Choosing Generic Heartworm Medicine

By Lec Watkins

Consumers often shy away from generic pet medicines, automatically trusting the big name brands more than the cheaper alternatives. But, there really is no reason to avoid generic heartworm medicine. You just need to learn a little about how the medicines industry work.

The big brands have the research and development budgets and facilities to actually produce new medicinal compounds. Initially they will have the sole rights to market their new inventions. But their monopoly soon ends allowing anyone to utilise their new drug so long as they adhere to a few rules. Firstly the non-branded or generic version of any pet medicine must not look exactly like the branded version. So packaging must be different. Plus, if the actual product has a specific identity (such as being a particular size and shape of meaty chewable treat) the generic version must look dissimilar.

But, the important things within the world of pet meds are the actual quality of the drugs involved, the safety record, instructions for use and so on are all identical whether marketing a branded or generic version. So, while a generic heartworm medicine may have bland packaging and be a less enticing flavour, the product must work and be safe.

Checking out generic pet meds is simple. All you need to do is check out the type and quantity of the active ingredients on the branded product. Then compare this to the generic version. You will immediately see that both products are exactly the same as far as the important points are concerned. Your pet will not care that the packaging is a little bland so neither should you. The drugs contained have to be identical to ensure your pet gets complete protection from heartworm disease, that is all that matters.

The one consideration regarding heartworm medicine or any generic pet meds is that you are paying less because you are not paying for a drug company's research and development, that has already been done by the brand. We do need some consumers to buy branded products so those businesses continue to develop more useful products for all of us. But, in times of financial trouble maybe you should let other consumers pay for the R&D while you benefit from cheap pet meds for your animals!

For more information about generic heartworm medicine and heartworm pills click on the links.

Ferret Adrenal Disease - Symptoms and Solutions

By Seth Evans

Presently, ferret adrenal disease is being recognized as one of the most common ferret diseases. American ferrets, most specially, have become susceptible to this disease as compared to their counterparts. This information should not be taken lightly. Especially, that a number of Americans have ferrets as pets.

Ferret adrenal disease is said to be affecting middle-aged and old ferrets. This disorder is sometimes referred to as AAE or Adrenal Associated Endocrinopathy. This disease is characterized by a variety of conditions including adrenocortical hyperplasia and tumors.

Ferret adrenal disease has relative signs and symptoms. These signs affect ferrets and could help owners to determine if their pets need medication. One of the most common symptoms of this disease is hair loss. This usually starts around the tail then gradually affects the back, abdomen and ferret's chest. This symptom normally begins during late winter if not early spring. This condition can be very progressive that it takes time before ferrets could recover.

Another symptom of ferret adrenal disease is an enlarged vulva on the part of female ferrets. As for males, a common sign of this disease is determined because of the male's enlarged prostate. Other signs and symptoms also include urinating difficulties, weakness, increased aggression and muscle wasting. Lethargy, on the other hand, is very common among ferrets with adrenal disease. Other signs also involve inconsistencies in both behavior and urinating patterns.

Once diagnosed with adrenal disease, your pets have to undergo medical treatment. Go to your nearest veterinarian and have your pet inspected and checked. Aside from regular check up, your vet may also require your pet to undergo other examinations such as blood work and x-rays. Naturally, these rituals are necessary to further determine the condition of your lovely pets. Ultrasound is often recommended, especially if there is a need to confirm the enlargement of your ferret's adrenal gland.

As for confirmed cases of ferrets adrenal disease, veterinarians usually recommend surgery. There is also a big possibility that your pet will experience recurring symptoms and signs. However, the only way to really end your pet's agony is through proper treatment and medical consultation with professionals. Remember that taking care of your ferrets always starts with prevention. Maintenance and regular visits to your reliable vet will likely ensure your ferret's protection. Normally, pet owners tend to bypass medical consultations. However, we should try to remember that an ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure.

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How to Prevent Pet Attacks

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) estimates that nearly 4.5 million people are injured in domesticated animal attacks each year, and it is believed that nearly one in five attacks require medical attention. Although pets can provide valuable companionship and comfort for owners, it is important to make sure that your pet does not harm anyone else.

If a dog, cat, bird, or other species of animal injures another person, the owner may be held liable for any pain, suffering, and trauma that results from the attack. If a court finds that the owner was negligent in his or her handling of the animal, was aware the animal might attack, or failed to properly restrain the animal, he or she may be forced to compensate the victim for any damages sustained.

Tips for Preventing Animal Attacks

To prevent animal attacks from occurring, pet owners should observe the following safety tips:

• Properly restrain your animal at all times when in public or when visitors are in your home.
• Consider obedience training before allowing your pet to be around people it is unfamiliar with
• Use leashes, shock collars, cages, and kennels if you are concerned about your pet's behavior around others in the home.
• Never leave animals and children alone without supervision. Even friendly animals may feel threatened and attack when small children are nearby.
• Carefully research the species and breed of pet before purchase. In the case of dogs, some species are better suited for children and strangers.
• If your pet has a history of aggressive behavior, do not bring them to places where they may be exposed to other people or other pets.
• Explain to visitors that they should be cautious around your pet. Make sure to disclose any warnings you see fit and make sure they understand the dangers that the pet may pose.
• Check to see if you homeowners' insurance policy covers animal attacks and consider adding such coverage if you are concerned about your pet's behavior.

Although pets are often considered to be a "member of the family" by many owners, it is important to closely monitor them when they are in unfamiliar settings or are surrounded by strangers. If your pet attacks someone and you are found liable for their injuries, you may be expected to provide compensation to the injured individual. For more information on pet attack injuries, visit the website of the Lake Geneva personal injury attorneys of Habush Habush & Rottier, S.C.

Joseph Devine

Do Pets Really Go to Bathroom - Pet Bathroom Fundamentals 101

Have you ever heard a pet owner say, "My dog or cat just went to the bathroom." And you kinda looked at them funny thinking to yourself, Fido just took a poop, but did he really go to the bathroom? As strange as it may seem, some pets really do go to the bathroom. I once read a story in the book entitled "Animal House Style" about cats that can really use the human toilet and there are numerous stories of dogs that are trained to routinely use the shower stall or bathtub to go to the bathroom if their owners are not around, which would make for a much easier clean up than on your pristine white imported carpet. Some pet owners put a Pee-Pee pad down on their tiled shower floor so that their pet knows its ok to go there, especially if it's cold outside and you and your pet don't want to face the wrath of Mother Nature.

It has been readily observed that a lot of pets especially dogs use the bathroom as a refuge or shelter because it offers a cool quiet place to relax when your pet is unnerved or stressed such as in a lightening storm. Some dogs routinely drink from the toilet bowl, so make sure you do not use an automatic bowl cleaner in your toilet tank and when you do have to clean it, use an eco friendly cleaner such as Bon Ami. Just remember to flush repeatedly until all the cleaning suds have been flushed down the drain. And it would make sense to leave the toilet seat up for those breed of dogs tall enough to get their snout in the toilet bowl, just in case Fido's watering bowl is empty and you are not around.

Not all pets like the cool solitude of the bathroom, tropical parrots for example prefer the hot humid aftermath of a steamy bath or shower. Cats on the other hand usually prefer the bathroom sink to curl up as a relaxing elevated perch to settle down in. So remember to keep your sink free of toothpaste and excessive moisture so your favorite Kitty is not uncomfortable and does not eat or track toothpaste and moisture all over your house. And keep in mind if you don't have a back yard or you don't want to go outside, that the sink and bathtub are also great places to give your pet a bath. Avoid using human shampoo on your pet because it will dry out and even damage your pet's skin. As an alternative you can use a mild baby shampoo if you have temporarily run out of animal grooming products. If on the other hand your pet hates to bathe or you just can't find the time, you may have to resort to a qualified grooming agency and lucky for you, some even do house calls so you don't have to get your hands dirty, so to speak.

Terry Reflex is a contributing writer for the The Bathroomguru Review an online resource where you can learn the secrets of professional Bathroom Guru's. The Bathroomguru Review provides information on bathroom trends, bathroom design, bathroom remodeling, bathroom renovation and bathroom product reviews. Learn how to do it like the professionals and pamper yourself by creating the bathroom lifestyle you've always wanted. If you want to find out more about cats using the human toilet then read this.

Osteoarthritis and Animals

For most animal owners the idea of their furry companion developing a disease such as osteoarthritis seems unlikely; that is until it happens. This potentially disabling condition is the number one type of joint disease in cats, dogs, and horse. It also occurs in almost all other animals with a backbone, including fish, amphibians, and birds. In this informational article titled osteoarthritis and animals we will be focusing on the defining the condition along with a few simple ideas that could be helpful in reversing its impact.
 
Osteoarthritis in past years was simply called degenerative joint disease. It is a chronic condition affecting joint cartilage and surrounding tissue that is recognized by pain, stiffness, and in extreme cases immobility.
 
While this osteoarthritis is primarily seen in older animals, it is not caused primarily by the wear and tear that occurs with years of use. Instead, microscopic changes in the makeup of the cartilage (structure and composition) appear to be the culprit.
 
When an animal walks or runs they have an amazing ability to make it look easy. Their amazing mobility is enhanced by joints which have a very low friction level that will protect their joints from wearing out, even after years of use. Current research suggests that osteoarthritis in animals begins with an abnormality of the cells that synthesize the components of cartilage such as collagen (a durable, fibrous protein) and proteoglycans (substances that provide resilience).  Once the process has begun the next step is likely swelling due to water retention. As the process continues cartilage becomes soft, and then develops cracks on the surface. Tiny cavities form in the bone beneath the cartilage, weakening the bone. Bone growth may then become irregular, producing sharp edges and bumps. The result is that the once smooth surface that allowed your animal to move so gracefully becomes rough and pitted, so much so that the joint can no longer move smoothly and absorb impact producing pain and immobility.
 
Osteoarthritis in animals is incurable, but there are a number of steps you can take to improve their quality of life. The different size and shape of animals makes universal treatment ideas few and far between but nevertheless let's explore a few of these.
 
*Provide a warm place for them to sleep and rest: Often times joints will stiffen up during a nap or overnight.
 
*Weight management: Not only is excess weight one of the major contributing factors in the onset of osteoarthritis in animals it also plays a major role in its progression.
 
*Water therapy: This is not for all animals but if you can use water to take the stress off of the impacted joints during joint therapy it could be beneficial.
 
*Sensible exercise: Sensible exercise is essential in maintaining muscle mass and preserving the remaining joint flexibility.
 
Additionally, there are a number of excellent bone and joint supplements formulated specifically to restore cartilage health in animals. If your furry companion is struggling with joint mobility supplementation is worth considering.

R.D. Hawkins is an enthusiastic advocate of alternative natural health products and supplements with over 10 years experience. To learn more about homeopathic natural pet health visit Purchase Remedies.com

Baby Rabbit Care - What To Do If You Have Bunny Newborns

By Rick Aspen

The phrase "multiply like rabbits" isn't just a saying, rabbits are known for breeding a lot and quickly. Baby rabbit care is especially important in the first couple of weeks because they are very vulnerable to many outside factors even in a domestic environment.

It's important to check on your baby rabbits fairly often. It can be quite an exhausting chore, but is really important in the first few weeks of life. Mother rabbits generally feed their young in the early hours of the morning. A good time to check on these little guys is around 3-4am. Be sure that they're feeding well.

If it looks as though they are not, Kitten Milk Replacer (which you can find at your local pet store) is a very good substitute. However, KMR is not quite a caloric as rabbits milk, so you may want to add a tablespoon of cream per can, to raise the caloric level a bit.

The best way to feed baby bunnies is to use an oral syringe, which you can pick up at any pharmacy. This will allow you to measure adequate amounts for feeding as well as to be sure the rabbits are actually ingesting the food.

If one of the young manage to get away from the litter be sure to put them back as gently as possible. If they stay away from their brothers, sisters and mother for too long they will get cold, and it is extremely important that they stay warm during this time.

Sadly, one thing to keep in mind is that baby bunnies are very fragile creatures. Even those with the best baby rabbit care may not necessarily make it through infancy. Do not blame yourself if you lose any from a litter if you have tried your best. In some cases, there just isn't anything that can be done.

To give yourself the best opportunity to raise happy and healthy rabbits, be sure to look into getting a bunny care guide. These guides will teach you everything you need to know about raising rabbits, training them, and keeping them as pets. Rick is the author of Bunny Care a blog dedicated to helping rabbit owners keep their pets happy and healthy.