paw planet

We all know how important it is to take care of our teeth. Studies have shown that gingivitis and periodontal disease have been linked to heart disease and other long-term health issues. Dentists recommend we floss and brush thoroughly twice a day to prevent bacteria from overpopulating. If left untreated, these harmful microorganisms will then enter the bloodstream and eventually attach themselves to fatty plaques responsible for causing blockages in arteries and leading to heart problems.

Just like humans, pet can also get dental disease that can lead to serious health problems including heart, lung and kidney disease. The American Veterinary Dental Society reports that 80 percent of dogs and 70 percent of cat show signs of oral disease by age three.

Bad breath is probably the most common sign that your pet needs some dental care. Pain when eating, drooling, excessive licking, bloody saliva, rubbing the face or muzzle and pawing at the mouth can all be signs of dental problems.

Brushing your pet's teeth has many ways but the most important is just do it. Using a child's toothbrush with a small head and soft bristles works well and fits into the mouth of small dogs and cats and can also reach the back teeth. When it comes with toothpaste, owners should use pet toothpaste and not people toothpaste because pets will swallow this and get too much fluoride. Daily brushing would be ideal for two to three minutes at a time.

Here are the following process to clean the inside surfaces of your pet's teeth:

1. Place your hand over your pet’s muzzle from the top

2. Gently squeeze and push his lips on one side between the back teeth (to keep his mouth open)

3. Pull his head back gently so his mouth opens

4. Brush his teeth on the opposite side

5. Repeat this process for the other side

If your dog or cat continues to resist, try gently wrapping him in a large bath towel with only his head sticking out. Above all, avoid overstraining and keep sessions short and positive. With a little daily help, you can improve your pet's dental and physical health.

The Environmental Protection Agency is improving the safety measures for flea and tick treatments products after they found a significant increase in side effects for pets, ranging from skin irritation to neurological problems and even deaths. The EPA said they received 44,263 reports of harmful reactions associated with topical flea and tick products in 2008, up from 28,895 in 2007.

The Agency will require manufacturers to improve labeling and require clear markings on boxes to determine which ones need to say more clearly how to use the products and to differentiate between dog and cat products. The EPA also says it will develop more strict testing and evaluation requirements for topical flea and tick treatments.

Veterinarians say the most important thing is to be sure you're buying the proper medication and pay close attention to the directions. The EPA recommends pet owners consult a veterinarian before purchasing any treatment for your cat or dog.

Here are the list of EPA-registered spot-on anti-flea and tick products.

One of the many problems that a pet owner must face is their dog running out the door or out an open window especially if this happens on the daily basis. Although that it may take some time to know why your dog rushes out the door, you can install a dog door for the meantime so you can give your dog freedom to go out of your hose whenever he needs to poo or pee. But there are some dog owners that are not convinced dog doors and its advantages because of the fact that intruders can take advantage of these dog doors to do their evil deeds. What they don’t know is that there is no need to be alarmed because there have been many innovations lately to make dog doors a better and safer pet product not only to our pets but also to our family as well. The main advantage of installing pet doors to our home is to give your dogs the freedom of coming and leaving as they please. You don’t need to think about letting the dog in and out of the home or forgetting to let them in from the cold. But what’s the sense of this product if it can be used by people to harm our family. Don’t worry because there have been some developments to make this product safer like making it automatic and electronic while in some models you can place a barrier that prevent any entrance into your home through the dog doors.

Choosing the right brand or dog door product for your home begins once you have decided to give your pets some freedom to go in and out of your home. Another concern of first time buyer is if a stray animal will find its way into their home. The answer is it depends on the dog door model that you are going to buy. There are dog door models that give easy to access to your pet but lacks security measures to prevent entrance to stray animals and even people. So the best kind of dog door would be something that can give your pets the freedom of going in or out of your home without sacrificing your family’s security. One the most popular and effective dog door known in the market today is the controlled access dog door which comes in different varieties which can be electronic, electro-magnetic, magnetic or infrared. These kinds of dog doors only open when the censors installed in them can sense and recognize the collar that your dogs are wearing. But before go out and run to your nearest pet product dealer don’t forget to take note of these important things: where you'll be installing the dog door, what type or dog door model you will be using and the size of the door. These things can help you to choose what kind of dog door product that is suitable for your security and your pet’s needs.

Barking is natural behavior of dogs, its their way commnunicating. But when dogs bark in a excessive way it can be disturbance not just for you but also the people around you. This dog behavior can be threatening for others, since dog that barks and growls and shows his teeth means they getting ready to bite. We can't remove this barking thing, but there are things that we can do reduce it.

Mostly dog bark because of lack attention and exercise. Dogs also get bored and stressed, they need lots of attention because they don't know how to behave when alone. Regular activities like playing, take them for a walk or hike. Since its their way communication, they might try to tell you something. If they hungry, thirsty or maybe they want to go out or enter the door. Consider giving them a dog door. When you heard your dog barking do not squirt water up his nose, hurt them or threaten them. Don't yell at them since the dog thinks you are barking too. Do not try to shout over the barking, this can cause more problems.

When training your dog use a positive reinforcement by saying something good and giving them treats, this will help them how to be quieted on command as well. The training really takes some time, its important to be patience. Also consider purchasing an anti bark collar which is effective and not cruel. If your dog's excessive barking has already become a habit, don't expect the barking to get under control overnight. If all else fails, consult a veterinary behaviorist or a pet behaviorist for additional suggestions.

We all know that dogs love comfortable, soft places where they can rest comfortably. Most of my dogs spend their time relaxing on our couch or on our carpet. A lot of people usually think that this kind of behavior is alright, however not all times is this permissible. There are dogs that are just too lazy to do their usual stuff and choose to stay on your relaxing couch. Your pet might have a health condition like arthritis that’s why they like to rest and stay on your comfortable couch. There are people that find this kind of behavior annoying. But we should understand that it is also important for dogs to have a comfortable place of their own wherein they can spend their time sleeping.

A pet bed is really important for any dogs due to the following explanations. Getting your pet a comfortable dog bed of his own will prevent your dogs from sleeping on your sofa and carpet specially if you are the type of person who do not want to share their couch to their dogs. This way, you also avoid feeling irritated because your dog has his own place when he wants to sleep. Aside from accidents like tripping, stepping on your pets, hurting your pets may be avoided. Your pet will have a place of their own where they can spend their time comfortably. How can you make sure that your dog will like the dog bed that you bought over your sofa that your pet is used to? The bed you bought for your pet should be comfy enough as the couch that he is used to. You can find a lot of dog bed available on the market today. Do not forget to choose the best pet bed for your pet. Choose a dog bed that is made from durable, easy to clean and also comfortable materials.

Getting your dog a bed will make sure that your pet will not only be comfortable but also healthy. There are certain pet beds like the orthopedic dog bed that is made to help alleviate the arthritis of your pet. You can let your dog sleep on the floor, however, this cannot give adequate warm for your pet during cold season or during winter season unlike a heated dog bed. Letting your dog sleep on the floor can cause some health problems to your pet such as joint and muscle pains as well as arthritis especially for older dogs. There are also pet beds that have a built in cooling system that will keep your dog cool as well as comfortable during summer and a warm system that can keep them warm during wet weather or during winter. Orthopedic beds on the other hand are suitable for old and injured dogs which are intended for aging dogs to give them added support and comfort. Shop around and choose a bed that is suited for your dog and for affordable but high-quality pet beds visit www.petstreetmall.com that ensures the health and wellness of your pet.

Bathing our dog is very important, it helps to make them clean and get rid of those bad smell. But there are things to consider before we bathe our dogs. Its important that we know if our dogs really need to take a bath and how often. A veterinary might suggest that it is a bad idea to bathe a pet too often cause it can remove the natural oils in their skin and fur, and can leave dried skin. And it could also affect them in a harsh weather conditions, cause their fur serves as a protective barrier. So its better to consult a vet to know more about your dog condition, information and suggestion about the bathing thing.

Dogs don't usually like getting wet, the first bathing experience could be very unpleasant and it could cause chasing fighting on the next time you need bathe them. Here are some simple steps on how to bathe a dog safely and effectively.

First you have to find a place. A dog bath tub is the easiest place to bathe your dog, its usually comes up with other tools that can help in the process. Consider having one, specifically if you a lot of dogs. Then prepare the supplies that you have to use such as shampoo, brush, towel and your wet suit. Be careful on choosing the right shampoo for your dog. Dog are like humans, they should have the right shampoo. Use a brush that is appropriate for your dog's hair type.

Before you start to wet your dog pamper them, so they can feel safe. Use the brush to pamper them and also remove any tangles or mats on their fur. Soak your dog from head to toe with warm water, cold water can easily shiver them. Soak them thorough to penetrate the hair coat. Then its time to apply the shampo, but first you have to read the directions on the bottle and follow them carefully in order to achieve the desired results. Start in the main body, stomach, legs, feet, and tail. Avoid the eyes, face, and genital area. Use enough shampoo to create a lather. Rub and massage your dog for several minutes using your hands and fingers.

Now carefully rinse the face and head first. Cover your dog's eyes with your hand and gently rinse off the top of the head and around the eyes. Then, gently cover your dog's nose and rinse off the rest of the face and neck. Then start rinsing the body all the way down. Make sure that you rinse out all of the suds and shampoo residue. Then you can stand back and let your dog have a few good shakes, just make sure they won't run away. Use the towels to damp dry your dog's coat to remove any excess water. If the weather is warm enough, you can just left your dog's coat to dry by air. And if the weather is cold, you should use a hair dryer. And thats it, your dog is now clean.

Listed below is a list of plants which are considered poisonous for our pets. You will even be amazed that some of these plants are very common garden and household plants which you may have in your yard. This may not be a complete list of all poisonous plants but at least you will have enough idea which plants are dangerous for your pet's health. Your pet may have an allergy or sensitive to the plants listed or not listed below. These plants can be toxic to your furry little friends. Dont forget to contact your veterinarian immediately if your pet have ingested one of the plants listed below. If you don't find the information you're seeking listed below you can check out ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center for our more information about poisonous plants, effects and plant photos from the various veterinary/horticultural schools.

Aloe
Amaryllis
Aloe
American Bittersweet
Andromeda Japonica
Asian Lily
Asparagus Fern
Australian Nut
Autumn Crocus
Avocado
Azalea
Bird of Paradise
Branching Ivy
Buckeye
Buddist Pine
Caladium
Calla Lily
Castor Bean
Ceriman
Charming
Chinaberry Tree
Chinese Evergreen
Christmas Rose
Clematis
Cordatum
Corn Plant
Cornstalk Plant
Cutleaf Philodendron
Cycads
Cyclamen
Daffodil
Day Lily
Deadly Nightshade
Devils Ivy
Diffenbachia
Dumb Cane
Easter Lily
Elephant Ears
Emerald Feather
Emerald Fern
English Ivy
European Bittersweet
Fiddle-Leaf Philodendron
Flamingo Plant
Florida Beauty
Foxglove
Fruit Salad Plant
Glacier Ivy
Gladiolas
Glory Lily
Gold Dieffenbachia
Gold Dust Dracaena
Golden Pothos
Green Gold Nephthysis
Hahns self branching English Ivy
Heartleaf Philodendron
Heavenly Bamboo
Holly
Horsehead Philodendron
Hurricane Plant
Hyacinth
Hydrangea
Iris
Japanese Show Lily
Japanese Yew
Jerusalem Cherry
Kalanchoe
Lace Fern
Lacy Tree
Lily of the Valley
Macadamia Nut
Madagascar Dragon Tree
Marble Queen
Marijuana
Mauna Loa Peace Lily
Mexican Breadfruit
Mistletoe American
Morning Glory
Narcissus
Needlepoint Ivy
Nephthytis
Nightshade
Oleander
Onion
Orange Day Lily
Panda
Peace Lily
Philodendron Pertusum
Plumosa Fern
Precatory Bean
Queensland Nut
Red Emerald
Red Lily
Red Princess
Red-Margined Dracaena
Rhododendron
Ribbon Plant
Rubrum Lily
Saddle Leaf Philodendron
Sago Palm
Satin Pothos
Schefflera
Spotted Dumb Cane
Stargazer Lily
Striped Dracaena
Sweetheart Ivy
Swiss Cheese Plant
Taro Vine
Tiger Lily
Tomato Plant
Tree Philodendron
Tropic Snow Dumbcane
Tulip
Variable Dieffenbachia
Variegated Philodendron
Warneckei Dracaena
Wood Lily
Yew
Yucca

Every pet owner knows that fleas are one of their biggest problems. Fleas can survive off of the blood of your dog and it is often difficult to spot them on your dog due to their fur. Fleas can also cause your dog to become anemic due to losing so much blood and they can transmit some pretty tough diseases into your dog. If your dog is sensitive to flea bites, it may end up having a mild skin irritation or in severe cases it may develop a severe allergic reaction resulting in baldness, intense itch and inflammation throughout its body. There are a lot of dog owner that are very confused right now as to what flea treatment to choose from the wide varieties of flea control products available in the market today. Flea treatment products ranges from flea comb, flea sprays, natural products, topical spot-on solutions, oral growth regulator or "birth control" pills for the fleas and more.

Your pet can pick up fleas everywhere especially when they are outdoors. Even if you don’t want it, your pets will be more than likely going to play host to fleas at some point in their lives. You can’t be sure that your dogs will not get any fleas. There is very little you can do to prevent this from happening since they can be found lurking anywhere just waiting for a suitable host to pass by but there are some things you can do to help prevent fleas from infesting and breeding in your home.

You can use a special flea comb to comb your pet each day, particularly after they have been outside during hot weather in order to help dislodge fleas and eggs from your pet's coat. If you just put a bit of oil onto the comb spines. This is very effective because those little parasites will get stuck to the comb. Keep a bowl of hot water close by when you do this so that you can instantly place any fleas directly into the water. You should also remember to pay attention to some hot spot areas like behind their ears, spots in between their toes, the fur in their armpits, and the spots under their neck. You can easily spot fleas when you place a white cloth or towel underneath your dog during combing. Fleas are notoriously hard to catch so don't expect to eradicate all your pets fleas in one combing.

Pure alcohol can help you in stunning the fleas as you brush out so you can effortlessly dump them into a cup of water to die. Empty the mug down the toilet to make sure that any fleas do not make it out. Giving bath to your pet regularly can minimize the flea problem of your dog but not when you are dealing with a major flea’s infestation. Some dig owners use special shampoos in the market that is made to killing fleas but these products are usually too toxic to use every day. Some alternative products available commercially are rosewood, cedar, or eucalyptus is better choice but you can't always rely on these to take care of minor flea problems. Another alternative in dealing with minor flea problem is cutting up lemons and squeezing the juice into a quart of water is, after it settles in a few hours you can put it into a clean spray bottle. A little spray across the body is usually enough to solve minor flea problem of your dog, just remember to avoid getting any spray into the eyes of your dog.

Consult a veterinarian when your dog’s flea problem has reached to flea infestation level. Veterinarian can analyze your pet’s condition and can properly prescribe medication for the infestation. There are many medicines available in the market that are safe for your pet like a diatomaceous earth or a Boron substance that you can use in your home. This is one of the cheapest ways to handle flea problems. Strong medication such as Advantage and Frontline can wipe out all of the adult fleas on your pet in hours while preventing outbreaks for up to 3 months. You just need a few drops onto your pet's shoulder and the special chemical will spread and cure on its own. Advantage and Frontline has little toxicity to your pet which makes it safe for your pet. Do not forget to be careful in handling such substances. These chemicals can harm you and your pet if used improperly. Ask your vet before you do anything or if you don’t understand anything about the product. Every flea control products on the market are not the same. Each have their own varying levels of effectiveness and kill different flea stages i.e. the eggs, larvae, and adults. One may be effective against the adult fleas but is simply harmless to the eggs or larvae.

If your pet has a bad flea infestation then you may need a combination of these products to effectively get rid of the fleas. Try to research on other alternative products or methods in controlling and eliminating fleas. There are many flea control techniques you might not have been aware of before so research! Your choice of a flea treatment medicine or method for your dog is very important because it determines the success or failure in your battle against these pesky fleas.