Keeping your dog cool in your home without the benefit of air conditioning

One of the chief dog wellness concerns you'll have to deal with during the summer is keeping your pooch cool and comfortable in the midst of peak seasonal temperatures. This can be especially difficult without air conditioning at your disposal, but there are simple ways that you can enhance your pooch's comfort level without having to change your lifestyle drastically. A few of these tips can make a huge difference to improve your canine's well-being and keep him in good spirits throughout the season.

1. Keep your shades drawn during the day. According to Care2.com, one of the easiest ways to keep your home cool during peak hours of the day is to draw your blinds or draperies before leaving your house in the morning. This will limit the amount of sunlight that filters in and can dramatically reduce the temperature in many rooms of your home. This will create a more comfortable environment for your pooch while you're away at work, and it will be far more refreshing to come home to.

2. A pet fountain. A steady supply of water is essential to ward off dehydration and overheating, but your pooch may decide to slurp down all of his water before you get home. A pet fountain is a great choice that will supply a steady stream of water throughout the day, and it may actually help your canine drink more than usual. This will help keep him cool and support a variety of normal physiological functions.

3. A kiddie pool. According to CanidaePetFood.com, if you're home on an especially hot weekend afternoon, consider filling up a kiddie pool with water and letting your canine lounge around in that. Obviously, you should only do this when you are supervising him, and be sure to only fill it up so that he is only slightly submerged when lying down. Placing it in the shade will provide further relief from the sun's rays and it is certain to keep your pooch happy on hot days.

Even rubbing a few ice cubes or damp cloths on your canine's neck can make a huge difference during the summer months. Without the benefit of air conditioning, you'll have to get a bit more creative to meet your dog's needs, but it's certainly possible to keep your canine comfortable during the hottest portions of the season.

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

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.

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

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

Top 5 health issues for U.S. dogs that you should keep an eye out for

As a dog owner, you have a responsibility to keep your canine healthy, and knowing the most prevalent diseases and conditions is vital to preparing for any situation. Recently, Veterinary Pet Insurance Co. released its Top 10 Most Common Causes of Veterinary Visits between dogs and cats, and the results were quite telling. To ensure dog wellness in your household, knowing the most common dog ailments and how to prevent them is essential to avoiding them in the future.

1. Ear infections. These ailments come from a variety of sources, ranging from diet to exposure, so it's vital that you keep a close eye on his ear canals. An overgrowth of yeast production in your dog's ears can be directly traced to diet, so consider giving him a food consisting of more natural ingredients. Additionally, ear infections can arise from an excess of moisture, so be sure to dry off your pooch's ears after going swimming.

2. Skin Allergies/Infection. Skin allergies and infections come in at two and three on the list, and these can come from a variety of sources. During the first sign of hot spots, a dull coat or dry skin, take your dog into the vet. You can then begin an exclusionary diet to find out what he's allergic to and get to the bottom of his skin problems.

3. Non-cancerous skin growth. Skin growths are a scary thing to spot on your pooch and they can come from a variety of sources. By regularly brushing your dog and bringing him into the groomer, you can keep an eye out for these growths and find them before they become a problem. This is a simple procedure that can be performed at the vet's office and your pooch will be back in tip-top shape.

4. Upset stomach. Most vets who deal with a dog's upset stomach are dealing with something that the canine ingested. Keep small items in your home to a minimum that your pooch may want to eat, as well as foods like chocolate, sugarfree gum and certain types of flowers that could cause him discomfort.

Owning a dog is often like taking care of a child, and you have to constantly be on top of his overall well-being. By knowing the most common pet maladies out there, you can plan for any contingency and improve your pet care standards year-round.

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

Eliminate fleas at first sight with these handy products - Hartz flea & tick

This spring is looking to be one of the worst flea seasons in recent memory, and due to the season's extremely mild temperatures, the parasites are already a threat to your furry friend. If you happen to spot a few of these insects in your home, there's probably many more that you're not seeing. In this event, there are a variety of Hartz products that you can use to treat your home against the risk of an infestation and keep the pesky bugs from coming back.

Keeping a quality flea shampoo in your home is a great idea for these kinds of situations, and it is one of the easiest ways to remove fleas and their larvae from your canine's skin. Hartz Flea and Tick Dog Shampoo will fill fleas and their eggs and keep them from reappearing for up to one month. Along with proven parasite-fighting ingredients, the shampoo also contains coconut extract that can help moisturize and nourish your canine's coat. This is your front line defense against fleas, but you'll need to treat the rest of your home for the products to remain effective.

At the first appearance of fleas on your carpets or near your furry friend's pet bed, you should use Hartz UltraGuard Plus Flea and Tick Home Spray. This solution will kill fleas, ticks, eggs and larvae on your carpets, furniture and drapes and keep them from coming back for up to seven months. This product makes use of an Insect Growth Regulator (IGR), which inhibits the life cycle of the flea and prevents it from reaching adulthood. This can dramatically help to reduce your chances of a flea infestation and keep your home clear of these annoying insects.

Of course, before the height of flea season hits, you should be sure to bring your four-legged friend for an annual checkup. You can then discuss with your veterinarian about the many flea and tick products on the market and find out which one is right for your pet. Most importantly, making sure your dog is happy and healthy will improve his resistance against these parasites, since they usually prey on animals with weak immune systems. By taking these steps and investing in a few Hartz products, you can make this year's flea season far more manageable for you and your pet.

For more information on Hartz flea & tick control products, please visit the website at http://www.hartz.com/

Hartz launches SAFE program to spread flea and tick awareness

Veterinarians have seen their fair share of flea and tick infestations over the years - they are one of the most stubborn problems that a furry friend can face. Worse yet, even with regular visits to the vet, some owners just don't understand the breadth of the problem and just how detrimental it can be to the health and well-being of an animal. Luckily, Hartz has launched the SAFE program, a series of brochures, pamphlets and posters that will give pet parents a visual representation of the problem and helpful tips on how they can improve their companion's flea and tick prevention.

These products are available through www.hugprofessional.com so vets can get a first-hand look at these useful visual aids. SAFE stands for Selecting the right product for your pet, Asking your veterinarian for advice, Following the directions on the label and Enjoying happy times with your parasite-free furry friend. If everyone followed this advice, veterinarians would have far fewer flea and tick problems to deal with!

This selection of pet owner education tools could be a boost for a veterinarian's clinic and help their owners better understand the risks of these parasites. First, Hartz has released a series of informational brochures for dogs and cats about proper flea and tick control. These pamphlets will help pet parents choose the best flea and tick preventative for their animal and learn a wide range of safety precautions. Everything from proper application to how frequently the medication should be administered is detailed in the brochures.

Hartz has also released a series of informational posters that will be right at home in a veterinarian's office. Each of the four posters brings a unique set of information to the table to highlight just how important flea and tick prevention is. The company offers a flea and tick control for canines or cats comparison poster, which lists all of the EPA-approved flea and tick medications that owners can use. Additionally, Hartz is debuting a tick incidence map of the United States and an illustration of the tick and tick-borne disease life cycle. Both of these pieces of media are extremely informative and can give pet owners a visual representation of the scope of the parasite problem.

The SAFE program and www.hugprofessional.com are just a few examples of how Hartz is doing everything it can to educate veterinarians and pet owners about the year-round risks of fleas and ticks.

For more information on Hartz flea & tick Control Products and flea prevent, visit http://www.hartzultraguard.com .