Thursday, September 07, 2006
Flea Facts And Information
By: Robert Benjamin
Fleas have been around for millions of years, sucking the blood of animals and humans.
Fleas live on pets, mammals, in carpets, in sofas as well as other household and farm goods. In a typical room, 5 percent of the fleas will be found on pets, 10 percent flea cocoons in the carpets, 35 percent flea larvae and 50 percent flea eggs again in the carpets.
Female Fleas lay eggs that turn in to grub-like larvae. The larvae then develop in to pupae and settle inside a cocoon. They wait for a host to start their life and suck blood. When something warm moves pass by the pupae, they unzip the cocoon and jump on the animal or human body. All this happens in three seconds and the flea can jump as high as four feet.
It is important to get rid of fleas by simple methods as these insects can cause serious diseases, such as, Plague, Murine Typhus and Tungiasis are just some of the diseases caused by fleas.
Fleas that are lodged on rats, which carry the bacteria, Yersinia Pestis ? The bacteria that causes Bubonic plague. Plague is a killer disease and can spread widely. It is completely curable. Murine Typhus is an infection caused by Rickettsia, R. Typhi. Rat fleas called Xenopsilla Cheopis transmit this. Tungiasis is caused by the Chigger flea, Tungia penetrans, whereby serious damage can be done to the feet as the female species burrow into the feet and breeds there.
Their feeding under the skin causes severe infection and irritation. The fleas are removed by surgery.
Fleas also transmit Tularemia and tapeworms to humans as well as pets. Other than these diseases, fleas also can cause allergies to both humans and pets.
However, there is no need to worry, as there are many solutions to get rid of fleas. You can take up the responsibility of removing fleas yourself or if the problem is severe and you are not comfortable with dealing with chemicals that may be toxic, then pest control professionals are there to help you in wiping out fleas from your house and surroundings.
Remember that adult fleas, pupae, larvae and eggs ? Fleas at all stages should be killed to rid your house of them completely. Resistive pupae and larvae grow on to become adult fleas in a few weeks even though the adult fleas are killed. Fleas should be removed from all stages in their life cycle, to protect your family and pets.
There is a Flea website that has more info on flea facts, and everything about fleas, fleas in carpets - rugs, fleas in vehicles, fleas in furniture, fleas on pets, fleas in lawns and yards, natural flea remedies and much more flea information. The website is called: Stop The Fleas, and can be found at this URL: http://www.stopthefleas.com
Robert W. Benjamin, started learning about fleas when he rented an apartment that was infested with them, he now uses his knowledge of fleas to help others deal with them.
http://www.stopthefleas.com/
Wednesday, September 06, 2006
Watch out Dogs and Cats
After some serious problems getting connected to the internet, we are back. (For good I hope)
Time to get back to the business of bring you up to date information, which we hope you will find relevant to the care of your pet cat and/or dog.
We will continue to bring you original articles as well as articles by other authors, about cats and dogs, we feel will be of interest to you.
Till next time;
Meow and woof, woof
Kevin
Sunday, June 18, 2006
Cat Care Can Lengthen Your Life
This article covers just about all aspects I have always felt about Cat and Dog ownership, and the benefits they can bring us besides companionship. We have two indoor cats and they get the Royal Treatment, and are treated just like our children.
Research suggests that spending time providing cat care may actually increase both your life span, and your quality of life. Studies have shown that the relaxation and happiness that come from spending time with a domestic animal like a cat or a dog have numerous health benefits. Cat care that involves directly interacting with your pet may help you make your life longer, healthier and happier.
The research done on the correlation between spending time with a pet and having better than average health is conclusive. A study conducted at Brooklyn College in New York followed a number of heart disease sufferers after they were discharged from the hospital. The single social factor that was shown to be the strongest predictor of survival was pet ownership.
Other studies have proved that citizens who put time into dog care or cat care visited their general practitioners less frequently than non pet-owners, and were less likely to require prescription drugs. Because of the mental stimulation and positive emotions associated with spending time with a pet, treatment centers and retirement homes across the nation are encouraging people to bring pets to visit residents who are in recovery.
This suggests that even short term exposure to a cat or dog can have positive health benefits. If this is the case, just imagine what spending time with a cat every day can do for your body and your mind!
As an aside pets are also used in prisons where contact between pet and inmate has improved the behavior patterns and tendencies of the inmate involved. This is more proof that pets have such an influence on the well being of their handler or owner. Who can forget the 'Birdman of Alcatraz' and his care of birds.
Some experts theorize that the reason why engaging in hands on care of a cat can both increase your life span and improve your health has to do with the simple fact that cat care offers you stability.
Cat care is a daily activity that requires you to spend at least a little bit of time each day sharing love and affection with another living being. This gives your day a little bit of structure that can help you stay calm and focused no matter what life throws at you. Pet care is a regular, steady routine that can help you stay motivated and focused on making progress in all arenas of your life.
Daily care of your pet can help you feel positive and confident, two traits which research suggest can greatly improve your chances of beating a disease or making a speedy recovery from a medical procedure. Offering your pet loving care is a boon to your health because it makes you feel like a great person every single day. The love your cat shows you when you provide top shelf care can help you shake off negative feelings and emotions like sadness or anger. Cat care can help you manage stress and keep an upbeat attitude.
What all of this research adds up to is that pet care is good for your health. Making cat care a part of your routine can help you take a positive, enjoyable step towards a healthier lifestyle in the present and the future.
The better care that you can provide for your pet, the more affection and happiness your pet can offer you in return. Think of great cat care as a way to say thank you to your cat for the health benefits that it offers you.
Bruce Walls is a writer and webmaster at http://www.catcarefacts.com/.
Wednesday, June 14, 2006
Build Your Own Dog First Aid Kit
Having spent time living in the country it is amazing the trouble dogs can get into. This list will give you a heads up on treating minor problems, or gaining valuable time getting to the vet.
One of the first things to do when you get a new puppy is to build a first aid kit. You can never be too safe or too prepared. Remember you are the first line of care after an accident or injury. It could be quite a while before your puppy is able to receive medical care for an injury or poisoning, make sure you are prepared to help him through the immediate danger and pain.
You can purchase ready made first aid kits just about anywhere. There is one available through our store if you would rather spend your time engaging in other worthwhile exercises like playing fetch!
However, it doesn?t take much to build a first aid kit. Here are some of the most important things to have on hand. You could make all the difference in a life threatening situation. Make sure you are prepared!
A plastic TOOL OR TACKLE BOX
saline solution (to wash cuts )
karo syrup or glucose(for hypoglycemia)
bandage scissors
sterile gauze pads
alcohol prep pads for instruments
cold pack (break and use)
heat pack (break and use)
vetwrap flexible non-adhesive bandage
provodine-iodine ointment
magnifying glass
gloves
opticlear eye wash
iodine prep (betadine) solution
emergency blanket (silver metallic)
2" brown gauze rolls
triple antibiotic ointment (polysporin)
tweezers or hemostat
first aid booklet
splint (paint stir sticks or shims work well)
2" elasticon tape bandaging
1" standard porus tape bandaging
Peroxide (to induce vomiting)
Benedryl (1/2 -1 mg per pound of body weight for allergic
Aloe Vera gel (burns)
pack of guaze 4X4s
Ascriptin or other enteric coated aspirin
Laura Anderson http://www.puppys-place.com