by | Oct 8, 2015 | Pets |
Our pets rely on us for food, shelter, and more importantly, safety. That’s why we should be on top of anything that ails them. Jordan Walker, the lead content curator of Coops and Cages, shares what heartworms are and how they can be detected.
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Heartworms are parasitic roundworms that are spread through mosquito bites. Although generally referred to as dog heartworms, they can also afflict other animals like cats, foxes, wolves, and coyotes. In rare instances, they are also found in humans.
As an owner, can you bear the thought of your beloved pet wasting away because of a parasite in its heart? If not, better follow these measures that would help you detect the presence of heartworms in their body.
Unnatural Exhaustion
There are very limited signs of heartworm infection. Until the larvae grow and mature inside the host’s heart, practically no tell-tale signs can be found. One of the early signs of heartworm infection is unnatural fatigue. That is, if your pet used to be able to maintain a very active lifestyle but can’t now, you may want to have them checked by a vet.
Coughing and Vomiting
The longer the heartworms stay in the heart and lung chambers of the victim, the higher the risk of his vital organs getting damaged. Coughing and vomiting are typical symptoms brought about by heartworm infection. When these symptoms are combined with fatigue, there’s all the more reason to have your pet checked.
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Abnormal Lung Sounds
Severe heartworm disease also begets this symptom. If you notice that your pet is producing unusual lung sounds, he needs to be attended by a vet immediately.
Antigen Test
This blood test is administered by veterinarians and is effective in detecting heartworms that are at least five months old. By examining the dog’s bloodstream for proteins called antigens, the vet can verify if there are indeed heartworms. This is because such proteins are released by adult female heartworms in the pet’s bloodstream. However, same reason makes it impossible for the test to detect immature heartworms, because only when these female heartworms become adults that they are able to release this substance.
Microfilaria Test
Another type of test that can be used for parasite detection is the microfilaria test. Yet another product of adult heartworms, microfilaria’s presence indicates that heartworms are thriving and have begun mating inside its host. It usually takes six to seven months for heartworm larva to fully grow into adults.
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Make it as a rule to always schedule regular sessions with your vet. While nothing may be wrong, it won’t hurt to have the experts take a look at your pet every now and then. Also, going to the vet often also has numerous other benefits.
Parasites are detrimental to a pet’s health. We should protect our pets if we want them to live long and to the fullest. In return, they’ll reward us with their loyalty and companionship.
Image Sources: [1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6] [7]
Author: Jordan Walker
Jordan is the lead content curator for Coops and Cages as well as a couple of other pet-related blogs. His passion for animals is paired with his love for “attempting” to play the guitar. If you would like to catch more of him, you can visit his Google+ or Twitter accounts.
by | Jun 30, 2015 | Pets, Travels |
When we think of summer, we think of holidays. But they rarely include our dogs. Instead, we leave them in the kennels as they wait patiently for our return. This is unfair, but unfortunately dogs are not suited for airplanes or hotel rooms. But, do you have to go on holiday to enjoy the summer? Can’t you enjoy it at home with your pet instead? You certainly can. Here are just a few ways you can enjoy the sun with man’s best friend.
Gio and Vinny
A Trip To The Beach
If you have a beach nearby, you can always go and enjoy the sun closer to home. You can take your dog with you and let him run off on the sands into the distance. He will love dipping in and out of the cool water, and it is also quite fun to see them swim over the waves. Although you should be careful how far in your throw it or you may find yourself on a rescue mission. Also, do not forget to check the temperature of the sand before you let your dog loose. If it is too hot on the back of your hand, it is too hot on his paws. If the weather is hot, enough you can join him for a swim, and it does not have to be the beach. You can take your dog anywhere for a quick paddle.
Hillwalking
Rather than just walking your dog around town, why not take him on a trip into the countryside? You should always try to be adventurous and take more challenging routes. As long as you pack well you can journey as far as you like. We do recommend you get a light for his collar though because mist can fall quickly on mountains. Before you go, check the rules of the area where you are walking your dog. You may not be able to let him off his lead in certain areas. You could consider making it more than a day trip. Take your dog camping and enjoy the outside world together. But do remember to check your dog for bugs and bites when you get back. You can stop this problem before it occurs with a good flea treatment. A flea spray is easy to use and acts as a strike on fleas before they set up home on your pet.
A Good Play
Dogs love a good mess around, but admit it, so do you. You love throwing the ball just as much as he loves catching it. You can treat both yourself and your dog by shopping for some new toys to play with this summer. You could buy a big ball that floats so that it is easy for him to find when he is playing in the water.
Bird Watching
Once you have had a walk or play with your dog, you can settle down and relax. You could take up birdwatching because dogs can be trained to sit outside quietly with their owners, watching the wildlife. Or, you can watch from the window. Dogs can learn to love this quiet and peaceful activity just as much as humans do.
We hope you find these ideas helpful and love having your dog at your side this summer.
by | May 18, 2015 | Pets |
For most people, having to deal with a high amount of stress each day is a normal thing, but still very damaging to their health. The best way to reduce the amount of stress you have in your life is by getting a pet. There are a number of pets out there, but none is more loving and loyal than a dog. By having a dog, you will be able to care for them and take your mind off of the stress you have in the process. Over time, you may notice your pet is becoming a bit unruly and will need to have training to get them calmed down. The following are a few tips on finding the right dog training in Ottawa.
Photo courtesy of AWESOMEK9.COM
What Are Your Goals
The first thing you have to consider when trying to find the right trainer is what your main goal is. The more you are able to find out about what you want in these training sessions, the easier it will be to choose the right one. Make sure you speak with each of the trainers in your area to find out what they can offer you and whether or not it is what you need. By taking the time to do this, you will be able to make your decision much easier.
Getting Some Information on the Trainer’s Background
The next step you need to take when trying to find the right dog trainer is to do some research on the one’s in your area. You want to make sure you are able to find out as much as you can about the trainers so you can make the right decision. The time and energy you put into find the right information on the trainers in your area is needed to make the right decision.
Photo courtesy of AWESOMEK9.COM
How Long Are the Courses and How Much Do They Cost?
Another very important thing you have to consider when trying to find the right trainer is how long the courses will last. Once you have this information, you will need to find out about how much these classes with cost you. The more you are able to find out about what each of the trainers can offer you, the better equipped you will be to choose the right one. Make sure you weigh all of the options you have before you make the decision on which trainer to use.
If you are in need of a great trainer for your dog, then be sure to call on the team at Awesome K9. They have the knowledge needed to get your dog in good shape in no time. Call them or visit awesomek9.com for more information.
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by | May 3, 2015 | Pets |
The summer is nearly here people! I’m sure you have lots of exciting events lined up with all your family and friends. But when you come to planning your summer activities don’t forget to factor in the most fun and most summer lovin’ thing in your life; your pooch! Dogs adore the summer just as much as we do. They love the warm weather, the fresh air, the beautiful smells and all the interesting sights of nature.
Do you want to spend lots of time with your bestest furry friend this summer? Take a look at some of the fun things I am planning to do with my dogs and please feel free to contribute or take any ideas!
Gio
1) A day at the beach. We must all agree that going to the beach is an essential activity for every summer? What makes this occasion SO much more fun is when you go with your dog. They just love the big open space to run around in, the chance to splash around in the water and it’s like one big digging pit for them! Remember to take along a stick and ball to heighten the fun and plenty of water and an umbrella to keep them hydrated and cool.
2) Go camping. Take the fine weather as an opportunity to get down to nature on an exciting camping trip with family, friends, and your pooch. If you don’t love the outdoors as much as your dog does, you might like to look into “glamping” instead, where you can enjoy the wilderness in luxurious accommodation. As your dog will undoubtedly be keen to investigate your camping location thoroughly, do make sure they up to date with their worming treatment. You may need to pick some up now from http://www.wormers.co.uk/. Also be wary of your dog getting lost or trying to take logs of campfires.
3) Go on a photo shoot. Summer is the most beautiful backdrop for any photograph. So grab your camera and your pooch and head out to scope out some stunning photo opportunities. Of course, you’ll also want to take plenty of selfies of you with your furry companion.
4) Create an adventure course in your backyard. Dogs love running over, under and through obstacles, especially when they know they’ll get a treat and lots of praise for doing so! I am planning on spending a super fun day with my dogs in the garden. I’ll give them plenty of challenges like jumping through hoops, going through tunnels and finding hidden treats in the garden.
5) Get online. Everyone seems to be creating a Facebook or Twitter account for their pets these days. I will have to ask the boys if they feel left out, you may consider creating an account for them where I will post pictures and updates of all their summer adventures!
Vinny
I hope you are very excited about spending lots of time doing fun things with your pooch. Do get in touch if you have any more ideas! Thanks for stopping by!
by | Apr 29, 2015 | Pets |
Doggie
As you know if you read my blog regularly, I am a real dog lover. My dogs are a big part of me and my hubby’s life and we always do our very best for them.
My dogs Gio and Vinny are young and full of energy and it’s good to incorporate exercise everyday to increase bone strength.
No matter what age your dog may be, whether they are young or seasoned, with proper care they can have an enjoyable life.
One thing to think about is illness-preventative tips and doggies having a long happy fun-filled life.
One of the most common diseases in older dogs is osteoarthritis. This can be quite sore and painful and can restrict your dogs range of movement.
However, there are plenty of treatments for this condition that will allow your dog to live a happy, pain-free life.
Take your dog to the vet
If you think your dog is suffering from osteoarthritis but he has not yet been diagnosed; the first step is to do is make an appointment to see your vet.
To properly diagnose your dog, your vet may want to take radiographs to see how severe your dog’s condition is. If your dog is diagnosed with osteoarthritis, your vet may suggest starting them on an anti-inflammatory drug, like Metacam. This will help to ease the pain and reduce long-term discomfort, as well as a form of painkillers.
If your dog has been diagnosed with osteoarthritis, I feel for you, I really do. It must be incredibly difficult knowing a member of your family is in pain. To help you deal with your dogs condition, I have put together some simple tips below:
Do research
Of course, in most cases your vet does know best. However, vets are often hesitant to suggest trying anything non-medically tested, which is why doing research into your dog’s condition is vital.
As you research treatments for osteoarthritis in dogs, you will notice that there are many natural treatments you could try. One natural treatment option for osteoarthritis in pets is pure aloe vera gel. This is used by people with osteoarthritis, with some amazing results.
Keep your dog active
It might sound strange, seeing as your dog has a painful joint condition, but keeping him exercising is important. Keeping your dog’s muscles strong is important, as good muscle mass can help to make the condition less painful. Just like people who are dealing with arthritis are advised to exercise to keep the bones active.
Obviously, you don’t want to overdo it – running long distances and jumping should be avoided, but taking your dog for a walk or swim is ideal. Instead of taking your dog to the lake, why not book him into a local dog rehabilitation center for a swim? These rehabilitation pools are amazing for helping to keep your dog fit and healthy, without causing problems for the joints. Gently massaging you dog’s legs or back is another good tip that eases the muscles.
With the right care, a dog dealing with osteoarthritis can live a happy, healthy and most importantly, pain-free life.
by | Jun 30, 2014 | Fitness, Pets |
Hola Elegant Readers,
It’s a blistering 95 degrees in my neck of the woods. Thank the Lord for central air conditioning.
As I beat the heat by staying inside, I like to get my exercise on in full force.
I like to replicate the moves that I see my little Gio and Vinny do because I can benefit also.
Below are some suggestions that can increase your workout that are dog-inspired and fun.
I learned a few moves from Gio and Vinny (in the picture below).
Gio (0n the left) and Vinny (on the right)
I see them doing the downward dog and this picture I am doing the lift a leg. The leg lift works my hips and glutes and keeps it right and tight. The standing leg is also getting a good workout too.
Lifting leg move
One of my other favorite moves is running up and down the steps for resistance. Gio and Vinny will glide off the steps effortlessly and always get a good run in.
Running up steps
An important move from my doggies that I learn is that stretching is a must after finishing a workout. Stretching lengthens, elongates and helps prevents injury. Not a good idea to stretch on cold muscle.
Stretching my legs
Stretching correctly prepares you for your next workout and that’s why it’s so important. My fur babies are part of the family and it’s nice to know that when I am doing my exercises that some of the moves I get from them. Win Win!
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