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/