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