for coming to you when called is a fine reward — while in your own backyard. In a more distracting situation, like the dog park, petting may not serve as an adequate reward. Your furry friend might disregard your call in favor of playing with the other pooches. Paying careful attention to your dog’s body language will allow you to understand what training rewards work best.

Petting An Unfamiliar Dog

Although you know your own dog’s preferences when it comes to touch, be cautious when petting a dog you have not previously met:  Not all dogs welcome a pat from a new human.

Thinking carefully about how you approach unknown dogs: Creating inviting body language encourages a dog to approach on his own terms. Turn your body sideways and avoid direct or prolonged eye contact. With more hesitant dogs, kneeling or sitting may be best. Never reach over the top of an unfamiliar dog to pet him; instead, reach in from the side.

When a strange dog approaches, slowly extended your hand to pet a neutral area, like his chest; if he backs up, turns away, cowers or stiffens, he does not want you to pet him. Keep in mind that a canine approaching is not necessarily an invitation to touch him — he may simply want to sniff you.

Upon first meeting, a new dog might roll over to greet you. But, do not be tempted to caress his belly. This submissive roll is often an appeasement gesture, and though you mean well, stroking a dog while he is in this vulnerable position could make him feel threatened or upset.

The speed and intensity with which you touch him may also affect a dog’s emotions. A slow touch, gentle pressure and rhythmic strokes in the direction of the dog’s fur is usually well received. Quick, shallow pats or approaching as if to wrestle-play can overly arouse a dog, or cause him to avoid you altogether.

If you are ever unclear whether or not a new dog is enjoying your interaction with him, pause your motions and watch the way he reacts: If he moves away, he’s likely had enough. If the pooch remains near you, he might want a little more loving.

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Grier

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Though no animal is truly allergen free, certain breeds and hybrids, such as Goldendoodles, Maltipoos and Shih Tzus, may be more tolerable to people with pet allergies.

Are There Really Hypoallergenic Dogs and Cats?
By Kim Campbell Thornton

Day after day, allergy-suffering animal lovers comb breed descriptions in search of their Holy Grail: a hypoallergenic dog or cat — one that doesn’t produce sniffling, sneezing, wheezing, itchy eyes, skin reactions or an asthma attack.

All Pets Produce Allergens

Though an Internet search will surface all kinds of animals said to be hypoallergenic — from hairless creatures to those with curly or wiry coats to animals with hair instead of fur and those who don’t shed heavily — the truth is that all animals produce allergens, says Dr. Oren P. Schaefer, an allergist at Mass Lung & Allergy in Worcester, Massachusetts. “The impression of a hypoallergenic pet is one that does not produce allergy, and that doesn’t exist,” he says in a sympathetic tone. “There are some animals that are less allergenic, but they all make the allergen that can cause trouble. It’s a matter of how much they make.”

Dogs, for instance, make six allergens, which are found in varying amounts in their dander (skin flakes), saliva and urine, explains William H. Miller, VMD, a dermatology specialist and professor of medicine at Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine in Ithaca, New York. “You can be very allergic to one dog and not another. This can be within the same breed or between breeds.”

But what about breeds created to be hypoallergenic, such as Labradoodles, Goldendoodles and other Poodle mixes? They were bred with the idea that the Poodle’s curly (and supposedly hypoallergenic) coat would diminish the likelihood that they would cause allergies. Like any other animal, however, they vary in the amount of dander and allergen they produce. Reputable breeders don’t guarantee their animals will be hypoallergenic.

How to Find a Pet Less Likely to Cause Problems

If you’re allergic but still want to add a pet to your family, these tips can help you find one that may be less likely to leave you sniffling, sneezing and wheezing.

• Do a test run. To find out if a particular breed or hybrid sends your allergies into overdrive, Dr. Miller recommends visiting someone who has only that breed in his or her home and see if your symptoms flare. “If they don’t, that doesn’t mean that breed is OK for you, but it increases the likelihood that you might be able to live in harmony with that [type of] dog,” he says.
• Look for certain features. Smaller animals and those that shed less tend to spread fewer allergens in their wake. But someone who is sensitive to a particular allergen may still react to it.
• Watch out for lickers. “If you’re allergic to dog saliva and the dog is a licker, you’re likely to have issues with him,” Dr. Miller says.
• Consider gender. If you have a mild allergy to cats but still want to adopt one, gender may be something to factor in when making your choice. Male cats, especially those who are not neutered, make more allergens than females.

Living With Pets If You Have Allergies

How allergy sufferers respond to allergens varies, but a few simple strategies can help ease the burden. Many people find that taking medications or getting allergy shots helps them better tolerate the presence of animals. Also smart: having your pet groomed frequently, either by a professional or someone in the household who doesn’t have allergies.

One caveat from Dr. Miller: If your pet allergies cause asthma attacks, which can be dangerous, you’re better off not trying to live with a dog or cat.

Breeds to Consider

Though it’s true that no animal is truly allergen free, there are breeds or hybrids that may be less likely to stir up sensitivities because of their type of coat or the amount of allergens they produce.

Dogs: Bedlington Terrier, Bichon Frise, Chinese Crested, Coton de Tulear, Goldendoodle, Irish Water Spaniel, Italian Greyhound, Labradoodle, Maltese, Maltipoo, Miniature Schnauzer, Toy or Miniature Poodle, Poochon, Portuguese Water Dog, Shih Tzu, Silky Terrier, Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier, Yorkshire Terrier, or a Toy or Miniature Xoloitzcuintli.

Cats: Balinese, Bengal, Cornish Rex, Devon Rex, Javanese, LaPerm, Oriental Shorthair, Russian Blue, Siberian and Sphynx.

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All the best,

Grier

www.petfriendlysites.com

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It was a pleasant Schip-Nic 2014 at a beautiful, albeit windy day at Ft De Soto Dog Beach picnic area. A fun time was had by all of the Schipperkes and their parents and buddies in Tampa Bay, FL.!  There was a delicious array of food, dog toys, jewelry, treats, and all kinds of fun, Schipperke themed items for the auction, etc.

Thanks to all who attended and especially those who produced this fun event Lisa and Sam Rodriguez and Leslie Sizemore Ferlita, et al.  Lisa tells us that about $1000 was raised for the Schipperke Rescue organization.

Link here: www.schipperkerescue.net 

Enjoy the photos.  And thanks again!

https://www.facebook.com/events/804679226233389/

Benefits: http://schipperkerescue.net/

All the best,

Grier

www.petfriendlysites.com

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by Grier Holliday for www.petfriendlysites.com

Many people take dietary supplements or vitamins. And increasingly, they’re likely to give them to their pets, too.

As many as a third of U.S. dogs and cats may receive vitamins or supplements. The most common are multivitamins, supplements to support arthritic joints, and fatty acids to reduce shedding and improve a coat’s shine, according to a 2006 study published in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association. Pet owners also may give probiotics to alleviate gastrointestinal problems or antioxidants to counteract the effects of aging, such as cognitive dysfunction.

With a growing population of aging, overweight dogs, the market for dog supplements is expected to increase 37% by 2012, reaching $1.7 billion, according to Packaged Facts, a market research firm.

Veterinary nutritionist Susan Wynn, DVM, sees many clients in her practice near Atlanta who give their dogs vitamins and nutritional supplements. “They come in with bags full sometimes,” she says.

But do dogs need those vitamins and supplements? And are they even safe? Experts say some work, others don’t, and some aren’t necessary and may even be harmful to dogs.

“Most people are doing it because they want to, not because it’s necessary,” says C.A. Tony Buffington, DVM, PhD, professor of veterinary clinical sciences at The Ohio State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital.

WebMD talked with experts for answers to frequently asked questions about dog vitamins and supplements.

Does my dog need vitamins?

Most dogs receive a complete and balanced diet – including necessary vitamins and minerals – from commercially processed dog food, according to the FDA. Dogs fed a homemade diet may need supplements. “It’s absolutely critical, but it should be done to match the diet,” Wynn says. “You can’t just create a meal and give your dog a vitamin.” Check with a veterinarian or nutritionist for help in determining what, if anything, is needed.

2. Is there any danger in giving my dog vitamins?

Possibly. If an animal already eats a balanced diet and receives excess portions of some vitamins and minerals, they could be harmful, according to the FDA and veterinarians.

Too much calcium can cause skeletal problems, especially in large-breed puppies; too much vitamin A can harm blood vessels and cause dehydration and joint pain. Excess vitamin D can prompt a dog to stop eating, harm bones, and cause muscles to atrophy.

Continue Reading WebMD article here

What I used to Cure MRSA in my Dogs

Thanks for liking and sharing.

Best,

Grier Holliday

www.petfriendlysites.com

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From companionship to stress relief, furry friends enhance quality of life as we age

Newtown Square, PA (PRWEB) October 21, 2014

Petplan, the exclusive provider of pet insurance for AARP members, explains why pet ownership is a major contributing factor to health and wellbeing for Americans 50 and over. Studies show that sharing your home with a furry friend can do everything from encouraging physical fitness to helping to decrease stress hormones – and that the effects of the human-animal bond are especially beneficial for older adults.

“Pet people have always known that four-legged friends make us feel better, but now we’re seeing science back up our belief. Studies have clearly shown that pets help encourage physical exercise and what’s more, they play a big part in facilitating social engagement for their owners,” says Dr. Jules Benson, Chief Veterinary Medical Officer at Petplan. “Something as simple as a neighbor stopping to pet a dog and striking up a conversation with its owner can have a measurable impact on an individual’s emotional fitness as well as help combat feelings of isolation and loneliness.”

So how exactly do canine and feline companions improve health for older adults? Here are a few of the benefits:

Exercise – it’s for the dogs (literally!)

• Dog owners spend an average of 1.4 hours per day outside roaming with Rover. Strutting with a mutt can lower the risk of heart disease by helping people achieve their recommended level of physical activity. 1
• Walking can deliver health perks even after the initial workout is over. An NIH study of adults ages 71-82 showed that those who walked regularly moved faster and were able to walk for longer time periods each week than those who didn’t exercise – plus, they had better mobility inside their homes than the non-walkers. 2

Sense of Purr-pose

• According to AARP, 51.6% (or 54 million) of Americans 50 and over are not in the labor force. Having a daily commitment like walking, feeding, grooming and caring for a pet can help provide structure to the day for those no longer working.
• Gerontologists have shown that pets can be helpful for orienting a person’s day when they are living alone. After all, it may be easy to ignore the growling of your own stomach, but when there’s a wet nose nudging you, it’s hard to forget mealtime! 3

Stress Relief

• In a study of elderly persons receiving home assistance, 74% reported that touching their pet made them feel better.1
• Another study found that people who own a pet have lower heart rates and blood pressure, whether at rest or when undergoing stressful tests. 2
• Pets make us laugh! A good giggle can enhance intake of oxygen-rich air, stimulate the heart, lungs and muscles, increase endorphins released by the brain, strengthen the immune system, boost energy and diminish pain. 4

“A wet nose and whiskers can be the greatest natural mood booster in the world” agrees Natasha Ashton, Co-Founder and Co-CEO of Petplan. “At 70 years old, my mother was feeling lonely and depressed, but was absolutely transformed after adopting a senior dog. Not only did her weight and blood pressure return to healthy levels from the increase in physical activity, but she seemed much happier and fully engaged in life again after Tilly wiggled her paws into her heart.”

Besides the companionship pets provide, it is clear that the paws-itive impact they have on Americans 50 and over has true scientific credence. To help adults of every age reap the physical and emotional benefits a furry friend can provide, Petplan has launched a special pet insurance offer for AARP members. Petplan hopes that by educating and spreading awareness of pet insurance among the group’s 38 million members, more people will feel confident in welcoming a furry friend – and all the purr-ks they provide – into their home and heart.

For more information about how AARP members can save 10% or more on Petplan pet insurance and receive a $35 Visa® Prepaid Card, a wellness benefit with their policy, please visit http://www.gopetplan.com/aarp or call 800.239.6870.

1. Petpartners.org
2. NIH.gov
3. USA Today
4. MayoClinic.org

ABOUT PETPLAN
Petplan is more than a pet insurance company. We’re dedicated to providing pet parents with the support, resources and tools they need to keep their pets not just surviving—but thriving—into their old age. Simply put, we aim to be the kind of company that will make our pets proud. For the second consecutive year, Petplan was listed among the top 50 companies on Forbes’ annual ranking of America’s Most Promising Companies – a list of 100 privately held, high-growth companies with bright futures. Petplan is the only pet insurance company to have been included on Inc. Magazine’s list of 500 fastest-growing, privately held companies in America.

Petplan’s fully customizable cat and dog insurance policies provide comprehensive coverage for all hereditary and chronic conditions for the life of the pet as standard. Petplan policies are underwritten by AGCS Marine Insurance Company in the U.S. and by Allianz Global Risks US Insurance Company in Canada. The Allianz Group was rated A+ by A.M. Best in 2014. For more information about Petplan pet insurance, visit http://www.gopetplan.com or call 1-866-467-3875.

ABOUT AARP
AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization, with a membership of nearly 38 million, that helps people turn their goals and dreams into real possibilities, strengthens communities and fights for the issues that matter most to families such as healthcare, employment and income security, retirement planning, affordable utilities and protection from financial abuse. We advocate for individuals in the marketplace by selecting products and services of high quality and value to carry the AARP name as well as help our members obtain discounts on a wide range of products, travel, and services. A trusted source for lifestyle tips, news and educational information, AARP produces AARP The Magazine, the world’s largest circulation magazine; AARP Bulletin; http://www.aarp.org; AARP TV & Radio; AARP Books; and AARP en Español, a Spanish-language website addressing the interests and needs of Hispanics. AARP does not endorse candidates for public office or make contributions to political campaigns or candidates. The AARP Foundation is an affiliated charity that provides security, protection, and empowerment to older persons in need with support from thousands of volunteers, donors, and sponsors. AARP has staffed offices in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Learn more at http://www.aarp.org.

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Pets Best hosts inaugural contest to recognize therapy dogs in the classroom

Kona was nominated by Karen King (left), a fifth grade teacher at Reed Intermediate School. Sandy Cornell (right), Kona’s owner and dog handler, received the award on her behalf.

Kona’s ability to sense what is needed and who needs it most is beyond my understanding.

BOISE, Idaho (PRWEB) October 21, 2014

Pets Best Insurance Services, LLC, a leading U.S. pet insurance agency based in Boise, Idaho, announced today a Newtown, Connecticut therapy dog has been selected as the winner of the agency’s first Books & Barks contest. Kona, a therapy dog who regularly visits the students of Reed Intermediate School, won the nationwide contest, which was created to recognize and bring awareness to the inspirational work of therapy dogs in classrooms and libraries across the nation.

In its first year, the Books & Barks contest brought in 9,004 votes cast by the community members of eight finalists from across the U.S. The public was able to vote by visiting the Pets Best website, http://www.petsbest.com, and the company’s Facebook page. As part of the contest, Pets Best awarded $1,000 to Reed Intermediate School and $500 to a pet therapy organization selected by Kona’s owner and handler.

“Pets Best created the Books & Barks contest in an effort to share the stories of therapy dogs that provide ongoing support and love for children in educational settings,” said Dr. Jack Stephens, founder of Pets Best. “Kona’s efforts with Newtown students encompass the meaningful impact that therapy dogs have on children every day. We look forward to hearing more stories about helpful therapy dogs as this contest continues for years to come.”

Sandy Cornell, Kona’s owner and handler, said the 3-year-old Boston terrier has been visiting Reed Intermediate School for more than a year. In 2012, Kona became a certified therapy dog through Therapy Dogs International. Kona received a total of 3,211 online votes during the Books & Barks contest.

“Strangers stop me now and say, ‘I voted for Kona. Thank you for doing what the two of you do.’ It is truly a fantastic feeling,” Cornell said. “Kona’s ability to sense what is needed and who needs it most is beyond my understanding. She is unflappable. While I might be fighting back tears, she is doing what she does best, comforting a child.”

Pets Best awarded Cornell with a $500 donation to any animal-related nonprofit of her choice. Cornell selected Charlotte’s Litter, a program promoting the use of therapy dogs, as the recipient of the donation. Charlotte’s Litter was developed by the parents of Charlotte Bacon, a student at Sandy Hook Elementary School who was tragically killed on Dec. 14, 2012. The program’s goal is to advocate for animal-assisted activities while creating programs that improve access to therapy dogs.

Kona was nominated by Karen King, a fifth-grade teacher at Reed Intermediate School in Newtown, Connecticut. Since 2013, therapy dogs have made weekly visits to the school, some coming from as far away as Boston and parts of New York. Following the successful nomination from Kim, Pets Best awarded her school with $1,000, which will be used to assist therapy dog handlers who frequently visit the school with their dogs.

“Reed Intermediate School plans to divide the $1,000 prize winnings into many different gift cards for the therapy dog handlers who visit the school weekly, at their expense,” King said. “This is our small way of giving back for all that they have given us.”

Pets Best debuted the Books & Barks contest in the summer of 2014, after seeing the positive effects of incorporating therapy dogs into classroom and library programs. The contest brought in more than 150 heartfelt, inspirational entries from all corners of the country. Pets Best plans to host the Books & Barks contest annually, with the next contest scheduled for spring 2015. Follow Pets Best on Facebook and Twitter to stay informed about important contest dates.

For more information about the Books & Barks contest, visit the Pets Best blog.

About Pets Best Insurance Services, LLC
Dr. Jack L. Stephens, founder and director of Pets Best, founded pet insurance in the U.S. in 1981 with a mission to end euthanasia when pet owners couldn’t afford veterinary treatment. Dr. Stephens went on to present the first U.S. pet insurance policy to famous television dog Lassie. Pets Best provides coverage for dogs and cats. Dr. Stephens leads the Pets Best team with his passion for quality pet care and his expert veterinary knowledge. He is always available to answer questions regarding veterinary medicine, pet health and pet insurance. The Pets Best team is a group of pet lovers who strive to deliver quality customer service and value. Visit http://www.petsbest.com for more information.

Pet insurance coverage offered and administered by Pets Best Insurance Services, LLC is underwritten by Independence American Insurance Company, a Delaware insurance company. Independence American Insurance Company is a member of The IHC Group, an organization of insurance carriers and marketing and administrative affiliates that has been providing life, health, disability, medical stop-loss and specialty insurance solutions to groups and individuals for over 30 years. For information on The IHC Group, visit: http://www.ihcgroup.com. Additional insurance services administered by Pets Best Insurance Services, LLC are underwritten by Prime Insurance Company. Some existing business is underwritten by Aetna Insurance Company of Connecticut. Each insurer has sole financial responsibility for its own products.

Pets Best is a proud member of the North America Pet Health Insurance Association (NAPHIA).

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Posted: Tuesday, October 14, 2014 7:00 pm / By Christopher Elliott / Special to The Washington Post | 0 comments

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