Did you know that your mental health can have a serious effect on your furry friend? According to a new article released by NPR, dogs may synchronize their emotional responses with that of their owners. While many pet owners may understand this intuitively, this study was one of the most comprehensive examinations of the source of this bond and the extent to which dogs are influenced by the behaviors of their owners. This means that if your dog senses that you have an elevated heart rate or are breathing faster than normal, they will start to mirror those responses. The study examined by NPR explained that pet responses to their owner stress seemed to coincide more over time. This means that the longer the relationship you have had with your dog, the more likely he or she will be to absorb some of the stress you are projecting.

One of the strongest findings of the study, which surveyed a total of 58 dogs and their owners, was that cortisol levels between owners and their dogs were very closely related. Cortisol is a stress hormone that affects how you sleep as well as your hunger levels throughout the day. One of the nice takeaways from the study is that neurotic owners did not seem to make their dogs more neurotic over time. Nervous pet owners do not necessarily have to worry that they are inflicting psychological or emotional damage on their dogs, even though their dogs notice their responses to stress. Interestingly, the dogs in the study were affected only by the stress responses of their owners and not as easily influenced by the interactions of other dogs. This was true even if the dogs spent a significant amount of time together.

What this study confirms is that pet owners can be sure that their pets are paying attention to their health and stress responses. Pet owners and their dogs may be even more bonded than scientists had previously thought. Pet owners who reported engaging with their dogs on a more regular basis through competitive training or dog shows were shown to have an even more synchronized response to levels of stress with their dogs. This means that those types of activities that encourage interaction between dogs and their owners can have a lasting effect on the depth of the emotional and physical bond that is formed between them over time.

Dogs will get two sets of teeth in their lives. They will start getting their baby teeth around the age of three or four weeks. If you have ever had a puppy, then you already know that they begin to explore the world with their mouths around the age of four or five months.

Dogs start to lose their puppy teeth around the age of five or six months. The second set of teeth is the most important set of teeth. That is why it is important to brush your pet’s teeth on a regular basis.

You will also need to take your dog to the vet for a dental checkup every year. However, if you notice any of the following signs, then you will need to take your dog to the vet before the one-year mark.

• Extra teeth
• Source:
• Bad breath
• Teeth with tartar
• Abnormal chewing
• Refusing to eat
• Drooling
• Broken teeth

Dental problems can also cause behavioral issues. Periodontal disease is a problem that can result if dental care is neglected. It is something that has to be taken seriously. Gum disease will get worse if it is not treated. It can also cause liver, kidney and heart problems.

February is a month that is set aside to raise awareness about pet dental care. This is a great time to take your pet to the vet for a dental cleaning. Your vet will also be able to tell you the best ways to care for your pet’s teeth.

There are many products available that will help you keep your pet’s teeth healthy. This includes things such as chew toys. Some products may work better than others. You may have to try several before you find one that works for your pet.

Source: https://www.carecredit.com/newsletter/winter/pet-dental-care-checkup/

Winter is on the way, and that means people who own dogs and cats need to take steps to keep their furry friends safe. While most dogs and cats do have fur, they are not immune to cold temperatures, and they can develop hypothermia if they are left out too long without protection. With that in mind, here are some tips courtesy of greatplainsspca.org for keeping your pet safe during the winter:

Make sure your pet has access to some shelter
If your dog or cat likes to stay outside, they should have a doghouse or the like. Make sure the pethouse is insulated with old blankets, plastic, or foamboard to keep the pet warm. Line the floor with some kind of bedding, and make sure that bedding stays dry, for wet bedding can cause the animal to develop a fatal case of hypothermia.

Be careful with pet sweaters
While pet sweaters can help an animal stay warm, they do have some drawbacks. First off, they only work if they’re dry. If a pet sweater gets wet, the animal will get very cold very quickly. In addition, some animals, like many cats, don’t like sweaters and will get tangled up while trying to get out of them. In the worst cases, the pet can get strangled. If you put your animal in a sweater, you should go outside with them to keep an eye on them.

Know your pet’s limits
Young and healthy animals with long, thick fur can tolerate colder temperatures than other pets. If a pet is very young, very old, or has health problems, you should keep them inside. Short-legged animals like Munchkin cats or Corgis are also more sensitive to cold because their bodies have more contact with the cold ground than do those of pets with longer legs.

Consider your pet’s bathroom needs
A cat’s bathroom needs are pretty straightforward: Make sure they have a litter box or two. Most people, however, take their dogs outside to answer the call of nature. If you do this, consider getting Fido some booties to keep his feet warm. Also, keep a spot in the yard free of snow where he can do his business. If the weather is really horrible and/or your dog has health issues, get some pet pee pads for him. They come in a range of sizes for anything from a Chihuahua to a Great Dane. Some small dogs can also use a cat’s litter box.

Fleas are parasites that survive by consuming the blood of their hosts. Fleas can transmit diseases and parasites to their hosts, and they can make animals very ill if they’re severely infected. Read on to learn about how you can prevent fleas on your pets and in your home.

Prescription Flea Treatment

The best way to prevent and kill fleas on your pet is to use a prescription flea treatment every month. Before you use it, be sure to read the instructions carefully. Make sure that you understand the side effects and the proper dosage to avoid poisoning.

Maintain Your Yard

Maintaining your yard by mowing, pulling weeds and trimming your bushes will ensure that fleas and ticks stay away. Be sure to do work in your yard frequently.

Spray Your Yard

You may not want to spray your yard with flea and tick spray, but it’ll kill them and keep them away. It isn’t harmful for pets.

Combing

Comb your pet daily with a flea comb. Make sure to place a white towel or sheet underneath your pet to see if fleas or dried blood come out of your pet’s fur. Once you’re done, flush it all down the toilet.

Bathing

You can use a flea or tick shampoo to get rid of the parasites in your pet’s fur. Warm water will help your pet’s skin irritation and reduce itching. If your pet is severely suffering from itching, use an oatmeal bath after using shampoo.

Vacuum

Be sure to vacuum your home frequently. Be sure to vacuum your carpet, area rugs, bare floors, furniture, pillows and bedding. If your vacuum comes with a crevice tool or other attachments, use them. Vacuum every crevice in your home. Fleas and ticks can be hiding under furniture and beds. Once you’re done vacuuming, dump what your vacuum picked up in a covered garbage bag. Don’t put the bag in your trash can.

Final Words

Fleas and ticks will make you and your pet miserable. Flea bites look similar to mosquito bites, but they’re usually smaller. The most common symptoms of flea bites on humans include extreme itching, redness and swelling. Some humans experience an allergic reaction if they get bit by a flea, and they’ll likely experience a rash and hives. Lavender oil and peppermint oil are good treatment options to use if you get bit by a flea or tick.