ePetDrugs Blog

Jodi Webb

The idea that we don’t have to bath cats as often as dogs is a plus.  Of course that’s offset by that yucky little problem—the hairball. Instead of arguing with your family about whose turn it is to clean up the hairballs invest your energy in preventing them with a few simple steps.

1. Groom your cat daily, especially if you have a long haired cat.  Sure they groom themselves but look where it gets you—on your hands and knees cleaning up gunk.  Invest in a good brush and spend a few minutes slowly brushing in the direction of the hair (from head to tail)
2. Keep your cat entertained either by playing with him or providing lots of intriguing toys.  If bored, cats will often spend their free time grooming.  Extra grooming means extra hair in their system and often, hairballs.
3. If you can’t seem to get rid of the hairballs maybe your cat’s system just doesn’t process the fur effectively.  Try a diet supplement that lubricates your cat’s system and makes it easier for the hair to pass.  Because these hairball treatments come in a variety of flavors, your cat will happily accept them.

Pet Supplies - Pet Meds

Jodi Webb

As you get ready to bath your dog remember that most canines like the water.  It’s all in the way you present it.  So let’s try to make bathing a happy event.

1. Use an old washcloth to clean your dog’s face.  No dog wants the showerhead spraying in(or threateningly close to)his eyes and snout.  And he isn’t supposed to get the inside of his ears wet anyway.  If your dog is an unwilling bather, you don’t even have to do this in the bathroom.

1. Your order of attack should be to first turn on the tub spigot and get the water to the correct temperature—you can do this while your assistant bather is washing his face in the living room.  Then get your dog into the tub and turn on the showerhead.  Make sure the showerhead is pointed away from your dog when you finally turn it on!  Does your water temperature often change?  Constantly re-check the temperature to make sure it isn’t too hot or too cold for your dog.

1. Wet your dog thoroughly then lather him from front to back with a pet shampoo.  Remember that the feet, rear, and tail are the spots that pick up extra dirt.  Don’t fool yourself into thinking a quick rinse will finish your bath.  You need to rinse head to toe at least three times to get out all the soap(watch to see if the water going down the drain is still sudsy—also check to see if any fleas or ticks are circling the drain).  If you don’t rinse thoroughly today you’ll regret it next week when you have a dog with itchy, dry skin.

1. Avoid “the shake” by trying to get your dog as dry as possible with your towels.  Still, keep on the lookout for signs of an impending shake—most dogs will shake their head slightly before doing a body shake.  You can also try pulling the shower curtain and encouraging your dog to shake behind it.  Don’t forget to remove the cotton balls from his ears.

1. When you finally set him free, having an assistant bather take him outside for a quick shake is another idea.  Also, keep an eye on him indoors.  No matter how dry you get them many dogs feel the need to dry themselves by rubbing against upholstered furniture.

Discount Pet Meds and Pet Supplies

Jodi Webb

As we all wait to see which way the $700 billion bailout bounces, most people are looking for ways to cut corners.  Instead of sending your dog to the groomer for a bath you can do it yourself.  I think the key to stress-free bathing(for you and your dog)is to prepare.

1. Brush your dog.  Once those tangles become wet they’re twice as difficult to deal with.

1. Install a handheld showerhead.  You can buy one for under $20 and it makes the job so much easier.  The alternative is bathing your dog in a tub of water and rinsing him with the help of a bucket.  It can quickly turn into a wet, inefficient nightmare.

1. De-slip your tub.  If you don’t have a rubber bath mat, try a towel on the bottom of the tub. Anything to make your dog feel more secure.

1. If he’ll let you, place cotton balls in your dog’s ears to keep out the water.

1. Gather as many old towels as you can find.  Don’t kid yourself into thinking one will be enough—it won’t.  Also a washcloth for face washing.

1. Find a partner.  It helps to have someone, especially post-bath to help avoid the dreaded doggy shake.

Ready?  Check out Shampoo Your Dog: Turn On The Water

Discount Pet Meds and Pet Supplies

Jodi Webb

Last time we talked about preparations to make at home for traveling with your pet. Now it’s time to consider preparations to make for when you arrive at your vacation spot.

Let’s Pack – Of course you know to bring your pet’s favorite toys, and food bowls. Also consider taking enough of his regular food—there’s no guarantee the local grocery store will stock his favorite food and treats. What about the weather? If it might be much hotter or cooler don’t forget a blanket or a Super Soaker(a lab I know swears by them in the hot weather).

Having Fun – You’ll run on the beach, eat at outdoor cafes, shop out the craft fair…or will you? While you’re finding a animal friendly hotel check on what activities are animal friendly. Consider the disaster if you head you the beach only to discover that animals aren’t allowed on the beach until the weekend after Labor Day. Also check on any local ordinances about animals. And bring your pooper scooper! Even if the hotel owner swears there isn’t a scooper ordinance many tourist destinations often have their own scooper rules.

Pet Sitter – Yes, you’re going on vacation with your pet—you don’t want a pet sitter. You say that now. But what if you decide you want to hike up a mountain and your poodle isn’t keen on the idea? Instead of scrambling for a pet sitter/walker at the last minute get the name and contact info for one before you even arrive. Talk to your hotel owner.

Discount Pet Meds and Pet Supplies

Advantage kills and prevents fleas. It’s available in 4, 6, and 12 month supplies for all sizes of dogs and cats. Advantage Flea Control stops the flea life cycle and is a effective water resistant flea medicine.

Advantage® is a topical flea adulticide, which means it is applied to your pet’s skin, and kills fleas at the adult stage in their life cycle.

Advantage Flea Control contains the active ingredient Imidacloprid; the first compound of a new chemical group to be used for flea control. Advantage has a unique mode of action that kills fleas on contact. Imidacloprid acts on the nervous system of the flea to cause paralysis and subsequent death. Advantage also contains benzyl alcohol. Benzyl alcohol helps Advantage spread quickly over the skin of the pet. Both substances are safe for you and your pet.

The Best in Flea Prevention
With the first application, Advantage kills 98 - 100% of fleas on a pet within 12 hours. New fleas jumping onto a treated pet will die within 2 - 8 hours of contact.

Applied monthly, Advantage kills adult fleas on contact:

Fastest topical adulticide on the market

Stops fleas from returning.

Advantage costs about 40 cents a day. That’s a small price to ensure a flea-free pet and home.

Consider the alternative - remember, one flea can lay over 2,000 eggs in your home and live on your pet for several months

Advantage For Dogs

Advantage For Cats

Discount Pet Meds and Pet Supplies