Archive for the ‘Dog’ Category

Holiday Pet Care Tips

Thursday, December 14th, 2023

Dogs in holiday sweatersAs the holidays approach, you might find yourself overwhelmed with shopping, cooking, and traveling plans. With so much going on, it’s easy to overlook your furry friends and their needs. But as a responsible pet owner, it’s essential to keep your pets happy and healthy during the hectic holiday season. Here are some tips to help you make sure your pets are well-fed and taken care of while you’re away.

Hire a Pet Sitter or Ask for Help from a Friend or Family Member
One of the best ways to make sure your pets are well taken care of while you’re away is to hire a pet sitter or ask for help from a family member or friend. A professional pet sitter can check on your pets multiple times a day, feed them, give them water, and let them out for bathroom breaks. They can also provide companionship and playtime to keep your pets happy and engaged. If a pet sitter isn’t in your budget, ask a trusted friend or family member to do pet-sitting for you.

Stick to Their Regular Feeding Schedule
While you’re away, make sure to maintain your pet’s regular feeding schedule. Consistency is essential for keeping your pet happy and healthy. Feed them the same food they eat at home in the same quantity, and make sure they have access to plenty of fresh water. Also, make sure your pet sitter or helper knows about your pet’s feeding pattern.

Provide Your Pet with Plenty of Toys and Accessories
Toys and accessories can help keep your pets happy and entertained. Provide them with toys that they enjoy playing with, including chew toys, puzzle toys, and ball toys. You can also leave your pet with some relaxing music or a cozy blanket to snuggle on, making them feel comfortable and calm while you’re away. Make sure to check on them regularly, even if you are not there personally.

Make Sure Your Pet is Safe and Secure
Keeping your pets safe and secure is essential, especially when you’re not there to supervise them. Make sure your pet sitter or helper knows how to keep your pets safe and secure, including keeping them away from hazards like electrical cords, open flames, and toxic substances. Also, make sure that your pet’s space is secure as well and that they cannot leave their designated area.

Communicate with Your Pet Sitter or Helper
Communication is key to ensuring that your pet is happy and healthy while you’re away. Therefore, make sure you communicate clearly with your pet sitter or helper about your pet’s needs, routines, and health concerns. Leave emergency contact numbers, vet information, and clear instructions to ensure that your pets receive any necessary care.

The holidays can be a hectic time for us pet owners, but with these tips, you can be sure that your pets are well-fed and taken care of while you’re away. By hiring a pet sitter, sticking to your pet’s regular feeding schedule, providing them with plenty of toys and accessories, making sure they are safe and secure, and communicating with your pet sitter and helper, you can ensure that your pet has a happy and healthy holiday season.

Holiday Pet Safety Tips

Thursday, December 14th, 2023

Puppy Wearing Antlers by Christmas TreeAs the holidays approach, it’s a joyous time for us, but it can be quite stressful for our pets. With colder weather, decorations, and fireworks, there are a lot of things that can make our furry friends feel uneasy. It’s important to take measures to ensure that our pets stay warm, comfortable, and safe during the holiday season. In this guide we will discuss some common concerns pet owners face during the holidays and how to take care of our pets.

Keeping Pets Warm During Cold Weather
The winter season can be harsh for our pets, especially those who are not used to the cold. It’s important to keep your pets warm and comfortable during the winter months. For dogs, consider getting a coat or sweater to keep them cozy. For cats, consider providing them with a warm bed near a heat source or a heated pad. Keep in mind that pets may need more food during colder months to keep warm, so don’t forget to adjust their diet accordingly.

Preventing Pets from Getting into Holiday Decorations and Food
Decorations and holiday food can attract our pets’ attention, but they can also pose a threat to their health. Ribbons, tinsels, and ornaments can easily be ingested by pets, causing digestive problems or even blockages. Avoid using materials that are easily chewed or broken. Keep holiday food away from your pets! Some foods, like chocolate, can be toxic to pets. If you want to give your pet a treat, consider giving them a small amount of pet-friendly food.

Keeping Pets Safe During Fireworks Displays
Fireworks displays can be a source of anxiety for our pets. The loud noises and flashes of light can be overwhelming. If you plan to attend a fireworks display, consider leaving your pets at home. If you’re staying at home, make sure to close all windows and doors and turn on some background noise, like the TV or radio, to help mask the noise. If your pet becomes anxious, try to comfort them, but don’t punish them for their behavior.

Keeping an Eye on Your Pets
During the holidays, it’s important to monitor your pets for signs of stress or illness. Pets can become overwhelmed, anxious, or show signs of distress. Keep an eye on their behavior and make sure they have a place to retreat to if they become overwhelmed. If you notice any unusual behavior or symptoms, contact your veterinarian immediately.

Spend Time with Your Pets
The holidays can be a busy time, but it’s important to make time for your pets. Spending quality time with them can help alleviate their stress and anxiety. Take them for a walk, play with them, or snuggle with them on the couch. Your pets will appreciate the extra attention and love.

The holidays can be a wonderful time for us and our pets, but it’s important to keep in mind their safety and comfort amidst all the festivities. Be sure to follow these tips to keep pets safe and relieve pet stress for both you and your pet.

CapShield Plus Flea Treatment and Preventative

Sunday, June 28th, 2020

CapShield Plus Flea Treatment and Preventative for Dogs and Cats are one of the most effective over-the-counter flea preventing and repelling tablets for dogs, puppies, cats and kittens 2 pounds of body weight or greater and 8 weeks of age and older. CapShield Plus is a combination of Nitenpyram and Lufenuron. The two products when used together kill adult fleas and prevent flea eggs from hatching.  CapShield Plus comes in a 6 month supply and is sourced and packaged in the USA.  Pick up CapShield Plus at J&N Feed and Seed and be flea free all summer long!

Capshield Plus FleaAvailable in the following sizes:
Puppies and Small Dogs – 2 to 10 lbs.
Puppies and Small Dogs – 11 to 25 lbs.
Medium Dogs – 26 to 45 lbs.
Medium and Large Dogs – 46 to 90 lbs.
6 MONTH SUPPLY

Dosage:
A single dose of CapShield Plus can be provided once monthly as needed, or once monthly for
continued supplementation/protection. CapShield Plus capsules are recommended for dogs 8 weeks or older.

Active Ingredient: Each capsule contains 11.3 mg of Nitenpyram and 45 mg of Lufenuron

Pick up CapShield Plus Flea Treatment and Preventative at J&N Feed and Seed in Graham, Texas. We carry a full line of pet supplies, feeds and supplements to keep your pets happy and healthy.

 

Thanksgiving Safety Tips For Dogs and Cats

Thursday, November 1st, 2018

Thanksgiving Safety Tips The winter holidays can be fun for the whole family, but let’s make sure it’s not a dangerous time for your pet. Thanksgiving centers around food, so here are a few Thanksgiving safety tips to protect your pet and avoid a visit to the veterinarian.

 Cut the fat:

Fatty or rich foods like beef fat, poultry skin and gravy can cause severe gastrointestinal issues in pets, including:

  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Excessive gas
  • Serious diseases like pancreatitis. Pancreatitis is a severe inflammation of the pancreas, an organ that produces digestive enzymes. On the mild side, pancreatitis can cause vomiting and a decrease in appetite, but can potentially be fatal.

If you want to treat your pet, it’s best to stick to a pet treat or a couple of small bites of lean poultry or unsalted/unbuttered vegetables.

Bones are bad:

Although bones from our holiday birds look good to pets, they are dangerous and can cause intestinal upset and may even splinter once digested.

Watch the packaging:

Make sure you dispose of any turkey or other food packaging quickly and appropriately.

All strings, plastic holders and bags that have a meat smell to them can be very attractive to a pet. Once ingested, these items can cause damage or blockage of the intestines.

Chocolate is particularly toxic:

Consider all the cookie and desserts offered during the holidays, many of which contain chocolate.

Chocolate is dangerous for dogs in particular because it contains theobromine, a caffeine-like ingredient that can be toxic to your pet. Dogs are not able to metabolize theobromine as quickly as humans. Complications include:

  • Digestive issues
  • Dehydration
  • Excitability
  • Slow heart rate

Later stages of theobromine poisoning include epileptic-like seizures and death. Keep your pet away from dark, semi-sweet and baker’s chocolate because they contain higher levels of theobromine.

Source:  Banfield

Spectra Canine Vaccines At J&N

Thursday, March 31st, 2016

Spectra Canine Vaccines Spectra Canine Vaccines are available at J&N Feed and Seed. We offer a complete line of multi-protection, combination vaccines that provide protection for the major health risks of dogs, in a convenient, single dose packet.  Pet owners, breeders and shelters can now easily do their own shots for giant savings.

Canine Spectra 10 – Spectra 10 vaccine is a combination of immunogenic, attenuated strains of Canine Distemper, Canine Adenovirus Type 2 (CAV-2), Canine Parainfluenza, and Canine Parvovirus Type 2b, propagated in cell line tissue cultures.

Canine Spectra 9 – Canine Spectra 9 Single syringe is the annual booster vaccine that offers better protection for less! Spectra 9 is a convenient, ready-to-use syringe that offers 9-way protection against canine distemper, hepatitis, adenovirus, parvovirus, parainfluenza, and 4 kinds of Leptospira.

Canine Spectra 6 – Canine Spectra 6 is a ready-to-use syringe that prevents canine distemper, hepatitis, adenovirus, parvovirus, parainfluenza, and corona virus.

Canine Spectra 5 – Canine Spectra 5 is a convenient, ready-to-use syringe that provides 5-way protection against canine distemper, hepatitis, adenovirus, parvovirus, and parainfluenza.

Stop by J&N Feed and Seed for all your pet feeds and supplies.

Know The Signs Of Heatstroke In Pets

Monday, July 27th, 2015

Heat stroke is a serious condition that unfortunately occurs all too often in dogs and cats. Your pet can succumb to heat stroke when his body’s core temperature rises excessively — typically to 105 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. Dogs and cats are especially vulnerable to heat stroke because their furry bodies cannot sweat to dissipate heat.

Certain breeds and animals are more susceptible to heat stroke. If your animal is overweight, elderly or already has a heart condition, is it imperative that you take special care to ensure your pet is well hydrated and has access to ample cool space.  If your animal does overheat, it’s important to know the warning signs.

  • Rapid panting or particularly heavy breathing
  • Lethargy or mild weakness
  • Increased heart rate
  • Dizziness
  • Drooling
  • An elevated body temperature of 104 or more degrees Fahrenheit
  • Seizures
  • Bloody diarrhea
  • Vomit

If your animal exhibits any of these symptoms, contact your veterinarian immediately and move your pet to a cool, shady location. Begin to cool your pet’s body by placing cool, wet towels over the back of the neck, in the armpits and in the groin region. You may also wet the earflaps and paws with cool water.  CAUTION: Using very cold water can actually be counterproductive. Cooling too quickly and especially allowing his body temperature to become too low can cause other life-threatening medical conditions.

Dental Care Tips for Your Pet

Friday, January 30th, 2015

DogWithToothbrushChew on this…did you know that 8 out of every 10 pets over the age of three suffers from gum (periodontal) disease?  Proper prevention and dental treatment is necessary, without it your pets can suffer from tooth decay, bleeding gums, tooth loss, and even internal organ damage.

February is National Pet Care Dental Month.  Take the time to know the signs of oral disease in pets:

  • Bad breath.  Your pets breath will not smell great, but persistent bad breath is a sign that your pet needs a dental visit.
  • Red, bleeding, swollen, or receding gums
  • Yellow-brown plaque or tartar on your pets teeth
  • Loose, infected for missing teeth

What can you do to prevent oral disease?

  • Schedule annual wellness visits to your veterinarian, including dental visits and cleaning.
  • If you groom your pet monthly, see if your groomer offers teeth cleanings!  Many of them offer this service.
  • Brush your pets teeth regularly!  Pick up pet tooth brushes and tooth paste at your local pet store.
  • Feed pet food that is specifically designed and formatted to for tartar control and plaque buildup.
    • Choose kibble over wet pet food.  Kibble is better for their teeth
    • Avoid table scraps and human food.  Often these foods get stuck in your pets teeth and gums

Keeping your pet healthy includes their teeth!  Start you pet dental plan this month!

 

Is My Pet Overweight?

Tuesday, May 27th, 2014

OverweighPetsPostWe hear plenty in the news about the issue of obesity in America. But did you know that 55% of dogs and cats are overweight?

Risks
A pet weighing more than 10-20% of its optimal weight is at risk for:

  • High blood pressure
  • Ligament injury
  • Heart and respiratory disease
  • Increased risk of developing cancers of the mouth, skin, bones and liver
  • Type II Diabetes
  • Osteoarthritis
  • Kidney disease

Ultimately, overweight pets can have a decreased life expectancy of 2.5 years, which is equivalent to 38 human years!

Is my pet overweight?
Signs that your pet has packed on a few too many pounds:

  • Difficult to feel ribs under fat
  • Sagging stomach – you can grab a handful of fat
  • Broad, flat back and now waist

How much should my pet weigh? Here are some general guidelines for popular breeds:

  • German Shepherd: 75-95lbs
  • Labrador Retriever: 65-80lbs
  • Beagle: 18-30lbs
  • Yorkshire Terrier: 7lbs or less
  • Maine Coon Cat: 10-25lbs
  • Persian Cat: 7-12lbs
  • Domestic Breed Cat: 8-10lbs

Feeding
Many pets get 2 times the food they need, plus treats throughout the day. Follow these daily caloric needs for best portion control:

  • 10lb dog: 200-275 calories or one bowl of food and one treat per day
  • 10lb cat: 180-200 calories or one bowl of food and one treat per day
  • 20lb dog: 325-400 calories or one bowl of food and two treats per day
  • 50lb dog: 700-900 calories or two bowls of food and four treats per day

Exercise

We all need exercise on a daily basis and our pets are no different. Include you pet in your exercise routine and you’ll both be healthier for it!

For more information on healthy weight loss tips for your pet, visit http://www.petobesityprevention.com

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