Forget ghoulies and ghosties. Ask pet owners what they fear this time of year and they'll say, "
FLEAS!"
We talk about this topic every year, but this time we're putting a little spin on it. If you've treated your pets and you still have fleas, chances are it's not your fault - it's the environment. What can we say... fleas are opportunistic and will stop at nothing to hang out in your nice, comfy home as the weather cools. Short of asking them to pay rent, here's how to help get rid of them.
You have to make your home really uninviting to fleas. Think of them as guests that just won't go home - subtle hints aren't going to cut it. You need to make it super obvious to fleas that they aren't welcome.
Start with the vacuum. Run it daily and make sure to empty it outside into a bag that you seal immediately. Floors, furniture, drapes - this is not the time to skimp... this is war!
Break out the mop for hard surfaces. Fleas like to hang out in cracks or surfaces, so be sure to flush them out so that when you treat your home, they have nowhere to hide.
If your dog likes it, wash it. Bedding, pillows, throws... if he snuggles with it, it goes in the washer.
Bomb it. Find a fogger, read the directions, and let fleas have it!
Your yard is ground zero. Waiting until all the leaves are off the trees before raking the yard is asking for trouble. Fleas hide in fallen leaves, grass, under the bushes, and under your deck. Take the battle ground away from them by keeping your lawn cleanly manicured.
Lastly, remember that this is a blitz! Do all of this on the same day and you're sure to hit them where they live. After all, no one wants to share a home with fleas, so make sure your attack is as effective as possible.
Click here to download our free flea handout. 
If you haven't been to 
This festive gourd is a miracle food for dogs. Good for both diarrhea and constipation, canned pumpkin (not raw, not the sugary, spicy pie filling) is loaded with fiber and beta-carotene, which the body converts to vitamin A. Don't give Buddy a lot of it - too much A is highly toxic to dogs - but a couple of teaspoons a day for little pups, or a couple of tablespoons for big boys, should keep them right on track.
There are a lot of superstitions about dogs and rain. Did you know that some believed if a dog ate grass, slept on its back, or sat with crossed fore-paws, it was a sign of impending rain?
You may be surprised to know that it isn't just cats who have this eerie ability. Dogs also have a strange reflective quality that makes their eyes glow.
