There are about 20,000 reported cases of Lyme disease annually in the U.S. Furthermore, the likelihood of being exposed to ticks, and subsequently to diseases transmitted by ticks, is about 10 to 20 times greater than it was 10 years ago, according to the Companion Animal Parasite Council.

Dr. Melinda Fernyhough, veterinarian and manager of scientific affairs at Hartz, offers tips on how to help your pet avoid the dangers of fleas and ticks, and considerations when purchasing and applying flea and tick treatments to ensure best results.

“Health and safety is the number-one priority for pet parents, and there are several reliable products available at your veterinarian, local retail or pet specialty store that can help keep pets free from fleas and ticks all year round,” says Fernyhough.

Choose the appropriate flea and tick treatment

Several types of products exist that can help prevent fleas and ticks – shampoos, collars, and the most popular form of protection: topicals, or spot-ons. These monthly applications go on the back of your pet’s neck or are striped down the back, depending on the manufacturer, and keep your pet pest-free for 30 days. A great example is Hartz UltraGuard Pro Flea & Tick Drops, designed to kill fleas and ticks on your pet and prevent new fleas from developing. All EPA-registered flea and tick products, whether sold in vets’ offices or through retail channels, are held to the same safety and efficacy testing standards.

Carefully follow label directions when applying topical flea and tick treatments

Make sure to follow the manufacturer’s weight recommendation – you don’t want to put too much product (or too little) on your dog by misjudging the weight. Use the entire tube on one animal – don’t split one dose between several animals. Never use a dog product on a cat, and if you have both animals, you need to keep them separated for 48 hours after applying treatments. Read the label carefully and don’t be afraid to call the manufacturer if you have questions.

Regularly check your pet for ticks to prevent permanent damage

If ticks are found on a pet, remove them with tweezers while avoiding squeezing them since that could cause disease carrying bacteria to enter your pet.

Avoid hot and humid areas for your pets

The ideal climate for fleas and ticks is approximately 55-89 degrees Fahrenheit and 50-92 percent humidity. Keep your pet away from hot, damp and wooded areas. Fleas like to hide in shady areas of the yard, so treat these areas with a product designed to kill them outdoors.

Consider a year-round flea and tick treatment for your home and pet

The best way to solve a flea and tick problem is to prevent it in the first place. Use topical drops or collars on your pet year round, regularly treat your yard, and vacuum to remove any potential flea eggs in your carpeting. Also, consider products such as Hartz Ultra-Guard Carpet Powder and Hartz Ultra-Guard Plus Flea & Tick Home Spray, formulated to kill fleas around your home and prevent new ones from developing.

To learn more, visit www.hartzultraguard.com. Through August, you can download a coupon for Hartz Ultra-Guard Pro Flea & Tick Drops on this site.

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Studies show that an important emotional connection exists between pets and their owners. During times of stress or illness, the bond between a pet and owner can be particularly strong. Missy Fish is undeniable proof of this.

Fish, a two-time breast cancer survivor, leaned on the companionship of her two cats, Phoebe and Jack, during her treatments.

“They were the perfect companions when I needed them most,” Fish says. “They were silent sources of strength and empowerment.”

Fish is far from the only breast cancer survivor to attest to the power of her cat. A recent Purina Cat Chow national survey of breast cancer survivors with cats underscores this important emotional connection and relationship.

The survey found that 84 percent of women battling breast cancer said their cat had a calming effect on them during their treatment. Cats also provided daily support to the patient, according to 76 percent of survivors surveyed.

Dr. Karen Sueda, a Diplomate at the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists, says that cats are perceptive to their owner’s needs during an illness.

“Whether pet owners are fighting a disease such as breast cancer or going through a rough period in life such as job loss or financial stress, their cats often display intuitive behaviors of knowing when they need extra love and support,” says Sueda.

Inspired by one cancer survivor’s touching story of the role her cat played during her battle with cancer, Purina Cat Chow is doing its part to help the fight against breast cancer. This year, in a partnership with Susan G. Komen for the Cure, Purina Cat Chow will donate more than $200,000 to the cause and will raise awareness for breast cancer through the Purina Cat Chow Connected for the Cause campaign.

“We have heard countless stories from breast cancer patients and survivors of how they have been emotionally supported by their cats,” says Katy Laciny, Purina Cat Chow’s assistant brand manager. “Purina Cat Chow’s Connected for the Cause campaign honors this exceptional relationship and invites consumers to help us raise awareness and increase support for Susan G. Komen for the Cure so that a cure can be found.”

Susan G. Komen for the Cure is the world’s largest grassroots network of breast cancer survivors and activists fighting to save lives, empower people, ensure quality care for all and energize science to find the cures. The organization has invested $1.3 billion toward ending breast cancer, becoming the world’s largest source of non-profit funds dedicated to the fight against breast cancer.

Visit www.catchow.com/pink to hear survivor stories, read about the unique connection between survivors and their cats and share photos of support. For every picture uploaded, Purina Cat Chow will donate an additional $1 to Susan G. Komen for the Cure up to $10,000.

The Purina Cat Chow Connected for the Cause campaign culminates this October with limited-edition pink bags at grocery, mass and pet retailers nationwide in honor of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Products featuring pink bags include Purina Cat Chow Complete Formula and Purina Cat Chow Indoor Formula, both available in 3.5 pound and 16 pound bags.

For more information on the Purina Cat Chow Connected for the Cause campaign, go to www.catchow.com/pink.

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“In colder regions of the country, pet owners should already know that they need to make accommodations for their pets, but winter can be hard on a pet even in warmer states, like Georgia, where I work,” says Dr. Larry R. Corry, president of the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). “While we don’t get a lot of snow, it does get cold in the winter, and when it gets below freezing, our recommendation is that pet owners get their pets inside.”

Here are the AVMA’s top 10 winter tips for pet owners:

1. Even if you own a sled dog, living outside during the depths of winter is very difficult. If you must keep your dog outside year round, remember that dogs must be allowed time to get acclimated to the cold with the change of the seasons. This builds up a winter coat they will need to survive. Corry recommends that dog owners with outside dogs double check to make sure their dog’s housing is well insulated, including straw or padding to sleep on.

If you want to heat a doghouse, be careful to ensure that the heat source is installed properly so that the animal cannot be hurt,” he says. “If you can’t or won’t bring the animal into your home, consider bringing it inside a garage on bitter cold days.”

2. Corry also advises pet owners to refrain from taking their pets near frozen ponds. Many dogs and cats fall through or sometimes are cast adrift on an ice float.

3. Keep your pet away from antifreeze with ethylene glycol. It’s sweet and extremely lethal, even in small doses. The AVMA provides a brochure and video on this and other household hazards and poisons.

4. Honk your horn or pound on the hood before starting your car on cold days. To a cat, a warm engine block can seem like a nice escape from cold winter winds.

5. Carbon monoxide is just as lethal to pets as it is for people. Make sure your home has a carbon monoxide detector, and, if you bring your pet from the outdoors into a garage during the winter, make sure exhaust fumes from your car aren’t allowed to build up inside.

6. Cold air is dry air, so your pet can become dehydrated easily in the winter. Give him plenty of fresh water. If the bowl of water you put outside for your dog or cat freezes, it’s of no use to the animal.

7. Road salt and ice melting products are not only irritating to the pads on your pet’s feet, but when your pet cleans itself by licking off these chemicals and ingesting them, they can cause gastrointestinal problems. Wash your pet’s feet after she’s been outdoors.

8. Consider booties for your dog’s feet. Booties help prevent ice balls between the toes that can be both painful and do damage to the toe pads.

9. Be careful about candles, space heaters and fireplaces – pets can get burned and even set the house on fire.

10. Pay close attention to your older pet in winter, especially if he suffers from arthritis. Arthritic pain is even worse in icy winds and cold temperatures. Seek the advice of your veterinarian to help your pet cope with arthritis.

For more information about animal health, visit www.avma.org.

Courtesy: ARAcontent