Waggles Blog — Dog Health
Common Dog Myths That Are Total Bully Sticks! 0
They may be man's best friend but our furry companions are still pretty mysterious at times, and as humans we crop their behavior up to silly sayings or assumptions a lot of time. Here's a list of common myths us humans have assigned to our dog friends through the years that are plain untrue and reveal what could really be going on with your pet.
1. Eating Grass Means An Upset Stomach
Owners have often believed that when their dog is munching on grass outside it means they're attempting to make themselves throw up due to an irritated stomach. While some dogs vomit after eating too much grass, this is generally a side effect, not an intended result on the part of the dog. If your dog regularly eats too much grass and vomits, you should probably discourage eating grass and look for ways to enhance their diet
Dog's ancestors have eaten grass throughout the ages, or absorbed it through the digesting the stomach's of their prey. Some dogs simply eat grass because they think it tastes good or they're craving a form of nutrients that is missing from their food.
2. Weekly Baths Are Good For Your Dog
This is one of those myths that is applied across all dog breeds, when really it's only true for some. Over bathing your pet is actually more common for people who live by this mantra, which can lead to skin irritation. If you do have to bathe your pet weekly, we an all-natural, gentle cleanser formulated to protect and support sensitive skin and coats.
3. A Dry Nose Means Your Dog Is Sick
Just like us, your pet's temperature and regulation of their temperature fluctuates often so varying levels of moisture on their nose is normal. If your pet's nose isn't overly dry, cracked or inflamed and they are playing and acting as they usually do, then there is nothing to worry about.
4. A Wagging Tail Means A Happy Dog
They may look super cute when they're jumping around, wagging their tails but that doesn't always mean they're happy or having a good time. A wagging tail can also be an indication of stress or anxiety, or even aggression depending on the situation. You should pay attention to the overall body language of your pet to fully understand the intent behind their wagging tail.
5. An Old Dog Can't Learn New Tricks
I wish we could pin-point where and how this turn-of-phrase came to because it is simply incorrect. Dedicating 15 minutes here and there throughout your day to teach your dog basic commands or tricks is all it takes to teach a dog something new, at any age. Dog's especially are always willing to learn or investigate something new, as long as it's repeated, integrated into their routine, and positively reinforced. Don't doubt our old dogs, they're the best!
6. Dogs Get Stiff When They're Old
In fact this myth is quite the opposite, dog's get old when they get stiff! Just like for us, a sedentary life isn't entirely healthy and the more exposure to consistent exercise helps support strong bones and muscles. Keeping your dog active and having fun is the best way to prevent a stiff, seemingly 'old' doggy.
7. Dog's Have Clean Mouths
We've all heard the ratios about the amount of bacteria in a dog's mouth versus ours or versus a toilet set and so on. The truth of the matter is dog's eat their own poo so they can't truly be that clean. Although dog's have powerful saliva and are regularly self-cleaning and pruning their tongue - this does not mean they have clean mouths.
8. Garlic Is An Effective Remedy For Fleas & Ticks
Not only does garlic do nothing to improve a bad flea or tick condition, but garlic ahs also been known to cause something called hemolytic anemia in dogs, a condition where the body attacks and destroys it's own red blood cells. Of course, this doesn't always happen as a result of your dog eating garlic but it's best to play it on the safe side and not let them around it.
9. Dogs Are Colorblind
Dogs actually can see color, but they don't see the same range of colors as humans or nearly as many. Instead a rainbow made up of red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo and violet, they see a study in shades of khaki, ranging from brown through yellow and mustard to blue.
However, their unique eyesight does allow them to see better in the dark.
10. Dogs Heal Their Wounds By Licking Them
In reality, if a wound heals faster after a dog licks it, that's because his rough tongue has been removing dead tissue and stimulating circulation, much like a surgeon would debride a wound. On the other hand, licking wounds can sometimes cause more harm than good by introducing bacteria and/or irritating the wound.
Your 2019 Guide For Flea, Tick, & Heartworm Medications 0
When it comes to deciding on what treat, collar, harness, or toy is going to be best for your pet - is always difficult. There are always so many aspects to consider from will your pet like it, to is it safe, does it have natural and safe ingredients, to will it work or last? This interrogation of products for your pet only becomes more difficult when trying decide what type of care to use when preventing fleas, ticks, and heart worms. Although we know these meds are necessary for our pets, but how do we know which one is best for them and their system? Well we've compiled a guide to give you the facts on just that so you can compare for yourself what treatment is best for your pet!
1. Flea & Tick Medications
It's a wild world out there, and your dog and cat want to sniff, lick, and experience it to the fullest. Sometimes that means they pick up a few creepy crawlers on the way that might lead to some itching, and if untreated could really make them ill. How to decide between flea collars, topical creams, or pills? See the details below on each one! Age, species, breed, health status, and any current medications should all be considered when choosing a flea medication for your pet. All of the flea/tick preventatives are medications and any new products should not be started without first talking with your veterinarian.
- Topical Medication -
- Often referred to as 'spot on' treatments, these usually oily creams are to be applied at the base of your pets neck and down to between their shoulder blades, or all the way down the center of their back depending on directions for your brand. Some of these creams not only kill fleas and ticks but include a repellent as an additional layer of protection.
- Once applied it will spread throughout their skin with use of their sweat glands. You should keep children and other animals away from this pet until the solution has dried.
- Once dried, your pet is free to play around in water or be bathed. Be sure to use gentle shampoo that won't irritate the skin or strip away the medication.
- Side effects can be further itching, scratching, and irritation in which case you should talk your vet about employing a different remedy.
- Oral Medication -
- Easy to use, oral flea and tick medications are very popular among pet owners. Oral medications currently only do half the battle though and kill current infestations, but they don't repel against future ones.
- Common side effects can be an upset stomach, vomiting and diarrhea, in some cases skin irritation or depression has been reported but that is more uncommon. If any of these effects persist, it's best to contact your vet.
- Some oral and topical medications can also act as heart worm medication so be sure to evaluate each products benefits when assessing your pets coverage needs.
- Collars -
- Another easy to use and common favorite for pet owners. No need to schedule time to take a pill or wait for an ointments or topical creams to dry. You simply let them wear the collar which emits a concentrated chemical that kill and repel ticks and fleas. Although these are relatively well-priced, they can sometimes be very potent and cause irritation for you or your pet. You also want to avoid children and others don't touch the collar.
- Sprays -
- Sprays are often used for spot treatment, when you know your pet has a flea or tick in a certain area and you want to kill it on site, immediately. We don't recommend spray as a full coverage, as it's difficult to be thorough with only the spray bottle.
- These are not waterproof so your pet can't get wet or be bathed after applying the spray.
- Make sure not to get any spray in your pet's eyes, ears, or mouth.
- Powders -
- Like sprays, powders can be difficult to apply as they require you dusting their entire body with these chemical agents, and rubbing them into their fur. This can cause skin irritation and in some cases vomiting, diarrhea, and depression. This is a highly potent chemical mixture usually and we don't highly recommend it for use against fleas and ticks.
- Shampoos -
- Shampoos are helpful when washing away dead fleas or ticks, or their eggs, disrupting future infestations but this is only a temporary measure and won't repel against future fleas or ticks trying to infiltrate your pet's healthy tresses.
- Dips -
- These are highly concentrated liquid solution diluted with water and applied to your pet. Afterward, they do not get rinsed and need to be air dried.
- Dips cannot be used on very young pets, puppies or kittens or if they are nursing or pregnant.
- It is usually advised to have a dip done by a professional, as they are very concentrated and should be used with extreme caution. If you are administering a dip, it is important to protect your skin and eyes while applying to the pet. You should also avoid the pet’s eyes and mouth.
Heart Worm Medications
The American Heartworm Society recommends year-round administration of heartworm preventives to ensure pets are protected from deadly heartworms. Medications for heartworm prevention and treatment are only available by prescription from veterinarians. Prevention is always the best option, as damage from heartworms can be permanent.
Here at Waggles, we usually like to keep this as 'all-natural' as possible, but it's important to note that there are no natural products that can be used for prevention or treatment of heartworms. We recommend always using FDA-approved products as recommended by your veterinarian.
- Oral Heartworm Medications -
- Definitely one of the most common forms of heart worm medication are the oral tablets or chewables, administered once a month.
- Many of the heartworm brands available today contain either ivermectin or milbemycin as the active ingredient, and many serve more than one function— not only killing heartworm larvae but also eliminating internal parasites such as roundworms and hookworms.
- We recommend watching your dog or cat to ensure they chew and swallow the entire tablet and don't spit it out or upchuck it, if so this will render the medication useless.
- Topical Heartworm Medications -
- These are also applied once a month, usually between your pet's shoulder blades or at the base of their neck.
- These preventatives sometimes contain active ingredients that also work to eliminate fleas, mange mites, and roundworms.
- These topical treatments are toxic if ingested so be sure to watch your pet until the solution has set and dried before allowing them to interact with children, other animals, furniture, or flooring.
- Heartworm Medication Injections -
- Moxidectin can be administered as an injection for up to six months protection from heartworms.
- The injectable heartworm medication does come with restrictions on its use and must be administered by a veterinarian and this is only after intensive training in its proper use.
- Your veterinarian is also required to record the lot number of the product used for your pet and must report any adverse effects that may arise.
Facts To Consider When Deciding
Usage
When looking for to cure your dog of fleas and ticks, the usage of the treatment is something to take into consideration.
Oral medication (flea pills) usually have to be taken daily until the infestation is gone. Topical treatments, however, can be administered once a month and can last up to 30 days.
Cat & Dog Friendly
If you are looking for a treatment that cures both dogs and cats then a topical treatment might be the best option for you.
Oral medication prescribed by a vet has a different dosage for cats and dogs and will vary depending on their age and weight. A topical treatment, however, is applied to the skin so it is safe for both dogs and cats.
Your Pet's Age
The age of your dog or cat is an important factor in determining whether topical or oral medication is best for your pet. Topical treatments, depending on the brand and ingredients, can usually be given to pets from 7 weeks onwards. Oral medication, however, is given when your pet is usually 14 weeks or older.
Effectiveness
While the topical treatments provide almost immediate relief, they are not as effective as oral medication as a whole. As flea pills are prescribed by a vet, they're often a stronger and more powerful treatment that ensure the fleas and ticks will be eliminated.
Celebrating the 2019 Pup Crawl with Pet Pal Animal Shelter 0
Take A Look At This Year's Pup Crawl 2019, Hosted By Our Friends at the St. Petersburg Pet Pal Animal Shelter! Find Out All About the Event and More!
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Discover the Full List of Recalled Pet Foods for 2019 & Learn About Safe and Healthy Alternatives for Your Furry Family!
Let's Tackle the Heavy Chewers 0
Waggles knows how to tackle heavy chewers. Bully Sticks are powerful chews produced from grass-fed beef raised on the open range. The treats are easily digested, and they are available in a variety of thicknesses and cuts to match every dog's needs. The straight sticks come in two lengths: 6 or 12 inches. 
Regular - Tough thin sticks available in four packs.
Jumbo - Jumbo’s are approximately 30% thicker than the regular sticks.
Steer - Large cuts for powerful chewers. Steer’s are approximately 20% thicker the jumbos.
Combination sticks offer different textures and can add variety to a pups chewing pattern. They are available in 7, 9, and 15 inches.
Braided - Bully Braids are three sticks woven together.
Jerky Wrapped - Two treats twisted together.
Curly Pizzles - A challenging spiral-corkscrew cut.
What's your dog's favorite? FIND OUT HERE
