Monday, 18 July 2011

Shower Care To Your Cat Through Cat Insurance

You love her, she sits with you every time you are eating or watching television. And you too feel loved and secured by her sight. In fact, your cat is always roaming here and there around you for that extra touch and attention you have been showering upon her since it was a kitten. But have you ever thought of providing the same security in a way of cat insurance. Well no then you should, so that you can make a difference in her life too. In fact, at times when you are ill, she is always by your site hence its your turn to offer her security.

God forbid, what will you do, if something happens to her? Do not panic but trust the specially woven cat insurance policy. This is just a way of saying thanks to her for her love for you and the times you have spend together. So do not waste time and get her an insurance policy so that she can spend all her time with you without feeling insecure about how she will be taken care of if she gets hurt. You must have realized as well as witnessed that cats because of their nature are prone to accidents and diseases, and their treatment can give you a nightmare in terms of finance. Hence, it is advisable to you to get a cat insurance policy in lieu to get protection from sudden financial crunch. Mostly cats suffer from mouth related diseases which might call for an extensive treatment. That means one or more visits to a vet; that can lead you in the frenzy. But with the help of insurance policy you can overcome these situations.

In fact, the insurance policies for pets or various individual animals are affordable these days because of the increasing competitions amongst various policy sellers. Cat insurance is rated as per the utility of these policies and therefore can be researched according to your requirements and needs. The insurance policy needs to satisfy the owner of the pet on various issues related to the benefits along with the covered provisions. In fact, a good insurance policy advisor will be one who will also provide insight into the exclusions of the policy. Moreover, the advisor should be able to provide information on the things as well as the medical ailments whose treatment are not mentioned in the policy. In fact, you should be aware of the finally covered costs, after all, its about your beloved cat and you will try to provide best for her.

Well you can say that due to the competition in the field of insurance industry maximum companies will offer you the best deals that are suitable for you and your cat. Hence, these companies pitch their products at a very competitive price along with the customized plans. Moreover, it offers you a chance to hand pick the policy according to your needs. Hence, a financial security is equally good as emotional security. Thus do not hesitate and buy a cat insurance plan today only.

Animal health care is so vast and complex, and the central nervous system in particular is still largely uncharted territory. Diseases of the nervous system are, fortunately, rare, and sadly often severe.

The commonest neurological problems in cats and dogs are due to road accidents and other forms of head injuries, chemical poisoning, and infections such as rabies. Any of these can induce fits, or seizures, as part of the picture.

Seizures (fits) tend to be seen as uncontrolled shaking, although other sorts of fits with the dog going vacant can also occur.

It is important to try to find the cause of the fit. There may be signs of injury from car accident or fight. Evidence of having ingested poison may or may not be obvious - antifreeze with ethylene glycol is particularly dangerous, causing seizures.

Always call or take your animal to a vet. Your vet is essential in helping you to work out what the cause of the symptoms are. Neurological problems are so complex that even they may not be able to find the cause. Be guided by your vet on management.

If your cat or dog has a seizure: Keep away from your cat or dog's mouth, as he or she may bite you accidentally. Try to move your animal away from hazards. If electricity is involved, use a stick or some other non conducting material. It may help to put a soft cushion or blanket under its head. If the fit lasts more than 6 minutes, immediate veterinary care is needed. Prolonged seizures may be fatal for animals as with humans.

After a fit an animal may be sleepy but also anxious and confused. Comfort it; Rescue Remedy, healing and massage may be helpful here. If this is your animal's first fit, take it to the vet anyway to try to find the cause. Also see you vet if you have any concerns, or there are changes to the pattern of fitting.

It is important that anyone who spends time looking after your pet for you is aware of his or her tendency to have fits, and how to manage a seizure if one occurs. Make sure that your friend has a list of actions to take, as above, as well as the emergency phone number of your vet, or a nearby vet if your pet is being cared for further from home.

Dog bite wound care is one of the primary reasons why dog owners schedule emergency appointments with their veterinary doctors. With the costs of medical care increasing for the four-legged as rapidly as for the two-legged, time has come for canine parents to take charge and treat their animals at home when appropriate.

Dog Bites And Medical Care

But first, let me stress that there are cases where dog bites and medical care go paw in hand. Please make sure you take your pet to the vet for a bite wound the minute you see these signs:

no eating
no drinking
lethargic
a large swollen area which is not draining

This is really bad. I know because it happened often enough to my feline brother, and every time he would traipse down to the vet's to have his wound drained. When an animal's teeth puncture the skin, a mouthful of bacteria end up in the wound.

If the wound is allowed to close, that virulent bacteria will quickly multiply and discharge their toxic products, and an abscess will form. But it doesn't stop there: that bacteria can spread throughout the body and cause blood poisoning in your pet. Left unattended, septicemia can result in multiple organ failure and death.

Dog Bite Wound Care At Home

But if you are dealing with a small bite wound or open abscess that is draining, then some quick dog bite wound care at home can take care of the problem and spare your pet a lot of pain and distress. After all, you would do no less for your child, would you?

If you notice your pet limping, look for puncture marks or swelling and maybe bleeding and start treatment immediately. Cats often get bitten at the base of the tail as they run from their attacker. You will need to concentrate your efforts on disinfecting the wound and keeping it clean and open in order to allow it to drain completely.

Dog Health Care Advice

Conducting a thorough examination of your pet on a regular basis will help you spot any sign of trouble and allow you to take action before the situation deteriorates. When you are taking care of a bite on a dog or a cat, don't forget that you can support your treatment by using some herbs.

Goldenseal, barberry root and oil of oregano have antimicrobial properties, while astragalus, ginseng and echinacea stimulate the immune system in slightly different ways. Keep in mind that some of these herbs can be can be given orally, and others are applied topically.

Your veterinarian has no vested interest in training you to deal with cat or dog bites. In fact, financially speaking, it would be a very poor tactic. But you know your pets and you live with them. Learning about canine health will allow you to take charge and handle this dog bite wound care business like a pro.

Family pets bring so much joy to the mother and father and especially the children! Dogs and cats are very precious members of the family and bring lots of joy and laughter to family life. Pet owners can do their part to help conserve the environment by making intelligent, informed and environmentally friendly decisions regarding their pet care.

For pet owners desiring to make their fun-loving dog or calming cat more green, read the following suggestions.

(1) If you and your family do not already own a pet, strongly consider adopting a sweet dog or cat from an animal shelter or humane society. You will be saving the animal's life and they will be eternally grateful for it. There are thousands of homeless dogs and cats in your country who desperately need caring and loving people to rescue them. These adorable dogs and cats are usually free to a good home.

If you and your family have your heart set on finding a purebred dog or cat from a breeder, research any potential pet breeder very carefully. Find out how the breeders raise their puppies or kittens. Find out how much space they receive to live, play and exercise, how much exercise they receive, what food they eat and what veterinary care and vaccines they have received.

(2) Neuter or spay your cat or dog.

There is a troubling problem where animals are not being spayed or neutered and thousands of homeless dogs and cats are left to fend for themselves. When you neuter or spay your dog or cat, your animal will live a healthier and longer life and have a reduced risk of developing ovarian and uterine cancer in females and testicular cancer and prostate disease in males.

(3) Purchase good quality organic food for your dog or cat.

Many typical brands of pet foods contain alarming ingredients, including animal by-products, animal wastes, and ingredients that come from diseased or dying animals. Make sure that the pet food that you buy your cat or dog contains meat that is FDA-certified and good quality.

Support your cat or dog's proper nutrition by purchasing quality food. Think about buying pet food that is organic and natural. Certified organic pet food must meet high quality standards and must not contain any pesticides, antibiotics, hormones, artificial ingredients or genetically modified ingredients.

(4) Utilize natural pet care products and cleaning products.

Avoid using any pet shampoo or grooming product that contains toxic chemicals. Use natural pet care products instead, that are environmentally-friendly and chemical free.

Avoid using pet cleaning products and overall household cleaning products that contain toxic ingredients. Green pet supply companies are now manufacturing cleaning products to use when your pet has an accident that are healthy for the environment.

(5) Purchase environmentally-friendly, organic pet toys and gifts.

a) Choose toys made from organic cotton or hemp, which are chemical-free.

b) Buy your cat or dog a new, natural hemp collar, which is biodegradable.

c) Purchase a comfortable doggie or kitty bed that is designed with organic materials and is free of toxic chemicals. Find one that has an easy-to-wash cover.

In recent years, researchers have been able to explain why humans bond so strongly to their pets, and they have also discovered that the relationship between humans and animals is often beneficial to human health. It is not surprising that the strong emotional attachment that people feel for their pets is coupled with a concern for providing them with the best in health care and nutrition. Advances in veterinary medicine have resulted in vaccination programs that protect dogs and cats from many life-threatening diseases and in medical procedures that contribute to lengthened lifespans. Likewise, progress in the field of nutrition has generated an improved understanding of canine and feline dietetics and led to the development of well-balanced pet foods that contribute to long-term health and aid in the prevention of chronic disease.

Today's competitive market contains a vast array of foods, snacks, and nutritional supplements for dogs and cats. These products are sold in grocery stores, feed stores, pet shops, and veterinary hospitals. Products vary significantly in nutrient composition, availability, digestibility, palatability, physical form, flavor, and texture. Some foods are formulated to provide adequate nutrition throughout a pet's lifespan, while other foods have been marketed specifically for a particular stage of life or a specific disease state. This large selection of commercial products, combined with the periodic propagation of popular nutritional fads an fallacies, has resulted in much confusion among pet owners and companion animal professionals regarding the nutritional care of dogs and cats.

A basic understanding of the fundamental basics of nutrition is a necessary prerequisite for evaluating pet foods and making decisions about a pet's nutritional status. The term nutrition refers to the study of food and the nutrients and other components that it contains. This includes an examination of the actions of specific nutrients, their interactions with each other, and their balance within a diet. In addition, the science of nutrition includes an examination of the way in which an animal ingests, digests, absorbs, and use nutrients. Energy, water, carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals are examined in detail. An examination of the normal digestive and absorptive processes in dogs and cats is also provided.

Subsequent sections address the specific nutrient requirements of dogs and cats, the types and compositions of pet foods, feeding management throughout the life cycle, feeding problems, and the management of nutritionally-responsive diseases. Information contained in this section will enable pet owners, students and companion animal professionals to make informed decisions about the diets and nutritional health of dogs and cats throughout all stages of life.

Dogs are man's (or woman's) best friend so treat them as such! Be a good friend to your dog, give it lots of tender loving care and you will have a companion for life!

Your dog has instinctive compulsions to dig, herd, retrieve, chase and chew. You, as the owner, are responsible for teaching your dog when these behaviors are appropriate. Keeping your dog on a balanced exercise program will stimulate its mind, keep it healthy and escape boredom. Destructive dog behaviors can be lessened or eliminated by making sure your dog gets enough exercise with supervised play. Exercise also burns calories that will keep your dog looking trim and slim! Exercises vary with breed type, size, sex, age and health. If you are lazy, your dog will be lazy and become destructive. Walking your dog a few times a day around the block and a short stint of running around the back yard is not enough. The owner must get creative and play games such as fetch, Frisbee, free running (look for dog friendly parks) and even swimming.

You want your dog to look good and smell clean. Brushing your dog on a daily basis, giving it frequent baths and checking for fleas and ticks are all good ways to have a hygienic dog.

If you have a small dog or a lap dog, you can carry them with you in a small shoulder bag for quick and easy transportation. Your dog is able to accompany you wherever you go and will attract lots of attention for being so cute. Place your hand under the dog's ches and use your other hand or forearm to support its hind legs and bottom. Never pick up your dog by its front legs, tail or scruff of the neck. If you have a large dog, mostly it will be on a leash when you transport it but if you need to pick it up, lift your dog from underneath and support the chest and rear with your arms.

Your dog will want a cozy, warm and quiet resting place to call his own. Make sure there are no drafts and keep it off the floor. Using a training crate is a great idea and lining the crate with a blanket, towel or pillow will make it soft and your dog will enjoy sleeping inside. You can also buy a dog bed or create one out of a wooden box. Be certain to wash the bedding often to keep the doghouse clean. If your dog has access to the outdoors, your backyard or garden, make sure that there is sufficient shade to protect it from the hot summer sun and provide plenty of cool water to prevent overheating. Dogs aren't big fans of cold and rainy weather and it is imperative your dog has warm and dry shelter in these conditions.

Your state or local community will have regulations on how to license and identify your dog. Your dog should wear a collar with its name and your phone number on it in case it should get lost. Microchipping your dog is a good option and not very expensive. This procedure is relatively harmless and a microchip the size of a grain of rice will be implanted under your dog's skin. This microchip will contain all the information needed to help return your dog safely to you should it become lost.

Health is a matter of concern to everyone, and dogs are certainly not an exception. Their health is also very important. A healthy dog is very useful at all times. To have a healthy dog one must have enough patience to take care of its necessities. All the basic necessities, from the puppy stage to the grown up dog stage it has to be attended regularly without fail.

One has to note changes in the behavior of a dog. To note the behavioral changes one has to understand the symptoms of changes in a dog. His health should be given priority and one should take care with proper knowledge. Proper medication will ensure proper health of the dog. A regular veterinary doctor should be in contact to attend to the ailments required.

Dogs do show signs of discomfort. They have some symptoms to indicate that they are not healthy. One symptom is choking; the sound and gesture will be obvious. When a dog cries, trembles or has heavy breathing it is a sign of acute pain in the abdomen. If there is a bad odor from the ear, then it is ear infection or ear mites. Such symptoms should be noticed and medications should be done immediately. A dog's normal temperature is 101 to 102 degree and the heart beat is 100 to 150 beats per minute. A dog's health is comprised of everything from head to toe. It has to be taken care with intense love and affection.

One cannot tame a dog without proper knowledge. Dogs expect every attention from their masters. So the master should take pain to know about dogs, their habits, diets and possible health disorders. Sensing the difference in its health, one should guess its problem and explain it to the doctor and get the right medications.

Taking Care of Elderly Cats

Time really flies! Your kitty is over 10 years of age? Well, it is already considered old. Most probably you know that but you may not be sure how to take care about it. You probably wonder that is the best way to maintain the health of your cat and what kind of food to use. There are numerous questions about looking after an older cat.

The body of an aging cat goes through changes very similar to the changer that the human body undergoes. The muscle mass of the feline body is in natural decrease and the fat is increased. If proper care is not provided, the cat may become overweight. Also, energy needs of aging cats are not like they used to be when your pet was a kitty. This means that changes in the diet are necessary as well as special exercise that will be very useful for the cat's health.

Nutrition is an essential part of your cat's health. Older cats need to be fed with food specially designed for older cats. It should contain fewer calories and protein but it should be rich in vitamins and minerals. If you are not sure what food to choose, consult your vet about it. Cat food of good quality is very helpful because it may protect your per from various diseases and health problems.

In case you are not quite sure if your cat has officially entered old age, you should watch for the following signs: walking and moving slowly, loss of energy and agility, sleeping more, inability to jump. You can help your cat by providing pet steps with will help the pet to reach higher places as before. You can also keep quite so that the cat can sleep peacefully.

Arthritis is a serious problem for elderly cats. It may be cause by the changes in the absorption of calcium. Usually arthritis becomes a problem at the age of 12 or even earlier. However, you can help your cat and reduce the effects of this illness. For example, arthritis issues can be treated with medications and weight loss. In some cases the diseases cannot be treated and the only thing you can do is to make things easier for your beloved friend.

Cat care becomes more important with age. An older cat may lose ability to see and hear. Cat owners should provide care in such way to make the life of their cat safer and easier. In addition, they should assist their pets in matters related to the hygiene and should control fleas regularly. At older age cats cannot take care and clean themselves as they did before.

Your cat's teeth require special care and this is a real challenge. The older cats get, the more dental problems are present. It is very important to maintain the teeth of your per healthy. One way to do this is to frequently feed the cat with hard food as well as comfortable cat bed (furniture), which will bring more happy moment in your pets life.

A healthy cat's ears only need a small amount of grooming maintenance. To determine if your cat needs to have his ears cleaned, examine them gently. They should look clean inside, but if you see brown waxy residue, they need to be groomed.

Cats who shake their heads a lot and who always seem to be scratching their ears may have ear mites. If the ears smell bad, have chunks or dark wax, or look like they are filled with coffee grounds, your cat could have an ear infection or mites. In he displays any of these symptoms, take him to the vet. She will clean your cat's ears and show you how to do it properly at home and will give you prescription ear drops to kill the mites.

Keeping your cat's ears clean is a simple procedure that will prevent the ear mites from returning. About once a week (more often if your cat has long hair or ear curls), swab out the ears with a cotton call dipped in baby oil or mineral oil. Use one cotton ball per ear, and repeat if necessary until the ear looks clean. If your cat hates having his ears groomed, you may want to have a friend hold him still or place him securely in your lap so that he cannot run away.

Never stick a cotton swab designed for cleaning out human ears in your cat's ear canal, you could cause serious damage to the eardrum. Using a long swab will push the dirt and wax farther down into the ears and makes cleaning harder. Always handle your cat's ears gently because they are very sensitive.

Our cats can almost look after themselves. They still need to be loved though so here are some basic cat care tips.

Most cats are very clean creatures and know when to bath themselves. With this in mind, you don't need to bath your cat unless something major happens. The cat will have a shiny coat if you take the time to brush them every day. By doing this will lessen the chance of fur balls and shedding fur.
Do you know the correct way to pick up a cat? In the wild, the big cats pick up the little ones by the scruff of the neck.

However, this should not be copied by you. The best way to pick up your cat is to use one hand to support the rear and the other hand under the chest. Be careful as some cats don't like to be picked up and will let you know by hissing.

The cat likes to have its own special place in your home. Somewhere cozy and warm like an old fluffy towel in a basket or box will make a nice place for the cat to rest. Just like your own bed sheets, make sure you change the bedding very regular for your cat.

If your cat is indoors more than outdoors, they will need a litter tray. Try to put the litter tray in a place where your cat can reach it easily with no problems. Nice places to put the litter tray includes the cellar, laundry room or any place where your personal hygiene won't be affected. If you place has more than one floor, it's a good idea to have a litter tray on each floor. Your cat will get used to the place you put the litter tray so try not to move it too often as you may find kitty mess on the floor. Cats are clean creatures so try to keep the litter box as clean as possible. Change the contents of the tray on a daily basis and clean with hot water.

As everyone knows, a cat will want to chase mice. A good toy for your cat are the toys that look like mice or any other creature it may want to chase, especially if the toy moves, giving it more realism and more fun for kitty. With toys like this, your cat will love to exercise its natural predator side. Laser pointers are good fun too. Just make sure you don't point it into the eyes of kitty. With a laser pointer, you can make quick movements on walls and floors which the cat will love to chase.

A catnip plant will stimulate your cat. You can get them from pet shops inside toys or as a stand alone plant. The catnip plant gives many cats a natural high feeling but will not harm your cat in any way. Be sure that you only let cats older than 12 weeks near a cat nip plant.
Basic cat care is easy, just be sure to build it into your daily routines.

One of the big advantages of having a cat rather than a dog is that if you have to go away for any period of time you can leave your cat at home. This does not mean abandoning it completely but you can ask someone, a relative, friend or neighbour to look after your cat whilst you are away. The important thing when looking for a cat sitter you need to ensure it is someone who is reliable and that you can trust.

Ideally your cat sitter should be someone that both you and your cat know already. What you are looking for is someone who can turn up at your house at regular times to feed the cat and perhaps spend a little time fussing your pet. If a cat is left on its own for a long period of time it will get bored so if your sitter is prepared to spend some time petting and playing with it that is good. If you have more than one or two cats then you might consider trying to get someone who is prepared to "live in" whilst you are away.

No matter how well you brief your cat sitter it is a good idea to leave some written instructions. If you have more than one cat you should leave descriptions of the cats and their names and details of any special diets or medication. It is a good idea also to leave your contact phone number and that of your vets just in case there are any problems.

You need to make sure that the cat sitter knows where the cat food is kept and the amount and how often to feed the cat. It is also a good idea to leave a few treats that the sitter can give to the cat now and again. If your cat has any particular hiding places you should make the cat sitter aware of these because it is important that the sitter actually sees the cat when they visit to feed them.

Dependent upon how well you know your vet you may want to make arrangements with him that should your cat need treatment whilst you are away that you will settle the account on your return. Alternatively you may leave some money with the sitter for this eventuality.

In my experience a cat is happier when left in its own home during their owners absence. Catteries offer an excellent service and in some cases there is no alternative than this. However, wherever possible having a cat sitter is a much better option.

It's easy to think that cats don't need much care because most people believe they are independent. While true to some extent, cats still need proper care from their owners. Some are more "low maintenance" than others, but they all need attention to meet their needs.

It helps to think of them as being in the same category as a small child. You'll need to "cat proof" your home in much the same way as you would child-proof it. This means putting things out of reach that might harm them. It's easy to set small items on a high shelf to keep toddlers from eating them, for example, but cats are great jumpers and even love high places, so you will need to put those things inside a drawer, cabinet or another room.

Learning about your cat's personality goes a long way toward understanding her needs, too. Watch for signs of distress, discomfort, and even how she walks. Note any changes in behavior, appetite, or sleeping habits. If you see something she's never done before, or appears uncoordinated or in pain, it's time for a visit to your vet for a professional evaluation.

Also watch for signs of dental problems. If she is eating only on one side of her mouth, for example, there may be a bad tooth, or a gum infection on that side, or possibly even a tiny object that has lodged between the teeth or into the gum. If she won't let you look, take her to someone who can... such as the vet!

Providing a proper diet is critical to health and longevity. Be sure to buy appropriate food that it is formulated for your cat's age and health. Some companies even make breed-specific foods, as some breeds may have unique needs. Your vet may be able to advise in this area. But be cautious... not all vets are well-versed in pet nutrition, often selling a certain brand in their office because they get a commission on it.

Avoid feeding your cat dog food. It's not balanced for feline nutritional requirements and will, over time, result in malnutrition, even if they eat a lot. Use dog food (if you have some) only in an emergency... such as when you are out of cat food and can't get to the store because you're trapped in a snow storm. Well, you know what I mean.

Keep dangerous household items and chemicals completely out of reach. Since some cats are quite adept at opening cabinets and you may have no other place to store kitchen supplies, put child-proof latches on the cabinet doors.

Grooming is another critical need for cats. The short hair breeds usually don't need much help from you, as they lick themselves often. But cats with longer hair will need daily brushing to prevent matting. Allowing their fur to mat can lead to "hot spots" on their skin, a type of painful rash that develops because air can't get to it and oils, dirt, and possibly fleas will get stuck in there and irritate the skin.

Bathing a cat can be an adventure, but don't worry about neglect in this area. Unless they are show cats, they seldom need to be bathed anyway. As long as they are healthy and grooming themselves, they never go outside, and you are able to brush them regularly, they will be clean enough.

So you've just adopted a precious little kitten or cat. Now what do you do? Well you need to get prepared before bringing your new cat home. There are certain things you absolutely must have on hand.

1. A litterbox, litter and scoops are vital. Get a nice covered litter pan that will give your cat privacy and keep odors to a minimum. It is a good idea to get the clumping type of litter because it's so easy to scoop out and throw away. If you only have one cat, you might want to invest in an automated litter system such as the Litter Maid - but these don't work well with multiple cats.

2. Your cat will require 2 bowls that won't tip over. The food dish should be relatively shallow and the water bowl should be a bit deeper. It is a good idea to feed your cat twice a day - both dry food and canned food. And water should be changed daily.

3. Your cat will also need plenty of toys to keep him/her stimulated. My cats have always enjoyed the bizzy balls best of all. They go by different names, but here's what I'm talking about - they're plastic balls with bells inside. There's a wide variety of great cat toys on the market and most are pretty cheap - just try out a bunch and you'll find what suits your kitty best.

4. A scratching post is very important as cats have an inborn need to stretch and sharpen their claws. If you don't provide them with a suitable place to scratch, then they'll end up doing it on your furniture or carpet. Even with a scratching post, they'll probably still scratch where you don't want them to. So you might want to spray cat deterrent or put double sided tape on your best furniture.

5. Of course a collar and id tag is important whether you have an indoor or outdoor cat. An indoor cat can slip out the door in a flash and without some form of identification - you might never see her again.

6. Cat beds are optional. I've bought different cat beds over the years and to tell you the truth, they've rarely been used. Most cats like to seek and find their own places to nap - and it usually varies from day to day. One day it may be on your bed; one day it may be on your couch; one day it may be on the floor; and one day it may be in a kitchen chair.

7. Flea and tick prevention are extremely important too. I am partial to the Frontline liquid stuff that you place between your cat's shoulder blades - it works well and doesn't cause any problems for your cat.

8. Be sure and schedule a visit to your veterinarian. The vet will let you know if there are any underlying health problems or conditions that you should be aware of and get your cat started on a good regimen of disease prevention.

Homeowners who have a dog normally think of a danger to their pet to be outside the home such as crossing the street. However, there is a little known danger in their own home which all pet owners should be aware of.

This little known danger could lead to various types of cancer in their pet by their exposure to alternating-current (AC) power from electrical cords. Electrical devices and cords produce radiation known as Electro Magnetic Fields (EMF).

What is EMF?
The term EMF refers to 60 hertz fields associated with AC electrical power. These fields are distinct from other types of fields associated with the electromagnetic spectrum, such as AM/FM radio, television, cell phones and even sun light.

Potential health risks of EMF?
Some studies have reported statistical associations between residential EMF exposure and a measurable increase in leukemia risk in humans. Many scientists also believe they are equally as hazardous to a pet in the home. These strong electrical fields can influence the distribution of electric charges from the brain. These magnetic fields can induce circulating currents within an organic body of a human or pet. The strength of these currents depends on the intensity of the outside magnetic field. The real danger is 'accumulative' through long-term exposure of high doses of EMF especially to the head area, such as sleeping in a field.

Why EMF and my Pet?
The reason why you should be aware of this in-home danger is because dogs and cats just like humans can also be adversely affected because their brains as well as bodily functions also operate with electrical impulses. And more importantly, they lie down on the floor immediately adjacent to EMF from electrical cords and devices. In fact, I have seen dogs and cats fall asleep directly on top of an electrical cord. Since they are primarily indoor pets, then they certainly can have accumulative long-term exposures.

What Constitutes a Dangerous EMF Field?
Milligauss (mG) is the common unit of measurement for magnetic fields. These fields are
measured using an instrument called a gauss meter. A 2.5 mG measurement is believed to be an accepted limit of ELF magnetic field exposure during a short time period. However, many electrical devices emit as much as 10 times that amount.

What Can You Do to Protect Your Pet?
It is impossible to totally eliminate electrical-magnetic exposures but here are a few steps you can take to limit your pets 'long-term' exposure:

Keep your pet a minimum distance of 18 inches from potential electric fields especially where they sleep and spend a lot of time.
Pay attention to their favorite places to lie down and block them from lying directly next to the cord or device by placing an object in their way.
You can also unplug certain electrical devices when not in use to limit their exposure.
Encourage your pet to lie in a bed and place the bed away from potential electrical fields.

The key to prevention is to limit a pets exposure over extended periods of time. The longer a pet may lie near or directly on an electrical cord, the greater the chance that it may effect their health at some time in the future.

Your dog's health is a very important part of overall care, and when you have a dog: Worms are a common problem.

There are several different types of worms that can jeopardize your dog's health: Tapeworm, roundworm, ringworm and heartworm are the most common. Knowing what they are will help you to better monitor your pet's health and to gather the pertinent information, in case of an illness, that would assist your veterinarian to administer the correct diagnosis and treatment. Dog health care benefits by interested owners conscientiously bringing their dogs for yearly checkups: New and better blood, lab, and x-ray procedures aid the veterinarian in gaining valuable knowledge of what is happening to your dog.

Is your dog's sad looking coat causing you to worry about his/her overall health? Sometimes the simple things can often provide very effective benefits, and in the case of the health of your dog, grooming is one of these simple measures that can yield big results. Spot Possible Health Dangers - While grooming your dog you can check the skin for possible skin rashes and problems like hair loss or lumps. Grooming also stimulates the lymphatic system, thus having a positive affect on the dog's overall health in the same way that a massage does for humans. While blow drying your dog you are actually separating the hair and looking directly at the skin. Worming and "de-flea-ing" your dog are the commonest forms of health measures which you probably undertake yourself for your dog. Regrettably, this and other kidney conditions are common threats to your dog's health, and as we have seen, the effects can be devastating.

Your pet's health and wellness depends largely on the food that you feed him or her. Chemical antioxidants like BHA, BHT and ethoxyquin can extend the shelf life and reduce fat spoilage (rancidity) in pet foods and pet treats, but they have been shown to frequently result in dry skin, allergic reactions, dental disease, and poor health, as well as stimulate adverse effects on liver and kidney functions.

But how much do you really know about what's in a premium food and what your particular pet's needs are? The best advice is to ask your veterinarian. They will give you advice on what is best to feed your dog.

Dehydration problem is common in hot summer months especially if the dog spends lot of time outdoor. Always make sure his bowl has fresh cold water in it. I like to put ice-cubes in my dog's water. He loves it and he also likes to chew on the ice.

The key to your dog's health is prevention. Start regular vet checkups and professional cleanings beginning early in your dog's life.

I am going to share with you some dog health care tips that can save you hundreds of dollars just by knowing how to treat the most common dog illnesses at home. The most amazing thing about these dog health care tips is that you can treat most common dog health care concerns with things that you already have in your medicine cabinet.

Tip #1 Vitamin E pills can be used to treat most common skin ailments in your dog. This is one of the best dog health care tips because Vitamin E pills can be purchased at most any drug store and are very reasonably priced. The Vitamin E pills can either be given to your dog whole or you can pierce the coating and apply the Vitamin E oil directly to your dogs skin. This is a great way to treat your dogs dry skin and many other common skin ailments in dogs.

Tip #2 Another great dog health care tip involves the old stand by Pepto Bismol. Pepto Bismol is a great home remedy for your dogs mild case of diarrhea or an upset stomach. Of course it is always a good idea to consult with your veterinarian to see what dosage is safe for your dog. If your dog is dehydrated from a bout of diarrhea or vomiting, Pedialyte can be used just as you wold for a baby.

Tip #3 Tip number 3 is one of the best dog health care tips because it is all about preventive medicine for your dog. Did you know that the live acidophilus that is found in yogurt is actually just as good for your dog as it is for you? Puppies are often susceptible to many illnesses such as a yeast infection or issues with their digestion. Yogurt will assist with your puppies digestion and keep the natural yeast found in the body to a balanced level. When purchasing yogurt for your puppy or full grown dog, it is important to get the plain white yogurt with live acidophilus.

These three dog health care tips are only a few of the many things that you can do at home to keep your dog healthy and happy. By looking at alternative health care remedies for your dog, you can save a trip to the veterinarian and promote long term health in your dog. On a closing note, it is always important to inquire with your veterinarian before using any over the counter medication for any other use than what the label states.

Dogs, just like people, are susceptible to a vast array of illnesses and potentially devastating health problems. Unlike people, however, dogs can't tell us how they're feeling or if they're in pain, other than to whimper, howl or bark. So, it's up to you and I, their trusted Alpha leaders, to ensure that we do everything possible to prevent problems from arising in the first place.

You don't have to be caught off guard, or suffer the emotional and financial distress that often accompanies your dogs discomfort. By taking the time to research your chosen breed, BEFORE taking your cute bundle home from the pet store or breeder, you can avoid the majority of potential health crises. For instance, proper research will fore-warn you of the pre-disposition of Dachshunds to serious degenerative disc problems in their backs, or of an inherent tendency toward obesity of Golden Retrievers, Labradors and Basset Hounds. You need not be put off your chosen breed just because of your research, but by being aware of that breeds individual needs, you will be better equipped to make your choice.

Infections - again, just like people, dogs can suffer from various infections which can become more serious if left unattended. Rather than having to treat the symptoms as they arise, it is far better to take preventative measures wherever possible. As unpleasant as it might be for you to have to treat an ear mite infestation, imagine how miserable your dog will be while you wrestle him to squirt cold, wet, smelly stuff in his ears and then invade his sacred ear space with wads of cotton wool. Skin infections left to fester can become unbearably painful and even the application of topical cream can be unpleasant for your dog. Swollen, infected gums.... well, let me remind you of the last time you had a tooth or gum problem! Then there are the particularly serious varieties of eye infections! It's a sad fact of life that many dog owners simply don't make time to maintain their dogs good health - they just take it for granted. By regularly checking and cleaning your dogs eyes, teeth and gums, hair and skin, you can greatly reduce the build-up of bacteria, and the risk of infection to your dog.

Allergies - whether you're dealing with the common flea allergy, or the less common food allergy, you really need to take immediate steps to treat your dog. Flea allergies can so easily be prevented with regular, readily-available treatments. Food allergies are not so easy to prevent... the first time around! However, if your dog is diagnosed by a vet with a particular food allergy, you can obviously take steps to minimise the risk of your dog coming into contact with that specific allergen.

Diabetes - this is not just a human disease. Diabetes is becoming more and more prevalent in the canine world as dog owners, oblivious to the dangers of feeding dogs on a human diet, are loading their dogs down with fatty, sugary foods, leading to a long list of problems including damage to the pancreas and eyes, to name just a couple. Resist the temptation (and your dogs longing looks) to feed them table scraps and keep them on a healthy, nutritionally balanced "dog" diet! You will add years to your dogs life and they will be far happier and healthier in the long run. If you need an incentive to feed your dog correctly, just close your eyes and imagine having to administer an injection to your dog each day for the rest of his life.

Obesity - this is simply another term for an unhealthy, over-weight condition in dogs. By making sure that your dog has a healthy, balanced diet and gets adequate exercise, you won't usually need to worry much about this condition. However, if you allow your dog to eat too much and exercise too little, you will not only end up shortening your dogs life span, you will more than likely subject it to a life at risk of heart failure, liver disease, skin problems and tumors. This can so easily be avoided by committing to a sensible diet and exercise plan.

Dysplasia & Arthritis - it's so heart-breaking to see a dog suffering from either of these conditions and it is true that some breeds are, in fact, more susceptible than others to these painful conditions. However, being fore-warned is being fore-armed. If you ensure that you stick to the aforementioned healthy diet and exercise regime, you can pat yourself on the back for doing a great job in helping your dog have the best quality of life possible. If your particular breed of dog is particularly prone to these conditions, then it really boils down to you, keeping a close eye on the daily condition, keeping an eye out for any tell-tale signs of pain, change in mood, energy levels or general condition, and taking the time to have your dog checked by a vet as often as necessary for any degeneration of the joints. Your dog will love you all the more for taking good care of him.

Accidents and First Aid - of course, there will always be a risk of accidental injury requiring immediate first aid and these can only be prepared for so much. By being consistent with your dog training, with the boundaries you set for your dog within the home and out on walks, you can greatly minimise the risk of accidental injury to your four-legged friend. Having the phone numbers and details of local 24 hour veterinary care nearby is definitely a must do when caring for your dog.

After all that, if you give your dog plenty of love, exercise, healthy food, grooming and an opportunity to mix with other dogs, you can be quite pleased with your efforts. But don't forget that your dog will still need annual checkup (just like we do) to make sure there isn't anything nasty in its early stages. Remember, if you catch it early, you will greatly improve your dogs chances of being treated successfully.

Most dog owners treat their pet like a member of the family. If you are a dog owner, you would most likely do everything possible to keep your dog healthy and happy. A good start would be to know the basics of dog health. Let's face it. Dogs are good companions and also provide enjoyment that it is just important to keep them healthy in every possible way.

Here are just some of the important tips on dog health and how they can be kept in their best shape. Just like humans, dogs' health starts with proper nutrition. Feeding your dog with high quality food that has the essential nutrients is the ideal way to keep him healthy and alert. Poor quality food or lack of food, on the other hand, has the opposite effect. It can actually contribute to the deterioration of your dog's health, or even worse, might result to illness. Know how to determine quality from waste. Cheap dog food is usually loaded with grains (and even ash) which have been over-cooked so that your pet can digest them. This kind of food is not able to provide the right amount of nutrients that they still have to be supplemented with vitamins and minerals.

Dogs are carnivorous animals, so what they really need is mostly meat. From time to time, you could also give vegetables and a modest amount of grain-based dog food. Just make sure that the bulk of their diet should be meat, and only high-quality meat. Note though that there are manufacturers of pet food that are allowed to use meat from sick or disabled dead animals, the kind that is not suitable for human consumption. This type of meat is commonly used in cheap dog food. So, if you can afford to buy dog food that is of high quality, it is better that you do so, to prevent risking your pet from any disease.

Dogs, like humans also need to stay in shape. It is therefore important, as a dog owner, that you find time to get your dog some exercise. It might just also be good for you, too. Try walking him twice a day, one in the morning and another one at night, and it might just be able to resolve a potential problem that your dog might already have - obesity. Let's face it, we normally think that we give our dogs a favor when we give them food whenever they beg. What we don't realize is the fact that the more we give them food, the higher are the chances for them to have health problems. Note that overweight dogs are more susceptible to sickness and usually end up with shorter lives than slimmer dogs. It is then a must that we watch our pet's diet, giving them only the right amount of food everyday. Following this routine religiously will not only keep your dog healthy and happy but also do you a favor in saving on veterinary bills.

While we may be doing our best to ensure our dog's health, it is still sometimes inevitable that they get sick from time to time. Good thing though, treatments are already available to cure common canine sickness. Distemper, for one, is a deadly viral disease among dogs. It is transmitted through the saliva, urine and stool from other dogs that have acquired the disease. Common symptoms of distemper are runny nose, sneezing, coughing, diarrhea and lack of appetite. If your dog or puppy manifests any of these symptoms, it is best that you take him to the vet immediately. Delaying the treatment could just cause more problems and may lower the chance of your dog's survival. Vaccine for distemper is administered once a year. It is recommended that you inquire about this from your vet.

Still another disease is, rabies. It is a disease that affects the dog's central nervous system. The mode of transmission is usually through bites from infected animals with signs and symptoms appearing anywhere from 30 to 60 days after exposure. Rabid dogs tend to be hostile and can be dangerous to handle. Like distemper, dogs can be protected from rabies through yearly vaccination.

Another common disease among dogs is leptospirosis. It is usually caused by bacteria that directly affect the liver and kidneys. Common symptoms include runny nose, loss of appetite, vomiting, loss of appetite, stiffness and a change in bowel movement and urinary habits. Note that dogs with leptospirosis can infect humans. There is also a vaccine against this disease, and if your pet shows any of these symptoms better take him to the vet immediately.

Dogs, like other animals, get infected with internal parasites too. Worms or internal parasites come in many forms. Roundworms usually reside the some of the dog's organs like the heart, lungs and liver, then they eventually find their way to the dog's intestine where they eat the dog's ingested food. You can suspect that your dog might have internal parasites when it frequently shows persistent hunger, is bloated with gas, or has diarrhea. Hookworm, on the other hand, is another internal parasite common among dogs. They are quite microscopic but are commonly found in great numbers. They feed on your dog's blood and causing him to have anemia. Symptoms of hookworm infection include gas, diarrhea, and weight loss.