Apr 23 2008
How to Avoid Canine Heartworm
I’m not big on overmedicating animals, but when it comes to heartworm (and flea & tick prevention, for that matter), I don’t mess around.
Heartworn is spread by mosquitoes, and if not detected and controlled with treatment, can lead to congestive heart failure and death.
And although heartworm is more common in dogs, cats are not immune.
Before you get your dog on heartworm medication, he or she must have a heartworn test (a simple blood test). Luckily, today most dogs with heartworm survive–some only need medication, and others require surgery as well.
Canine heartworm symptoms include difficulty breathing, coughing, decreased stamina (more easily tired), listlessness, weight loss and rough hair/coat.
The best medicine is prevention, so get your dog tested today and have your vet recommend a heartworn prevention medication to use (I use Interceptor, a tablet that I give Greta monthly).
The American Mutt-i-grees Club, founded by Pet Savers Foundation, wants to spread the word that mutts are people dogs too!
The American Mutt-i-grees Club is all about change and choice:
Changing how mixed-breed dogs are regarded, by celebrating the unique
characteristics of each one of them, and helping people make the right
choice - the choice to adopt mixed-breed puppies and [...]
The pills you pop may make you feel better, but they could be fatal to your pet. Just last year, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (APCC) handled 89,000 cases of pets exposed to human medications.
Here’s what to watch out for:
NSAIDs
According to the APCC, NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) like ibuprofen or naproxen are the most [...]
My distaste for puppy mills notwithstanding, I’m pleased to report that, stepping away from its reputation as “The Puppy Mill Capital of the East,” the Pennsylvania Legislature passed HB 2525 on October 8, a bill that will improve the lives of tens of thousands of dogs living in Pennsylvania’s puppy mills.
HB 2525 doubles the cage [...]
Two years ago today, my husband and I rescued Greta, and our lives have never been the same since. Sure, it was hard in the beginning–after all, she was a puppy with no experiences outside of living in a wire crate 23 hours a day.
Slowly, she learned how to relax and live in a home. [...]
October is Adopt-A-Dog month, a celebration established by the American Humane Association to promote dog adoptions from animal shelters and educate people about responsible pet care. Learn more about events in your area here.
And just in time for Adopt-A-Dog month, Disney’s new film, Beverly Hills Chihuahua hits theaters October 3. The film is about Chloe, [...]
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