How-To Library

Furry friends count on their owners to keep them cool and healthy. Dogs, cats and horses all require special attention to prevent heat-related illnesses.

As fall approaches and those mornings start to seem a little cooler, we know that hunting season is upon us. Whether you use your dog to help with hunting or bring your dog along as a companion, keeping them safe when you are in the woods is extremely important.

Selecting the proper diet for your companion pet can help ensure a happy, healthy life for your dog or cat. But did you know that your pet’s health and well being can be tarnished by improper handling and storage once you bring the pet food home?

So your family wants a new pet? Picking out the right dog, cat or other pet is an important decision and requires research from folks who know. Start by making sure that your family is involved in the decision from the beginning.

Parasitic heartworms can cause serious illness in infected dogs, and the disease can even be deadly. As rescue treatments can be harsh, prevention is the best way to avoid heartworm-related problems. Preventive treatments are widely available. Use them and avoid the risk of this dangerous disease.

Heartworms can be killers and according to the American Heartworm Society, a study conducted by the North Carolina State University showed that one in four heartworm infected cats were indoor cats. Mosquitoes carry the heartworm larvae, so unless you can be 100 percent sure a mosquito will never bite your cat you need to adopt a heartworm preventative program. The alternative could be costly veterinary supportive treatment and surgery or even the loss of your cat.

Your dog or cat is can get ticks and fleas through close proximity to other infested animals, infested bedding, furniture, or flooring, and in the case of a very heavily infested property, even the lawns; fleas can cause anemia, skin infections, and can also introduce tapeworms into their host.

Nationwide® members file claims for animal “breakouts” on their farms and ranches that total close to $8 million a year. Consider these best practices to help you keep people and animals safe on your farm or ranch.

Caring for your pet’s health and wellbeing is the most important part of being a good pet owner. Feeding high-quality food, getting plenty of exercise, and maintaining a regular check-up schedule with your veterinarian will help to keep your pet feeling their best. To get the most out of your next visit to the vet, be sure to ask these essential questions to give you more insight into your pet’s health.