Spring is finally upon us, which means the days are getting longer, the grass is getting greener, and bugs are going to start making a comeback. Fleas and ticks are parasitic pests that can pose health risks to dogs, cats, and people. Thankfully, there are many effective methods of prevention in the battle against the bugs. Here's a look at some of the ways in which you can keep both your home and your pet parasite-free.
Fleas and ticks thrive in moist, warm climates and are often found in the dense, deciduous forests in the southern and eastern regions of the country. However, thanks to warming climate trends and urban development, tick populations are on the rise and migrating farther north and west. This means more pets - and their owners - are at risk for coming into contact with the creepy crawlies. While fleas can and do bite humans, they are more likely to affect your pet and infest the environment. Ticks, on the other hand, can carry a variety of diseases that can affect both pets and people, including Lyme disease and Bartonellosis. According to the CDC, tick, flea, and mosquito borne diseases have tripled in the past 10 years.
Whether you live in a low or high risk area, every pet faces possible exposure. Keep in mind that traveling with your pet also may increase the risk of exposure. So how do you protect your beloved pet and prevent an infestation in your home? Preventatives!
When used correctly, flea and tick preventatives and treatments are incredibly safe and beneficial to your pet. Because there are so many options, it is best to discuss products with your pet's veterinarian, or a knowledgeable sales associate, as they will be able to make appropriate recommendations based on your pet's lifestyle, environment, age, size, and breed. Once you've decided on the right product, you and your pet can get back to enjoying the spring - without the bugs.
]]>There are a variety of reasons why your dog might be having separation anxiety. Some of those reasons include:
These are some of the most common reasons why dogs experience separation anxiety. As an owner, it can be distressing to see your dog anxious and upset. The good news though, is that there are things that you can do to help.
There are also a variety of treatments for separation anxiety for anxious dogs. Some of those various types of treatments can include the following:
These tips can help your dog realize that when you are leaving things are still OK and that you will be coming back. He is not left, neglected, abused, or going to get punished when you leave. You will return and will continue to ensure that his/her needs get met.
Obedience schools can help your dog learn and understand your patterns, comings and goings, and the daily routine. Not only will the obedience classes help your dog settle into a routine, but they will also teach what behavior comes expected of them and what is inappropriate and will not get tolerated.
If you've tried everything else and your dog won't calm down, then you might consider talking to your vet. Your vet might be able to give anti-anxiety medications that you can give your dog to help them feel calmer when you are away. That should be the last resort, but if nothing else helps, a low dose of prescription medication may end up being less harmful than all of the anxiety every time you have to leave.
]]>What Climate Change Means
Climate change is more than just one hot day or an unusually strong storm, but long-term, consistent alterations of climate patterns – hotter summers, colder winters, more severe storms, more frequent floods, longer droughts, etc. – are indications of overall climate change. Those changes can be very stressful, uncomfortable, and even unhealthy for horses that are adapted to specific climate conditions. As the climate shifts, however, it is possible to make easy changes to help horses adjust.
Climate Change and Your Horses
As weather conditions change, horses can suffer from new situations. Fortunately, there are ways to make those changes less stressful for your horses.
While climate change is happening and its impact on horses is indisputable, it is still possible to keep horses healthy and comfortable no matter how the climate shifts. At the same time, take steps to reduce your carbon footprint and live as greenly as possible, reducing fossil fuel use and other pollution that contributes to climate change, and both you and your horses will adjust to the changing weather.
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