pets

5 Tips for Keeping Pets Pest-Free

Published

1 year ago

July 20, 2023

Daily News Staff

(Family Features) Naturally curious, many pets sniff and explore other animals and objects, unaware they may expose themselves to potentially harmful parasites and conditions. According to the Companion Animal Parasite Council, 1 in 100 dogs tested positive for heartworm in 2022, and more than 1 in 4 indoor cats were positive for heartworm infection.

Keeping Pets Pest-Free

External parasites – including fleas, ticks and mites found outdoors or on other animals – and internal parasites such as heartworms, roundworms, tapeworms, hookworms and whipworms can wreak havoc on your pet’s health and well-being. These parasites can feed on dogs and cats, causing health issues that range from minor skin irritation to severe organ damage and even death if left untreated. Some parasites can also be contracted by people, making diagnosis and prevention even more important.

Though prevention is the best approach, treatment is sometimes required. Intervention is most effective when started immediately after a parasite is detected. Work with your veterinarian to tailor a program specific to your dog or cat’s breed, age, behaviors and environmental factors, and consider these tips from the experts at VCA Animal Hospitals, which has more than 1,000 locations across North America that cared for more than 4 million pets last year, to help prevent parasites in your pets.

Provide preventative medications. Based on their specific risk factors, dogs and cats should be on year-round parasite control programs that treat infections such as heartworms, intestinal parasites, fleas, ticks and more. Parasite prevention medication options range from topical to injectable and oral.

Visit the vet annually. Yearly visits allow your veterinarian to take note of changes in your pet’s health and alter his or her parasite control program as necessary. Your vet can tell you which parasites to watch for based on your location, how these parasites can be transmitted, and which preventative products are most appropriate. Additionally, newer, more accurate parasite tests can also identify parasite strains that may affect people and pets. Remember, dogs and cats age faster than humans, so annual exams with diagnostic testing are the equivalent of humans visiting the doctor every 4-5 years.

Watch for warning signs of parasites. Some pets infected with a parasite don’t show any signs of illness. However, common signs of infection include diarrhea, vomiting, loss of appetite or blood in your pet’s stools. Coughing or difficulty breathing may also accompany heartworms. Also consult your veterinarian if your pet excessively scratches, chews or licks his or her coat or ears, or persistently shakes his or her head. Seeing your vet as soon as possible can get your pet treatment and help prevent spreading the parasite to other animals. Puppies and kittens are especially at risk for parasites since most contract them from their mothers while nursing and their small size puts them at greater risk for severe illness.

Groom regularly. To reduce the risk of coat contamination and increase the likelihood of catching fleas, ticks and coat abnormalities quickly, be sure to periodically groom your pet, or have him or her professionally groomed. It is particularly important to inspect your dog or cat after playing outside or with other pets.

Clean up after your pet. Since most intestinal parasites spread through contact with feces, it’s crucial to dispose of any waste in your yard or pet’s litter box within 24 hours to avoid exposure and reduce the risk of environmental parasite contamination. A contaminated yard can be a source of exposure for many months as parasites can live in the soil for extended periods of time.

Find more tips for parasite prevention and treatment at VCAhospitals.com.

SOURCE:
VCA Animal Hospitals

Our Lifestyle section on STM Daily News is a hub of inspiration and practical information, offering a range of articles that touch on various aspects of daily life. From tips on family finances to guides for maintaining health and wellness, we strive to empower our readers with knowledge and resources to enhance their lifestyles. Whether you’re seeking outdoor activity ideas, fashion trends, or travel recommendations, our lifestyle section has got you covered. Visit us today at https://stmdailynews.com/category/lifestyle/ and embark on a journey of discovery and self-improvement.

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Lifestyle

‘Pawty’ Tips for Celebrating Your Pets

People spent $147 billion on pets last year. Dog birthday parties are trending. Tips: spacious play areas, engaging activities, personalized details, insect control, themed snacks, and friendly guest lists.

Published

1 month ago

October 4, 2024

Daily News Staff

(Family Features) It’s no secret – people love their pets. Last year alone, people spent $147 billion on their pets, according to the American Pet Products Association, which included throwing what has turned into one of the hottest invites on social media these days: pet parties. There have been more than 1 million posts using #DogBirthday to show off these celebrations.

With dog birthday parties and adoptions being celebrated across the country, entertainment ideas can be borrowed from regular parties – but the special guests will need to be taken into account when planning a party designed for pooches.

Plan a pup party with these tips from Mindy Weiss, a best-selling author and event planner for notable celebrity clients.

Plan for a Place to Play
When hosting a dog party, make sure there is plenty of space for the pups to play, whether it’s a fenced yard or a large indoor area. The more room they have to zoom around, the happier (and safer) everyone will be.

Keep the dogs entertained with activities like a ball pit, kiddie pool or basket of tennis balls. If you’re feeling ambitious, hide treats around the yard for the dogs to find. It’s a great way to keep their tails wagging and their minds engaged while they have a blast.

Personalize Party Details
Subtle accents can elevate any party. Pick a theme that can come to life through the decor and details, such as a “retro dog disco,” where both the humans and dogs can dress up. Small touches like personalized dog tags or themed water bowls and dog treats can make any pet party a memorable event.

Avoid Party Crashers
When guests and dogs are moving indoors and out, alongside (often messy) food, flying insects will likely try to sneak their way in. That’s why no party is complete without this top pet party essential – the STEM Attracts and Traps Flying Insects Light Trap. It is people- and pet-friendly when used as directed, insecticide-free and uses a soft UV light to attract flying insects with a dual-sided, refillable cartridge to trap them. It can also be used throughout the home in kitchens, garages, around pet feeding stations and more.

Remember the Pup Parents
Don’t forget about the humans. While the dogs are the guests of honor, the humans might also enjoy a nibble. Consider staying on theme with mini hot dogs, bone-shaped pretzels or “pup pop” cake pops.

Bring on the Besties
Just like humans have best friends, dogs do too. Before sending out invites, make sure the guest list includes dogs that are friendly with your pup and play well with others. A little pre-party check can help ensure everyone has a good time.

Learn more at stemforbugs.com.

SOURCE:
STEM

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pets

The 9 Most Dog-Friendly Campgrounds in 2024 According to The Dyrt

The Dyrt announced the top nine dog-friendly campgrounds in the U.S. for 2024, with 4 Paws Kingdom Campground in North Carolina ranking first. Dog-Friendly Campgrounds

Published

2 months ago

August 23, 2024

Daily News Staff

PORTLAND, Ore. /PRNewswire/ — The Dyrt, the No. 1 app for camping availability, photos and reviews, has announced the Top 9 for K-9s: The Most Dog-Friendly Campgrounds in The U.S. for 2024. Camping is for the dogs, and we mean that in the best way possible. According to The Dyrt’s 2024 Camping Report presented by The All-New Toyota Tacoma, more than half of campers (53.7%) brought their four-legged friends along with them in 2023.

Photo Credit: The Dyrt camper Randy J. | Tahoe Valley Campground, California

Top 9 for K-9s: The Most Dog-Friendly Campgrounds in The U.S.

The Dyrt also found that 46.8% of campers list RVing as their primary camping type. If you think about it, it’s a perfect match. All the comforts of home and your best buddy, or buddies, traveling comfortably alongside you. No surprise then that five of the nine campgrounds in the Top 9 for K-9s cater primarily to RVs.

Speaking of being catered to, the No. 1 campground this year is 4 Paws Kingdom Campground & Dog Retreat in Rutherfordton, North Carolina. Yes, “Dog” is right there in the name. This property truly prioritizes pampering pooches, right down to not allowing any humans under the age of 18 for optimal relaxation and minimal fur tugging. 4 Paws is set on nine acres and some of the individual campsites even have fenced-in yards.

“People love camping for a lot of the same reasons that dogs love camping,” says Sarah Smith, founder of The Dyrt. “You get out of the house, immerse yourself in nature, explore, see some wildlife, sit by a fire, sleep in the great outdoors. When we take Brandy (aka The Dyrt Dog) camping with us, I know she’s having as much fun as we are.”

Top 9 for K-9s is the official close to The Dyrt awards season, which started with The Glampys and was followed by the Best Places to Camp Regional and National awards, presented by Toyota Tacoma, and the Best Places to RV presented by State Farm.

Using AI to sift through The Dyrt’s millions of user-generated reviews, photos and tips of U.S. campgrounds, we identified campgrounds that were not just dog-friendly, but dog-welcoming. They are ranked based on reviews, photos, accommodations and amenities offered. Here’s to the dog days of summer! Who wants to go for a ride?!

4 Paws Kingdom Campground & Dog Retreat — North Carolina: Doggy heaven on Earth
Wagonhammer RV Park & Campground — Idaho: Welcome to off-leash island
Lake George RV Park — New York: Bark Park hits the mark
Alum Creek State Park — Ohio: Fenced-in fields for big and small dogs
Tahoe Valley Campground — California: Dogs want to go to Tahoe too
Campground at James Island County Park — South Carolina: 643 acres of exploring
Chatfield State Park — Colorado: 69-acre, fenced-in dog park
First Landing State Park — Virginia: 20 miles of trails and Chesapeake Bay beach
Santa Fe Skies RV Park — New Mexico: Trails, a dog park and unmatched mountain views

All nine campgrounds earned positive reviews from The Dyrt campers, a group which is becoming more proactive in seeking out campgrounds that meet their needs as pet owners. The 2024 Camping Report found that when it came to adding amenities, the only things property owners added more than dog parks were Wi-Fi and pickleball courts.

“We’ve never been to a park like this one and highly recommend it if you can get in,” says The Dyrt camper Gabi B. about top-ranked 4 Paws Kingdom. “We’ll be back for sure!”

About The Dyrt

The Dyrt is the most comprehensive camping resource with millions of user-generated reviews, photos and tips for every RV site, cabin, glamping and tent camping location, including all public, private and free camping areas in the United States. The Dyrt is how campers search, save and book camping of any type anywhere in the U.S. With The Dyrt PRO, campers get reservations at sold-out campgrounds, advanced maps, discounts on camping and more. The Dyrt is the No. 1 camping app and receives more than 30 million visits from campers each year because The Dyrt has it all. www.thedyrt.com

SOURCE The Dyrt

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Beat the Summer Heat with M&M’S® Ice Cream Cookie Sandwiches and GREENIES™ Dental Treats for Dogs This National Dog Day!

Published

3 months ago

August 21, 2024

Rebecca Washington, Daily News Staff

Summer is in full swing, and what better way to celebrate the season and National Dog Day than with the ultimate treat for both you and your canine companion! Mars, a leader in creating delicious treats for both pets and people, is marking this special day with the introduction of the “Mars Summer Treat Pack.” On Monday, August 26, Mars celebrates the 25th anniversary of its M&M’s Ice Cream and National Dog Day by offering these delightful treat packs absolutely free to fans and their four-legged friends, while supplies last.

A Sweet Deal for Pet Parents and Pups

The “Mars Summer Treat Pack” features a delicious combo: creamy, decadent M&M’S Ice Cream Cookie Sandwiches for the humans, and tasty, teeth-cleaning GREENIES™ Dental Treats for the dogs. It’s the perfect way to enjoy some quality time with your pup while keeping cool and satisfied during the hot summer days.

M&M’S® Ice Cream Cookie Sandwiches and GREENIES™ Dental Treats for Dogs, both proudly part of Mars, are bringing pet parents and their dogs the ultimate treat duo with the launch of the limited time “Mars Summer Treat Pack” offering on National Dog Day.

Shaf Lalani, General Manager at Mars Ice Cream, elaborates on the celebration, “What better way to celebrate 25 years of delicious M&M’S Ice Cream and National Dog Day than treating both pet parents and their canine companions to free summer treats. The ‘Mars Summer Treat Pack’ combines two fan-favorites from our portfolio to help pet parents inspire moments of happiness with their dogs.”

How to Get Your Paws on These Treats

Leading up to National Dog Day, if you’re in New York City, don’t miss the “Mars Summer Treat Pack” truck! On Saturday, August 24, the truck will be making stops at Tompkins Square Park at 11:30 a.m. ET, and later at Union Square Park around 3:30 p.m. ET. Be sure to swing by to grab your scrumptious treats-for-two in person.

Celebrate Your 4-Legged Friend: 3 ways to give back during National Dog Month

https://stmdailynews.com/celebrate-your-4-legged-friend-3-ways-to-give-back-during-national-dog-month/

On the big day itself, August 26, Mars partners with Fooji to extend this special offering nationwide. Pet parents can visit MarsSummerTreatPack.com starting at 10:00 a.m. ET to claim their free “Mars Summer Treat Pack.” For residents in Chicago, Cincinnati, Los Angeles, Nashville, and New York City, enjoy the added perk of special same-day delivery. Remember, it’s while supplies last, so be quick to secure your summer treat pack!

Celebrate and Share Your Sweet Moments

We’d love to see how you and your furry friend are enjoying these delightful treats. Share your moments of summer fun and bonding with your dog by tagging #TreatedByMars on social media.

For more insights into M&M’S Ice Cream, check out MMS.com/mms-ice-cream or follow @mmschocolate. To explore more about GREENIES™, visit GREENIES.com or follow @greenies on social media. As Mars Petcare continues on its mission to create A BETTER WORLD FOR PETS, you can learn more about their efforts and initiatives at https://www.mars.com/our-brands/petcare.

This National Dog Day, embrace the joy of summer with a special treat from Mars that celebrates the love and fun you share with your furry best friend. Happy treating!

https://marssummertreatpack.com/#campaign-teaser

ABOUT MARS, INCORPORATED
Mars, Incorporated is driven by the belief that the world we want tomorrow starts with how we do business today. As a global, family-owned business, Mars is transforming, innovating and evolving to make a positive impact on the world.

Across our diverse and expanding portfolio of quality confectionery, food, and pet care products and services, we employ 140,000+ dedicated Associates. With more than $47 billion in annual sales, we produce some of the world’s best-loved brands including Ben’s Original™, CESAR®, Cocoavia®, DOVE®, EXTRA®, KIND®, M&M’s®, SNICKERS®, PEDIGREE®, ROYAL CANIN® and WHISKAS®. We are creating a better world for pets through our global network of pet hospitals and diagnostic services – including AniCura, BANFIELD™, BLUEPEARL™, Linnaeus and VCA™ – using cutting edge technology to develop breakthrough programs in genetic health screening and DNA testing.

For more information about Mars, please visit www.mars.com. Join us on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, LinkedIn and YouTube.

SOURCE Mars, Incorporated

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Rebecca Washington

Rebecca Jo is a mother of four and is a creative soul from Phoenix, Arizona, who also enjoys new adventures. Rebecca Jo has a passion for the outdoors and indulges in activities like camping, fishing, hunting and riding roller coasters. She is married to Rod Washington View all posts