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Puppy Basics: Flea Prevention
Puppy Basics: Flea Prevention

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Puppy Basics: Flea Prevention

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You do everything you can to keep your new puppy happy, and having fleas is definitely not a happy time. Keep these tips in mind to keep your puppy healthy, happy, and flea-free.
 

The common flea not only causes your dog discomfort, but it can also transmit disease, pass on tapeworms, and cause anemia, especially in vulnerable puppies and older dogs. Regularly inspect your dog for any signs of fleas. Intermittent scratching, biting, and gnawing, plus evidence of flea dirt between your dog's back legs or on top of his rump, are telltale signs of fleas. If your dog is constantly biting and gnawing himself or you can actually see fleas, you've got a full-blown infestation. To check out your dog for fleas, have him stand in a bathtub and vigorously rub your hands through his fur. If little dark dots fall on the tub floor, they're likely either fleas or flea 'dirt' (excrement). You'll know you've got fleas if the 'dirt' turns red when you add a drop of water.

 

 

Flea Control Myths

  • Garlic and onion repels fleas. Feeding your dog garlic or onion will only give him bad breath. It will have absolutely no effect on fleas, and feeding large amounts of onion to dogs can be toxic.
  • Brewer's yeast repels fleas. There is no evidence that feeding your dog brewer's yeast repels fleas.

 

 

Prescription Flea-Prevention Products

These products work by preventing fleas from biting or reproducing. They are the flea control methods of choice, and when used faithfully as directed, help pet owners avoid many dog health issues associated with fleas.

  • Medium-Breed Mature or Senior Dog’s Nutritional Needs
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    Medium-Breed Mature or Senior Dog’s Nutritional Needs

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    Unlike larger-breed dogs that are considered mature at age 5, medium-breed dogs are usually called mature or senior at age 7. By this time, their nutritional requirements are changing. You can help keep your medium-breed dog active, happy and healthy with a specially formulated mature or senior diet that delivers highly digestible, enhanced nutrition.

     

     

    The Signs of Aging in Medium-breed Dogs

    Your dog might be aging in a number of ways. He may have a dull, dry coat and flaky skin, declining activity or weight gain, decreased immune system response, more frequent intestinal problems, joint stiffness and a loss of lean muscle mass. It’s true that a mature or senior dog generally needs fewer calories, but to address special mature or senior concerns, your dog still needs high-quality protein and carefully balanced nutrients.

     

     

    What to Look for in a Mature or Senior Diet

    What your medium-breed dog needs is a high-quality, balanced maintenance food formulated for his changing metabolism. Look for options with these age-essential dietary components:

    • Vitamin-rich fish oils for healthy skin, a shiny coat and overall health
    • Antioxidants such as vitamin E and beta-carotene to help boost the immune system
    • High-quality animal-based protein sources to help maintain muscle mass
    • A special fiber source, such as beet pulp, to help maintain intestinal health and enhance your dog’s ability to absorb age-essential nutrients
    • A special carbohydrate blend of healthy grains for sustained energy

    These ingredients are the keys to mature or senior nutrition whether you feed dry or wet dog food or give your dog treats.

     

     

    Special Needs in Medium-breed Mature or Senior Dogs

    Older, less active dogs are prone to weight gain. Controlling your dog’s weight can help minimize health complications such as diabetes or joint stress. Your dog can benefit from a weight-control diet with these key characteristics:

    • A reduced fat level that still offers essential nutrients for skin and coat health
    • L-carnitine, a key nutrient that helps burn fat and maintain muscle mass during weight loss
    • Special carbohydrate blends that help maintain energy while managing weight
    • Vitamin-rich fish oils for overall health

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