Pet Bucket Blog

With their jet-black glossy satin coat, sleek muscular body and large copper colored eyes, it’s not hard to see why the spectacular looking Bombay has become commonly known as the ‘miniature black panther’. If you aren’t deterred by superstitions relating to black cats, then the Bombay may just be the perfect addition to your household.   Image credit Cat breeder Nikki Horner first developed the Bombay by crossing a Burmese with an American Shorthair in the hope of creating a domestic cat that resembled a wild panther. Bombays are closely related to the Burmese but are larger with longer legs and body.   Image credit    These super inquisitive, fun-loving and extremely affectionate cats have also been called “velcro cats” because they become very attached to their owners and love to be around people. For this reason, you should consider getting another cat for companionship if you plan to leave your Bombay alone for long periods of time. They make great family pets and are recommended for apartments, children and the elderly. Image credit   The Bombay has a short, low-shed coat which requires minimal grooming. However, if you brush your Bombay at least once a week, this will increase the gloss and shine of their coat. Bombays are not prone to any major health issues but according to the Animal Planet web site, they can suffer from sinus problems and runny eyes. Feature image credit

We have heard about the toxic plants we should avoid adding to our gardens to keep our cats safe – but what about the plants cat’s love? There are a variety of plant species kitties adore, many of which are great for their health too.   Cat grass (dactylis glomerata) Image credit    As its name suggests, cats are fond of Cat Grass. It helps cats with their digestion, and is great for dogs, guinea pigs and rabbits as well.    Lemongrass (cymbopagon)   Image credit  Cats absolutely love the smell of lemongrass and even enjoy a nibble or two. You can also add it to your cooking for a touch of Asian flavor. Funnily enough, cats despise the smell of lemons!    Catnip (nepeta cataria)   Catnip holds a special place in the feline heart. Beware, your kitty may go a little crazy on the stuff and you may attract legions of neighborhood cats to your garden (seriously). Cats react to the nepatalactone in catnip leaves and stems. Upon contact cats have a psychosexual reaction – essentially ‘get high’ – for up to 15 minutes. Catnip also products pretty pink flowers that attract bees to your garden, helping with pollination of all your other plants.     Valerian (valeriana officinalis)    Image credit Valerian has a similar effect on cats as catnip. To us, the white and pink flowers have a pleasant sweet vanilla fragrance, making a great choice for pet and owner. In Valerian a compound called actinidine works as a semi-psychotic stimulant for kitties, sending them into a relaxed, purring fit.   Cat Thyme (Teucrium marum)  Image credit   Cat thyme is another plant that sends cats into a frenzy. In spite of its name, it is actually not a variety of thyme but a germander. Some cats even prefer it to catnip. Unfortunately, human noses aren’t generally so keen. To us, it smells quite dreadful.    Licorice Root (Glycyrrhiza glabra)   Image credit   Licorice root tastes yummy to cats and it is also good for them, especially those who have allergies, colds and digestive issues, as it is a natural cortisone and soothes mucus membranes. It also has cleansing and anti-inflammatory properties making it a great choice for people with elderly cats suffering from arthritis.    Image credit   Feature image credit

Everyone knows the annoyance and distress that fleas cause our canine friends, and the danger of paralysis or death that ticks can lead to. Parasites such as fleas, mosquitoes, lice, sand flies, biting flies and ticks spread disease when they bite and suck blood, so it is important not to just kill them, but to also prevent them from biting and feeding in the first place.  Advantix is a powerful preventative and parasiticide that affects the nervous system of these nasty little bloodsuckers, paralysing then killing them. Advantix combines the active ingredient imidacloprid used to control adult and larval fleas in the trusted and popular treatment Advantage, with permethrin, one of the most effective pyrethroids - a type of insecticide that also works as a repellant or anti-feeding measure.  Used monthly, Advantix is applied directly to the dog’s skin at the neck, or for large dogs the dosage is spread out to four points along the back. The solution is then distributed via the dog’s oil glands throughout the skin, covering the entire body within 24 hours to provide weeks of protection. Any fleas surrounding the application area will be killed within five minutes and most fleas die within 12 hours. Advantix still kills 90 per cent of ticks after 28 days and up to 95 per cent of mosquitoes are repelled from biting. Advantix has been specifically developed for dogs and is not intended for cats or other animals. In fact, it is poisonous to cats and can be fatal to them if ingested. Any treated dog should be separated from cats until the solution dries, in case the cat grooms and licks the application area.  It’s not just discomfort  Fleas are the number one cause of skin disease in pets. In addition to the itchiness and aggravation they unleash, flea infestations can produce redness, sores, scaly skin and odour for dogs. Fleas also transmit tapeworm and some dogs have Flea Allergy Dermatitis, an allergic reaction to flea bites.  Canine Vector-Borne Diseases, or CVBD, describes diseases that are transmitted through blood-feeding parasites. Common ones include Lyme disease (form of arthritis) and borreliosis, bartonellosis, ehrlichiosis (attacks host’s white blood cells), babesiosis and anaplasmosis (attacks host’s red blood cells), leishmaniosis (ulcers) and rickettsiosis (spotted fever). These can develop into very serious health problems if left untreated. By also working as a repellant, Advantix reduces the risk or parasite’s biting and feeding, and therefore reduces the risk of disease for your dog. Side Effects Advantix is a safe treatment but just like us, each dog has an individual tolerance or sensitivity to medications and may be hypersensitive or allergic. Although extremely rare when Advantix is used at the recommended dosage, if your dog has an adverse reaction consult your vet immediately.  Do not use Advantix on puppies younger than seven weeks and talk to your vet before administering it if you are already using other flea and tick control products or to any aged, medicated, sick and debilitated dogs (particularly those with heart, liver or kidney disease). And remember, keep Advantix away from your dog’s eyes and mouth and it is DEFINITELY NOT for cats. Skin Irritation The most common side effect is some minor skin irritation at the application point such redness, itching, skin discolouration, rash, an oily appearance or some hair loss. These irritations are usually temporary and may also subside after washing your dog (Advantix is waterproof from 48 hours after application but a bath could ease any irritation). However, if these irritations worsen or persist, then consult your vet.  Serious Side Effects Serious side effects with Advantix are extremely rare. The following can be indications of overdosing/toxicity or an allergic reaction so consult your vet immediately if you notice any of these -  Drooling - This may occur if your dog licks the area of application as Advantix has a bitter taste to discourage ingestion, but drooling can also result from overdosing or an allergic reaction. Lethargy A marked increase or decrease in body temperature Vomiting or diarrhoea Incoordination Excitability Seizures The most important thing is to always follow the dosage recommendations and directions on the label. Advantix is available in different dosages depending on the weight of your dog so make sure you use the correct one. Athough it is safe, have a talk with your vet if your dog is pregnant or lactating before use. Advantix is also waterproof so after 48 hours from application you can bathe your dog as normal. However, if your dog is a real water lover then re-application within the month may be necessary.  Monthly treatment with Advantix will keep your dog free of fleas, ticks, lice, mosquitoes as well as sand and biting flies. Not only will these parasites be killed, but they’ll be prevented from biting, feeding and spreading diseases. You’ll be happy knowing that your dog is safe, but they’ll be even happier with their comfortable, carefree and now itch-free lifestyle.   

Rabbits make wonderful indoor pets and can easily be trained to use a litter box just like cats. Potty training your rabbit means that you can allow them to roam freely around your home without worrying about any accidents on your carpet and furniture. Rabbits are intelligent creatures and most learn how to use a litter box without too much prompting. If your rabbit already has a certain area where they like to eliminate, it may simply be a case of placing the litter box there and letting them do the rest.     Equipment  Uncovered, plastic litter boxes with short sides are ideal for rabbits to enable them to hop inside easily. If you have male rabbits, then you might want to try slightly deeper litter trays to prevent them from spraying urine over the sides or place the box on a plastic mat to protect your floor. Most rabbits dislike the covered litter boxes used for cats. Purchase recycled paper litter to use inside the box. Cat litters that clump are extremely dangerous for rabbits as they can cause respiratory disorders.   Image credit   Choosing the Right Spot  If you already let your rabbit roam around your home, place a litter box in an area where they regularly eliminate. If they go to the toilet outside of the box, mop up any urine with kitchen paper and place it in the box along with any stools to encourage them to use it. You can also gently coax or lift your rabbit into the box whenever you see them prepare to eliminate. If they don't already have a particular spot, place several litter boxes around your home. Spread some hay on top of the litter or place it behind the box so that they have to hop into the litter tray in order to reach it.   Image credit   Dealing with Problems  Some rabbits can be stubborn at first and take time to get used to the box. Try confining your rabbit to just one room of the house or a small area until they get the hang of it. Gradually increase the space as they learn to use the box more consistently. Male rabbits tend to spray urine and leave stools around the home as a way of marking their territory. Neutering your pet is a great way to stop territorial behaviour and will also help to make them less aggressive towards you and other rabbits.   Image credit   In the wild, rabbits live in a social structure where one rabbit is considered 'top bunny' and will dominate over the other members in the warren. Domesticated rabbits may try to show dominance over you by peeing on your bed, couch or even your lap. If this happens, immediately place your rabbit on the floor or into their cage. Do not allow them access to the area for the rest of the day to assert your authority over them and show them that the behaviour is not acceptable. Above all, be patient and consistent with your training and you will soon start to see results.     

Each year far too many dogs and cats find their way into shelters and rescue organizations. The numbers, according to the Humane Society of the United States are staggering to read through. An estimated 6 to 8 million cats and dogs enter one of the 3,500 shelters located throughout the country each year. Only 3 to 4 million of those animals are adopted back out in a given year, while roughly 2.7 million perfectly healthy dogs and cats are euthanized each year.    For families looking to add another member to the household, rescuing a dog from a local shelter is a great way to give a worthy animal a second shot at a good life in a stable home. However, not every dog is going to be a perfect fit for every household. Selecting a dog from a shelter requires a little bit of work before simply picking the cutest face out of the pack. Before bringing home a new forever-friend, consider the following steps.   Image credit    Research first The vast majority of shelters and kennels across the country have active websites that allow users to peruse the current residents of the shelter without having to come in. Websites like Petfinder.com offer a great one-stop shop for those considering adopting a dog. This allows prospective families to identify what types of breeds and mixes are in local shelters.    From here it is a good idea to investigate the attitude, temperament, and characteristics of any particular breed before actually falling in love with a cute face at the shelter. After researching the breeds, it's time to do a little investigating elsewhere.   Image credit    Investigate shelters Every shelter is going to describe its residents and services in the same way. Prospective families will see the terms "sweet," "friendly," "loving," and "devoted" to describe the animals in the shelter, the employees working there, and the conditions of the shelter itself. Before taking their word for it, it is a good idea to investigate the shelter housing the dogs at the moment.    Not all shelters live up to the image portrayed online, and sometimes the circumstances at the shelter will negatively impact the dog during its stay. A good shelter will have a clearly defined return policy, conduct temperament testing on adoptable dogs, and allow families to come visit with pets before making the decision to bring one home.   Image credit    Spend time with the dog Assuming a reputable shelter has been located and prospective dogs identified, it is time to interact with the dog before bringing them home and welcoming them into the family. Upon entering the kennel, it is a good idea to pass through the group of dogs without paying much attention to any one particular dog.    After making mental notes about the dogs that stood out on the first pass, walk through again and start to interact with each dog that stood out during the first pass. Once a sociable dog has been identified that catches the eye, ask to take them to an inside/outside play area and see how they interact with everyone in the family that has come along on the visit.    When interacting with the dog for the first time, look for the following characteristics: ·         Warm and accepting of contact ·         Seeks out more contact ·         No aggression on walks ·         No frustration or aggression over toys, treats, or food   Image credit    As noble as it is to adopt a dog, there is a process that should be followed to protect both the family involved and the individual dog. For the individual or family adopting the dog, welcoming the wrong dog into the home can result in damage and harm. For the dog, being welcomed and then dismissed back to a shelter can induce anxiety and stress. The right dog isn't always the cutest dog, but rather is the one that best suits the environment it is destined to live in. Feature image credit

Every family that welcomes a pet into their home, into their life, is going to feel a sense of loss and grief when that pet passes away. Death is a natural part of life, but it will impact everyone in a different manner. For families with a pet, the loss of the pet might not cut as deeply as a single person whose primary companion for years has been that beloved pet.    As such, everyone will look for different ways to remember their favorite pet after its passing. As a friend or relative of someone who has lost a pet, selecting the right condolence gift can help that individual or family cope with the loss and even elicit fond memories of the time they spent with the animal.     Simple gestures Not everyone needs an over-the-top memorial for their pet in order to fondly remember a best friend they will no longer get to spend time with. For some people, simple gestures go a long way toward helping with the healing process and offering a simple reminder of their four-legged friends.    Examples of simple gestures include memory pendants, the Memorial Paw, and memorial pictures. A memory pendant is a simple piece of jewelry that is lovingly handcrafted to remind you, a friend, or relative of a lost pet. The Memorial Paw is another simple piece of jewelry that consists of a paw print on a heart, signifying the impact a lost pet has on a human life.    A personalized pet memorial picture is a simple piece that can adorn any room of the home, but isn't an over-the-top reminder of a lost pet. These gifts are highly customizable, but generally speaking consist of a picture of the pet along with some loving words from friends or from scriptures.    Popular gift ideas Examples of common condolence gifts given to those grieving the loss of a pet often range from sympathy baskets and cards to memorial urns. Sympathy baskets can be as simple as cards and candies to express sympathy for the grief experienced by another, or as complex as baskets that contain small reminders of the pet that has died.    Memorial urns are a common gift as well, though the level of customization varies from customer to customer. Some will opt for a memorial urn that is a simple, yet elegant box to hold the ashes of a lost pet. Others are more ornate and may contain a pictures or a likeness of the pet on the frame as a visible reminder of the beloved pet contained within.    Unique gift ideas While it is not always necessary or expected to give someone who has lost a pet an elaborate gift, there are some unique gift ideas available for people who want to give something unexpected and truly touching. Examples of unique, one-of-a-kind gifts include stained glass windows, 3D artwork, and personalized Mourninglights.    Sunnybrook Studios can take an image of a lost pet and capture their likeness in stained glass as a forever reminder of that beloved pet. In a similar process, Mourninglights can be created with a custom printed image of the pet (or pet and owner) on a glass candle holder.    Another option is a LIFEFORM 3D picture. With a picture of the lost pet, LIFEFORM can create a handcrafted 3D picture of the animal that allows owners to reach out and touch their beloved pet after its passing. Feature image credit

Ferrets are inquisitive, mischievous and energetic animals that can make wonderful pets for the right household. However, they do require specialist care and plenty of love and attention or they will quickly become bored and destructive. The following points are things that you should carefully consider before adding a ferret to your family.   1. They have a distinctive smell  Even the best-kept ferret cage will have a slight musky odor that will always be present no matter what. Ferrets do enjoy baths, and this will help to keep the smell to a minimum. Neutering your ferret will also help to reduce the musky smell. If you are sensitive to odors or like your home to smell fresh, then a ferret is probably not the best pet for you.   Image credit   2. They like to nip  Like puppies and kittens, baby ferrets will nip whenever they feel threatened, excited or even just to get your attention. This is something to consider if you have young children in your home as ferrets can sometimes bite hard. Ferrets will often nip each other during play as their thick skins protect them from injury. However, the same playful nip can be painful to a human, so you will need to be prepared to spend time teaching your ferret not to bite.   Image credit   3. They require a lot of medical attention  As they get older, ferrets are susceptible to a whole host of illnesses such as influenza, kidney stones and cancer. They also need to be vaccinated against rabies, parvovirus and canine distemper annually. Female ferrets need to breed once a year or they will become extremely ill from anemia that often proves fatal. If you are not prepared to raise a litter once a year, then you will need to get your female ferret sterilized.   Image credit   4. They like companionship  Ferrets can get lonely if they do not have another ferret around for company. Therefore, it is always advisable to keep ferrets in pairs to avoid them getting depressed and sick. Keeping two ferrets is actually much easier than one as they will entertain each other and burn off their energy through play fighting.   Image credit   5. They get into trouble  Ferrets love to explore and will get into just about every nook and cranny in your home. They are also accomplished escape artists, and you will need to ferret-proof your home in order to keep them safe. Ferrets often end up wedged in between couch cushions, stuck behind appliances and trapped behind walls. You will need to constantly supervise your ferret whenever it is out of its cage to avoid any potential injuries.   Image credit   6. They have fast metabolisms  Ferrets have incredibly fast metabolisms and will eat regularly. This means that they will also have to eliminate often which could be a problem if you plan to let your ferret roam free throughout your home. However, with a little training and patience most ferrets can be taught to use a litter box.   Image credit   If you are prepared to give them the care and attention they deserve, ferrets will pay you back with endless hours of entertainment. They are also extremely affectionate animals that love to interact with their owners for both playtime and cuddles.      Feature image credit

Image credit While you might think it's harmless to slip your cat a little piece of your dinner or to feed them some of your food as part of one of their meals, the shocking truth is that many human foods are dangerous to cats. Here are eight foods that you should never let your cat eat.    1. Garlic and onion They are common ingredients found in many sauces, soups and many other dishes, but pieces of garlic or onion can cause serious damage if ingested by a cat. They both have an adverse influence on the cat's blood cells, and can lead to the development of anemia (which, in turn, causes weight loss, reduced interest in food, and widespread weakness). Whether fresh or powdered, garlic and onion should be kept far away from your pet.   2. Raw fish If your cat manages to get hold of a morsel of raw fish, there will probably be no serious consequences. However, if this happens on a regular basis then your pet can develop a vitamin B deficiency that causes weight loss and an increased (but unproductive) appetite. Fish should always be cooked before it reaches a cat's mouth.   Image credit    3. Chocolate Unlike dogs, most cats are not at all interested in eating any chocolate. However, a cat may show interest in a cookie or piece of cake that contains chocolate, and your pet should never be allowed to ingest anything that has chocolate as an ingredient. Chocolate is a source of a chemical called theobromine that is toxic to cats, causing seizures, heart rhythm disorders and even death.    4. Dairy foods Most cats are very interested in lapping up milk or munching cheese, but (contrary to the stereotype) many of them are actually lactose intolerant. If your cat cannot digest dairy foods, painful episodes of vomiting and diarrhea may follow.   Image credit    5. Grapes and raisins You may have heard that grapes and raisins are toxic to dogs, and it is vital to be aware that the same is true for cats. While the mechanism of action is as yet unclear, there have been many cases in which cats that have ingested grapes or raisins have developed acute kidney failure. In some cases, this condition can be fatal.    6. Mushrooms Some cats will tolerate them without problems. However, there is no way of predicting your pet's reaction, and the toxicity of mushrooms can be life-threatening for some cats.   Image credit    7. Tomatoes Ripe tomatoes are unlikely to cause huge problems for a cat, but unripe or green tomatoes can cause abdominal cramps, episodes of diarrhea, and even heart problems. The safest move is therefore to prevent your cat from ingesting any tomato.    8. Caffeine Finally, some cats will show interest in licking the rim of a cup that contains tea, coffee, or an energy drink (like Red Bull or Relentless). Unfortunately, caffeine can be very dangerous to your cat, even in very small amounts. It has been known to cause breathing difficulties, and abnormal heart rhythm and fits.

Image credit Leash training is a part of life for just about every puppy. By the time the puppy is a few months old, it is happily walking on a lead and learning basic commands. The same training rarely takes place with cats, however, a small number of cats are trained to accept a leash or walk on a lead.    Training your cat to walk on a lead has a number of important advantages, even if you never plan to take your kitty for a stroll around the neighborhood. Teaching your cat to walk on a leash will make every trip to the vet easier to manage and less stressful. If your cat knows how to behave on a lead, you will be able to manage it more effectively when at the vet, and there will be far less chance of an escape or mishap during the office visit.   Image credit    Leash training your cat will also allow you to go out an about with your pet without worry. Many pet stores encourage owners to bring their animals along when they shop; if your cat can walk on a leash you can enjoy a leisurely shopping trip and let your pet pick out its favorite treats.    Teaching a cat to walk on a leash can be much more difficult than leash training a dog, but it can be done. Cats may not take to the leash as naturally as dogs, but they can learn to accept a harness or collar and even be taught to walk calmly on a leash.    You can start by introducing your cat to a collar or harness as early as possible. There are many great kitten collars and harnesses on the market, and they can be sized to even the smallest kitten. At the beginning, simply let the cat wear the collar or harness around the house, and give lots of praise while it is wearing the device.   Image credit    A harness is a particularly good choice for leash training, since it is safer than a traditional collar. Using a harness is important if you will be taking your cat outside; a collar is easy to slip on and off, but the design of a harness is very secure.    Once your cat is comfortable wearing the harness, attach the leash and just let your cat roam around the house. Do not attempt to direct the cat at this point; simply let your cat go where it wants and follow it around as it explores. The goal of this part of the training is just to get your cat used to the experience of wearing the leash and harness.    After the cat is comfortable with the leash attached, you can start trying to direct its movements. This part will take time and patience, and frequent short sessions will accomplish more than longer training periods.   Image credit    You can use treats to direct your cat and start introducing the concept of walking on a leash. Attach the leash and place a favorite treat just out of reach. Allow your cat to walk to the treat while you follow, and continue the process until your cat is actually walking on the leash. This training will take some time, but making it fun for your cat will also make it more effective. Playing with your cat, scratching it behind the ears and giving it lots of attention will all help reinforce the idea that the leash is the greatest thing in the world. That will make leash training more fun for you and your cat.

Image credit The old adage that prevention is better than a cure is never more true, or more important, than with your pet and worm treatments. Roundworm, hookworm and heartworm are easily transferred via mosquitoes or faeces and therefore commonly affect our pets. If left untreated, worms can spread and grow, creating serious complications to your pet’s intestinal and respiratory systems. A worm infestation can lead to severe digestive problems, heart failure and even death for your pet.  Worms can also be transferred to humans so it is essential that you have an effective worming care plan. Protection against infection needs to be carried out regularly. Luckily Heartgard Plus is a monthly, easy to administer, very safe and proven treatment for worm control. It prevents worms developing to the dangerous adult stage and is available for both dogs for cats.  It’s highly likely that every puppy or dog has been exposed to worms. Puppies need to be wormed every two weeks until 12 weeks of age and lactating females should also be treated. Dogs over 12 weeks old require frequent treatment for the rest of their lives.  Heartgard Plus is available in different dosages for animals of different weights. It comes as a chewable and deliciously tasty tablet (or so I’ve observed). The dosage is designed to be chewed, rather than swallowed whole so you can always break it up and add it to your pet’s food if needed. You’ll need to make sure your pet consumes the entire dose, so observe them during administration and for a short time afterwards. It is very important that you talk to your vet before beginning any treatment for heartworm. Not just to verify the correct dosage, but there can be severe reactions, similar to toxic shock, in animals who already have heartworm infections and are then given heartworm medication. Your dog will need to be tested, and if infected, adult heartworms and larvae (microfilariae) treated before beginning any course of worm control. If you’re currently enjoying a nice meal, it’s best you put your meal aside for now as we take a closer look at these ghastly, villainous little worms. Roundworm Roundworms (ascarids) are the most common worms affecting dogs and cats. Virtually every puppy is infected with roundworms at birth or become infected via their mother’s milk.  Adult worms are found in the intestine and can grow 2-3mm wide and up to 20cm long. Roundworms cause diarrhoea and vomiting, weight loss, poor growth, a pot-bellied appearance and lethargy. If left untreated or in severe cases, pneumonia and obstruction of the intestine or digestive system can occur. In infected animals, the adult worms lay eggs that are then expelled in faeces. Other animals become infected by ingesting contaminated soil or eating other infected animals such as mice, rodents or birds. The eggs then hatch in the animal’s stomach, feeding on content found here and develop into egg-laying adults. Roundworm larvae and adults can also be found in other organs such as the liver and lungs but generally remain in the digestive system.  Hookworm Hookworms are another intestinal parasite that most commonly affect young dogs and cats. The worms attach to the host animal's intestinal lining and feed on blood, tissue and fluid. As with roundworm, larvae and adult egg-laying worms live in the intestine. Some larvae attach to other organs and can be particularly problematic for your pet if they migrate through the respiratory system.  Hookworm eggs are expelled in the animal’s faeces. Dogs and cats can be infected by ingesting contaminated soil or from larvae penetrating the skin. Puppies can also be infected through their mother’s milk. Bloody diarrhoea is a common symptom of hookworm. Other signs of infection are intestinal upset, pale gums, weight loss, stunted growth and poor coat condition. Serious loss of blood and anaemia can result from large numbers of worms being present or in puppies. In extreme cases this can lead to death. Heartworm Heartworm is the deadliest of all parasites and although infection is more common in dogs, cats are also susceptible. The worms inhabit the animal's lungs, heart and pulmonary arteries and can cause heart failure or death. Puppies should begin heartworm prevention by at least 12 weeks of age.  Primarily it is actually the lungs that are affected by heartworm but the heart, circulatory system and even liver and kidneys may also be damaged. The symptoms indicating 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. Heartworms are transmitted by mosquitoes and when an infected mosquito bites another animal, the heatworm larvae (microfilariae) are transferred. These larvae migrate through tissue and the host animal's circulatory system to the lungs, heart and pulmonary arteries, feed on blood and grow to maturity, some worms can reach 30cm in length and 2cm in width. Heartworm larvae can survive in the bloodstream of a host animal for two years.  Heartworms will lead to the inflammation of tissue, blood clotting and the thickening of blood vessel walls. The animal’s blood pressure rises and cardiac strain is increased.  There are very serious side effects if a dog is treated with prevention medicine and is already infected with heartworm. Side Effects As with any medication, there is the potential for unpleasant side effects and the possibility of individual sensitivities for some pets. However, tests show that Heartgard Plus is safe and well tolerated when used correctly, having a very low incidence of digestive and neurological side effects.  Heartgard Plus uses ivermectin which causes paralysis and death to the parasitic worms. The dosage of ivermectin contained in Heartgard is relatively low, with little risk of side effects. As mentioned, it is vital that you do not start a worming program prior to having your pet checked for the presence of heartworm.  Check the dosage required for your pet as serious side effects often result from a larger dose being administered than recommended. If the dosage given is correct and you notice any of the side effects listed below take your pet to the vet immediately. Digestive Problems. The most common side effect associated with Heartgard Plus is digestive problems such as nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea. In clinical field trials, vomiting or diarrhoea within 24 hours of dosing was observed in only 1.1% of cases. Hypersalivation Depression and Lethargy. Depression, lethargy, lack of appetite and loss of interest in activities has been noticed in some pets. Lack of Coordination (Ataxia), Disorientation and Hind Leg Paralysis Stumbling, running into walls and furniture or paralysis could occur. Dilated Pupils (Mydriasis) or Blindness Crying, Agitation Low Body Temperature and Hypothermia Seizures and Muscle Tremors. Seizures, tremors and convulsions are very rare and may mean your pet has a particular sensitivity, the dosage is too high or that heartworm was already present.  Susceptible Breeds Some dog breeds have a mutation in the multi-drug resistance gene (MDR1) making them more sensitive to ivermectin at very elevated dose levels (16 times more than the recommended level). In trials, no adverse reactions were observed in dogs at ten times the Heartgard recommended dose. This gene mutation is known to occur most commonly in breeds such as Collies, Australian Shepherds, Shelties and Long-haired Whippets. The level of ivermectin used for heartworm prevention is generally safe and at a low level suitable for these dogs. You can talk to your vet about testing your dog for the gene mutation. When dosage and treatment instructions are followed, Heartgard Plus is a safe and effective worming care plan. It is approved for animals as young as 6 weeks and pregnant or lactating cats and dogs. Administering the medication is as simple as giving your pet a chewable treat each month. The packaging also has a calendar so you will never lose track of where you are up to. Peace of mind has never been so easy.