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Saturday, June 25, 2022

Be Ready for Wildfire Season with Pets

 

click here to Check out the Book on Amazon  and Audible 

Get an author signed book directly from me at fddk9books.company.site

This book explains how-to evacuate with pets.


How-to make a bug-out (survival) bag for owners and dogs to carry.

Every dog of any age or size can help its family evacuate. Be prepared for disasters with your pets.

Learn what to expect at disaster shelters and from pet rescue during disasters.


Included is a detailed expanded list of survival items for pets and owners with step-by step instructions to train your dog to carry a saddlebag to hold items to evacuate and "bug-out" with.


Plus Pet CPR instructions and how-to calm a frightened pet.

How-to find a lost pet.

USA Evacuation Law for pets.

From the author of Family Disaster Dogs, books, blog and lessons.

Here's a no cost preview of this small valuable book.

Please leave a review, thank you for helping others to learn what to do too!

Monday, June 6, 2022

What You Need to Know About Ticks on Your Dog in Ontario

Ticks might look small and innocuous, but they can pass on diseases to your dog. And ticks can be transmitted to you when you pet your dog. If you notice your dog has ticks, it's crucial to act quickly. You can help your dog by regularly brushing the hair and examining the skin for small ticks. 


To safeguard your dog from falling victim to any tick-borne disease:


  • Be mindful of where your dog is while walking in grassy and shrubbed areas.

  • Develop the habit of routinely checking your dog thoroughly for ticks at the end of every day.

  • Consult a veterinarian on pet medication options to help prevent ticks. 

 

Regular veterinarian-approved medication to control ticks is essential if your dog goes into tick habitats.

Tick medications don't repel ticks but are instead designed to kill ticks. Dog owners should continue checking for ticks on their dogs daily, even when their dogs are taking tick medicine.


What time of year are ticks most prevalent?


Ticks are most active in humid and warm weather, thriving during the spring and summer and reemerging in the fall. The peak months are April and October. They can be found anywhere in Ontario if the temperature is above freezing. 


 

What to do if you find a tick on your dog


Use fine-tipped tweezers to remove the tick by carefully grasping the tick as close as possible to the skin. Slowly and steadily pull the tick upward and away from your dog's skin. With a steady hand, pull gently upward  until the skin the tick is attached to starts to tent, then wait for several seconds. At this point, the tick will usually release the skin. 


You want to refrain from pulling too aggressively or fast, which risks crushing the tick's body. Also, avoid twisting the tweezers or squeezing the tick’s belly or body. This is because if any of the tick’s gut contents enter the area the tick was latched on to, it will increase the chances of disease transmission. 


After removing the tick, kill it by submerging it in a small container of alcohol before placing it in a plastic bag and discarding it into the waste. Take a picture to document what type of tick you removed in case your dog develops symptoms. Since there are different species of ticks and tick-borne diseases, to avoid the risk of transmission, never crush a tick. The vast majority of tick bites occur without the transmission of any tick-borne illness, however, after tick removal, monitor your dog for any of the following symptoms:


  • Loss of appetite

  • Fatigue (reluctance to move)

  • Pale gums

  • Depression

  • Seizures

  • Swelling and soreness in limbs

  • Any other symptoms can occur


How long does a tick have to be attached before it will transmit a disease?


 

A tick has to be attached for a significant amount of time before a disease can be transmitted. However, it’s hard to narrow down the time period. In some studies, diseases have been spread in less than 24 hours, but most of the time it takes longer. Checking your pet for ticks every 24 hours is a good way to significantly reduce your dog’s risk of getting a tick-borne illness. 



How long does it take Lyme disease or a tick-borne infection to manifest after finding a tick on your dog?



The time varies depending on the disease or infection. Once the tick is embedded into the skin after an extended period, the disease is transmitted. It enters the bloodstream, affecting different body organs. Only 5-10% of infected dogs develop clinical signs of Lyme disease. Signs usually develop within 2-5 months of infection.



How does Lyme disease affect your dog?

If left untreated, Lyme disease could progress into serious complications, leading to kidney failure. Your veterinarian can prescribe medication to help ease discomfort and resolve symptoms.


If Lyme disease is transmitted, your dog could experience: 


  • Kidney disease

  • Soreness in the limbs

  • Extreme fatigue

  • Loss of appetite

  • Fever


Other diseases and infections ticks can spread to your dog include:


  • Anaplasmosis: fever, muscle aches, and other uncomfortable symptoms, including lethargy and loss of appetite Babesiosis: anemia, pale gums, weakness, fever, body aches, loss of appetite, bruising, jaundice

  • Tick Paralysis: heavy breathing, difficulty breathing, loss of muscle function

  • Ehrlichiosis: weight loss, fever, swollen lymph nodes


How To Tick-proof Your Yard


Regularly mow your lawn, and use a weed wacker in hard-to-reach areas or against fencing to trim long grass. 


If you frequently take your dog on hikes, check for ticks around the neck and ears, and do a full-body examination post-hike. Humans can also contract tick-borne diseases. Always check your body, especially underarms, behind knees, and around your wrists, after leaving an area with dense grass or shrubs. 


It’s very important that you schedule an online telehealth appointment with a Vetster veterinarian to formulate the best and most effective plan to prevent flea and tick infestation.

 


Sunday, June 5, 2022

How to Find Perfect Home for You and Your Pet

 How to Find the Perfect Home for You and Your Pet?


Before you look for a new home, it's important to consider a few factors. Indoor/outdoor pets need wide hallways and separate rooms. Consider the flooring, too. While wood floors are growing in popularity, they can also be scratched and damaged, so the carpet is a better option. If you can't decide between carpet and hardwood floors, consider the size and durability of the carpet before you make a final decision.

Possibilities of rehoming your pet

While rehoming a pet can be emotionally and financially devastating, it is far better than giving it up to a shelter, where it may be euthanized. The benefits of rehoming your pet are obvious, and proactive strategies will increase your chances of success. You can find easily pet friendly apartments Phoenix by searching on internet. Listed below are a few tips to retain your pet and keep it from euthanasia. If you've found yourself in the same situation, take heart!

Before rehoming your pet, check its vaccinations, health history, and temperament. If it isn't current, it is likely to be at risk of contracting a disease or becoming ineffective in caring for you. Also, check your pet's hygiene. If you see it hasn't been properly groomed, it may be time to seek rehoming. Your pet's behavior may have changed, too. If you're considering rehoming a pet due to a medical condition, don't wait any longer.

Size of dog breeds

There are a few things to consider when choosing the size of dog breeds for your home. Consider how big you can keep the dog, whether you plan to take him on long walks or to the dog park. If you plan to live in an apartment, consider whether you'll have enough space for a large dog. The breed's size will determine the amount of space needed for exercise, play, and poop.

Medium dogs are a great choice if you have space to exercise and play with them. They can be as large as 75 pounds or smaller. You'll need plenty of space for their wagging tails and to keep them from damaging furniture or household objects. Medium-sized dogs can be as large as a lap dog, depending on their size. If you're looking for a smaller dog, consider a toy breed.

Size of cat breeds

If you have kids and are interested in bringing a new pet into the family, consider the type of cat you want. Some breeds are gentle with children while others are more independent. 

Large cats are often categorized as those over 15 pounds. However, there are exceptions to this rule. Some large cats weigh as little as 12 pounds, while rare specimens can weigh up to 30 pounds. Regardless of size, you should make sure your new pet has enough enrichment to keep them happy and healthy. Cats need plenty of climbing places, perches near windows, interactive playtime, and scratching areas.

Location of a dog park or green space

There are many benefits of living near a dog park or green space, and it may be important for you to look for one when looking for a new home. Green space is beneficial for humans, but dogs require it as well. Not only will a dog park keep your pet active and fit, it will also reduce anxiety and help to stimulate your pet's mind. Currently, one out of three dogs in the United States is overweight, which is associated with more than 20 ailments and an increased cost of pet healthcare.

A dog park is a great place to socialize your pet, but it also requires a lot of planning and dedication. It should be at least one acre, with a four to a six-foot chain-link fence. It should be double-gated to make access for wheelchair-users easier, and it should have a designated waste-removal station. There should also be enough trash cans and bags to accommodate all the dogs.

Size of home

The size of the home for you and your pet depends on the breed of your pets, the type of lifestyle you currently lead, and the geographical climate. Larger animals require more space and more energy, while smaller pets can adapt to a smaller space. Whether you choose to downsize or not is entirely up to you, but keep in mind that you should take your pets' needs into account when choosing the size of your new home.


Author Amber Higgins

Author Amber Higgins
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Welcome UK and Worldwide Visitors

Welcome UK and worldwide visitors and friends to Family Disaster Dogs online! Although I'm an American author and dog professional the worldwide web has given me the opportunity to connect with some wonderful folks who have contributed pictures for my books. The "Start Mantrailing" book features RRI K9 North Scotland trained Search and Rescue Dog "Amber" on the cover and her teammates training in the book, plus American dogs using my training methods. A portion of sales of the Start Mantrailing book or copies were donated to RRI North Scotland. The children's picture book "My Puppy Can Find Me" has my daughter and bloodhound as illustrations by UK cartoonist Scotty King. You can find the books on Amazon UK or use the contact page to order from me. When you click the links will take you to your own county pages of this site.

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