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!

BUY K9 Advantix for less

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1. How quickly do FRONTLINE Brand Products kill parasites?

Our research data shows FRONTLINE Brand Products will kill fleas within 18 hours of contact with your treated pet. Ticks will die within 48 hours of contact with your treated pet. 

 2. How do FRONTLINE Top Spot and FRONTLINE Plus spread over a pet’s body? How long does this take?

FRONTLINE Top Spot and Frontline Plus spread over the pet’s body by a process called translocation. When applied, these products are gradually dispersed by the pet’s natural oils, collecting in the oil glands in the skin. It is then “wicked” onto the hair over the next 30 days. The translocation process can take up to 24 hours to complete. 

 3. Do fleas and ticks have to bite my pet for FRONTLINE Brand Products to work?

Fleas and ticks do not have to bite your pet for FRONTLINE Brand Products to work. FRONTLINE Brand Products kill fleas and ticks if they simply come into contact with your pet’s hair coat. The fleas will die within 18 hours of contact with your treated pet, and ticks will die within 48 hours. 

 4. Why am I seeing more fleas on my pet after applying a FRONTLINE Brand Product?

After the application of a FRONTLINE Brand Product, you may see more fleas, but this is an indication that the FRONTLINE Brand Product is working. FRONTLINE Brand Products make fleas hyperexcited, drawing them to the top of the haircoat before dying. This will make them more visible to you. 

 5. I treated my pet with a FRONTLINE Brand Product, but I still see fleas in my home. Why?

The fleas you see are most likely hatched flea eggs that were deposited in the environment before you began using FRONTLINE Brand Products. Consecutive monthly applications of a FRONTLINE Brand Product to your pet will assist with the elimination of an indoor flea life cycle. In some geographical regions in the United States, it may be required to use the product year-round. 

 6. How do FRONTLINE Brand Products kill fleas before they can lay eggs on my pet?

Once new adult fleas jump on your pet, they must be present on the host for at least 24 to 36 hours before they can lay eggs. Our research data indicates that FRONTLINE Brand Products, when used monthly, will kill your pet’s fleas within 18 hours of application - before they can lay eggs. 

 7. Do FRONTLINE Brand Products have an expiration date?

FRONTLINE Brand Products do not carry an expiration date. We recommend storing FRONTLINE Brand Products at room temperature and keeping them sealed in their original packaging. If stored under these conditions, FRONTINE Brand Products will not expire. 

 8. How long after application can my pet be bathed or go swimming?

FRONTLINE Brand Products remain effective for 30 days, even if a pet swims or is bathed. After application, keep the dog or cat from getting wet until the application area appears dry, usually 24 hours. If a FRONTLINE Brand Product is to be applied after a bath, make sure the pet is completely dry before application.

 9. Can I use FRONTLINE Brand Products if my pet is on medication? 

FRONTLINE Brand Products are not systemically active and have no known adverse interactions with systemic medications. 

 10. Can I use FRONTLINE Brand Products if I have already applied another flea- and tick-control product?

There are no known interactions between FRONTLINE Brand Products and any other flea- and tick-control products. However, it is recommended to wait at least 24 hours between applications.

 11. Do the FRONTLINE Brand Products have any additional label claims?

Effective May 2003, FRONTLINE PLUS and FRONTLINE Top Spot were approved by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to be used on pregnant, lactating and breeding dogs and cats. FRONTLINE Spray is not approved to be used on pregnant, lactating and breeding dogs and cats. In addition, FRONTLINE Plus small size that was initially labeled for 11-22 lb dogs has now been approved for the use on any size dog up to 22 lbs. FRONTLINE Brand Products are now approved for the rapid elimination of chewing lice infestations on dogs and cats and as an aid in control of sarcoptic mange infestations on dogs. Also, any FRONTLINE Brand Product may be applied to dogs and cats as young as 8 weeks of age and older.

 12. Which FRONTLINE Brand Product is right for my pet?

FRONTLINE Brand Products are available in three formulations to make it easy for you to provide your pet with the flea and tick control that is best for them. FRONTLINE Plus is a convenient once-a-month topical product offering long-lasting, complete control for adult fleas, flea eggs and larvae, and all four major species of ticks. FRONTLINE Top Spot and FRONTLINE Plus provide fast-acting, long-lasting flea and tick control for dogs and cats. FRONTLINE Spray offers quick elimination of existing flea and tick infestations. Ask your veterinarian which FRONTLINE Brand Product is the best choice for your pet.

 13. Can FRONTLINE Brand Products be used on pets other than dogs and cats?

No. FRONTLINE Brand Products are intended for use on dogs and cats only. It is not recommended for use on other species.

 14. Can FRONTLINE Brand Products be reapplied before the 30-day treatment interval is up?

Research results show that FRONTLINE Brand Products control fleas and ticks for a full month, so reapplication is unnecessary within 30 days.

 16. Are there any side effects when using FRONTLINE?

Individual sensitivities, while rare, may occur after using any pesticide product. Since FRONTLINE Brand Products are topical some pets may experience temporary irritation at the site of product application. If signs persist, or become more severe within a few days of application, consult your veterinarian immediately.

 17. Why are FRONTLINE Brand Products only available through my veterinarian?

It is Merial’s sales policy to sell our small animal products only where a veterinarian/client/patient relationship exists. Merial believes that the veterinarian is the only professional qualified to serve the health care needs of pets, the concerns of their owners and the appropriate use of our small animal products such as FRONTLINE Brand Products.

 18. How old does my pet have to be to apply FRONTLINE Brand Products?

All FRONTLINE Brand Products may be applied to dogs and cats as young as 8 weeks of age.

Frontline Plus For Dogs

Frontline Plus For Cats

Frontline Top Spot For Dogs

Frontline Top Spot for Cats