The American dog tick, also known as wood tick, is a very common tick that feeds on mammals including dogs, raccoons and sometimes humans. The American dog tick is mostly active in the spring and summer season, usually during the months of April through June.  It’s found throughout the United States, predominately east of the Rocky Mountains. It’s also found some areas of Canada, Mexico and parts of the Pacific Northwest of the U.S. This tick is quite dangerous as it can infect humans with Rocky Mountain fever and tularemia. Despite the tick’s name, a canine isn’t its only source of food.

The lone star tick is not as dangerous a parasite as the American dog tick but it does carry tick-borne diseases and can infect humans with Rocky Mountain spotted fever, tularemia and ehrlichiosis. It generally feeds on various warm-blooded species including humans. The larvae of this tick so small its hard to find it anywhere. The lone star tick is active in the warmer season from April to July.

Deer ticks, also called the black-legged tick, are found though out the United States and especially where white tail deer live. Like many other ticks the deer tick also get their food from various species of animals and human beings. These ticks are commonly found in bushy areas and are active nearly throughout the year. The larvae and nymphs are mostly active from spring to summer but the adults have been seen to be active throughout the spring, summer and even fall season. It is their long period of activity that makes them such a nuisance for the humans and their pets. Deer ticks are known to spread the dangerous Lyme disease, human analasmosis and babesiosis and they are most dangerous in the summer season when the nymphs are in the growing stage needing constant feeding. There is even a threat of lyme disease in dogs.

The brown dog tick is very common throughout the United States but is not very dangerous as it rarely attacks on human beings preferring to feed on fur bearing dogs. Brown dog ticks in high numbers can seriously affect a dog’s health causing symptoms of dog ticks such as skin irritation, dermatitis, anemia or in severe conditions even death. A dog owner will find that brown dog ticks can even live indoors, easily adapting to the atmosphere of a home. They will  take up residence in places like verandas, gardens, and inside cracks in walls and flooring etc. Its life cycle is dependent upon the domestic environment hence it is necessary to keep the house and the surrounding locality as clean as possible while treating it with a good pesticide.

Tick prevention for dogs can be had by spraying medicines such as Frontline Plus spray. One of the better treatments for dog ticks, Frontline plus, if properly used on the dog along with good environmental control measures, can help control attacks of fleas and ticks on dogs for almost a month. A thorough treatment with Frontline Plus can completely break the development life cycle of brown dog ticks, hence saving the pet from the threat of this dangerous tick. It’s a flea and tick prescription medicine that you can get from your veterinarian.

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Early detection is vital, and be aware that dog worms were not created equally. Each may require a different form of treatment to eradicate its presence. Hookworms and roundworms are zoonotic. That means that they can be transmitted to people too. While some worms give off hardly any symptoms, others display harsh symptoms. Some of those symptoms are weight loss, vomiting and diarrhea. It is always a good idea to have your vet do a stool test for your dog every year, since some worms cannot be seem by the naked eye and others can.

Here is a list of the most common symptoms of an infestation of dog worms. Unfortunately, and please keep in mind, that these symptoms could also represent other more serious problems. You should always consult your veterinarian when your pooch isn’t looking like it’s old chipper self.

• Dull coat
• Vomiting
• Appetite loss
• Weight loss
• Low energy level
• Pot-bellied appearance
• Coughing
• Diarrhea

Roundworms a/k/a Toxascaris leonina, Toxocara canis: There are two types of roundworms to be concerned about. Toxocara canis is the most common type found in dogs and is the most common type of either. The other type is the Toxascaris leonina. Roundworms negatively affect a dog’s intestines and gives them a pot-bellied look, particularly in puppies.

Roundworms, if present, will be found in your dog’s vomit or stool. They will grow to about 7 inches and they actually have an appearance that makes them look like spaghetti. If this infestation gets out of hand it can cause a severe buildup and blockage that could actually result in the death of the animal. Severe infestation symptoms are: dull coat, vomiting, weight loss, pot belly and diarrhea.

Dogs ingest roundworm eggs from contaminated soil on food or other things they pick up. The eggs hatch in the intestine and the larva are transported to the lungs by the bloodstream. Then the larva crawl up the windpipe and get swallowed. Once returned to intestine, the larvae grow into adults.

Hookworms a/k/a Ancylostoma caninium: These worms are found in the intestines just like the roundworm are also capable of being transmitted to people. They can affect dogs of all ages. A thin, small worm that hooks on the wall of the intestines, it sucks it’s victim’s blood through the attachment.

Dogs become infected with hookworms when they come in contact with the larvae in contaminated soil. Like roundworms, the hookworm larvae matures to adult stage in the intestine. Pups contract hookworms in the uterus of an infected bitch and she can infest her pups through her milk.

Tapeworms a/k/a Dipylidium caninum: This worm has a long, flat tape-like appearance, hence, giving it its name. And like the previous two mentioned, it also affects the intestines. If you look you can find broken pieces of this worm in your dog’s fecal matter. These pieces contain tapeworm eggs. You’ll need to get a prescription dewormer for this worm, since regular over-the-counter meds are not effective in eliminating this threat.

Your pet, dog or cat gets tapeworms from fleas. Flea larva, while grazing through dirt, eat tapeworm eggs. The tapeworm matures in the flea larva and continues right through all the flea life stages. The adult flea takes up residence on an animal and goes about its business, namely sucking its host’s blood. When the host grooms, the flea is licked up and swallowed. The flea’s body is digested, but the young tapeworm is released. It finds a nice spot for attachment and the life cycle starts all over. From when the the flea is swallowed to the time tapeworm segments appear on the pet’s rear end or stool takes about three weeks.

Whipworms a/k/a Trichuris vulpis: Whipworms are thin, whip-shaped dog worms and this type lives in a dog’s colon. You will obviously not be able to see these with the naked eye. They also need to be treated with prescription medication. No effective over-the-counter remedy is available.

Whipworm eggs and larvae can be found in a variety of places, including dead animals, dirt, soil, and feces. They are also passed by close contact with other whipworm infected animals.

Heartworms a/k/a Dirofilaria immitis: This worm can be fatal, but it is also very preventable. Just don’t leave it untreated and all will be fine. They are mostly spread by mosquitoes, and the worm itself destroys the heart’s muscle and tissue.

The mosquito inadvertently sucks up microfilaria from an infected host. The microfilaria develop through two more stages and then migrate into the mosquito’s salivary glands. The mosquito then bites your animal and these near heartworm things burrow into the victim (your dog) through the mosquito’s small bite wound. Development continues for six or seven months before they become sexually active and can finally be detected with a heartworm test. They will have already found the heart by then.

Any of the worms noted above are a hazard to your dog’s health. Your veterinarian will be your best partner in maintaining your pooch’s health in reference to worms. Make it a practice to take a stool to your vet when you take your dog in for its annual shots. Doing this as well as watching for the symptoms noted above will keep your furry friend free of dog worms.

Pet Bounce alleviates arthritic symptoms in dogs and cats that you may notice in your dog such as falling behind on walks, licking affected joints, stiffness on getting up or lying down, reluctance in climbing stairs, swelling or heat in the joints, and reduction in muscle tone. It will do the same for your cat who may symptoms such as limping or favoring one side, finding it difficult to get in or out of the litter box, having a reduced inclination to jump or climb, being lethargic and having a decreased appetite, as well as not grooming as often.

Your boisterous and energetic pet, now wants to slow down, has some difficulty walking, tires easily, and is even restless. Seeing them in pain makes you feel helpless, doesn’t it?

Continued exercise is important for joint health, but the pet needs something that can help relieve the discomfort that puts your pet on the sidelines. Our pets suffer from the pain and swelling of arthritis just like we do. However, you can help them with homeopathic ingredients which have historically been used to help treat the symptoms of joint pain. Pet Bounce ™ Homeopathic Oral Drops for Arthritis and Joint Pain Relief will naturally provide relief so he or she feels more like getting up and around, and back to enjoying life!

Pet Bounce is given orally and as such is designed to be absorbed quickly into the bloodstream via the mouth tissues. Simply place the drops into the mouth and the liquid goes to work immediately to relieve the discomfort, swelling and stiffness associated with arthritis or joint pain. There’s no need to force down pills, or holding your pet’s mouth closed until it swallows.

It is suggested that for pets weighing 1 to 20 pounds you place 5 drops into the mouth 3 times per day. Use 10 drops in the mouth 3 times per day for pets 20 to 100 lbs, and for pets over 100 lbs, place 15 drops into the mouth 3 times per day.

Pet Bounce will help alleviate the symptoms your pet may be experiencing safely and without side effects. Your family friend can resume activity with better mobility and more comfort. Thse homeopathic ingredients have been traditionally used to help relieve painful arthritis symptoms.

You want your pet to be healthy and active for as long as possible, and Pet Bounce can help by relieving the pain, swelling and stiffness associated with joint problems and arthritis. It will help keep your pet moving with less joint discomfort safely and without side effects. Your family friend can resume activity with better mobility and more comfort and you’ll be able to spend more quality time together.

Pet Bounce does have a money-back guarantee. If you feel your pet hasn’t improved, contact the customer service department and get a Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA). Pack the remaining unopened Pet Bounce bottles with the RMA and send the package to the company. They must receive your shipment within 90 days from your purchase date.

I like Pet Bounce because it’s made of all-natural ingredients that won’t harm my beloved pets in any way. It’s also very easy to use and won’t cause any discomfort to my pets. I simply put the designated number of drops into their mouths and I’m sure that the homeopathic treatment quickly reaches the bloodstream.

I Don’t really like the company’s refund policy. It’s a little annoying to have to wait for the RMA slip, but I’ve heard that many companies require that. However, and fortunately, Pet Bounce really works, so you most likely will not have to go through the tedious process required by the company’s refund policy.

I do recommend Pet Bounce. I’ve found it to be the best way to give my old friend’s life back. He no longer sits around lies aimlessly on the rug to avoid his dog arthritis pain. Pet Bounce arthritis treatment has made him pain-free. Check it out for yourself. There is a refund policy and you can get your money back.

Flea bites on humans happen, even in the cleanest of homes. It is not normal for fleas to actually live on people. They prefer animals because they can hide in their fur, and feed off of their blood as they need it. However, if you’ve kept a pet in your home and it picked up fleas from where ever, it’s very likely you have fleas in your home. Though the fleas would much rather feed off the pet, if the pet isn’t available you are game.

Fleas have no problem using people as a meal if the pet isn’t available. They want the blood more than anything else, and since you have some of what they want, they will gladly take some of yours when you least expect it. Until you get rid of the fleas in your house, you’ll need to know how to treat flea bites on humans.

So how do you do you this? Well, first off, it’s not necessary to run to your doctor immediately for treatment. You probably have home remedies available to treat flea bites effectively and get rid of the itch. Just look around your house and see if you can locate some of the ingredients we’ll discuss a little bit later in the article. You never know. You may already have some of them.

Make sure that you keep the area affected clean at all times. Use antiseptic lotion when you clean the areas and only use cold water. Warm or hot water has a tendency to make people inch, and we don’t want that. It’s a good idea to apply a cold pack to the bitten areas since this will help greatly reduce any swelling you may experience. Scratch at your own risk, because you could potentially open up wounds and make yourself susceptible to secondary infections.

If you feel it’s necessary then you can use a mild steroid cream such as 1% hydrocortisone. It might be a good idea if the area in question looks swollen and red. You do not need a prescription to obtain this cream, and it’s easily available to you at your local pharmacy. Calamine lotion you may have have left over from last summer’s poison ivy will also work to kill the itch. If you do not have any calamine lotion handy, you’ll find it at the same pharmacy that sold you the steroid cream.

Unfortunately any bites you receive from fleas will be followed by very intense itching. A good way to stop the itching is to take an oral anti-histamine like Benadryl, Chlortrimeton or Dimetapp. This will help you heal a lot quicker since the itching will stop, along with the scratching.

The above treatment methods are really excellent ways to treat flea bites. However, if your symptoms persist, and you do not seem to be able to get relief on your own, do call your doctor. He or she can prescribe antibiotics to help reduce any inflammation you may be experiencing.

The best way to end this nightmare would be to permanently eliminate all of the fleas in your home and treat your pet for fleas. A topical treatment such as Frontline or Advantage will kill the fleas on your pet and prevent future infestations. In your house use a boric acid treatment or a fogger. If you’re not up to using either of those get a professional exterminator. Once your pet and home are free of the pests you’ll not have to put up with flea bites on humans.

Fleas in the house can be disturbing, both for your ego and for your comfort. However, if you have a dog or cat that has access to the outdoors or contact with neighbors’ pets you’ll get them if you don’t use a preventive measure on your pet. Dog fleas, or any other type, will also hitch a ride into your home while you are taking a stroll through the park or just longing around in your own back yard. They can hop on to your clothes and work their way into your home where they’ll multiply by the hundreds. It won’t even take a week’s time for you to notice that you are under attack and the fleas are winning the battle you didn’t know you were fighting.

So how do you know if you have fleas in house? The best place to start would be to check out your pet. As you part your pet’s hair, keep an eye out for fleas. They will run in the opposite direction and try to hide from you. You may need to use a flea comb if you are having a difficult time finding them. They are really simple to use, but you also have to be ready to get rid of any live fleas that might become trapped in the comb’s teeth. Here is a good method to use this type of comb:

1. Begin with your pet’s head, starting at the ears. Other areas you should check are around the tail and under the legs.
2. Take the comb and run it backwards through the fur.
3. Keep a bowl filled with water and liquid dish soap. You should dip the comb in the bowl before the fleas try and jump off of it. The trapped fleas will perish in the mixture in the bowl.
4. Repeat the process until your pet can no longer tolerate a wet comb being dragged through its fur.

If you are not being bit by fleas in the house, yet suspect they may have taken up quarters with you, put on a pair of white socks that you can pull up to your knees. The fleas will be attracted to the white coloring on your clothing, and you can see them very easily on the socks with the white background.

Using the flea comb as noted above will only get rid of them temporarily. They’ll be your unwelcome guests until you kill the fleas on your pet and in the infested areas. There are some excellent products available that will not only eliminate your flea problem, but they will keep them from coming back too. Once you get your flea problem under control you should still continue with treatments to play it safe.

Try these tips for controlling fleas in house.

• Use foggers, and make sure you use one in every room. Follow the package instructions precisely.
• Use a home pest control product. Follow the initial application with two more in two week intervals. The insecticide won’t do a thing to the eggs, so you have to let them hatch.
• Get a professional exterminator
• Sprinkle boric acid through out your house, on the floors and furniture. Vacuum it up and dump the bag immediately.
• Treat your pets with flea preventatives – either the topical or oral medication. A flea biting a treated pet will die or get its reproductive system screwed up so that the eggs will be non-productive.

More information on the flea life cycle and how to get rid of fleas in the house is available at Dog Fleas – A Primer. You’ll also find home remedies at Pet Meds For Less.

Ear mites in dogs are the typical cause of ear infections found by veterinarians. A tiny spider like parasitic mite that, though labeled ear mites, they can be found on any part of your pet’s body. They especially like the warm moist area of the ear canal and will take up permanent residence there and do their worst damage. Cats appear to be more susceptible to them, but they seldom find a dog they don’t like.

Dog breeds with long floppy ears are the most prone to ear mite infections. Those long ears are very effective in restricting air flow to the ear canal entrances.

Of the several types of mites that will invade your pup’s ears, otodectes cynotis is the one most likely found. However,it really doesn’t matter if mite’s species is identified in order to treat the problem properly. They are simply considered ear mites regardless of the species they happen to be.

Ear mites are actually rather contagious, so it’s a good idea for you as a pet owner to know exactly how they are transmitted. Puppies can get them from their mother. It you have an infected pet in your home and also have various other pets it’s likely that the mites will spread to the others because as the mites most likely will infest the living area. Any animal, such as a cat, gerbil, mouse, hamster, rabbit, and ferret is susceptible. However, they don’t survive long off a pet, so you won’t have to treat the house. Don’t worry about yourself or your family; humans can’t get ear mites from animals.

Here are some symptoms.to watch for to determine if ear mites in dogs or puppies are present. You may notice that the animal will either be continually scratching around the ears or shaking it’s head. If the infestation is severe, so too will the scratching and head shaking be severe. When a case is of a more advanced nature, oftentimes the ear canals will bleed and you’you’ll be able to notice either dried or even fresh blood inside the canal. So you know, dried blood looks a lot like coffee grounds. If you look into your dogs ear and notice anything similar to this then it’s a good bet that you dog has ear mites. Some other possibilities are yeast infections or bacterial infections.

Although ear mites in dogs are very common, they should be taken very seriously. If your dog goes too long without treatment, it can suffer permanent hearing loss due to damage to the eardrum and ear canals.

There are many different preparations available to help manage ear mites in dogs. Most of the available products contain an insecticide called pyrethin. Without the insecticide the mites would not die. Some brand names of ear mite medication are Frontline, Revolution, Milbemite, and Hartz. A home remedy is described on the Pet Meds For Less page of this blog.

Depending on which medicine you choose, it could take between two to four weeks before all the mites will be killed. Just to reiterate, ear mites aren’t limited to just the ears. They can attack any part of a dog’s body, so remember to treat those areas as well. If you have other pets in your household, it’s a good idea to treat all pets at the same time. Ear mites in dogs or other animals spread easily, so if one is infected assume all your pets are most likely infected.