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Archive for October, 2019

Is it Ringworm?

Wednesday, October 30, 2019
posted by Jim Murphy

The term “Ringworm” can be a bit confusing. This condition is not really caused by a worm. It’s actually caused by by a fungus that resides on the hair and skin of animals. Some symptoms can include bald spots, dandruff and wide spread hair loss. Unfortunately, you can’t look at your pet and be able to tell whether or not he has ringworm. Your vet has to do some tests in order for find out for sure. If your pet does have ringworm, some treatment can include topical fungal cream, whole body shampoos, or an oral anti fungal agent. Prompt treatment is important because ringworm is also contagious to pet owners.

Remember, your pets count!

The best oldies from the 50’s through the 80’s are playing all the time on Edgewater Gold Radio! Ask Alexa to “Play Edgewater Gold Radio OR listen from our website: Edgewater Gold Radio.com.

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Ingrown Nails in Cats

Tuesday, October 29, 2019
posted by Jim Murphy

Yesterday we noticed that our cat at Atlantis has an ingrown nail. It doesn’t seem to be hurting him but he does need his claws clipped. Normally I would do this myself but since he does have an ingrown nail, I will take him to the vet to make sure it’s done safely and painlessly.

Geeksofpets.blogspot.com had put together ways to safely cut your cats ingrown nail.

Your cat’s nail care is an important grooming procedure and crucial for overall health. If nails are left untrimmed, they can break and become ingrown. Bleeding can also occur. Nails need a trim if they catch on the carpet, your clothes or furniture. Trim them as a preventative measure.

Treatment For An Ingrown Toenail

Begin treating an ingrown toenail by trimming the other nails first and leaving the ingrown one for last. If the tip does not fall off and is embedded in the pad, pull it out gently. If there is an obvious open wound, clean it with hydrogen peroxide two times per day for two days. Neosporin can be applied as well. If there is pus, call the veterinarian for an antibiotic.Filing the nail from the back to the curve at the tip is helpful. If the nails are not trimmed routinely, the claws could curl and grow into the soft paw area, resulting in an ingrown nail.

Precautionary Measures

When trimming your cat’s nails, be aware of where the blood vessels and nerves start so you don’t hurt your cat. You’ll need a trimmer, styptic powder, and a styptic pad, in case there is bleeding. Sit on the floor with the cat in your lap. Hold the paw with a firm grip and gently push the pad to expand the nail. Stop when you notice the pink color that indicates where the quick ends. Cut the nail at a 45=degree angle below the quick.

Measure To Take If Bleeding Occurs

If you cut the soft quick tissue and it causes bleeding, use the styptic powder to stop it. Another avenue for stopping the bleeding is by pressing a cotton ball, Kleenex or paper towel against the paw for one minute. The wound typically will heal quickly. Praise your cat during the procedure.

Remember, your pets count!

The oldies are on at Edgewater Gold Radio. The best variety of oldies from the 50s through the 80s playing all the time on your station for all oldies all the time. Listen from your Amazon Echo Device by asking Alexa to “play Edgewater Gold Radio or listen from our website: Edgewater Gold Radio.com.

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The Important of Doggie Socialization

Sunday, October 27, 2019
posted by Jim Murphy

Yesterday, we attended the annual Sea Witch Halloween parade in Rehoboth Beach, De.It’s an annual event that draws about 200,000 people ….and their furry friends. The town is filled with so many  people and their four legged friends. I’m always amazed on how well the dogs behave being around lots of noise, people and other pets. It seems that they belong there with their families.

In order to be able to get along with other people and pets, dogs must be socialized at an early age. I once had a Chihuahua back when I was younger and worked a lot. Unfortunately, I didn’t socialize him well and he was not good around other dogs and humans. When I would have friends over, he would constantly bark and even bit one of my friends. This  was my fault, I should not have owned a dog given my very busy schedule at the time.

It is very important that you begin socializing your dog at a very early age. Take him with you whenever you can. Introduce him to other pets and people right away. Let friends and family interact with your pet whenever you can. It’s a good idea to take him to a dog park or even doggie day care when you’re at work. This will increase the chances that he will be fine around other people or pets. Or else, you may run into a situation like I did.

Remember, your pets count!

The greatest oldies are playing right now on Edgewater Gold Radio—We’re in the middle of a 60s and 70s weekend! Listen from our website Edgewater Gold Radio.com. Ask Alexa to “play Edgewater Gold Radio.”

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Dragged By Your Dog

Thursday, October 24, 2019
posted by Jim Murphy

You have a big dog who is a runner and not trained. Walking him, can be a challenge.

It never fails, you take your dog out for a calm walk around the neighborhood and you wind up on your butt as he drags you toward a bicycle, jogger, squirrel, or anything that is moving.  How do we calm him down so you and he can enjoy a peaceful walk?  There is something that you may want to try. You have to desensitize him to the presence of bikers and joggers. Try getting a friend to bike or jog by over and over. (Hopefully, he is a good friend who can deal with your dog chasing after him!)  Start at a distance where your dog barely notices and gradually have your friend get closer and closer. Feed your dog treats the whole time that your friend is in view. Mix up the areas as well as the helpers. (hopefully you have lots of friends) Keep feeding him treats but not if he barks and runs toward the biker or jogger. Eventually, your dog will see a jogger, or biker and look immediately at you for a treat.  There will be no more lunging and barking and dragging you on your butt. A good trainer or behaviorist can help you with your timing. Good luck with this one!

Remember, your pets count!

The best music on the best station, Edgewater Gold Radio playing the best oldies of all time. You can ask Alexa to “play Edgewater Gold Radio or listen from our website, Edgewater Gold Radio.com.

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A Teething Puppy

Wednesday, October 23, 2019
posted by Jim Murphy

Puppies go through a teething phase just like humans and if you’re not prepared, this phase could do a job on your furniture as well as be painful for your pup. Some signs of teething are:

  • Swollen, inflamed gums
  • Bleeding gums
  • Missing teeth
  • Teeth prints on your nice things.

There are some things that you can do to help alleviate some of the pain of teething.

  • Keep ice on hand.
  • Freeze nuts and vegetables such as nuts, carrots, strawberries, watermelon or apples. These are good for your pup and will help with her discomfort.
  • Freeze natural bones that you’ve filled with peanut, cheese wiz, cream cheese, etc. (Make sure that you STAY AWAY from rawhides because they don’t digest properly in a dog’s body.)
  • Make ice cubes out of broth. The taste will entice her to chew them.
  • You can also dip knotted socks into broth and freeze them. They should not chew on new socks so the knots will create a difference and make this an object that your puppy is allowed to chew.
Be easy on your puppy if you find that he chewed on something that is off limits. Gently scold her but never hit !
Remember, your pets count!
Have a great day with great oldies, Edgewater Gold Radio. The  greatest variety of oldies, perfect for your workday! Ask Alexa to “Play Edgewater Gold Radio or listen from our website: Edgewater Gold Radio.com.

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There are many reasons that would cause a sensitive stomach in your feline friend. Cats do vomit and there are many reason for it. My cat Atlantis vomits more that I would expect to be normal. I am giving him food for sensitive stomachs. Pet.Reviews has put together some reasons that your cats stomach may be sensitive. If the problem persists, I would always have your pet seen by a vet.

Just because hairballs are unpleasant doesn’t mean they’re not normal. Your cat spends a great deal of time grooming himself, so it shouldn’t come as a surprise that he ends up ingesting a lot of his own hair. If you don’t take the time to brush your cat, hairballs may be more of a frequent issue.

But what are the signs of sensitive stomach and other digestive issues in cats?

Here are some of the symptoms of digestive problems in cats:

  • Vomiting
  • Regurgitating undigested food
  • Diarrhea
  • Changes in appetite
  • Constipation
  • Changes in stool
  • Increase in thirst
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Poor coat condition

Have your cat checked if vomited persists and especially if it’s accompanied by diarrhea and listlessness.

Remember, your pets count!

Perk up your Monday with the greatest oldies of all time on Edgewater Gold Radio. Ask Alexa to “play Edgewater Gold Radio or listen from our website: Edgewater Gold Radio.com.

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How Long Should You Leave Cats Alone?

Sunday, October 20, 2019
posted by Jim Murphy

Cats, they say are independent creatures and could survive by themselves for a very long time. This is both true and false. Outdoor cats are loners and can live their lives in solitary with very little interaction for almost all of their lives. Indoor domestic cats adapt well to their insulated indoor life and although they

do well on their own, they also need the interaction of humans. They need humans for food, affection and to keep them healthy. So should you go on vacation, put out bowls,  food and water and go away on vacation for a week? Some will say this is ok, I say no. Cats have become part of your family, have adapted to family life and need some companionship. They are also very clean creatures and need their litter to be kept fresh and clean. Now if you hire someone to come spend some time and feed your furry friend, that would be perfectly fine.

Yesterday, we had to drive up to New York City to attend a friends memorial and then visit a friend in Manhattan. We were gone about 17 hours and left our two cats. We normally don’t leave them for that long. Before we left I gave them plenty of food and fresh water, and scooped out their litter. Being that we were coming home later that day, we didn’t need anyone to come to feed them.

There is no clear cut answer to this issue but I have my own theory. It’s ok to leave you cats for you’re only gone for a day or two but any longer than that, you should arrange for someone to come in, feed them, change their water, spend some time time them and make sure that the kitty litter is clean.

Remember, your pets count!

You’re in the middle of a 60s and 70s weekend on Edgewater Gold Radio. The best oldies of all time. Download the free Edgewater Gold Radio app or listen to our website: Edgewater Gold Radio.com.

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Is Your Dogs Nose Indicative of His Health?

Thursday, October 17, 2019
posted by Jim Murphy

The nose is your dogs best friend. Did you know that his nose is 2 million times more sensitive than yours. Your dog’s sense of smell is his most important sense.  You can help him keep his nose healthy and don’t worry if his nose is wet or dry. Most of the time a dog’s nose is cool and moist because his tear ducts drain into his nose.  If your dog’s nose is dry, don’t worry. It doesn’t usually mean that he is sick.  An animal’s appetite and behavior are much better indicators of overall health. If your dog has a runny nose or a nasal discharge consult your veterinarian as it could be a sign of an allergy or illness. If your dog is active, and doesn’t turn down his dog treats, he is probably healthy.

Remember, your pets count!

The best oldies are playing right now on Edgewater Gold Radio. Download the free Edgewater Gold Radio app or you can listen on our website: Edgewater Gold Radio.com.

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Phone Numbers Every Dog Owner Should Have

Wednesday, October 16, 2019
posted by Jim Murphy

The Dogington post has put together five telephone numbers that all dog owners should have and keep handy.

National Animal Poison Control Center: 1 888 426 4435. In an emergency every second counts. The National Animal Poison Control Center is a 24-hour manned emergency hotline sponsored in part by 36 different companies. While there is sometimes a charge for consultation, this call could save the life of your dog.

Spay/Neuter Helpline: 1 800 248 SPAY. Irresponsible breeding results in the abandonment and euthanization of thousands of dogs each year. SPAY USA is a national referral service that helps connect pet parents with free or low cost spay and neuter services in their area. With partnerships at over 950 programs and clinics nationwide, they eliminate finances as an excuse for not spaying or neutering your pets.

Emergency Disaster Information Line: 1 800 227 4645. Provided by the American Humane Association, this number provides support and relief information for pet owners living in areas affected by disasters including earthquakes, hurricanes, flooding, fire and more. While not an official “hotline,” this number is manned by live persons able to direct pet owners in the event of a natural disaster or emergency.

Pet Travel Hotline: 1800 545 USDA. If you plan on traveling by plane with your dog, a quick call to this number will ensure you are prepared for any bumps in the road where your dog is concerned. Run by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, this hotline provides travel resources, licensed pet transporter contact information, rules and regulations, and also assists those that believe their animal was treated inhumanely during travel.

Thanks to the Dogington Post for providing this very valuable information.

Remember, your pets count!

Turn on your oldies today! Edgewater Gold Radio. The best oldies of all time! Ask Alexa to “play Edgewater Gold Radio or listen from our website: Edgewater Gold Radio.com.

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When Happens When Your Two Dogs Start Fighting?

Monday, October 14, 2019
posted by Jim Murphy

If your dogs suddenly start fighting with one another, the reasons can vary.  Have any of your dogs not been neutered? Has one become sexually mature?  Is there plenty of space for both of them to share?   Have you let them get away with bad behavior in the past? Do they get little exercise or have too few dog toys?  Any or all of these things can cause fighting.

To correct the problem, exert your authority and feed the more aggressive dog last.  Make him walk behind you and your other dog. If he does show aggression, give him an immediate correction such as a loud noise. This tells him that fighting will not be tolerated. Always reward him for peaceful behavior. This will motivate him to repeat the good behavior. If the problem continues, consult your veterinarian.

Remember, your pets count!

The best music to start your week is on Edgewater Gold Radio. Ask Alexa to “Play Edgewater Gold Radio.” Listen from our website: Edgewater Gold Radio.com.

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