Your Pets Count

pet information that caters to your special friend

You are currently browsing the The Pet Product Guru blog archives for January, 2019.

Archives

Calendar

January 2019
M T W T F S S
 123456
78910111213
14151617181920
21222324252627
28293031  

Archive for January, 2019

Liver Problems in Pets

Thursday, January 31, 2019
posted by Jim Murphy

A healthy liver is essential for a healthy pet. Your pet’s liver is vital to maintain his metabolism and to get rid of toxins. Veterinarians find one of the most common pet ailments is liver disease and the symptoms can be vague or hard to spot.  Most often, liver problems make a pet lethargic and sluggish. Some people say that their cat or dog just isn’t acting like himself.  Pets with liver disease will also eat less than usual and his eyes and mouth may develop a yellowish tint.  If your pet has any of these symptoms, take him to a veterinarian.  Liver disease can occur at any age but there are good treatments and pet medication available. The sooner it’s diagnosed, the better.

Remember, your pets count!

Keep the oldies playing all the time on Edgewater Gold Radio. Download the free Edgewater Gold Radio app, tell Alexa to “Play Edgewater Gold Radio or listen from our website: Edgewatergoldradio.com.

add comment    Comments Off on Liver Problems in Pets

How Cold is Too Cold For Your Dog?

Wednesday, January 30, 2019
posted by Jim Murphy

Much of the nation is experiencing, dangerous, life threatening cold. In Minneapolis the temperature last night was -25 with a wind chill of -60! These temperatures are colder than in  Antarctica. Your pet cannot take these temperatures and I wouldn’t recommend taking him out.  The chart below outlines safe outdoor temperatures for pets.

Pay close attention to your dog while outside. Protect his paws. It he starts shivering or whining, get him inside immediately! Walks should be kept very brief and do not scold him if he has an accident inside!

How cold is too cold for your dog? Use this infographic from Petplan pet insurance to find out!

Remember, your pets count!

The best oldies are in one place! Edgewater Gold Radio! Download the free Edgewater Gold Radio app. Ask alexa to ” play Edgewater Gold Radio!

add comment    Comments Off on How Cold is Too Cold For Your Dog?

Dog and Cat Eating Each Others Food

Tuesday, January 29, 2019
posted by Jim Murphy

Do you have several pets? Do they ever try to eat each others food?  If so, it’s not a good idea to let the dog eat the cats food or the cat eat the dogs food.  A little dog food every now and then probable won’t hurt your cat but a steady diet of dog food can make a cat ill.  Cats are  strickly meat eaters so they need more protein that’s not found in dog’s kibble. Cats also need specific B complex vitamins and amino acids that aren’t found in dog food. On the other hand, a dog’s occasional nibble out of a cat’s bowl probably won’t hurt him but cat foods are high in calories.  A dog that eats lots of cat food could become obese.  Obesity is a serious health risk for your dog.  If your pets try to snatch food from one another, keep them separate when they eat. It’s a good idea to keep your dog’s water bowl and food bowl in a separate room.

Remember, your pets count!

Remembering your favorite oldies! Edgewater Gold Radio playing the largest variety of oldies anywhere right now. Don’t miss a single one! Tell Alexa to “Play Edgewater Gold Radio” or listen from our website: Edgewatergoldradio.com.

add comment    Comments Off on Dog and Cat Eating Each Others Food

Can Pets Spread Ringworm?

Monday, January 28, 2019
posted by Jim Murphy

This question came up because I heard of a person contacting Ringworm from his cat. He has lots of cats and sometimes it can be difficult to detect which cat is the culprit. Vetstreet.com has provided us with some insight to this situation. Ringworm appears as a red circle like rash. Although it can be itchy and irritating, it is not serious and can be easily treated. Ringworm is not actually a worm but a fungus.

While you can get ringworm from a pet, you’re more likely to get it from another person. Places such as locker rooms are common areas where the fungus might live, since moist, warm areas are a perfect breeding ground for fungus Protect yourself by wearing sandals in locker rooms and communal showers and by not sharing towels with anyone. (When you get ringworm from a locker room, it’s referred to as “athlete’s foot.”)

While dogs, cats and many other animals can get ringworm, cats are more likely to pick it up than other pets. To prevent the fungus from spreading, promptly take your pet to the veterinarian for diagnosis, treatment and a strategy to prevent a repeat infection. Ringworm can certainly be ugly and itchy, but it’s usually not hard to cure in people or animals, and is typically treated with cream and pills.

Remember, your pets count!

The best oldies on the best station! Edgewater Gold Radio is your place for the best variety of oldies anywhere. Tell Alexa to “play Edgewater Gold Radio.” or download the free Edgewater Gold Radio app. Listen from our website: Edgewatergoldradio.com.

add comment    Comments Off on Can Pets Spread Ringworm?

You love to hug and kiss your dog but when he lays a big sloppy one on you, you turn away in disgust because his breath is awful. What can we do to cure this problem? Take a peek at your dog’s teeth. Flip his upper lip up to show his upper and low molars.  Are the teeth white and shiny or are they yellow and brown?  If they are yellow or brown, your pet may have plaque buildup or gingivitis.  He could even have advanced periodontal disease.  You need to take him to the vet if this is the case.

If this is not the case and his teeth are still white, prevent the problem by:

  • Brushing your dog’s teeth daily. Ask your vet for a doggie toothpaste. There are lots of flavors like beef or chicken that will entice your pet.
  • Give dental dog treats on a regular basis.
  • Feed a dental diet. Some products include ingredients to freshen breath and remove plaque.
  • There’s a new vaccine to prevent periodontal disease. Ask your vet if this would benefit your dog.

Take the time to prevent the problem before it starts. Give your dog regular visual check ups.

Remember, your pets count!

The greatest oldies are playing all the time on Edgewater Gold Radio! We’re your oldies station! It’s a 60s and 70s weekend! Download the free Edgewater Gold Radio app or listen from our website, Edgewatergoldradio.com!

add comment    Comments Off on You Love A Dog Kiss, but Can Be Grossed Out By His Breath

Cats can show their emotions just like humans and when your cats tail gets puffed up there could be a variety of reasons for this. Yesterday I was brushing my  cat Millie as I always do and suddenly her tail began to “puff up.” It didn’t completely puffed up but it was starting to. What caused this, there was no aggression or reason for her to get scared? A cats tail will get puffed up when they are startled or scared. Aggression and anger also will cause your kitty’s tail to puff up. Again, he may hold his tail straight up or straight down. He may also lay his ears back. Another sign is very constricted pupils. Aggressive or angry cats puff up not only their tails, but the fur all over their bodies.

A puffed-up tail can also be a sign of submission. When a submissive cat is trying to avoid a confrontation with a dominant one, his tail puffs up and is lowered or even tucked between his legs. These positions communicate submission to his opponent.

A puffed-up tail can even indicate playful intentions. Kittens frequently puff up their tails while playing. Even adult cats sometimes puff up their tails in play. A playful kitten or cat holds his puffy tail up

So as you can see there are different reason for you kitty to puff it’s tail up. Don’t worry, it’s a normal emotion and will occur from time to time.  Thanks to The Nest.com for providing some of this information.

Remember, your pets count!

Keep the oldies playing all weekend long! EDGEWATER GOLD RADIO, the place for the best variety of oldies. Listen on your Amazon device. Tell Alexa to “play Edgewater Gold Radio!

add comment    Comments Off on What Does It Mean When Your Cats Tail Gets Puffed Up?

Report Animal Cruelty

Friday, January 25, 2019
posted by Jim Murphy

We would like to always look for the good in people but in reality many people are “not so good.” Many times our furry friends who give us unconditional love all the time are used and abused. This is one thing that I won’t tolerate and one thing that I despise! Some people take their miserable lives out on pets that they should never be allowed to own.

So what can we do? I urge you to report animal cruelty even if you suspect that a pet is being abused. The ASPCA has published a complete guide to recognizing and reporting animal abuse.  Please take a look at the article below, keep it handy do everything you can to report animal cruelty.

How to Report Cruelty

Try to gather the following information before submitting a report of animal cruelty:

  • A concise, written, factual statement of what you observed—giving dates and approximate times whenever possible—to provide to law enforcement.
  • Photographs of the location, the animals in question and the surrounding area. Note: do not put yourself in danger! Do not enter another person’s property without permission, and exercise great caution around unfamiliar animals who may be frightened or in pain.
  • If you can, provide law enforcement with the names and contact information of other people who have firsthand information about the abusive situation.
  • It is possible to file an anonymous report, but please consider providing your information. The case is more likely to be pursued when there are credible witnesses willing to stand behind the report and, if necessary, testify in court.

Keep a record of exactly whom you contacted, the date of the contacts, copies of any documents you provided to law enforcement or animal control and the content and outcome of your discussion. If you do not receive a response from the officer assigned to your case within a reasonable length of time, make a polite follow-up call to inquire about the progress of the investigation.

How to Recognize Animal Cruelty

While an aggressive, timid or fearful animal may appear to be a cruelty victim, it is not possible to know if an animal is being abused based on their behavior alone. It is best to examine the animal and his surrounding environment to determine whether or not he or she needs help.

Physical Signs of Cruelty

  • Tight collar that has caused a neck wound or has become embedded in the pet’s neck
  • Open wounds, signs of multiple healed wounds or an ongoing injury or illness that isn’t being treated
  • Untreated skin conditions that have caused loss of hair, scaly skin, bumps or rashes
  • Extreme thinness or emaciation—bones may be visible
  • Fur infested with fleas, ticks or other parasites
  • Patches of bumpy, scaly skin rashes
  • Signs of inadequate grooming, such as extreme matting of fur, overgrown nails and dirty coat
  • Weakness, limping or the inability to stand or walk normally
  • Heavy discharge from eyes or nose
  • An owner striking or otherwise physically abusing an animal
  • Visible signs of confusion or extreme drowsiness

Environmental Signs of Cruelty

  • Pets are tied up alone outside for long periods of time without adequate food or water, or with food or water that is unsanitary
  • Pets are kept outside in inclement weather without access to adequate shelter
  • Pets are kept in an area littered with feces, garbage, broken glass or other objects that could harm them
  • Animals are housed in kennels or cages (very often crowded in with other animals) that are too small to allow them to stand, turn around and make normal movements

Other Animal Cruelty Issues

To Report Cruelty Seen on the Internet

If you see cruelty depicted online, there are steps you can take to report the site or images in question:

  • Access this background information for a particular website by visiting www.whois.net and doing a “whois” search of the site in question.
  • Contact the site’s ISP (Internet service provider) about the offensive material.
  • If you have concrete information that a website is displaying/promoting criminal acts, you may wish to contact any or all of the following organizations and advise them of the facts of the situation:
    • Local law enforcement officials (“Local” in this case means based in the area from which the website originates—the “whois” search will provide you with the registrant’s address) and, if you think an animal is in immediate danger, the possible offender’s local FBI branch
    • Your local animal shelter or humane society, which may have the power to enforce animal cruelty laws in the area
    • The local city/county Health Department/Board of Health, because abuse of animals often involves unsafe or unsanitary conditions for humans
    • The Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3), but only if what you have seen has a financial element (someone selling, trading, or offering an illegal good or service)
    • Local and national media organizations, as the power of the media to bring public attention to an animal abuse situation can help initiate corrective actions

To Report Cruelty Shown in Movies or on Television

The ASPCA shares your concern about the media’s depiction of violence and cruelty toward animals for entertainment purposes. Please know, however, that many of these instances are constitutionally protected free speech—and may not even involve a real animal.

If you are offended by something you viewed, contact the network that aired the program or the publisher of the film in question. You may also wish to contact the American Humane Association Movie and Television Unit online or at (818) 501-0123.

To Report Cruelty in a Pet Store or by an Animal Breeder

For concerns about animal cruelty in pet stores, please contact the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) at (301) 851-3751, www.aphis.usda.gov, or [email protected]. The USDA will direct you to the appropriate regional department to which you will be asked to submit your complaint in writing.

Thanks to the ASPCA for providing the very valuable information!

Edgewater Gold Radio plays the best oldies of all time. Keep us on all the time. Download the free Edgewater Gold Radio app or listen from our website: Edgewatergoldradio.com.

add comment    Comments Off on Report Animal Cruelty

The Weather Can Affect How Much Your Cat Sleeps

Thursday, January 24, 2019
posted by Jim Murphy

My cat Millie seems to sleep all the time. She’s now 14 and much calmer since the passing of my older cat Molly, and it’s very rare to see her darting around anymore. Yes there are times when she “flies” across the house but most of her day is going from one spot to another to sleep.

Did you know that the weather can affect how much indoor and outdoor cats sleep?  Today is a very wet, rainy day on Delmarva. Cats love to nap on wet and dreary days! Whether you have an indoor or outdoor cat, don’t be surprised if she’s yawning more and sleeping longer when the forecast calls for rain.

So today, I expect that Millie will be in her favorite spot snoozing the day away. Also when a cat gets older, she may sleep even more. Cats usually sleep two thirds of their life away. Traditionally, their energy is saved for hunting for their prey.

Remember, your pets count!

We also run an online radio station, Edgewater Gold Radio! Please give us a vote for best downstate music station. Just click here”

BEST OF DELAWARE

Scroll down to “People and Media”

Scroll down to: “Downstate Radio Station for Music”

Enter: Edgewater Gold Radio

Scroll down and enter your e-mail address then click “done.”

Thank you so much! We’ve been running our radio station and our Pet Blog for many years!

 

 

add comment    Comments Off on The Weather Can Affect How Much Your Cat Sleeps

The Beautiful Persian

Tuesday, January 22, 2019
posted by Jim Murphy

According to the Cat Fanciers Association, the Persian is the most popular pedigreed cat breed in the United States. It could be it’s long, beautiful coat that makes everyone love it or maybe it the Persian’s playful personality. It’s also quite and easy going and most Persians readily adapt to new households and accept other pets. This makes the breed relatively easy to care for. Persians do require extra grooming.  Their large eyes are prone to tearing and infection so a Persians eyes and face should be kept clean. The breeds long fur can also become matted so they should be brushed daily. Persians are a pleasure to own and all the extra care is worth it!

Remember, your pets count!

The oldies play all the time on Edgewater Gold Radio — Great oldies and great memories. Download the free Edgewater Gold Radio app or listen from our website: Edgewatergoldradio.com.

add comment    Comments Off on The Beautiful Persian

I woke up to a temperature of 14 degrees here in southern Delaware. The winds are howling over 30 mph! It’s not suitable for man or beast out there. On a day like today, NEVER leave your dog in a cold car. Family Pet says this:

Just like your car can act as an oven in the summer, it can act as a fridge in the winter locking in the cold temperatures. If you leave your dog in the car on cold days, he can get hypothermia. Just like in the summer, your dog can suffocate in the car no matter what the temperature is. And if you leave water in your car for you dog when he gets thirsty, just think about if the water freezes in the winter. Your dog will be cold, suffocated, and have nothing to drink. In the worst case, if left in the car in the winter or in cold weather, your dog can actually freeze to death.

When taking your best friend for a walk, make sure it’s a very short one and that he’s properly covered. If he has an accident in the house, don’t yell at him, after all would you be able to go outside in sub zero temperatures? If you have a fenced in yard, you can let him out very briefly several times during the day to do his business.

Take some simple common sense steps to protect your dog in this brutally cold weather!

Remember, your pets count!

Stay warm and keep the oldies playing all day on Edgewater Gold Radio! Download the free Edgewater Gold Radio app or listen from our website: Edgewatergoldradio.com.

add comment    Comments Off on Arctic Air Blanketing Much of the US..Protect Your Pet