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THE INSTITUTE OF BARKOLOGY

{"id":391141687448,"title":"How Fresh Food Can Help Allergies","created_at":"2020-06-30T23:49:47-05:00","body_html":"\u003ch4\u003ePup Got Allergies? Check Out How Fresh Food Can Reduce the Sniffles\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAfter a long day at work, nothing beats coming home to your fluffy companion. Immediately after opening the door, you hear the familiar sound of paws scratching the floor and suddenly you're greeted with the fluffiest, friendliest….achoo!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt’s not unusual for pet parents to believe their dog is suffering from “allergies” when in reality the cause of their problem is simply intolerance to poor quality ingredients that are difficult to digest. That’s right, just as humans can be intolerant to foods, so can dogs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFood related intolerance and allergy symptoms for dogs can include itchy ears and skin, dog gas, as well an itchy hind area (if your dog frequents the butt-scoot move, you’re a candidate). If your pup is experiencing these issues, consider transitioning them to a freshly cooked whole foods diet like A Pup Above. Once a dog has transitioned onto a cooked, whole foods diet, the symptoms often disappear. Additionally, once a dog’s system has adjusted to a high quality, digestible food, he or she can move freely from one A Pup Above recipe to another much easier than with commercial dog food and typically without any adverse effects.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA Pup Above offers four recipes Texas Beef Stew, \u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eTurkey Pawella, Chica Chicka Bow Wow and Porky's Luau. Each recipe is made from fresh whole, human grade ingredients with added vitamins and minerals. The higher bioavailability of fresh food promotes better digestion, a vibrant skin and coat, and a taste your dog \u003cem\u003ewill\u003c\/em\u003e go crazy for.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"blog-image-wrap\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1652\/1243\/files\/Blog_Image_large.png?v=1594375067\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e","blog_id":102136453,"author":"Zoe James","user_id":61578936472,"published_at":"2020-06-30T23:48:00-05:00","updated_at":"2020-08-26T20:47:22-05:00","summary_html":"","template_suffix":null,"handle":"fresh-food-and-dog-allergies","tags":"","image":{"created_at":"2020-06-30T23:49:47-05:00","alt":"","width":4500,"height":3000,"src":"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1652\/1243\/articles\/manuel-meza-KvKop_a_EXw-unsplash.jpg?v=1593578987"}}
Nutrition
How Fresh Food Can Help Allergies

How Fresh Food Can Help Allergies. How poor quality ingredients can result in allergy like symptoms

{"id":391141720216,"title":"Human Grade vs. Feed Grade","created_at":"2020-06-30T23:50:07-05:00","body_html":"\u003ch4\u003eHuman Grade vs. Feed Grade Ingredients\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYou love your dog and want to provide them the very best. That should include meeting their food needs with healthy options. The most beneficial food for your dog is a healthy dog food that is crafted from fresh, whole food. If it is human grade dog food, all the better.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe differences between human grade and feed grade are staggering if the health and safety of your pet are important to you. Not only can feed grade contain ingredients that humans wouldn’t eat, it often includes ingredients that are unsafe to be consumed by humans due to their known side effects.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHuman Grade\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIngredients must be suitable and safe for human consumption. To be considered human grade, food must be manufactured in a USDA inspected facility that produces only human grade food. According to \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.petfoodindustry.com\/blogs\/10-debunking-pet-food-myths-and-misconceptions\/post\/6917-are-human-grade-pet-foods-really-human-grade\"\u003eThe Pet Food Industry\u003c\/a\u003e, “The use of the term “human grade” is only acceptable to the product as a whole. Every ingredient and finished food must be stored, handled, processed and transported in a manner that is consistent with current good manufacturing processes (cGMPs).”\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"blog-image-wrap\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1652\/1243\/files\/Blog_Image_large.png?v=1594375067\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cspan mce-data-marked=\"1\"\u003eFeed Grade Ingredients\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFeed grade, on the other hand, cannot legally be sold as human food as it can\/could contain ingredients proven harmful to humans, such as:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eBy-Products\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOne way that pet food companies cut corners and cost is including by-products in their food. Doing so reduces the cost of production while maintaining high protein quantities in the food. By-products are the castoffs other than meat that make their way into commercial dog food. The spleen, kidneys, fatty tissue, the brain, blood, bone, undeveloped eggs, stomach, and intestines are all items that could be included in feed grade dog food. By-products can also include road kill, expired meat, and diseased animals.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"blog-image-wrap\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1652\/1243\/files\/Blog_Image-1_large.png?v=1594375122\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eRendered Meat \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe process that animal by-products go through in order to be used in feed grade food is called meat rendering, which reduces by-products into a gray, fatty meat mass. The by-products are placed in a huge grinder that thrashes the meat and blends it all together. It is then heated for hours until the grease and fat float along the top of this concoction. The finished product is considered meat and by meal---and placed into feed grade pet food.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eFillers \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOne more way to cut cost and increase profit margins is the addition of fillers to your pet food. These feature very little nutritional value but are relied upon to make the expensive components of the product stretch further. Fillers can include corn, wheat and rice bran, oat and soybean hulls. Healthy, \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.grocerypup.com\/\"\u003efresh dog food\u003c\/a\u003e should never include unnecessary fillers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eSplitting\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a deception crafted to make you believe you are getting more out of your pet food than you are. According to \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.petmd.com\/dog\/nutrition\/evr_multi_pet_food_labels\"\u003ePet MD\u003c\/a\u003e, an example of this is, “a cat food may have fish broth as the first ingredient, corn gluten meal as the second, fish as the third, and animal fat preserved with ground yellow corn as the fourth. It looks as if fish is a big part of the food, but this is a corn-based product.” Here the food producer has split corn into two ingredients so it’s listed further down the ingredient list.\u003c\/p\u003e","blog_id":102136453,"author":"Zoe James","user_id":61578936472,"published_at":"2020-06-30T23:50:00-05:00","updated_at":"2020-08-26T20:40:43-05:00","summary_html":"","template_suffix":null,"handle":"human-grade-dog-food-vs-feed-grade","tags":"","image":{"created_at":"2020-06-30T23:50:07-05:00","alt":"","width":4000,"height":2674,"src":"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1652\/1243\/articles\/mark-zamora-Qu-T7JOu-Iw-unsplash.jpg?v=1593579007"}}
nutrition
Human Grade vs. Feed Grade

Human Grade vs. Feed Grade Ingredients. You love your dog and want to provide them the very best.

{"id":391141752984,"title":"The Crazy History of Dog Food","created_at":"2020-06-30T23:50:46-05:00","body_html":"\u003ch3\u003eHow Dog Food Came to Be So Highly Processed\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003c!-- wp:paragraph --\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDogs have been a part of human development for what seems like forever. Initially dogs were working animals used as aids in hunting for food and guarding livestock. There were largely fed portions of the hunt and whatever else they found out in the wild.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003c!-- \/wp:paragraph --\u003e \u003c!-- wp:paragraph --\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWith the Industrial Revolution and rise of the middle class in the 19th century, families with disposable income began to keep domesticated dogs as companion animals – rather than just as working animals (\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/d.lib.msu.edu\/etd\/1416\"\u003e1\u003c\/a\u003e). During these earlier years, companion dogs were mainly fed table scraps and other leftovers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003c!-- \/wp:paragraph --\u003e \u003c!-- wp:paragraph --\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSo what changed that led us to feed them heavily processed dog food?\u003c!-- \/wp:paragraph --\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eMr. Spratt, the Founder of Processed Dog Food\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003c!-- wp:paragraph --\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe find our answer with James Spratt. In the late 1800’s, Spratt launched a line dog biscuits in the U.K. called Spratt’s Meat Fibrine Dog Cakes (\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/2014\/08\/03\/magazine\/who-made-that-dog-biscuit.html\"\u003e2\u003c\/a\u003e). The cakes were made from a mixture of wheat, beetroot and vegetables bound together with beef blood. Sounds delicious right? Well regardless of their taste, those biscuits were a smash hit with the English dog owners, especially those who had hunting and show dogs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003c!-- \/wp:paragraph --\u003e \u003c!-- wp:paragraph --\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn 1870, Spratt brought his biscuits over to the United States and the American pet food industry was born. The success of the Spratt company inspired hundreds of other companies to create their own biscuits, including Milk-Bones.\u003c!-- \/wp:paragraph --\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eThe Emergence of Canned and Dry Dog Food\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003c!-- wp:paragraph --\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe first canned dog food, Ken-L-Ration, was created in 1922 when horsemeat became a cheap and readily available meat. At the time, industrialization and the advent of cars was making horses obsolete, and…well…(\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.petfoodindustry.com\/articles\/401-learn-from-the-past\"\u003e3\u003c\/a\u003e).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003c!-- \/wp:paragraph --\u003e \u003c!-- wp:paragraph --\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBy 1941, canned dog food accounted for 90% of the dog food market. However, most dogs were still fed leftovers from the kitchen table. During World War II, metal was rationed and pet food was categorized as “non-essential” by the U.S. government. The combination spelled hard times for the canned pet food industry. Food rationing also meant fewer table scraps for dogs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003c!-- \/wp:paragraph --\u003e \u003c!-- wp:paragraph --\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs a result, dry dog food became the food du jour for American pets. Companies realized they could create food by using by products from cereal manufacturers to create a low meat, shelf stable food sold in bags not tins. The ability to create a dry, cheap food with high profit margins attracted larger companies into the pet food industry.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003c!-- \/wp:paragraph --\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003c!-- wp:paragraph --\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor three years, Purina experimented with machines they were using for Chex breakfast cereal to create a lighter and more palatable version of dry dog food. In 1957, they released Purina Dog Chow, the first type of kibble produced through a process called extrusion (\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.petfoodindustry.com\/articles\/401-learn-from-the-past\"\u003e3\u003c\/a\u003e).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003c!-- \/wp:paragraph --\u003e \u003c!-- wp:paragraph --\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eExtrusion is a highly efficient method used for manufacturing large quantities of shelf-stable foods (like, say, sugary breakfast cereals). The way it works is wet and dry ingredients are mixed together to form a dough-like consistency. The dough is cooked under extreme pressurized steam and high temperatures before being extruded (or pushed) through a die cut machine and forming the small shapes we recognize as kibble today. The use of extrusion for commercial kibble production gained momentum throughout the 1960s and 1970s as companies used the technology to create new flavors and varieties.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003c!-- \/wp:paragraph --\u003e \u003c!-- wp:paragraph --\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAt the same time, processed food for humans was also gaining popularity. This new fad involved fast food, and TV dinner meals that were more convenient to prepare for the whole family. The convenience of these foods was especially appealing to the growing number of women entering the workforce who had “less time to prepare foods for their families and dogs”(\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/d.lib.msu.edu\/etd\/1416\"\u003e4\u003c\/a\u003e).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eLooking Ahead to a Fresh Dog Food Revolution\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"block-editor-block-list__layout is-root-container\"\u003e\n\u003cp aria-label=\"Paragraph block\" role=\"textbox\" class=\"block-editor-block-list__block wp-block rich-text block-editor-rich-text__editable wp-block\" aria-multiline=\"true\" id=\"block-b1f6f357-ca58-4438-aad9-5f41a18d6a41\" data-block=\"b1f6f357-ca58-4438-aad9-5f41a18d6a41\" data-type=\"core\/paragraph\" data-title=\"Paragraph\" tabindex=\"0\"\u003eToday, humans have pulled back from eating heavily processed foods like canned pasta dinners by Chef Boyardee and fast food meals from McDonalds in favor of eating fresh fruits, veggies and meats. Humans have realized the convenience of these processed foods isn’t worth the health risks they pose to our wellbeing (\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.health.harvard.edu\/cancer\/eating-highly-processed-foods-may-raise-cancer-risk\"\u003e5\u003c\/a\u003e).We’ve also made healthier food more accessible…The big question is, why haven’t we done the same for our dogs?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp aria-label=\"Paragraph block\" role=\"textbox\" class=\"block-editor-block-list__block wp-block rich-text block-editor-rich-text__editable wp-block\" aria-multiline=\"true\" id=\"block-f9e173e1-5dd6-4627-ad18-e6042629c624\" data-block=\"f9e173e1-5dd6-4627-ad18-e6042629c624\" data-type=\"core\/paragraph\" data-title=\"Paragraph\" tabindex=\"0\"\u003eThis is where A Pup Above joins the party (cue epic intro music)! We believe that pet parents can have the best of both worlds—commercially available dog food that is…wait for it… good for your dog! We see a bright future for dog food, and are setting the bar for food that is fresh, not processed, and incredibly easy and convenient to prepare\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"block-list-appender\" tabindex=\"-1\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003c!-- \/wp:paragraph --\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","blog_id":68680056984,"author":"Zoe James","user_id":61578936472,"published_at":"2020-06-30T23:50:00-05:00","updated_at":"2020-08-20T10:49:54-05:00","summary_html":"","template_suffix":null,"handle":"blog-3","tags":"","image":{"created_at":"2020-06-30T23:53:19-05:00","alt":"","width":5429,"height":3619,"src":"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1652\/1243\/articles\/karl-anderson-jKDFcXwk5Cw-unsplash.jpg?v=1593579199"}}
Wellness
The Crazy History of Dog Food

The Crazy History of Dog Food. What changed that led us to feed them heavily processed dog food

{"id":391141785752,"title":"Flea \u0026 Tick Prevention","created_at":"2020-06-30T23:51:05-05:00","body_html":"\u003ch3\u003eFlea \u0026amp; Tick Prevention\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFleas and ticks are no fun for our pups. These little devils come to life in abundance in the spring and summer heat. Ticks can carry diseases, and can cause some pretty serious health issues for you and your pets, and fleas can wreak havoc on your pup's sensitive skin! Prevention is the best course of action to keep those bad buggos away! Read on for your tools to help keep you and your pup safe and bug-free!\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"blog-image-wrap\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1652\/1243\/files\/Blog_Image_large.png?v=1594375067\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"blog-image-wrap\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"blog-image-wrap\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eMake Sure Your Pup Is On A Flea Preventative\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003c!-- wp:paragraph --\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is the best way to keep fleas and ticks out of your hair. These come in all shapes and sizes! There are internal ones (a little pill), topical liquids, and types of collars.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003c!-- \/wp:paragraph --\u003e \u003c!-- wp:paragraph --\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBonus:\u003c\/strong\u003e some topical treatments even help keep mosquitoes at bay!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003c!-- wp:heading {\"level\":4} --\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTalk to Your Vet About All Options\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003c!-- \/wp:heading --\u003e \u003c!-- wp:paragraph --\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYou’ve got a lot of options, but some of these are available by prescription only. With choices ranging from internal, topical, to physical (flea collars), it’s best to team up with a trusted vet to discuss which option is the best fit for your pup.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003c!-- \/wp:paragraph --\u003e \u003c!-- wp:heading {\"level\":4} --\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSome Things to Consider When Discussing Pest Preventatives With Your Vet:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003c!-- \/wp:heading --\u003e \u003c!-- wp:list --\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDoes your dog have sensitive skin?\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIs your dog allergic to anything? (Topical or food?)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIf using a topical, how often does your dog swim and how often do you bathe your pup?\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWhat kind of coat does your pup have?\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003c!-- \/wp:list --\u003e \u003c!-- wp:heading {\"level\":4} --\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eUse Pet\/Family Safe Products to Protect Your Space\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003c!-- \/wp:heading --\u003e \u003c!-- wp:paragraph --\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePlenty of topical treatments can be oily, and often remain on the skin for some time. During this time, it is best not to touch that area of your pets coat. Keep this in mind if you have small kids around, who might pat the dog, then put their fingers in their mouths.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003c!-- wp:paragraph --\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFleas in your yard?\u003c\/strong\u003e No fun at all. Try these awesome, super groovy \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/kittrichstore.com\/collections\/ecosmart\/products\/ecosmart-insect-killer-granules-10-lb\"\u003egranules from EcoSmart\u003c\/a\u003e. They are super easy to use, cover a large area, smell kind of fabulous, and work like a charm. Bonus–they repel ants and ticks!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003c!-- \/wp:paragraph --\u003e \u003c!-- wp:heading {\"level\":4} --\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eFleas Vs. Ticks, Know Your Pests\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003c!-- \/wp:heading --\u003e \u003c!-- wp:paragraph --\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTicks tend to live in more wooded areas, existing in bushes and brambles. While fleas prefer grasses and dark areas with plenty of moisture and heat.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003c!-- \/wp:paragraph --\u003e \u003c!-- wp:paragraph --\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBoth detest environments with bright light and little moisture. Both of these critters feed on blood.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003c!-- \/wp:paragraph --\u003e \u003c!-- wp:heading {\"level\":4} --\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhat To Do If You Find A Tick\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003c!-- \/wp:heading --\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/bloggrocerypup.files.wordpress.com\/2020\/05\/ticks-yuck.jpeg?w=970\" alt=\"This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is ticks-yuck.jpeg\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003c!-- \/wp:paragraph --\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003c!-- \/wp:paragraph --\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"blog-image-wrap\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"blog-image-wrap\"\u003e\n\u003c!-- wp:paragraph --\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf the tick is scittering across your pup, and \u003cstrong\u003eunattached\u003c\/strong\u003e, then it's fine to use a tissue, and pinch it off of your dog with you fingers. Give your dog a thorough look-over for bite marks. A bite mark will look like a big red mound. Check for any attached ticks, and other bites. ***\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- \/wp:paragraph --\u003e \u003c!-- wp:paragraph --\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you find a tick that IS \u003cstrong\u003eattached\u003c\/strong\u003e, remove it following these steps:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- \/wp:paragraph --\u003e \u003c!-- wp:list --\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMake sure skin in the area is taught\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eUsing either fine-tip tweezers or a\u003ca rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/tickinfo.com\/protickremedy\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e tick-removal tool\u003c\/a\u003e, grasp the tick as close to your dog's skin as possible.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePull back, \u003cstrong\u003eslowly and steadily\u003c\/strong\u003e (if you pull too quickly, the head of the tick may remain in the skin, which still leaves risk of tick-borne disease).\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBe sure the head of the tick comes out, you should be able to tell if the tick is whole.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIf you plan to submit the tick for Lyme disease testing, be sure it is dead, and place it in an airtight container, before bringing it to your vet.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIf you do not plan to submit it for testing, flush it down the toilet, or burn it with a match in a safe place.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCheck your dog for any more ticks, and other bites.***\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c!-- \/wp:list --\u003e \u003c!-- wp:paragraph --\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e***In both situations, it's best to call your vet to check for the best course of action. They may recommend you clean the wound, then come in for a blood test in a few weeks (as tick-borne illnesses can take a few weeks to incubate) to check for any issues. In the meantime, it's always a good idea to watch the bite for any changes (swelling, pus, infection) and monitor your dog for any behavioral differences (lethargy, vomiting, anything unusual).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- \/wp:paragraph --\u003e \u003c!-- wp:heading {\"level\":4} --\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhat To Do If You Find Fleas\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003c!-- \/wp:heading --\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"blog-image-wrap\"\u003e\n\u003c!-- wp:paragraph --\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFlea bites often start in the inguinal area of your dog's body. This is the lower area of the belly near the groin, and is the darkest, warmest place on a dog's body, so fleas love to make a home here.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- \/wp:paragraph --\u003e \u003c!-- wp:paragraph --\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you suspect fleas, check you pup's belly for pimple-like red spots or rash. Be sure your pup doesn't go crazy licking and scratching, as that can lead to infection. Try a natural flea shampoo to get all of those buggies off, and to help soothe your pup's skin! We're huge fans of our fellow Austin-based company, \u003ca rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.wondercide.com\/collections\/pets\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eWondercide\u003c\/a\u003e. They formulate their products to be completely family-safe, have plenty of amazing natural scents to choose from (think rosemary, gerannium, peppermint, or lemongrass!) and they offer not only shampoos, but house and yard treatments to keep fleas and pests away from your loved ones safely! Yay!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- \/wp:paragraph --\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"blog-image-wrap\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"block-editor-block-list__layout is-root-container\"\u003e\n\u003cp aria-label=\"Paragraph block\" role=\"textbox\" class=\"block-editor-block-list__block wp-block rich-text block-editor-rich-text__editable wp-block\" aria-multiline=\"true\" id=\"block-9cd70f0a-6e59-4f80-bd24-1276ad063f7d\" data-block=\"9cd70f0a-6e59-4f80-bd24-1276ad063f7d\" data-type=\"core\/paragraph\" data-title=\"Paragraph\" tabindex=\"0\"\u003eP.S. to help keep irritated skin feeling cool and comfortable, and clean from roaming bacteria, we love \u003ca rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.chewy.com\/vetericyn-plus-antimicrobial-pet-hot\/dp\/43914\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eVetricyn's Antimicrobial Hot Spot Spray\u003c\/a\u003e, because it's easy to use, doesn't kill off good bacteria, and helps keep itchy skin feeling cool and calm.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp aria-label=\"Paragraph block\" role=\"textbox\" class=\"block-editor-block-list__block wp-block rich-text block-editor-rich-text__editable wp-block\" aria-multiline=\"true\" id=\"block-9629e316-8930-489c-a8cb-a3324a02f8b3\" data-block=\"9629e316-8930-489c-a8cb-a3324a02f8b3\" data-type=\"core\/paragraph\" data-title=\"Paragraph\" tabindex=\"0\"\u003eFleas reproduce at an astounding rate, laying numerous eggs in each go. These eggs, as well as other life stages of the flea (pupae and adult), can drop off and wind up in other areas that your dog has been, such as bedding, carpet, etc. Because of this, it is important to remember that when treating for fleas, you must treat you home as well. Use a vacuum with a hepa-filter to go over any soft surfaces such as carpets, mattresses and couch cushions. Wash all bedding and soft surfaces, and for those which cannot be easily washed, put in the dryer on the highest acceptable heat for one cycle. You may also want to try diatomaceous earth, which kills fleas by dehydrating them. Pro-tip, avoid inhaling \u003ca rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.chewy.com\/harris-diatomaceous-earth-food-grade\/dp\/226383\" target=\"_blank\"\u003ediatomaceous earth\u003c\/a\u003e, and put it in places your kids and pets won't breathe it in.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp aria-label=\"Paragraph block\" role=\"textbox\" class=\"block-editor-block-list__block wp-block rich-text block-editor-rich-text__editable wp-block\" aria-multiline=\"true\" id=\"block-24755ff5-5a09-43b2-a8a8-2ca2a859d5eb\" data-block=\"24755ff5-5a09-43b2-a8a8-2ca2a859d5eb\" data-type=\"core\/paragraph\" data-title=\"Paragraph\" tabindex=\"0\"\u003eKeep your yard regularly mowed, and garden weeded, this will eliminate flea hiding-places in your outdoor space. If you've got some really tricky problem areas, like mostly shaded patches or mulch, you can also try out some kid and pet safe yard treatments \u003ca rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/kittrichstore.com\/collections\/ecosmart\/products\/ecosmart-insect-killer-granules-10-lb\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eEcoSmart's Yard Granules\u003c\/a\u003e. These are easy to use, cover a large area, smell kind of fabulous, and work like a charm. Bonus–they repel ants and ticks!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp aria-label=\"Paragraph block\" role=\"textbox\" class=\"block-editor-block-list__block wp-block rich-text block-editor-rich-text__editable wp-block\" aria-multiline=\"true\" id=\"block-671cfaf7-b76a-4d35-b119-279d3a7c36da\" data-block=\"671cfaf7-b76a-4d35-b119-279d3a7c36da\" data-type=\"core\/paragraph\" data-title=\"Paragraph\" tabindex=\"0\"\u003eWhatever you and your pup are faced with in terms of pests, remember the key thing: \u003cstrong\u003estay calm!\u003c\/strong\u003e While they are pretty gross, fleas and ticks, are pretty common veterinary issues, and there are plenty of ways to prevent them, get rid of them, and treat for any boo-boos or issues that they may leave behind. Yes, they can be frustrating, and sometimes it may seem like a lot of work to rid yours and your pup's lives of fleas, but if you keep on top of your preventative methods, you'll be good as gold. You can do this!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","blog_id":68680056984,"author":"Zoe James","user_id":61578936472,"published_at":"2020-06-30T23:51:00-05:00","updated_at":"2020-08-26T20:44:42-05:00","summary_html":"","template_suffix":null,"handle":"dog-flea-tick-prevention-tips","tags":"","image":{"created_at":"2020-06-30T23:51:05-05:00","alt":"","width":5184,"height":3456,"src":"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1652\/1243\/articles\/sara-kurfess-3uqfNTk_R1c-unsplash.jpg?v=1593579065"}}
wellness
Flea & Tick Prevention

Flea & Tick Prevention. Fleas and ticks are no fun for our pups. See our tips on how to prevent them!

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