Cat parasites are a common occurrence, but usually not serious if treated in time. If left untreated, however, they may cause severe damage.

Here we’ll discuss some of the more common feline parasites and associated warning signs. In some cases, these creatures may weaken your cat and expose her to possible secondary infections that could be life threatening.

Ear Mites in Cats — The most obvious sign of mites is a build up of dry, black wax that resembles coffee grounds. Ear mites are the most common cause of outer-ear inflammation in cats. Frequent head shaking and scratching of the ears are the most common symptoms.

Ear mites are tiny crab like parasites that, in extreme cases, can cause a rupture of the ear drum. They may lead to secondary infections, seizures and deafness. Ear mites need to be treated by a veterinarian since improper cleaning of the ear can make the condition worse and damage the ear.

Giardia — Giardia infection is relatively rare in otherwise healthy cats. Giardia is a single-celled parasite that causes an intestinal infection known as Giardiasis. The organism is protected by an outer shell, so it can survive outside the body for an extended period. It can be difficult to treat as it is often resistant to medications.

Your veterinarian will prescribe anti-parasitic drugs for the infection. Giardia may lead to bowel movements containing blood, acute diarrhea, and vomiting, so dehydration is obviously a danger with this condition.

Worms in Cats — Tapeworms, roundworms, hookworms, and whip worms are some of the more common worm-type parasites that affect cats. Worms generally either swim in the intestines or latch on to the intestinal wall. They either feed on tissue and blood, or rob your cat of nutrients.

Worms can lead to a number of symptoms, including excessive vomiting and diarrhea, weight loss, constipation, and anemia. Left untreated, worms can cause serious illness or death, especially in elderly cats and kittens.

Testing for worms should be done at least once per year via stool sample. Treatment may involve multiple applications in order to eliminate the worms.

Fleas in Cats — Fleas feed on your cat’s blood. In some cases, they may cause severe discomfort. Symptoms of flea infestation include itching, and your cat may be scratching or licking excessively.

Flea control is essential to controlling another cat parasite, the tapeworm. Fleas may ingest tapeworm eggs. In the process of grooming, your cat may ingest the flea, and therefore the tapeworm egg along with it.

Eliminating fleas requires treating both your cat and the environment she lives in, including eliminating the eggs.

Dehydration is common with cat parasites due to the excessive diarrhea and vomiting that may occur. If you suspect your cat has a parasite, contact your veterinarian for proper diagnosis and treatment.

I recently saw a very sore nose on a white cat. The cat, whose name is Johnny Cash, loves the sun. Unfortunately, white cats have very little pigment and are prone to sunburns and skin cancer. And sunburn is common in pale and short-haired dogs, usually on the bridge of the nose, the abdomen, groin, and insides of the legs.

A pet’s belly is prone to sunburn because of sunlight that reflects up from the sidewalk. And dogs that spend a lot of time at the beach can get sunburn from sun reflecting up from hot sand.

Sunburn and excessive, repeated exposure to UV radiation can lead to skin cancer, in particular squamous cell carcinoma. This is the same in dogs and cats as it is in humans. Therefore, breeds such as boxers and Weimaraners – breeds that are predisposed to cancer – need extra protection from the sun.

Sunburn can also cause skin ulceration, leaving the skin susceptible to opportunistic bacterial, fungal, and parasitic infections. Sun exposure may also exacerbate autoimmune skin diseases in which the immune system attacks skin cells, such as pemphigus and lupus.

So what can you, as a concerned pet owner, do?

One way to protect your pets from sunburn and its consequences is to apply sunblock on the small susceptible areas of skin, such as the ear tips and the bridge of the nose. You can also apply sunblock along any parted area in the fur along the head or back. For cats, sunblock is usually sufficient protection. But for dogs, sunblock is usually not very effective on the abdomen, as it can rub off in tall grass, wash off in the water while at the beach, or it can easily be licked off by the dog or his playmates.

There are spandex-type bodysuits available that are designed to block UV radiation, and I highly recommend these for any dogs who spend a large amount of time outside, especially those dogs who visit the beach often. To many people the idea of bringing a bodysuit-clad dog to the beach or park may sound ridiculous or embarrassing – but it may be the most effective and important sun protection that you can provide your dog. Dog bodysuits are now common at some beaches, and they really won’t look ridiculous if all the other dogs are wearing one

You can easily find sunscreen made for pets at quality pet supply stores, or you can simply apply zinc oxide or PABA-free sunscreen to your pet. Just be very careful not to get the sunblock in your pet’s eyes. And now that you’re prepared, enjoy the dog (and cat) days of summer!

Both dogs and people may be unfortunate enough to know the pain of arthritis.

It’s a sad fact that dog suffering from arthritis are in constant pain, whether active or at rest.

Thankfully there is something you can do as a compassionate owner.

The miracle supplement glucosamine is often used in the treatment of arthritis as it soothes the discomfort, can aid in connective tissue and cartilage regeneration and decreases the puffiness around joints.

Dogs with mild arthritis generally require a product with glucosamine and Vitamin C; whilst those really suffering should be given glucosamine, MSM and chondroitin.

Swelling is reduced through the benefits of MSM while Chondroitin is crucial in the structure of cartilage.

One such product that contains the holy trinity of glucosamine, MSM and chondroitin is PNP Healthy Joints Dog Glucosamine Chondroitin MSM. These key ingredients help regenerate joints and the connective tissue.

Ester C is a patented form of Vitamin C which also helps in regenerating cells and tissue and easing arthritis.

PNP Healthy Joints Liquid Glucosamine MSM for Dogs is the great benefit of glucosamine in liquid form.

It is really delicious and made from top quality ingredients, which is a treat for your pet.

Like the previous product it is most useful when given to dogs in advanced stages of arthritis.

Whether your pet already has this terrible condition or not, it’s worth considering giving PNP Healthy Joints Glucosamine Vitamin C for Dogs.

What we mean by ‘without arthritis’ is that taking this supplement could protect your dog from this crippling condition.

They come in a great chewy liver flavor tab which will go down well with your dog.

You can give supplements but feeding well is key to good health.

The Missing Link Plus Canine Formula is a magic powder that you can sprinkle over his dinner.

This wonderful melange of glucosamine, health foods and omega 3,6 and 9 are top quality and come in such a convenient powder format.

When you see your dog’s ease, his healthy coat and skin, you will be glad you bought Lipiderm Hip and Joint Support for Dogs.

This supplement will promote healthy skin, bones and coat thanks to the blends of Omega acids, glucosamine, MSm and manganese.

Whether it’s arthritis or flea dermatitis you are battling, this delicious fish flavored supplement will come to the rescue.

As you can see, there is so much on offer to help with upsetting health problem.

The products we have spoken about are available without prescription, but it may be worth having an informal chat with your vet to ensure the best course of treatment.

Male and female cats of all ages are susceptible to feline acne. Cats with weakened immune systems are more prone, but otherwise healthy cats may get the disease as well. The specific causes of the disease are not known.

Stress is said to be a possible cause. Also included as possible contributing factors are poor grooming habits and abnormal sebum production.

In affected cats, lesions vary in severity, but are typically mild and asymptomatic. Pain and/or itching are not common unless there is a secondary bacterial skin infection. Lesions usually initially present at about 1 year of age, and remain cyclic for the life of the cat.

Depending upon the severity of the symptoms, and whether or not any secondary conditions exist, treatment may or may not be required. Your veterinarian will have to make this determination.

Signs and symptoms of feline acne — Clinical signs may include lesions on the chin and lower lip. There may be swelling of the chin and around the lips. Your cat may have crusted reddish papules or dark brown comedones.

Secondary bacterial infections may be present, involving swelling of the chin area, or drainage of the lesions. In these cases, both systemic and topical antibiotics may be prescribed.

It’s possible to mistake bacterial skin infections for acne, but appearances may be deceiving. Sometimes ringworm or yeast infections may be mistaken for acne as well.

Treatment — Feline acne treatment, in mild cases, is often not necessary. In fact, overtreatment is believed to lead to more severe skin lesions.

Topical therapy of some kind may be prescribed to help treat the comedones (blackheads). Depending upon the severity, more aggressive treatment may be recommended.

In order to facilitate cleaning of the affected area, as well as the application of topical medications, your vet may remove excess skin from the area around the lesions. You should never attempt this yourself as you can hurt your cat or cause an infection.

Treatment may include the use of antiseptics, such as Listerine or alcohol. Antiseborrheic shampoos may help as well. Some of these contain salicylic acid, which is a common component of human acne treatment formulas.

Topical benzoyl peroxide solutions are often used as a treatment in gel or shampoo form, and may be effective. You should note, however, that benzoyl peroxide preparations made for small animals are 2.5 percent, and those for humans are 5 percent.

Never use a preparation made for humans on your cat unless instructed to do so by your veterinarian. You should know that even the milder animal formula benzoyl peroxide treatments may be irritating to your cat’s skin when used repeatedly over time.

Cats with acne who have weakened immune systems may receive steroid therapy. Additional supplements, including off-label drugs, may be used as well.

Dick van Patten’s Natural Balance Dog food is scientifically formulated to offer optimum nutrition for your dog.

The secret to its success is the fact they use only extremely high grade meat from USDA approved sources with a combination of superior grains and vegetables.

By-products are never used in this brand of food, as they are deemed less beneficial to the health.

A balanced diet is the optimal way to feed your dog, and Natural Balance gives you this with its unique recipe of veg and grains.

The vegetables contained in every can are carrots, potatoes and that wonder-carb, brown rice.

This unique and innovative recipe offers high digestibility, meaning less chance of stomach problems and poor health as a result.

The importance of a healthy digestive system do not need to be spelled out.

Everything your dog’s system requires for acceptable weight, healthy resistance against disease and great wellbeing are contained in this nutritionally balanced product, developed by vets and experts.

You can really be creative with Natural Balance canned food too. Whether for a young dog or old dog, this food is suitable meaning no need to buy different brands if you have more than one dog.

It can be served on its own, or mixed proportionally with dry food to offer your dog and your pocket what it needs. Remember though puppies and pregnant or nursing bitches will need up to three times the quantity of an average dog, and older and inactive dogs may require a reduction in quantity.

Isn’t it neat? One food, but in greater or smaller quantities.

Your dog won’t even know he is eating for health when he smells the food.

Gourmet dishes such as Duck & Potato, Fish & Sweet Potato and Venison & Sweet Potato and Chicken, Beef, lamb and Liver await your dog’s pleasure, even if he usually turns his nose up at some food.

Natural Balance is pretty economical too you will be happy to learn.

7-13oz per day is an adequate amount, although if you are serving dry food, make sure you cut down on the wet!

This means it costs literally a few dollars a week to give your dog a supreme diet.

You will be pleased you chose Natural Balance as your dog grows proportionally and enjoys great vitality.

Put that energy Natural Balnace dog food gives to good use with lots of walks and you will be the owner of a happy dog.

Ear mites in cats are a fairly common occurrence in the United States. They can be very unpleasant for your cat, and in more severe cases, dangerous.

Some cats seem to develop immunity to mites, so younger cats are more likely to to be afflicted. Cats with suppressed immune systems are likewise at higher risk. If left untreated, they can lead to accompanying secondary bacterial and yeast infections.

What are they? — Mites are the most common cause of outer-ear inflammation in cats. They are tiny crab-like parasites that typically live in and around a cat’s ears, and also on the head. In more extreme cases, they can cause a rupture of the ear drum, and may lead to deafness and even seizures.

Sensitivity to mite infestations varies, with some cats appearing less bothered by it than others. Younger cats are typically more sensitive than older cats.

What are the symptoms? — The most common symptoms of ear mites in cats are frequent scratching of the ears, and head shaking due to irritation of the ear canal. The obvious sign is a build up of dry, black wax that often resembles coffee grounds.

Secondary bacterial infection is not uncommon with mites, and some cats may experience hair loss around the ears as well. The waxy build up may cause additional irritation in the ear.

In more severe cases, excessive scratching may tear into the skin at the back of the ear, which may lead to permanent scarring.

Treatment — Treatment of ear mites in cats should be done by a veterinarian in order to avoid possible damage to the ear. Treatment begins with cleaning out the cat’s ears.

Mineral oil may be used to soften the wax. Flushing out the ears removes a large number of mites and dislodges the wax at the same time.

Once the ears have been flushed out, an ear mite treatment can be used. While they may be effective at eradicating mites, over-the-counter remedies will typically take longer than those provided by your veterinarian. Flea control medication is often used to prevent a recurrence of infestation by any mites that have migrated to other parts of the body.

It’s necessary to limit physical contact with affected cats in order to prevent the spread of the mites to other household members. While this condition is very treatable, in more difficult cases, your veterinarian may administer “off-label” drugs.

Dogs can have the need for a regular manicure probably more than humans do; hence the need for trimmers.

Overly long nails in humans are annoying but in dogs they can split and break causing bleeding paws.

Your dog’s paws need to be kept in tip top condition as he uses them all the time.

Does a tapping sound from your dog’s nails seem familiar? If so it’s time for a trim; so the next question is do you go to a pro or do you trust yourself or not to do it at home?

If you choose the DIY option, make sure you are prepared!

Invest in a high quality set of trimmers, and ensure you know exactly where to cut the nail.

If you try to cut corners you may end up cutting your dog’s paw by accident.

The quick is the area to watch for when you trim your dog’s nails, you should cut below this. It is easy with dogs with transparent or light coloured nails but harder with dark nails so take care!

Firstly let’s look at the equipment; Master Grooming Tools Guillotine Nail Clippers are a great solution, as they are designed with the user in mind with non-slip, low impact grip so your hand won’t get tired and you won’t lose your grip even if it’s wet. The sharp blades mean that trimming is easy and safe.

Next let’s look at the procedure for cutting nails.

Take your dogs paw in your hand firmly – it’s often best to have the dog tucked under your arm.

Push on the pad to extend the nail and trim the nail below the quick at a 45 degree angle. Trim only small amounts at a time.

Once the major clipping has been done, taking care not to trim the nails too short, check the edges for jagged or rough edges and tidy.

Really take care when trimming your pet’s nails; imagine how vulnerable you would feel with someone cutting your toenails!

If an accident does happen with the trimmers, reach for Gimborn Kwik Stop Styptic Gel with Benzocaine to stop blood flow.

Perfect for your family pets or even for use in a pro dog grooming salon, Master Grooming Tools Guillotine Nail Clippers are a great product.

Unlike some lesser brands too, you can expect these clippers to go the distance and still function well for a long time to come. They come with a lifetime guarantee.

The trimmers are great both for the dog, with sharp blades to make nail trimming stress free, and good for the owner with the ergonomic design to reduce stress on the body or the chance of accidents.

One of the most popular joint medications is a supplement called Cosequin, which many consumers have purchased in the past. They have bought it to help support joint function in their dogs.

It’s time to put Cosequin in the spotlight. We are going to study the details of Cosequin so that when you are shopping again you will know what you are buying.

Cosequin is not the name of a drug; it is simply a brand name for a joint support supplement. Healthy Joints Glucosamine/Chondroitin/MSM? is another example of a joint support supplement brand. They are very similar products and carry out similar functions.

The two products both contain Glucosamine and Chondroitin. Cosequin contains ONLY these two ingredients and nothing else. For example other joint support products also contain Methylsulfonylmethane, sometimes known as MSM. Cosequin does not contain this supplement.

So let’s look at MSM, and why it’s important that Cosequin does not contain it; it is noted as being crucial in pain and swelling control. For an animal with arthritis MSM is a must-have in a supplement.

So that leaves Cosequin rather less attractive if you are looking for a supplement for dogs with arthritis. It may be a perfectly valid choice for those who want a mainstream joint supplement with Glucosamine and Chondroitin.

Consequin is a good product for dogs with limited needs; it comes in different strengths and as both chewables and capsules. But if you are looking for a brand which contains MSM, Consequin is not the product for you.

Maybe it was a passing comment from your vet that you should give your dog Consequin, but he may have been using the brand name instead of citing the supplement. Consequin is not the only choice.

Truth be told, you can use many brands for the same result; so ask your animal doctor to explain which elements your dog needs. Cosequin might be the right one for you, but you could choose a different brand, or you might find Cosequin doesn’t fulfill all your needs.

The holy trinity of MSM, Glucosamine and Chondroitin can be found in a variety of products. Pet Nutrition products are created from the best ingredients and you can be sure what you get in the bottle is what is described.

Interestingly enough it has been proven that many brands do not label accurately, so you may be wasting money on an inferior product.

It’s not just you who could do with some fabulous accessories, there’s a wide range especially for your dog too!

Give your dog a distinctive look with some trendy canine apparel, or get something practical such as a car harness.

There is so much to choose from to customize your dog’s appearance.

Take designer charms for example; they come in all kinds of cute shapes such as the Aria Enamel Bone Charm or Pawprint Charm, or for especially regal pooches you might want the Majestic Crown.

Your tiny dog is just begging for a pretty decoration for example, a cute charm to wear around the collar, to look charmingly pretty in its own right but also maybe to complement your look, in a variety of colors and designs.

Any canine beauty queens would look just the picture with the Sweetheart charm twinkling around their throat, in pretty pink or pure crystal.

It’s not just your outfit which you have to take into consideration these days, with the rising popularity of tiny dogs such as chihuahuas as a handbag accessory for rich heiresses is spreading to the mainstream too.

A dog is partly the reflection of its owner, well cared for, properly clipped and manicured, and with nice accessories, it will also reflect on you as a good owner!

Dogs love bath time, and you will love it too, with such a wide selection of shampoos, sprays and treatments to leave your dog smelling fragrant.

Your dog can smell less like a dog and more like Crisp Apple, Coconut and Pineapple and Fresh Berry with 8in1′s scented sprays, which are intended to be used in between bath times to freshen up your dog’s natural smell.

The gifts on our wishlist don’t have to be for your dog, just take a look at these pet checks.

These checks can be used just like regular checks, and make a great and individual gift for a friend or a relative, especially for dog or cat lovers at Christmas or birthdays.

The best gift for your dog would be life, and here’s a product that just might be able to deliver that.

A safety harness rather like a human seatbelt could help save your dog in a car incident.

This innovative yet logical idea comes from Cruising Companion.

There is a seemingly endless range of clothing, bath products, charms and gadgets for dogs on the market.

When you see these products you’ll know what you have been missing out on.

In the last few years, a number of supplementation products designed to boost your cat’s health have been created. Many veterinarians are recommending those that contain a little known immune boosting component called transfer factors. If your cat is in poor health from a long term chronic illness, or is in a weakened condition due to an immune system disorder, injury, or other ailment, many veterinarians are recommending these products.

In order to understand how this works, it’s necessary to understand a little about how the immune system works. Transfer factors are protein molecules and are part of the immune system.

Cats, like all mammals, have an immune system that protects them from disease.

In a healthy immune system, the body recognizes and attacks foreign invaders, such as bacteria or fungi. This is known as an immune response. Specialized cells attack the invaders and destroy them, and then the attack is called off.

On occasion, the immune response doesn’t play out as expected. A cat with a compromised immune system has trouble defending against invaders and will more easily become ill. In conditions such as feline leukemia virus (FeLV) or feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV), the immune system is weakened and doesn’t cope well.

In other cases, the immune system doesn’t know when to shut down, or incorrectly identifies a part of the body as foreign. In autoimmune diseases, such as many forms of arthritis, an immune response is mounted against the body’s own tissues. The immune system is misdirected and doesn’t shut itself off. In effect, the body is at war with itself.

How do transfer factors work? Transfer factors act as messengers, alerting your cat’s body to the presence of foreign invaders. These proteins also modulate an overactive immune system. Essentially, they call the immune system to action, and then call off the attack at the appropriate time.

Since transfer factors have a balancing effect on the body, they can be used on cats with weakened immune systems, as well as those with autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis.

Dietary supplements are available for your cat, combining the immune balancing power of transfer factors with nutrients that are beneficial to the overall well-being of your cat.

You should check with your veterinarian before adding any supplements to your cat’s diet. If you’re interested in boosting the immune system of your cat with transfer factors, check with your veterinarian first to make sure there are no problems with it.