1. I despise flea collars. I think they smell bad and I don't think they work particularly well, so I don't spend any time recommending clients use them on their pets for flea protection. I think there are plenty of other products that are much more effective for this. HOWEVER, I do have a use for them if you have one...stick it in your vacuum cleaner bag or canister. I wouldn't say I have any scientific evidence to prove it, but my guess would be that dust mites won't survive very well in close quarters with one of those. Also, if you have cats, only use a collar labelled as safe for cats.
2. If you ever plan on trying nail trims at home, get yourself some of this FIRST. It's a heck of a lot easier having it on hand in case you nick a nail too short and it's bleeding all over creation. It may be a bit messy, but it works a helluva lot better than bars of soap or corn starch or flour or whatever other crazy thing we've jammed on bleeding dog nails in an effort to MAKE IT STOP. If you cut a nail too short, pour out a little pile and gently press the bleeding end of the nail into it. You can also try pinching a bunch of it between your fingers and pressing it onto the end of the nail.
3. Frozen treats for dogs: I haven't met too many dogs that don't seem to LOVE those frozen treats for dogs in the ice cream section of the grocery store. I got a couple of them one time YEARS ago and my dog was acting like she was ADDICTED to them. But her frozen treat habit started getting a little expensive, so I started making them. There's a bunch of weird recipes available, but I don't think you have to get that fancy. Just find some cheap little plastic cups (or use paper cups if your dog is a chewer...DON'T let your dog chew up a plastic cup and eat plastic!). Toss a can of your dogs food, some water, and a scoop or two of peanut butter into a blender and mix well. You can also flavor it up with different things: carrots, a tiny bit of cheese, a few greens beans...just try to keep it healthy. Pour into the cups. Freeze. Voila! And this will make WAY more than four servings.
Bonus: This can work for dogs on prescription diets, too- just eliminate the peanut butter or other additives. Only use your dogs prescription diet. Most of the prescription diets come in both canned and dry form. If your pet is on a dry form, ask your veterinarian if there is a canned version available.
If you're interested in a specific recipe for your dog, tell me about your dog and I'll see what I can do!
4. If your dog or cat has ANY neurotic tendencies (thunderstorms, pukes in the car, poops in your shoes...) I recommend giving Dog Appeasing Pheromone or Feliway a try. They both come in spray and diffuser forms. It's not a drug and while it may not help at all...I've had lots of success with it "taking the edge off" of thunderstorm phobias and the like. Just google it and read about it if you've got a pet with any kind of anxiety issues.
5. Have your pet spayed or neutered. Please.
Sunday, December 2, 2007
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