How to Deal with Pet Smells

Dirty, Smelly Dogs and Stinky Litter Boxes >_< Ewwwww!

So your pet smelling a little off lately? How about is his living quarters or place of dootie smelling not so fresh? Well here are some tips to help your pet smell like roses or at least a little less dank:

1. Give your pet some air! If you keep them cooped up in the house or in their living area for long periods of time all that pet odor will just linger in stale air. So let them outside so they can air out and get some wind in that fur. Open the windows in your house to get some air flow as well.

2. Groom your pet daily even if it's just brushing or combing  their coat out. Bathe your pet at the very least monthly unless they have a flea problem or prone to getting down and dirty then bathe more often.

3. Baking soda is awesome. You can rub it in your pet's fur for a quick deodorizer or sprinkle some in the litter box to cut down odors.

4. Buy a good premium clumping cat litter. That way you can actually remove the pee clumps without having to dump the whole litter box and putting new litter in it pretty much daily with regular clay litter. At least with clumping litter you can wait maybe a week before having to dump the whole litter box and giving it a quick scrub down. Scoop pee and poo daily. Scrub down litter box at least once weekly. Simple.

5. Vacuum, clean, scrub down and launder pet bedding and pet living areas twice weekly.

6. Use enzyme cleaners specifically made for pets when it comes to urine, poo and throw-up stains. Enzymes cleaners work way better then any homemade cleaning attempts, vinegar and the such. Never use ammonia to clean up pet stains! Instead of deterring pets, ammonia may make pets, specifically kitties, want to eliminate in the same area. Clean up these stains fast! The quicker the better, the more likely the stain and smell can be removed.

7. If you have a really stinky cat or dog and nothing seems to be working to get rid of the stank please take your pet to the veterinarian they might have a skin condition or disease that needs to be looked at.

Pets and Cold Weather

It's that time of year where it's getting a bit to chilly for you and your pets  to venture outside for too long of a period of time. Here are some tips:

1. Just stay inside! If it's 32 degrees or lower your best bet for you and your pets is to stay indoors as much as possible. Stay warm and comfty. Your pets will love you for it!

2. Never let your dog venture outside without a leash! They could slip on ice, get lost in the snow or worst yet fall into a icy body of water =(  As for kitties  keep a watchful eye on them and don't let them wander to far or teach them to walk on a leash.

3. If you have a short hair dog or a small toy breed of dog consider a doggy coat or sweater and maybe booties although most dogs detest those things. I usually don't condone dressing your pup up but if it's cold outside go ahead and bundle up. Better safe then sorry.

4. Dry your pets off and wash their feet off after a day of outside of play. That way they won't chill and you get all that outside gunk like road salt, deicer or antifreeze off their delicate paws.

5. Don't leave your pets out in the cold for long periods of time unless you have proper, adequate shelter. A well-insulated barn or enclosed shed with some hay/blankets and little to no draft should be fine for your outdoor kitties. Some sort of well-insulated dog house elevated off the cold ground but closed off will work. Just make sure there is a blanket or some hay to help keep your pet warm. Basically keep your pet dry and out of any cold drafts.

6. Keep your pets healthy and well-fed. If necessary feed your outdoor pets extra high-protein food. If you see that your pet is not doing so well outdoors please bring them indoors and warm them up or keep them inside on very cold nights and days.

7. Check under the hood of your car for stray cats. Sometimes they will crawl up into your engine for warmth. So bang on your hood before starting your car just to make sure.

8. Don't use electric blankets with your pets unattended! They could get burnt or chew through the electrical cords.

Pet Toy Ideas

All pets need some sort of toy to keep them occupied and stimulated when no one is home. The more stuff they have to play with the less likely the furniture, your clothing items, your home in all its entirety becomes their personal chew toys or playground. Toys can be homemade or bought at any store that sells pet products.

Where to find store bought pet toys?

Petsmart

Petco

Pet Stores

Farm and Feed Stores

Walmart

Kmart

Target

Amazon

Ebay

Craigslist

Local grocery stores

What types of toys are there?

Kongs

Rubber bones

Stuffed animals

Balls

Tug toys

Catnip toys

Rubber tires (pet safe!)

Toy on a stick/string

Motorized toy

Squeaky toys

Chew toys

What to make homemade toys out of?
Cardboard, sticks/wood, stuffed animals, blankets, ropes, etc. You can pretty much use anything and make anything as long as you make sure your pet can't swallow or choke on the homemade toy or get tangled up in it. Always think safety first!

So make your pet happy today and go buy some toys or make some homemade ones =) Your pet will thank you.

How to Feed You Pet Properly

If you feed your pet any premium pet food dry or canned for the most part go with the directions on the back of the packaging by how much your dog weighs at ideal body condition.

 Please never free feed your pet! This is not a good idea. Such a feeding practice can lead to a overweight pet or a pet with potty problems.

If you feed your pet a raw food diet please consult your veterinarian about the nutrient needs for your pets. Don't just throw your dog/cat a raw meaty bone and say your feeding him/her a raw diet. A raw diet is a science and you must mix specific nutrients carefully and methodically to make sure your pet is getting what it needs nutritionally.  Example, cats needs a certain nutrient called taurine in their food otherwise they could go blind or even die without this important nutrient in their diet.

Never feed dogs table scraps this induces begging and food grabbing. 

If you suspect your pet is overweight contact your veterinarian first before putting your pet on a diet and throwing him/her into a whirlwind of exercise.

If you suspect your pet is to thin, not gaining weight or seems hungry all the time once again contact your veterinarian to make sure there is nothing medically wrong with your pet and follow directions given by veterinarian 

Use pet treats for training aids only! Randomly giving treats throughout the day will make your pet fat. Treats are meant to be worked for not to be given out of love. Sorry but if you associate love for your pet by feeding him/her so much that they can barely walk cause they are so obese from over-eating I suggest you rethink your thoughts on what love is cause frankly I find that as animal abuse otherwise.

Watch what your pet eats and monitor his/her body condition. Make changes as needed with your veterinarian's approval and you will have a happy, healthy pet ^_^

Are No-Kill Shelters a Good Thing?

List of no-kill shelters. http://www.nokillnetwork.org/

Now I for one believe no pet should be euthanized unless they are sick and dying or have severe behavioral problems i.e aggression toward humans (especially children) and animals that can not be controlled no matter how much professional training and socializing you put that animal through.

However unfortunately the overpopulation of shelter animals far outnumbers people actually willing to give them homes. Not to mention what seems to be high instances of former shelter animals being returned to shelter environments do to unforeseen behavioral issues or people having problems in their life and are unable to commit to there pets.

I wish every single good-hearted responsible pet owner could give all these homeless pets homes but it's not happening now and I'm sorry but it never will.

People will continue to breed animals purebred and mutts alike for profit. People will continue to not spay and neuter their pets. People will continue to abandon their pets. People will continue to re-home their pets again and again. People will continue to abuse and leave animals for dead. When it comes to pets there are always going to be irresponsible, uneducated, money grubbing or just don't give a damn about a animal's life kind of people.

No amount of no-kill shelters will be able to save every single suffering animal in the world let alone the United States as a whole. Unfortunately thousands upon thousands of healthy, well behave pets will be put to sleep because a home could not be found due to shelters just being so overcrowded and not enough people.

Please. If you decide to get a pet it is a commitment for life. No matter what problems you have in your life you will always be responsible for the well being of that animal.

*Just because it's a no kill shelter does not mean a animal will necessarily remain at that specific shelter! Animals can be and are moved from shelter to shelter based on shelter capacities or just not enough donations to care for that specific animal. So if your thinking about dropping your pet off at a no-kill shelter there is no guarantee your pet will be safe from euthanasia. Sorry that is the reality.

Best Places to Socialize Your Pet

It is very important to socialize your pet. Do it as early as possible!  There are so many ways to socialize and mold your pet into a safe and productive member of society. Just make sure your pet is up to date on all vaccinations and in good health. Here are some great ideas:

-Dog Parks (these are a hit or miss due to irresponsible owners or untrained dogs so be careful!)

-Pet Stores

-Grooming Parlors

-Veterinarian

-Puppy Play Groups

-Doggy Daycare

-Obedience Classes

-Public Park/Playgrounds

-Take Your Dog To a Farm Or Country Setting

-Take Your Dog To Suburbs

-Take Your Dog To The City

-Walk Around The Neighborhood

-Invite Family And Friends Over To Your Home

-Introduce Your Dog To Different Types Of People Of All Sizes, Shapes, Looks and Ages

-Introduce Your Dog To a Variety Of "Scary" Objects Like Umbrellas, Vacuum Cleaners, Etc.

-Have A Doggy Party 

-Introduce Your Dog To Extra-Large, Large, Medium, Small, Extra-Small Dogs

-Introduce Your Dog To Small Animals Like Cats, Rabbits, Birds, Etc.

-Introduce Your Dog To Farm Animals Like Cows, Horses, Sheep, Goats, Chickens, Etc.

-Introduce Your Dog To Loud Noises Like Firearms/Guns, Fireworks, Etc.

There are so many places to go and things to do to socialize you dog. So go do it! Your pet and your fellow humans will thank you =) However don't just do nothing and keep your pup isolated from society. This will only create a very unhappy, shy, nervous animal with constant behavior problems. So have a heart and introduce your pet to the world =)

Craigslist Pets: Get Lucky on Craigslist

I have a love, hate relationship with the craigslist pet section. I love it because this is how I found my little Milo =) I met the military wife/mother in a public park. She was very nice and told us why she couldn't keep him due to a move overseas. I kept her number to give her updates and she was sweet enough to mail me Milo's (Rex at that point and time) veterinary paperwork with proof of shots, microchip and neuter plus all the tags that came with it. This woman genuinely care about this puppy and I thank her for letting me give Milo a home. I did pay a fee nothing outrageous....$100...which frankly all his health paper work included I'm not complaining I'm lucky to have little Milo.

However unfortunately not all people on craigslist are has sweet and honest has this nice lady. A lot of people on craigslist simply want to make a profit by selling mutt dogs with no shots, under 8 weeks of age, not fixed, no veterinary care whatsoever other then maybe some dewormer for $300 or more. This is nuts!

I have heard horror stories of people buying puppies and then dying days later due to parvo or some other untreated illness. This is not right. These sort of people selling sick puppies do it to make money and could care less about the well-being of the dog or feelings of the person who has to go through the heart ache of seeing a dying puppy.
Then there is the dreaded "puppy flipper". These inconsiderate, low-lifes pick up puppies for cheap and then try to flip them for a profit. It's all about money and once again these people don't care about the well-being of the dog.

If your going to re-home your pet make sure they are up-to-date on shots and are fixed. Ask for a small re-homing fee of $150 or less. Never give your pet away for free!  There are some sick people out there who pick up free animals and just abuse them or use them as bait for dog fighting. Abide by craigslist rules about re-homing your pet otherwise you will get flagged continuously and relentlessly.

All in all craigslist is a iffy place to re-home your pet. Your better off going through a no-kill shelter or even a Facebook group made specifically for re-homing pets. If your going to buy a pet off craigslist do your research. If the person cannot provide veterinary paperwork then you are better off not buying from that person. Don't support these backyard breeders and puppy flippers! Please be careful and good luck  on your pet search.

If you can always try a registered non-profit animal shelter/rescue first. There are so many great shelter animals desperately in need of homes!

Responsible and Courteous Dog Owner Behavior

1. Clean up after your dog if he poo's in a public place. Yes even at the dog park! That is why they provide poop baggies otherwise bring your own for the sake of the people who like walking in the grass without stepping in yucky dog doo 0_o

2. Don't let your dog jump on strangers. It's dangerous for the elderly and children getting knocked over.

3. Pay attention to your dog at the dog park. If your pup is misbehaving or being overly aggressive in any way remove your dog immediately. Safer for you, your dog and everyone else around.  Nobody likes a dog fight =(

4. Don't let your dog bark constantly especially late at night -_- In which case usually this happens if a dog is left outside for hours on end without getting any attention or just maybe you have a talkative dog. Either way be courteous and respect your neighbors. Train your dog not to bark or bring your pet inside please. There is no excuse for a noisy, obnoxious pet!

5. Never hit your dog in the face or body period. This will just create a fearful dog and it is also animal abuse. If you must scold your dog do it in a fashion where your dog actually understands. If he has a accident in the house take him outside immediately. If you don't want your dog to get into something put it up or doggy proof it.  Use the word "No!" in a firm voice. Please don't yell at your dog he won't understand why your being loud.

6. Don't let your dog run lose in public areas excluding dog parks. A lose dog is a accident waiting to happen. Not to mention there are leash laws and you can get ticketed.

7. If your dog is sick take him/her to the veterinarian. No one likes seeing a animal suffer. If you can't afford it you should not have a pet. Sorry but that is the harsh reality. A animal is a commitment and so are the expenses that come with them. If you love animal so much you would care for them properly. Improper care for a animal is animal abuse Nuff' said.

8. Spay and neuter you pets please! There are to many shelter animals in need of homes. Why add to the overpopulation explosion? Not to mention do you really want issues with a roaming male dog  or a female in heat attracting every un-neutered male dog in a 5-10 mile radius?

9. If your going to breed your pet please breed responsibly. Breed only registered, full-blooded, healthy animals. Have good breeding practices i.e. please breed and produce a litter maybe once every other year if not just only a one time affair would be even better and make sure both parents get a full health checkup to make sure there will be no hereditary health issues. Always have good homes pre-planned before you even produce a litter! There is no such thing as a "designer" dog breed. These dogs are mutts plain and simple. I don't care if both parents are registered, purebred whatever once you mix to different breeds they are just that mixed breeds...mutts.

10. License and keep your dog's shots up to date. In other words keep your dog legal. Microchip, ear tattoo or name tag on the collar are important in case your pet ever gets lost or stolen.

Basic Commands Every Dog And Owner Should Know

So there are five commands which I think every dog and owner should know and practice routinely.

Sit

 This is one of the most easiest commands and even a puppy can catch on to it rather quickly. Tell your dog to "Sit". Hold a treat or hover your hand over his head and usually the dog will automatically sit from looking up. If not push his butt down gently till he is in sitting position. Praise your dog and tell him/her "Good Dog!" excitedly.

Lay Down

Yet another command that is easily taught. Tell your dog to "Lay Down" Use your hand to signal down or use a treat lowered to the ground until he is in laying position. You can also physically put him in the laying position gently. Praise your dog.

Drop It/Leave it/Give It

This command is a bit more difficult especially if you have a alpha dog. Play with your dog with a favorite toy of his. Avoid food or bones as they are highly prized items and your dog will be less likely to follow the command and these things can often create food/possession aggression . Hold out your hand and say the command of your choosing. If your dog immediately drops the toy on the floor or in your hand praise him. If he refuses to drop it take the toy from him gently and say the command and give it back to him repeat till he gets it. If you have a alpha dog on your hands your going to have to be a bit more careful but firmer with your command as well. Don't ever allow your dog to growl or snap at you! If this type of behavior starts tread carefully. If at anytime this occurs, as soon as you dog drops the toy pick up and tell him "No!" firmly.

If possession/guarding aggression behavior continues or worsens seek help from a professional dog trainer.

Come To Me/Bring It To Me

This command is a hit and miss. If you have a puppy this should be pretty easy since they follow you around and trip you over whenever they get a chance. If your inside your home/your fenced backyard just tell your dog to "Come, (dog's name!)". Every time your dog comes to you when called praise him/her excitedly or with a food reward. If you are outside at a park or something or other always have your dog on a leash. A lunge leash (super long leash) works great for recall. Never scold you dog when he comes to you! Never chase your dog he will just think your playing! If your pup is coming to you with no problems and knows the command "Drop it" you can kick it up a notch and add a ball or stick and teach him "Fetch."

Heel

All dogs should be taught how to properly walk on a leash. I gringe every time I see a dog dragging a person behind them from excessive pulling. A dog should be taught to walk beside you or slightly behind you for safety reasons. Never allow your dog to pull you around! Only use a retractable leash if you know how to use it properly, do not just let your dog wonder wherever he/she wants. They can get tangled or th leash can even snap if you don't have the right weight tension. It can be dangerous so I suggest sticking with a normal length nylon leash.When you go for a walk if your dog begins to pull you slightly tug the leash then release and say "Heel!" firmly. If your dog stops and looks at you praise him and continue to walk. Repeat as necessary till he learns to walk at a slower pace and in the position of being beside you or behind you. If you have a shy/fearful dog that refuses to walk on a leash please never drag the dog or scold the dog. Take things slower even if the dog walks a few steps praise and reward.

Raising Children with Pets

So I have a beautiful 3-year old little girl whom I have come to find loves her pets. Bandit was the first to meet my daughter when she was born. He was  a little hesitant at first but surprisingly for being such a hyper, slightly neurotic dog he did wonderfully with her. Even when she started walking he never bumped her over. In fact he stayed clear from her unless my daughter was sitting in my lap and he was allowed to give kisses or she wanted to pet him. 

Now Milo with him being a little rambunctious puppy is still learning not to be so jumpy and hyper around my daughter. Luckily my little girl is was already three years old when we got Milo so she has some sense of what dogs do. She tries to plays with him whenever she gets a chance and even gets on all fours and acts like a puppy to get his attention. She likes giving the puppy snacks both human and dog treats. 

I do have my limits though between the interactions of my daughter and Milo. If either of them get to hyper and start bouncing off the walls they have to be separated. Also trying to get across to my daughter not to feed Milo table scraps. Milo also likes to be a little mouthy. I have to pretty much nip that in the bud. Whenever he tried to use his mouth I grab him by the muzzle firmly and tell him "No!" He is slowly but surely getting the picture.

Scratches and bumping into your children are to be expected if you have a super hyper, jumpy dog. All you can do is train your dog properly how to act around children and teach your child how to react around hyperactive pets.  

All children of all ages should be taught to treat animals with respect and how to be responsible when caring for and interacting with any type of pet. Never allow your child to go up to strange dogs and try to pet them! Tell your child to always ask the owner if you can pet the dog first. As for stray dogs/cats tell your kids to stear clear from them no matter how friendly they may seem. Do not allow your child to ever hit or pull on fur/body parts of your family pet. Have your child interact quietly (no yelling around) with pets if your pet is prone to shyness or extreme  hyper-ness. Otherwise these things can create fear even possible dominance issues  in your dog.

All children of all ages should be instructed to NEVER:

-approach a strange dog

-run away from a dog they are afraid of

-hit, kick or poke a dog

-tease a dog by withholding food

-chase a dog

-pull a dog's tail or ears

-reach through a fence to pet a dog

-try to help a injured dog (get a adult instead) 

-take a toy, food or treat away from a dog

-wake up a sleeping dog

-tease a crated dog

*A child needs to know a dog can feel pain, can feel scared and to some extent has feelings in some sense.

*Pets need food and water daily.

*Pet's living areas and the yard need to be cleaned daily.

*Pets need to be loved not abused in anyway.

*Teach your child the right things about pets and you and your child will always have a *happy, healthy relationship with the family pet/s.

Is Your Hyper Dog Bouncing Off the Walls? Apartment Living With a Active Dog

Living in a apartment with a hyper dog

.....the walls are closing in!

So do to my job I, my family and little Milo are stuck in a apartment living situation. My dog Bandit lucked out and currently resides with my father in a country setting. Due to Bandit being over 40lbs and a bit of a skittish mug around new people it is whats best for him. However when ever I can find a decent pace with a yard I shall gladly bring Bandit back home =) I know my father is taking awesome care of him so I have no worries with Bandit.

Back to little Milo. With Milo being just under 20lbs he is allowed to reside in our apartment. Frankly I never liked the rules set for weight limits or even worse breed restrictions *hiss* However I can understand to some point. Having a dog of any size in a apartment is a challenge. Unlike a cat whom can use a litter box and be left alone for a extended period of time, a dog needs to go outside and get much needed daily attention.

Milo for instance being the hyper little thing he is needs at least 2 walks a day, some play time and at night sleeps in his crate. Luckily we have a covered balcony so during the day when no one is home he is content with being out there along with his crate. On weekends he goes to the local dog park or a walk along the coastline. Any time he is left alone toys and bones are provided so he doesn't get to bored.

When I first got Milo as a 12 week old pup potty training was a challenge. Basically anytime Milo ate or drank I had to take him outside due to Milo being a smaller dog and his small bladder . If I couldn't watch him he was in his crate or out on the balcony. After many accidents later, Milo now knows to go the front door or if I don't have time to take him out for a walk right then and there he goes to the door out to the balcony.

Cleanliness
Scoop up poo daily. I make sure the whole balcony is scrubbed down with a warm water/bleach mixture at least twice a week. It helps a lot if you have a drain on your balcony just a FYI otherwise you might have to just deal with being a mop and bucket machine.

Don't have a balcony?
Walks lots of walks! Or if your up for it maybe try puppy pads in a area easy to clean up like the kitchen or bathroom. Nothing beats going for walks just make sure your a courteous, responsible pet owner and pick up after your pet if he poos.

If you work more then 8 hours a day and no one else is at home I do not recommend having a dog of any size. Being alone for that long of a period of time is unfair to the dog and can create behavior problems like separation anxiety, excessive barking, chewing, scratching, etc. Please consider  a cat if your a busy person and want a pet or some other small animal like hamsters, fish that can be left alone on a busy work day.

Tiny, Jumping, Biting Blood Suckers...Pet Parasites Part III: Fleas and Ticks

Fleas and ticks, oh my!

Fleas and ticks are the most annoying and the most prevalent blood-sucking pest that makes us and our pets miserable.
No worries these pesky bugs are preventable and controllable.

My pet had fleas/ticks now what?

You could use OTC pet products to treat your pet and home. 
However often these products can be very toxic and expensive if you must have multiple treatments.

For the home:

Tick/Flea Traps

Tick/Flea Bombs

Flea Carpet Powder   

Flea Spray

For your pet:

Tick/Flea Powder

Tick/Flea Spray

Tick/Flea Collar

Monthly Tick/Flea Treatments

Tick/Flea Shampoo

Always read labels thoroughly before using any product with toxins!

How about home remedies?

Excellent question and there are many available.  Just google "natural flea/tick control" and I'm sure you will find loads of tips and tricks. Before trying any home remedy do your research extensively by checking with more then one source or check with your veterinarian.

Personally my regimen is as follows:

Weekly/Bi-Weekly bathe my pets with Dawn Dishwashing Soap. If their fur or skin dries out too much I alternate with a natural pet shampoo/conditioner

Use a flea comb during daily grooming. 

Vacuum daily.

I use a herbal flea/tick spray every other day.   

Use cedar chips in my pet's bedding.

Check for ticks if my pets have been in high grass or forested areas. Use tweezers!

With this regimen never really had any issues with fleas or ticks ^_^

I have heard about giving brewer yeast or garlic capsules orally to your pets to keep away fleas/ticks. Never tried it myself but if you do make sure you read labels and give correct dosages. If your not sure always refer to your veterinarian.

Salt/Baking Soda

Spread liberally on carpets and vacuum after 30 minutes or so.

Use cedar chips in your yard and keep your grass short and your bushes and trees trimmed.

I don't advise using outside yard flea/tick treatments. Way to toxic for not only your pets but you as well. Even if you wait the allotted time before heading outside that poison will still be around and its just not good for the environment. 

Pet Parasites Part I: Tapeworms! Is That Rice On my Dog's Butt?

Pet Parasites Part II: Those Other Pesky Worms




Get Rid Of Fleas For Good


Oh the Uber fleas.....

The Worms That Break Your Pet's Heart...Pet Parasites Part II: The Other Worms

So I covered tapeworms what about those other worms?

What are heartworms?
Parasitic worms that live in the heart and large blood vessels of the lungs.

How does my pet get heartworms?
Transmitted from mosquitoes.

What are the symptoms of heartworms?
Signs of heart and lung disease. A veterinarian may suspect heartworms if your pet has shortness of breath or tires easily when normally quite active. Blood tests, x-rays and ultrasound of the heart will help determine if your pet has heartworms.

What is the treatment for heartworms?
Heartworms are to be treated by a veterinarian. Prevention is key. If you live in a mosquito infested area have your dog's blood tested annually by your veterinarian.

What are roundworms, hookworms and whipworms?
All of these types of worms reside in your pet's digestive tract.

How does my pet get worms?
Contaminated soil, other pet's fecal matter or passed down from your pet's mother if she was infected.

What are the symptoms?
They maybe spotted in your pet's poo or a veterinarian can determine if your pet has worms.

What is the treatment for worms?
OTC dewormer specifically made for the type of worm or your veterinarian can determine proper treatment. Always read the package before giving your pet any type of medicine!

What about those dastardly ringworms?
This is a common misconception. Ringworm is not a physical worm it is a type of fungal infection which can be treated by your veterinarian. Those red rings are fungi not worms get it straight! Caution: Ringworm can be contagious in humans and pets!

Pet Parasites Part I: Tapeworms! Is That Rice On my Dog's Butt? 0_o

Pet Parasites Part III: Fleas and Ticks Oh My!

Is That Rice On My Dog's Butt?! Pet Parasites Part I: Tapeworms

Is that rice on my dog's butt?!.........

So when I first got Milo at 12 weeks of age I noticed his tummy was a little swollen. A couple days later I noticed some dried out white "rice" segments near is butt. That same day I mustered the courage to looked at his poo and low and behold I knew my puppy had them......Tapeworms! Oh the horror.....

What are tapeworms?

Long, flat parasitic worms that attach themselves to your pet's intestines. There are different types of tapeworms with different hosts (fleas, rodents, etc.) 

How does your pet get tapeworms?

Simply from eating a flea from grooming or consuming a infected rodent, like that squirrel that constantly taunts your dog or cat.

What are the symptoms of my pet having tapeworms?

The most noticeable would be finding those little rice-like segments on your dog's or cat's tush. You can find the little parasites in your pet's poo. Most pets act normal and healthy otherwise. Is your pet scooting around on their butt? Sorry but that is not a definitive symptom of tapeworms. Best bet is finding physical evidence of the worms or have your veterinarian test for them in a stool sample. 

Treatment for tapeworms?

Just about any place that sells pet supplies should have a dewormer that is specifically made for the treatment of tapeworms. Please read the package before you just grab just any dewormer. Dewormers are made for specific parasitic worms not just tapeworms but also for roundworms, hookworms, etc. Get the one that says for tapeworms. You can also get tapeworm dewormer from your veterinarian. Dewormer varies in prices from under $5 upwards to over $20 depending on where you get it from. Warning! Make sure your pet is old enough to take dewormer and know his weight for proper dosage. Always read the label before ever giving your pet any type of medication.

What about natural homemade remedies for tapeworms?

There is a lot out there such things as pumpkin seeds, wormwood, cloves, etc. that seemingly have some effect on tapeworms however I do not recommend it. Get advice from a holistic veterinarian before you try any sort of natural home remedy. My personal take just don't do it. You could make your pet sick without proper administration from a trained holistic veterinarian.

Back to little Milo, at 6 months old he is free of tapeworms. I went with the OTC tapeworm dewormer for treatment. Took care of the little buggers pretty quickly. I just keep a eye on his poo and keep him flea free to make sure their are no more re-infestations.

Pet Parasites Part II: Those Other Pesky Worms

Pet Parasites Part III: Fleas and Ticks Oh My!

Courage the Cowardly Dog Costume Tutorial

Courage the Cowardly Dog Costume Tutorial

So this was a past Halloween event... ahem....experiment. I had decided to take my 3-year old daughter to this Trunk-or-Treat thing in our neighborhood. Dressed her up as a witch and well hey I thought she needs a  magical critter. I looked at Milo and thought "Courage the Cowardly Dog" is pink why not a pink Milo!

Steps for a Colorful Dog

Step 1: First had to figure out something nontoxic and washable. I had two choices: food coloring or Kool-Aid (w/o the sugar!) Guess what I had on hand? Kool-Aid.....

Step 2: Mix the Kool-aid or food coloring with some warm water. Add more water for lighter color and less water for more intense color. Wear gloves! Otherwise your hands will be turning some freaky colors 0_o

Step 3: Put your pup or kitty in the tub or sink. Use a rag or even a paintbrush might work and start working the color into the upper layer of fur. Avoid rubbing into the skin cause it will stain (temporarily).

Step 4: Let dry and ta-da you got one rainbow-rific pet ^_^

*Warning and Tips*

Only do this if both you and your pet are comfortable with bathing. Seriously there is no need to stress your pets out if they detest baths and not to mention avoid injuring yourself  from a freaked out pet.

Do not use products meant for people on pets i.e temporary hair dye!

This works best on light colored pets or more specifically white!

Kool-Aid and food coloring will stain temporarily. So try not to get it on you hands or much loved furniture.

It will take several (will vary depending on color intensity) baths to wash the color out completely so expect you pet to be rainbow-fied for a few days not just one night. It took about 3-4 baths to wash all the color from Milo. Good thing he enjoys his baths 0_o

Get to Know the Animals Behind the Scenes of The Bouncy Mutt

UPDATED 3/4/2022

Pets From The Past To The Present

Starting out with the dogs.

• Bandit, the Heeler Mix is my top dog. I had him since he was 7 weeks old and passed away at 14 years old from spleen cancer just recently . He was quite hyper 0_o A bit skittish toward new people and quite the territorial, protective mug but none the less he is the most "real" dog I have ever had. Residing and passed away in the country at my brothers home in Colorado. 

•  Milo, the Jack Russel Mix was a cute pup for the short time we had him. Unfortunately we had to re-home him do to moving to a tiny apartment. Milo simply could not stand small, enclosed spaces. Some friends whom have a farm have him now and he is happy as can be.

• Bessie, the Retriever/Chow Mix and Huns, the purebred German Shepard were my first two pets I ever had. They were my childhood dogs.  Bessie lived to the ripe age of 11 years old and past away from cancer. Huns unfortunately dug out the family yard and ran away never to be seen again =(

• Rocky,  the Lab/Chow Mix was my next childhood dog. Had him when he was just a little 8 week ball of fuzz and had him till the ripe age of 16 years old and he ended up passing away in his sleep.

• Delta, the border heeler. This lovely lady has some high anxiety but very loving. She is very athletic and super protective of her property

• Allyn, the red heeler. He is our most recent addition. Totally laid back and loves to play with Delta. Eating is his favorite pastime as well. 

Then came the cats.....

• Tilly, long-haired Maine-Coon tabby mix is our most recent addition. Got her as a kitten and is about 8+ year old now and is a indoor cat. She loves her food and loves to play, play, play!

• Dot, a tabby and her sister Lilly, also a tabby got them as itty bitty kittens. Unfortunately Dot escaped out the door one day and never came back. Lilly about 9+ years old now resides with us still and is happy as can be as a indoor cat. She is quite the talkative little cat and overall rather delicate. 

• King, the black DSH was my first cat. He was already a adult when we got him from a neighbor. He was a tough little cat and actually ended up losing a eye from a dog. He was 20+ years old when unfortunately was forced to euthanize him due to incontinence and he could barely walk anymore. It was for the best =(

• Smokey, grey DLH was my second kitty. A very skittish, scared but lovable and talkative little cat. Had him since he was a kitten and he past away in his sleep at 13 years old.

•  Dixie, the tabby DSH was my third kitty. She was a feisty but lovable cat. She was given to me as 1 year-old cat by some friends who found her in a ditch. She passed away recently from old age in 2018.

• Molly, the black DSH was a feral kitty that just popped up one day. She was a sweet tiny little cat but sadly she disappeared one day and never saw her again =(

• Khoda, the tabby DSH (pictured w/Bandit above) was a awesome outside cat. A good mouser and a very independent but still lovable cat. Had him since he was a tiny kitten until he was taken away at the age of 6 years old from a coyote attack =(

• Gracie, the grey DSH was the sixth kitty. She happened upon our doorstep one day. She was and still is a great cat whom acted like a little dog. She currently resides at a family friend's farm due the fact she insisted on being a outside cat. Last I heard she is still roaming around with another little kitty friend =)

• Mojo, the orange DSH was a talkative but lovable kitty. Got him when he was a kitten and had him for about a year as a indoor cat until we lost him when he escaped out the door. He disappeared and we never were able to find him again =( 

And of course along the way a variety of other critters...

• Other in between pets included many rabbits, a couple hamsters, a hedgehog, a lizard, a box turtle, slider turtles, ducks and a white albino rat named PipSqueak.

So if you can't tell I am a very avid animal lover and have plenty of experience when it comes to pets! 

I will always love, cherish and respect all animals of every shape, size and temperament that come into my life. 

Welcome To The Bouncy Mutt!

Hi! 

Welcome to The Bouncy Mutt blog.

This blog has been created for pet owners of lovable mutts and furry creatures.

Pets bring us joy, companionship and health perks.

The content you are about to read is pet-related.

A variety of topics including:

helpful tips and tricks

random news articles/studies

a few random opinionated posts of my own accord.

So enjoy like, share, comment and follow if you wish.

Have a wonderful, blessed day!

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"Without my pets,
my wallet would
be full, my house
would be clean
but my heart
would be empty"