Are Herbs Safe For Your Pets?

April 22, 2011 By Leave a Comment

The issue of using herbs is one of those that have people sharply divided on opinions. There are some who strongly believe in them, while others have more faith in modern medicine. Now, pets have been brought into the debate, as some pet owners consider herbs to be useful for preventing or treating a number of pet diseases.

The Issue of Safety

While many herbs have been used safely for centuries, there have been reported  cases of adverse side effects. Administering the correct dosage is not always easy for the inexperienced, and this too can cause problems. Giving herbs to pets is a personal choice, one that your veterinarian might not even agree with. If you decide to try it, or even if you have been doing it for a while, you should find as much information as possible. This will help keep your pets safe.

Popular Herbs For Pets

Some herbal practitioners might be able to guide you in giving certain herbs to your pets. Some of them might even be herbs that you use for yourself. Some herbs and their reported benefits are:

  • Ginger: A few drops of ginger root extract with a small meal can help to prevent car sickness on long trips. It can also maintain your pet’s digestive health.
  • Milk thistle: As it does with humans, this herb acts as a liver tonic. It helps this organ to function properly, especially if it has been weakened due to illness.
  • Chamomile: This can have a calming effect on anxious or restless cats or dogs. It can also be a helpful digestive aid, which makes it especially beneficial to older pets.
  • Essential oils: Many pet owners swear by oils like sage and eucalyptus as a powerful flea repellant.

There are herbal companies that offer their products especially for pets. These companies tend to provide correct dosage instructions based on species, age and breed. So you don’t have to worry about mixing these things yourself if you are interested in using them for your pets. Talk to other pet owners who give herbs to their pets and you might just get some useful tips. Remember that herbs are not a substitute for a good diet and lots of activity.

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A Look At Pet Wedding Fashion

April 16, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Do you have two pets you think are just made for each other? Have you been considering nuptials for your cats or dogs? If this idea appeals to you, there are places to get pet bridal gowns and pet bridal accessories. This pet fashion niche is not as large as other areas, but many pet owners get a kick out of setting up pet weddings.

Pet Weddings

Setting up a pet wedding is not difficult at all. A quick search online turned up quite a few results, and plenty of valuable information. Believe it or not, you can even find someone to perform the ceremony. A full package will probably include the ceremony, wedding album and venue. Other extras may be included, but these will vary depending on the provider. Be sure to find out if the package includes a photographer, or you may want to handle this yourself.

Gowns, Accessories and Formal Wear

Whether your pet is involved in the wedding or just attending, you want them to look their best. Like any other type of pet fashion, wedding attire will vary in price. You can shell out big bucks for designer duds, or explore some of the cheaper options. Going the cost effective route makes sense if you are on a tight budget, after all, how many pet weddings will you attend? Items you will be able to purchase for this event include:

  • Tuxedos
  • Bow ties and neck ties
  • Dresses
  • Wedding veils
  • Bows

Maybe you are making wedding plans of your own and want your pets to be involved. You will want your pet to look their best for this occasion as well. If the pet will be involved in the ceremony, there are special ring bearer outfits made for just this purpose. If you are planning a pet wedding, or even having them at your own, keep the pet portion of the list small. You don’t want to have problems controlling too many animals at any special occasion. If you have any ideas on making these events go off without a hitch, be sure to share them.

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Did Pet Fashion Stand up to the Recession?

March 12, 2011 By Leave a Comment

One of the realities of harsh economic times is that we can’t afford some of the things that fall outside the ‘essentials’ category. Some of these might be things like makeup are maybe that extra pair of shoes. For some pet owners they may have to pass up on even the most basic pet fashion items.

It’s tough to get information on individual stories about pet owners and their pet wear buys. The industry however, like so many others has been hit by the downturn. In 2008 the Spring leg of Pet Fashion Week scheduled for February was canceled. This was the first time it had happened since the event started in 2004. In fact, up until that point sales of pet fashion items had been booming.

Interestingly, the co-ordinator of the show Derek DiFante still sees a light at the end of the pet fashion tunnel. He was quoted as saying that luxury pet items would still enjoy big sales for some time to come. He went so far as to describe that segment of the market as “recessionproof.”

Well that might be good news for wealthier pet owners and those who cater to them, but what about the other side? Those of use without much disposable income are not likely to shell out for things like dog coats and booties. Some pet owners have begun to try making their own pet wear. Of course, for harsh weather condition some pet fashion items will be essential.

While the industry seemed to have entered a slump, it is certainly not down and out. And things do seem to be looking up, and not just for luxury pet wear. According to reports online, Pet Fashion Week NY held in August of 2010 was considered a success. Most of the 40 companies in attendance reported big sales. Buyers came from all over, including countries like Sweden and Italy.

All things considered, the industry probably held up better than others. Even a tough economy is not enough to get in the way of our love for our pets. Since there are positive signs pointing to a recovery this can only mean good things for pet owners looking to balance pet fashion and other expenses.

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Dealing with Pet Sprains

November 26, 2010 By Leave a Comment

A sprain is an injury to ligaments which can vary in severity. A sprain results from the ligament being pushed past it stretching point or being harshly twisted the wrong way. Really severe sprains could mean a tearing of the ligament, in which case surgery is the most likely option. If you’ve ever noticed your dog or cat limping for a while, this could be the result of a sprain. Luckily these injuries are usually easily treated.

Signs of Sprains

First off, you must keep in mind that the more active the animal the more likely it is that a sprain can occur. Even cats, lithe as they are, can get these injuries under the right circumstances. It helps to be able to recognize signs of a possible sprain such as:

  • Limping
  • Obvious pain
  • Swelling

Take the animal to the vet to ensure that there are no broken bones. The vet may prescribe anti-inflammatory medication for relatively mild injuries. The recommendation may also be made to keep icing the area until the swelling goes down. Of course, this will be easier done with a dog than a cat. In fact, examining the cat in itself can prove difficult.

If you suspect your cat has a sprain, try wrapping it in a towel to keep it from scratching you as it reacts to the pain. During the course of treatment, whether it is medication or a splint, try to keep the cat confined to a small area.

If your dog has mild strain in a joint you could try using cold water and vinegar on the area. This should ideally be done only after the vet has determined that the injury is not serious. Icing the injury sometimes work, as the dog is more likely to sit quietly than the cat. You can place a wrap around the ice to keep it in place, but you must keep an eye on the dog to ensure that it doesn’t chew the material. The vet will likely prescribe anti-inflammatory here as well.

Remember that joint injuries could mean difficulty down the road for your pet. They could develop arthritis, so it makes sense to follow all instructions when dealing with pet sprains. The length of treatment will also depend on how badly the joint was injured. Remember that a sprained joint can be easily re-injured after it heals.

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Ear Infections in Pets

October 6, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Like us humans, some animals can get ear infections. This is not necessarily a reason to be worried, but the quicker the infection is detected the better. Caring for your cat’s or dog’s ears should be part of your overall pet grooming routine. Of course, even with the best care, it is still possible for our pet to get ear infections. A little knowledge of all the risks could help to protect your beloved pet.

Signs of Ear Infections

Cats and dogs tend to have similar outward symptoms of ear infections. If your pet starts to behave differently at any time you should schedule a vet visit. Some things to watch for include:

  • Unusual discharge in the ears
  • A bad odor
  • Swelling or inflammation inside the ears
  • A tendency to keep leaning the head to one side
  • Constantly shaking the head
  • Incessant scratching of the area

Causes of Ear infections

It is important to occasionally clean your pet’s ears. The home environment should be dry and free from moisture. Don’t allow your pet to sleep in damp places. This could promote the activity of bacteria. Other potential causes are:

  • Parasites
  • Injury to the ear
  • Allergies
  • Foreign matter ending up inside the ear
  • Hereditary links

Treatment Options

Only an examination by a vet will determine the extent and type of infection present. The vet may recommend an ear cleaning solution if the problem is not too severe. Antibiotics or medication may sometimes be provided to treat dog or cat ear infections. If you notice your cat or dog displaying any of the signs noted above, take it to the vet. Early treatment will lead to a more successful outcome.

None of us pet lovers want to see our beloved four-footed family members suffer unnecessarily.

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