Preventing and treating the appearance of roundworms in your puppy

No matter how reputable the breeder or rescue organization you visit, there's a very good chance that your new puppy will develop a case of roundworms during the first few months of his life. Encountering this problem may be a bit frightening at first, but it is something that nearly all puppies will deal with during their young lives, according to DogChannel.com. Understanding where these worms come from and how to treat them will be an important way to ensure dog wellness as he grows up.

Roundworms are typically spread through feces, since puppies are less likely to be as intense about their hygiene as adult canines. They can also receive these parasites through their mother's milk, or from the environment in dog parks and other outdoor areas. Because roundworm eggs can be extremely resilient and last for years in the soil, there's a very good chance he can contract the parasites. While dogs will gradually build up an immunity to roundworms throughout their life, they can be a significant problem for a puppy's developing immune system. If the problem is left unchecked, it can cause a series of digestive problems, weight loss and lethargy.

One of the best ways to prevent the contraction of these worms is by being vigilant about picking up dog droppings in your yard. Keeping a clean environment is one of the best ways to protect your pooch from a variety of illnesses, and it's simply a no-brainer to make your yard a habitable place. You should also keep a close eye on your puppy when you visit a dog park or another public area and keep him away from any dog droppings.

If your furry friend does happen to develop these worms, consider using Hartz UltraGuard Plus Rid Worm™ for Puppies and Small Dogs. These chewable tablets are for use on puppies two weeks and older and are extremely effective in removing roundworms and hookworms, as well as preventing them from coming back.

Once your puppy matures and goes onto regular heartworm medication, many of these treatments will become unnecessary, but it's still a concern to be mindful of during your dog's first year. Thankfully, there are many steps you can take to avoid this potential problem so you can get back to enjoying quality time with your new companion.

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Creative exercise tips that can get you and your pooch in shape

Now that spring is here, you may be thinking about getting into the swing of things and embracing your workout routine. However, there's no reason that you should leave your dog at home while you're working on your beach bod. According to the ASPCA, there are far more engaging activities out there that can improve dog wellness and help your furry friend lose a few extra pounds. Here are a few suggestions that can shake up your workout routine and help your canine get in on the act.

1. On-leash biking. Going for a long bike ride with your dog in tow is a wonderful way to let off some steam. While this can work if you're biking through a park or a traffic-free suburban area, it can be difficult when you're dealing with high levels of traffic. As a result, many pet wellness companies now manufacture bike leash holders that elevate the leash a foot or two away from the bike frame. This will allow your pooch to run alongside you without having the leash or your pooch getting tangled up with you.


2. Obstacle courses. Whether you create your own using furniture and boxes in your yard, or explore a course in your community, this is a wonderful way to improve your dog's agility, reports Total-German-Shepherd.com. Whisking your dog through one of these courses will give you a surprising amount of exercise and it can help your canine release a bit of pent-up energy.


3. Fishing line. Start by removing the hooks from your fishing pole and then attach one of your dog's chew toys on the end. You can then go in the front yard and practice your cast, while your dog races back and forth trying to chase after the toy.


4. Swimming. On an especially hot day, nothing will make you or your pooch happier than going to take a dip in the nearest lake. Bring along a tennis ball that your dog can chase into the water and bring back to you to help him increase his heart rate.


After a long winter, you and your canine may need to lose a bit of weight, but now is the best time to amp up your fitness level. Using these fun activities, you can create many warm memories and finally get back in shape when it's time to hit the beach.

To get detailed information on every Hartz flea & tick products, visit www.hartz.com

Smoking can pose a huge risk to the health and well-being of your pet

If you smoke, you know for a fact that it's a nasty habit that's an extreme detriment to your health, but have you ever thought about what it's doing to your pet? According to the ASPCA, dogs and cats who live in a smoking household are at risk for myriad health problems, ranging from cancer to respiratory problems to skin issues. If you've been on the fence about quitting smoking and need that extra push to make a change in your life, ensuring animal wellness in your household should be one of the chief reasons to kick the habit for good. The following health problems could force you to finally take action and make a change for your furry friend.

1. Mouth cancer. This is particularly prevalent in cats, that have far more stringent grooming habits which could lead to problems. Since cigarette smoke can release many carcinogens and poisons into the air, these materials could begin to collect on your feline's coat. As he cleans himself, these cancer-causing agents could lead to the development of mouth cancer. Recent studies back up these claims and it could pose a huge risk to your cat's overall well-being.

2. Secondhand smoke. According to the USA Today, recent research has found that secondhand smoke plays a much larger role in the health of pets than previously thought. The toxins that are released by this smoke can cause lung and nasal cancer in dogs. Being constantly exposed to these nasty ingredients will dramatically increase your pet's chance of developing a tumor and experiencing all the pain and life-threatening developments that come along with it.

3. Ingesting cigarettes. If you leave ashtrays lying out in your living room, this is a poison hazard that is just as bad as a block of chocolate for your dog. PetPlace.com warns that only two to four cigarette butts can lead to nicotine poisoning in canines, which can result in vomiting, upset stomach and even death in some cases. This is just another reason to kick your smoking habit for good to ensure that your pooch doesn't have a chance to eat any of these nasty butts.

Smoking is doing irreparable damage to your health, but it is also coming at a cost to your pet's wellness as well. By finally kicking this nasty ritual, you can breathe easier and ensure that you're doing everything you can to improve you and your pet's well-being.

To get detailed information on every Hartz flea & tick products, visit www.hartz.com