Flea and tick sprays and products are used all the time by pet owners. There are times when pets have bad reactions to these products. There were some incidents reported  where pets died  as a result of flea and tick product usage. The EPA  advises that you speak with your vet about using flea and tick products effectively and   responsibly.  Make sure that you follow the directions carefully and monitor your pet for any bad reaction, especially if you are using the product for the first time.  Keep the packaging of the products that you are using in case side effects occur. You will need  the contact information of the manufacturer.

If side effects do occur, contact your veterinarian immediately.  You can also contact the National Animal Poison Control Center at 1-888-426-4435.

To report any problems with flea and tick products, contact  the National Pesticide Information Center at 1-800-858-7378.

Personally, I do not use flea and tick products on my cats at this time.  If there is a time when I suspect that they may have fleas or ticks, I will seek the advice of my vet before buying any particular product.

There are some common signs of digestive problems in dogs. They are usually gas, bloating and diarrhea.  If your dog has more than three bowel movements in a day, you may want to withhold food for twenty four hours.  There are simple causes to lots of digestive problems. Food changes can cause some digestive problems. If you switch to a new food, do it gradually for a week or so to get your dog used to the new ingredients.  Some dogs have food sensitivities. Some dogs have trouble digesting foods like corn, wheat products or soy. If this is the case, switch to a rice based diet. Parasites will cause digestive problems. There are several types of internal worms that can cause diarrhea and gas in dogs. Follow the proper deworming guidelines.  If you give your dog table scraps, digestive problems can occur. Do not give your dog spicy, salty or heavily processed table scraps. If the problem persists, see your vet who may prescribe pet medication that can help.

Cats are the only animals that purr. What does this sound mean and why do they do it? Contrary to popular belief, purring isn’t speaking.  The purr comes from two membrane folds that are called false vocal cords. These are situated in the larynx behind the  actual vocal cords. Cats purr 26 cycles per second. Cats can purr whether they are inhaling or exhaling and they purr keeping their mouth completely closed.  Some scientists believe that purring is produced by blood in a large vein in the chest cavity that vibrates by air in the windpipe.  Kittens are born blind and deaf but the purring by the mother is a physical signal that the kittens can feel. This is comforting to them.  It also acts as a homing device, signaling them to nurse.  Kittens begin purring by about one week old.  This is a signal to their mother that they are getting milk and are content.

Contrary to popular belief, cats don’t purr purely for pleasure.  A deep purr can indicate that a cat is in pain or distress. Female cats will purr when they are in labor.  Cats may also purr in fear or anxiety. They will also purr in anticipation of being fed or being stroked.  Another interesting fact, according to scientists, cars will never purr if they are alone.  You will hear them purring while they are lying nice and cozy in their cat bed.

Feral cats are the ones that survive outdoors. They are continually hunting and looking for food. These cats may seem like they need a good home. Cat we ever really tame a feral cat? My older cat Mollie came from a family of feral cats that lived in the swamps behind my apartment complex. I found her when she was only 5 weeks old.  She lived her whole life indoors in a comfortable, loving home. If you have other pets, how will this feral cat get along with them?  First, lets talk about the taming part. Animal behavior experts say that some feral cats can adapt to domestic life.  Prepare yourself for some touch and go moments and maybe even some disappointment.  Chances are, you missed that early socialization period.  The first weeks of a kittens life are the ones where they learn to deal with others, including humans. On the other hand however, a feral cat may just adapt better with the pets in your home.  It’s life in the wild has taught it the survival value of cooperation. So give it a try. In a few weeks, you may see your new playing with his cat toys and enjoying his life indoors!

Sometimes instead of fostering a child,foster parents choose to foster an animal. These foster parents take in shelter dog and cats that are ill, not socialized or not yet weaned and turn them into healthy, loving, adoptable pets.  By providing temporary homes, foster parents enable shelters to take in more animals than they would otherwise have room for.  So if you have the time, space and love to share with a foster pet, contact your local shelter or rescue group. If your application is approved,  you’ll attend training sessions to learn how to socialize, house train and maybe even bottle feed your foster pet. The hardest part of fostering is giving up your foster pet. After you buy the cat bed or dog crate, they are hard to let go of but you are doing a wonderful service by providing shelter and care for a sheltered pet!

As your dog ages, many predictable changes will occur. His metabolism will slow down and his energy level will decrease. He may spend more time in his crate sleeping. He will also gain weight so you may want to adjust his diet to one that has more fiber but less fat and fewer calories. His heart, lung and organs may function less efficiently and may become more vulnerable to disease. He may also develop arthritis and seem a little more stiff.  Pet medication such as anti-inflamatories  can do wonders for the pain.  If you keep a close eye on your dog and take him for regular visits to the vet,  chances are he will ease into a happy and healthy old age.

Many people acquire puppies at a very young age for one reason or another. Keep in mind that it is very important that your puppy is between 6 and 8 weeks old before it is separated from it’s mother. There are many reasons for this. If you are getting your pup from a good breeder, they will not give up the pups before this age. Today the age is 8 weeks. Puppies eyes and ears open after about three weeks. They begin to test solid foods after about 4 or 5 weeks, but a puppy is not really completely weaned at only 5 or even 6 weeks old. A extra couple of weeks with it’s mother and brothers and sisters can make a big difference overall. New puppies should have at least one set of shots before going home with you. Usually shots start at 6 weeks, then 9 weeks and finally 12 weeks.  The first rabies booster is given at 16 weeks. There are times that puppies that are rescued are placed before 8 weeks of age. If this is the case , get specific feeding and caring instructions from your vet.  Before you get the crate, Dog carrier etc. make sure that the pup is old enough to go home. Just some tips for you and your new pup!

I have two cats. My older cat, Mollie never liked to play with cat toys such as those that dangle on a string or little ones that make noise.  My younger cat Millie, is a very active and at 9:00pm every night she sits by her toys and meows. I have to play with her for about 45 minutes.  She loves to chase her toys on a string.

Some cats prefer toys that mimic the sounds, textures of movements of prey. I think my cat, Millie thinks that the moving toy is a bird. Cat toys that are on the market are designed to squeak, move, twitter or swing. There are many to choose from. Some cats prefer leather or fur. My cat loves feathers. She goes through them so fast that I am constantly buying her new ones. Some cats like to chase toys that roll.  If your cat lives indoors, he needs  exercise so make sure that you make some time each day to play with him.

My older cat Mollie never liked to play. When I try to play with her, she grunts and runs away. She’s a funny one.  She will rather snuggle next to me while I’m watching TV. In fact, she’s lying  next to me as I’m typing this. I better hurry up or she will get mad and shut my computer down!

Dogs that need the most exercise are breeds that were developed to work long hours for a living such as herding dogs and bird dogs.  Among these hard working types are Border Collies. Labrador Retrievers, German Short hair Pointers, Jack Russell Terriers and Dalmatians. They are all frisky, inquisitive and always ready to go. They practically jump into their dog leashes. High energy dogs will match up best with high energy people. Owners that are willing to seek out activities that are challenging to their high energy friends. Theses dogs need consistent training, firm discipline and lots of exercise.  So if you are not a high energy person, then choose a dog at the opposite end of the energy spectrum.