 Does Your Pet Have Allergies?
Spring is definitely in the air, and those of us who suffer from seasonal allergies are probably more aware of this than many. But did you know that pets can get seasonal allergies, too?
Pets can display some of the same allergy symptoms as humans, like sneezing and watery eyes. You should also be on the lookout for an increase in behaviors like:
- Chewing or licking feet or flanks
- Rubbing their face and ears
- Asthma-like breathing
- And more ...
The good news is that a lot of the same things that help with your seasonal allergies, will also help your pet. Frequent baths and keeping sleeping areas clean and laundered will help reduce both pollen and dust mites. Air purifiers and vacuums equipped with HEPA filters are also very useful for zapping allergens away.
Make sure you see your vet if your pets' allergies seem very severe. If you find signs of fur loss and skin inflammation, it's probably time for medication. Many pets can take the same over the counter medications humans do, but in much smaller doses, and only your vet can make a safe dosage recommendations based on your pet's size and health.
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The Pet Maven Partners with PAWS
The Pet Maven is pleased to announce our new partnership with a wonderful organization called PAWS NY. This non-profit helps New York's senior citizens and people with permanent disabilities keep their pets by providing important assistance with things like dog-walking, litter-box assistance, food, and now, thanks to Helen, grooming.
Many older pets have difficulty grooming themselves, and sometimes their owners are not able to assist. Long-haired pets in particular can quickly become plagued with  uncomfortable mats, and dry, flaky or oily skin, even dangerously long nails.
One of Helen's first kitty clients was a lovely older long haired girl named Angel. She had so many uncomfortable mats that she was pretty miserable. But, after some careful attention from Helen and her assistant, Angel looked like a new kitty! Click on the picture above to see the entire grooming album on Facebook.
To learn more about PAWS NY and how you can help, please visit their website. They can also be found on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
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Are You Nuts About Your Pet? Read This!
Food is an important part of life, not simply because we need it to survive, but because sharing food is an important part of social and familial bonding. Is it any wonder, then, that we are tempted to share those little tidbits from our plates with our beloved furry family members? Most people know not to share things like chocolate and alcohol with their pets, but what about nuts? They're a popular snack, but what would you do if you dropped one only to have it quickly gobbled up by your dog or cat? The good news is most nuts are safe for both cats and dogs, with a few notable exceptions. Macadamia nuts and Black Walnuts are toxic for dogs, and while there is no significant data as to whether cats are also adversely affected, it is better to be safe than sorry. Another consideration is that many nuts are salted or come covered with a sweet coating, both of which could potentially be harmful to your pet. Still, if you do happen to drop one on the floor, that small amount will not harm to your pet. And if you do decide to deliberately give your pet a nibble, make sure they're dry roasted, unsalted, and un-shelled. Learn more here: |
