The Benefits of a Martingale Collar for Your Dog
Pool Safety: How to Keep Your Dogs Safe
Stomatitis in Cats: What Is It and Can It Be Treated?
The Benefits of a Martingale Collar for Your Dog
There are a variety of collars from which to choose for your dog, and there are many benefits of the martingale collar.
Often referred to as the greyhound collar or limited-slip collar, it is made for dogs with a narrow head and wider neck while also a good choice for any breed of dog who easily gets out of his regular collar.
“The martingale consists of a length of material with a metal ring at each end,” according to the article, “Dog collars,” at The Humane Society of the United States. “A separate loop of material passes through the two rings. The leash attaches to a ring on this loop.” If adjusted to your dog correctly and if your dog backs out of the martingale, it tightens but just to your dog’s neck size without choking him.
There are other pros about the martingale collar as compared to choke or slip collars that can be dangerous because of how tight they become when a dog pulls. A martingale won’t do that.
According to the article, “3 Benefits Of Using A Martingale Collar” at SitStay.com, the martingale is made from soft fabric and fits loose around a dog’s neck. The collar only tightens around the neck when it’s necessary. “Martingale collars distribute their pressure evenly around the neck rather than concentrating it in specific areas,” the SitStay article said.
The collar is good for training as it helps deter your dog from pulling his leash. “With a martingale collar, you can safely control your dog until they learn some basic commands,” according to SitStay. “The tightening action will indicate to dogs that they need to pay attention.” Not to mention, the collar can help keep your dog safe while walking.
Watch how to use the collar here: https://bit.ly/3elyV4k.
Pool Safety: How to Keep Your Dogs Safe
Some of the best times of summer can be had in the swimming pool. It’s one of the perfect places to not only have fun but to cool off. What about your dogs? How can you keep them safe around the pool?
Keep in mind that not all dogs know how to swim. It’s a myth that they are born knowing how. While there are many dogs who like the water, many don’t.
Here’s some great pool tips for your dog, according to the article, “Five Pool Safety Tips for Dogs” at PetMD.com:
1. Swimming lessons. Whether you do it or you hire a trainer, teach your dog how to swim. It’s important for your dog’s safety.
2. Buy a dog life vest. It’s a great way to ensure your dog is safe. “Just don’t rely on the life vest so much that you leave your dog unattended,” the article said.
3. Be extra careful with senior dogs. Many older dogs have certain health issues. First ask your vet if swimming is an option. If so, make sure you keep a careful watch over your senior.
4. CPR for dogs. This could be a lifesaver if you see your dog drowning. Click here for a PetMD article on how to perform CPR on dogs.
5. Ensure your pool is fenced in, yet another way to keep pets safe.
Also, remember it’s very important that dogs know how to get in and out of the pool, according to the article, “Dogs and Water Safety” at Fetch by WebMD. Make sure the water isn’t too cold before your dog takes a dip as cold water isn’t for all breeds. Also, rinse off your dog after swimming in any type of water, dry the ears, and never leave pets alone in the water.
Stomatitis in Cats: What Is It and Can It Be Treated?
There’s probably nothing worse than a toothache, and that goes for cats too. Stomatitis is a dental disease that cats get, and it’s very painful. While related to gingivitis, stomatitis is inflammation of the mucosal tissues in a cat’s mouth.
According to the article, “Stomatitis in Cats: Feline Dental Disease” at Best Friends Animal Society, some signs of stomatitis include:
• No appetite
• Pawing at the mouth
• Some personality changes
• Bloody saliva
• Weight loss
While there really isn’t one cause of stomatitis, a main belief “is that it is caused by chronic viral infections such as calicivirus and herpesvirus,” the article said. Weakened immune systems in cats can lead to the disease as well as immune-mediated diseases, ingestion of irritants, foreign bodies as well as kidney failure.
Managing stomatitis can include extraction of all of a cat’s teeth that have the inflammation, which “removes the sites to which plaque can attach,” the article said. Scaling and polishing can help but the plaque usually returns. Additionally, after extraction, vets will prescribe long-term antibiotics.
“Often, extractions and long-term antibiotics are not enough,” the Best Friends article said. “In this situation, an anti-inflammatory (typically, prednisone) is often needed. Prednisone can be given in oral form or as a long-acting injection.”
Most often the best option is removal of all the teeth.
“But this disease process is also very aggressive, and when you have full, degenerative disease occurring in the mouth, without aggressive intervention, many cats will stop eating and begin the dying process,” according to the article, “Feline Stomatitis: This is One Dental Disease You Don’t Want to Trifle With” at Healthy Pets.
And, cats can be OK without their teeth. “Many cats with full mouth extractions experience dramatic relief and have a significantly improved quality of life,” the Healthy Pets article said.
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