Spring is Coming Soon! Prepare your pets for pests.

Spring is coming soon and pests are about to rear their ugly heads once again to plaque your pet.

Here are some helpful tips to prepare your pet springtime pests.


Mosquito season is coming so if you live in a area that has a major problem with this pest it is advisable to get back on track with heartworm prevention medication. Ensure there are no standing puddles of stagnant water where mosquitoes can lay their eggs and larvae can thrive. Insect repellent might be a good idea, always read directions! Or use citronella candles or there are citronella collars as well.


Continue flea and tick protection. Use a OTC or prescription medication and/or repellant to keep fleas and ticks at bay. Keep a exceptionally clean house. Vacuum daily! If it gets really out of control throw a baking soda, borax and salt mixture on the carpet. Let sit for 1-2 hours and vacuum. Diatomaceous earth can also be used. Bug bomb and use flea collars if necessary. Highly recommend if you have  a out of control infestation to hire a bug exterminator.


Watch out for parasitic worms like tapeworms, round worms and whip worms. Have medication on hand in case these little buggers pop up. Use brewers yeast, wormwood or garlic tabs for a herbal prevention. Make sure to know correct dosing procedures and always as your veterinarian before giving any herbal supplements or trying any herbal remedies.

It's National Cheese Lover's Day! Here is a Cheesy Dog treat Recipe

Cheddar Dog Biscuits

Ingredients

• 1 beef or chicken bouillon cube
• ½ cup hot water
• 1 egg
• 1¼ cups flour
• ⅓ cup shredded cheddar cheese

Directions

1. Heat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Dissolve bouillon in hot water.
3. Add water mixture and egg to flour and combine.
4. Mix in cheese.
5. Knead dough until it forms a ball (approximately 3 minutes).
6. Roll dough on lightly floured surface until ¼-inch thick.
7. Cut into slices or use cookie cutters to make shaped treats.
8. Place dough pieces on nonstick cookie sheet.
9. Cook for 15 minutes for soft treats and 20 minutes for crunchier biscuits.

Makes about 1 dozen large dog treats.

Yum! Enjoy your cheesy goodness today!

How to properly care for a dog.

Adopt don't shop.

Looking for your first puppy or adult dog? Try the local shelter first and if you don't find what your looking for find a reputable breeder.  If you do go to a breeder remember these things:

• Don't be put off if a breeder isn't immediately responsive. Hobby breeders often have full-time jobs and they don't always have available puppies. Be selective. Find a breeder who is knowledgeable and make sure you're comfortable with them.
• Visit the breeder's home or kennel and ask to see at least one of the puppy's parents. Get an idea of what the future holds for your dog in terms of temperament and appearance.
• Observe the premises. Is the house/kennel clean? Odor-free? Dogs and puppies should be clean, well fed, lively and friendly. Look for signs of malnutrition such as protruding rib cages or illness such as runny nose/eyes, coughing, lethargy and skin sores.
• Pay attention to how the dogs and puppies interact with their breeder. Does the breeder appear to genuinely care for the puppies and their adult dogs? Both dogs and puppies should not shy away from the breeder and should be outgoing with strangers.
• Find out about the health of your puppy and its parents. Breeders should be honest about the breed's strengths and weaknesses and knowledgeable about the genetic diseases that can affect their breed - including what's being done to avoid them. Breeders should be willing to share proof of health screenings such as OFA and CERF certificates with potential buyers.
• Establish a good rapport with the breeder. He/she will be an excellent resource and breed mentor for you throughout the life of your puppy. You should be encouraged to call the breeder if your dog has a crisis at any stage of its life.
• A responsible breeder may ask you to sign a contract indicating that if specified conditions of care are not met or you become unable to keep the puppy, he/she will reclaim it.
• Don't expect to bring home the puppy until its eight to 12 weeks of age. Puppies need ample time to mature and socialize with its mother and litter mates.
• Breeders should be willing to answer any questions you have and should ask many of you as well. Breeders will want to make sure their puppies are going to good homes, with people who know what to expect and have made all the necessary preparations.

After you take your puppy or adult dog home remember the five basic necessities: 

Find a veterinarian.

Find a veterinarian that will listen to you and provide all necessary information for such things as a shot schedules and basic care for your new dog. Always keep your veterinarians information in a place where it can be found quickly in case of emergency. 

Training

Make sure your pet knows basic commands like sit, stay, come and leave it. You can self-teach your pet in which case there are plenty of resources in books and online. You can also take your pet to puppy classes or a professional certified dog trainer. Always be careful when taking any advice from anyone what they say may not necessarily be the right training for your pup. Stay clear from anyone insisting hitting your dog is okay!

Exercise

On top of basic training your pet will also need exercise. Don't expect just letting your pet out in the backyard will give them enough exercise. Walk, run or bike with your dog is the best case scenario. At the very least play games with your dog be it fetch or hide-and-seek. The more you keep your dog's mind busy the lest likely they will develop bad habits.

Feeding

Most dogs will be fine with basic dry kibble. However occasionally you may have a pet with food allergies in that case ask your veterinarian whats the best pet food their specific needs/ Always follow the suggested feeding amounts designated on the pet food bag. This way you don't overfeed your pet or your pet gets to skinny. If your dog is a active breed and participating in a lot of exercise feed a little extra. This also goes for if your pet will be outdoors during the winter always feed a bit extra.

Shelter.

Indoors is best but if you must keep your new pet outside provide adequate shelter. Insure the shelter sits slightly off the ground a couple inches and their are no drafts. If you must use bedding use something like hay/straw or cedar shavings that you can clean out if it gets wet. Avoid blankets and towels which can get moldy  and have to be washed/sanitized often. Most dog do fine outside however if it is exceptionally cold, well below freezing, bring them inside or at least put them in  a draft free barn or shed.

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Thank you. Have a beautiful and blessed day!

Christmas Pet Tips

Secure the Christmas tree so doesn't fall on your pets. Put it in a corner

Choose ornaments wisely glass and stringy hangings can harm your pets.

Keep harmful foods away from pets. Onions, chocolate, alcohol, etc.

Avoid giving your pets toys that can be torn pieces, possible choking hazard.

Stay away from deadly holiday plants like holly and mistletoe.

If you have a holiday party contain your pet in a separate area or let your guests know not to give table scraps or encourage bad behavior.

Keep wires and batteries and such out of your pets reach.

If leaving the house unplug decorations and take out the trash to avoid a mess and/or a potential house fire.

Keep candles, potpourri and any artificial "smellings" away. Not good for you or your pet.

If candles are lit keep them up high and blow them out before going to sleep or leaving the house.

Traveling in a car to visit family? Don''t leave your pet alone in the car and stop for breaks.

Keep number for your veterinarian, a 24/7 veterinarian and poison control close by in case of any accidents.

Prevent your pet from slipping out the door. Make sure your pet has a updated tag and microchip.