Flea Products for Your Pet’s Future Health

As the flea season approaches, pet owners are taking the necessary steps to ensure the health of their pets for a happy and long future. Hartz flea products provide both prevention as well as treatment solutions to your pet’s flea and tick problem. As summer approaches, many pet owners dread the warm weather months and the inevitable issue of flea infestations on their pets. As you decide the appropriate approach to combatting fleas this season, the prevention of fleas will be just as important as the treatment.

Hartz flea products offer both solutions for you and your pet. Preventative flea products include Hartz Flea Drops and Hartz flea and tick collars. Treatment methods are offered through Hartz flea shampoo as well as Hartz flea home spray to eliminate fleas in the home.

When deciding which products to use for your pet, be sure to consult your veterinarian. A veterinarian will have the necessary information and insight into which preventation or treatment method will be best for your pet. Choosing a trusted flea product for your pet will ensure optimum results for the common issue of fleas found on pets during the warm weather months.

As you research the flea solution for your home and pet, trust that Hartz flea products will be the answer to fleas this season. Take steps to prevent and treat your flea control today! Hartz flea products are the solution for you and your flea problems today, tomorrow, and in the future.

For over eighty years, Hartz flea products have provided quality treatment to their clients and pets. You too can have faith in the quality of Hartz flea products to prevent and treat your pet from a flea infestation. Whether you have a dog or cat, Hartz flea products are your answer to this upcoming flea season!

Welcome the upcoming flea season with a flea free mind! From Hartz Flea and Tick shampoo to Hartz Flea and Tick carpet powder, Hartz flea products offer the flea and tick solution for you.

Helping Your Dog Overcome Separation Anxiety

We know that our dogs are happy to see us when we come home. They’re usually right at the door, tails wagging and wet noses pushing their way under our hand, looking for a pat on the head. While most dogs can handle the hours of separation, others can’t.
The Humane Society lists the most common scenarios that can trigger separation anxiety.

• Dogs accustomed to constant human companionship then left alone for the first time.
• Dogs who have suffered a traumatic event (from their viewpoint), such as time at a shelter or boarding kennel.
• A change in the family’s routine or structure or the loss of a family member or another pet.

Some symptoms include:

• Destructive or inappropriate behavior such as digging, scratching at doors, howling, and urination that occurs only when your dog is separated from you.
• Your dog becomes unduly agitated and may drool, pace, or bark as you prepare to leave.
• Your dog remains anxious even if other family members remain in the house. For this reason, adding another pet to the home rarely solves the problem.
• After you return, your dog spends hours glued to your side, refusing to leave for even a few moments.

Separation anxiety has been the cause of many chewed and torn-up households, but even worse, it’s led to many abandoned dogs. If your pet suffers from severe anxiety when you’re gone for the day – or even for a few hours of errands – take into consideration some of these dog training tips to help you both achieve peace of mind.

1. Don’t make it a big deal. Treat all exits and entrances casually. Don’t make a big ordeal out of saying goodbye to your dog and he won’t feel as worked up or have as much time to build anxiety before you’re out the door.

2. Leave a scent. Whether it’s a pillow you’ve been sleeping on or an entire hamper of dirty clothes, leave some sort of comforting scent for your dog. Because he or she perceives the world so acutely through a sense of smell, the right aroma can have a sedative effect on any anxiety.

3. Large-space confinement. Don’t crate your pet, but make a room where he or she won’t suffer as much from anxiety induced urination or chewing. Make the space as comfortable as you can and be sure to install barriers (child gates work well) that can’t be jumped over.

4. Work on being in separate rooms. Take small steps. While you’re at home, work on having your dog stay in a different room than you. Start by backing off and then gradually moving out of your pet’s vision. Seeing that out-of-sight doesn’t mean gone forever can help lessen his or her attachment.

5. Medicate. Your veterinarian can prescribe safe, anti-anxiety medication that is non-sedating and will help him or her get through the day. These medications are often used in conjunction with behavior modification and can greatly increase the chances of success. A consultation with your veterinarian or a veterinary behaviorist is a good place to start.

This article is brought to you by the pet behavior experts at Hartz. When it comes to training your dog and cat, our knowledge and experience is guaranteed to make the process easy, smooth and fun!

To know more about the Hartz Flea products, click here

Solving your pooch's summer skin issues

Over the course of a long summer, you and your pooch will take a variety of trips and other excursions in the great outdoors, which can sometimes put his skin at risk. Just as you can start to experience some skin-related issues during the summer, your pooch is no different and will have to deal with ailments that could put his health and wellness in danger. As the temperatures rise all around the country and you make your summer travel plans, keep the following ailments in mind and know how to prevent them in the process.

1. Sunburns. If you have a dog with a white or thinning coat, chances are, he will be far more susceptible to sunburn than other canines. According to Petside.com, consider investing in doggy sunblock if you and your pooch are going to spend a majority of your time outdoors. Always use a product that is made for the pH level of your dog's skin, as human-grade sunscreen could actually cause a range of potential health problems. Stick with the products that are made for him and you won't have to worry about uncomfortable sunburn.

2. Flea bites. Over the course of the season, your pooch could find himself around other dogs with fleas or in a flea-ridden environment, so if you're not using a monthly flea preventative from Hartz, your dog could be susceptible to flea bites. Some canines are allergic to a flea's saliva that is impacted in the skin with a bite, which can result in dry, itchy and inflamed skin that could be quite painful. Be sure to keep up with your flea and tick prevention to keep these pesky insects from nipping at your dog's skin.

3. Dry skin. If your furry friend suffers from regular bouts of dry skin, there may be a few beneficial changes you can make to improve it. According to PetEducation.com, look into canine vitamins or treats that contain a good source of omega-3 fatty acids. These nutrients provide a wealth of skin-friendly benefits and can help clear up your pooch's dry skin. If the problem persists, consider making an appointment at the vet to look into a range of topical options that could clear up your dog's problem.

Summer can wreak havoc on your four-legged friend's skin, but planning ahead, knowing common symptoms and how to respond will make a big difference this year.

To know more about the Hartz Flea products, log on to http://www.hartz.com/

Health Reasons to Spay or Neuter Your Pet

The spaying and neutering campaigns have been a consistent force in American life for decades in an effort to reduce the pet population. However, one of the many side effects of avoiding this standard practice could possibly put your canine at risk for myriad health problems. If you’ve recently adopted a dog and have been mulling over your options in terms of spaying and neutering, the following health problems could convince you to bring your pet into the vet for the procedure.

Male dogs can begin to experience a wealth of potential problems relating to their reproductive systems. According to the Dayton Daily News,un-neutered dogs can develop enlarged prostates that can cause difficulty during bathroom trips. This can also lead to infections and potential cancers and tumors that could be mitigated with a neutering procedure. Worse yet, un-neutered dogs have a tendency to mark their territory often, and tend to be more aggressive than their neutered counterparts.

Female dogs are also far more susceptible to certain cancers if they are not spayed during their lifetimes. According to PetFinder.com, females also experience heat cycles where they can urinate more frequently and howl for a period of four to five days. Mammary tumors can develop if a canine is allowed to reach her first heat cycle, and these cancers can spread throughout the body if they are left unchecked. Un-spayed females can also develop an emergency condition called pyometra, a uterine infection that could be potentially deadly. This can lead to all sorts of problems around your home and can lead to its fair share of messes as well.

Ultimately, the sooner you bring your canine into the vet to get spayed or neutered, the sooner you can decrease your companion’s risk for numerous cancers and other potentially deadly disorders. It can help you avoid many of the messy problems that are associated with your canine’s regular reproductive cycles and help curb much of the aggression that is associated with them. A spaying and neutering procedure is actually quite easy, and your pet will be back in tip-top shape in a week or so. This is one of the best investments you can make to improve pet wellness, and you can prevent a variety of disorders that could cause your canine extreme discomfort down the road.

Fixatfour says roughly 50% of all animals born are accidents. Spaying or neutering your pet at 4 months can prevent those accidents and help save millions of dogs and cats being killed in shelters each year. Check out their great shareable posters and web banners that can help spread this important message.

Still not convinced or have a friend you just can’t get to budge on this matter? Then head over to the ASPCA’s website to see their top 10 persuasive reasons to spay or neuter. Worried about the cost? Most cities have a low-cost program you can take advantage of. The ASPCA also has a locater for these services in your area.

To know more about the Hartz Flea products, log on to http://www.hartz.com/

Top 3 summer foods that could be dangerous to your canine

The mercury is rising all throughout the country, and that means that Americans are going to be firing up their grills and enjoying what the new season has to offer. However, while barbecues and outdoor gatherings are wonderful events during this time of year, they can cause a number of problems from a dog wellness perspective. In particular, some of the ingredients that will go into your grilled fare and other parts of your table spread could prove to be dangerous for your canine, so it's vital that you prevent your dog from ingesting them. Keep your eyes peeled for the following foods when you're enjoying your first barbecue of the summer with your furry friend.

1. Onions.While these two ingredients are fixtures in marinades, toppings and side dishes, they should never be ingested by your pooch, according to U.S. News and World Report. Whether raw or cooked, even a small amount of onions can cause your dog to have a series of digestive problems. They are also known to break down red blood cells, so it's best to keep these away from your pooch altogether.

2. Avocados.Whether you're using them as a salad or burger topping, these tasty summer delights may seem like a healthy snack for your dog, but he won't like the after effects. According to the Cheshire Patch, avocados contain an ingredient called Persin, which reacts negatively with a canine's digestive system and can lead to a wide range of digestive symptoms. Both the skin and the meat of the avocado can lead to this side effects so make sure they're eaten quickly and all rinds are hidden in the trash away from your curious pooch.

3. Grapes.As raisins or in a fresh state, grapes are known to cause significant problems for canines and should be left out of your barbecue altogether. A certain ingredient in grapes causes vomiting, lethargy and even kidney failure in some cases, even after just four or five of these tasty treats.

Ultimately, the easiest way to keep your dog safe during outdoor gatherings is to prep your guests beforehand about table scraps and keep a close eye on your furry friend. He can still have his fair share of barbecued treats, just make sure that your guests run it by you first!

To know more about the Hartz Flea products, log on to http://hartzflea.blogspot.com/

Keeping your Pooch in Shape

Now that spring is here, you may be thinking about getting into the swing of things and embracing your workout routine. However, there’s no reason that you should leave your dog at home while you’re working on your beach bod! According to the ASPCA, there are many engaging activities that can improve dog wellness and help your furry friend lose a few extra pounds. Here are a few suggestions that can shake up your workout routine and help your canine get in on the act.

On-leash biking
Going for a long bike ride with your dog in tow is a wonderful way to let off some steam. While this can work if you’re biking through a park or a traffic-free suburban area, it can be difficult when you’re dealing with high levels of traffic. As a result, many pet wellness companies now manufacture bike leash holders that elevate the leash a foot or two away from the bike frame. This will allow your pooch to run alongside you without having the leash or your pooch getting tangled up with you.

Obstacle courses
Whether you create your own using furniture and boxes in your yard, or explore a course in your community, this is a wonderful way to improve your dog’s agility, reports Total-German-Shepherd.com. Whisking your dog through one of these courses will give you a surprising amount of exercise and it can help your canine release a bit of pent-up energy.

Fishing line
Start by removing the hooks from your fishing pole and then attach one of your dog’s chew toys on the end. You can then go in the front yard and practice your cast, while your dog races back and forth trying to chase after the toy.

Swimming
On an especially hot day, nothing will make you or your pooch happier than going to take a dip in the nearest lake. Bring along a tennis ball that your dog can chase into the water and bring back to you to help him increase his heart rate. After a long winter, you and your canine may need to lose a bit of weight, but now is the best time to amp up your fitness level.

Using these fun activities, you can create many warm memories and finally get back in shape when it’s time to hit the beach. How do you combine you and your pooch’s workout routine?

To know more about the Hartz Flea products, log on to http://hartzflea.blogspot.com/

Getting your cat to a healthy weight

Over a long winter, you may begin to notice your waistline expanding from a lack of activity, but if you’re not up and moving, there’s a good chance that your pet is doing the same. For cat owners, weight gain is a huge problem that can directly affect cat wellness and can lead to a rash of ailments such as diabetes, joint issues and can inhibit your cats quality of life. However, getting a cat to lose weight is far more difficult than working with a canine, so you’ll have to put in the extra effort to get your feline back in shape. According to SFGate.com, you should keep the following tips in mind to help your furry friend regain his vitality and get back to a more fit and healthier state.

Take him to the vet
Before you embark on any weight loss plan, you should take a trip to your veterinarian to get blood work done and begin a course of action to help your feline lose weight. This will let you know the ideal weight for your feline, considering size and age, to ultimately slim down to the perfect proportion. Additionally, this is a good chance to get your feline’s spring vaccinations and other regular tests done to protect against the many seasonal risks.

Make a commitment to regular play
Getting your feline up and moving is one of the most effective means of accelerating heart rate and helping burn calories, but unless you bring your cat on regular walks, you’ll have to get a bit creative. Invest in a few engaging cat toys that make sounds and can pique interest. Hide the toys inside of a paper bag or search for feathery toys that can dangle behind you and can be chased. Avoid products like laser pointers – while it will get him up and moving, they will frustrate your furry friends since they can never be caught!

A change in diet
Upping the nutritional quality of your feline’s food and limiting portion sizes is another effective means of dropping excess weight. Look for products made with mainly natural ingredients and free of corn, grain and other fillers. It may cost a bit extra, but it may just improve your feline’s longevity and overall health.

To know more about the Hartz Flea products, log on to http://hartzflea.blogspot.com/

Hartz Named one of America’s Greatest Brands

We are very proud to announce and share with all of our fans, that we were recently named one of America’s Greatest Brands. Take a look and see what the organization had to see about us or read the whole the entire article here.

“It’s hard to think of another company as synonymous with pet supplies as the Hartz Mountain Corporation. For the past 85 years, anyone who has ever had a family member with fur, feathers, or scales is likely to have used a Hartz product.
Whether it was the bright orange packs of bird seed of the forties and fifties, the original flea and tick collars of the sixties and seventies, the ever-present
hamburger squeak toys, the can of Wardley Goldfish flakes, or some of its latest innovations, Hartz has been the iconic brand of pet supply products for generations of pet-loving households. In 2010–2011, over 25 million pet-owning households bought a Hartz product for their loved ones. No other pet supply company can make that claim.

Hartz understands that the relationship you have with your pet is unique and special, and Hartz honors that relationship every day, in everything the company does. The pet people at Hartz don’t just strive to understand the human-animal bond, they live it. Hartz offers the finest-quality pet supplies to help your pet live a healthier, happier, and longer life.”

To know more about the Hartz Flea products, log on to http://www.hartz.com/

Pets and your Kids

Kids and Pets are a great combination. Many adults fondly remember their first childhood pet, and it can set them up for a lifetime of animal companionship. Yet pets can also present certain dangers to children, who may not know enough to keep themselves safe. For this reason, it is important that you monitor the interactions of kids and pets. Here are some things to think about:

Pets and Infants:
If you welcome a baby into a family that already has pets, be sure you introduce your pets to the infant slowly over time. It is important that they become familiar with this new family member under your constant supervision. As the child grows older, realize that he or she won’t have a full grasp on what the pet really is, whether it is a cat or dog or anything else. This means they may not respect the pet’s space the same way adults do, something you should watch for and prevent. Additionally, try to keep any pets that are naturally aggressive from interacting too closely with an infant or smaller child.

Teach Proper Bite Prevention:
One of the greatest dangers that pets pose to children, most notably dogs, is pose to children “biting.” Teach your child the signs that a dog is being aggressive or moody and let them know that they should not play with them in these situations. Be sure your child knows to react to a biting dog by curling up and protecting their hands and face while calling for help. If you are worried about dog bites, supervise your kids’ interactions with dogs and teach your child to use your dog’s stop-commands such as “stop” or “sit.”

Keep Toys Separate:
Remember that your child’s toys will not be safe for your pets to play with and vice versa. Especially when your kids are young, you should keep their toys separate.

Good Pets for Kids:
Pets and Your Kids If you’re buying a new pet and have young children, you should take all of their abilities and needs into consideration. Children under twelve or so will not be able to take on much responsibility for a pet such as a cat or dog, but can manage very well with pets like goldfish for example. A guinea pig is a good pet for young kids since it is gentle and easily handled. You shouldn’t let a child shoulder the responsibility for a pet alone though, it is up to you to make sure the pet is receiving the proper care.

Interacting Alone:
Once a child is older than four or five and has demonstrated adequate understanding of the behavior of family pets, it is alright to let them interact without close supervision. This is only if the animal has demonstrated a good demeanor as well. It is up to you to make sure the dog is trained not to jump up, bite, or be aggressive with children. When first allowing them to play together, try games that don’t require much physical contact, but rather ease your children into more intimate play with your pets.

For more information on Hartz Flea Control products for cats and dogs, logon to www.hartz.com

Preparing Your Pet for Spring

Springtime is here and it’s time to get your pal ready for the warmer weather ahead. You’re doing it for your home, your car even your pet needs some spring cleaning to stay comfortable and well-groomed as the weather heats up.

Grooming

When the weather gets warmer and the days get longer, we pet owners know what’s coming: your pet shedding its winter coat in large fluffy clumps. Without proper grooming, your pet’s coat will blow in your house, your car and on your newly dry-cleaned spring coat (creating even more spring cleaning!) The easiest way to stop the fur from flying, is to start a weekly brushing regimen (keep it outside if possible). Removing the loose fur on a regular basis will keep your pet comfortable in rising temperatures. Many pets love their brushing time, the sensation and bonding time is important to your furry friend.

Claw and nail trimming is always important but during your pet’s spring cleaning it’s a great time to clip them a little closer than usual. Here is our top tip, go to a vet. Using a professional such as a vet, groomer or pet salon will result in a closer nail trim. If you do prefer to clip on your own, invest in a nail grinder.

Allergies

Both you and your pet can see an increase in allergies in the springtime. Keep an eye out for symptoms like a runny nose, coughing, sneezing and watery eyes in your pet. If your pet seems uncomfortable, it’s a great opportunity to bring your pet in for a vet visit! Pet dander can also increase human allergies, so increased grooming may need be needed.

Flee the fleas

If your pet is not on year-round flea and tick preventatives, the warmer weather is the first signal to begin giving them. Be sure your pets are protected, and after playing outside make sure to check your pet’s entire body for ticks so they can be removed immediately


For more information on Hartz Flea Control products for cats and dogs, logon to www.hartz.com

Hartz - Selecting the Right Vet for Your Dog

Next to you, your vet is one of your pet’s most important caretakers. Finding and establishing a relationship with the right vet can be critical to the long-term health and well-being of your dog. Whether you’re new to pet ownership or just need to switch vets, here are some key points to consider during your search.

Solicit Recommendations
Start by asking friends, family or neighbors – preferably those who own a dog – for recommendations. Inquire about their own experiences with their pet’s vet. Is he gentle with their dog? Is he a good listener and easy to talk to? Does he communicate in easy-to-understand terms? Remember, that you are your dog’s best advocate – if you’re not comfortable with the vet’s bedside manner, it’s unlikely that your dog will be either.
Chances are, if you purchased your dog from a local breeder or animal shelter, they have an established relationship with the local vet community and can refer you to a trusted practice. Even with a recommendation, however, be sure to double-check references yourself!
If you’re moving into a new area, ask your current vet if he can give you the name of a trusted colleague or clinic, or refer you to someone who can.
If possible, choose a vet that is close to home. Short car rides will help minimize stress for your dog, especially if she is sick or injured.

Conduct a phone interview
Make an initial screening call to the vet’s office to ask some basic questions about the vet and his practice.
Check credentials:Hone your list down to a few reputable doctors who have graduated from a veterinary program accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association and holds a current state license. Also check your state’s veterinary medical board website to see if there are any formal complaints filed against them.
Schedule an office visit:Once you’ve narrowed your list to two or three possibilities, ask to schedule a meeting with the vet and have a tour of the facilities. If you already have a dog, bring her along to see how she and the staff interact.
Office hours:Make sure they are compatible with your own. Find out the average wait time for a non-emergency visit.
Fee/rate structure:Vet care can be expensive. Ask what they charge for office visits and annual exams, as well as standard care items such as vaccines, heartworm tests and spaying/neutering.
Insurance:Make sure they accept your coverage if you have or plan to buy pet insurance
During your visit, take note of the general clinic environment. Is the waiting room spacious, clean and organized? Is the building free of strong or unpleasant odors? Is the staff friendly to you and at ease with your dog?

Some items to discuss with the vet may include:
Multi-practice:If the clinic has more than one vet, find out who will care for your pet if he is unavailable. Some practices rotate and share cases; if this is the case, be sure to meet and evaluate his colleagues.
Emergency availability:How does the office handle daytime and after-hour emergencies? Is there a vet on-call 24/7? Can they provide night-time coverage if necessary?
Specialties:What types of injuries or diseases is the staff trained to treat? Do they consult with a wider veterinary network to treat cases outside of their specialty? Do they utilize the services or facilities of a local animal hospital?
Staff turnover:How consistent are staffing levels for vets, technicians and office staff? Low turnover usually indicates a positive work environment and can mean a better experience for you and your pet.

Careful Planning Pays Off
Trust your instincts. Even if a vet comes highly recommended they may not be the right one for you or your dog. Take time to research and ask questions before you need a vet’s services; it will help you establish a positive rapport with the right doctor and ensure a better experience for your dog.

For more information on Hartz Flea Control products for cats and dogs, logon to http://hartzflea.blogspot.com/

Hartz – Caring for feral cats in the winter

While you have your own feline at home to worry about, you may be starting to notice that the feral cats in your neighborhood could struggle with the onset of winter. It’s only natural to want to help these felines and bring them to a shelter to find a good home, but they are feral and the outdoors is essentially their home year-round. Worse yet, if you did happen to bring a feral cat into a shelter, they would probably euthanize it since it wouldn’t be able to be socialized with humans.

This also applies to bringing a feral cat into your home – he won’t be able to adjust and actually belongs in the outdoors. According to CatChannel.com, there are a few cat wellness steps that you can take to give a helping hand to the less fortunate furry friends in your community and give you peace of mind that you’re doing something to help. Feeding the cats is probably one of the easiest ways you can help, but you need to be sure that bringing food to the felines won’t cause them to be a problem with people that may live in the neighborhood.

Bring the food to a spot that is away from traffic and other people, and try to bring it every day at a scheduled time. While some cats will learn to catch food for themselves, you can ensure that they have a steady supply of food throughout the winter. If there’s a large family of cats, they probably need a shelter to be able to get through the winter. You can build one yourself or ask around at animal shelters for a kit that will work for your purposes. This will provide a dry and warmer place for the cats to get through the season – just be sure to ask the person who owns the property if it is allowed to provide this kind of shelter for the cats.

Feral cats are a fact of life in rural and urban areas, and it can break your heart to know that you can’t provide a good home for them. However, there are some simple animal wellness improvements you can look into that will improve their lives throughout the coldest months of the year.

For more information on Hartz Flea Control products for cats and dogs, logon to www.hartz.com

Our confidence in Hartz topical flea and tick products is based on facts, science and data.

At Hartz, we’re pet people - it’s all that we do and, as such, we are dedicated to providing pet parents with effective and affordable products that eliminate fleas, ticks and mosquitoes to keep their pets pest-free. At Hartz, we aim to provide you with the necessary information to make educated, objective decisions about pest treatment products for your pet and home environment.


1.All flea and tick topical products, including those manufactured by Hartz, are registered in accordance with the standards established by the EPA. These EPA registration numbers can be found on all Hartz flea and tick products


2.The EPA requires all flea and tick topicals, including those manufactured by Hartz, to undergo efficacy studies for their effectiveness in controlling flea and ticks

3.Almost all flea and tick topical products sold by veterinarians are actually over-the-counter (OTC) products that are held to the same EPA regulations and standards as Hartz topical flea and tick products


4.All flea and tick product manufacturers, including Hartz, are required by law to report any and all claims of adverse reactions related to the use of their products, to the EPA. Additionally, consumers can report adverse reactions to the National Pesticide Information Center. The EPA publishes all reports of adverse reactions on their site


5.Hartz only makes flea and tick drops that carry the Hartz brand


6.When applied as directed, Hartz topical products do not enter an animal's bloodstream


All flea and tick topical products, including those manufactured by Hartz, are registered in accordance with the standards established by the EPA. These EPA registration numbers can be found on all Hartz flea and tick products

Flea and tick product registration is the process through which the EPA reviews the formulation; how it is to be used, the amount, frequency and timing of its use, and effectiveness

The EPA classifies active ingredients used in spot-on flea and tick treatments by categories of Acute Oral Toxicity

The active ingredients in Hartz® UltraGuard® topical treatments for dogs (d-Phenothrin), and Hartz UltraGuard® topical treatments for cats (Etofenprox) both have the lowest EPA Oral Toxicity Classification, Class IV

Before they can be sold to the U.S. public, test results for finished formulations for all flea and tick topicals have to demonstrate a margin of safety even when applied at five-times the recommended dose. This is for the protection of animals in the event that excessive product is applied in error


For more information on Hartz Flea Control products for cats and dogs, logon to www.hartz.com

Be proactive and prevent a problem

Fleasandticks expose your dog to numerous parasite-borne diseases. Of course, the best way to solve a flea and tick problem is to prevent one in the first place. Being proactive is the best practice.
Always make it a year-round practice to use flea and tick topical drops or a collar on ® Dog collars. Just because these parasites are more prevalent during the hot summer months does not mean you can’t develop a problem in the winter. Additionally, use Hartz® UltraGuard® Yard Spray to minimize exposure to fleas and ticks.
Treat it quickly

If unfortunately you find yourself with a , act quickly as this can turn into a full-blown infestation in no time. Here is a handy solution check-list:

First take care of your pet with a flea and tick shampoo like Hartz® UltraGuard Plus® Foaming Flea & Tick Shampoo for Dogs or an on pet spray like Hartz® UltraGuard Plus® Flea & Tick Spray for Dogs. This will bring immediate relief to your pet.
Next, be sure to treat your home with products that contain active ingredients that kill both adult fleas plus flea eggs and flea larvae, breaking the flea life cycle. Don’t ignore areas such as your rugs and pet beds. These can easily be treated with Hartz® UltraGuard Plus® Flea & Tick Carpet powders and Hartz® UltraGuard Plus® Flea & Tick Home sprays
Should you find a wide spread infestation, use a product such as Hartz® UltraGuard Plus® Home Fogger to alleviate the problem

For more information on Hartz Flea Control products for cats and dogs, logon to www.hartz.com

Holiday Treats for your Dog

The holidays are a tempting time to treat your dog. As always, you need to be careful with what you give him.
The holidays are a time of giving. This joyful spirit can be carried over to your canine companion as well, but make sure you know what you’re doing before you welcome your pet fully into the holiday festivities. Feeding the following treats to your dog could ruin both of your holidays.
Chocolate
Chocolate is often plentiful during the holiday season and it can be very dangerous for dogs. It can cause problems in your dogs urinary, circulatory, digestive and nervous systems. It can also be potentially fatal. Additionally, dogs love the taste of chocolate, so you should take extra care to keep it away from him.
Other Candies
While chocolate is the most dangerous, a number of other candies and treats are potentially threatening to your dog. Raisins and grapes are toxic, as are macadamia nuts. Furthermore, many candies contain xylitol, an artificial sweetener that is harmful for dogs. You should also make sure you pick up after yourself – the foil wrappers on candies can be harmful if swallowed.
The Main Course
Table scraps from a holiday feast are not an ideal food source for your dog. Many table foods can cause digestive problems especially if greasy or fatty. Though it may seem appropriate, dogs should not be fed animal bones unless the bones have been properly treated.
Drinks
Popular drinks that may be present during the holidays, like coffee and tea, can be very harmful for dogs, because of the Xanthenes they contain. Alcoholic drinks should not be given to dogs and can be fatal.
Since human foods and drinks are often harmful and sometimes deadly for your dog, you should give him treats designed for canines. Pet stores sell many treats appropriate for these occasions. Just remember, human treats aren’t the same as dog treats

For more information on Hartz Flea Control products for cats and dogs, logon to www.hartz.com
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New Year’s Resolution: Doggy Weight Loss

Humans aren’t the only ones that gain a little weight over the holidays! Between Christmas and Thanksgiving, it’s a lot more likely that Fido will find a tasty treat on the floor (or one of your extended family members will slip him a piece of turkey!) As much as we want our pets to celebrate the season with us, it’s more important than ever not to let them overindulge.

According to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention (APOP), each pound of weight on a dog is equivalent to 5 to 7 pounds on a person and each pound of weight gained on a cat equals to 7 to 10 pounds! Did you know a 14 pound cat is equivalent to a 237 pound man? Yikes! Their website has a handy list of pet-to-human weight equivalents so you can tell just how much your fur friend would weigh if it walked on two legs!

In addition to weight gain, remember that every time you suddenly change your pet’s diet, you can cause gastrointestinal upset – the dreaded vomiting and diarrhea. Fatty and rich foods can also lead to pancreatitis like with poor Buddy and the $10,000 burrito! If you do decide to slip Fido a little extra something, make sure you avoid foods that are toxic to pets (like grapes, raisins, some nuts and chocolate.

We know from experience that sometimes, despite our best efforts, pet weight gain just happens. If that was the case for you this holiday season, put your pet to the test with its own New Year’s Resolution! Have your pet resolve to go for a run five days each week or give diet pet food a try. Who knows — giving your pet a goal for the New Year might even help you reach your own!


For more information on Hartz Flea Control products for cats and dogs, logon to www.hartz.com

Cat owners need to be extremely vigilant with flea care during the winter

Cats are known for their cleanliness, which can cause some real problems when it comes to keeping an eye out for fleas. Even during the winter months, fleas and ticks can be a problem for felines, especially those that are allowed outdoors. Thankfully, by using a combination of Hartz products and performing a visual inspection of your feline's coat, you can protect him from any problems throughout the season.

Getting into the habit of visually inspecting your cat's coat after he comes indoors is a wonderful regimen to get into. Be sure to check the area around his neck and on his belly to see if any fleas or ticks have decided to take a ride. If you're not always present when your cat comes inside, get into a daily brushing regimen. This is not only a wonderful way to bond with your companion, but it can help to remove small bits of dead skin and loose hair that could be ending up on your furniture. It is also a perfect chance to give your cat's skin a quick visual inspection to see if any fleas, eggs or the filth they leave behind is present.

The easiest way to protect your feline from parasites in any season is to use a monthly flea treatment of topical drops. Hartz UltraGuard Pro Flea and Tick Drops for Cats are placed at the skin level at the base of a cat's neck to provide 30 days worth of protection against fleas, deer ticks and mosquitoes. These drops will kill these pesky insects on contact to stop them from infesting your cat and the rest of your home.

If you do happen to spot one of these insects on your feline's skin, it may be time for a bath with Hartz UltraGuard Rid Flea and Tick Cat Shampoo! This can be a harrowing experience with a cat, so be sure to fill up the tub slow and get him used to the sensation of the water. Be sure to let the shampoo sit for a few minutes to the allow the active ingredients to do their job. This will leave your feline smelling clean and fresh, and you won't have to worry about creepy critters infesting your home in the middle of winter!

For more information on Hartz Flea Control products for cats and dogs, logon to www.hartz.com