NATIONAL PET CANCER AWARENESS MONTH: THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT CANCER IN PETS

The last thing a pet owner would want to hear is that their beloved pet has cancer. Sadly, cancer in pets is more common nowadays as compared to years ago. However, just as the disease has progressed, so has its treatment. There is a plethora of information out there from preventative options to the treatment itself. Knowing the basic information about cancer in your pets can help guide you in taking the right steps. In this article, we will discuss the preventative measures you can take in order to save your pet from getting cancer and what to do if your pet does get diagnosed with cancer.

Basic Information About Cancer In Pets

SPAYING AND NEUTERING
There are various reasons for you to neuter or spay your pet. For starters, it can greatly improve their behavior. Plus, when it comes to female pets, it stops them from going into heat and creating an unpleasant mess. Despite all that, the most important reason is that it prevents your pet from getting cancer. If you spay your female pet prior to them going into heat, you will greatly lessen the chances of them getting mammary cancer. Even if the pet has already gone into heat, spaying is still very effective in preventing cancer. Likewise, neutering your male pets will get rid of any chance of them getting testicular cancer.

A SIMILAR DIAGNOSIS
As your pet ages, the chance of them developing cancer increases as well, just like it does in humans. Furthermore, dogs have a higher rate of being diagnosed with cancer as compared to cats.

SUNSCREEN FOR YOUR PETS
It might sound strange but just like humans, dogs and cats can also get sunburnt and develop skin cancer. It is advised to keep your pet away from the powerful midday sun and if you cannot do that then apply sunscreen on them. However, use the sunscreen that is specifically made for pets. Since pets tend to lick their fur often, you need to make sure that your pet’s sunscreen contains non-toxic ingredients.

CANCER CAN TAKE PLACE ANYWHERE IN A PET’S BODY
Cancer can take place anywhere in your pet’s body, whether it’s the spleen, skin, tissue or lymph nodes. Plus, some types of cancers can be seen or touched. However, in order to catch the other type of cancers it is important to notice changes in the moods and habits of your pet; hence visit your vet often.

OBESITY IN PETS
There is a decent amount of evidence available that suggests that obesity plays a great part when it comes to your pet being diagnosed with cancer. It can greatly increase the chances of your pet developing certain types of cancers.

What Questions Should You Ask Your Veterinarian?

If your pet has been diagnosed with cancer, then do not fret. There is still a lot of hope left. Below is a list of questions that you can ask your pet’s veterinary oncologist and veterinarian in order to clear any doubts you might have and ease your mind.

What treatments are offered?

What is the prognosis with every treatment?

What will be the aftermath of each treatment and how will it affect my pet’s life?

For how long should my pet be treated?

How much does each treatment cost?

For how long do we have to visit the veterinarian afterward?

Cancer Treatment Options
The course of your pet’s cancer treatment is decided by your veterinary oncologist or veterinarian. Plus, it will depend upon the form of cancer and other factors that are specific to your pet. Your veterinarian might suggest radiation, chemotherapy, surgery or a combination of these cancer treatments for your pet. Your veterinary oncologist or veterinarian might suggest discontinuing the treatment if the symptoms relating to radiation therapy or chemotherapy cannot be treated with the help of supplementary medicine. Moreover, veterinary medicine has recently made progress in treatments like antibody therapy and immunotherapy.

In the end, a pet owner is overwhelmed with anxiety and stress after they discover that their pet has cancer and wants the most effective treatment that is out there for their beloved pet. However, planning ahead by taking preventative measures and discussing the health of your pet with your veterinarian on a regular basis can potentially save your pet’s life in the future.

NATIONAL ANIMAL SHELTER APPRECIATION WEEK: HOW TO VOLUNTEER AT YOUR LOCAL ANIMAL SHELTER

Animal shelters provide a safe and secure space for many animals that are often abandoned and lost. For this reason, animal shelters are extremely important, because of them many cats and dogs are adopted by caring owners and taken to loving homes. Volunteering at any place means you have to provide your time, effort and help to make an impact and difference. This is a very fulfilling and rewarding act. Volunteering at the animal shelter is more than just walking dogs around and playing with cats. There are many more activities shelters need volunteers for such as, adoption programs, special events, meal preparation, financial work, office work and etc. Like any work, you need to have some knowledge about the work you will be doing. You always have to be prepared to deal with animals who need a bit more attention and care than the rest.

Find the Right Opportunity
Contact your local animal shelter and inquire about the facility. Find out about all important information like how many hours you’d need to commit or how many days every week you need to be present, the type of skills you should have, any specific experience they need from you, any specific volunteer programs that would take place, what kind of work involves animals and etc. Find out if the work aligns with your interest and schedule.

Applying as a Volunteer
Once you’ve inquired information about the shelter and the requirements needed, you can visit the shelter and see for yourself if it’s the right option for you. If you think it is, you can ask for an application to become a volunteer. When they hand out an application or ask you to fill it online, they’d most probably ask for an ID or birth certificate to verify identity. Go through your responsibilities once again and take up training as many shelters provide training sessions for volunteers. This will mentally prepare you for your expected tasks.

Now that you’re a volunteer, you can always find different ways to contribute your time and effort to help. Some creative ways to help would be:

Donate: If you’re unable to give time to the shelter physically, you can still donate money, toys or animal-care items. Shelters are always looking for new toys, beddings, essentials to take care of all the animals. Such donations make the shelter very happy. You can even offer to collect donations from your local neighborhood or friends and family.

Drive animals: You can volunteer to drive around animals for vet appointments or outdoor activities if you have good driving skills and a car.

Crochet: If you’re very skilled with sewing and crocheting, then you can definitely spend your time making new bedding, sweaters, gloves for the animals.

Social awareness: Posting engaging content on social media, posting new pictures, updating with upcoming campaigns and fundraisers is a very creative way of attracting new audiences. If you’re great at content writing and love being creative, then you can definitely volunteer to take responsibility for managing their social media handles.

These are just some ways you can always try to help the local animal shelter. As Fizzion believes in supporting organizations that help improve the lives of others, we are very proud of our association with Kitty Bungalow Shelter. Other than providing our products to keep the shelters nice and clean, we are so happy to have the opportunity to fund the TNR programs that will help cats find safe spaces.

Adopt-a-Dog Month: The Top 10 Most Popular Dog Breeds!

All dogs are beautiful and there is no doubt about that. They are loyal and loving and all of them are the number one place holders in our hearts!

However, every dog lover has a distinct taste. So, here is a list of some of America’s favorite dogs. For more than 20 years, Labrador retriever has been hailed the most popular purebred dog breed in the US. Find out what other breeds made it to the list!

Labrador Retriever:

This all-rounder, family favorite pup originated from Canada. These friendly little balls of joy are playful, pack oriented and caring. They have a happy go lucky nature and crave human attention. They are popular in all of the USA, Canada, the UK, and Australia. They have remained on the top for the past 28 years due to their happy and playful nature.

German Shepard

This military favorite dog originates from Germany, hence the name. They are energetic and possess athletic qualities. They are proud, intelligent and energetic. They are no couch potatoes and are the happiest when they are actively moving. They tend to be extremely playful and protective of their human. They can also be trained to a calm life making them a great fit for both military and happy family life!

Golden Retriever

These gorgeous little gold pups originate from Scotland. They love to play in water. Due to their extremely friendly nature they are not suitable to be guard dogs. Everybody loves them due to their caring and happy nature. They are loyal and are often trained to become therapy dogs. Because who in the world can resist this gorgeous ball of fur!

French Bulldog

These compact sized, bat-eared dogs are 16th-century dogs from England. These short-haired pups have bat-like ears and small round eyes making their appearance very puppy-like, even as adults. Their bodies are muscular, but their size makes them a great lap dog, perfect for cuddles! The French Bulldog is a great addition to any small home and is popular in larger cities because they are low maintenance and can live in apartment homes just fine.

Bulldog

Like their French variety they are also better suited for the city life. They are small and can easily fit in an apartment but remember that long walks and dog parks should still be frequented. Their wrinkly appearance can melt any heart and their easy-going personalities make them easy to care for. Do not be fooled by their grumpy face, they are extremely cuddly and loveable!

Beagle

These noisy curious pups originate from Romania. They value companionship and are very friendly. Their happy go lucky nature is very attractive and that is why they have captured the hearts of masses. They have a strong nose and they like to follow their smell sense. Beagles can be energetic and can be trained to be a calmer dog, but it is in their nature to be active.

Poodle

Once at the top of the pyramid, they now stand at the humble position of number seven. The once considered royal dog was first bred in Germany. They are intelligent, fast-learners, and they value human attention. They are extremely intelligent and are available in a small, medium and toy-sized variety. Their love of family and low-shedding fur coat makes them a desirable dog for many families.

Rottweiler

Rottweilers are famous for their productive instincts and intelligence. They are strong-willed and make great guard dogs. They are a loyal and confident breed. However, Hollywood has given them a bad reputation throughout the years by casting this type of dog as vicious. Rottweilers are caring, calm and protective. Contrary to popular belief they make great pets and will scare off any potential trespassers!

German Shorthaired Pointer

These dogs have been coined “noble” and “aristocratic” based on their looks. The GSP is not a lazy dog and requires lots of room to play! They are best known for their speed and agility making them great runners and swimmers. They are sneakily making their way to the popular dog lists. Families who own GSP love them for their playfulness and loyalty. These pointers are the best dogs for your throw and fetch playdates!

Yorkshire Terrier

These glamorous and adorable dogs are a 19th century breed. They are regal with their long silky mane. Their long tan hair reaches the ground and that puts them in a league of their own. They are small but have a huge attitude. With their feisty, energetic and playful personalities they are sure to win over any dog lover.

National Pet Obesity Awareness Day: How to Tell if Your Pet Is Overweight

Obesity in pets is becoming a concerning issue for pet owners. Even as human beings, we take care of ourselves to remain fit and healthy, which is why it’s also important to pay proper attention to your pet’s health as well. Obesity and unhealthy weight can have a number of effectson your pet’s health. Arthritis, diabetes and respiratory problems are the most common issues that obesity can cause. As a pet owner, having a healthy pet should be a priority. It’s important to carry a diagnosis of your pet every now and then to determine the weight isn’t unhealthy.

How to tell if your pet is overweight?

The best way to judge and assess your pet is by simply running your hands through the abdomen area. If you’re able to feel the ribs without any thick layers covering it up, then that means your pet’s weight is ideal. It’s fine. But if you’re able to feel the ribs and see them as well, then that means they’re quite skinny. If you’re unable to find the ribs while placing your hands on its chest, and also unable to see them, then that means your pet is overweight. This is known as the rib test. This test proves whether your pet needs a diet change, exercise routine and special attention.

The next thing you will be able to notice is the chest. The shape of his body should be wider at the chest and the abdomen area should be narrower. The tuck-up from his chest to the stomach should be prominent and noticeable. An overweight pet will have the body shape of a tube. A straight figure is trouble. You wouldn’t be able to distinguish between the waist and chest. That would indicate your pet is overweight. An hourglass figure is an indication of a healthy pet.

Physical activities are a great way to prove unhealthy weight gain. If your pet isn’t as active as it was before, doesn’t run as fast as it once did while running or fetching, gets tired easily while chasing anything, prefers lazing around on the couch and loves sleeping now more than ever, then chances are your pet has become lethargic and lazy. Exercising has become difficult and the extra weight tends to tire it out quicker than usual. The extra weight it has to carry can affect his physical fitness greatly. Looking active and being active are 2 different things. If your pet has no stamina to carry our regular activities like it used to once, then it’s important to start paying proper attention to its diet and exercise routine strictly.

What to do about it?

As a pet owner, you can always help your pet get right back on track by making a few lifestyle changes for them.

Exercising is key. Physical exercise improves mental and physical health. Keeping a strict exercise routine for your pet to follow can help it to lose those extra pounds and also help it become a happier and healthier pet.

An overweight pet means its eating more than it’s supposed too. its one of the major reasons why it has become obese. Nutrition intake is super important. Which is why it’s important to schedule how many times a day it can eat.Next, you can control what it eats and how much it eats. Portion control is very important when you’re trying to lose weight. The same goes for animals aswell. Choosing healthy foods that fill up your pet’s stomach in a healthy manner is crucial. Maintaining portion sizes in each meal is important.

Get your pet checked regularly.Be consistent with the activities to progress positively. Helping your pet reach a healthy weight can be really motivating and also help you both live a happy and carefree life.

Helpful Tips for Keeping your Cat Healthy

Cats are one of the most adorable and preferred animals for keeping as a pet. However, possessing cats can be challenging if not taken proper measures in time. Cats are sensitive in nature and require extra care and love for healthy living.
Just like we maintain a healthy lifestyle and routine, a cat owner needs to do the similar for them. Here are some easy tips that one can follow to keep their beloved cats healthy.

Physical Hygiene

• Cats love to clean themselves but often ends up with hairballs in their stomach. Keeping your cats coat clean, do daily light and gentle brushing your cats’ fur and choose the right brush for your cat.

• Clip away your cat’s nails and trim away the extra hair between their paws but be careful and use the right instrument to do so. Always ensure that your cat is calm and relaxed.

• Brush your cats’ teeth keep a healthy oral hygiene. Cats specialized paste and toothbrush are available at good pet stores.

• Look for flea and ticks regularly and clean your cat’s skin with a wet surface. If there is flea infestation, clean and vacuum your entire house. Grab a flea spray and regularly spray the vulnerable areas to avoid infestation.

• Check your cats’ eyes and ears for possible problems, such as wax build up and foul smell, or buildup of crust in the corner of eyes. Clean the eyes and ears and take them to vet regularly.

Cat Food

• Keep a balance diet, provide your cat with protein-based cat feed. Ensure younger cats eat more than older ones. Keep an eye on your cats’ weight, have a visit to your vet if your cat is gaining some extra weight.

• Avoid dry feed, as cats absorbs water from their food, and mostly dry feed are rich in carbs which can lead to cat obesity and diabetes.

• Give them fresh water and place the clean fresh water bowl next to the cat food. This will help them to digest their food.

• Keep the cat’s food and water bowl clean, and always fill fresh water and food daily.

Litter Box & Sanitary Habit

• Provide a relax and clean environment for your cat to do the bathroom rituals. Always keep multiple litter box in your home. Clean them regularly, cats tend to make a mess if their litterbox is dirty. If by any chance, they decide to ditch the litterbox, clean the dirty spot using a specialized pet odor cleaner. Because if the spot is not cleaned properly, the cat might start going to the same place. Make sure that you put away any solid waste and change the dirty soaked litter.

• Keep the litter box away from household appliances and place them open, quiet, visible and well-ventilated space. Cats don’t use litter box where they might feel trapped or suffocated.

• If the cats start urinating at unusual spots, use a pet stain and odor remover to clean it and take them to the vet as it might be due to urinary tract infection, constipation or other illness.

Play with your cat and let them be “Just Cats”

• Do healthy activities with your cat and engage with them.

• Provide your cat scratching post and provide them multiple options for it. Make sure its reachable place. If you don’t provide them this activity they might use sofa or other furniture to scratch away.

Regular Vet visit

• Take your cat on regular vet visit, this way the vet will monitor your cat’s health, provide detail regarding essential vaccination and suggest a dietary routine.

• Visit a vet immediately if there is anything unusual about the cat or its behavior.

• It is a good practice to spay or neuter your cat, take professional advice before proceeding.

Food to Avoid in your Dog’s Diet

Dogs are one of the most faithful and loyal animals for keeping as pets. Some families with small children love to pet dogs because of their playful nature and friendliness. Dogs are also very caring animal. Relationship and friendship between dogs and humans are exemplary. Some types of dogs are also hired to help humans with work. For example, police department keeps dogs aside police officers to assist in investigations.

Happy dogs require healthy diet, which is very important otherwise dogs tend to lose appetite resulting in lesser life span. Possessing a dog is not that easy after all; special care and love is required to nurture them. People tend to share all sorts of human food with their dogs which may cause health problems.

We tend to pay lot of attention to our diet and routine, similarly to pet a healthy dog it is necessary to closely monitor its diet and what is daily food intake.

Let’s review about few common things that we tend to feed our dogs that should be avoided 100%.

Junk food

Firstly, you can start from off with not sharing junk food such as burgers, pizzas, bacon and fatty meat with your dog. Junk food can cause pancreatitis and stomach upsets in dogs. Also junk food is oily and has rich salt content, which can lead to dehydration.

Food with high salt, garlic and onion content

 

Such kind of foods such as chips, snacks, crackers, pop corns with high salt coating can cause sodium ion poisoning, sometimes vomiting, excessive urination, diarrhea and fever. Food containing garlic and onion are also lethal food for dogs. This kind of food causes hemolytic anemia or in simple words damage their red blood cells. Damage to red blood cell causes lack of oxygen in blood which may lead to breathlessness and vomiting.

Sweet Delights

 

Always avoid feeding, chocolate, sweets, and candies, it disturbs dog’s insulin levels which causes a sudden drop in blood sugar.

(Some) Fruits and Nuts

 

This includes raisins, macadamia nuts, apple seeds, avocado, peaches and plums, and tomatoes. Mentioned fruits and nuts makes dogs lethargic, indigestions, and bad stomach.

Raw meat, fish and liver

 

Although it is debatable as some vets suggest to cook the meat and other suggest to give raw, most of the vet community suggests that raw meat should not be given to dogs since it contains bacteria such as Salmonella and E.coli that is harmful for them.

Dairy products

 

Avoid giving dairy products to dogs, be it in raw condition or added in other products. It should be avoided mainly because digestive system of dogs is not built to process products made of cow milk. Fat content in dog food should always be low otherwise they can start vomiting and suffer severe diarrhea.

Raisins

 

It is better to avoid raisin as well. Although, some dogs digest them without any issue, but raisins are still risky for dogs. Raisins can cause kidney failure in dogs. So, it is better to keep your dog’s diet raisin free.

It is very important to take good care of dog’s diet and avoid above mentioned points as they can harm their health and induce diseases that may also be harmful for humans around dogs. These days cooked, and processed dog food is available in market, which saves dog owners from the hassle of preparing dog food at home. These packed dog food containers keep all the safety measures in account, therefore, they are healthy for dogs. Processed dog food should be introduced early on so dogs can familiarize with the taste.

Paw-some Ways to Celebrate National Dog Day

August 26th is National Dog Day, continue reading to discover what you can do to celebrate furry friends around the world!

What is National Dog Day?

National Dog Day was founded by pet lifestyle professional, Colleen Paige. She created this beloved day in 2004, and it has been getting stronger and stronger ever since. The purpose of this day (other than celebrating man’s best friends) is to raise awareness and money for dogs in need. The goal of this National day is to find a home for 10,000 homeless dogs each year. On top of this, this day raises celebrates dogs right to live a safe and protected life.

Ways to Celebrate National Dog Day

There are so many different ways to celebrate National Dog Day. Here are some great tips to get the most out of this celebration:

• Donate to a local animal shelter: For people working in shelters, they are focused on animal protection and welfare every day of the week! Show your support for the amazing work these people do all year round.

• Volunteer for an animal charity: There are so many charities that depend on the work of volunteers. Pick your favorite non-for-profit and volunteer on August 26th to show your support for pups everywhere!

• Treat your best friends: If you have a dog today is a great day to celebrate everything it does for you. Buy it a treat or take them out for an extra-long walk. Whatever it is, make them feel extra special next National Dog Day!

• Post online: Make sure you raise awareness for this day on social media. Share a link to your local charity or post a photo of your dog with #NationalDogDay. Whatever you want to share, it’s time to celebrate your pup!

• Adopt a dog: Have you always wanted to get a dog? Well, National Dog Day is the perfect day to realize your dream! However, instead of going to a pet store consider adopting a dog from a shelter. Take a look at websites such as ASPCA and The Shelter Pet Project, to find out more about adoption.

Why Celebrate National Dog Day?

Even if you don’t own a dog, this is still an important day! Dogs bring so much to our life, companionship, loyalty, and affection. Many people depend on service and guide dogs to help them to do day-to-day activities. Dogs are even being used in witness stands to help comfort young people who testify in court. Additionally, there are K-9’s and military and farm dogs that assist with work.

There is no denying that there is a magical bond between humans and their best friend! On top of this, there is an overwhelming number of dogs around the world that need shelter, medical assistance, and a loving family. It’s important to raise awareness and funds to support organizations that are connecting at-risk dogs with the help they need.

Reasons To Love Your Pet More

Here are just some of the reasons why we need to start celebrating National Dog Day!

• Dogs give us unconditional love and affection, as already mentioned this has been invaluable for people who need a service animal.

• It’s been shown in studies that patting a dog can go a long way to help reduce anxiety.

• Dogs keep us fit: If you want to lose some weight and keep healthy, a dog is a great exercise companion.

• Dogs can be very protective of their families, so you should show your appreciation!

• Taking your dog out for a walk is a great way to stay social and active and show some love! A dog can also be a great icebreaker and can help you to make meaningful connections in your community.

• Dogs can bring so much color and fun into your life!

• Canines are very loyal and loving, so they’d definitely thrive if you show your affection

• Loving your dog means that your bond will grow.

• Training a dog can be a lot easier if you love your pet!

• Dogs who feel loved show better behavioral patterns.

National Immunization Awareness Month : Vaccines For Your Pets

National Immunization Awareness Month is this August! This month is focused on raising awareness about vaccinations for pets. Whether you’re a dog lover, cat fanatic, or rabbit fan, vaccinations are important for the health of your pet. Continue reading to find out more!

What is a vaccine?

A vaccine is essentially the organism that usually causes a specific disease. However, it’s in a weakened state and the organism causes your pets immune system to make a protective response. This immunizes your pet against this disease in the future. There are vaccines for a variety of different diseases and illnesses, some that could be life-threatening. There are even some diseases that can be transmitted to people, so it’s essential to not only protect your pet but also your family and community. Make sure you consult a veterinarian to understand exactly what your pet needs to stay fighting fit!

Breaking down immunizations.

Immunizations protect animals for an array of different diseases. These include heartworm, rabies, feline panleukopenia, Lyme disease and more. A vaccine is an essential step is a pet owner wants to reduce the risk of their animal getting an infectious disease or life-threatening illness. A vaccine is a preventative measure that helps protect pets from diseases from a young age. There are so many vaccines that it can be difficult to understand what is needed and when they should be taken. Below, we’ll take a look at some of the most essential vaccines to keep your pet safe and healthy!

Different kinds of immunizations.

There are core and non-core vaccines for your pet. What’s the difference? Core are those that are absolutely recommended by veterinarians. Whereas non-core vaccines are optional. You can get them based on your animals’ lifestyle. Currently, there is a lot of fear surrounding the adverse side effects of vaccinations. However, vaccinations are safe and any negative effects are quite rare and usually easy to treat. There’s no evidence or scientific foundation that vaccinations will cause any serious illness. Below we’ll take a look at some of the main vaccines that are necessary for the protection of your furry best friends.

Vaccines for cats.

There are also many core and non-core vaccines available for cats. Because the disease is widespread in the environment and it’s easy to transmit them from pet to pet. This means it’s vital to at least get the core vaccines for your animals. The most important core vaccinations target feline panleukopenia virus, leukemia virus, feline viral rhinotracheitis, and feline calicivirus. Keep in mind that even if you have an indoor cat, they will still need to be vaccinated. Just because they are at a lower risk of contracting a disease, doesn’t mean they should avoid their core shots altogether. With an indoor cat, it may be advisable to skip non-core vaccinations because they’re not at risk with that kind of lifestyle. However, but to properly protect your cat and family, make sure it’s vaccinated with core shots such as rabies.

Vaccines for dogs

There are a variety of different core vaccines for dogs that are essential to get. These include canine distemper virus, canine parvovirus, leptospirosis, canine adenovirus, and rabies. Non-core vaccines include Bordetella, also known as kennel cough, and Lyme disease. Here is some more information about the most important core vaccines, rabies.

More about rabies

Rabies is one of the most common diseases to vaccinate you furry companion against. Not only is rabies fatal to dogs but also it’s dangerous to people, as a bite from a rabid animal can be hazardous. In many states, the rabies vaccine is a requirement for owning a dog. The rabies shot should be given to puppies within the first year and followed by an annual booster. Although, some rabies vaccine booster shots only need to be administered every three years. For a cat, they also require an initial vaccine in the first year and then a booster shot every couple of years. Often, just like with dogs, a rabies vaccine is mandatory if you want to be a cat owner.

So this August, raise awareness for National Immunization Awareness Month! Start an event at work, or kick-start a fundraiser for a local animal shelter. Do your part to spread the word about the benefits of vaccinations.

How to Tell if It’s Too Hot Outside for Your Pet

Summer days are beautiful, the sun shines, the weather is more pleasant, and we all love to spend more time out in the open. Whether it’s a simple BBQs in the backyard, or perhaps going away on some outdoor adventures, there is no denying that summer is one of the most exciting times of the year. Having said that, it can have its drawbacks too. Summer days can indeed be quite hot! Excessive hot temperatures can be expensive because it prompts us to use our air conditioning to keep our homes cool and more bearable. However, those of us who have pets might know they can also overheat, which means it is important to take some precautions.

Outdoor Pets

Most common household pets, such as dogs and cats, may do well in the warmest days (if you care for their needs). When it’s hot, you should always make sure of a few things. For instance, it is important to ensure your pet always has access to a water source. As you might know, heat brings dehydration, and water is the best way to rehydrate. Most pets drink frequently, and in small quantities, so by leaving them a large supply of water they will benefit from drinking gradually throughout the day.

How Dogs deal With the Heat

Responses to heat might vary from species to species, and in fact, different animals have different methods to deal with heat — Humans sweat, which is a way to cool our bodies. However, certain animals like dogs are not able to sweat. Dogs cool themselves by panting, and this is exactly why they do it quite a lot when it is hot outside!

Since dogs don’t sweat, dogs can’t cool down as easily. For dog breeds that are used to cold temperatures, are the type to struggle the most during the summer. Dogs are not able to cool off effectively. So, if you see your dog desperately panting, you should never leave them in hot and small spaces. One of the cruelest things you could do to your pet is to leave it alone in a car on a hot day. Don’t do it, because this could cause serious issues for your dog especially if he or she is old, it could even be fatal.

Fur Trimming

Some pet owners may be tempted to trim off the fur coat of their beloved pets during the summer to help them stay fresher. However, this is not necessarily a good idea. As mentioned earlier, pets such as dogs have different cooling systems. Trimming their fur will not do much, and in fact, it might cause an adverse effect.

Signs of Heat Stroke

Dogs might also suffer from heat strokes. It’s important to watch after them and try to notice the signs of a possible imminent heat stroke. If your dog seems to be excessively thirsty or experiencing vomiting, seizures, and dizziness, these are signs of a heat stroke. If your dog has become unconscious, it is important to seek help immediately, and if possible, contact a veterinarian right away for further assist you.

In conclusion, accessibility to water is paramount, and it is the first and foremost important thing you should worry about when it comes to caring for your pet. Fight the heat with shade and hydration, and when possible, treat your pet to stay indoors, giving it the opportunity to cool down.

National Lost Pet Prevention Month: Four Ways to Prevent Your Dog from Getting Lost

Best tips to avoid losing your dog and enhance the safety of your 4-legged best friends!

Most dog owners may know this fact, “dogs tend to get lost during the summer season!” There are number of reasons this could be; people and their pets tend to spend more time outside, taking their dogs out with them. Whatever the case, losing your dog is grieving, painful and loads of stress! In addition to the psychological cost of not knowing where your beloved dog is, there is the potential endangerment to your pet’s life.

Use Tags Properly

Identification tags are old-fashioned for some dog owners. However, they’re still considered quite useful. Tags may come in handy as a quick way to identify your dog on the spot, and in conjunction with other solutions, such as using a microchip, they are perfect for helping people garner more information about your lost friend.

Use Microchip and other Tech-Driven Solutions.

Microchips are absolutely amazing when it comes to dog tagging technologies. Microchips are now extremely widespread, and most canine owners think they are a valuable investment. Microchips can be easily scanned if your dog is found elsewhere. Microchips contains important information, including the name of the dog’s owner, and in some cases even the address, location, and contact information. A microchip can be more effective than a traditional tag. Dogs can also sport their microchips directly on their bodies, meaning that you won’t have to worry about a tag being lost, or removed.

Use a Leash

Most lost dogs are reported within huge metropolitan areas. In fact, it is easier for dogs to get lost in big cities. In order to prevent this from happening, consider using a leash when walking with your dog. Even if your good boy is the most obedient puppy there is and can keep up with you without the need for a leash, it might be a good idea to consider using one anyway. There are many things to consider, such as reckless drivers, or if your dog is startled and prompt it to run away. Using a leash will keep your pet safe if such events are to occur and keep the situation under control.

Create Flier Templates.

Fliers might sound old-fashioned but are very effective. In the event your dog is lost, a quick reaction on your end is necessary. If you must design and print out a flier, you’ll waste a lot of time. Instead, to prepare you have a template in advance ready for print. This way, you are prepared with a quality photo of your dog handy if needed, and you have included all your contact information in the design. If you create a template for your fliers, you will be able to print them out much more quickly, thus saving some time.

In conclusion, you should never underestimate the importance of making sure that your dog is easy to identify. In occasion of the National Prevention Month, it’s important to raise awareness on the importance of clear and up-to-date ID information for your pet. Should you ever lose your pet, following these simple tips might help you get reunited as quickly as possible.

Take Your Dog to Work Day (June 21)

June 21st is recognized as the official “take your dog to work day,” which is a fun opportunity to bring your pup to the office.

This fun day makes us wonder, “Should we always take our pooches to work?” Keep reading to discover ten reasons why bringing your dog to work every day is a great idea!

 

Reduce stress

Studies have shown employees who have their dogs at work are less stressed, than people who don’t. (wow this explains most of our populations stress level)!

 

Improve social life in the workplace

A dog can greatly improve your social life and help you connect with strangers. Dogs help promote socialization, productivity levels, and cooperation. Imagine how great this would be in a work setting!

 

It’s a great PR opportunity

Do you know that famous companies allow dogs at work? More than likely, you thought of Google and Amazon right off the bat! We love hearing stories about progressive workplaces that bend the rules to focus on employee satisfaction. There are lots of inclusive companies that offer pet insurance, dog play areas, free boarding, and even delicious dog treats! A dog-friendly policy makes your business look cool, inviting, and a fun place to work.

 

Increase work performance

Dogs are an effective stress-reliever and it’s been proven that pets in the office help employees get more work done. On top of this, it’s encouraged for office workers to take regular breaks to alleviate tiredness, stress, and anxiety. What better excuse to have mini-breaks during the day than to pet your dog or even take a walk!

 

Get some fresh air

Bringing your BFFL (Best Friend For Life) to work with you is also a great way to encourage yourself to leave the office during lunchtime and get some fresh air. A quick walk outside during your break is the perfect way to let off steam and get some exercise.

 

Positive work-life balance

Dogs in the office can make your workspace feel more casual and comfortable. Having dogs around will make the office feel more like a comfortable and casual home!

 

Attract top talent

In today’s modern world, the job market is more competitive than ever. For many people searching for work, dog-friendly policies are a huge plus. By creating a work environment that is inclusive of pets, you can attract the best talent in the industry.

 

Improve employee cooperation

In a dog-friendly work environment, everyone works together better and finds it easier to form bonds and build trust. This is invaluable when the business survives on teamwork and communication!

 

Less sick days

A significant number of sick days that people take are for pets. Either they want to help ease a new pet into the home or they are keeping an eye out for their dog if it’s under the weather. Whatever the reason having their dog close can be a huge relief for pet owners. Offices with dog spaces are an inspiring feature that encourages employees to come to work every day.

 

Keep workers happy

With canines running around the office, it’s hard not to smile! Simply put, dogs make people happy. Dog-friendly office spaces go a long way to increasing long-term employee satisfaction. This lowers staff turnover rates and saves the company money in the long run.

 

A clean office

To have a clean and safe office that’s friendly to pets and humans try Fizzion! The passionate team at Fizzion has designed a range of cleaning products that are perfect for pet stains. This includes products that are perfect for stain and odor removal! Fizzion stands out in the industry for their advanced triple-action cleaner that is non-toxic and safe for animals.

 

Follow the link below to find out more about Fizzion products!

June Is Adopt-A-Shelter-Cat Month. What Can I Do?

This June is “adopt-a-shelter-cat month” and there are more cats without homes than ever before. With the warmer weather approaching, there will be new kittens looking to find their forever home. Want to be involved? Continue reading to find out more!

 

Adopt a cat.

According to the ASPCA, 3.2 million cats can be found in shelters every year. By adopting, you are making an impactful significance to the animal’s life and providing a safe forever home and loving family to a cat. If you can’t foster a cat, considering volunteering at your local shelter.

 

Post on social media.

If you don’t have the ability to adopt a cat, there are other ways to support cat shelters. For instance, you can post about the amazing work shelters through Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram. If you follow your local cat shelter on social media, make sure you share their content such as articles and adoptions postings. If you run a blog, Pinterest account, or website, you can also use these platforms to express your passion for cat shelters. The more awareness that’s spread around, the more effective and influential you are about the cause!

 

Get involved!

There are so many ways to get involved with cat shelters. Contact your local shelter to ask them about volunteering opportunities or a donation wish list. Posting flyers for an upcoming fundraiser event impacts your local cat shelter. There could be an opportunity to take photos of pets and be a part of their shelters marketing efforts. Every little bit helps. On top of this, it’s a great way to meet like-minded people and ogle at all the beautiful cats!

 

Donate.

Donations are always greatly appreciated in cat shelters. If you can’t spare financial support, there are many other things that shelters are in dire need of. You can donate cat food, litter, toys, towels, and even office supplies. However, don’t stop your involvement there. Encourage your friends and family to donate what they can this June for adopt-a-shelter-cat-month.

 

Volunteering.

As mentioned before, it’s worth diving into volunteer work a little more. One of the benefits of volunteering at a cat shelter is that these organizations are usually quite understaffed. They survive on their volunteer cohort. Volunteering your time is a great way to learn new skills and make valuable social connections with people in your community. If you have something specific to bring to the table, send an email to the shelter with your CV and the times that you’re available. They may have opportunities for you to use your skills for the greater good. Cat shelters often need people who have computers, photography, and writing skills as a lot of the adoption process happens online.

 

The Kitty Bungalow Shelter

Do you want to make a difference for a cat who deserves a new home and a chance of a normal life? Pet-friendly cleaning company Fizzion is a passionate supporter of The Kitty Bungalow Shelter. This organization is based in California and is the only shelter that is totally dedicated to feral cat rescue. The volunteers at The Kitty Bungalow Shelter have a cage-free environment. With one-on-one loving attention, they turn feral kittens into calm, sociable, and affectionate house cats.

Fizzion is a pet-cleaning product that is a non-toxic and effective stain remover. It’s a powerful triple action cleaner that is safe to use around pets and children.

Follow the link below to find out more about Fizzion and The Kitty Bungalow Shelter!

Things Your Pet Could Be Allergic To

Just like humans, pets can suffer from allergies too. And just like humans, what one pet may be sensitive too may not cause a reaction in another pet. Allergies in a pet can cause your pet to have a runny nose, watery eyes, itchy skin, a rash on the skin, or small bumps or welts on the skin, an increase in ear infections and vomiting and diarrhea. Severe allergies can cause your pet to have trouble breathing, as their throat can swell up. Here are a few of the things your pet may be allergic too. 

Pollen

Pollen is a common item that can cause a reaction in humans. It can also cause a reaction in pets as well. When flowers are in bloom, grasses are sprouting and trees are growing, there can be a lot of pollen in the air. Check the air quality and keep your pet indoors as much as possible when pollen levels are high. 

Mold Spores

Mold is often found in dark, damp spaces. Unfortunately, this means that you may not always know it lurking behind your walls or under your ceiling. For many people, getting sick is one of the main signs that they have mold in their home. But humans are not the only ones that mold can affect. Mold can also cause your pet to have an allergic reaction or signs of an illness. If both you and your pet are experiencing allergy-like symptoms, you may have mold in your home. 

Food Ingredients

Items found in food can cause allergies in pets, just like ingredients found in food can trigger allergies in human. Pets can be allergic to many different ingredients in pet foods, including grains, wheat, corn and soy. If your pet is experiencing food-related allergies, it is advised that you speak to your vet. They can recommend certain foods to try and figure out which food ingredients may be triggering the allergy based on trial and error. 

Prescription Drugs Including Flea and Tick Products

When your pet is taking a new drug, including flea and tick prevention products, it is always important to know what the signs of an allergy are and watch for an allergy. You can have a reaction to certain medications, and so can your pet. If your pet does have a reaction, it is important to notify the vet and cease giving your pet the medication. Your vet will work to find another suitable medication that will work for your pet without giving him or her an allergic reaction. 

Perfumes

Do your eyes get watery, your nose gets runny and/or your throat start to hurt when you are around someone with a heavy amount of cologne or perfume? Pets can experience these same symptoms if they are sensitive to perfumes and colognes. 

Cleaning Products

Cleaning products can cause allergies or reactions in pets. Many cleaning products contain harsh chemicals that can cause your pet to have a skin reaction, especially those that are used on the carpets or areas where your pet may sit or lay. Always watch for a reaction when using any new chemicals or cleaning products around your pets. 

Your pet’s health is important to you. As such, you want to do everything you can to prevent them from having allergy symptoms. While you cannot stop all symptoms from occurring, there are steps you can take to prevent some. For example, you can switch to Fizzion, a 100 percent non- toxic, biodegradable, dye-free pet accident cleaner that is safe to use on all surfaces, instead of cleaning products that your pet may be allergic to. For more information about these products, visit Fizzion’s website today. 

Mistakes New Dog Owners Make

When you bring a new dog into your home, you may feel confident in your abilities to care for your pet. While you may feel confident in the basic care of your pet, you should be aware that there are mistakes new dog owners make that you may want to avoid.

Picking Dogs Based On Appearance

The first mistake many new dog owners make is their decision to bring a dog home based on appearance rather than breed. Different situations and lifestyles mean you want to bring home a pet that fits your life. If you live in an apartment and have a busy lifestyle, then you do not want a breed that needs a large amount of exercise and time. 

Focus on breeds that fit your lifestyle and your plans. If you have children, then you want to opt for a family-friendly breed. New dog owners with a limited amount of space will want to opt for a smaller breed that does not require as much exercise. If you have a large yard and the time to devote to your pet’s health, then you can consider a breed that needs more exercise. The key is focusing on your lifestyle first, and then selecting a dog to fit in with your situation. Do not pick out a dog based solely on his or her appearance.

Forgetting To Set Rules

As a new dog owner, a big mistake that you can make is forgetting to set clear rules for your pet. Do not just allow your pet to roam around your house and expect your pet to know the rules. The easiest way to set rules for your dog is by creating a schedule. Set a time to feed your dog. Determine when you plan to allow your dog out in the yard. Decide where you want your dog to sleep and make sure your dog knows that the location is his or her bed. Decide if you want your pet on the furniture or not. By having a clear idea of the rules and the routine before you bring a dog home, you will not confuse your pet.

Setting Inconsistent Rules

While setting rules is an important part of helping your dog adjust to your home, you also want to make sure you follow through with the rules consistently. Every member of your home should know the rules and should enforce the rules. Do not allow yourself or others in your home to be inconsistent. Your dog will test the boundaries, particularly when you first bring your pet home. Inconsistent enforcement of your rules will lead to your pet ignoring the rules, or getting confused about the rules. Follow through with any rules you set for your dog.

Using Dangerous Household Cleaners

Household cleaning products are a concern when you bring a dog into your home. The concern relates to the risks to your pet’s health because he or she may lick the floors or the cleaning product when you are not looking. You do not want to use dangerous household cleaning products, since it may cause harm to your pet’s health. A solution is using a biodegradable and environmentally friendly option that is safe for pets, like Fizzion’s Pet Stain and Odor Eliminator. The product is safe for your pets and helps with accidents that may happen when you first bring a pet home.

New dog owners have a variety of expectations for their pets. The challenge is addressing the potential mistakes before it causes problems for you and your family. By taking measures to set clear rules and to keep your pet safe from harm, you will be able to enjoy the changes a dog brings into your family and your life.

Facts About Pets That Will Make Your Heart Melt

There’s nothing cuter than a puppy.  Those fuzzy faces. Those tiny ears. That little tail.  They are the most adorable critters on the planet. But puppies have some pretty unique characteristics that you may not know.  Check them out and see if you know these facts about puppies.

Puppies Love Baby Talk

Puppies simply love baby talk.  Just like babies, puppies respond positively to sing-song voices. A recent study at University of Lyon at Saint-Etienne showed that people talk baby talk to puppies and to puppy photos, and when the recorded talk was replayed to puppies, the puppies responded positively.  When the recordings were played to adult dogs, the dogs showed no interest in the recordings.  Scientists don’t know why puppies are hard wired for cute talk, but apparently they are.  So, don’t feel foolish talking to you puppy with that higher pitched baby talk.  He’s loving it.

Your Puppy Really Does Love You

The cute act your puppy is giving you really isn’t an act.  When that puppy looks into your eyes with love, he really does love you.  A study in 2005 confirmed this.  Puppies show preferential treatment to their owners who raised them over strangers. They followed their owners more and even waited by the door when the owners left for bit.  It’s interesting because wolves that were raised by caretakers showed no more preferential treatment toward their caretakers whom they knew their entire lives than a stranger.

Looking at Puppies (and Puppy Pictures) Helps You Focus

If you’re one of those people who puts up cute pictures of puppies on your workspace walls and have a screensaver with puppies on it, you’re probably a pretty focused individual. Japanese researchers in 2012 discovered that people who looked at cute pictures of puppies were more focused, careful, and effective at accomplishing tasks that required a high amount of concentration than people who looked at photos of other things or older dogs.  So, if you want to be more productive, surround yourself with cuteness.

Puppies Learn to Read Human Gestures

If you think your puppy understands you when you point at something, you’re right!  Scientists discovered that puppies as young as six weeks old understand when you point at something. Of course, the skill is learned, and they get better at it with age, but you can actually teach your pup to look and find something you point to.  Good puppy!

Puppies Don’t Have Fully Developed Senses When Born

When a puppy is born, he responds to smell, touch, and warmth, but not much else.  He is both blind and deaf for the first couple of weeks of his life.  He won’t fully develop his amazing hearing until he is four weeks old and his eyesight won’t be fully developed until he’s about six weeks old.  That means he must rely on his mom and siblings for support until that time.

Puppies Grow Differently, Depending on the Breed

Studies have shown that the emotional and physical development of puppies varies by breed. That makes some puppies more immature than others even though they may be the same age. So, if you have a puppy from a breed that is reputed to be slow at maturing, take your time and enjoy having a puppy a bit longer.  Don’t expect him to behave like a faster maturing breed of the same age.

Size of Litters is Breed Dependent

Not all purebreds have a similar number of puppies. A study conducted in 2011 showed that small breed dogs had fewer pups than other breeds. For example, Pomeranians and Toy Poodles had an average of 2.4 puppies and Rhodesian Ridgebacks (the dog breed with the most puppies) had an average of 8.9 puppies. Age also played a role in litter numbers with older dogs having fewer pups than younger ones.

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Essential Spring Cleaning Tips For Pet Owners

It’s now spring, which means spring cleaning! While you’re cleaning your house and yard, think about cleaning up after your pet, too. Here are some helpful tips for spring cleaning for your pet:

Get the Right Supplies

Before you start cleaning up after your pet, you should get the supplies necessary for cleaning up after your dogs and cats. That means using Fission Pet Cleaning Products that use the power of CO2 to clean deep down and leave a fresh scent. Fission products clean the toughest stains and odor, leaving your home clean and fresh.

You’ll also want mops, sponges, and poop scoops to ensure you can get your home clean.

Clean Your Pet’s Bed

Your dog and cat’s beds are probably in need of a good cleaning now that winter is gone. Use a wet glove or a pet hair roller to remove the hair and then, if the bed has a removable cover, remove the cover and wash it. Wash it in the warmest water the bedding manufacturer recommends with good laundry soap and dry thoroughly. If the bed is one piece, use Fission Pet Cleaning Products on it to clean it and keep it fresh for your pet.  Any frayed or chewed beds need to be tossed and you need to buy a new one.

Go Through Your Pet’s Toys

Now is the time to go through your pet’s toys. Get rid of any chew toys that have been worn down, toys that are ripped, or those that look like they’re coming apart. Replace all your pet’s toys with new toys so they won’t miss having their favorite toy tossed.

Clean Your Pet’s Bowl

Your pet doesn’t like eating out of a dirty bowl any more than you do. It is recommended to wash your pet’s food bowl once a day.  If it’s stainless steel or ceramic, you can wash it in your dishwasher. If plastic, wash it by hand with dish soap and water. If your pet has chewed the bowl, it’s time to get a new one. Your pet will enjoy a clean bowl, and you’ll feel good knowing that you have gotten rid of bacteria and germs.

Get Rid of those Fur Bunnies

If your pet sheds, chances are you have a lot more fur roaming around than what is just on your pet. Use pet hair rollers or vacuum the rugs and furniture to get rid of the worst of the hair. If you have hard surface flooring, you can sweep it or use a dry microfiber mop to pick it up.

Check the Collar, Leash, and Tags

Now is a good time to check your pet’s collar, leash, and tags. If the collar is looking ratty, time to shop for some new ones that will make your pup or cat look awesome. Now is a good time to check your pet’s ID tags as well. If they’re worn to where they’re unreadable, have old phone numbers or addresses, or are just plain gone, now is the time to replace them. If your pet gets lost, having up to date information is vital to getting him back. Look carefully at your dog’s leash. Is it frayed or damaged in any way? If it is, toss it and get a new one.

Clean Up the Yard

If you’ve been neglecting to clean the yard over winter, it’s time for you to get the pooper scooper out and clean up the poop, so you don’t have any doggie land mines. It’s no fun, but you’ll have a clean yard ready for the summer!

For more fun blogs and cleaning products, visit Fizzionclean.com today.

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