Dog owners would do whatever it takes to protect the health of their beloved puppies. In most cases, they require accurate information, enabling them to spot and eliminate some of the most common symptoms of serious conditions, like kennel cough, for instance.

Kennel cough is a severe, extremely contagious respiratory infection affecting dogs of all ages. Caused by the parainfluenza virus, it usually is associated with the Bordetella bronchiseptica bacteria. It cannot be transmitted to people; however, it can trigger much more alarming respiratory diseases, including pneumonia, impacting the health and welfare of your pet. Read on to discover some of the most frequent kennel cough symptoms, and act fast to avoid irreparable consequences.

1. A persistent cough 

This is one of the most important kennel cough symptoms that should not be ignored by dog owners. If your dog is making weird noises like it’s permanently choking or trying to cough, this could signal the presence of a Bordetella upper infection. In this case, don’t waste anymore time; contact a respectable veterinarian who will most likely prescribe antibiotics for your sick puppy.

2. Reduced appetite

If your food-loving dog is no longer interested in chewing those delicious, healthy treats that it used to adore, this could indicate the fact that it is suffering from kennel cough.

3. Low energy level 

Is your dog always tired, apathetic, and less eager to do tricks and please its master? A low energy level, correlated with the first two types of symptoms described above, could indicate the presence of kennel cough (also known as canine infectious tracheobronchitis).

4. A runny nose and ocular discharge 

If your dog is constantly sneezing or trying to cough and it has a runny nose and an upsetting eye discharge, you should contact a veterinarian as soon as possible, as these could be kennel cough symptoms, which require the best medical treatment as soon as possible.

Find A Veterinarian

All in all, such alarming symptoms should be analyzed and eliminated in a timely manner by an experienced veterinarian. Count on TalkLocal to find the best specialists in your area in record time. Remember that plain upper respiratory infections in dogs are relatively easy to fight, and ask for help as soon as possible to avoid unwanted complications.

Toilet training your cat is not only cost-efficient, but more eco-friendly. The transition from litter box to toilet can be a slow process, so be patient. Keep reading to learn how to train cat to use toilets.

Toilet Training Your Cat

1. Start by moving your cat’s litter box next to the toilet, so that it familiarizes itself with entering the bathroom to do its business. Over time, place books underneath the litter box to elevate it so that your cat familiarizes itself with heights. Do this until the litter box is about as high as the toilet seat.

2. Find a bowl, preferably of stainless steel, that fits in the toilet between the toilet seat. Fill this bowl with kitty litter. Treat this as a regular litter box; scoop any clumps and keep it clean. Make sure the toilet lid is never down or else you will have a mess.

3. After your cat familiarizes itself with the litter bowl, use a plastic tray or heavy cardboard to serve as a platform for your cat to sit on. Make sure it is sturdy and fits over the bowl you placed in the toilet. Cut a small hole in the center of the platform so your cat can still dig a hole in the litter bowl. At first, your cat might miss the hole, but you are on the right track to toilet training your cat.

4. Decrease the amount of litter in the bowl over time until you have a small amount. Then, empty the litter and fill the bowl with water. You will need to rinse out the bowl in the toilet until your cat becomes accustomed to this step.

5. After your cat familiarizes itself with the water switch, you can remove the bowl. Cut a bigger hole in the platform to start training your cat to support itself on the toilet seat. Gradually increase the size of the hole in the platform until it is as wide as the toilet seat.

Find A Vet

Remember to reward your cat after a successful toilet experience. If you are experiencing difficulty training your cat, use TalkLocal to help connect you with the best local veterinarians. We will connect you with up to three veterinarians in your area, so your cat gets the training and medical care it needs.

If you or your children have allergies, choosing a pet might seem like an exercise in futility. If you’re someplace where cats and dogs are out of the question, it may seem hopeless to find a small animal that makes a good pet and won’t flare up allergies.

Pet lovers are not without options. With a little research and a small investment, you can set your home up for any number of hypo-allergenic pets that kids and adults will love.

Turtles

Turtles are a great animal to have around, with red-eared sliders being the most common. They are active, colorful, fine with a vegetarian lifestyle, and are not prone to running away. Most turtles do very well in a 20-gallon tank with a suitable amount of water and space to move around. Turtles can come out of their tank to crawl around so long as there are no predators nearby, and no chance of them falling.

Other Reptiles

If you’ve got a reptile fan, any number of snakes and lizards might be a good option when you’re looking for hypo-allergenic pets or companions that do well in small living spaces. These animals will require an escape-proof enclosure as well as a strictly controlled temperature. When choosing a snake or lizard, fully research how large the animal will grow, and don’t get anything larger than you or your child can comfortably handle.

Chinchillas

Let’s say scaly and aquatic is not what you’re looking for. If you want something cuddly, chinchillas are a great way to go.  They are heavenly to touch, and with their lush fur, they look like a cross between a rabbit and a grey squirrel. Their fur is so thick that lice, fleas, and ticks can’t get near it.

Looking For Something More Unusual?

For something a little more unusual, give the hedgehog a try. These are adorable, playful animals that have quills instead of fur. Unlike porcupines, hedgehogs won’t throw their quills, but they will puff them up as a warning to stay away. If properly socialized, hedgehogs are friendly and fun. They are nocturnal animals and are not especially good climbers, so escape is rare.

Where To Find Local Vets

There’s no reason to be pet-less when there are so many hypo-allergenic pets available, from the fascinating to the cuddly. If any of these pets run into health issues, you’ll want to seek medical attention immediately. TalkLocal cuts down on the time it takes to find a reliable professional.

Our service is fast and free and will connect you with reliable care in no time.

Doctors say there’s no such thing as an allergy-free dog. The chemicals that cause sneezing, itchy eyes, and other allergy symptoms actually come from dander and saliva — something all dogs have.

So, how is it possible that some dogs are noted as being hypo-allergenic dog breeds?

Fur is a factor, not because the fur is an allergen, but because saliva and dander are released more readily from some kinds of fur than others. The key to hypo-allergenic dog breeds is to find one with short curly hair, or little to no hair. Luckily, that leaves a lot of wonderful breeds that are excellent family pets and won’t cause pesky allergies.

Bichon: The Bichon Frise and the Bichon Yorkie are tiny, fluffy dogs that don’t shed. These lapdogs are active and great with kids.

Terriers: There are a lot of different kinds of terriers including the Border, the American Hairless, and the Bedlington. Terriers are also small enough to do well inside or even in an apartment. They shed very little when brushed often and are a favorite among lovers of hypo-allergenic dog breeds.

Hairless Khala: This is a downright regal looking dog who would not appear out of place at a racetrack.

Poodles: These are adorable, if a little yappy. They are often thought of as a refined, somewhat prim dog. But that’s mostly because of the haircut. Poodles are tough but friendly, sweet but not clingy, and as rascally as they come.

Schnauzers: This breed is considered hypo-allergenic at any size, but the miniature schnauzer is especially popular for families. Its size makes it adaptable to any living situation. And it’s an active breed that’s great with kids.

If you’re looking for an inside dog, the Chinese Crested dog is a unique animal with a great temperament. Mostly furless, they should not go out in the sun or be exposed to harsh conditions like excessive dryness or humidity, as these can lead to skin problems.

As you can see, there are plenty of hypo-allergenic dog breeds to choose from. With a little research, it should be easy and fun to pick out a dog that you and your family will love — and is totally sneeze-free.

Discuss Your Needs With A Vet

Veterinarians can help you find the ideal breed. Local vets are easy to find through TalkLocal. Unlike leafing through the phone book, we personally connect you with vets so you can talk to them immediately. It only takes a matter of minutes.

Most cat owners consider their feline pets as part of the family. Having a sick pet can be a scary and frustrating experience. If your cat accidentally eats something it shouldn’t, you may want to induce vomiting to help get it back up.

While this may be necessary, you should make sure you know exactly how and when to induce vomiting in cats before you try it.

Do NOT Induce Vomiting In Cats If:

– The cat has ingested bleach, drain cleaner, or an acid-based chemical. These can all burn the esophagus if they are vomited back up.

– The cat has swallowed a sharp object. The object could cut your cats throat or stomach if it is vomited up.

– The cat is already vomiting. If the cat is capable of vomiting and has already done so, there is no reason to induce it further.

– The cat is unconscious. If your cat is unconscious, it could choke on the vomit or object if vomiting is induced. Wait until your cat gains consciousness before you attempt to induce vomiting.

It Is Okay To Induce Vomiting In Cats If:

– The cat has swallowed mouse or rodent poison. Induce vomiting and take your cat to a veterinarian immediately.

– The cat swallows any human medication, even over-the-counter medications.

– The cat has swallowed antifreeze. Inducing vomiting will stop the antifreeze from being absorbed into your cat’s system quickly.

It Could Be Life-Saving

Knowing how and when to induce vomiting in cats can mean the difference between life and death for your pet. Always take your cat to a veterinarian as soon as you realize it has swallowed or ingested something that may be harmful to the cat’s health. Even if the cat is able to vomit, chemicals and poisons could still be in its system.

Find A Vet…Fast!

Do you want to get on the phone with a vet in your area fast? TalkLocal is the answer. We specialize in connecting consumers with service professionals of all industries. Our service will have you talking on the phone with people who can help in a matter of minutes.

Having a sick dog can be a terrible experience. Many people consider their dogs to be part of the family and want to do everything they can to keep them healthy and make them better when they are ill.

If your pet seems to have eaten something that did not agree with it, it may need to vomit it back up. However, not every situation calls for vomiting.

Knowing when to induce vomiting in dogs can save your pet’s life. Very few circumstances actually call for vomiting and if you do induce vomiting when you shouldn’t, you could actually harm your pet. Here is a list of circumstances when you should not induce vomiting in your dog.

When To Induce Vomiting In Dogs

– Do not induce vomiting if your dog has already vomited or is vomiting. As long as your dog is capable of vomiting itself, you should not interfere.

– If you notice that your dog is having trouble breathing, seems weak, or is unconscious, you should not induce vomiting. The vomit could block your dog’s airways and make it even harder for it to breathe. If the dog is unconscious, it could choke on the vomit.

– If you fear your dog may have swallowed bleach or another chemical, you should not induce vomiting. Bleach and other chemicals can burn your dog’s esophagus when it comes back up while vomiting.

– Sometimes you may find that your dog has swallowed something he should not have, but you aren’t sure how long it has been since it was ingested. If it has been longer than two hours, it has already been digested and will not be able to come back up with vomiting. It is unnecessary to induce vomiting at this point, and it could even harm your dog.

Visit The Vet

Knowing when to induce vomiting in dogs is important knowledge for any pet owner. The only time you should induce vomiting in dogs is when you have been directed to do so by a vet.

You can consult a veterinarian in your local area in no time by visiting TalkLocal. Simply enter a request for one and we will go to work locating three different options. We also connect you to those professionals, so you can make an informed decision.

The saddest thing a cat lover can hear is that they are allergic to their favorite little fur ball (hey, cats suffer allergies, too). Some of us would rather cut off our noses than be forced to live a cat-free life. The good news is that many people with allergies can still enjoy the company of cats — so long as they know about hypo-allergenic cat breeds.

Cat-related allergies are caused by Fel D1, which is a chemical found in cat saliva. Cat’s tongue-bathe themselves several times daily. This leaves saliva on their fur, which dries out and becomes airborne. Male cats produce more of this chemical than females, intact males produce more than neutered males, and kittens produce almost none.

That means fostering kittens for your local shelter may be the best way to enjoy cats in a non-allergic setting, without even considering whether they’re hypo-allergenic cat breeds or not.

Hypo-Allergenic Cat Breeds

Probably the most famous of the hypo-allergenic cat breeds is the hairless Sphinx. The Sphinx is a regal-looking cat that is used to being treated like kitty royalty.  There is also a variety with hair, but your best bet to avoid allergies is the hairless version. These cats will need weekly baths, so make sure they are well-socialized.

The Siberian can also be hairless but is better known for its long-haired variety. This breed naturally produces less of the Fel D1 compound, so it is a great option for allergy sufferers who still want a furry cat.

Two of the so-called Rex cats have very short fur that tends to be thinner than similar cats. These don’t require weekly bathing like the Sphinx, though they may need their ears and/or paws cleaned regularly, as skin oils lead to buildup. The Cornish Rex and the Devon Rex are both laid back cats that are comfortable staying inside if need be.

The Balinese is probably the most “normal” looking of all hypo-allergenic cat breeds. It has long hair and a vaguely Siamese-like appearance.  These need to be brushed often — preferably NOT by the allergy sufferer. Balinese cats naturally produce less of the allergen chemical.

Find A Vet Near You

Now that you know how many hypo-allergenic breeds there are to choose from, you’ll never have to be without a feline companion again! If your cat ever needs medical attention, use TalkLocal to find a qualified vet in your area.

Visit our site and put in a request. We’ll have you talking with several qualified vets on the phone in a matter of minutes.

If you or your child has recently acquired a tiny mammal for a pet — perfect for small residences — you are probably wondering what to do next. If you are not sure how to care for small rodents, start by acquiring the following must-have items:

– A suitable habitat (plastic or glass) with a locking lid that allows plenty of air to circulate and has enough room for rodents to run around freely.

– A water bottle that hangs from the top of the enclosure. A water dish is NOT the same and cannot be used by most rodents.

– A food dish

– Substrate material, plus extra so that it can be changed regularly.

– Commercial food formulated for your animal. Gerbils have different needs from mice, who have different needs from sugar gliders, etc.

Your Pet’s Home

An acceptable enclosure is one that is escape-proof and offers room for animals to run around a bit. You should not need to specifically heat or cool the enclosure, provided that the room is at an acceptable temperature for humans. If you’re feeling too hot or too chilly, chances are your animals are as well.

Clean water should always be available to your rodents. The water bottle must be cleaned every day, even if there is no visible dirt on it. Failure to do this is a major factor in poor rodent health.

Substrate

Substrate can be comprised of commercial animal substrate or finely shredded newsprint. Some breeders use kitty litter, which can absorb odors from urine and require changing less often. Also popular are natural substrates like pine or cedar. Rats are especially fond of burrowing in their substrate. This layer should be two to three inches thick in the bottom of the enclosure.

Droppings should be removed at least once daily. As for changing the substrate, once per week is common — but your nose should be able to tell you when it’s time.  Keep in mind that your rodents aren’t able to leave their cages, and that being surrounded by their own filth is pretty unpleasant for them.

Keep Away From Larger Animals

If you’re just learning how to care for small rodents, be aware that rodents appear fascinating (and delicious) to cats and dogs. Avoid disaster by never taking your rodents out of their enclosure when larger animals are nearby. Rodents may be free-fed prepackaged food and given occasional treats in the form of leafy greens or veggies like pea pods, carrots, or cucumber skin. Be sure to remove uneaten “people food” quickly, as it can begin to spoil within a day.

Ensuring The Health Of Your Rodent

If you have questions on how to care for small rodents, or if your animal appears to be sick or injured, find a local vet immediately. TalkLocal makes this process easy. We get qualified vets to call you to see how they can help.

Pet rats have moved to the forefront of the pet trade in recent years. Rats are smart, clean, social, and fairly easy to care for. Enclosures can be as simple or complex as the hobbyist prefers, and even fancy rats are affordable and plentiful in the pet trade.

If you’re thinking about trying a rat as a pet, you’ll want to do a bit of research on the types of enclosures they like, and what specific things you’ll need to buy in order to care for them properly. Most importantly, you’ll want to have a very good handle on what do pet rats eat?

Food Blocks

There are commercially-made rat blocks which can provide basic nutrition for your pet rat. These may sound boring, and they are, but food blocks are inexpensive and good at meeting your pet’s basic food requirements. Avoid using food formulated for other small animals. Most small rodent feed (for gerbils, hamsters, and the like) contains alfalfa, which rats cannot digest. Instead of buying pricey commercial rat treats, vets agree that it’s okay to feed rats small amounts of healthy, people food.

Fruits And Vegetables

Fruits and veggies can be fed to rats in small amounts — roughly the size of a sugar cube or small dice. If pet rats eat too much complex sugar, it can cause dehydration, which is bad news. Cooked lean meats are okay in small amounts if you’re comfortable with that.

Other vet-approved rat treats include brown rice, plain yogurt, mealworms, small dog treats, or whole wheat bread or cooked pasta. Rats are somewhere between a dog and a person in terms of what they eat and what they should avoid.

Rats: Living Garbage Disposals

Like dogs, pet rats eat pretty much whatever humans will let them have. The question changes from “What do pet rats eat?” to “What won’t they eat”. Still, be a good human, and keep these danger foods away from your rats:

– Chocolate

– Raw beans or sweet potatoes

– Cabbage or brussel sprouts

– Anything carbonated or caffeinated

– Anything you would call “junk food”

Looking For a Vet?

You can always bring your rat to a vet if you are concerned about its diet or health. You likely have many vets to choose from in your area, some of which do not service rats. If you use TalkLocal, you can instantly weed out any vets that do not meet your needs so you can choose one that can help.

Borax is a common ingredient in many pesticides, weed killers, and flea treatments. Borax has many uses, and pets are often exposed to the chemical. So, is Borax dangerous to pets?

Borax is indeed dangerous to pets if ingested. Because the chemical is an ingredient in so many products, pets can easily ingest it. If you have pets, avoid using these products if they contain Borax.

Flea Treatments

Because Borax is such a strong chemical, it is often used in pet flea treatments. Most flea treatments are applied to the back of the neck where pets cannot reach to lick. Many pets are able to get their legs behind their necks to scratch.

If a pet gets the Borax on its paws and then licks its paws, it will be ingesting the chemical. Pets often lick each other and can ingest Borax this way as well. To protect your pets completely, avoid using flea treatments that contain Borax or Boric Acid. Get the highest rated Natural Flea Treatments shipped overnight from Amazon starting at $9.49.

Weed Killers

Pets that are allowed to roam free in a yard could be at risk for Borax poisoning. If you use weed killers which contain Borax, your pets could lick the plants and ingest the chemical.

It could also be ingested by small animals such as birds, mice, and insects. If your pets eat any of these animals, the Borax could be passed to them.

Get the highest rated Natural Weed Killers shipped overnight from Amazon starting at $11.54.

Pesticides

Borax is the main ingredient in most pesticides. Since pesticides are sprayed on plants which your pets could eat, the chemical could easily be ingested. Even if your pet does not eat the plant itself, it could eat the insects that have already been exposed to the pesticide.

Many people wonder, “Is Borax dangerous to pets?” and the truth is yes. Borax is a very strong chemical that can harm pets and even humans if ingested in large enough doses. Use products that do not contain this chemical if you want to ensure that your pets are not accidentally poisoned.

If You Suspect Your Pet Ingested Borax…

Anytime you feel your pet might be sick, contact your veterinarian. If you do not have one, you can easily find qualified help through TalkLocal. Based on the information you give us, we will only connect you with vets that can help you in your specific situation. After all, in times of pet emergencies, there is generally little time to spare.

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