Tag Archive for: dog

Heartworm In Dogs: The Facts and What To Do About It

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Heartworm In Dogs: The Facts and What To Do About It

What is heartworm?

Heartworm (Dirofilaria immitis) is a worm that lives in the heart, lungs, and blood vessels of pets that have been infected by mosquitos. These worms get their name from where the adults live in the body: the heart, lungs, and associated blood vessels of an infected animal. Dogs are most susceptible to infection but cats and ferrets can also become infected.

Can heartworm be treated?

Yes! But treatment costs 10-15x more than preventatives and treatment can take months. It is not always 100% successful. Treatment usually involves Melarsomine dihydrochloride which is an FDA-approved drug used to kill adult heartworms in dogs. The medication is injected deep into the back muscles. This treatment is often only used for Class 1, 2, and 3 cases of heartworm. Class 4 of heartworm is risky and often fatal as the blood is being blocked by a mass of worms. Surgery is the only option for class 4 cases. There is no FDA-approved drug to treat heartworm in cats and ferrets.

Is my pet at risk?

Heartworm is found in all 50 states. Even if your pet is indoors, a stray infected mosquito that finds its way into your house can infect your pet.

Is heartworm in dogs deadly?

Potentially. Heartworm can cause: severe lung disease, heart failure, and damage of other organs especially if left untreated. There are 4 classes of heartworm with class 1, 2, and 3 being treatable with medication. Class 4 requires surgery that may not be successful.

Can I do anything to prevent heartworm in dogs?

Yes! Pets should be on year-round preventatives and get regular testing for early detection. Preventative care costs less than treatment and only takes a few minutes. If you have cats and ferrets, keep them indoors to help reduce their risk of being infected. For dogs, make sure to mosquito-proof your yard as much as possible. This includes removing any standing water, regular yard maintenance, and using fans when outside.

 

Heartworm Disease in Pets Infographic

Want to learn more about heartworm in dogs and facts? See the FDA’s page on heartworm that goes into more depth.

Watermelon Medley Pupsicles Recipe

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Watermelon Medley Pupsicles Recipe

National Watermelon Day is coming up and what better way to celebrate by making some watermelon medley pupsicles. Watermelon is low in calories, contains potassium, and vitamins A, B6, and C. Making them not only a refreshing, hydrating snack but also a healthy one! Carrots and apples provide an excellent source of fiber and vitamins A and C. What’s even better is these treats are super easy to make with only three ingredients! All you’ll need is a blender and a dog treat mold to make these pupsicles.

Ingredients:

  • 2c Watermelon
  • 1c Chopped Carrots
  • ½c Diced, Peeled, Apple
  • ½c Fresh Spinach (Optional)

Directions:

  1. Pulse the watermelon, carrots, apple, and spinach in a blender until smooth.
  2. Pour into mold and freeze for two hours.

Watermelon Medley Pupsicles: A recipe for watermelon dog treats

Let us know if you made our watermelon medley pupsicles @WetNosesPetSitting or #WetNosesPetSitting. We’d love to see pictures of your pup enjoying National Watermelon Day.

Want more? Check out our Easy Thanksgiving Treats and our Homemade Peanut Butter Cookies.

How to Safely Give Your Dog Peanut Butter

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Being able to safely give your dog peanut butter might not be something you think about when you grab that jar, but did you know that some peanut butter brands contain a toxic ingredient? Xylitol or birch sugar, is a common sweetener found in many human foods but it is toxic to dogs. Here we talk about how to safely give your dog peanut butter.

 

Looking for some peanut butter that doesn’t contain xylitol? Look for brands that are made for dogs such as Green Coast Pet’s Pawnut Butter.

How Do I Figure Out Which Pet to Adopt?

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If you are looking for a new pet, figuring out the right one to adopt can be a hard choice. Here I walk you through the questions you need to consider in order to make the right decision for you!

Questions to Ask Yourself Before Getting a Pet

  • What is your lifestyle like?
  • Do you have allergies to fur/dander?
  • Do you travel often?
  • Are you looking for a low maintenance or high maintenance pet?
  • What is your personality like?
  • How small/big of a pet would you like?
  • What can you realistically afford in terms of animal care?

We discuss details on each aspect and what to consider in the video. Once you have had time to think about all of these questions you will have a much better idea of what type of pet is a good fit for your household!

 

More Ideas When Adding a New Pet

Why You Should Adopt 2 Kittens

Getting a Dog – Complete Checklist for New Dog Owners

Getting a Cat – Complete Checklist for New Cat Owners

Commonly Asked Questions About Pet Insurance

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Pet insurance can be confusing but we’re here to answer the common questions about pet insurance. Our video on pet insurance is one of our most viewed and we get a lot of questions so I felt it was worth revisiting to help you navigate the world of pet insurance. If you did not watch our first video, go watch it first.

Here are the most commonly asked questions:

Do they cover preexisting conditions?

No. If a health issue has already been diagnosed with your dog or cat, they will not cover it. Usually, after your first claim, they will request all past veterinary records and base their decision on what is covered from those records. There are some companies out there such as PetAssure, that will pay towards pre-existing conditions. For PetAssure your vet must be in network. This is not the same as insurance.

Is there a wait time?

Yes. There is a wait time before coverage starts, generally 30 days. Some companies offer gap coverage which covers any health problems that arise from the time you get your pet until your normal policy begins. If you are offered this, take it!

Which is the best company?

This is probably the most common question about pet insurance. Each company has a slightly different policy that appeals to different people. Research them to find the one that is best for you. Check with your current home, rental, auto, or other insurance company to see if they offer pet insurance as well. Companies like Progressive and State Farm have pet insurance programs that you can get a discount on if you have other services by them.

Do they cover 100% of costs?

Generally no. Most pet insurance policies cover 90% or less of the cost of your veterinary expenses. There are policies that offer less coverage for a lower cost, which is more affordable for some people.

Do they cover preventative care?

Generally no. Normal preventative care, including dental care, is not covered under most policies. Again, companies like PetAssure work for preventative care as they are not insurance and more of a discount card. Think of it how GoodRx works for humans.

Do costs increase over time?

Yes. Generally, the premium for a policy will increase each year as your pet ages.

How do the veterinary bills get paid?

Unlike human policies, veterinarians do not submit bills to insurance. You pay the veterinarian and then you submit the invoice to the insurance company for reimbursement. If you do not have the money upfront, some programs like Care Credit can help bridge the gap until you get reimbursed.

Pet Insurance Infographic

Overall I highly recommend pet insurance for any people who do not have the disposable income to be able to pay out of pocket for large veterinary expenses. It is a terrible thing to have to decide between your pet’s care and our finances. Avoid that situation if possible!

Houseplants That Are Toxic to Pets

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Houseplants That Are Toxic to Pets

Before bringing in a new plant it’s important to know which houseplants are toxic to pets. Do you have houseplants, or are thinking of adding some to your home? Then check out these tips!

Many common houseplants are toxic to pets. These include:

  • Aloe Vera
  • Caladium
  • Eucalyptus
  • Ivy Plants
  • Jade Plants
  • Lilies
  • Mistletoe
  • Poinsettia
  • Pothos

You might even have one of these and didn’t even realize it. We have them around anyway and most of the time our pets are fine with them, but there are times when we should be more concerned.

Times when you need to worry about pets and plants:

  1. When you get a new plant: New things are always exciting and worth investigating. This can lead to accidental ingestion.
  2. When you have a new pet or have a pet visiting your home: These animals aren’t used to your plants (or maybe being around plants in general) and should be observed before being left alone with them. Never leave a pet alone with a houseplant that is toxic to pets.
  3. When you move a plant around in your home: Same thing as the new plant, except your pet thinks it’s a new plant even when it isn’t.

How to keep your pets safe:

  • Know which of your plants are toxic.
  • Keep an eye on your plants for any evidence your pets are messing with them.
  • Put plants out of reach if possible – either on a high to reach shelf or in a locked room your pets can’t get into.
  • Call the pet poison helpline if your pet has eaten or chewed on one of your plants.

Houseplants that are toxic to pets Infographic

Did you know that there are some plants that are poisonous to cats but not dogs? Check out our guide for what plants are poisonous to cats.

New Years Resolutions to Bond With Your Pet Podcast

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The New Year is here and we are all setting resolutions! So why not set some resolutions that include your pets? It will be good for you, good for your pets, and good for your relationship. Plus they can be a lot of fun!

CLICK HERE to learn more about us, including the host Liana Sanders

CLICK HERE to see the full notes on this podcast

CLICK HERE for ideas of how to get your cat to play

CLICK HERE for the top 3 benefits of walking with your dog

CLICK HERE for how to choose a healthy dog food

DogFoodAdvisor.com

Celebrate National Cookie Day With These Homemade Peanut Butter Dog Cookies

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National Cookie Day is here and it is not only for humans! Allow your dog to join in the fun with this simple and easy recipe for peanut butter dog cookies. They are easy to make and much healthier for your dog than store-bought cookies. So give them a try and let us know how your dog likes them!

INGREDIENTS:

  • 2/3 cup pumpkin puree
  • 1/4 cup peanut butter
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 1/2 – 3 cups whole wheat flour

DIRECTIONS:

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Prep a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
  2. Mix pumpkin puree, peanut butter, and eggs until well mixed. Gradually add 2 1/2 cups flour. Add an additional 1/4 cup flour at a time just until the dough is no longer sticky.
  3. Knead the dough 3-4 times until it comes together. Roll the dough to 1/4-inch thickness. Cut out desired shapes and place them onto the prepared baking sheet.
  4. Place into oven and bake until the edges are golden brown, about 20-25 minutes.
  5. Let cool completely.

 

Once you make them, take a picture and share it with us on social media. We would love to see your dogs enjoying them!

Fort Collins Dog Parks

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If your dog needs some exercise and likes to visit with other dogs, then you have to check out the dog parks in Fort Collins! Fort Collins has a lot of regular parks where people take their dogs, but dog parks are fenced, usually have water and other amenities, and you will not get in trouble for letting your dog off-leash.

To see the City of Fort Collins rules for their official dog parks, visit their website.

Soft Gold Dog Park

520 Hickory Street

Spring Canyon Dog Park (aka Horsetooth Park)

Located at the West end of Horsetooth Road, it has a small/shy dog area, water fountains and a swimming area

Fossil Creek Dog Park

5821 S Lemay Ave, also has a small/shy dog area and drinking fountains

Twin Silo Dog Park

5480 Ziegler Road, has a small/shy dog area and drinking fountains

CSU Track Dog Park

On the corner of East Lake Street and Peterson Street. It is not an official city dog park, but the south part of the track was fenced and relegated to the dogs.

 

Have you gone to any of these parks? Which one is your favorite

What Color Should Your Dog’s Toys Be?

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Did you know that dogs are not completely color blind? They can actually see some colors, which makes it hard for dogs to see some toys in the grass. Watch the video to learn more!