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.

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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

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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.

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Just about everyone hates biting fleas and biting flies. For fleas there are several flea and tick repellents on the market today, from powders and sprays, to collars and medications. Two of the most popular medications are K9 Advantix and Frontline Plus

K9 Advantix has some definite advantages over Frontline Plus, and here’s why. K9 Advantix works against fleas, but it also repels ticks, mosquitoes, and prevents biting flies from drawing blood. Just about every area of the country can suffer from at least some of these pets, which means millions of pets are vulnerable everyday.

K9 Advantix really does have an advantage over most other remedies, including Frontline® Plus, because it repels the pets, and actually prevents them from biting, while Frontline® Plus and others don’t repel them before they bite, it kills them after they bite – and that makes a big difference for your pet. Think of your pet’s anguish as they itch and scratch those annoying bites, compared to repelling them before they bite, and you’ll get the picture.

In addition, K9 Advantix offers several other advantages, too. You can use it on puppies as young as 7 weeks, which means even your puppies don’t have to suffer from pests. The application lasts an entire month, and it’s very easy to apply. It also won’t was off in the rain, after swimming, or even shampooing.

Even better, K9 Advantix keeps biting flies from blood feeding on your dog, which removes many health risks associated with these pests. Biting flies and their bites can cause your dog severe stress due to the itching and scratching associated with these nasty bites. This can lead to secondary infections that can be dangerous for your dog. Many other treatments don’t even treat biting flies, so K9 Advantix is far ahead of the competitors in the biting fly department.

Don’t get biting flies confused with common houseflies, they aren’t the same thing, and are much more dangerous for your pet. If you have biting flies in your area, you need a treatment that will repel and kill them, and that’s K-9 Advantix. Biting flies often live around near moist or wet areas, like streams, ponds, and wetlands, but if they discover host animals, they can live just about anywhere.

Take care of your dog’s health, and use the best possible flea and tick treatment that will kill and repel the widest variety of biting pests. Remember, never use K9 Advantix on cats!

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Can I use CAPSTAR with other products?
Yes. CAPSTAR® (nitenpyram) Tablets may be used together with other products including shampoos and other flea products, as well as with heartworm preventives, corticosteroids, antibiotics, vaccines, deworming medications.