NuVet Seasonal Tips
NuVet Seasonal Tips
Our Pets Need Protection
Dogs of all shape and sizes love to spend time outdoors running, romping and laying in the sun. While these moments in the fresh air with your pet are surely wonderful, you need to remember that your dog is being exposed to the elements at the same time. Mosquitoes and other insects may find themselves attracted to your dog’s skin, and insect bites can cause itching and may even result in issues with your dog. The sun’s powerful rays also may penetrate through to your dog’s skin and cause a sun irritation, which can be damaging to your dog’s health and uncomfortable for your pet to deal with after the fact. However, many pet parents don’t even realize that there are natural preventative measures they can take in order to protect their dog outdoors.
Natural Products Can Be Used as an Insect Repellant for Dogs
Lemon is one of the most effective insect repellant for dogs, and best of all it is completely safe for your four-legged friend. To apply, simply cut a lemon in half and rub it on your dog’s skin. Be careful when applying the lemon to your dog, and avoid sensitive areas around the eyes, nose and any open cuts in the skin.
Natural Products Can Be Used as Sunscreen for Dogs
To provide your dog with natural sun protection, you may want to consider altering your pet’s diet. Foods with lycopene, such as tomato or bell peppers, can act as a natural sunscreen for your pet. Carrots are filled with beta-carotene which also is beneficial when it comes to sun protection. Add in some fresh berries, which have polyphenols in them, and your dog will be ready for a day at the beach.
How to Help
When your dog scratches and itches his ears, it can be frustrating for you and him both. He certainly does not feel well, and his constant itching can be bothersome to him. You can become frustrated with the scratching and the helpless feeling that comes from not knowing how to help your dog. The following checklist will help you determine the source of the problem and then treat it at home with things you most likely already have on hand.
Check the Ears
First, check your dog’s ears for anything that shouldn’t be there. Dirt, debris, ear mites, fleas and ticks can all cause incessant itching. No home remedy will calm your dog’s scratching if you don’t treat the root cause of the problem. If the problem is a pest such as mites, fleas or ticks, use a safe product to eradicate this pest before moving on.
Clean the Ears
Once you ensure that your dog’s ears are clear, clean them out. This can help remove any dirt or other items that cause itching. You can purchase a good ear cleaning solution from your vet or local pet supply store. You can also use a clean cloth and some peroxide diluted in water. Usually two parts water and one part peroxide will do the trick. Keep in mind that the fizzing of the peroxide can upset some dogs, so you might wish to leash your dog when you do this. Be very gentle and swab all around the inside of his ear canal. It’s very helpful to have a trusted groomer or veterinarian give you a short tutorial on the proper technique for ear cleaning.
NuVet Ear Cleaner
Dog ears can be erect (pricked), bent or completely flopped over, but however they are shaped on the outside, the anatomy on the inside remains the same. Parasites, moisture and debris can easily be trapped inside the ear canal, leading to conditions that, if left unchecked, will invite bacteria and yeast to take up residence in the affected area.
Our Ear Cleaner is a unique formulation containing all natural eucalyptus and soothing aloe vera. This is the perfect solution for maintaining healthy canine or feline ears.
- Helps reduce ear wax
- Promotes clean healthy ears
- Routine ear cleanser for dogs, cats, puppies, and kittens
Home Remedies
There are several home remedies that can soothe your dog’s itchy ears. A few drops of rubbing alcohol can kill yeast and dry out your dog’s ear canal to keep itching at bay. A few drops of diluted lavender oil can also calm your dog’s itching and scratching. Keep a watchful eye out, though, and if you see any swelling or redness, take a trip to your vet’s office to make sure there are no infections or other complications present.
Red Eyes
Just like people, dogs can have red and irritated eyes. It may be more difficult to see that your pooch has redness in his eyes, as a dog’s eyes are different than a human’s. However, if you do notice redness or irritation around your dog’s eyes, there are a few things you can do to give him relief.
Check for Foreign Objects
First, check your dog’s eye for any foreign objects that may be causing issues. A wayward eyelash, piece of grass or bit of fluff from a toy can all stick to your pup’s eyelid and cause problems. If you see something in his eye, don’t try to dig it out with fingers. Keep a product specially formulated for use in canine eyes in your medicine cabinet, and gently flush your dog’s eye with this solution. Dogs do not enjoy this procedure, so you may wish to leash your pet or enlist the help of a trusted friend or family member.
Soothing Treatments
Again, this is where forethought comes in handy. Keep your medicine cabinet stocked with a product that is made for doggie eyes. Don’t use Visine or other types of human eye products on your dog, as your dog’s eyes have different concerns than your own. Gently place a few drops in your dog’s eye and keep a close watch on his eyes until they are no longer red or irritated. Many doggie eye issues can be blamed on changes in the weather or seasonal sensitivities, and a few eye drops should be all it takes to fix your pup up as good as new.
Veterinary Appointment
If you see a lot of discharge or a visible tear in your dog’s eye, make an appointment with your dog’s vet immediately. If the vet is closed, head over to the emergency vet’s office. Just like your own eyesight, you can never be too careful with your dog’s sight. Don’t take any chances or wait until it’s too late. Doing so can permanently diminish your pet’s vision or even result in a complete loss of vision for your best friend.
Dietary Considerations
One way to keep your dog’s ears healthy and free from itching and other problems is to feed your dog a high-quality diet. A grain-free or organic food can improve your dog’s health. If you are looking for a different food for your dog, or would just like to see how his current food scores on the healthiness charts, visit DogFoodAdvisor.
Your dog will also benefit from the addition of a comprehensive dietary supplement, such as NuVet Plus. Specifically formulated to address the nutritional needs of nearly every dog, NuVet Plus is an immune system builder, that fills in the nutritional gaps that are left behind by your dog’s pet food. It contains natural ingredients that are designed to boost your dog’s immune system and protect its health in the future. These same ingredients can offer multiple benefits, assisting in sun protection and protection from bug bites.
For more information on NuVet Plus, including NuVet reviews, or to place an order for a supplement that is right for your dog, visit us online today. Your dog will feel better and look better, from his ears to his tail.
Source
http://ottawavalleydogwhisperer.blogspot.com/2013/01/lemon-safe-natural-misquito-repellent.html