What are some health benefits to owning a pet?

Boost Your Immunity

Owning a cat or dog has also been shown to boost your immune system. Dr. James Gern from the University of Wisconsin-Madison also found that having a pet in the household reduced the incidence of childhood allergies by more than 30% in some kids. The same research showed that kids exposed to common household pets had more robust immune systems later in life.

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What to Do If Your Pet Is Poisoned

Poisoning can be accidental or deliberate. The latter is rare, but when an animal is deliberately poisoned, it is especially distressing. Usually, the poison is hidden in an attractive bait, such as a piece of meat. This type of poisoning is an appalling form of cruelty to animals. Whenever it is suspected, the police are informed and all efforts are made to arrest and prosecute the culprit.

Most households possess substances which are potentially toxic to animals. Examples include rat poison, anti-freeze, slug pellets and weed killers. These substances are often perfectly safe when used according to the manufacturer's instructions, and if safely stored out of the reach of pets. But accidents do happen.

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Taking care of your pet's health

Taking care of your pet's health is a obligation just like taking care of your own health.  Just like you, you can prefer a health insurance plan for your animal.  There are so many excellent health care companies to decide from.

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Natural Pet Food

Most people with a pet rely on commercial pet food, with little thought to how nutritious it might be. This is understandable when you realise that most people don't feed themselves with nutritious food, instead relying on junk food, fast food, restaurant food, anything other than real food.

The fact is, food is vital to health. If you, or your pet, are not eating nutritious (ie quality), species-specific (ie that which your ancestors evolved on) food, then don't expect either you, or your pet, to be healthy. It really is very simple.

However, humans like to make things more complicated than they really are. That is, humans with a vested interest.

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5 happy pet secrets

Make sure that you are meeting the needs of your pet with these 5 happy pet secrets.

Your pet needs secure shelter, water and food. As a general rule, your pet will be happier the more secure and safe your pet feels. While this sounds simple enough, some folks still get confused about a pet's needs. There are a few things you can do to ensure these are met.

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Need a veterinarian for Your Pet ?

 Some pets are like children to their owners, so it is important to them that the veterinarian is qualified to treat whatever may come up with your pet.

Fair prices need also be noted when looking for a medical practitioner for your pet. You will probably need to shop around in order to know where to find the best deal. Some people will spare no expense for their pets. It can be costly to have certain operations or treatments done. So, if you care about the cost of treatment, then it is important for you to do price comparisons. It's also important to know the health history of your pet's breed, preparing yourself for future costs and health issues.

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How To Curb Symptoms Of Heat Stroke For Your Pet

Summer time is here and that means much more time spent outside. This means it is important to keep tabs as it gets hotter outside be sure to watch for symptoms of heat stroke for your pet.

This is what I did with my golden retriever when she got older I actually shaved her down to make it look like she's a Labrador retriever during the summer months and I'm going to tell you what a huge difference that made.

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The Best Vet for Your Pet

The first thing that you need to do the moment you get yourself a new pet is to look for a vet. Pets often get sick and they're going to need medical attention at times. Therefore, before the time arrives you should be prepared rather than get all worked up at the last moment.

Some of the issues that you need to keep in mind when looking for a vet include:

Location - The first thing that you need to look into when you're searching for a suitable vet is their location. You would need someone who stays close to your home or is at least located in your city. This is all the more important if it's an emergency.

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Tips to Take Care of Your Pets

Today almost all of us have some sort of pet be it dogs, cats, birds, reptiles or even fish. We need to take good care of them if they're to remain healthy and happy and in order to do this we need to know how to accomplish this task.

There are plenty of books and videos that you could watch that would guide you to care for your particular pet. However, there are a few things that would be common for all pets and we're going to look into those details now:

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First Aid Pet Supplies for your pet

It's crucial that, as a pet owner, you know exactly what to do and how to do it when it comes to providing care if your pet is sick or gets injured.

Following is a checklist of the basic first aid supplies you need to have at home:

Bandages and towels - Aside from controlling bleeding, bandages can also protect wounds from the onset of infection. When choosing bandages, go for the non-stick types as wounds can be more painful when those used for wrapping wounds stick to a cut, an abrasion, or other forms of superficial injuries.

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Ferret Cage for Happy Pet Ferrets

A ferret cage must be properly designed, set up, and furnished - right down to the bedding.

 Bedroom(s)

What should you put inside the cage? The most important words to keep in mind are "soft" and "sturdy." Just about any soft durable fabric will be ideal for your ferret's cage. Old T-shirts, sweat shirts, blankets, and throw rugs make great hiding places. After all, "ferret" means "thief," and a good thief needs a hideout. Your fuzzies will love to burrow and hunker down in an old blanket or quilt.

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Hypoallergenic Dog Food:best gift for your dog.

If your dog is afflicting from allergies, and is fed a commercial pet food diet, one or more of the ingredients may be the culprit. One solution to this problem is to turn to natural,Changing to a hypoallergenic dog food may solve all of these problems.
Some dogs are so sensitive to some foods that they can have chronic ear infections. The ear and skin irritations may be relieved by antibiotics or corticosteroids, but the problems return once the medication is discontinued. It may take some time for your vet to discover the cause. It is up to the owner to do some research on their own and present the possibility to the vet if the condition is not resolved.

If your dog manifests any of those symptoms and no relief is found through the medication, it would be a good idea to switch to a hypoallergenic dog food. These can be found at most pet stores and some of the larger grocery stores. Dog food labels contain a lot of ingredients that you may not be able to pronounce.

Natural dog foods that are hypoallergenic contain no ingredients that are unfamiliar to humans. It is advisable to feed dogs human grade foods.

Hypoallergenic dog food is based on a protein other than what your dog may be eating. Some have venison base, bison, fish, lamb or chicken. The carbohydrates that go into the advantageous foods are vegetables and brown rice. There are some brands that produce a solely vegetarian, and use the protein rich vegetables as the protein base.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Calvin_Curatolo

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For pet lovers : tips for Pets in Pain

For pet lovers the thought of your pet being in pain is very upsetting.

In the past, veterinarians were trained to not give much worry to the physical pain pets can suffer. In a Fox New report Dr. Dawn Boothe, DVM and professor of clinical pharmacology at Auburn University stated:

"Twenty years ago, veterinary schools taught that animals don't feel pain to the degree that humans do, so there wasn't much attention paid to the issue."

Fortunately, today the school of thinking has changed quite a bit and now pet owners are encouraged to observe their pets carefully for signs they are in pain. And, they are encouraged to take action to help make them more comfortable.

While pets with severe injuries like a broken leg will usually display clear signs of pain such as severe limping or crying, experts say that pets suffering from chronic pain aren't always so easy to detect.

According to Dr. Sandee Hartsfield, DVM, a professor of small-animal medicine and surgery at Texas A&M University:

"A pet with an acute injury like a broken leg is more likely to respond to you by moving away or biting or pawing you, while a pet suffering from chronic pain such as arthritis tends to be quieter than usual."

Arthritis is a general term that refers to a great number of conditions where there is a loss of viscosity and lubrication of the joint. This begins as mild and occasional inflammation (just like with humans) but then develops into a chronic condition that involves actual deterioration of the cartilage that surrounds the joint. Cats and dogs are highly prone to arthritis... especially as they age.

There are signs that indicate that your pet is suffering from joint pain. It may get up slowly after sleeping. It may be reluctant to run or even walk or have trouble hopping into the car. In the worst cases, he or she yelps when you pet him.

Other possible signs that your pet may be suffering from chronic pain are:

• Loss of appetite
• Lethargic behavior
• Distancing itself socially

Below are a few suggestions from veterinarians to help relieve chronic pet joint pain in pets:

• Gentle massage with hands or applying heat with warm moist towels to tender areas.
• Carefully monitoring diet to prevent excess weight which aggravates joint problems
• Comfortable bedding
• Dietary supplementation with nutrients known to help with joint pain

Since our pets can't simply tell us when they are in pain you might want to carefully monitor your pets for signs of chronic pain and if trying the above suggestions doesn't help consider going to the vet.

Naturecast Pet Products' Rejointenator is unlike any pet supplement on the market today! It's an all-natural pet supplement that prevents, treats, and relieves joint pain in pets. There are Rejoinatenator formulas for both dogs and cats. Go to http://naturecastpetproducts.com/rejointenator/ and learn more about the Rejointenator can relieve pain and improve mobility in your pet.

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Information about better air quality for pet allergies

Pets, particularly cats and dogs, produce many allergens which for most people have little no effect on their health. But for some, it can be very distressing and can cause severe respiratory problems, skin rashes and other medical conditions.

Interestingly a recent survey has found that despite being allergic to pets, one-third of people that suffer from pet allergies actually have at least one pet in their home. Even when advised by a medical practitioner to avoid contact with pets, only one out of five people gave up keeping a pet. The survey also found that over one third of the people surveyed admitted to getting another pet after one had died, even though they knew they were allergic to them.

People often refer to the cause of a pet allergy as being from the animal's hair. It has been proven that it doesn't matter what type of hair a dog or a cat has the animal still produces allergens. It is fair to say that allergens are sometimes on the hair of the animal and therefore if the hair drops from the animal it can float around a bit.

A pet produces allergens from glands on its skin. They dry on the animal's hair and become airborne and a person then breathes them in. Allergens are also produced in an animal's mouth and are therefore present in the saliva. If the animal licks its fur, then they get transferred and dry on the hair and become airborne and, if an animal licks a person, the allergens stay on the skin and dry and gain become airborne.

If you or a family member suffers from pet allergens, but it is not particularly severe, then there are a few things you can do to reduce the airborne allergens entering a person's respiratory system. Remember, the allergens from pets are mainly airborne so you need to clean the air in your home.

Air purifiers are very helpful, but they need to be placed in rooms where the pet is generally and if the pet is allowed into several rooms then you will need several air purifiers. However, you need to get purifiers that have high efficient particulate air (HEPA) filters. These filters can remove 99.7 percent of airborne particles, therefore reducing the number of allergens floating in the air.

Filters must be regularly cleaned or replaced to ensure they remain effective. It is also recommended that, despite using electrical energy, air purifiers should be left to run continuously.

Vacuum regularly to get rid of animal hairs and again ensure your vacuum has a HEPA filter, otherwise the vacuum will suck up the allergens that have got into the carpet and blow them out into the air making the matter worse.

Check out http://www.rabbitair.com/air-purifiers-for-allergies.aspx for more information about better air quality for pet allergies in your home. Visit RabbitAir online. Rabbit Air is a manufacturer of air purifiers. Their philosophy is to create the best purifiers available that also have a great design aesthetic.

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How to take care of your pet

take care of your pet

Hygiene

this is one of the hardest parts in taking care of your pet, hygiene is very important and one must not neglect it. Dogs need washing regularly; you can use plain soap or use specialized shampoos for animals. Pet supplies such as shampoos, hair brush, conditioners and such can be easily bought in special pet stores and suppliers.

Regular exercise

One must need to regularly walk your pets, especially dogs, which are inherently very active animals. Never cage them up indefinitely, which will be cruelty to animals, give them time to exercise, a regular jog or a leisurely walk can really ensure the healthiness of not only your new additions to the home, but yourself also. Pet supplies for walking your pet like leads and chains which are durable and strong enough to restrain even the largest animal from running wildly everywhere can be bought in pet stores.

Adequate food

This is their most important need, adequate food for their sustenance. Remember that animals also need rich supply of healthy foods in order to maintain a healthy life. You can get pet supplies especially healthy selection of food in the nearest store. One must provide adequate food and not overfeed or underfeed. Many pet owners save money for their food by feeding them leftovers but this will not give them their nutritional needs, if you really want them to be good looking and healthy, give them nutritious food.

These are some of the most important points that one must consider in taking care of your pets. 

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jade_Jennison

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Natural ways you can discourage fleas in your home and on your pet

Fleas can reproduce very quickly. In just one fleas lifetime (about two weeks) she can lay hundreds and hundreds of eggs. Once these eggs hatch the larva will begin feeding on pet hair, flea feces, dried blood, or any other disgusting organic matter found in carpets, furniture, and on your pets.

After feeding this larva will spin a cocoon in which it can lay dormant for up to a year waiting for a victim. The use of pesticides on fleas while in this cocoon stage is pointless. They are almost completely immune to poisons. There is not a pesticide on the market today that can kill them completely or consistently while in the cocoon stage.

Unfortunately, even when fleas can be killed using pesticides there is still the concern over the chemicals being used. Many pesticides are in themselves an issue for the health of your family and pets.

In April 2009, advisories from the EPA regarding spot-on type flea treatments began to be released. The EPA reported receiving over 44,000 reports of adverse reactions in pets. Those reactions ranged from mild skin irritation to seizures and death (600 deaths according to the report).

Cyphenothrin and permethrin are just two products that are used in many flea treatments that have proven to be problematic, especially for smaller dogs and cats.

Believe it are not there are many simple ways to combat flea infestations which work just as good if not better than using toxic chemicals.

The first and one of the most important things you can do is vacuum. Vacuuming daily will rid your carpets of those cocoon stage fleas. The heat generated from the vacuum will also encourage them to hatch into their more vulnerable stage so that they can be dealt with swiftly. When possible use a vacuum with a bag and dispose of the bag promptly after vacuuming the floors and furniture. Yes, you need to vacuum all the furniture as well. If you have a current infestation daily vacuuming is one of your best defenses. As you will be targeting the fleas and the eggs before they have a chance to hatch and multiply.

Also keeping your pet healthy and feeding a healthy diet will help to discourage fleas. The better shape that your pet is in the less attractive they will be to nesting fleas.

Garlic can be used to rid your pet of fleas. However, garlic must be used with caution as it can be toxic to your dog when given in the wrong amounts. Discus the use of garlic for flea control with your vet to determine the right amount for your pets body weight. There are also many natural store bought mineral supplements for your pet such as diatomaceous earth.

Prevention is key. Keeping your pet bathed and brushed and performing regular full body inspection for parasites is a good idea.

There is also a number of natural alternatives to pesticides including items like cedar oil, rosemary extract, citronella and many more.

Lastly, I would like to give you one of my simplest and favorite flea prevention methods for your pets bed.

For whatever reason fleas hate eucalyptus. I like to create these cute little pouches of eucalyptus for my pet's bed. Here are simple instructions on how to make your "flea free pet bed" pouch.

You will need:

A handful of fresh eucalyptus steams (available at many hobby stores and florist.)

One 10" round cut cheese cloth or other breathable material.

One 3 inch strip of ribbon.

Tear your eucalyptus in to small 1-2 inches strips and place it in the middle of your cheese cloth. Gather the edges of the cloth to the middle creating the small pouch which encases your eucalyptus. Tie the gather with a bow using the ribbon. Couldn't be simpler.

You will want to place this pouch inside of your pets bed. In a way that your pet will not be able to access it. Place one pouch per pet bed.

Not only will this help to keep fleas off of your pets bedding it will smell nice. You will want to replace the eucalyptus in the pouch at least once a month for best results.

These are just a few of the natural ways you can discourage fleas in your home and on your pet. There are many recipes for homemade flea shampoos and sprays. There are also many natural shampoos and sprays being sold on the market.

Don't allow your pets or your family to become food for these nasty bugs this summer. Use prevention methods and be open to trying the natural alternatives for elimination and prevention of fleas. Here is wishing all pets a flea free summer.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Robin_Kasper

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Pet First Aid

  

By Emmy E Bill 

It is important as a pet parent to be aware of your pet's normal everyday behavior. Your pet cannot tell you when he/she is in pain or discomfort, it is up to you to identify if and when they need first aid.

Pet First Aid Kit:

To start, put together a pet first aid kit. Pet first aid kits can be purchased at many pet stores or you could ask your veterinarian for a list of items to combine or add. The kit will include items similar to a human first aid kit such as:

* Vetericyn Wound and Infection Spray

* Sterile gauze dressings

* 3% hydrogen peroxide

* Adhesive bandages

* Adhesive tape

* Rectal thermometer

* Cold pack

* Grooming clippers

* Eye wash

* Penlight

* Thermal blanket

* Antiseptic cream

The above products can be used for any pet; cat, dog or horse. Vetericyn Wound and Infection Spray, compared to the human product Puracyn and made by the same company, is a non-toxic spray that will kill 99.99% of infection and bacteria in less than 30 seconds increasing oxygen to the wound and promoting rapid healing.

It is also suggested that you include a list of phone numbers related to pet health or emergencies in the kit as well. Write down your veterinarian's office number, a 24-hour animal clinic, the national animal poison control center, humane organization, and local animal shelters. Having this list of numbers on hand will save time and benefit your pet if an emergency occurs. Make sure that everyone in your family knows that this kit is for the family pet. Decide as a family where to put it so everyone knows where to find it in the case of an emergency.

Wound Care:

In the case that your pet has bleeding wounds, use gauze to apply pressure to the area which will promote clotting. If a trip to the vet is necessary, it is a good idea to call ahead and describe the injury; letting them know when you will arrive. Doing this will allow the staff time to prepare for your pet's arrival.

Penetrating Objects:

Cats and dogs are known for being curious creatures that can get themselves into a mess of trouble at times. If your pet has been stabbed by a stick, arrow or other object and it is still in the pet, do not remove it yourself. Here is what you should do to make sure the object does not penetrate further into the animal:

1. Get a foam cup

2. Make a hole in the bottom of the cup and place it over the object

3. Tape the cup around the object, if the object is long gently cut the object 5 inches above the wound. If you do not have a foam cup or something similar

4. If you do not have a foam cup or something similar, gently wrap gauze around the object

5. Get to the vet immediately

As they say, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Be prepared for emergencies; if you are, the emergency won't be quite as scary for you or your pet.

We love pets! Probioticsmart.com knows your pet deserves the very best care possible, and we're here to help. Visit our blog for more information, tips and stories on all things pet health. See you there!

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5 Ways To Reduce Pet Allergies

Create A Pet-Free Zone---We both know this is easier said than done, but it can really mean the difference between keeping your pet and enjoying it, or being miserable all the time and possibly having to find a new home for it.
The clean space will have less pet-related stuff on surfaces and in the air. Being able to relax here will give your body some down time that it needs to rejuvenate. It will also let you relax emotionally because you know that you are less likely to have a flare-up because the air has fewer triggers.
Clean Frequently---With a warm-blooded pet you are never going to get rid of all of the hair, dander, and fur. But with regular and thorough cleaning to can greatly reduce the number of allergens which will give you relief from symptoms.
Bathe Your Pet---In some cases this works well, but you will have to decide whether this is a feasible option based on your individual pet. Consulting with a veterinarian before you begin bathing is crucial.
Bathing your pet can sometimes lessen the amount of dander it shed. And since it is the protein in the dander that is such a potent allergy trigger, anything you can do to get rid of it is worth a try.
The right kind of cleanser and the frequency are crucial to your pet's health. Using the wrong kind of product can cause health problems for your pet, and can make the dander situation worse.
Some pets will object to this regimen more than others. So you will have to weigh the possible benefits against your pet's possible disdain for baths.
Wash Bedding Regularly---Dander is a food source for dust mites. So it is crucial that you keep your bed linens laundered as well as your pet's special blanket, rug, and/or bedding.
These should be washed at temperatures that exceed 160 degrees Fahrenheit in order to kill mites. Washing the linens gives double benefits . Reducing the dander reduces the food source for mites, and since dust mites are also an allergen you are successfully eliminating two of the most potent indoors allergens known.
Use A HEPA Air Cleaner---Using an air purifier with a HEPA (an abbreviation for high efficiency particle arresting) filter is an effective, low maintenance, and non-invasive way to eliminate airborne particulates.
As its name suggests, it is highly efficient at removing airborne particles. In order to be designated as a HEPA it must be able to trap 99,997 out of every 10,000 airborne particulates that are.3 microns or greater.
The really good thing about this type of filtration is that not only will it remove pet-related pollutants such as dander, and hair; but it will also remove more normal indoor irritants such as dust, dust mites, mold and mildew spores, seasonal pollens as well as airborne bacteria and viruses.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6775771

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Have fun with your pal with these five summer activities.

Ultimate Frisbee
Make your dog an ultimate champion this summer! Playing Frisbee is an inexpensive and fun way to keep your dog active in the summer. No matter where you are  the beach, the park, even in your own backyard teach your pal to leap through the air to make a perfect catch. You’ll build his confidence and stamina while helping him get fit. Plus, it will do wonders for your arms! If your dog is already a champion or you want to challenge him a bit more, find a Disc Dog Club in your area.
Swimming
This summer let your dog enjoy his day poolside. If he loves swimming let him lounge in style in a dog pool float. If your dog can’t swim or you prefer to keep him in shallow water, set up a kiddy pool or even clean out an old plastic or stainless steel tub and fill it up with nice, cold water. Your dog will love splashing around and keeping cool in his own special doggie pool!

Camping 
If you have an active, energetic dog he’ll love the great outdoors. Once you’ve proven he is travel ready, pack up the whole family and head to your favorite place to camp out. Be sure to research the campgrounds and make sure there are no harmful plants or insects that will make him sick in the camping area. Take your pal on hikes and explore new areas. Plus, if you are camping in an RV and own a PetSafe Wireless Fence you can contain your pal on your trip! Simply bring your Transmitter, Receiver and Boundary Flags with you to make sure he doesn’t run away.
Treats on a dog day afternoon
On those hot, sticky days of summer it’s hard to even fathom going outside. It’s even harder to make yourself workout in that heat. Instead of sweating the day away playing Frisbee or mastering a ring jump, go on a picnic! Treat yourself to a nice cool bowl of frozen yogurt and grab your pal one as well. Many pet-friendly fro-yo and Italian ice shops, like select Rita’s Water Ice stores, offer a special doggie bowls to keep your pal cool. Then head to his favorite park to enjoy your treats and play in the sun!
Summer School
The thought of summer school may make you groan, but summer is a great time to send your pal back to school. Summer is a great time to teach your dog his boundaries in your yard. Do you have a garden he isn’t allowed to play in? A plant he isn’t allowed to eat? Do you live near a busy road? Plus, you can freshen up his understanding of basic commands and so much more.
Keep in mind that your pet may not be able to handle diary foods. Also, be sure to ask about sugar content in the frozen treat before giving it to your pal. “Sugar-free” options can be extremely harmful to your dog. Most sugar-free items use artificial sweeteners, such as xylitol, which are extremely dangerous for your pal to consume.
Article source : http://www.petsafe.net/Education/5-ways-to-have-fun-in-the-sun-with-your-dog

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Suggestions To Reduce The Smell Of Pets

Dogs:

The first product I would recommend to help reduce the smell of your dog is the Perfect Coat Shampoos for dogs and puppies. They have many different kinds of shampoos that cater to your specific needs, but all of them leave your dog with a soft, healthy, shiny, and pretty smelling coat. I would recommend Tushee Wipes by QuickBath. These are biodegradable bath wipes that helps to remove dirt and debris in between baths. This keeps your dog from getting too dirty and smelly. It is made with Aloe Vera and Vitamins A & E helping to soothe your pet's skin. They will also not harm your pet if ingested. There are two types of brushes I would recommend using if your dog sheds a lot. The first type of brush is made of wired pins and helps to remove tangles and debris from their coats. The second type of brush I would recommend is the stainless steel pin combs. This comb helps to remove extra hair and debris that is embedded further in their coat that the brushes usually miss.

Cats:

The first product is a cat litter called Mimi Litter and it is available at Walmart. It is made up of Porous Silica Sand and it looks like crystals. We use to use clay litter at our house until we rescued Isis. It was then that a friend of ours recommended Mimi Litter to us because we were having a problem with the clay litter covering up the smell of her poops. There are other cat litter brands that make similar products; this is just the cheapest one we have found that works. The next product I would recommend, also available at Walmart, is PRO PET Between Bath Wipes, fresh scent. As it says in the name, these are wipes that help remove dirt, debris, and pet odors in between baths. Since our cats are only indoor cats, we only use these every other week. They have Aloe Vera and Lanolin that help to promote a healthy, shiny coat. These wipes also do not seem to bother our cat Pouncer, who has sensitive skin.

I would also recommend brushing your cats daily with a brush that has wire pins and combing them with a comb that has stainless steel teeth. Brushing and combing your cat helps keep the skin clean, helps to prevent your cat's hair from matting, and also helps to reduce the cat hair in your home. I have found that these types of brushes and combs work best to get through all of the hair with the least amount of effort and help to remove the most amount of hair to reduce shedding.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6386719

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