Can Dogs Smell Sickness Like Cancer?

Dogs are the most adorable and faithful companion of humans. No matter if there will be none with you, but your four-legged friend will always be beside you even in the darkest of night. Sniffers by nature, dogs are more than curious to explore the world and surroundings with their nose. It’s no big secret that dogs have an excellent sense of smell, certainly much better than our human noses. In the era where technology has emerged to an ultimate level, we still have this simple kind animal with incredible powers that can dwarf a machine’s ability.

A dog can be a simple companion for us but the evolving troubles have adopted dogs for more than just their friendship. Let’s know how.

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Much More Than A Pet

An experimental Biology Meeting was organized from April-6 to April-9, 2019 at Orlando, Fl. Junqueira was all prepared to present the research at the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology annual meeting, one of the events that took place in the Experimental Biology Meeting.

Dogs possess 10,000 times more accurate smell receptors than humans that make them highly sensitive to odors that we can’t perceive. According to the latest study, dogs can use their highly evolved sense of smell to pick out blood samples from people with cancer with almost 97% accuracy.

How a dog’s nose functions?

The human nose works as a respiratory and scent detective device. Unlike humans, a dog’s nose separates those two functions. On part of their nose is dedicated to respiration while another part is taken to regions just to scent. A dog can continuously smell while it breathes and exhales. If this isn’t enough sniffing power, a dog has a secondary smelling organ called Jacobson’s organ.

Junquiera’s Study

Healthier Junquiera, the lead researcher at the BioScentDx, performed a study. Junquiera along with her colleagues used a form of clicker training to teach four beagles (a short-haired black and brown dog with long ears and short legs) to distinguish between normal blood serum and samples from patients with pernicious lung cancer, according to Science Daily. Although one beagle was unmotivated to perform, the other three dogs correctly identified lung cancer samples 96.7% of the time and normal samples 97.5% of the time. Moreover, Junquiera said that “Although there is currently no cure to cancer, early detection offers the best hope of survival”.

Junquiera also mentioned that this research paves the way for further research along with two paths, both of which could lead to new cancer detection tools. “One is using canine scent detection as a screening method for cancers, and the other would be to determine the biologic compounds the dogs detect and then design cancer-screening tests based on those compounds”.

As a result, BioScentDx plans to use canine scent detection to develop a non-invasive method of screening for cancer and other diseases. Moreover, BioScentDx isn’t the only lab that offers scent based on cancer detection. But, Junquiera warns consumers to do their research before making the choice, saying other companies may lack the science and data to support their claims.

 

Top Reasons Why Meditating With Your Cat is Beneficial

From the hectic work schedule to the household chores, your life is aligned with the hush-hush of responsibilities. People crave to find their solace in the chaos of life. Hence, there is a traditionally trusted technique called meditation that helps to detach from the knots of a stereotyped and stressful life. Meditation is a great way to calm the storms within you. The more deeply and regularly you meditate, the sooner you will find yourself acting from a center of inner peace.

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Meditation has a great influence on your cat’s well-being as it has on you. Hence, considering the significant influences on you and your pet, it is highly beneficial to have a mutual meditation practice. In addition to feeling more relaxed, meditating with your cat also serves you with many other benefits.

Here are the benefits you and your cat will enjoy during shared meditation practice.

Read More: Complications That Overweight Dogs Have

Ignites Mindfulness

Cats are uncontrollable creatures. They like to do whatever they want to, but when you sit to meditate, you can notice your cat also sitting beside or curling up in your lap. Cats are the masters of focus and one can surely witness that when they meditate. Though cats may get distracted for a moment, they do possess a great ability to regain their focus. Thus, your cat can teach a lesson of mindfulness and bring the lighthearted mood to sessions.

Degrades Stress

Whether there is a stress of meeting your work targets, the stress of fulfilling your family expectations or the stress of coping with everyday life problems, meditating with your cat works as a great stress buster. All you need to do is put away the stress-ball and squeeze on to your furry ball. Having your cat around while meditating, keeps you in a haze of happiness. Your brain generates the happy chemicals called oxytocin and prolactin that reduce stress and adds up feel-good factor.

Intensifies Safety & Trust

When you meditate, you naturally calm yourself down and your energy center opens and realigns. That energy is much more than the physical body as it takes you to gain a level of calmness also in your mind and soul. It creates an environment where you and your pet can communicate or achieve a powerful level of peace. You and your furry companion will feel more grounded by following this meditation practice. Moreover, this practice will invoke a sense of security in your cat and will also strengthen the trust in your relationship.

Uplifts Your Daily Routine

That cute creature in your house can be a cure for many of your health problems. No matter how hectic your routine may be but your cat’s habit to live a structured life will be an ultimate motivation for meditation. Pet parents are likely to be healthier; moreover, meditating with their pet keeps them lively. Following a session of meditation, every morning is a great way to boost your energy levels and kick start your day with an uplifted mood.

Read More: Social Benefits of Summer Dog Walks

Strengthens Communication

Meditation increases the synchronization and efficiency of your nervous and cardiovascular systems. Therefore, when you meditate with your cat in silence, it creates an aura of synergy. Your cat can feel the message of your heart at the vibrational level. Another way to connect with your cat is to place your hand on the chest area and feel their breath. Then, as long as you are comfortable, try to match your breathing pattern to theirs. This will strengthen the bridge of communication between you and your pet.

Helps To Get Outside

Animals are instinctively aligned with the rhythms of nature. They generally do not prefer to stay indoors all day long. No matter what, they will always be ready to go out with you. They might even drag you outdoors in the fresh air to meditate early in the morning if you deny following their daily routine. Escaping from indoors actually changes your mind and makes you more focused. So, having

an animal that always needs a daily dose of outdoor meditation will constantly encourage you to step There may be many interesting ways to spend time with your cat but meditating together is one of the most meaningful things you can do. It is very beneficial to meditate in the green grass and fresh air with your pet but you need to pay heed on the dangers of fleas and ticks that are ever ready to haunt your cat. Thus, to protect your cat from flea and tick infestation, you can use preventatives like Frontline Plus, Advantage for cats, etc. these products are easy to administer and have a great efficacy against parasitic infestations.

Read More: FAQs on Worm Infections in Dogs

Natural Ways of Getting Rid of Fleas

There are a plethora of pet products that get rid of fleas, but due to some reason, a few pet parents are skeptical about using such products. Perhaps the reason could that these products contain chemicals or maybe because these products can emit certain side effects. Whatever may be the reason; we totally understand these pet parents. Thus, there ought to be an alternative for this; which is, getting rid of fleas the natural way. Eliminating fleas naturally is as good as using chemical products minus the side effects and hefty costs.

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 Getting Rid of Fleas the Natural Way

Keeping the above in mind and helping you curb your expenses; the following natural ways of getting rid of fleas can be opted.

  • Nothing Like A Good Old Bath – Whether you prefer flea products or natural remedies to treat fleas, giving your pet a bath is a must. Infect, it is a necessity. Bathing your pet at least once a week helps keep his fur in top shape and also washes away fleas that cling onto the fur (that’s if your buddy has fleas, of course). Though baths don’t normally get rid of 100% fleas, they are pretty effective.
  • Brush Fur Using A Flea Comb – Another natural way of brushing fleas away is to use a flea comb. These teethed combs help in the removal of fleas from the pet’s body. Furthermore, flea combs work better after bathing your pal because the wet fur helps in fleas dropping off easily. Moreover, flea combs should be used at least three to four times at once for better results.
  • Apple Cider Vinegar Rinse – After bathing your pal, an apple cider vinegar rinse is something pet parents can opt for. Apple Cider Vinegar balances your pet’s pH and that’s something fleas loathe. So, rinsing your pet with Apple Cider Vinegar after its bath can help flea fleas away.

Here’s how you can make the Apple Cider Vinegar rinse:

  • Mix 4 ounces of warm water with 6 ounces of apple cider vinegar.
  • Add ¼ tsp of sea salt and shake the contents thoroughly.
  • Spray the liquid all over your pal’s fur, excluding the eyes.
  • Add ½ tsp (per 25lbs) of this solution to your buddy’s meal every day.

While getting rid of fleas in your pet is important, taking measures to keep your house environment clean is equally important too. Ensure that you vacuum thoroughly and do whatever it takes to keep your home flea-free. This will go a long way in preventing flea re-infestations in your buddy and at the same time, protect you as well.

Simple Home Tips to Ensure a Healthy Life for Your Dog

To lead a good and disease-free life, it is important to stay fit and healthy. Being fit and healthy is by no means a simple task. Dog parents these days know the importance of making their munchkins fit and healthy. In order to prolong their buddy’s lifespan and keep numerous diseases away, being fit and healthy is very essential. Therefore, as dog parents, it is our sole responsibility to help our furry buddies stay healthy and fit. Keeping that in mind, we have prepared a list of things one must follow for the betterment of their canine’s lives.

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Provide Clean Drinking Water & Food Bowls

It goes without saying but providing clean drinking water to your pal is the first and most basic step towards keeping your buddy healthy. At least twice a day you should change your furry friend’s water bowl, no matter what. And not to forget, the food bowls in which you give him to eat should be cleaned before and after every use.

Everyday Exercising Is Essential

Exercising is a must, not only for you but also for your four-legged friend. Going for daily walks is a great way to burn out those extra calories. Even running is an option you can opt for. Running also helps to strengthen your pal’s joints and helps improve overall health. Other exercising methods like playing fetch with your Fido can be implemented too.

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Proper Balanced Diet Is Pivotal

Health concerns largely arise due to improper feeding habits. Therefore, to keep your buddy fit and healthy, it is important to feed him the correct diet. For that, it is best advised to consult a vet. The vet will help you pick the right diet for your pal, provided you feed him with valuable information such as:

  • The type of food (wet or dry food) preferred by your dog.
  • Allergic reactions to any particular ingredient.
  • Any other information related to his (your dog) feeding habits.

Grooming On a Regular Basis

Maintaining cleanliness from outside goes a long way in keeping the body clean from inside. Thus, grooming is essential and must be executed on a frequent basis. Grooming includes:

  • Brushing the fur coat to keep it shiny as well as healthy.
  • Cleaning the ear canals for better hygiene.
  • Brushing teeth regularly to maintain strong gums and teeth.
  • Clipping excess growth of nails.

Assist in Socializing with Others

If your dog is one of those pets than seldom likes to socialize with others then there lies a problem, my friend. Lack of socializing is not good for health and may lead to issues like depression. To avoid such things from happening, assist your canine in socializing with people and other animals. Get other humans to be friendly towards him and speak in a soft tone. This will help him to overcome his fears and aid him in socializing with others.

Routine Health Check-ups

Last but not the least; make sure you take your four-legged pal to the vet for regular health check-ups. Even if your buddy seems fine, going for regular check-ups can help detect a problem early on which in turn helps in the treatment process. Hence, make it a point to visit a vet at least once in three to four weeks.

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Our loyal furry pals never fail to put a smile on our faces and they do it without trying. Therefore, as pet parents, the little we can do for them is to take utmost care of them. We must follow these health tips and strive towards keeping them fit and healthy because after all, the most important thing in life is health.

Home Remedies for Allergies in Dogs

We all know that some point in our pet’s lives they are bound to fall sick and we as pet parents can only help in one way, and that is, look for remedies to stem the flow of the illness. It is always a painful sight to watch our furry canines suffer from problems and it is imperative for us pet parents to seek quick solutions. One such issue that affects a large chunk of dogs is allergies. These allergies can be very upsetting and extremely debilitating. There a quite a few ways to treat allergies but if you’re one of those parents who prefer home remedies instead of drugs and steroids, then read on.

Allergies in Dogs: Home Remedies

Below are a few effective and efficient home remedies for allergies in dogs. Go through them carefully before selecting any one for the treatment of allergies in your furry buddy.

Aloe Vera

A single leaf of an Aloe Vera plant contains antibacterial, antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties that make it the ideal cure for treating burns, hot spots, itches, rashes, etc. To treat allergies in dogs, apply the Aloe Vera gel in and around the affected areas (including itching areas). The gel contains a cooling effect that will help reduce discomforts and aid in the healing process.

Note: Do not use the whole Aloe Vera leaf (use the gel only) as it contains saponins (an orange or yellow substance found in the rind), which is a laxative and can cause sickness to your dog.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Another effective home remedy for dog allergies is Apple Cider Vinegar. The vinegar can be used for rinsing purposes to help diminish allergies and skin rashes. Rinsing your dog’s paws with Apple Cider Vinegar will help eliminate some pollens and allergens that accumulate on the pet. If used as a spray, it should be sprayed directly on the affected areas.

Note: Do not use Apple Cider Vinegar on open wounds and bites.

Chamomile Tea

One of the best skin allergy treatments for dogs is Chamomile tea. It contains a natural disinfectant that soothes the skin by erasing bacteria and yeast. Furthermore, Chamomile tea does a wonderful job at curing an upset stomach, anxiety as well as gas problems. So get hold off a Chamomile plant and make some Chamomile tea for your allergic munchkin.

Coconut Oil

The one good thing about coconut oil is that it gives multiple benefits. Coconut oil contains lauric acid that helps in the decrease of yeast production as well as reduces allergies. It can help suppress inflammatory allergic responses by combining coconut oil with fish oil. Moreover, coconut oil has antibacterial properties that reduce itchiness and boosts the immune system by catering to digestive issues. The usage of coconut oil can be used simply by mixing a portion of the oil in your dog’s food.

Naturally Healthy Diets

A simple yet effective method of treating allergies is by providing your pal naturally healthy foods. Many dog diets have added preservatives and additives that don’t gel well with your dog’s immune system and can cause issues if you don’t opt for a change in diet. Feeding the proper diet with correct ingredients and nutrients is essential in giving your pet a healthy and disease-free life. Make sure to consult a vet before changing your Fido’s diet.

Oat Baths

One of the most efficient and natural home remedy for curing skin allergies is oat baths. Oat baths are generally very soothing and bring about a relaxing feeling to your dog. It contains necessary ingredients that help in relieving itchiness in canines. To give an oat bath to your dog, all you have to do is either boil some oat straw or grind the oatmeal before mixing it in your pal’s bathing water.

Note: Oatmeal is a rich source of carbohydrates that yeast thrives on. Thus, opt out of an oat bath if your buddy has even a mild yeast infection.

While there are many other ways to treat allergies in dogs, the above six remedies are perhaps the best natural methods to treat allergies at home. And if you’re skeptical about using any method, you can always ask your vet before going forward.

WHICH FRONTLINE PRODUCT SHOULD I BUY FOR FLEA AND TICK TREATMENT?

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Frontline has been a regular household in the US for almost over 2 decades now. Merial, (now Boehringer-Ingelheim ) launched this product line in the 1990s with a vision to make the Pets flea and tick free. The product was received amazingly by the pet parents and very soon the Frontline product was recommended unanimously by most of the vets. Since its launch, the manufacturers have always improved the product line and came out with enhanced products. Currently, there are three frontline products- Frontline spray, Frontline Plus and Frontline top spot (original).  Now as a pet parent it can be confusing as to which flea and tick killer you should buy? So, to help you in making the correct decision, Pet Care Supply has brought a thorough list of the pros and cons of each treatment.

1. Frontline Top Spot Original

Pros

  • Frontline Top spot is easy to use the topical solution
  • Started a revolution in the flea and tick control market with this spot on solution
  • The spot-on contains Fipronil that is very effective in eliminating fleas for a complete one month
  • Available for both cats and dogs
  • This monthly treatment comes in a pipette and can be applied on pet’s skin directly
  • Kills adult fleas within 24 hours
  • Also terminates chewing lice
  • Can be applied on pets of 8 weeks of age or older
  • Aids in controlling flea allergy dermatitis
  • Waterproof treatment, just wait for the solution to be absorbed by the skin

Cons

  • It is effective on ticks but only for one or two weeks and that’s why it is only recommended for flea

2. Frontline Plus

Pros

  • Frontline is the youngest member of the frontline family
  • The treatment contains Fipronil and S-Methoprene
  • The spot on not only kills fleas but also kills flea larvae, pupae, and flea eggs to break the flea life cycle
  • An effective monthly flea treatment, frontline plus is suitable for both cats and dogs
  • Kills 100% fleas within 12-24 hours of administration
  • Also, It protects the pets from flea and tick-borne diseases like Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain fever, and Flea Allergy Dermatitis
  • Terminates ticks within 48 hours of infestation
  • Acts for a complete one month
  • Treats and controls chewing lice
  • Waterproof and safe for pets of 8 weeks of age or more

Cons

  • Because it is a topical treatment, you have to make sure that your pet stays away from the children for that day.

3. Frontline Spray

Pros

  • Kills chewing lice
  • Protects the pets against severe flea and tick infestations
  • Efficiently controls sarcoptic mange infestations
  • Effectively treats and controls Brown Dog ticks, paralysis ticks, and flea allergy dermatitis
  • Waterproof solution
  • Remains active for 12 weeks in dogs and 8 weeks in cats
  • Eliminates 100% fleas within 24 hours of administration
  • Suitable for both puppies and kittens of 2 days of age

Cons

  • The treatment process with frontline spray is not as easier as it is with the other two products

As you can see that if compared all the three treatments have very similar effects apart from some dissimilarity. It was tough to find disadvantages of all the three products and maybe this is the reason they are still ruling the market.

So, if you have to choose one among 3 treatments, then you should first know your requirements-

  • If you want a flea and tick treatment for pets younger than 8 weeks then Frontline spray is the only choice.
  • And if you want flea and tick treatment for pets older than 8 weeks then Frontline Plus will be the best option.
  • For indoor pets that don’t go outside very often, Frontline Top Spot will work
  • For outdoors, Frontline Plus is the best treatment
  • And, finally, if you want a long lasting treatment then you can also go for a frontline spray

Hopefully, the information was helpful to you please take care of one important parameter which is suitability. Choose those treatments that suit your pet’s skin and body.

5 Celebrity Dogs That Are Enjoying a Luxe Life

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Celebrity dogs have always enjoyed paparazzi attention for being prim and spruced in every appearance along with the celebrity parent. Everything from their grooming to health and their media appearance is taken care of effectively.

Owing to the hectic lifestyle of the celebrity pet owners, they try and carry their furry munchkin along wherever possible so they can spend enough time with them.  Moreover, these pets enjoy all the luxuries that the A-listers enjoy with the most expensive gadgets, accessories or grooming sessions as part of their lifestyle. However, for the celebrities who often find themselves lonely or covet belongingness amidst all the showbiz, their dogs not just work as stress busters but actually become so much a part of their family that they are unable to become obsessed about them.

Paris Hilton had a Chihuahua called Tinkerbell a couple of years back that had garnered so much of media attention that the dog was ranked in the ‘Top Dog’ category until 2015 when she passed away. Then was George, Ryan Gosling’s cutest dog which was the only one that gave him tough competition for his charming personality. Here is a list of other five celebrities, whose dogs are enjoying the affluent life currently, giving serious dog goals to other pet owners.

Liam Hemsworth and His Dora

Liam Hemsworth and Miley Cyrus were currently in news for their much-awaited wedding of the year and so has been their labradoodle, Dora. In case you chance upon Liam’s Insta post, you will definitely get an idea of how much he adores his dog.

Chris Evans and His Dog Dodger

Chris Evan proclaims that he is a dog lover and Dodger was one of that first-sight loves for him. He found it near a shelter when he was shooting for his movie ‘Gifted’ and he was actually gifted with this furry kid. The moment he saw him he was sure to adopt him. Now they often snuggle up in bed and Evans takes good care of him. He tries to spend time with Dodger after his hectic schedule and carries him along wherever possible. He also makes sure he is keeping him clean and disease free.

Hillary Duff and Lucy

Hillary Duff and Lucy have been often seen cuddling together on her Insta posts. Lucy has been like another kid to Hillary ever since she was adopted from the Love Leo Rescue. Hillary has always provided best pet care to her Fido and feels very passionately about rescue dogs.

Selena And Charlie

Selena as we know is a great singer and actor and is her pooch Charlie whom she loves to stroll around New York City. We can often see her pictures and videos on Instagram with her little furry munchkin who is living the time of his life with such a beauty.

Sophie Turner And Porky

Porky has its own Instagram profile with the name @porkybasquiatjonas and already has 122,000 followers. Such is the fame you gain when in a celebrity’s hand. Not to mention, all the perks that you enjoy simultaneously.

You definitely would be envious of these furry munchkins for being so famous and getting the best amenities in the world. Well, if you too want your dog to look great, it is necessary that you spend quality time with him and make sure he is groomed and fed properly and on time. Also, you must not forget to keep them on preventatives and vaccinate them because parasites can be debilitating to their health. It is utmost important for you to treat them and take care of them like these celebrities do. These celebrities are certainly the inspiration to all pet lovers who even with their hectic life, try and make every possible effort to comfort their pet in all possible ways. So if you too are a dog lover, follow the good things they do for their pets.

FINDING TICKS ON YOUR DOG? SEARCH THESE 5 AREAS ON YOUR DOG SKIN

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Finding ticks on your pooch is not an easy task, it may seem to be an easy task but it’s not. Especially when your pooch is furry because these creeps are smart enough to find a safe and warm area on your pooch’s body that is not visible to naked eyes.

You may think that you can tackle tick infestation by putting your pooch on a tick control treatment. But that alone is not enough you need to still be vigilant and search for ticks on your pooch’s body parts whenever he/she comes back from an outing.

Spotting the tick is very crucial because the disgusting creatures if ignored, can transmit many dangerous pathogens which are the cause of some fatal diseases and these fatal diseases are called tick-borne diseases.

 Some of the diseases that can be passed by the ticks are

  • Lyme Disease
  • Babesiosis
  • American Canine Hepatozoonosis
  • Anaplasmosis
  • Tick Paralysis
  • Tularemia
  • Haemobartonellosis
  • Rocky Mountain spotted fever

Hence, you should develop a habit of searching for ticks on your pooch’s body. Below are some of the hot spots you should never ignore while hunting these nasty creatures.

  1. Ears

Always check the area in and around the ears. Nowadays many dogs are found who have a very heavy infestation in their ears or outside. Vets always recommend checking inside your dog’s ears, including the ear canal.

2. Groin Area

You should raid the perianal area first because damp and moist areas on the body are favorite places for ticks. Ticks also are very fond of the groin area because dogs can’t reach there and also it is the best place to operate and stay hidden. Never forget to examine the tail as well.

3. Eyelids

You may think it is a skin tag but have a closer look, it may be a tick. So, observe closely and don’t bypass the eyelids.

4. Toes

The area between the toes is the perfect place because most of the parents don’t search there for ticks. Hence, even the toe area is tough to infest still they would try to latch on to your dog’s paws.

5. Under the Clothes and Collars

Search beneath the tick collars, harnesses, sun protectors, and clothes. Anything that covers the skin should come off when you are on an inspection. Because these creeps hide below these protectors

What Should I Do If I Spot A Tick?

Whenever you spot a tick don’t pluck it with your bare hands because it can leave their mouth part embedded in the skin, resulting in several infections. Always use tweezers to hold the tick’s mouthpart, as a result, it loosens the grip on the skin, making it easy and safe to remove them. You can also apply alcohol on that area so that the mouthparts leave the skin and the removal becomes easy.

Preventing, Treating And Removing Ticks

You should know The DOs and DONTs of Removing Ticks from Your Dog. Always use a tweezer and never pluck the ticks directly. Because plucking leaves the mouthparts of ticks embedded in your pooch’s skin.

Tick treatments like– Bravecto, Frontline plus, Bayopet killtix collar, Effipro duo spot-on and Preventic tick collar are outstandingly instrumental in treating and preventing ticks and even fleas.

Always keep a track on the tick infestation in your backyard or playing are outside. Treat your backyard to keep it tick free.

If My Dog is Bitten By a Tick or Not? How to Figure Out?

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You make tremendous efforts to make sure that your pooch is healthy and happy. From regular health checkups to the regular administration of preventives and vaccines you try to accomplish each and every responsibility as a caring pet parent. Needless to say, you fairly succeed in that but even after all your efforts, there are some parasites that can latch themselves on your beloved pal’s body whenever he/she is outside in the garden or holidaying with you in the woods.

Ticks

Ticks are one such type of parasites (also called as arachnids). There are many types of ticks but the ticks that can trouble your dog are- American Dog Tick (Dermacentor Variabilis),Eastern Blacklegged Tick/Deer Tick (Ixodes Scapularis),Brown Dog Tick (Rhipicephalus sanguineus),Gulf Coast Tick, (Amblyomma Maculatum),Lone Star Tick (Amblyomma americanum),Rocky Mountain Wood Tick (Dermacentor andersoni),Western Blacklegged Tick(Ixodes Pacificus), and Soft Ticks(Ornithodoros).

These blood-sucking Ectoparasites (especially hard ticks) wait on the leaves, grass, tall bushes and woods to infest your dog when he/she passes through those areas and gets in contact with those leaves. The whole process of waiting for a host is called Questing. However, soft ticks crawl several feet to infest their host. Once they are on your dog’s skin they insert their jagged mouthparts into your dog’s skin and start feeding on blood and skin tissues. The feeding is so smartly done that your pooch doesn’t even come to know that ticks are sucking up his/her blood.

Surprised?  Or Shocked? You might be thinking that how do they do that? And if that’s the case how am I going to find out that ticks are harming my dog’s health? Well, don’t worry much because you can find out these ticks red-handed, sorry, red-mouthed. How?  Below you will find the answers to all such type of questions arising in your mind.

[Read] Know About Ticks On Your Dog!

How Does A Tick Feed On My Dog And My Dog Doesn’t Even Come To Know?

Ticks are blessed with some very helpful fluids in their body that support them to numb the feeding area, dissolve the small skin tissues to feed and also remain glued to the skin.

Numbing fluid helps ticks to numb the part of the skin, as a result, your dog doesn’t even feel anything neither the pain or irritation when they insert their sharp mouthparts.

The solvent sort of fluid dissolves the skin tissues and converts them into a liquid so that ticks can slurp that soup like liquid.

And, the glue-like fluid keeps them glued to the skin and cause issues in your pooch’s health.

Then Why Does My Dog Has Irritation On Skin?

As described the numbing fluid only numbs the skin for that moment but after the feeding is done the skin will show a reaction to these actions because of which your dog will suffer irritation. Moreover, the skin fluids and tissues are getting damaged because ticks feed on them hence the body reacts to all the damages.

How To Check For Ticks And Tick Bites On Dogs?

Ticks are tiny but still can be seen through naked eyes, the task to track down these creeps gets trickier because they are hidden in the fur of your dog. Hence, they are not visible to naked eyes. The best way to find them is to feel your dog’s body, you can feel the ticks if present on the skin. Also, the part of the skin infected by ticks will be red.

Symptoms Of A Tick Bite On A Dog

Your dog can show symptoms like sudden blood loss, anemia, skin irritations, redness, infections, and vomiting in some cases. However, depending on the type of tick that has bitten your dog, the symptoms can differ. Be very careful because ticks are capable of transmitting some dangerous diseases that can take you and your dog for a ride. Some of the diseases that can be passed by the ticks are

  • American Canine Hepatozoonosis
  • Anaplasmosis
  • Babesiosis
  • Tularemia
  • Haemobartonellosis
  • Tick Paralysis
  • Rocky Mountain spotted fever
  • Lyme Disease

What Should I Do If I Spot A Tick?

Whenever you spot a tick don’t pluck it with your bare hands because it can leave their mouth part embedded in the skin, resulting in several infections. Always use tweezers to hold the tick’s mouthpart, as a result, it loosens the grip on the skin, making it easy and safe to remove them. You can also apply alcohol on that area so that the mouthparts leave the skin and the removal becomes easy.

Having a knowledge of the DOs and DONTs of Removing Ticks from Your Dog is strongly preferred by the vets

Preventing and Treating Ticks

Preventing and treating ticks is very easy nowadays you just have to administer monthly flea and tick treatments like- Frontline Plus, K9 Advantix, Bayopet kiltix collar, Preventic tick collar and Effipro duo spot-on whichever suits you, your pooch and your pocket. These treatments will help you to keep ticks and even fleas at bay.

Also, make sure that your surroundings, especially your garden and house are flea and tick free so that there are very fewer chances of flea and tick infestation on your dog.

Tips on How to Prolong Your Dog’s Lifespan

Dogs are one of the most loving, caring and trustworthy pets any human can ask for. They not only liven up our lives but become an integral part of our family. Dogs are indeed the solution to a happy life, but unfortunately, dogs do have a drawback. These cute little, fun-loving furry animals have a short lifespan and sometimes we wonder how unfair life can be. But worry not; we know some simple ways in which you can prolong your furry friend’s life.

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How to Prolong Your Dog’s Lifespan?

Who doesn’t want to their canine friend to live forever? But we know that’s impossible but you can prolong its life by following these simple tips.

#1. Watch Your Canine’s Diet

One of the keys to helping your dog lead a happy and long life is to watch what he is eating. Make sure you’re feeding him a proper and nutritious diet and at the same time keeping tabs on him. Dogs tend to go on a sniffing spree in search for food and may consume things which they shouldn’t be eating. Thus, be alert and also feed your pal well to prevent him from sniffing around the house.

#2. Daily Exercising Is a Must

While we all know the importance of exercising for humans, dogs too need proper and daily exercising to not only stay fit but lead a healthy, happy and long life. Walking is known to be one of the best exercises, so do take your pet for daily evening walks. This also helps you to bond with your fuzzy pal.

#3. Don’t Forget Dental Health Care

Many dog parents make this huge mistake of neglecting dental health but little do they know that dog dental health care is equally important. Brushing your buddy’s teeth regularly should be added to your calendar for not only maintaining proper hygiene but also prolonging your pet’s lifespan.

#4. Regular Vet Checkups Is Required

No matter how healthy your canine is, visiting a vet for regular checkups is a must. Make sure to visit a vet at least once in three months. This also helps your vet detect problems (if any) early which eases the treatment process.

#5. Cherish Every Moment

While following the above four points is essential to prolong your pal’s lifespan, it is imperative to also enjoy every moment with your canine friend. Cherishing every second with your pet is as important as anything else in the world. So while you give it your all to extend his lifespan, don’t forget to live every moment you spend with him.

These simple tips can increase the lifespan of your dog and hence, we hope you will make sure to fulfill not one but all of them. Dogs are our comforter, our happiness, our all and we must do everything we possibly can to prolong their life.

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