It is very important that your puppy is given the proper nutrients during the first stages of his or her life. Below are some tips on how you can determine the best dog food for puppies.

Elements of the Best Dog Food for Puppies

– You should make sure you are giving you puppy food that is made for puppies. When you buy dog food, make sure you purchase a package that explicitly says it is for puppies. Also, make sure that you giving your puppy correct food for his or her breed. Dog foods are engineered to be most beneficial for different stages of a dog’s life, as well as different breeds or sizes of dogs. Pay attention to these labels when buying food for your puppy.

– Make sure that the dog food you feeding your puppy is approved by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). AAFCO sets regulations in store-bought animal foods in order to best protect the health of the animals.

– You want to be giving you puppy food that is the same in each bag. Your puppy may experience digestive issues if his or her diet is in a constant state of change, so choose an appropriate dog food and stick with it. It may be unhealthy for your puppy if its digestive system constantly has to readjust to new food.

– The dog food that you are feeding your puppy should include the best quality ingredients. Also, be aware of which foods dogs are commonly allergic to. Below is a list of the most ideal ingredients in puppy food. In general, natural food is the healthiest for your puppy.

Best Ingredients for Puppy Food

– Low in carbohydrates.

– High in proteins from meat.

– No by-products from vegetables or animals.

– No artificial flavoring or coloring.

– No preservatives.

– High in natural oils and fats.

– All essential vitamins and minerals.

– Specified animal source.

– If your puppy is a large breed, low in calcium.

Choosing the Best Brand for Your Puppy

– Read the packages of all appropriate puppy foods. Choose a brand that says, “Formulated to meet the AAFCO dog food Nutrient Profile for Puppies.” Also, check out the ingredients label to see if it contains the suggested ingredients above.

Get Brand Recommendations from A Veterinarian

You can get the best advice on the best dog for puppies from an expert. If you do not have a veterinarian, you can use TalkLocal to be on the phone within minutes with up to three, high-quality veterinarians in your area. We will connect you with veterinarians who can help you when you need it most.

Spaying and neutering your pets can seem inhumane but it is a very necessary step to take.  Why is it important to spay and neuter pets? Well, for one, there are many dogs and cats that are shelter animals without caring families, so there is no need for every animal to reproduce. Pets can lead a normal life even after being spayed and neutered.  There are numerous reasons to spay and neuter your pets.

1)     Your female pet will live a longer, and overall healthier life if you have her spayed.

2)     It will stop any unnecessary reproduction of cats or dogs, decreasing the number of strays and shelter animals.

3)     Neutering prevents testicular cancer in male pets.

4)     Male pets won’t want to roam away from home after they have been neutered.

5)     The pet will be better behaved after it is spayed or neutered.

6)     There is a positive cost-benefit ratio because it is less expensive than having to care for a litter.

7)     Unspayed or unneutered pets roam, prey, and can cause damage around the community.

8)     Spaying and neutering fights over population among cats and dogs.

9) Spaying and neutering can reduces health problem in your pets.

10) It can also eliminates heat cycles in pets.

Getting your pet spayed or neutered is good not only for the animal but for yourself and your community.  You should look into it as soon as you begin thinking about getting a pet.

Still Want More Information?

If you have more questions about spaying or neutering your pet you should speak with a local veterinarian who performs spaying and neutering. TalkLocal will connect you with up to three veterinarians in your area, within minutes!

Ticks are nasty little creatures that can cause Lyme disease in humans, and can also be harmful to dogs.  You should be very careful if your dog has ticks and try to remove as soon as possible, as ticks can transfer very dangerous diseases to your dog. We will give you some tips on how to remove dog ticks.

Things to Keep In Mind

1. First, determine whether or not your dog has ticks.  Take extra precautions during tick season, typically April to September.  Check thoroughly through your dog’s fur.  Also inspect inside and behind the ears, and around the eyes.  Your dog may scratch frequently at an area where a tick resides, so keep an eye out for unusually frequent scratching.

2. When removing ticks, there are a couple of things you need to keep in mind.  Do not throw the tick in the trash or flush it down the toilet once you remove it because neither of these are a guaranteed way to kill it.  You should actually keep the tick in a jar – preferably one with a screw top and some rubbing alcohol.  If you keep the tick, your veterinarian can test it in the event that your dog becomes ill.

3. If you are removing ticks you should also wear latex or rubber gloves to avoid any direct contact with the tick.  It may also be better to have someone else hold your dog to keep it from squirming while you are removing the tick.

How to Remove Dog Ticks

1. Removing a tick from your dog is a delicate process. First treat the bite area with rubbing alcohol. This will help prevent infection, as removing the tick will leave a small, open bite wound on your dog’s skin.

2. You can either use a pair of tweezers, or a tick tick (pictured above), available at pet stores or your veterinarian’s office. Using the tick pliers, If you are using tweezers, grab the tick as close to the skin as possible.  Make sure you grab it by the head or mouth and not the body.  Pull straight upward with even pressure.  Do not twist or jerk when removing and do not squeeze or crush the tick.

3. Once the tick is removed examine the area again to make sure none of it got left behind.

4. Treat the bite area with a warm compress.  Clean up completely and disinfect the bite site.  Even if you are wearing gloves wash your hands with soap and water and sterilize your tweezers or tick pliers with alcohol and heat.

Tick Problems?

If you have more questions about how to remove dog ticks, try talking to a veterinarian.  Use TalkLocal to be connected with up to three veterinarians in your area. Just tell us your problem, location, and availability, and we’ll find the right professional for you!

Many people keep pets and don’t realize that similarly to humans, cats need to have regular checkups and dental care.  Cats are notoriously not very people friendly, and when you try to clean their teeth you can face even more hostility.  You should take the correct steps when trying to clean your cat’s teeth.

Cats Teeth Cleaning

There is no requirement to how often you should do so, but you should just routinely check the teeth and gums of your cat every few weeks just to be sure nothing is wrong.  Dental cleanings for cats range from $150 to $250, so instead of letting it get bad enough to need professional cleaning,  try to do it yourself.  Cats do get pockets of infection, gum disease, tooth decay, or gingivitis so you should try to prevent these diseases from occurring in your cat by cleaning regularly.

1. One way to tell if something is wrong is to check your cat’s breath.  A mild fishy scent is normal but a truly repulsive odor can be worrisome.

2. If your cat has trouble breathing or is drooling excessively you should clean their teeth immediately.

3. Adult cats are more resistant to teeth cleanings so you should start with your cat when they are young.  You can get them used to brushing by using your finger wrapped in cotton or gauze and dipped in tuna water.  You need to use toothpaste that is specially made for cats.  Do not use human toothpaste because the fluoride in this type of toothpaste can be very dangerous to cats.

4. The best method to cleaning your cat’s teeth is to go in from behind.  Cradle your cat from the back and cup its chin.  Lift up its lip and begin to brush it’s teeth.

5. You should also try to massage the cat’s gums to prevent gum disease.

6. You can also give your cat tartar control chew treats in moderation.However, this is not necessarily sufficient for a complete cleaning.

Continuing Problems

If you have more questions about cleaning your cat’s teeth you should try to talk to a professional.  The easiest, fastest way to get in contact with reliable local veterinarians is to use TalkLocal. Tell us what you need and let us do all of the work.  Within minutes you will be connected to a veterinarian in your area.

Let’s be honest. Dogs can get very smelly very fast. That’s why they need baths pretty often. However, the idea of giving a dog a bath is pretty daunting. You can just imagine a half soaped-up dog running around the house getting all the furniture wet!

But it doesn’t have to be that way. We have some tips on how to wash your own dog…and avoid the potential mess, as well as a trip to a dog groomer.

How to Wash Your Own Dog

1. Train your dog to like the bathtub. One thing you can do to help prevent your dog from running around the house at bath time is to train him or her to like going into the tub beforehand. Put your dog in a tub without water, give him or her a treat, and then take him or her out. Do this a few times in the days before the bath to get him or her used to the idea of being in the tub. This will make a trip to the bathroom less intimidating for your dog.

2. Gather all the materials you need right by the bath. That means dog shampoo, plastic pitcher, clean towels, treats, and a dog brush. Having everything you need ready to go before you bring your dog in will save you the trouble of gathering it while trying to corral your dog.

3. Brush out your dog to get all the shedding hair or fur out before the bath, and trim the nails so that you won’t be scratched. This will make the bath much more effective, leaving your dog even cleaner.

4. Take off your dog’s collar and tags so that they will not be in the way during the bath.

5. Get the bath started. Turn on the water and try to avoid getting your dog’s head wet.

6. Use a small amount of shampoo on the dog’s hair. Make sure to rinse it out either using the plastic pitcher filled with water or a showerhead!

7. Dry that puppy dog off thoroughly with those towels!

Additional Help

Since your dog is really important to you, you want to make sure you know how to properly care for him or her, and that she or he has a good veterinarian! Use TalkLocal to find professional dog groomers or veterinarians in your area. We will connect you with up to three high quality professionals within minutes.

First and foremost, if you believe your dog has ingested anything that may be harmful to him or her, contact your veterinarian immediately. Many foods we eat daily can have harmful or deadly consequences to our pooches. No matter the type of plant your dog ingested, it’s better to be safe than sorry. It is important to find out what plants are poisonous to dogs so you can respond accordingly. The following are just a few of the many common plants dogs may come in contact with that are harmful. For a more complete list, check ASPCA.org.

Mushrooms

These little buggers can sprout up just about anywhere. While there are some mushrooms that are safe to eat, a great deal of mushrooms growing out in the wild can prove toxic. Just like these mushrooms would be harmful to humans, the effects can be even more drastic to your-legged friend. Dogs that ingest the wrong types of mushrooms can experience vomiting, diarrhea and even kidney failure.

Grapes

This fruit might not be the first thing you think of when you ponder what plants are poisonous to dogs, but it is definitely worth noting. Grapes and raisins are incredibly toxic to dogs. While you might think you’re in the clear because your grapes are stowed away safely in the refrigerator, dogs can often sniff out grapevines and indulge in the forbidden fruit there.

Lilies

Like many other types of flowers — daffodils, azaleas, poinsettias and more — lilies can be very poisonous to dogs. These types of flowers can have devastating effects on dogs, including anorexia, depression and gastrointestinal issues.

When There Is No Time To Lose…

If your dog did not ingest any plants toxic to them, yet is having signs of distress, it may be an allergy. Regardless, it is important to get your pet immediate care. TalkLocal can get you in touch with a veterinarian in your area quickly — within 90 seconds. It is also free.

Knowing how to tell if your dog is sick is a very complicated task. On the one hand, you do not want to jump to a rash conclusion, but on the other, you do not want to overlook a serious medical condition. Keep reading as we provide you with some tips and pointers on figuring out how to tell if your dog is sick. The common symptoms of a sick dog are listed below:

Vomiting and Diarrhea

Vomiting is a key indication that your dog is sick. Note the color of the vomit as well as the consistency. Is it mostly liquid or are there chunks of food present? If you observe that your dog has diarrhea once, it may not be serious. However, if the diarrhea persists, your dog may be dealing with a bigger issue. Excess diarrhea or vomiting will result in the loss of electrolytes, so if you notice blood in either one, call your veterinarian immediately. Also, have you noticed a change in appetite? If your dog is eating less than normal or skipping meals, it could have a small stomach ache. If there is a drastic decrease in appetite, consult your vet.

Behavioral Changes

If your dog is sleeping more than normal or becoming extremely lazy, there may be an underlying issue. If your dog is typically healthy and energetic, then suddenly inactive, seek help for your dog. If your dog is acting lazier than normal, try taking it on routine walks. Also, if your dog is stumbling or walking differently, consult a veterinarian immediately because your dog may have a serious health issue.

Other Signs

You should do regular examinations of the following points:

– the dog’s odor

– the color of its eyes and mouth

– the color of urine

These are all good indicators of health issues and should be checked frequently. Contact your vet if you observe something abnormal.

Additional Help

Does your dog need help now? Still not sure what to do with your dog? Check out TalkLocal. You will be connected directly to local, high quality veterinarians who can help you at the time that is most convenient for you. TalkLocal’s service can find you reliable professionals in minutes!

Some diseases that your dog can carry may be transferable to you if you come in contact with your dog’s urine, feces, saliva, or blood. To avoid dangerous diseases, be careful when cleaning up after your dog and wash your hands thoroughly. Also, take your dog a veterinarian regularly to receive all the recommended vaccinations. Below is a list of transferable diseases between dogs and humans.

Rabies

Rabies can be transferred from a dog to a human when a rabid dog bites a human. In both dogs and humans, rabies will result in the brain deteriorating. Signs that your dog has rabies include: acting more scared or angry, struggling with balance and coordination, and failing to function on a basic level. Signs of rabies in humans include: tiredness, headaches, a lack of appetite, and later, hallucinations, seizures, and paralysis. If not treated, rabies will eventually result in death in both dogs and humans.

Leptospirosis

If you come into contact with a leptospirosis-infected dog’s drinking water or urine, the disease may be transferable to you. Leptospirosis results in internal organs deteriorating in both dogs and humans.

Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever

Your dog may acquire Rocky Mountain spotted fever from being bitten by a tick. The disease may be transferred to you if you come in contact with your dog’s bodily fluids. Symptoms of Rocky Mountain spotted fever in both dogs and humans include: tiredness, lack of appetite, depression, fever, joint pain, and diarrhea. Additionally, humans may see red spots on the palms, wrists, and the bottom of the feet. Luckily, it can be treated with antibiotics.

Parasites

Roundworms, hookworms, and ringworms hatch their eggs in the intestines of both dogs and humans and will result in internal organ damage, as well as malnutrition. If your dog has any of these parasites, they can be transferred to you via contact with your dog’s saliva or feces.

Additional Help

If you believe your dog may have any of the above diseases, it is imperative that you take your dog to a veterinarian as soon as possible. If you do not have a veterinarian, you can use TalkLocal to receive up to three phones calls within minutes from high quality veterinarians in your area, who are available to help you when you need them.

Common Cat Allergies

Like humans, cats can allergic be to a variety of things. Cat allergies can manifest as inhalant allergies, contact allergies, food allergies, or insect allergies.

Inhalant Cat Allergies

Inhalant, or airborne allergies, are caused by your cat breathing in particles in the air. Pollen allergies are common in cats, just like they are in humans. Cats can also be allergic to household sprays, like aerosol. Symptoms of inhalant allergies in cats include upper respiratory issues, irritation in the nasal passage, and eye infections. The best way to help your cat with inhalant allergies is to keep them away from such sources. Your veterinarian can also prescribe medications, or eye drops in the case of eye infections.

Contact Cat Allergies

Another way that cats can have allergic reactions is through skin contact. The most common contact allergies in cats are from plants, especially those with oily leaves. Other things that can cause contact allergies for cats are wool, dust, cleaning supplies, carpet cleaners or fresheners, carpet, or even cat litter. Contact allergies will usually result in itching and discomfort for your cat. In more extreme cases, you may notice skin eruptions, bumps, hives, or fur loss. A veterinarian can prescribe a solution to help with the itching, or provide a shot of steroids for the more severe cases.

Food Allergies

The foods cats eat can also cause them to have an allergic reaction, even if they are only eating designated cat food. Turkey, chicken, and other poultry products are the most common food allergies in cats. Human food is generally not recommended for cats. Chocolate and dairy in particular can cause a bad reaction for your cat. A veterinarian can prescribe special cat food for cats with food allergies.

Insect Allergies

The most common insect allergies for cats are fleas. Fleas can cause your cats to feel itchy. You will notice them scratching themselves excessively if they are allergic.  Fleas can also cause fur loss and bumps on the skin, as well as black spots that look like dirt (these are the fleas). A veterinarian can prescribe medication or a solution that will help your cat with its allergic reaction. You should also treat your house for fleas, so that your cat does not become infected again.

Additional Help

If you suspect your cat is having an allergic reaction to something, you should bring your cat to a veterinarian for a proper diagnosis and possible treatment. You can use TalkLocal to receive up to three phone calls in minutes from high quality local veterinarians that are available to see your cat when you need them.

Dogs Teeth Cleaning

A dog’s dental health is important because it too is at risk for gingivitis, tooth loss, and infection if its teeth are not cleaned on a regular basis. Ideally, you should brush your dogs teeth to avoid these problems. However, most dog owners are quite busy, so brushing once or twice a week is sufficient. Here are simple steps to clean a dog’s teeth.

Tooth Brushing

You will need:

– A new tooth brush. Try to use a toothbrush with firm bristles or a finger brush. These can found for under $6; packs are sold for less than $12. Never use human toothpaste as it can cause the dog to become sick.

– Toothpaste designed specifically for dogs

– Tartar scraper to prepare the dog’s teeth for cleaning. A tartar scraper removes surface plaque from dog’s teeth and can be purchased for under $8.

Now that you have the necessary equipment, follow these easy steps:

1. Slowly and gently brush your dog’s teeth without toothpaste so that they can become comfortable with their teeth being brushed. If they are aggressive and try to bite your hand, it is recommended to let a veterinarian brush your dog’s teeth.

2. If your dog is comfortable with toothbrush, put toothpaste on the toothbrush and firmly grab your dog’s head.

3. Lift the dog’s upper lip and brush the dog’s teeth and gums in a circular motion.

4. After brushing, use the tartar scraper to remove surface plaque.

Additional Help

Although a dog’s teeth should be cleaned at least once a week, you should still have an annual cleaning by a vet. To find a vet in your area, use TalkLocal, a search engine for local service providers. We will connect you with up to three veterinarians who can provide the specific service you need, at a time that accommodates your schedule.