Pets Care

Heart worm, fleas and other parasites in dogs need to be eliminated by following appropriate medications in them. Many products have come up in the commercial fields to protect the dogs from heart worms, fleas and other parasites like hook worms, whip worms, round worms, lice, ticks etc.

Among the heart worm, fleas and other parasites, the fleas produce the hyper sensitive reactions in the affected animals. Hence, the animals infested with fleas start severely scratching of body. Many times, the scratching is so severe and the skin becomes more hyperemic and dermatitis occurs in the affected areas.

Animal will not lie down or sleep comfortably due to the constant bites by the fleas. Hence, animal looks as if affected by some severe skin disease. If the animal is not properly attended for this tick bite problem, there will be often secondary bacterial invasions in these sites and there may even be a bad smell emanating from the skin areas.

Close observation of the dog is highly essential to rule out the occurrence of fleas disturbing the animal to a greater extent. Similarly, the skin of the animal needs to be tested for the presence of ticks, lice etc. For this, the hair materials need to be separated and the close observation with patience is required for the proper diagnosis.

In many incidences, if anemia is present, the blood protozoa need to be ruled out in addition to the hookworm problems. The clinical problems like anemia, loose motion, pot belly etc. might be recognized by the dog owners themselves and however, the dog needs to undergo the routine health related examination involving fecal examination, hematological examination and blood smear examination.

Many commercial products have come up in the market, which are useful to deal with all these conditions by single dose. Drugs like ivermectin are highly useful and are available in both injection and oral form in addition to the solution form that can be applied on the skin. These drugs in dogs can lead to the prophylaxis of these conditions also.

Adapted from The Healthy Pet Manual: A Guide to the Prevention and Treatment of Cancer by Deborah Straw (Healing Arts Press, 2005). http://www.care2.com/

What are your options for flea and tick control if you do not wish to use sprays, pills, or injections? Several healthy alternatives exist.

* Apply herbal flea powder “sparingly” to your pet’s coat.
* Use herbal flea collars.
* Apply natural skin tonic as a general skin toner, parasite repellent, and mange treatment.
* Add nutritional or brewer’s yeast and garlic to the animal’s diet.
* Treat your carpets with a special antiflea mineral salt.
* Occasionally (once or twice a year) sprinkle natural, unrefined diatomaceous earth (which kills insects) along your walls, under your furniture, and in cracks where you cannot vacuum, but not directly on your animals.
* Use sprays or powders containing pyrethrins or natural pyrethrums, which are the least toxic of all insecticides used on pets.
* Another gentle weapon against fleas is a good flea comb with tightly spaced teeth. Your pet should be combed frequently during flea season, probably every day. When you find fleas, drop them into a bucket of soap suds to kill them and stop their spread.
* Try all-natural, preservative-free foods that are good remedies for or preventors of fleas: along with brewer’s yeast, try raw garlic, zinc, and barley grass concentrates. Check with your veterinarian regarding the proper dosages depending on weight.
* Natural repellents do exist. Essential oils such as citronella, tea tree, wintergreen, and eucalyptus have been shown to work.
* Vacuum all surfaces where fleas and their eggs may live, and wash blankets and sheets in hot water.

Unforeseen Dangers of Spring

With warmer spring weather arriving in the next few weeks, pet owners face an entire new set of challenges. While your pet was likely cooped up inside during the winter, the change in climate will soon likely bring your pet outdoors—also exposing it to potential health hazards.

Nearly every system in your pet’s body can be affected by the change in season, but preventative measures can be taken to ensure your pet stays safe and healthy while frolicking in the great outdoors!

When unleashing your pet into the yard, park, or other place of recreation, be sure to err on the side of caution regarding the territory they investigate. Puppies especially tend to mistake blooms, leaves, and branches as potential chew toys, which can disrupt digestive systems or even be poisonous.

To settle sensitive stomachs and restore health after a slip-up, try a detoxifying supplement or effective natural tonic to support liver health. Natural remedies to promote digestive health and balance can go a long way in avoiding digestive upsets in the first place.

The abundance of fresh foliage also brings the additional threat of infection-transmitting insects, as well as an increased likelihood of scrapes and cuts from thorns and rough edges.

It is important to protect your pet against fleas and ticks and relieve bites from existing buggers promptly to lessen the risk of serious complications . To soothe, heal, and help prevent infection from minor bruises and sores, attend to your pet promptly. Check their paws after a walk or excursion for embedded rocks, stones, or other elements that could cause distress if ignored.

Building a strong and healthy skin and coat can help promote the natural immune response of the skin when injured to protect against problems.

In addition to these ailments more likely to affect animals, pets experience many similar conditions as us when we warm weather arrives, as well.

Allergies and behavior issues can emerge as spring fever hits, causing upset for both your pet and you! To help promote healthy respiratory health in your pet, take note of identifying allergy triggers, and try to lessen your pet’s interaction with these sources. Easing your pet’s discomfort can help avoid potential flare-ups of disobedience and aggression.

While heat may be the culprit as instinct interferes with training, sometimes animals react negatively to these controllable ailments. Either way, settling nerves before the onset of extreme summer heat can minimize potentially more destructive behaviors to come.

It is also possible that the added activity with more outdoor play can be contributing to increased muscle and joint pain, which may be exhibited by a disruptive, unusual demeanor.

While it can be a struggle to find balance between having fun with your pet and minimizing distractions that can interrupt carefree playtime, following these simple lifestyle tips can provide much needed support and keep your pet full of vitality and good health!

The following herbal products are very effective in promoting protection and relief from common complaints.

* Digestive Support- Treat digestive conditions and improve digestive functioning
* DetoxPlus – Cleanse the system and eliminate toxins from the body
* LiverAid – Stimulate and improve liver functioning and prevents disease
* RunniPoo Relief – Maintain healthy digestion and bowel functioning
* Parasite Dr. – Expel parasites and heal digestive infection
* Aggression Formula – Curb restlessness and aggressive behavior
* PetCalm – Effectively reduce stress and anxiety while promoting relaxation
* Problem Pet Solution – Reduce hyperactivity and restlessness, promote calmness
* AmazaPet – Improve respiratory function and reduce asthmatic symptoms
* Respo-K – Prevent colds and respiratory ailments
* Clenzor – Clean and disinfect wounds and skin irritation
* FleaDerm – Relieve irritation and itching due to flea and tick bites
* Muscle and Joint Support – Relieve stiffness in swollen joints, reduce pain and promote healthy muscles and bones
* PawPaw – Protect and encourage healing of paws
* TF-Defense- Treat Lyme Disease and other tick-borne illnesses
* Wound Dr. – Cleanse, heal and prevent infection in cuts, scrapes and irritations of all kinds

“I wanted to tell you how much your capsules have helped our much loved family cat. We have tried many things but have not had the same success as we have now.” – Deidre M.

“PetAlive will definitely be my first resort from now on… My animals are my world and the natural way just makes so much more sense!!!!” – Gayle.

“Your PawPaw formula has been just the thing for my cat Topsy’s problem paws! He is the adventurous type and is always hurting his paws in some way or another. PawPaw has been very effective at soothing his injuries as well as speeding up healing. It is great to see him walking without a limp for a change! ” – Theresa

Hookworms are one of the most dangerous parasitic worms. Even though the symptoms of worms in dogs are normally elusive, it needs to be known that hookworm infestation can cause life threatening anemia to puppies even before the eggs can be noticed in the stools. Some species of hookworms attach themselves to the small intestines and bite off pieces of the intestinal wall to cause bleeding.

Controlling hookworms properly does not involve only basic de-worming drugs like antihelminthics. If the process has to be completed successfully, then a series of steps needs to be taken to ensure proper eradication. Understanding the characteristics of the hookworm is essential for proper removal.

Hookworm eggs differ from the eggs of other worms in dogs in at least two ways.

1. Unlike roundworm eggs that can bear the vagaries of environmental hazards, hookworm eggs require a typical climate to survive.
2. Whereas dog roundworms and dog tapeworms must necessarily be ingested for infection to occur, hookworms can penetrate through the skin tissue.

Hookworms can be transmitted through ingestion, penetration through the skin tissues and through the breast milk of a lactating mother to the puppies. Once inside the dog’s body hookworms find their way to the small intestines where they “hook” themselves to the intestinal walls.

Some of the measures that you can take for prevention and cure are discussed below.

Young puppies and bitches that have delivered should be de-wormed for hookworms at periodic weekly intervals.

Veterinary treatment of hookworms, however, is only a small part of the story. The major threat lies hidden in the environment – in the run, kennel or the playground where children play.

Canine and feline parasites are not totally destroyed on administration of de-worming drugs like antihelminthics. They have an inherent property of surviving for long periods in the environment. If you want to address the issue of hookworms, then a concentrated effort is required. The prevention of hookworm involves de-worming, cleaning the already infected areas and training.

Hookworm eggs are deposited in the feces. Some species of hookworms have been observed to emerge out from feces after four weeks even in inhospitable environments.

It is this part of the lifecycle of hookworms that needs special attention. Feces should be removed daily so that the likely dormant hookworm eggs can be removed from the areas where humans and pets spend time.

Hookworm eggs or young hookworms thrive in a typical moist, loamy soil and cannot survive in dry and high temperatures. Usually the most commonly used lounging area for household pets is among foliage of turf grass and other plants. This is an ideal place for the hookworm eggs and the environment is very conducive to hookworm development.

Training your puppy to defecate at a designated place is helpful in careful removal of the feces. Choose a place in the yard where there is at least two hours of sunlight every day. This will not only limit the area required for cleaning but will also inhibit maturation of hookworm eggs.

Other than trying to prevent hookworm in your pets, you also need to be careful about the possibility of a human infection. Hookworms can penetrate human skin. Typically this can happen if you walk barefoot on the grass or the outside areas.. Be sure that you have your shoes on while walking in areas likely to be contaminated with pet feces.

References:

http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/NG007

http://www.animalhealthchannel.com/worms/

There were times when it was believed that the only way worms in dogs passed on to puppies, was through the mother’s system while they were still in the uterus. Whereas this contention still holds good for some types of worms, it has now been established that worms can infest puppies through other means also.

Worms like dog tapeworm, and dog roundworms and even some feline parasites have a typical lifecycle and can enter a pet’s body through various means.

Worms are intestinal parasites that reside mostly in the small intestines. Worms like tapeworms and roundworms are extremely migratory within a dog’s body and they are expelled and ingested during different stages of their lifecycle. Infestation can be through ingestion of larvae or eggs of worms or through ingestion of infected intermediate hosts like rodents and mice. Worms are passed through feces and puppies ingest worms directly from the environment as well. Sometimes the infection can be passed on by contact with the coat of the infected mother.

Prevalence of worms in dogs is so extensive that it can be safely assumed that all dogs that are not regularly de-wormed would be infected with worms. Prevalence of worms in puppies can be a major problem for dog owners. Symptoms of worms in dogs and puppies vary because puppies are more vulnerable to worms and the manifestation of their symptoms is more severe than that of grown adult dogs.

Puppies that are infected show signs of a bloated and distended stomach. Despite proper diet, growth can be inhibited in puppies who suffer from parasites. Worms like hookworms are voracious blood suckers and divert nourishment to their own advantage, causing anemia.

In fact anemia is one of the major symptoms of worms in puppies. Serious infections often lead to fits and convulsions with frothing at the mouth. Instead of growing up into strong dogs, infected puppies can waste away and die. Those that survive, grow up misshapen and feeble.

If a puppy is suffering from parasites, his diet can vary drastically. The same pup that devours food in excessive quantity may suddenly start refusing food the next day. He may resort to eating dirt and rubbish.

Other symptoms of worm infections are hot dry nose, scaly eruptions, improper bowel movement and colic pains. Infected puppies are lethargic, curl up and do not enjoy playful activities with other puppies of the litter or the owner.

Worms can make life miserable for all puppies. A single roundworm is capable of multiplying in geometric proportions and left untreated they can coil up in masses that eventually block the intestinal passages. This can prove fatal in most cases.

Precautionary measures like keeping the environment clean and de-worming medications go a long way in dealing with this issue and can avoid a fair amount of discomfort for you and your young pup.

Out of the two common species of dog tapeworms (Dipylidium caninum, the flea tapeworm and Echinococcus granulosus, the hydatid tapeworm), the flea tapeworm is the most common type of canine and feline parasites that reside in a pet’s intestines.

Like all parasitic worms, dog tapeworm too requires an intermediate host. In the case of flea tapeworm, fleas act as the intermediate host. Fleas ingest tapeworm eggs from the feces of the infected dogs and transform them into cysts. When the dog ingests an infected flea by mistake while licking his coat, the cysts hatch into tapeworms and mature inside the body of the dog.

Once ingested, the eggs develop into adult tapeworms. An adult tapeworm is made up of grain-sized segments. These segments are attached together and a grown tapeworm can measure up to 28 inches in length. The head segment clings to the intestinal wall and the remaining segments hangs in the inner enclosed area of the gut.

In most tapeworms, the rear segments of a tapeworm break away from the others intermittently. These pass into the environment through stools.

However, flea tapeworms are rarely excreted through stools and a routine fecal examination is unlikely to confirm prevalence. Flee tapeworm segments that pass out in feces stick to the anus of the dog and look like moving melon seeds. Sometimes a dog may vomit out several inches of the tapeworm segment. Owners should be watchful of such symptoms since the veterinarian will depend upon such reports to arrive at the proper diagnosis.

Symptoms of tapeworm in dogs are mild and usually do not cause too much discomfort to the dog. Severe infection may cause irritation at the tail, especially when the segments are passed on in the stool. And therefore, excessive rubbing of the bottom by a dog is an indication of severe tapeworm infection. Heavy infection may also cause weight loss over time.

Fleas and ticks are two external parasites that dogs can bring home. In such cases, humans who come in close contact with the infected canine can also get infected. If a dog is infected and he shakes himself vigorously (something that most dogs do, pretty often) close to humans in the house, he can be potentially dangerous and for the family members and cause infection.

With tick-borne disease having reached an endemic stage in some areas, it is important that fleas be controlled to prevent a similar situation. Humans run the risk of infection from hydatid tapeworm by other means. But the flea tapeworm can be caused only if an infected flea is swallowed. Preventing tapeworm infection involves controlling fleas, a clean environment and proper hygiene.

References:

http://www.cdc.gov/NCIDOD/DPD/parasites/dipylidium/factsht_dipylidium.htm

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dog_health#Parasites

Hookworms are considered to be the most pathogenic of all canine and feline parasites including roundworms and dog tapeworm.

Hookworms are excessively greedy blood suckers and cause extensive loss of blood. They ‘hook’ on to the walls of the intestines and draw out blood and ingest it directly. Some can bite and cause lacerations which result in blood leaking. To add to the miseries, the esophageal glands of the hookworm secrete an enzyme that inhibits blood coagulation.

Hookworms can penetrate skin and infect humans as well. Barefoot humans and children who play in areas where dogs defecate are at a high risk of infection. A study of the lifecycle of hookworms can go along way in achieving the goal of treating hookworm infection and eradication of hookworms from the environment.

Depending upon the species, an adult hookworm can lay up to thirty thousand eggs in a day. A moist loamy soil and warm temperatures are most conducive to hookworm survival. But these hardy parasites have been known to survive in tougher climatic conditions also.

Unlike other worms in dogs hookworms develop in feces only when the feces are broken up naturally by earthworms or rain. Larvae in their infective stage move out from the feces and wait in the soil or vegetation for a host to pass by.

Hookworms enter a dog’s body and move on to the intestines in different ways.

1. The dog can get infected by ingesting larvae directly from the soil or by preying on infected hosts like rodents and mice.
2. Puppies can get infected through mother’s milk during nursing.
3. Some hookworm parasites can penetrate the skin tissue and bore through tissues till they migrate through blood vessels or lymphatic duct to ultimately arrive in the lungs. From there they penetrate the capillaries, through bronchioles, bronchi, and trachea and finally into the pharynx. The dog coughs and swallows the larvae and they travel through the digestive tract to the small intestines.

Larvae that are ingested reach the small intestines directly through the digestive tract. Once in the intestines they shed the outer skin and grow into adult hookworms. Adult hookworms can live in a dog’s body from two months to two years, causing some of the most serious symptoms of worms in dogs like severe anemia.

Severe hookworm infection can cause death by reducing the protein levels in a body. Severe anemia in puppies and dogs can also result in death.

Depending upon the age of the dog, eggs are again excreted in a dog’s feces after fifteen days to a month. Only a small percentage of eggs mature in the environment. In some cases the host is resistant to hookworm larvae. In such cases they may move through the body without ever reaching the small intestines.

Prevention and sanitation of the environment and regular de-worming regimes is the only method of controlling and treating hookworms, which are sometimes termed as “carnivore hookworms”.

References:

http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/NG007

http://www.animalhealthchannel.com/worms/

There are five types of intestinal worms in dogs that infect dogs of all ages.

* Roundworm.
* Dog Tapeworm.
* Hookworms.
* Whipworm.
* Heartworm.

Roundworms mainly affect puppies. Out of the two species of roundworms, Toxocara canis and Toxascaris leonine, the former is more prevalent in dogs than the latter. They are about 2cm long when they enter the intestines of a dog. But within a matter of ten days they grow to a length of 6cm.

The adult roundworm lives in the small intestines of a dog. There are different paths that the roundworm can take to finally reach there. In the case of puppies, the infection is passed to the young puppy while he is still in the uterus.

A typical phenomenon goes on in the female dogs when they are pregnant. During their lifecycle within the body of a dog, all roundworms do not get to reach the small intestines. Some larvae get embedded in the tissue and remain dormant for long periods that can extend up to many years.

When a female dog becomes pregnant, the roundworm larvae spring back to life from their dormant state, find their way to the uterus through some inexplicable process and burrow their way into the fetus. This leads to infection in the fetus and within two weeks of birth, the puppies are fully infected with adult roundworms in their intestines.

Another way in which puppies and young dogs can get infected with roundworms is similar to how adult dogs get infected. This is by ingesting infected larvae directly from the environment. Puppies tend to get infected from the mother’s own feces.

Although the symptoms of worms in dogs and feline parasites are general in nature, severe infestation can prove to be fatal in puppies. Puppies that are severely infested show signs of a swollen or dilated belly. Roundworms curb growth and negatively affect the quality of the coat in young puppies.

One of the most serious conditions that roundworms lead to is through heavy infestation. In such cases, the roundworms coil up and entangle themselves to obstruct the passage of the intestines.

De-worming of puppies should start as early as two weeks from birth. Normally, breeders are aware of the risk of roundworm infection in puppies. As dog owners prefer to buy puppies and not adult dogs, it is necessary to get all the information about the de-worming regime that needs to be followed.

The fact that even after treatment some roundworm larvae are likely to remain dormant in the body makes it important that treatment be continued well up to nine weeks.

Puppies normally develop resistance to new infections after reaching the age of about six months. There is no reason that your pet should get re-infected if you take proper preventive care for de-worming in the early stages by keeping the environment clean.

Reference:

http://www.acay.com.au/~dissi/sbc/worms.htm

Hookworms are relatively more dangerous than other types of worms in dogs. Left untreated, hookworms can lead to death. This is particularly true for young puppies.

Hookworms are ravenous creatures that suck blood by sticking themselves to the intestinal walls of the host. The hookworm larvae can even burrow into the skin of the human foot or leg causing itchy lesions.

Hookworms are not so common among the feline parasites that infect cats, but if they do infect a cat, they can be equally problematic for cats, dogs and humans alike.

The most common species of hookworm that infects puppies is Ancylostoma caninum. The natural habitat of this species is warm and humid areas in countryside but they are known to survive almost anywhere.

Although the most common mode of transmission to puppies is through mother’s milk, hookworms can also penetrate the skin and get into a puppy’s body. Once inside, they cling to the intestinal walls with their hooks, a characteristic which gives them their name.

Symptoms of worms in dogs are mostly general in nature but hookworms being voracious blood suckers can drain energy in puppies to a much larger extent than in adult dogs. Symptoms of hookworms in puppies depend upon the severity of the infection.

The most common symptoms of hookworm infestation in puppies include anemia in severe cases, disturbance in bowel movement and diminished vitality. Hookworms can affect a young dog to such an extent that even mild infection causes a puppy to curl up and sleep for long hours, shunning play.

Most other worms in dogs can be seen live in dog feces. Unlike other types of worms, hookworms are extremely small and cannot be viewed with a naked eye. This physical trait of a hookworm means that a microscopic examination is the only method to confirm the prevalence of hookworms.

It is imperative that you initiate preventive treatment for hookworms in puppies as soon as they are 2 weeks old. For effective removal of hookworms the treatment has to be repeated after every two weeks till the puppy is two months old. In a high risk environment the same treatment should be continued at weekly intervals for another month and then at monthly intervals till the dog is six months old.

Thereafter medication for preventing heartworm can be used which is effective for roundworms, hookworms and dog tapeworm as well. Nursing mother should be treated along with puppies to ensure that worms do not continue to pass the worm through lactation.

Despite proper treatment it may be necessary to provide supportive care in the shape of a high protein diet and iron supplements to make up for the blood loss. In extremely severe cases a blood transfusion may also be required.

Considering the treatment protocol it is better to take preventive measures. Regular cleaning of the environment and periodic checkups can go a long way to prevent and control infection. Since hookworms can also penetrate human skin, it is advised that children be kept away from infected puppies. Walking barefoot in areas where the dogs defecate like the backyard or the garden can be dangerous for adults also.

References:

http://www.hartz.com/Dogs/ArticlePreview.asp?Animal=1&Article=93&Topic=3

http://home.howstuffworks.com/home-remedies-for-dogs-ga9.htm

http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?cls=2&cat=1622&articleid=747

http://www.acay.com.au/~dissi/sbc/worms.htm

Lyme Disease, Infections and Serious Skin Problems

As temperatures quickly rise, so does your pet’s chances of becoming infested with fleas and ticks. Summer is the season when these little pests become a real problem for both pets and pet owners.

Although it is crucial that you take the proper steps to protect your cat or dog from fleas and ticks, it is just as important to keep a watchful eye on your pet. Otherwise, you could be facing more than just a nuisance this summer – your pet could be facing a serious health issue!

Fleas can be extremely bothersome for both your canine and feline pets. These tiny bugs can be picked up just about anywhere during the warmer months, but they pose the biggest problem for pet owners who live in rural areas, where pets may spend a lot of time outside or in wooded areas.

Although fleas are small in size, their sheer numbers make up for it. In a very short time span, your pet can go from having one or two fleas, to dozens, to hundreds!

The primary issue with these tiny pests isn’t that they are living on your pet, it’s the minuscule bites they leave. These bites are very irritating for your dog or cat, and can be extremely itchy. If your pet is scratching more frequently than usual, it is a good idea to check them for fleas.

The scratching can become a significant problem, especially in pets with sensitive skin. Over time, itchy spots can turn into open sores from the constant scratching, and this often leads to infection and serious skin problems.

Ticks are a similar seasonal problem, and they also tend to be more prevalent in pets that spend a significant amount of time outside. A tick actually lives off the blood of your pet; it bites into the skin and stays attached to your pet as long as it can. Tick bites are commonly just as irritating as flea bites, and similarly they can cause excessive scratching which often leads to more serious infections.

The best way to avoid both the hassle and dangers associated with fleas and ticks all year, and especially during summer, is to take proper preventative measures. Buying your pet a flea collar or administering a monthly dose of a popular flea and tick treatment can often help; however these methods of prevention often come with risks of their own as they are actually topical insecticides.

While we normally propose a natural method of prevention, in the case of fleas and ticks we have not found an effective natural alternative. However, there are herbal treatments to address many of the aftereffects.

There are many great natural methods to help your pets cope with fleas and ticks, and the resulting irritation. Herbal remedies can be much safer than the steroid ointments often prescribed to fight off skin infections.

Steroid medications are proven to ultimately have negative long-term effects on your pet’s health that can result in shortened life spans. A herbal anti-itch cream can be very effective at soothing the irritation of flea and tick bites, healing them and helping to fight off infection.

* Skin and Coat Tonic relieves itching and restores healthy skin and coat.
* FleaDerm relieves the itching and discomfort associated with allergic reactions, flea bites and dermatitis.
* PetHeal encourages rapid and complete healing, as well as naturally relieves pain.
* Clenzor cleanses, disinfects and prevents inflammation of wounds, burns and cuts on your pet’s skin.

But there is a larger danger associated with fleas and ticks that is significant for both you and your pet! These pests can sometimes bring with them more than just annoying itchy bites; they can actually infect you and your pets with a serious disease! The most common of disease spread by ticks in particular is Lyme disease.

Many pet owners are under the impression that only humans can catch Lyme disease, but the truth is that pets suffer from it just as much as we do. This lack of awareness often results in the disease going undiagnosed until its more serious symptoms develop. In fact, some experts believe that almost 10% of pets are infected with the disease today!

Lyme disease is a bacterial infection that results in severe muscle and joint pain that intensifies as time goes on. Ultimately this can lead to crippling arthritis and even lameness, and in some cases it can even be fatal.

Traditionally, Lyme disease is treated with antibiotics. While this treatment can be effective in the short-term, over time it can actually weaken your pet’s immune system and result in recurrences of the disease. Again, as a method of prevention, certain topical insecticides are often prescribed, and can be very effective and helpful.

The downside however is that these treatments are toxic, and can cause a buildup of negative toxins in the animals system. Sometimes, the animal may ingest some of the toxins as well, and this can lead to harmful complications.

If your pet does have Lyme disease, there are natural remedies available to help fight it and other flea and tick borne illnesses. These herbal remedies actually strengthen your pet’s immune system, and ultimately increase their natural ability to fight off infection.

As an alternative to the dangerous side effects of prescription medications, these natural products can be very effective in helping keep your pet’s system clean and to boost their natural immune functioning in cases where prescription medications may be necessary.

* TF-Defense treats Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses
* Immunity and Liver Support strengthens and improves immune system and liver functioning.
* Muscle and Joint Support relieves stiffness in swollen joints, reduces pain and promotes healthy muscles and bones.
* LiverAid stimulates and improves liver functioning and prevents disease.

Avoiding the multiple problems associated with fleas and ticks is primarily about being a conscientious pet owner. You should frequently check your canine or feline’s skin and coat for pests; and also know how to read the warning signs of an unhealthy animal. Early prevention and deciphering that something may be wrong are the keys to providing good health support for the dog or cat you love. Fleas and ticks don’t have to ruin your pet’s summer, or yours!