Pet Bucket Blog

African pygmy hedgehogs have become the latest exotic pet craze with hundreds of people falling in love with the tiny spiked creatures. As well as being incredibly cute and friendly, they are extremely easy to care for and can be housed in a regular hamster cage as long as they get plenty of daily exercise. The African pygmy hedgehog was first bred in captivity in the United States and is a cross between an Algerian and a White Bellied hedgehog. Before purchasing one as a pet, it is important to check whether or not it is legal in your area as many states and some parts of Europe do not allow domesticated hedgehogs.   Housing    Image credit   Hedgehogs are solitary creatures that only seek company when they wish to mate. Therefore, it is advisable to keep only one hedgehog in a cage to avoid fights. Large hamster cages are ideal for African pygmy hedgehogs as long as there is at least three square feet of floor space. Your new pet will need a small litter box filled with shredded paper to use as a bathroom, a small box or soft pouch to sleep in and an exercise wheel.  You will also need a fleece liner to line the floor of the cage.   Food    Image credit   Many hedgehog breeders recommend either dog or cat food for domesticated hedgehogs. Some stores now sell specialised hedgehog food, but it can be expensive. High quality cat food is commonly used to provide a complete diet for African pygmy hedgehogs. You can supplement this with plenty of fruits and vegetables to keep your pet in optimum health. Treats such as crickets, hardboiled eggs and cooked meats can be given as an occasional treat.   Exercise    Image credit   Hedgehogs are nocturnal creatures and will come alive at night ready to explore their environment. As well as an exercise wheel, hedgehogs need space to roam in order to stimulate their senses and prevent boredom. If you have a garden, a small run enclosed in chicken wire is ideal. You can also let your hedgehog explore your home, but beware of potential dangers such as other pets and electrical wires.   Handling    African pygmy hedgehogs love being handled and will slowly learn to trust you once they feel safe in their environment. Try to purchase a baby hedgehog from a reputable breeder rather than a pet shop. Start by picking up your hedgehog by placing your fingers under his belly from either side and letting him relax on your lap. After a while, he will slowly start to uncurl and enjoy being handled. Hedgehogs also love to take baths, and this is a great opportunity to bond with your new pet.    Upon encountering a new smell, hedgehogs will start to foam at the mouth and then spread their saliva over their backs. Although it can look as though the hedgehog is in distress, this is perfectly normal behaviour and is known as self-anointing. As long as you are prepared to cater to their slightly fussy diets and spend time socialising them, hedgehogs make wonderful pets that will keep you entertained for hours at a time. Feature image credit  

We wrote previously about the latest furniture for your moggy on the market – but there are great new and super chic hidey-holes for Fido out there too. Check out these innovative and chic kennels to find your pooch some great new digs! Cubix Dog Mansion   Image credit   Image credit   Image credit  The Cubix Dog Mansion brings a touch of luxury to the modern dog kennel. It pays tribute to Bauhaus design and is made from premium wood and materials. It may be fancy, but it is also tough, and can handle weather of all kinds to keep your dog cozy - and don’t worry, its glass windows are designed so they won’t shatter. The roof features unique draining systems and it also includes movable lids so your pup’s mansion can easily be kept pristine.  Fuora DogHouse   Image credit DogHouse by Italian company Fuora is a wooden dog house intended to be fashionable and high-performance. It is constructed from multi-layered birch wood treated with a thermoplastic overlay to keep it resistant to all manner of weather conditions.   Image credit  The DogHouse comes as a flat pack you put together at home. Construction doesn’t require tools or glue – simply slot the six pieces together and voila! A super cool kennel is born. It is simple to disassemble and reassemble too, making it a great idea for people who like to travel with their pets.     Image credit    Scottie’s Fine Art Caves      Image credit Your dog, no matter how fluffy, is descended from the big bad wolf – and every wolf needs a den! Canine Fine Art Caves put the family pet in touch with its wild side with faux-stone hideouts made of unique, reinforced paper mache dubbed ‘TerrierRock’.   Image credit The walls are composed of four layers which insulates your dog and dampens sound. Salvaged driftwood from Vancouver island is then incorporated to give each one-of-a-kind design a truly rugged look.   Image credit Every cave’s construction is watched over by the company’s president and founder, terrier Scottie, and stamped with his ‘pawprint’ of approval upon completion.    Image credit  They also make caves for your little 'mountain lion' too!  Niche Kakon Kennel   Image credit   Image credit This mod kennel turns a planter into a canine cubby. The planter is designed to house all sorts of greenery, from succulents to flowers, and its chiselled looks easily blend into modern décor.   A neat drawer in the back pulls out so it can be easily cleaned and it comes with a custom-fitted cushion for your dog to curl up on.    Feature image credit  

When the weather turns cold or rainy for extended periods of time, it can be difficult to give dogs as much exercise and play outside. If you have an energetic breed that require lots of play or a dog accustomed to spending lots of time outdoors, being cooped up indoors can lead to boredom and potentially destructive behavior such as house soiling, barking and chewing. Here are some simple tips to help your four-legged friend beat the cabin fever blues. Find ways to play and get exercise in the house   A simple game of chase up and down the stairs or fetch is a great way to give your dog a workout and release pent up energy. A treadmill can also provide your dog with a fun, safe and different way to get the exercise they need.   Image credit An ample supply of different kinds of dog toys is also a must. Dog puzzle toys in particular are a great way to keep your pooch mentally stimulated and provide a challenge that makes them work for a treat. Teaching your dog new tricks is also a simple way to keep your pooch entertained. There are countless websites with easy step-by-step instructions for you to follow.   Image credit    Give your dog extra attention As simple as it sounds, one of the best things you can do is spend more quality time with your dog. A grooming session with plenty of hugging and petting will also bring you closer together!   Get outside when you can Even a quick 10 to 15 minute walk outside will do wonders for your dog. If you’re dog does not like walking in the rain, you can help to keep them dry by investing in a canine raincoat.   Image credit  Doggy day care If you don't have extra time to spare or will be away for long periods of the day, perhaps you should consider doggy day care for your pooch. Doggy day care helps build your dog’s social skills (with both humans and other dogs) and allows them to play in a safe, supervised environment. Feature image credit

Once Summer really ramps up, the heat becomes unberable and can even be dangerous. No matter how stifling we think it is - it is much worse for our furry friends. Pets suffer from heat exhaustion too and it can lead to organ damage, brain damage or death. Unlike us, they can’t simply take a cold shower, turn on the air conditioning or help themselves to an ice-cold drink and gelato cone whenever they want. Most importantly, they can’t ask for help if they need it. Pets rely on us to make sure they stay safe when the mercury rises.  Many animals, including dogs and cats, don't sweat through their skin to cool down as humans do. The only sweat glands they have are on the pads of their paws. Instead, they try to cool down by panting which circulates air and expells moisture from their respiratory tract and lungs.  Summer is synonymous with outdoor fun - pools, picnics, parks, beaches and barbecues. The guideline to keep your pet safe is straightforward: If it's too hot for you, then it's definitely too hot for pets.  Drinking Water First and foremost, lots of fresh water should be available to your pet - both indoors and outdoors - at all times during hot weather. Have at least double the number of water bowls, in twice the number of locations for your pet. Make sure that any outdoor water bowls are in shaded spots where the water has less chance of evaporating. Animals may not drink water that has become too warm so you can add ice to help keep it cool for longer. Petsicles Pets love a delicious frozen treat just as much as we do when it's hot. You can make tasty ice-blocks for your pet using water, beef, chicken or seafood stock and include some dried food, vegetables or anything that is safe for your pet to eat.  Image credit Outdoors Only exercise your pets in the morning or evening, not during the hottest hours of the day, and always carry water for your pet. On very hot days, reduce the intensity and duration of any exercise. This is particularly important for pets with short muzzles who may experience more difficulty breathing and panting in hot and humid weather. Asphalt, bitumen, sand and some tiles get extremely hot and retain the day's heat. These surfaces can burn your dog’s paw pads. If possible, only walk your dog on grassed areas. If your dog begins limping, refuses to walk, has blisters or redness on their pads then it is likely they have burned their pad. You should consult your vet for treatment. Shade Whilst cats and dogs can move around and seek cool shady spots, small animals like rabbits, guinea pigs, ferrets and caged birds cannot. You must make sure that any caged animals are not placed in direct sunlight. In extreme heat, bring them indoors if at all possible, or place the cage on a covered, ventilated verandah. If your pets are outdoors make sure they always have adequate shaded areas. Remember the sun moves and therefore so does the shade. Large trees or a tarpaulin will provide shade and ventilation. Ventilation is vital to staying cool. A doghouse is not suitable in as there is no provision for air-flow and ventilation.  For outdoor pets, even those that aren’t house trained, give them access to an indoor area such as a laundry, bathroom or kitchen for the day or at least for regular intervals throughout the day. It is best that kittens and puppies be indoors at all times during hot weather.  Sunburn Just as we can get sunburned, so can white-haired, fair-skinned and thin-haired animals. And just like us, animals get sun cancer. Grab some specialist pet sunscreen (others may be toxic to pets if licked, ingested or absorbed through their skin) and put some on the sensitive parts of your pet that have little hair coverage or thinner skin such as the nose, tips of the ears, belly and groin. A Cool Spot to Lay their Head You can make their bed or favourite spot extra cool too. Wrap an ice pack in a sock, cloth or towel, or fill a hot water bottle with cool water for your pet to lay on. Soak cloths and towels in water, place them in the freezer for 30 minutes or so, then put them on the floor for your pet to lay on if they want to. Cats and dogs will love to spread out on any cool tiled surfaces and cats in particular will head for a dry porcelain bathtub or sink.    Image credit Cool, Calm and Collected It's very imporrtant that pets do no overdo exercise and activity in hot weather. Keep your pet calm and relaxed so they don’t overheat or dehydrate. Ask children to leave the pets alone and not to excite the animals. It's a great idea to have everyone read a book or watch television so that pets can sit and laze about during a heatwave.  Water Fun and Cooling Down If it is a particularly hot day or your pet seems to be struggling to stay cool, wet their feet and lightly spray water onto their face using a mister. This will be suitable for dogs, cats, ferrets, poultry and caged birds. Remember to use a light spray setting as many cats do not like getting wet and birds should not have their feathers saturated. Many dogs might enjoy a spray with the garden hose or play time under the sprinkler.  Dogs and cats can be covered with towels and cloths dampened with cool water to help reduce their body temperature. Make sure you leave their head and mouth uncovered so breathing is not restricted. You can buy special cooling body wraps, vests and mats that can be soaked in water and remain cool for longer periods. Cats, rabbits and guinea pigs can be gently stroked and pat using a dampened cloth. A bottle of frozen water left in the cage for a rabbit and guinea pig will allow them to lean against it and regulate their body temperature.  If your pet enjoys water then a cool bath will help them cope on hot days. Another option is to leave a shallow kid’s wading pool in the shade for your dog to paddle and lay in. For small dogs you can use a large, shallow plastic container.  If you take your dog to a pool, beach, lake or river for a refreshing dip always keep them within view, do not leave them unsupervised and be aware of any currents, riptides and marine craft. You may want to consider a life vest for your dog which will provide extra buoyancy if they tire or experience trouble when swimming.  Image credit Pets in Cars There is one simple rule and that is DON’T EVER DO IT. Never leave your pet in a car on a hot day, not even with the windows down and not even for a short while. Your pet is far more sensitive to the heat and they will not cope with the added heat stress of being in a car. In as little as 20 minutes a car’s temperature can reach 100 degrees Fahrenheit or 38 degrees Celsius when the ambient temperature is 80F/26C.  In high temperatures, animals can suffer irreversible organ damage, brain damage or die in just 15 minutes. So again the rule is DON'T EVER DO IT.  Heatstroke/Heat Exhaustion All pet owners need to be aware of the signs of heat exhaustion and heatstroke. Very young, elderly, sick and overweight pets are at particular risk. Keep a careful eye on dog breeds with short muzzles as they experience more difficulty breathing in extreme heat. If you notice any of the following signs move the animal to a cool area, allow them to drink water in small amounts, reduce their body temperature with a hose or wet towel (not covering their head or mouth) and apply ice packs to their head, neck and chest. You need to take them to a vet immediately. Excessive panting Disorientation, dizziness or lack of coordination Agitation Glazed eyes Rapid heartbeat Breathing difficulties Lethargy or unresponsiveness Fever and skin that is hot to the touch Excessive salivation or drooling Red or purple tongue Vomiting Seizure

Cats and children can be the best of friends; living, playing and relaxing together. But the first rule that children need to understand and follow when around cats, is to respect the cat’s space and mood.  There’s no doubt that a cat will be dressed up, chased, pushed around in prams, cars, boxes and receive some unwanted cuddles when around children. Some cats will tolerate this behaviour better than others but no cat, child or parent wants play time to be about scratches, bites and screams. Cats love calm and gentle attention. Once a child is taught how to handle, treat and respect the cat, then a fun, safe and loving relationship will thrive. Choosing the right cat In some respects, a cat can be the best first pet for children as, generally, they are low maintenance when compared to dogs. Cats are often happier to be indoors, do not need frequent baths or to go outside to do their business. However, this is not the case for all cat breeds so research a breed's grooming requirements and temperament before choosing it for a pet in a household with children. Some breeds are more social, tolerant of handling and affection than others but even the most friendly and chilled-out breeds will find noise, activity, overzealous handling and rough play very stressful and upsetting. Children must be shown and taught to treat a cat kindly and gently. Image credit Caring for the cat Despite their best intentions, young children tend to be very excitable, enthusiastic and clumsy with cats and kittens. This can lead to an anxious and frightened cat who may scratch or bite the child. Always supervise toddlers around a cat and kitten.  Children should be encouraged to take an active role in caring for the cat. Young children can be taught how to groom and play correctly with the cat, and older children can be involved with feeding and cleaning the litter box. It is not advisable to allow cats to sleep in the bed of young children because of the potential for suffocation. Also, there is some risk that fleas, ticks and worms can be transmitted from cats. This is another reason why only older children should be cleaning the litter box as young ones are likely to come into contact with infected faeces and not wash their hands. Cats view outside sandboxes as a perfect, big litter box. Make sure your sandbox has a cover to stop any chance of children coming into contact with faeces. And, have your cat wormed and treated for parasites regularly.  Time Out Just as important as teaching children to respect the cat and the right way to handle and play, is to have a quiet ‘escape place’ for the cat. Ideally this would be a childproof room -perhaps where the cat’s food, water and litter box are kept - where the cat can go if it’s feeling overwhelmed or annoyed. It should be a comfortable and safe place for the cat and it must be emphasised to children that when the cat is in there, it is to be left alone. Consider installing a cat door or child gate for the room and include some shelving, boxes or a high perch. Cats love high places, so it’s a good idea to also have a perch elsewhere in the house that children cannot reach.  It also needs to be made clear to children that when the cat is eating, using the litter box or sleeping, it should not be disturbed. A woken cat can become frightened, feel threatened and strike out with teeth and claws in defence.   Reading the signals Children should be aware of a cat’s body language so they can recognise when it is time to stop what it is they are doing and let the cat move away. If a cat backs away or hisses, is crouched down, tucks their tail under their body, flattens their ears against their head, has an arched back or their fur is standing up then the cat does not feel safe or comfortable. Unlike a dog, when cats wag or lash their tail, it is a sign of annoyance, not happiness. If the cat displays any of the above signs, the child should stop immediately, allow the cat to run away and leave it alone.  Handling Some cats don’t mind being handled but there are definitely do’s and don’ts that need to be followed. Unlike dogs, most cats do not like their bellies touched or rubbed. Also, tails and ears should never be pulled or squeezed. Cats tend to like their head, neck and chin scratched.  Young children should not lift or carry cats. Older children who can support the weight of a cat should be instructed not to hold or carry cats by their armpits. Instead, one hand should be slowly placed on the cat’s chest with the other hand or arm supporting its hind legs. The cat should be held against the child’s body but not squeezed. Most cats don’t like to be held for a long time so if it begins fidgeting or tries to get away, the child must let the cat go. Image credit Play Time Playing is important for cats as it provides exercise, allows them to practice their natural hunting skills and use their minds. Limit play time to 10-15 minutes sessions throughout the day. Cats love toys that move and games where they can stalk, chase, pounce and bat objects around with their paws. Never allow your child to encourage the cat to bite, claw or strike at their fingers, hands or feet. Balls, wand or rod toys, ribbons, fabric, dangling toys and puzzle/ball feeders are all great ways that a cat and child can play together. Just make sure that whatever is being thrown or rolled isn’t a choking hazard for the cat. A torch will keep a cat (and child) occupied as they chase the ball of light around the floor and walls.  Cats love climbing and exploring and children love building cubby houses. Using cardboard boxes taped together, children can build and decorate a cubby house for the cat to climb on. Put some large holes in the boxes so that the cat can move around and explore. Incorporate the cat's toys and other objects that a cat can climb on or walk through, like chairs, laundry baskets, pillows, large cylinders and it becomes even more fun for everyone.  It’s pretty difficult these days to tear kids away from smartphones, tablets and computers so why not have them use some of the time for playing with the cat. And yes, of course there are several games and apps available for cats. There’s bugs, mice and fish that the cat can bat on screen and noises to denote success. Let’s face it, anything that moves across the screen will be temptation enough - just make sure your cat’s claws are trimmed unless you don’t mind the possibility of scratches on your screen.    Image credit   Feature image credit  

A lot of us are trying to make choices that are kinder to the planet, but sometimes we forget our pet’s things are made of plastics and unsustainable materials.   If you’re an eco-warrior at heart, get your green on with these environmentally friendly pet products:       West Paw Design Zogoflex Toys   Image credit   Zogoflex toys made by West Paw Design are made to be tough. They can withstand even the most determined doggy chompers, reducing the need to produce multitudes of plastic toys.   If your beloved pooch somehow manages to destroy his or her new Zogoflex toy, West Paw Design will take back your toy free of charge and melt it down to recreate a new toy – and you’ll receive your replacement in the mail.   Image credit   Aside from Zogoflex’s durability, it is completely recyclable, so no harmful plastics need end up in landfill because of your canine friend. It is also allergen and toxin-free, lacking harmful chemicals such as BPA, PVC and phthalates.   PS. They also float!  Harry Barker Bamboo Dog Bowl   Image credit   Plastic is so 20th century. Harry Barker’s functional and fashionable dog bowls are made of sustainable bamboo and rice hulls certified by the FDA and RoHS. No only are they gentle on Mother Earth, they stop any harmful chemicals like lead and cadmium leaching into your pet’s water.  Image credit   The Doggie Dooley   It’s a fact of life – pets create mess. When you bring your pet home chances are your backyard is going to become a doggy toilet. If you clean it, your pet’s waste will become part of landfill – not ideal!   Image credit   The Doggie Dooley Toilet is an easy to use system which essentially a compost. It uses water and natural acting bacteria and enzymes to break down your pet’s waste.  All you need to do is dig a hole in your yard, install the Dooley and put your dog’s droppings in the top. It converts the nastiness into a liquid that is absorbed safely into the soil.   Image credit   It is harmless to pets, children, and you. Surprisingly it has been on the market since 1968 – over 45 years!  Pet Dreams Eco-Friendly Bumper Bed?     The Pet Dreams Eco-Friendly Bumper Bed is a cushy pet bed with a secret. Super soft and comfortable, it is not stuffed with what you might expect – not wool, or feathers, but material made from 100% recycled plastic bottles! It is way cozier than you would think and thanks to its fabric, it can be washed with ease.   Image credit    Feature Image Credit

The Siberian Husky is one of the most beautiful, family friendly dog breeds known to mankind. These majestic animals were originally bred in Russia's Siberia region for use as working and sled dogs. Huskies first gained notoriety in the United States in the 1920s when a team of sled dogs, consisting largely of Huskies, was used to deliver life-saving vaccines to the isolated Alaskan town of Nome.    Today, the Husky is a beloved pet in the United States and has found a home with owners as a working dog, family companion, and running partner. Known for their dense coats and bottomless well of energy, a Husky is not going to be the best fit in every home. Training a Husky can be very difficult. For all the beauty and compassion of a Husky, they are very stubborn animals that can be among the harder dog breeds to train.    The following tips should help any prospective owner train their stubborn Husky and seamlessly integrate their new pet into the family.    Never underestimate their intelligence   Image credit   Siberian Huskies are among the smartest dog breeds alive today. What an owner may see as their Husky being aloof or stupid, is really their dog second guessing the necessity of a particular command or order. As a result of that higher intelligence, a Husky can get bored quickly with training regimens so it is important to not push too hard during any given training session.    Set them up for success   Image credit   Huskies are working dogs and may eventually require something greater than a simple treat to get them focused on learning new tricks and commands. When developing a training regime for a Husky, try thinking outside of the box in terms of treats. Consider unconventional treats like a new toy or their favorite toy as a reward for picking up new commands.    That said; Huskies can certainly be driven to success by their stomachs. There are a few favorite human food items that Husky owners will tell you get their dog focused for a good training session. Among the most popular, American cheese and carrots serve as great motivators for Huskies.    Be consistent and patient   Image credit   Siberian Huskies are playful, lovable scamps that can just as easily entertain themselves at times as be entertained by their owners. This means that Huskies do have a tendency to get bored quickly. When working with a Husky, whether on obedience training or simpler tricks, it is important to remain consistent in tone, body language, and rewards.    At the same time, it is important to not push too much on them. Given the ease with which they become bored during training, it is important to try and break up training sessions over the course of the day. Anything more than 15 minutes in a given day is going to become tedious for a Husky and they are likely to "check out" mentally.    Try to keep training sessions to five minutes at a time. Make them work hard for their rewards, and offer high value treats for successfully completing each training session. Remember to keep your calm and remain patient. Huskies are going to ignore owners at times and disobey commands, but when an owner loses their temper and becomes frustrated that won't help. Patience will lead to a stronger relationship and greater odds for success in training. Feature image credit

Owning a pet is something that human society has been accustomed to for centuries. At first, the animals that were considered part of the family were predominantly used for working purposes. Over the centuries, those animals slowly found themselves invited inside the house and further domesticated as companions rather than working animals.   The concept of owning exotic pets is nothing new in human society. With that said, owning an exotic pet is not the same as purchasing a new dog or cat from a local breeder. There are going to be different requirements and challenges as an owner. For those considering purchasing a reptile for a pet, it may be a good idea to start with one of the following reptiles. These particular reptiles are a good bridge from traditional pet ownership to reptile ownership.   Lizards   Image credit   Pet stores across the nation have sections devoted to lizards, with the most common lizard found is the iguana. If you're a beginner reptile owner, you'll want to avoid the iguana. These particular lizards require specific diets, have strict environmental needs, and can become aggressive as they reach maturity.   Rather than going with the standard iguana, consider instead a Leopard Gecko or Bearded Dragon. The former is fairly small and easy to care for, with no specific environmental needs and a diet that can easily be satisfied with a variety of insects. The latter does have specific environmental needs that can get expensive, but the diet of a Bearded Dragon is easy to satisfy and they make entertaining pets as far as lizards go.   Snakes   Image credit   Snakes are another extremely common reptile pet, but not every snake is ideal. Before selecting the most exotic snake in the pet store, it might be a better idea to consider either the Corn Snake or Ball Python. The Corn Snake is extremely docile and reach an adult length of three to five feet. However, the Corn Snake is an infamous escape artist so it is important to purchase a lid that seals tightly!   The Ball Python also reaches a manageable adult length of three to five feet and is, generally docile. Keep in mind that the Ball Python can live for as long as 20 to 30 years. While this doesn't make it a good or bad choice for beginners, it is important to understand ahead of time just how long this snake could be a fixture in the family.   A final word on snakes as a whole; while they are can be expensive to feed it is worth noting that most snakes only need to be fed once a week. This actually makes snakes a great reptile pet for beginners because, unlike a dog or cat, there is no need to alter family plans or schedules with the need for pet sitters or kennel services.   Turtles   Image credit   Owning any type of a turtle is a toss up when it comes to beginners. Turtles are often marketed as a great reptile pet for individuals and families because meeting dietary needs is easy and there is little threat of bodily injury. However, aquatic turtles in particular can become large and messy as they age. This not only requires a lot of work on behalf of the owner, but makes it challenging and expensive to house them.   Additionally, turtles are not generally seen as very exciting for children. Families considering a first reptile pet should perhaps pass the turtle over for the time being in favor of a pet that will be more widely accepted by the family as a whole. feature image credit

Heartworm disease is the leading cause of death in dogs so preventing it is at the top of the priority list for any dog lover. Heartworm is carried by mosquitoes so infections are very easily spread. An untreated worm infestation will damage your dog's heart and respiratory tract and can lead to heart failure. Thankfully, there are easy and very effective preventative treatments available such as ProHeart. ProHeart comes in tablet form and is administered once a month to dogs over 4 weeks of age. There are different dosages corresponding to your dog’s weight. As long as the correct dosage is given as directed, then your little bundle of four-legged joy can continue to bound along happily free of any heartworm trouble.  Before starting any heartworm prevention course you will need to consult your vet. This is a great way to confirm your dog’s weight and correct dosage, but more importantly, your dog will need to be checked to see if heartworm is already present. There can be severe reactions, similar to toxic shock, if preventative medication is given to dogs already infected. Also, adult worms that die may remain in the heart, lungs or pulmonary artery and interrupt or obstruct functionality. ProHeart is a preventative measure and does not treat existing heartworm infections.  Heartworm Heartworm inhabit the animal's lungs, heart and pulmonary arteries causing tissue inflammation, blood clotting, thickening of blood vessel walls, heart failure or death. Heartworm is transmitted by mosquitoes. When an infected mosquito bites your dog, the heatworm larvae (microfilariae) are transferred and migrate through the dog's tissue and circulatory system to the lungs, heart and pulmonary arteries. There the larvae feed on blood and grow to maturity. The signs of a heartworm infection include coughing, shortness of breath, respiratory sounds, fainting, lethargy, weight loss, blood present in the saliva or mucus, abdominal swelling, vomiting and loss of appetite. ProHeart ProHeart’s active ingredient is moxidectin which will paralyse and kill any parasitic larvae that has infected the dog during the previous month. The dosage of moxidectin contained in the tablets is low and therefore side effects are very rare. It is safe to use ProHeart on all sizes and breeds, puppies older than 4 weeks and breeding dogs. The recommended dose of moxidectin in ProHeart of 3 mcg/kg (1.36 mcg/lb) body weight was 100% effective in preventing the development of a one month-old heartworm infection.  Consult your vet before treating with ProHeart any sick, debilitated, elderly, underweight dogs or those that have a history of weight loss and allergies.  As with any medication, there is the potential for unpleasant side effects or adverse drug reactions for dogs that have an individual sensitivity or allergy. Testing has shown that ProHeart is extremely safe and well tolerated when administered as directed.  Sensitive Breeds Some dog breeds have a mutation in the multi-drug resistance gene (MDR1) making them more sensitive to moxidectin. This gene mutation occurs mostly in breeds such as Collies, Long-haired Whippets, Australian Shepherds, McNab, English and German Shepherds, Shetland Sheepdogs and Silken Windhounds. ProHeart has been found suitable and safe for use on these breeds. The only way to know whether your dog is affected by the MDR-1 mutation is for a vet to run tests. If you know your dog has the mutation, than consult your vet before starting any heartworm prevention.  Any adverse side effects that do arise are usually a result from an incorrect dosage being administered or hypersensitivity. If you notice any of the following reactions, take your dog to the vet immediately: Lethargy  Loss of appetite or thirst Vomiting Diarrhoea  Hives Depression Excessive Saliva Ataxia (uncoordinated movements) Difficulty or laboured breathing Oedema (fluid retention and swelling) Anaphylaxis (allergic reaction) Low body temperature Disorientation Trembling or muscle twitching Dilation of the pupils Blindness Coma Heartworm disease is the number one killer of dogs and ProHeart is a trialled and tested preventative treatment approved for dogs of all sizes and breeds, puppies, breeding and stud dogs. It’s an effective and easy tablet given each month to ensure that your dog remains protected.  Feature image credit  

When people make the decision to bring a dog or cat into their lives, they are welcoming that new pet as a member of the family. Unlike our family members though, dogs and cats do not have long lifespans. The impact pets can have the family dynamic is unmistakable. For adults, a pet can be a critical companion that is always there with a wet tongue and wagging tail at the end of the day.    For children, a dog or cat is a playmate and partner in crime. When the time comes that a pet passes away, the manner in which people grieve is going to differ. While adults have perhaps dealt with death in the past, many children may have their first experience with death when the family pet dies. So how can adults help children cope with the loss of a pet?    Prepare their minds Many older pets eventually leave their families through the process of euthanasia. Often referred to as "putting an animal to sleep," this concept can be very difficult for children to understand. As an adult it is easy to sympathize with the needs of an aging animal whose daily life is so hard that euthanasia is the best path.    For children however, coping with the concept of euthanasia is different. Parents should take the step of preparing their children for what will happen in the process of euthanasia. This doesn't mean sharing with them the details of the process, but rather using age-appropriate language to express the finality of euthanasia.    Be considerate of their emotions and age level, but make sure to let them know that this step is final. Their beloved pet won't wake up or return later, and unless that is clear it can create confusion in children.    Watch for signs of grief Once children have been prepared for the loss of their pet and have seen their pet for the final time, it is important to be aware of potential signs of grief. Just because the process was explained to them doesn't mean that they will easily process the loss and handle the grief. In the short term, depressed moods, acting out, or general gloominess are to expected.    What parents really need to watch for are long term signs of grief. Long term grief will differ based upon a child's age and their level of attachment to a pet, but some of the signs to watch for include:   ·         No longer interested in usual activities ·         Withdrawn from friends and family ·         Regression - particularly in relation to potty-training and bed wetting ·         Nightmares  ·         Fear of sleep  ·         Extra fixation on death     Parents that notice these signs in their children should act quickly to help their kids cope in a healthier manner. School psychologists, ministers, or counselors are all excellent sources of assistance in helping children develop better coping mechanisms.    With time comes healing The biggest mistake adults can make is belittling the connection a child had with a pet. Help them remember their lost pet fondly and reinforce the value of the human-animal bond they shared together while the pet was a member of the family. Additionally, be careful about getting new pets too soon.    Introducing a new pet into the family may leave the child feeling like their former pet is being replaced. This can lead to disinterest or even maltreatment of the new pet. Do not rush into any decision regarding a new pet until children have had time to heal first. When the time comes, adults should include children in the decision with the clear understanding that this new pet is not a replacement. Feature image credit