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This Post is Provided by Amy Tonic from PetGuide.com. Spring is here… and that means in seasonal climates that fleas and ticks are making their way to your pets. They think of your pet as their warm home with free meals, and they plan to take up residence for generations unless you evict them. Sure, fleas and ticks both cause your pet to itch and can bring health problems, but did you know that there are many differences between the two? Let’s go over what makes them different for each other so you know what you’re up against when trying to keep them off your pets and you!

Fleas
Even though this insect is wingless, it can jump like any NBA player. Fleas can be tough to spot – they measure in at 1/16 to 1/8-inches long. With a lifespan of about 100 days, fleas like to settle in and stay on one dog. That means once it jumps on your dog, the flea will stay there until it dies. And why would it go anywhere else? Your dog has everything it needs to live comfortably – it feeds off your dog (yum!) and starts having babies as it finishes eating. For several weeks, they will lay about 20 to 40 eggs a day. And these eggs will go wherever the dog goes, so shedded hair that contains eggs can land anywhere.

Happier in a mild climate, fleas prefer heat to cold, so they would rather spend their time indoors where it’s toasty warm. But hey, fleas don’t come to their new home without a housewarming present. These annoying creatures can carry bartonellosis and tapeworm to pass along to your dog.

Ticks
A close cousin to spiders, the tick is considered to be an arachnid (thanks to their eight legs). It’s bigger than the flea, measuring in at ¼ to 1/8-inches long. Ticks don’t mind moving from animal to animal – they aren’t too picky were they set up house. In fact, ticks can be found o snakes, lizards and humans. Their life cycle can last anywhere from three weeks to three years. You won’t think that these little blood suckers would be picky, but they are. They will wait until they find the right home, and then leave to find another host to sponge off of. They just can’t spend too long on one dog. As larvae, nymphs and adults, they will go from host to host through each life stage.

And let’s talk about eggs. After feeding off the dog, the female tick will fall from its host and lay thousands of eggs at one time (yikes!). Once it has finished with this task, the tick will die, leaving behind a new generation to carry on its dirty work. Happiest in cold temperatures, the tick doesn’t mind the winter climates. As for diseases, the tick carries around plenty of potential deadly diseases, including Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever.

Author Bio
Amy Tokic is the Editor of PetGuide.com. With the help of her trusted sidekick, Oscar, PetGuide.com covers all the latest dog news, events, information and products that pet parents need to know about. All this month, PetGuide.com is looking into Fleas and Ticks and how you can get ahead of the problem before it gets out of control.

How true is this?! On our best days our pets are there to share in our joy, and on our worst days they help to take away the pain. Right?

RedandHowling: Musings on Dogs, Cats & Other Bundles of Love.

Honey was found wired to a park fence in a rough part of town known for dog fighting. Her trembling body was laden with visible injuries that appeared to be bite wounds. An emergency veterinary examination put her on a costly treatment path including some complex facial reconstruction. Without financial support from generous donors like you, homeless pets like Honey don’t stand a chance. Please consider giving to the Adopt-a-Pet.com Veterinary Care Fund and save the life of a loving animal like Honey. The Adopt-a-Pet.com Veterinary Care Fund was able to get her started on a path toward healing, but she still needs your help. If you’re able to drop an extra dollar or two into the fund, we can continue to help Honey and other injured or sick pets receive life-saving veterinary care. 100% of your donation – every penny – is directly used for the care of homeless animals in need. Donate Now.

To cover or not to cover, that is the question! A question for you and for your cat. There are a number of pros and cons to covered vs uncovered litter boxes. For humans, in the pro column, they visually hide your cat’s bathroom, and going to the bathroom. If your cat is one who isn’t particularly fond of completely covering, they hide the bathroom going results too! Covered litter pans can look like fine furniture, a potted plant, a piece of modern sculpture, or like a plastic litter box with a cover on it! If the covered litter box has a door, it may slow down the transmission of smells, though really any litter box that a cat can get in to will have to allow air in to it, so smells can get out of it too. Trapping smells may be preferable to you, but cats have a very strong sense of smell, so they may find a covered litter box with a door to be offensive, even if they do get comfortable pushing the door aside to jump in and out. A door also makes it so that you have to remove and then replace the cover each time you do your daily box cleaning.

Covered boxes even without a door do provide a physical barrier on at least 3 sides for cats that like to do the can-can dance kicking the litter in all directions. That can also be accomplished with a very high-sided litter pan, like the DIY ones that people make for their cats out of storage containers. One of the covered litter box “pros” from a cat’s point of view is if they like some privacy, or are a little skittish about being ambushed by other pets in the home, a covered box gives them less possible attack routes to worry about.

If you have a regular uncovered style litter box, and would like to try a covered one, make sure you leave the original box in the same spot while you set up and try out the covered box. Cats can be very particular about new things, and you don’t want to take away the one place they feel safe to go to the bathroom!

Leave the new covered litterbox out with the old box for a couple of weeks. If your cat is using the covered box without any issues, you can slowly a few feet a day drag the old box away, and the new box into the old box’s place (if that’s where you’d like it to be). Then, you can take up the old box. Hang on to it though for at least another few weeks, just in case!

Want to learn more about litter box training and issues? Read…

• Cats agree: bigger litter is better!
• Help My Cat Stopped Using The Litterbox
• Tips to Stop Your Cat from Spraying

Today we have a slightly different Happy Beginnings story, times two! Nothing gives us a double-wide smile like a story of how Adopt-a-Pet.com helped a homeless pet or two find a new loving home. (We’d love to hear yours too, and would be happy to consider it for a future blog post too! Send your Happy Beginnings story to info@cms.adoptapet.com with a photo or two.)  This week’s story is from a foster volunteer. She writes, “In the beginning of March I noticed two beautiful Lab/Golden Retriever 12 week old puppies in a high kill pound in TN. I immediately felt attached to these pups named Jack & Jill. I spoke to the woman who was in charge and she had no connections for vet care or transporting. I went on Adopt-a-Pet.com and emailed every single rescue center in TN. Teh first email I got back was from an angel of a woman named Shayna Rowe from Pawsitive Rescue & Adoption She went the very next morning to the pound. There was no one there taking care of the animals that day. She went to the police department and argued wit hthe sergeant to let her in to get these 2 pups. She got them! Yeaaaa! She got them the proper vetting and 13 days later she drove these babies door to door to my home in Connecticut. I became a foster mommy! This just goes to show you that persistence and team work pays off. We did it!”

Wouldn’t you love if you could do something nice for yourself and for someone else at the same time? Wouldn’t it be even better if that “someone else” was a shelter pet near you? Enter to win the “Anchorman 2” Baxter Saves the Day Sweepstakes and you could be one of the winners who has that very opportunity! Here’s what you need to know: To celebrate the release of “Anchorman 2,” the folks behind this major film release are giving away tons of great prizes to animal lovers just like you! Five Grand Prize winners will each receive a $300 PetSmart® gift card, an “Anchorman 2” Blu-ray Combo Pack and Digital HD, and the ability to give $500 away to an animal shelter or rescue from within the Adopt-a-Pet.com network.  Enter Now!

Nothing proves to potential adopters that shelter pets are loving, warm, and soulful beings like first-hand accounts from adopters like you. And since a picture says 1,000 words, what better way to get the message across! You know your favorite photo of you with your pet – the one that just exudes happiness and with mere pixels, communicates just how wonderful having a pet can be? What if that photo – YOUR photo of YOUR pet – inspired other people to adopt and save the life of a shelter pet?

We’re searching for Adopt-a-Pet.com’s first ever Facebook “cover pet” photo – and it could be of your best friend. We’ll choose one photo that captures the essence of pet adoption – the happiness, the joy, the smiles, laughter, and love – to be featured as our first ever cover pet on Facebook and featured on our blog.

Here’s how your photo can be chosen:

1. Follow us on Instagram
2. Post your photos to your Instagram account with a caption telling us your favorite thing about your relationship with your pet.
3. Make sure you mention @adoptapetcom in your caption and include the #HappyBeginnings hash tag.

Let’s debunk stereotypes and start more Happy Beginnings for shelter pets! Good luck!

One of the greatest joys of my life is caring for my senior pets. My grandma called older pets with silvery fur faces “sugar faces” so ever since I was little I’ve know how sweet older pets can be. The beautiful girl you see in the photo is a “fospice” i.e foster hospice dog that my coworker Dana took into her heart and her home, and right now I have 3 senior dogs (one’s a foster too) and 2 senior cats of my own. Yes puppies and kittens are adorable, but there’s a serious advantage pets have in their senior years! All that wisdom shines through, though I’d be amiss if I didn’t mention they often have a good dose of stubbornness and selective hearing at times too! I’ve only had senior pets for the last few years, so I’m still learning about how to best care for them. Fortunately I work in animal welfare and get to take advantage of the decades of experience from all my colleagues! Here are some things I’ve learned about caring for a senior pet that I’ve learned, that I hope will help you if you’re getting ready to care for a senior pet of your own, be it a new addition that you’re adopting (senior pet adopters rock!) or an adult pet you’re looking forward to caring for as he or she grows old.

1. Take things slower

When my big dog Max was younger, he had boundless energy. He would pull me on rollerblades around my neighborhood, thrilled to be doing a job… and a fast one at that! Now that he’s just celebrated his 12th birthday, he is finally spending more time sleeping and less time wanting to go for a run. (I’ve been waiting for that for about 10 years!) Our rollerblading sessions got shorter and slower as each year passed, and last year we graduated to jogging, and this year to strolling, with plenty of sniffing breaks.

Many dogs are incredibly stoic and ignore pain, especially if they are having fun like chasing a ball or out on a hike or run. It’s up to their humans (us) to limit their intense physical activities as they get older, while still giving them plenty of outlets for their energy.

2. Keep life interesting

Even though Max isn’t pulling me on rollerblades any more, his doggie brain still years for that fun of the chase. (I suspect he has some sighthound in his mutt-i-gree heritage.) So instead, we go for car rides. I have a pull up window screen on the back seat window of my car, so I can roll the window down and he can take big happy snuffs of all the amazing smells whipping by as we go to the market, or just out for a 10 minute joy ride.

Does your dog love new toys? Especially when you come home and take them out of the crinkly bag or wrapper? Figure out your new toy budget, and spread that out so you can give your senior dog one new toy a week if you can. New toys can be almost free DIY dog toys like a new tennis ball, a plastic water bottle with some kibble inside, or a tug toy made out of a knotted tee shirt.

3. Senior TLC

Senior pets often need or just appreciate a little extra TLC. Your vet may want to see them every 6 months instead of yearly for a check-up, you may need to provide steps if you like your sugar-face friend to get up on the bed or couch with you easily without risking too big a jump up or down. For dogs, and as their sight and hearing goes, you may want to make doubly sure they aren’t going to get lost, even if they were off-leash trained before. Another wonderful way to give your senior buddy some TLC is with gentle daily massage (here’s how)– like a wonderful petting session, with a little more purpose!

4. Adopt a younger friend?

This is a really important decision to consider very thoroughly. Sometimes social pets as they age do appreciate and liven up with a younger companion. Others, especially those that have been your only pet for their entire lives, are really much happier basking in all your attention, not sharing it. Increasing your senior pet’s activity level (and happiness!) can have a very positive effect on an aging pet’s health. HOWEVER, are you sure you’re adopting that  baby puppy or kitten for your senior pet — or is it for you?  If you are an arthritic grandma or grandpa, you might enjoy playing with a baby for a little bit… but mostly you’d want to be enjoying restful naps in your chair, not being a chew toy or pounced on! Consider instead a youthful adult companion for your senior pet. Then you and your senior pet can enjoy the benefits of younger energy without being overwhelmed.

You can find a wonderful “sugar face” senior pet to adopt at adoptapet.com

In Dog Years…

I know you have fought so hard to keep me and struggled to let me go, but the time has come for me to meet my maker and see the world from the other side.

My purpose here is complete. I lived my life by example, the way I was designed to live; showing joy and trust; acceptance and loyalty, simplicity and unconditional love. Remember all these things I have taught you.

I am so grateful for the life we shared, the feeling of pure joy just being together. There were so many moments that I wished for time to stand still. These moments are forever embedded in my heart.

It was always your job to provide and care for me and my gratitude is endless. Your final decision to end my suffering was a wonderful blessing and your final gift to me. I felt the comfort of your touch as I took my last breath and felt the hand of my Creator as I was welcomed into Heaven.

I will always be in your heart and you will always be in mine. Until we shall meet again…It is only then that my heaven shall be complete.

With unconditional love, Your Loyal Companion and Forever Friend

Author Unknown.

Most pet owners think of their pets as much more than just animals. Often, our pets are considered a part of our family, and like any family member, you want to find a city or town that’s good for them. When you have kids, you choose a location based on good schools, safe neighborhoods, and proximity to playgrounds and parks. For pets, you need to research things like dog parks, doggie meet-ups, local pet laws and veterinary care. If you live in an apartment, like me, you also have to find out what kind of pet you’re allowed to have. 90% of the reason I signed the lease for my current apartment is because my landlord said the magic words – “you can have any type of dog you want.” Of course, if I ever move I’ll have to find an apartment complex that’s willing to welcome my 60 lb. Boxer mix.

Photo: djjasoncook

It’s pretty easy to find places that are cat-friendly, but life for dogs can be a little “ruff” in some areas.  Maryland, for example, is not very accommodating towards pit bulls, which is very sad. Luckily there are many cities that are happy to welcome all breeds and species:

1.    Colorado Springs, CO

This city has topped the charts for lovers of both dogs and cats, the two most popular pets in the U.S. Colorado Springs boasts the residence of 115,000 pets, comparable to the 400,000 people populating the city. This lucky city has seven (yes, seven) dog parks for pooches to meet and make friends. In addition, spoiled pups can get the ultimate treatment at the exclusive, dog-friendly resort, The Broadmoor Hotel.

2. Orlando, FL
Home to Disney World, it’s no surprise that such a huge tourist destination has made an effort to welcome four-legged friends along with their paying, two-legged customers. Many hotels in the area are pet-friendly and welcome the whole family.

Partially because this is a tourist city, there are a plethora of dog sitters and groomers. The industry is so successful that those who live there can look into building a dog wash and expect to do very well!

3.    Portland, OR

Portland has the advantage of being a wonderful city for both pets and their owners. This city is well-known for its abundance of outdoor activities, which includes about 20 parks that are specially designated for four-legged friends. Additionally, many of the city’s outdoor attractions allow owners to bring their pets right along with them.

4.    Asheville, NC

This is the city of diva dogs. If you have a pampered pooch, Asheville is their haven. The city offers two, leash-free dog parks – but they’re not the main attraction; this city has an abundance of little specialty boutiques for pets. And since owners want only the best for their pups, these stores also sell all-organic options.

Additionally, many places offer spa treatments, training and photography for your pets. Another thing that sets this city apart is that many of the restaurants have outdoor seating, so you can bring your furry friend along for lunch. You can even ask for a cheeseburger just for your pooch, and the staff will be happy to oblige!

5.    San Diego, CA

One of the nation’s most famous cities must be able to support a pretty picky dog population. Unlike the other land-locked cities, San Diego specializes in dog-friendly, leash-free beaches. The most famous of these beaches is Dog Beach, which has made its way into many Hollywood movies.

Similar to Asheville, San Diego also has a great deal of pet-centric shopping. Most places do not allow dogs into the stores, but they do offer cheap pet-sitting, and some of the shopping malls have outdoor dog parks.

 

No matter where you live, there is almost always a place you can go to make friends with fellow pet owners. Almost every city has a dog park, or at least a dog-friendly park. An important thing to realize is even most small towns will have a store, shelter, or events where training, grooming and socialization are available and encouraged.

Remember, your pet would love to have friends of their own species, and creating opportunities for them to make friends allows you to make new friends too!

Michelle Rebecca is an aspiring writer, blogger, and new mama to a 1-year-old boxer mix rescue. She has a passion for the Internet, and loves how it connects people across the globe. She loves that blogging gives her the opportunity to voice her thoughts and share advice with an unlimited audience. Follow her on Google+.