A growing number of people are choosing to live vegan lifestyles as they become more conscious of how their decisions affect the environment and animals. This covers both the food we feed our pets and the food we eat. The popularity of vegan pet food is rising, but what does it really mean and why would your pet benefit from it? Let’s investigate more closely.

What is Vegan Pet Food?

A plant-based substitute for conventional pet food that doesn’t contain any animal products is vegan pet food. This indicates that vegetables, grains, and legumes are used in place of dairy, meat, and fish in the meal. You can buy vegan pet food from stores or prepare it at home using carefully chosen ingredients.

Why Choose Vegan Pet Food?

Pet owners may decide to feed their animals a vegan diet for a number of reasons, such as:

Ethical considerations
Some people make the decision to live a vegan lifestyle because they think it is unethical to use animals for human benefit. An expansion of this philosophy is the feeding of vegan food to their pets.

Environmental concerns

The production of animals has a major impact on other environmental issues and greenhouse gas emissions. Lowering your pet’s carbon footprint can be achieved by feeding them vegan food.

Health benefits

A diet high in plants may be beneficial for certain animals. For instance, a vegan diet devoid of common allergens like meat and dairy may be more beneficial for dogs with food allergies or sensitive stomachs.

Cost-effectiveness

Compared to traditional pet food, vegan commercial pet food can be more costly. However, producing your own vegan pet food could be a more affordable option.

What are the Potential Drawbacks of Vegan Pet Food?

Although feeding your pet a vegan diet has many advantages, there are also some possible disadvantages to take into account:

Nutritional deficiencies

It can be difficult to ensure that your pet consumes enough nutrients while following a vegan diet. Generally speaking, animal products contain taurine and vitamin B12, two important nutrients.

Digestive issues

Certain plant-based proteins may be difficult for some animals to digest, which can cause digestive problems like gas and bloating.

Taste preferences

Since many animals are used to the flavor of conventional pet food, they could find it difficult to adjust to a vegan diet.

Tips for Feeding Your Pet a Vegan Diet

There are a few considerations to make if you choose to feed your pet a vegan diet:

Consult with your veterinarian

Your veterinarian can advise you on any necessary supplements and help you decide whether a vegan diet is right for your pet.

Choose high-quality ingredients

Whether you make your own vegan pet food or buy it from a store, make sure to use ingredients that are high in protein and other necessary nutrients.

Monitor your pet’s health

To make sure your pet thrives on their new diet, pay special attention to their behavior and overall health. See your veterinarian if you notice any problems.

Introduce the new food gradually

Your pet should be gradually introduced to a new diet over several days to prevent digestive distress.

Conclusion

Pets and their owners may benefit from the increasing trend of vegan pet food in a number of ways. For many pets, a well-planned and balanced vegan diet can be a morally right decision, despite some possible disadvantages.

To ensure the best possible health and well-being for your pet, choose premium ingredients and speak with your veterinarian before introducing a vegan diet. And keep in mind that you don’t always need to use an electric dog collar when training your pet; there are plenty of positive reinforcement methods that work just as well.

Keeping our furry companions safe and secure is a top priority for any dog owner. In the quest to strike the right balance between giving our dogs the freedom to explore and ensuring their safety, wired dog fences have emerged as a highly reliable and effective solution.

While some pet owners might have reservations about their reliability, these modern containment systems offer a range of benefits that make them more trustworthy than one might initially think.

How Do Wired Dog Fences Work?

Wired dog fences, also known as underground or invisible fences, function based on a simple yet innovative principle. These systems consist of three main components:

1.  Boundary Wire

A special wire is buried underground, defining the perimeter you want to contain your dog.

2.  Transmitter

The transmitter, usually placed in weatherproof housing, sends a radio signal through the boundary wire.

3.  Receiver Collar

The dog wears a receiver collar that detects the radio signal from the boundary wire. If the dog approaches the set boundary, the collar emits a mild static correction, alerting the dog to retreat.

Benefits of Wired Dog Fences

Contrary to misconceptions, wired dog fences offer several advantages that contribute to their reliability and effectiveness:

Accurate Boundaries

The precision of wired fences is unmatched. The physical boundary wire allows for precise customization of the containment area, ensuring your dog stays exactly where you want them to be.

Consistent Training

Wired dog fences facilitate consistent training. The mild static correction delivered by the receiver collar is designed to be uncomfortable but not harmful. This teaches the dog to associate the correction with crossing the boundary, aiding in quick and effective learning.

Visual Unobtrusiveness

Unlike traditional fences that can obstruct views and alter the aesthetics of your property, wired fences remain invisible. This preserves the visual appeal of your landscape while keeping your dog safe.

Cost-Effectiveness

Wired dog fences are often more cost-effective compared to physical fences, especially when it comes to enclosing larger areas.

Versatility

These fences are suitable for various property types, including irregularly shaped yards. The boundary wire can be easily customized to fit the unique layout of your space.

Addressing Concerns About Reliability

While some pet owners might express doubts about the reliability of wired dog fences, many of these concerns can be addressed by understanding the technology and proper usage:

Interference and Signal Loss

One common concern is the potential for signal interference or loss due to environmental factors. However, modern wired fence systems utilize advanced technology to minimize these issues. Transmitters are designed to adapt to changing conditions and maintain a consistent signal.

Power Outages

Another worry is power outages, rendering the fence useless. Most wired fence systems include battery backup features in their transmitters, ensuring that the fence remains operational even during electrical interruptions.

Dog’s Response to Static Correction

Some pet owners are concerned that static corrections might harm their dogs or cause distress. It’s important to note that the static correction is mild and discomforting, not painful. The initial training phase helps dogs quickly learn to associate the correction with their proximity to the boundary.

Maximizing the Effectiveness of a Wired Dog Fence

To ensure that your wired dog fence remains a reliable containment solution, consider the following tips:

Proper Installation

Proper installation of the boundary wire is crucial. Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines to bury the wire at the recommended depth and shape it according to your property’s layout.

Training

Spend time properly training your dog to understand the boundaries and the consequences of crossing them. Regular training sessions, positive reinforcement, and patience are key to success.

Regular Maintenance

Inspect the boundary wire and collar periodically for any signs of damage or malfunction. Keep the collar clean and check the fit to ensure it’s snug but not overly tight.

Conclusion

Wired dog fences are an advanced and reliable solution for pet owners seeking to provide their dogs with freedom and safety. By understanding how these systems work and addressing common concerns; dog owners can confidently embrace this technology to create a secure environment for their furry friends. The accuracy, consistency, and cost-effectiveness of wired dog fences make them trustworthy for responsible pet owners who want the best for their four-legged companions.

When you bring a new furry friend to your home, it is a smart decision to start their training immediately. But where should you start? What is the most appropriate way to train a dog or how to train an adult dog? 

These are the common questions that are bound to arise when you own a pet for the first time. You can prefer to take the help of a dog trainer who makes this task easier for you. But if you don’t have enough time to take your dog to a trainer, you can train your dog yourself. Here, in this content, you will come to know about some useful dog training methods. Let’s have a look at basic training tips:

Choose the Name of Your Dog Wisely 

Apart from bringing your new furry friend home, you should search for the perfect name for your furry friend. But have you ever heard that certain names prove better for training? Well, it is true to some extent. Choose a short name that ends with a consonant. Short names can be heard clearly. Some short names for puppies include Jack, jasper, and Ginger. 

Whatever name you give your pet, try to give him a fun and pleasant experience rather than negative feelings. Your puppy must think of its name exactly how it thinks about other fun stuff at home. 

Decide Simple House Rules 

Before you bring your new furry friend to your home, you should anticipate what things they can do and what not. Must you decide a few things like are they allowed to lie on bed or furniture? Will they have any local places? Will they have their chair at the dining table? If you determine everything before, you can avoid confusion that may arise later. 

Arrange a Private Den 

Like human beings, dogs also need their own space. Try to give them a separate space by setting up a separate den. Your dog will definitely get relief and feel safe in its own den. It is a valuable tool for housetraining purposes. Their den will be a relaxing place for them. 

Help Your Dog to Become Relax 

Please provide them with a hot water bottle and a clock near the sleeping area when your puppy gets home. The littermates’ intimate heat feeling and heartbeat will definitely soothe your puppy in a new environment. 

This tip proves extremely important if you found a dog previously living in a loud shelter or in a busy place. Whatever you do to make your furry friend feel comfortable will give them unlimited pleasure and happiness. 

Reward Them For Their Good Behavior

Reward your furry friend for their decent and good behavior. Give them lots of toys and praise them. Don’t forget to give them surprising treats. At the same time, you should not reward them for their bad behavior. It will make them confused. 

Teach Your Puppy to Come Whenever You Call Them

The first command you should teach your dog is to come whenever you call them by their names. You should get down on their level and show them love and care. It will give those lots of excitement and lots of positive energy. Try the command when you find your puppy distracted with toys or food. 

Train Your Dog To Be On Time 

Teach your puppy to live the moment. Whatever they do, they forget after two minutes. Therefore, whenever your puppy is doing something wrong, you should prevent them from doing it. Repetition of this activity will make them learn what is good and what is bad. To give better training to your dogs, you can choose to install an electric fence in your yard. An electric dog fence for small dogs is an effective tool to train them the right way. 

Therefore, these are dog training methods. It works really well. 

Five Essential Dog Obedience Commands

1. Sit 

Teaching your dog to sit is one of the most important obedience commands. It is a great one to start your dog training procedure. When your dog learns the command, it will be easier for you to control dogs the right way. 

2. Come

Another important dog obedience command is come. This command proves really helpful when you leash the grip of the leash or if you accidentally leave the front door open. Teaching them this command always helps your dog to stay out of trouble. 

3. Down 

The next important yet difficult command to teach is down. When you teach your dog the word down, it makes them submissive and calm. It will also help you to keep your dog relaxed and positive. 

4.  Stay

This command helps you to control your dog easily. This command proves helpful in controlling your furry friend in many situations. 

5. Leave it 

The last but important command that helps to keep your dog always in safe mode is the word leave it. This command keeps them in a safer position whenever they smell anything intriguing.

Therefore, these are the five most essential dog obedience commands.

Photo by Josh Hild on Unsplash.

Pet insurance has allowed me to make emergency medical decisions for my pets with little thought about the costs involved. Veterinary costs are constantly rising like everything else.

Yet last year, when my cat Bonzo suddenly became dehydrated and diagnosed with early onset kidney failure, he was treated immediately. The last thing on my mind was the thousands of dollars in vet charges about to be incurred.

Today Bonzo continues to be happy and healthy because of pet insurance. Pet emergencies can cost thousands of dollars.

Several years ago my sister’s dog ran out into traffic, fracturing several bones. It was a very traumatic experience for everyone involved. The kids were crying, the dog was crying, bystanders were crying.

Making sure the dog wasn’t suffering was everyone’s type priority. Like me, my sister had pet insurance and so the issue of the thousands of dollars likely needed for treatment wasn’t even discussed.

He was rushed to the vet hospital, where he was treated for several days. When he came home, the smile on my nephew’s face as he ran up and welcomed his best friend home was truly priceless.

What is pet insurance?

Pet Insurance is a policy that covers your household pets such as cats and dogs as long as they’re healthy. Whether your dog or cat is mixed breed or pedigree most insurers will cover the animal for the whole of its life.

That means if an emergency medical situation arises, I can make the best choices for the comfort and health of my friend, rather than what best suits my pocketbook of the day.

What does pet insurance cover?

Pet insurance usually covers more than just the vet bills. It can also cover emergency kenneling costs, theft and travel.

Vaccinations and routine treatments such as worming and flea treatments are also excluded. Millions of pet owners treat their animals like family.

I have four cats, who are members of my family. I have had pets my entire life. I cannot imagine the distress of being in a situation where my pet’s problem is curable but the cost is too high and I put my animal to sleep.

Or, I opt for less than ideal treatment again because of cost constraints.

I would never do that to my own children so why would I do that to my pets?

Pet insurance can give you the piece of mind that you are covered against unexpected bills. Pet insurance can take away the financial worries when a pet is seriously ill.

Knowing this, when I first discovered pet insurance in the late 1980’s (while renewing my life insurance) I jumped all over it. At that time, $25 per month to cover three cats seemed like peanuts. Today, I pay $60 for 4 cats.

When should I get pet insurance?

I have insured all of my cats within the first six months of life. It is often difficult to get insurance for older pets. Usually pre-existing illnesses will not be covered. That’s why it is important to think about insurance as soon as possible.

It is now possible to pay a monthly premium to insure your pet against veterinary fees.

Are there different levels of pet insurance?

Just like the different coverages on your life insurance policy, pet insurance plans are the same.

There are usually different levels of coverages available where different values or events are covered. Usually the higher the monthly payment, the greater the value of coverages.

Different aspects of coverages you need to review include: Vet’s Fees, Coverage for Life, Accidental Damage, Death from Illness, Death from Accident, Advertising & Reward, Theft or Straying, Third Party Liability & Legal Expenses, Boarding Kennel Fees, Holiday Cancellation Costs and Overseas Travel.

Photo by Chris Abney on Unsplash.

There’s a moment of truth for every dog owner. It’s the end of the evening and you’re ready to go to bed. Rover is sitting and looking at you with those big brown eyes, head cocked to the side, cuter than any animal has a right to be. Do you let Bowser sleep with you?

There’s no right or wrong answer to this question. The real question is: is letting Fifi sleep in your bed right for you? And truthful answers to a few questions will let you reach the right decision for you and your dog.

First

Pixie is an adorable, 15-pound Mastiff puppy. But will there even be room for both of you in bed when she’s a full-grown, 120 pound dog? Her legs don’t bend the way yours do – picture her, as an adult, taking the space of a five-foot square. Possibly not the best choice for a sleeping companion in your twin bed.

Next

Does Bruiser snore? Or shed? Or drool? Much as you may love him, there are times when he’s been rolling in something that you really may not want on your sheets. And giving a dog a bath every night before bed-time isn’t really a viable evening ritual.

Third

A dog’s normal body temperature is somewhere around 102 degrees Fahrenheit. Which can be warm, wonderful and cozy on a cold winter night – especially when you’re trying to keep that thermostat low and the energy bills under control. It actually sounds delightfully snuggly this time of year. But picture those same 102 degrees in August. Will you really be able to look at that shaggy face and say Not tonight, dear, it’s too hot out! Muttly isn’t going to understand and may think he’s done something wrong.

There are trainers out there who claim that dogs should never sleep with you, that it undermines your authority as the leader of your family pack. The most important concepts in training are patience, decisiveness, and consistency. Decide what the rules are for your dog. Stick to them. As long as Sparky knows what’s expected, she’s happy.

Yes, Trinket would probably prefer to sleep in bed with you. He may even decide that your pillow is the best place to be, with the blanket pulled up to his chin. But he doesn’t get to decide that. You do. If it’s what you want, it’s what you and Duke should do. If it’s not, teach your dog where his bed is and reward him for staying in it. Be strong. The more work you put into training Hooch now, the longer you’ll be able to enjoy your well-trained dog.

Meditation is as simple as a walk in the dog park. Imagine sitting down with your dog. As you both begin to relax, your breaths become longer, less hurried. Your thoughts slow down until it seems like you are not thinking at all.

If you and your dog already share moments like these, then you’ve glimpsed the bliss of meditation.

Meditation is great for dogs. Not only does it improve a dog’s health and well-being, but excitable dogs become calmer, aggressive dogs become more loving, and dogs that once whined and howled for attention become quieter and more content. Meditation is great for you, too. It relieves stress and sharpens your mental focus.

Here are five ways to get started on a non-dogmatic meditation practice:

Schedule a regular time

First thing in the morning is a great time, or right after you get home from work but before you get into your evening activities. The more consistent you are, the more you and your dog will be able to ease into meditation.

Develop a ritual

Ritual helps to prepare you and dog for meditation. Light a candle, burn incense, put on quiet music, or sit in the same place and position each day.

Let go of expectation

If you have a pre-conceived idea of what your meditation experience will be, you’ll just get frustrated. Your experience will not be the same as someone else’s and chances are, will be different for you from day to day. Enjoy your meditation, however it turns out.

Connect with your dog

When you sit down to meditate, your dog should be either lying next to you or on your lap. Put one or both hands on your dog. This connection is soothing to him. Your dog may get up. That’s okay. Just stay quiet, and when your dog returns, put your hand or hands back on him. You can use an invisible dog fence from eXtreme Dog Fence to keep them in house.

Conclude your meditation the same way each time

This signals your body and mind, as well as your dog, that it’s time to move on to the next part of your day. The transition should be gentle rather than jarring. Pet your dog slowly, lengthening the stroke from short to long; whisper or say aloud an affirmation, quote, or prayer; or roll your head from side to side.

Meditating with your dog is as individual as your relationship with your dog. Be patient. Try different things. There are few rules about meditation. The perfect meditation is whatever brings you and your pooch bow wow bliss.

Lyme disease is caused by an organism known as a spirochete, which is a coiled rod-shaped bacterium and named Borrelia burgdorferi. It is passed to dogs and people by deer ticks carrying the infection; the ticks get the infection from the white-footed mouse, which acts as a carrier. The only way a tick can transmit the bacteria is to remain attached to the animal’s skin for one to two days.

Unfortunately, these ticks are very small and easily can go unnoticed. Lyme disease in dogs has been found worldwide and in ancient Chinese medical literature they actually describe a syndrome very similar to Lyme disease, thousands of years before Lyme, Connecticut was named. In the United States, more than 90% of the cases occur in the Northeast, with California and Mississippi second. Lyme disease in dogs is fairly common, but rarely seen in cats, although some cats have been infected with it.

The main clinical signs of Lyme disease in dogs include a sudden yet recurring lameness that may shift from leg to leg. Sometimes this lameness is associated with a fever and depression. Occasionally you will see swollen lymph nodes. Sometimes the joints may be swollen, feel warm, and it’s very painful. The dog infected will usually walk stiffly with a hunched back. Lyme disease in dogs is really very painful and they commonly are very sensitive to touch and may cry out with even the slightest touch.

Many dogs with Lyme disease that were diagnosed with slipped discs in their neck and crying in pain and it was actually Lyme disease causes muscle spasms in the neck and they only improved when they were administered the appropriate antibiotic. Sometimes you will see the classic red round target lesion around a tick bite on your pet and within a few days they may show the signs of lameness, fever and sensitivity to touch. If you suspect your pet has Lyme disease, take them to the vet immediately for treatment.

Treatment

Treatment involves the use of an appropriate antibiotic, such as doxycycline, for at least three to four weeks.

Prognosis

Dogs should begin to show signs of recovery two to three days after beginning treatment. However, the disease may recur within a few weeks or months; in these cases, the dog will need to return to antibiotic therapy for extended periods.

Prevention

There is a vaccine for the prevention of Lyme disease. Quick removal of a tick also will help prevent Lyme disease because the tick must remain attached to the dog’s body for one to two days before the disease can be transmitted. Consult with a veterinarian about the different tick prevention products that are available, as they can be an effective way to prevent the disease. The sooner you start treatment, the sooner your pet will be without pain.

There is a lot of talk going on about what to do with the issue of feral cat population. Some measures have been proposed which will allow residents to kill what they perceive to be feral cats on their property. This suggestion has caused a bit of a stir, and amongst cat lovers, it is quite understandable. Cats are natural wanderers and a treasured feline may make a mischievous dash out of its home only to find itself hunted quarry on a neighboring property.

There are more humane solutions being practiced right now which entail trapping feral cats, neutering and then releasing them back to their environment (TNR). Critics of this method maintain that the problem of cat predation on local small animal populations still exists after neutering, and that a continuous supply of stray cats are finding their fertile way into these feral communities every day. Thus, they maintain, any positive gains realized by the TNR program are being constantly negated by the actions, or inactions, of irresponsible pet owners.

There doesn’t appear to be any immediate, cut and dry solution to feral cats at present except to keep employing the TNR program and educating the public about how to be accountable for their cats. Local laws can be enacted to impose fines on owners whose cats are caught wandering on a frequent basis. Social pressure can be fostered in the form of campaigns that suggest it is absolutely not cool and downright irresponsible to have unneutered or unspayed cats wandering around. This, of course, would not be applied to owners of show and working cats where planned breeding is necessary for their specific breed.

It comes down to the fact that over 64% of U.S. households have pets, and the majority of these pets are considered as family members. Cats are the rebellious, independent members of the family unit. They shouldn’t be left to their own devices or discarded like disposable lighters. Similar to any wayward teenager of a family, special measures and tolerances have to be adopted in order to get the loved ones through a difficult time in their lives and bring them back into the fold of family unity.

Cats are a bit different in that they are wayward children for life, however, they can be conditioned to accept a house-bound lifestyle. Having them spayed or neutered (we’re talking about cats now – not teenagers) will help temper their wanderlust a little, and there are some great outdoor playpens and containment systems designed just for the benefit of felines. Some cats can even be leash trained for nightly walks, however, that may not be particularly healthy for you or the cat if there are too many unleashed dogs in the neighborhood.

Do what you can to help alleviate the problem of cats turning feral. The animal welfare organizations and volunteers are doing what they can to deal with the current populations by using TNR, rescuing and adopting of cats. But the flow of new, fertile domestic cats into the feral communities must be stopped at the family, neighborhood and regional level. This is accomplished through public awareness campaigns, teaching school children about responsible pet ownership, social pressure and individual involvement. It’s a long uphill road, yet it can be accomplished, one or two kitties at a time.

Interested in parrots? Welcome to the world of the flying feathers. All types of parrots are brightly colored with a few exceptions. Some types of parrots are small, cuddly and cute. Others are bigger and grander than their smaller relations. The most common types of parrots are green in color and make wonderful pets. They are usually small in size and have amazing talking abilities.

There are some types of parrots that are multi-colored. They come in bright blue, yellow, green, white and mixtures of two or more of these colors. They are often nicknamed winged rainbows. Some of these types of parrots are wild while some are docile in nature. Some make wonderful pets while some are too independent to be bound down by humans. Some types of parrots are as dependent on us as our children would be. They love company and love to mimic human voices.

Almost all types of parrots eat fruits, vegetables, chicken and a lot of seeds. Most types of parrots tend to become moody and begin to pluck their feathers if they are not in the right state of mind or if they are unhealthy. There are many species of parrots available. The most common types of parrots can be grouped under the following heads:

Parrots

Parrots are a very popular group of birds. Parrots are intelligent animals that depend on some degree of socialization and will not be good pets unless they are taught and patterned to be good pets.

Macaws

Macaws are flamboyant, colorful, intelligent and captivating birds. However, like ill-trained children, macaws can be a major embarrassment if they are not well trained.

Conures

In the wild conures are friendly, peaceful birds and seldom fight with each other. Conures are known for their sweet dispositions and playfulness. They definitely have a mind of their own.

Cockatoos

Cockatoos make wonderful pets because of their sweet nature. Cockatoos love to be cuddled and bond very easily with their human owners.

Parakeets

Parakeets have as many variations of their breed as there are varieties of their color. Parakeets actually means small parrots.

Cockatiels

Cockatiels are ideal for the first time pet owner. They are characteristically happy and cheerful birds, never moody or demanding.

Budgies

The word budgie is short for budgerigar which is a native green and yellow bird in Australia. They make wonderful pets because of their relatively gentle, gregarious and entertaining personalities.

Zoonoses is the term applied to a grouping of diseases that are transferable from canine/feline to human. Basically, these fall into three groupings based on their means of transmission. This also groups them, ideally, in the means of treatment and control. The three groupings are as follows, spread through:

1. urine or feces
2. hair and skin contact, or
3. bites and scratches

Spread through Urine or Feces

Hookworms

Hookworms enter the body in the area that directly comes in contact with the feces-contanimated soil. Seen more commonly in the South, these parasites are unsuited to ideally live in human beings. Traditionally they die after crawling several inches underneath the surface layer of the skin. Inflammation usually occurs as a result of these parasites in humans and causes a condition called creeping eruption which may last several weeks or months depending on its severity.

Leptospirosis

Pets may come in contact with this through swimming, drinking, licking their fur, or by eating food contaminated with animal urine. Many animals may carry this, though rats are most often the culprit.

Symptoms in humans are flu-like including chills, body aches, vomiting, fever and headache. Sometimes kidney damage may occur or the membranes covering the spinal cord or brain may become inflamed. This disease is not usually fatal though it does make its host miserable for weeks at a time.

Roundworms

If these parasites are swallowed by humans they migrate into the body tissues and may cause damage, including symptoms of fever and liver enlargement which can last up to a year in length including symptoms of fever and liver enlargement which can last up to a year in length.

These parasites are most commonly found in small children (2-4 years of age) who mistakenly swallow the eggs and become infected. Children playing in an area in which an animal has defecated in the past, who do not wash their hands after coming in contact with the eggs and inadvertently sticks their hands into their mouth are the most common receptors of roundworm. Only rarely fatal, the disease is traditionally mild though it may be long lasting.

Tapeworms

Tapeworms can easily be ingested by any pet who swallows a flea carrying the infected form when biting at or chewing their coat. Children may get it virtually the same way- minus the coat chewing. Tapeworm infestation in humans this way is actually quite rare when compared to infestation from eating undercooked pork or beef.

Toxoplasmosis

Rarely this may cause death in humans since most people develop a resistance to it during normal exposure. It can cause many types of birth deformities in children born to mothers who have been infected for the first time without having developed an immunity before becoming pregnant. Most commonly this is picked up through contact with infected cat feces or in contact with contaminated soil.

Prevention of Waste Transmitted Diseases

There are a few basic precautions everyone should take to prevent transmission of any of the fore-mentioned diseases. First, clean up all pet droppings and wash your hands each time you any come in contact with contaminated soil. It is extremely important to teach children these steps. Also, if your pet has gone wading or swimming in any water which may have become contaminated with animal urine, bathe it at once when you return home.

Spread through Skin/Hair Contact

Fleas

Fleas prefer feeding on your pets though they will not turn up the chance of of making an occasional meal on humans as well.

Ringworm

Most commonly found in children (though anyone may be infected), this is caused by a skin/hair eating fungus which first appears on people as a round, red, scaly area. It grows outward in a circular formation and is the most common fungal disease currently reported.

Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever

Tick borne, this disease can cause symptoms such as fever, chills and headache though it is not usually fatal. Symptoms may last many weeks and it can be treated with antibiotics.

Most commonly it is transmitted through the bite of an infected tick. Also, you may become infected while pulling a tick off your pet. It is best to wear gloves when removing ticks.

Scabies

The less commonly found version of mange (as opposed to the demodetic version), this may still cause intense itching, irritation and thickening of the skin. Animal mange may live in human skin though it cannot reproduce there. Humans have their own version of the scabies mite.

Prevention of Skin/Hair Contact Diseases

Overall, proper nutritional care and health of your pet is the best defense against the chance of your pet harboring any of these diseases. Frequent grooming and herbal repellents are good choices in combating most of these problems before they become major. Stress, roaming and contact with other pets are the three most common points of transmission among the previous diseases.

Wash your hands after pet contact and minimize contact with any infected pet until the problem is cured.

Diseases Caused by Bites and Scratches

Cat Scratch Fever

Some people will develop a fever, enlarged lymph nodes and malaise near the area of a bite or scratch from a cat a few weeks after the occurrence. Though not fatal it can be very uncomfortable and can be followed by complications. Infected cat bites may become infected with an entirely different bacteria though the symptoms are similar.

Probably best, is to thoroughly wash an area bitten or scratched by a cat and to clean it liberally on a frequent basis to prevent, hopefully, infection.

Rabies

Virtually 100% fatal once the clinical symptoms appear, this disease is carried by a virus transmitted through the saliva of an infected biting animal. Symptoms include frothing at the mouth, extreme behavioral/personality changes and convulsions which usually ends in the aggressive, staggering and bleary- eyed condition.

If you happen upon an animal showing any of these symptoms, get away from it as quickly as possible and call your nearest animal control unit. If by chance you are bitten, try to follow it to where it lives(if it is a stray)so that the proper officials may capture it for testing. If you do kill it, do not injure the head as this will be needed for verification. Also, if you are bitten by an animal exhibiting any of the symptoms above, thoroughly wash out the wound as quickly as possible and contact your personal physician. Overall, your chances of getting rabies are rare though you can never be over cautious.

Prevention of Bite and Scratch Transmitted Diseases

Best advice, keep your pet in tip-top physical condition through exercise and proper nutrition to reduce its chances of picking up any parasites from less healthy animals. Also, try to minimize your pets contact with wild animals or sick pets.