Over the weekend‚ the liberal media went hog-wild with a grossly out-of-context soundbite of former President Trump claiming that he was going to bring a “bloodbath” to America if he wasn’t reelected. ABC’s The View kept the falsehood going Monday morning by airing a deceptively edited clip of Trump and repeatedly insisting that he was completely in context. Only one of them dared to get close to the truth and even then‚ they only played footsie with it. Ahead of their defense of the media’s lies about the clip‚ The View aired a deceptively edited video of Trump’s speech stripping out all references to China undercutting American manufacturing: In some cases‚ they're not people in my opinion. [Transition] These are bad -- these are animals. [Transition] We're going to put a 100 percent tariff on every single car that comes across the line‚ and you're not going to be able to sell those cars. If I get elected. Now if I don't get elected‚ it's going to be a bloodbath for the whole -- that's going to be the least of it. It's going to be a bloodbath for the country. That will be the least of it‚ but they're not going to sell those cars. “So‚ he says his bloodbath comment was referring to the auto industry. Now‚ I don't know if that's how y'all heard it‚ but that's not how it sounded to me‚” moderator Whoopi Goldberg scoffed. Faux conservative Alyssa Farah Griffin wasn’t concerned with the fact that the media companies she sold her soul to (ABC and CNN) were lying to the American people about the context of the context. Instead‚ she was more concerned with Republicans pouncing: I do think it matters. So‚ I know how Republican voters think‚ and the average person doesn't probably consume media -- political media especially as much as we do‚ and my worry is this. The bloodbath comment over the weekend was wall-to-wall coverage‚ and a lot of Republicans are going to see the headline and then see what he said and say‚ “Oh‚ wait. He's talking about autoworkers‚” but what they don't hear is the other part that we played there. January 6th hostages‚ playing an alternative national anthem. That is so un-American. “But look‚ we've already seen what Donald Trump's words are capable of‚ who they're capable of triggering. Right? We have seen January 6th. We've seen that he's led an insurrection‚” the other fake conservative‚ Ana Navarro bloviated. And in spite of the fact that Trump was talking about China undercutting U.S. manufacturing in the auto industry‚ she insisted: “We're not taking it out of context because the context is his history and his life.”     She also blamed Trump for a mass shooting at an El Paso‚ Texas Walmart and suggested that if Trump was reelected‚ he’d would call for an open hunting season on Latinos (Click “expand”): And I will never forget‚ and I think we have to remember it over and over again‚ the 23 people that were killed in the Walmart in El Paso because a white supremacist was triggered by words like invaders‚ by wanting to go target people who look like me‚ and probably sound like me‚ even though 13 of them were Americans like I am. So‚ I want to say to my‚ you know‚ Latino friends‚ some of them who might be thinking of voting for Trump. When Trump talks about poisoning the blood of America‚ and he's talking about migrants‚ when he refers to them as animals and he's talking about my migrants‚ and when he's referring to them as not people‚ as invaders. Let me tell you. People who hate folks like that‚ they're not going to stop and ask you if you have a U.S. citizenship or a U.S. passport. They're going to shoot first and then ask questions. So I think he's putting a target on all of our backs. “It scared me. It scared me‚” staunchly racist and anti-Semitic co-host‚ Sunny Hostin (the descendant of slave owners) proclaimed about Trump’s “bloodbath” comment. The overwrought pearl-clutching continued with her suggesting that it reminded her of a WWII TV show she was watching where they mentioned the Holocaust: And he is using that kind of World War II rhetoric that led to the deaths of 6 -- the murders of 6 million people‚ and now he is otherizing brown people. He is otherizing black people. He is saying things like this: “I don't think you're going to have another election if I don't win or certainly not an election that's meaningful.” He's saying the loud -- the quiet part out loud: “If I am not elected‚ we are going to see January 6th again.” “And I think we need to be on guard to make sure that we preserve our democracy so that our country looks the way that it should look‚ like all of us! It's a diverse country! That's what America was built upon!” she shrieked. The only one to get anywhere close to admitting the full context of Trump’s “bloodbath” comment was left-of-center co-host Sara Haines. She said she was shocked by media headlines but admitted that after she watched it‚ she “had a slightly different context because he is speaking all about cars and tariffs and auto industry.” Haines hedged by arguing that it was reasonable for the media to take him out of context because he was “incoherent” and thus wasn’t “too far of a stretch that the media was running with it.” “I do think some people then calling for‚ this is the sound of a new insurrection and all of this. They were running a little far‚” she added. She then criticized Trump‚ saying: “[H]e invites this criticism because this is the language he invokes. He's always dropping little whistles into everything he says‚ and the problem there is‚ regardless if you try to give him context‚ regardless if you try to give him benefit of the doubt‚ the people that are looking for those sound like you're mentioning‚ Ana‚ are hearing them.” The transcript is below. Click "expand" to read: ABC’s The View March 18‚ 2024 11:03:02 a.m. Eastern (…) DONALD TRUMP: In some cases‚ they're not people in my opinion. [Transition] These are bad -- these are animals. [Transition] We're going to put a 100 percent tariff on every single car that comes across the line‚ and you're not going to be able to sell those cars. If I get elected. Now if I don't get elected‚ it's going to be a bloodbath for the whole -- that's going to be the least of it. It's going to be a bloodbath for the country. That will be the least of it‚ but they're not going to sell those cars. [Cuts back to live] WHOOPI GOLDBERG: So‚ he says his bloodbath comment was referring to the auto industry. Now‚ I don't know if that's how y'all heard it‚ but that's not how it sounded to me‚ but I mean‚ what do you think about -- do you care? Because he does this every week now‚ every three or four days‚ he says something outrageous‚ and then we flock to talk about it. What's your thoughts? ALYSSA FARAH GRIFFIN: I do think it matters. So‚ I know how Republican voters think‚ and the average person doesn't probably consume media -- political media especially as much as we do‚ and my worry is this. The bloodbath comment over the weekend was wall-to-wall coverage‚ and a lot of Republicans are going to see the headline and then see what he said and say‚ “Oh‚ wait. He's talking about autoworkers‚” but what they don't hear is the other part that we played there. January 6th hostages‚ playing an alternative national anthem. That is so un-American. (…) 11:05:02 a.m. Eastern ANA NAVARRO: But look‚ we've already seen what Donald Trump's words are capable of‚ who they're capable of triggering. Right? We have seen January 6th. We've seen that he's led an insurrection. So‚ no. We're not taking it out of context because the context is his history and his life. And I will never forget‚ and I think we have to remember it over and over again‚ the 23 people that were killed in the Walmart in El Paso because a white supremacist was triggered by words like invaders‚ by wanting to go target people who look like me‚ and probably sound like me‚ even though 13 of them were Americans like I am. So‚ I want to say to my‚ you know‚ Latino friends‚ some of them who might be thinking of voting for Trump. When Trump talks about poisoning the blood of America‚ and he's talking about migrants‚ when he refers to them as animals and he's talking about my migrants‚ and when he's referring to them as not people‚ as invaders. Let me tell you. People who hate folks like that‚ they're not going to stop and ask you if you have a U.S. citizenship or a U.S. passport. They're going to shoot first and then ask questions. So I think he's putting a target on all of our backs. (…) 11:06:25 a.m. Eastern SUNNY HOSTIN: It scared me. [Applause] It scared me‚ honestly‚ you know? I didn't think ever in my lifetime I would see that. I’ve been watching this show called The New Look‚ and it goes over what designers were doing in Paris during World War II during the Nazi occupation. And one character says to another‚ you know‚ “We took all the things that the Jews had. We took their homes. We took their jewelry. We took all of those things. And now the next step is to dehumanize them‚ to make sure that they have -- to show people that they have no soul‚ that they are not human.” And he is using that kind of World War II rhetoric that led to the deaths of 6 -- the murders of 6 million people‚ and now he is otherizing brown people. He is otherizing black people. He is saying things like this: “I don't think you're going to have another election if I don't win or certainly not an election that's meaningful.” He's saying the loud -- the quiet part out loud: “If I am not elected‚ we are going to see January 6th again.” And I think we need to be on guard to make sure that we preserve our democracy so that our country looks the way that it should look‚ like all of us! It's a diverse country! That's what America was built upon! SARA HAINES: Yeah. Well so‚ when I first heard this speech‚ I read the headlines and was‚ like‚ “Oh my gosh. What is he saying now?” And then I went in and watched it‚ and I had a slightly different context because he is speaking all about cars and tariffs and auto industry. But the problem is he also sounded slightly incoherent because he then veered -- the way he has lately in a lot of these rallies. HOSTIN: He has a limited vocabulary. HAINES: Well when he say‚ like “Yeah‚ and if I don't get elected” you can start to follow his irrational thought process of‚ “Ahhh there'll be a blood bath.” So‚ I don't think it was too far of a stretch that the media was running with it. I do think some people then calling for‚ this is the sound of a new insurrection and all of this. They were running a little far. Because I don’t think he’s -- you can't just claim coherence when you like what he says‚ meaning you can run with kind of his narrative. But he invites this criticism because this is the language he invokes. He's always dropping little whistles into everything he says‚ and the problem there is‚ regardless if you try to give him context‚ regardless if you try to give him benefit of the doubt‚ the people that are looking for those sounds like you're mentioning‚ Ana‚ are hearing them. And he has to stop talking about hostages. (…)

New York Times tech reporter/columnist Kevin Roose is notorious here at NewsBusters for hailing a gay-Marxist activist who successfully “demonetized” a conservative comedian’s YouTube account‚ and for nudging social media platforms toward anti-conservative censorship. While Roose surely surprised readers with his reluctant approval of a TikTok ban in his Friday piece‚ “TikTok Is Its Own Worst Enemy‚” his reasoning was unintentionally amusing and revealing of hypocrisy. I was really rooting for TikTok. In 2020‚ when the Trump administration first tried to force TikTok’s Chinese owner‚ ByteDance‚ to sell the app or risk having it shut down‚ I argued that banning TikTok in the United States would do more harm than good. Why? Partly because TikTok seemed like a convenient scapegoat for problems -- invasive data collection‚ opaque content policies‚ addictive recommendation algorithms -- that plagued all the big social media apps‚ and partly because I never bought the argument that the app was a Chinese spying tool hiding in plain sight. …. But over the past few weeks‚ as a bipartisan bill that would force ByteDance to sell TikTok hurtled toward passage in Congress‚ I’ve warmed up to the idea that banning TikTok‚ or forcing its sale‚ is probably a good idea. What changed his mind? For one‚ a TikTok executive suggested Roose was an anti-Chinese “bigot.” Mostly‚ TikTok tried to keep its head down‚ while privately suggesting that anyone who dared to question the company’s ties to the Chinese government was engaging in paranoid‚ and perhaps racist‚ fear mongering….the company also wielded accusations of xenophobia against good-faith skeptics who simply wanted to know how an app owned by a Chinese tech conglomerate could be free of Chinese influence‚ given Beijing’s track record of meddling with its tech companies. (I’ll never forget the time a few years ago when a TikTok executive suggested that I was a bigot for raising questions about whether Mr. Chew -- who‚ importantly‚ was also serving as ByteDance’s chief financial officer at the time -- felt pressure to adhere to Chinese censorship laws.) Yet this same reporter has filed some dozen stories referencing the need to crack down on the “bigots and trolls” infesting social media platforms. A small sampling: From July 2020’s “Goodbye to the Wild Wild Web.” The internet giants’ unwillingness to make rules (and then‚ later‚ their inability to enforce them) empowered a generation of bigots and media manipulators who are now among our most influential public figures. From a June 2020 story: Twitter has been a supporter of Black Lives Matter for years -- remember Mr. Dorsey’s trip to Ferguson? -- but it‚ too‚ has a problem with racists and bigots using its platform to stir up unrest….these companies’ own products -- Facebook‚ Twitter and YouTube -- have been successfully weaponized by racists and partisan provocateurs‚ and are being used to undermine Black Lives Matter and other social justice movements. From October 2022: It’s possible that‚ as Mr. Musk suggests‚ relaxing Twitter’s rules could revitalize it‚ or bring lapsed users back to the platform. It’s also possible that it could empower bigots and trolls‚ and undo years of work that made the platform safer for users and more attractive to advertisers…. Perhaps Roose’s most obnoxious report was his unswerving February 2020 hagiography of gay Marxist activist Carlos Maza for demonetizing conservative comedian Stephen Crowder: Carlos Maza believes that YouTube is a destructive‚ unethical‚ reckless company that amplifies bigots and profits off fascism. Now it’s also his meal ticket.

Click to Skip Ahead Types of Mint When to Contact Your Vet When Can Peppermint Be Dangerous? Are Dogs Attracted to It? Keeping Dogs Away Because our dogs are omnivores‚ we can often enjoy many of the same foods‚ permitting they are prepared correctly. However‚ some foods that humans can enjoy can be dangerous or inedible for our canine companions. Of these foods‚ where exactly does peppermint fall on the list? After all‚ it is used for many holiday desserts and creations. Fresh or dried peppermint leaves in small amounts are okay for dogs to eat. However‚ not all forms of mint are safe and many common peppermint containing products are highly toxic to dogs. Types of Mint It’s important to note that some types of mint are toxic to dogs and it’s advisable to err on the side of caution and avoid giving any fresh mint to your dog unless you are 100% sure you have a safe variety. The most common mint varieties‚ peppermint and spearmint are safe for dogs in small amounts but others are not. In particular pennyroyal‚  which is part of the mint family‚ but is highly toxic to dogs when eaten or applied topically. In addition there are other plants that look similar to mint such as wintergreen plants which also must be avoided due to their toxicity. Image Credit: silviarita‚ Pixabay When to Contact Your Vet If you are concerned your dog may have ingested a poisonous form of mint or a dangerous mint containing product- contact your vet or the pet poison line straight away. They will guide you with the next steps‚ whether it be monitoring your dog at home or bringing them in for evaluation. When Can Peppermint Be Dangerous to Dogs? Peppermint can be dangerous as an essential oil or in a variety of human products that are unsafe for dogs. Here are some of the different types and the particular risks. Fresh Plant Your dog might not be interested in fresh peppermint whatsoever. But that is not a guarantee. Mint has a very strong aroma which can deter many canines as it is not pleasing to their natural palate. If they ingest a few leaves then it will often not cause too many issues but larger amounts can cause more severe gastrointestinal upset. Contact your vet for advice if you are concerned about the amount your dog has eaten or the signs they are showing. Dried Mint Again small amounts of dried peppermint are generally safe while larger amounts‚ for example if your dog chews on a peppermint tea bag‚ can cause digestive issues. Essential Oils Essential oils are by far the most dangerous form of peppermint for your dog. These oils are highly concentrated forms of the plant itself. Many types of essential oils‚ including peppermint‚ are toxic to dogs when ingested or through contact with the skin. Xylitol Peppermint is included in many human products such as mints‚ gum‚ toothpaste and these often also contain the artificial sweetener xylitol which is highly toxic to dogs. Xylitol is absorbed quickly and leads to a rapid drop in blood sugar‚ high amounts can also cause liver damage. If not treated it can be fatal so it’s essential you contact the emergency vets if your dog has eaten any product that also contains xylitol. Candies Candies are probably the mildest form of peppermint. They are mixed with other ingredients‚ mainly sugar. So‚ if your dog gets into holiday candies‚ they might get nauseous and vomit or have other gastrointestinal problems but be sure to check they don’t contain the sugar substitute xylitol. Image Credit: Halil ibrahim mescioglu‚ Shutterstock Are Dogs Attracted to Peppermint? Because of its pungent smell and taste‚ dogs are not often attracted to the peppermint plant itself. However‚ they might enjoy getting into sweets‚ as there is more attraction to the smell and flavor. Even though most dogs will generally not pay much attention to any kind of mint plant‚ some might. Each dog is unique and different‚ having different taste preferences. It’s important to keep a close eye on your pooch no matter what. Keeping Dogs Away from Peppermint If you have an herb garden‚ ensure a protective barrier between your plants and your pup. Not only can dogs destroy plants by traipsing through them‚ but many of your plants can also harm your dog if they get ahold of them. If you use peppermint in essential oil form‚ always keep every essential oil up and away from all of your pets. Essential oils can be toxic to pets and small children in their concentrated quantities. Have a specific area designated for these‚ locked away from tiny fingers and nosy sniffers‚ or ideally avoid using them in your home altogether. Conclusion Fresh or dried peppermint are generally safe if dogs ingest small amounts. However‚ peppermint essential oil and many peppermint containing products are toxic to dogs and must be avoided. Certain types of mint such as pennyroyal are also poisonous to dogs‚ so it’s advisable to err on the side of caution and keep all forms of mint and mint products away from your pooch. If you are concerned about the type of mint or mint product that your dog has eaten‚ or signs they are showing‚ contact your veterinarian straight away for advice. See Also: Will Essential Oil Calm My Dog? Facts &; FAQ Sources Hills Pet Pet Poison Helpline Pet Poison Helpline Pet Poison Helpline ASPCA PetMD Featured Image Credit: manfredrichter‚ Pixabay The post Can Dogs Eat Peppermint? Vet-Reviewed Facts &; FAQ appeared first on Pet Keen.

Dogs display a variety of different behaviors that we don’t always have an understanding of. Some are considered breed specific‚ but many are common among all dog breeds because it’s in their nature‚ such as sticking their tongue out. Here are six common reasons that your dog might stick out their tongue. The 6 Reasons Why Dogs Stick Their Tongue Out 1. They’re Happy and/or Relaxed Happy and relaxed dogs might let their tongues hang out simply because they’re happy and relaxed. There is no reason to stop their tongue from hanging down if they are feeling completely content in their current situation. A dog might let their tongue hang out because they have spent a day exploring in a park or playing with children in the backyard‚ and they just want to completely relax. Image Credit: Zakharova_Elena‚ Shutterstock 2. They’re Cooling Themselves Down A dog’s tongue plays a major role in helping them regulate their body temperature‚ especially when their bodies are hot and/or overheating. Panting is when a dog lets their tongue hang out of their mouth while they breathe quickly in and out. This allows for water to evaporate from their tongue and mouth‚ cooling their body from the inside. 3. Investigating Dogs use taste as a way of investigating what’s around them. They may stick out their tongue as they go along to learn about their world. You’ll also notice sniffing and licking to go along with this. Dogs may even use their tongue to learn about you. Kissing‚ or tasting‚ your skin will let them know where you’ve been and who you have seen that day. Image Credit: Michael J Magee‚ Shutterstock 4. They’re Missing Teeth Whether a dog loses teeth due to an accident‚ a medical condition‚ or old age‚ those lost teeth could result in their tongue aimlessly hanging out of their mouth. When a pup is relaxed‚ tired‚ and/or bored‚ you might spot their tongue slightly or blatantly hanging out right through the space where their teeth used to be. 5.  An Injury to the Mouth Your pup might be sticking out their tongue due to pain or an injury to the tongue or mouth. You may also notice swelling‚ bleeding‚ difficulty swallowing‚ or whining with this type of injury. If you notice other signs of distress aside from a tongue hanging out‚ it’s important to contact your veterinarian immediately. Image Credit: YAKOBCHUK VIACHESLAV‚ Shutterstock 6. Something’s Wrong With their Tongue In some cases‚ a dog may have a hanging tongue due to genetics. Some dogs are born with a tongue that is too big for their mouth or an abnormal jaw structure. In these cases‚ hanging tongue syndrome is not known to cause any health problems in dogs. Other times‚ dogs could have neurological or muscular issues that make it so they can’t move their tongue. A veterinarian should check this out to be sure there isn’t something serious going on that can be treated. How to Keep “Tongue Wagging” to a Minimum In most cases‚ there is nothing that you can do to keep your dog from letting their tongue hang out of their mouth. In fact‚ the behavior could mean happiness and contentment or be a means of cooling off‚ in which case‚ you wouldn’t want to curb it. But in other cases‚ there are a few things that you can do to try to prevent the action: Limit Exposure to Heat — When the weather is hot‚ ensure that your puppy has access to shade and water while spending time outside. Indoors‚ you can point a fan at their sleeping area or provide them with a cool space to retreat to help keep them cool. Make Dental Care a Priority — Since dental disease and accidents can result in missing teeth and a hanging tongue‚ it is important to make dental care a priority throughout your pup’s life. Doing so will help minimize the risk of teeth prematurely falling out. Image Credit: Yavdat‚ Shutterstock Conclusion There are various reasons that your dog’s tongue might be hanging out of their mouth‚ but most are benign and do not pose a danger to their health. That said‚ there are certain instances when poor health can be the reason for the behavior. So‚ if you are unsure or have any concerns‚ it is important to work with a veterinarian. Sources https://www.seattletimes.com/life/pets/veterinary-qa-hanging-tongue-syndrome/ https://richmondvalleyvet.com/2018/08/09/dog-tongue-facts/   Featured Image Credit: Lioneska‚ Shutterstock The post Why Do Dogs Stick Their Tongue Out? 6 Vet Reviewed Reasons appeared first on Pet Keen.

Grooming is an integral part of being a responsible dog owner. This includes brushing‚ bathing‚ and‚ of course‚ trimming their nails. Clipping a dog’s nails can be daunting‚ especially if you are concerned about accidentally harming them. Cutting the quick of their nails can cause bleeding and pain‚ but thankfully‚ there are products designed to limit those risks. Some canine nail clippers are sold with a safety guard attached and are designed to prevent you from cutting too far up on the nail. If you want to learn more about this type of clipper and how to use it‚ keep reading for our nine tips. Before You Start Jumping straight into clipping your dog’s nails without preparation may not end well. Therefore‚ you will want to take the time to gather the proper supplies and prepare your dog for the process. Gather Your Supplies Many canine nail clippers are available; however‚ not all have a safety guard. While searching for nail clippers‚ review the features offered to ensure a safety guard is among them. An excellent example of a dog nail clipper with a safety guard is Boshel’s Dog Nail Clipper. Another item you need before starting is styptic powder. Styptic powder dulls pain and stops bleeding if an accident occurs while trimming your pet’s nails. You can use Dogswell’s Remedy+Recovery Professional Groomer’s Styptic Powder. Image Credit: pedphoto36pm‚ Shutterstock Prepare Your Dog Preparing your dog for nail clipping can take time and patience. Many animals are naturally uncomfortable with people touching their paws. This can make clipping your dog’s nails challenging‚ so you should take steps to desensitize your dog to the procedure. By handling your dog’s paws and giving them treats‚ you can help them feel comfortable with people touching their paws. Once your dog is comfortable with being handled‚ you can introduce the clippers to them. Allow your dog to sniff the nail clippers‚ then give them a treat. This will create positive associations with the clippers. You’ll also want to introduce your dog to the sound the clippers make. Take a piece of uncooked spaghetti and use the clippers to chop it. Then‚ give your dog a treat. Again‚ you are reinforcing the idea that the clipper (and the clipper’s noises) are not scary. When your dog is comfortable with the clippers‚ you can trim one nail. If your dog is quite nervous about the situation‚ stop there and give them a treat. Trim one nail daily‚ giving your dog a treat once done successfully. This allows your dog to grow comfortable with the sensations gradually. After your dog has grown accustomed to it‚ you can begin trimming their nails regularly. The 9 Tips for Using Dog Nail Clippers With a Safety Guard Using a new tool to care for your dog’s nails can be stressful. Thankfully‚ using a nail clipper with a safety guard isn’t much different from using the average canine nail clipper. Follow these tips to put your new canine nail clipper to the test. 1. Know When to Trim The first step in trimming your pet’s nails is knowing when it is time. On average‚ dogs need their nails trimmed every 4 to 6 weeks. However‚ this can vary depending on your dog’s lifestyle. For instance‚ a dog that often runs on pavement‚ rocks‚ or other tough surfaces may only need their nails trimmed every few months due to the natural wear that their environment provides‚ or they might just need their dew claws trimmed occasionally. As for pampered lap dogs‚ nail clipping may be needed more frequently. If your dog’s nails touch the ground when they are standing‚ they probably need their nails trimmed‚ but it is important to be sure they need cutting first. If you are unsure about this‚ your vet can help you recognize when it’s time for your dog to have a trim. 2. Find a Calm Location Nail trimming can be an overwhelming experience for many dogs‚ so finding a calm location is essential to the process. If you try to clip your dog’s nails in a busy‚ loud‚ or chaotic room‚ your dog will likely become stressed and restless. You may even accidentally injure your dog if they move or if another person bumps you. Therefore‚ it is best to find a private location and shut the door. If your dog is agitated or excited‚ settle them down before you begin. Having your dog in a relaxed state is ideal to make the process easier. Image Credit: buritora‚ Shutterstock 3. Position Your Dog and Hold Their Paw Use whatever position works best for you and is most comfortable for your dog. Some pet parents like to sit beside their dogs‚ sliding their hands under and around their dog’s legs to hold their paws. Others prefer to sit behind their dogs and move their paws backward so the bottom of the foot is visible. You might find it easier with another person holding your dog‚ while you focus on the feet. Find a position that works best for you and your pet‚ and stick with it. 4. Find a Clear View of the Nail Once you have your dog’s paw in hand‚ pick one nail. Expose the nail by pushing their fur aside. You can bring the nail out by pushing your finger against the pad and holding your thumb on the top of the toe. Gently increase the pressure until the nail has extended. 5. Decide Where to Cut When trimming your dog’s nails‚ it is essential to avoid cutting the quick. Cutting the quick can cause pain and bleeding. This is where your canine nail clipper’s safety guard will come in handy. Different clippers may have various functions for their safety guards‚ so check the instructions for your product. Generally‚ the safety guard can be easily clicked into place and secured behind the clipper’s blades. A small space will exist between the safety guard and the blades‚ allowing only a fraction of your dog’s nails to pass through the blades. This safety measure helps you to avoid injuring your dog. If your dog has white nails‚ avoiding the quick is easier. Often‚ the quick is visible inside white nails‚ and it’s simple to stop cutting before hitting the pink line. If your dog has black nails‚ avoiding the quick can be more difficult. The best way is to turn the paw so you are looking at the underside of the nail. This way‚ you should be able to see the section of the nail that doesn’t have a fleshy quick behind it. Image Credit: hedgehog94‚ Shutterstock 6. Using the Safety Guard It is important to be aware that the safety guard will not necessarily prevent you from hitting the quick‚ it only serves to limit how much of the nail you can cut off. So if the guard is at 5mm‚ but the quick is only 3mm from the end of the nail‚ you can still end up catching it. The guard just stops you from taking a big chunk in one go. 7. Cut at the Correct Angle When cutting your dog’s nails‚ think about how they will rest when your dog is standing or sitting upright. Their nails should be parallel to the floor‚ meaning you will need to cut at a 45° angle. If you cut straight across‚ your dog’s nails will not be the proper shape. 8. Know What to Do if You Cut the Quick If you accidentally cut the quick‚ do not panic. Even with precautions‚ accidents happen‚ so it is best to be prepared. This is where the styptic powder comes in. Place and hold styptic powder on the injury for a few seconds. It will stop the bleeding and dull the pain. Image Credit: Padu Foto‚ Shutterstock 9. Reward Your Dog Don’t forget to reward your dog after you’re done. Treats are a great way to promote a positive association with nail clipping or any other grooming‚ for that matter. Just make sure you give the treat promptly so your dog creates a positive association with the correct event. Final Thoughts Trimming your dog’s nails can be daunting. Nail clippers with safety guards are a great way to stop you from accidentally taking too much nail off‚ but they aren’t a complete guarantee. If an accident does occur‚ don’t beat yourself up; you can treat a bleeding paw with styptic powder‚ and your dog will forgive you! If the idea of trimming your dog’s nails is too overwhelming for you‚ reach out to a professional groomer or vet for support and advice. Featured Image Credit: Oleggg‚ Shutterstock The post How to Use Dog Nail Clippers With a Safety Guard: 9 Vet-Approved Tips appeared first on Pet Keen.

Click to Skip Ahead How Does It Work? Different Types of Preventive Care When Is It Used? FAQ Preventive care isn’t just for humans; it’s also an essential and highly beneficial part of healthcare for dogs. Just like you see the doctor yearly for a routine physical‚ your canine companion should do the same. But preventive care for dogs doesn’t only involve an annual check-up to ensure your pup is in good health. It also comprises several other measures to keep your beloved doggo healthier and happier for longer. So‚ what is preventive care for dogs exactly? How can you be sure you’re doing everything you should for a healthy and happy pet? Let’s look at what preventive care means for your dog‚ and how it will enable them to stay well and live longer. How Does It Work? You know that one dog year is equivalent to approximately seven human years; this means your dog ages more quickly than you do‚ which is one reason preventive care is essential for keeping them in optimal health. Besides ensuring your dog’s health‚ preventive care also means you’ll likely be saving money on vet bills in the long run. After all‚ preventive care allows your dog’s vet to catch any health issues early‚ which will be less expensive to treat than if the problem had reached an advanced stage. How does preventive care for dogs work? The goal is to offer your dog their best chance at a long and healthy life‚ so preventive care doesn’t only involve routine physical exams for your pup; it consists of a multi-faceted approach to your pet’s healthcare. This means preventive care for dogs includes vaccinations‚ parasite prevention‚ weight management‚ dental care‚ and more. Most of the work on your end will be done by getting your dog to the vet when needed‚ doing any follow-up the vet advises‚ and caring for your pup at home. Image Credit: Kamil Macniak. Shutterstock What Are the Different Types of Preventive Care? We’ve mentioned different types of preventive care‚ but what are they? To make sure that all dogs receive the same kind of preventive care across the board‚ the American Veterinary Medical Association‚ along with the American Animal Hospital Association‚ accumulated information from a range of groups to create standardized recommendations for preventive care. Below‚ you’ll find some of the different types of standardized preventive care your dog should get! Annual Exams You see your primary care physician yearly for an annual physical‚ and your canine pal should do the same. After all‚ for them‚ it’s like having a checkup every 7 years! Your pup might seem perfectly healthy—and might be perfectly healthy—but that doesn’t negate the need for an annual exam. A quick physical done by your vet can detect potential health problems‚ such as tumors‚ heart murmurs‚ organs that have changed size‚ or enlarged lymph nodes. This physical also allows your pet’s vet to check your pup’s sight and hearing to ensure all is well there and look at your dog’s skin and coat to determine whether your dog is dealing with ticks‚ fleas‚ or infections. As your dog ages‚ they may need to get these exams more than once a year to ensure they’re staying well. Image Credit: Friends Stock‚ Shutterstock Parasite Prevention Now‚ here’s a preventive care measure you’re likely already implementing. Parasite prevention refers to medication to prevent fleas‚ ticks‚ heartworms‚ etc. These could be oral medications or topical. Giving your pet these medications only takes minutes‚ but they go far in keeping your dog their healthiest. Neuter/Spay This is another standard preventive care measure. It might seem as though having your pet neutered or spayed simply ensures no unwanted pregnancies occur‚ but these procedures can do quite a bit for your pet’s health. Having your dog fixed can lengthen their lifespan‚ keep them from straying or partaking in destructive behaviors‚ help prevent certain cancers‚ and more! Image Credit: AndresDica‚ Shutterstock Caring for the Teeth Let’s be honest; we don’t always brush our dog’s teeth as often as we should. However‚ the health of your dog’s teeth can affect their health in general‚ so keeping up with dental care for them is vital. Without routine maintenance for the teeth‚ your dog could suffer from periodontal disease‚ and the bacteria from this isn’t only restricted to the mouth. Bacteria from periodontal disease can get into the bloodstream and make its way to your dog’s organs‚ resulting in significant health problems. So‚ brush your dog’s teeth regularly‚ but also have their teeth checked once a year by their vet! Vaccinations You’re probably pretty good about keeping up with this aspect of preventive care. All those vaccinations your dog needs are incredibly important to keep them healthy (especially those required for puppies). Making sure your dog receives vaccines when needed means keeping them safe from illnesses like rabies‚ kennel cough‚ distemper‚ Lyme disease‚ and more. Image Credit: Photographee‚ Shutterstock When Is It Used? Preventive care is something that is used every day. While you might only take your pet to the vet once a year for something like an exam or vaccines‚ there’s plenty you can do at home regarding preventive care. Ensuring your dog eats a healthy diet daily while also ensuring they’re getting all the daily exercise they need is essential (and excellent) preventive care. Providing parasite protection for your pet is a monthly occurrence while brushing your pup’s teeth is a three-times-a-week endeavor. So‚ preventive care is used daily‚ weekly‚ and monthly with your dog (and you’ve likely been doing many preventive care items for a while without realizing it!). It is everything that you and your vet do to keep your dog healthy‚ and‚ where possible‚ prevent disease. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) You might still have a few questions about preventive care‚ so we’ve gathered some questions people ask frequently about this subject. Does helping my dog maintain a healthy weight count as preventive care? Yes! Studies have shown us that dogs who are obese have more health issues than those who are leaner. This means helping your pup maintain a healthy weight absolutely falls under the umbrella of preventive care. You can help them with their weight by feeding them a healthy diet and making sure they get plenty of daily exercise. Talk to your vet or nurse about your dog’s body condition score and ideal weight. Is getting preventive care for my dog expensive? Preventive care is much cheaper than the potential cost of your dog getting sick or developing a chronic condition. If you are concerned about the cost of preventive care‚ though‚ you may want to get a health care plan for your pet. When should I have my dog spayed or neutered? Each dog is an individual‚ so speak with your pup’s vet about the best time to have them fixed. In general‚ dogs should be spayed or neutered once they have finished growing‚ which can be 6 months for some breeds‚ or 2 years for others. Does microchipping my dog count as preventive care? It definitely can! It may not affect your pet’s health‚ per se‚ but microchipping your dog means if your pup gets lost‚ they can safely be returned to you. And that is part of keeping your four-legged friend healthy and happy! Conclusion Preventive care is essential for dogs‚ as it helps to keep them healthy and happy. There are many aspects to preventive care‚ but the good news is that you’re probably doing preventive care with your dog already. Some parts of preventive care are relatively easy‚ such as ensuring your pet eats well‚ gets their vaccines on time‚ and is protected from parasites. Others‚ like teeth cleaning and yearly exams‚ require a bit more work‚ but they’re more than worth it. So‚ practice preventive care with your canine companion to keep them around for a long time! Sources AVMA AAHA VCA Humane Society VCA Featured Image Credit: Monster Ztudio‚ Shutterstock The post What Is Preventive Care for Dogs? Vet-Approved Health Guidelines appeared first on Pet Keen.

Puppies have a habit of getting into tricky situations; the world is new and exciting‚ and they like exploring everything their environment offers. They are also still growing and developing‚ so it’s easy to overdo it and sustain an injury. Limping is never normal for a dog‚ but the causes behind it can vary from mild to serious. So‚ we’ve broken down all the most common reasons why your puppy might be limping and what you should do about it. Before You Start There are two types of limping: gradual and sudden onset. As the names suggest‚ gradual limping will come on over time‚ while sudden onset limping comes on quickly. Knowing which type your pet has will help your vet and will also give you an indication if the limp is an emergency. Gradual onset limping is generally caused by chronic conditions‚ like dysplasia‚ which warrants a vet visit but not necessarily immediately. Sudden onset limping is generally caused by trauma or injury‚ which often requires immediate attention. Gradual onset limping might seem less urgent‚ but some causes‚ such as hip dysplasia‚ can be more effectively treated if caught sooner. The 5 Common Reasons Your Puppy is Limping 1. Trauma or Injury Puppies are active. Puppies are clumsy. This is often a recipe for some minor bumps‚ scrapes‚ falls‚ and strains‚ all of which can leave your puppy limping. Puppies also have a knack for knowing where you’re going to walk and then getting under your feet. This makes getting stepped on another common injury that causes limping in puppies. Most of the time‚ these injuries are minor bruises or sprains that create mild‚ often short-lived pain in your pup’s limbs. If their limping doesn’t resolve‚ or gets worse‚ within a day or two‚ call your veterinarian. However‚ that same recipe of activity and clumsiness can also lead to more severe injuries‚ such as dislocations‚ fractures‚ or connective tissue tears. So‚ how do you tell what needs vet attention and what just needs a little TLC? As a general rule‚ give your puppy a few minutes to rest and let the initial shock of the injury wear off. If your puppy is still limping after 15-20 minutes of rest‚ consider calling your veterinarian. Of course‚ if you notice an obvious injury‚ such an awkward angle to your pup’s leg or they won’t bear weight on it‚ call your veterinarian sooner rather than later. Image Credit: didesign021‚ Shutterstock 2. Minor Paw Injuries Any injury to your puppy’s paw can create pain and discomfort‚ and therefore‚ limping in puppies. Getting a foreign object‚ like a thorn‚ stick‚ or sharp object‚ as well as broken toenails‚ bruises‚ burns‚ or cuts‚ to name a few‚ are all possible injuries to a paw. If your puppy is licking their paw more than usual‚ or you notice swelling‚ or a wound‚ talk to your veterinarian. If left untreated‚ some paw injuries can lead to an infection. Signs of infection include: Bleeding easily Heat Pain Pus (yellow‚ white‚ or green liquid) Redness Swelling 3. Joint Diseases Signs of joint disease like hip or elbow dysplasia typically show up as a dog ages‚ but some severe cases may cause limping in puppies. Other joint problems like luxating patellas‚ osteochondritis dissecans (OCD)‚ and hypertrophic osteodystrophy are all possibilities of limping puppies and should be checked out by a vet. Image Credit: OLESYA BOLTENKOVA‚ Shutterstock 4. Bone Disease Large-breed puppies are more susceptible to some bony conditions like panosteitis which makes walking painful. Panosteitis will typically resolve on its own as your puppy matures‚ but they may require pain medications or anti-inflammatories to help with the discomfort. Though very rare for puppies‚ and even adult dogs under 18-24 months of age‚ your vet may need to rule out cancer as a possible cause of your puppy’s extreme pain and limping. Contact your vet as soon as possible if you notice a consistent and very painful lameness because the sooner these problems are diagnosed‚ the better the prognosis. 5. Tick-Borne Diseases Several species of ticks are active in the United States that feed on dogs. While ticks spread tick-borne diseases‚ the illnesses aren’t actually caused by ticks. Instead‚ they are a result of ticks that have been infected with other organisms that cause disease. These ticks then bite a dog and transfer the disease to them. Some signs of a tick-borne disease include: Abnormal bleeding Bruising Fever Lameness Lethargy Loss of appetite Painful or swollen joints Swollen lymph nodes Contact your vet if you see any of these signs. It’s best to keep your dog on tick and flea-preventative medication‚ so be sure to speak to your vet about the best brand for your pup. Image Credit: sherwood‚ Shutterstock Frequently Asked Questions How Do You Know if You Should Call the Vet? Generally‚ it’s best to play it safe and contact your vet if your puppy is limping for more than a few minutes. However‚ if it’s nighttime‚ how do you know if the limp can wait or if it warrants a trip to the emergency vet? If the limp isn’t bothering your dog very much‚ it’s safe to assume it can wait until your vet is open. It might even resolve itself while you’re waiting. However‚ dislocated joints or broken bones will require immediate care. If you notice any of the following signs‚ contact an emergency vet immediately: Behavior changes such as hiding‚ aggression‚ fear‚ and unwillingness to move A dangling limb A hot limb Swelling Unnatural angle or obvious break Vocalization Image Credit: Yana Vasileva‚ Shutterstock How Can You Tell What Leg Is Bothering Your Dog? Sometimes‚ it’s obvious which leg is bothering your dog‚ for example‚ if they are holding it up or there is an open wound. Other times it may be more difficult to tell. One way is by watching them walk. If your dog has hurt their front leg‚ they will generally raise their head when the sore leg touches the ground and lower it when touching on their good leg. Hind-leg lameness will usually be the opposite-your puppy’s head will go down when the sore leg touches the ground. These are just maneuvers by your pup to try to keep as much weight as possible off of the affected leg to decrease the pain and discomfort they are feeling. Can You Give Your Puppy Pain Medication? It might be tempting to give your dog pain medication‚ but you should never do it‚ no matter how much pain they are in. Only a vet should prescribe pain relievers or any medication‚ for that matter. There can be severe side effects associated with administering the wrong medication or dose. If you believe your puppy is in so much pain they need medication‚ you should call your vet. Conclusion There are various reasons why your puppy might be limping‚ and some are more severe than others. Minor‚ short-lived limping may not warrant a trip to the vet‚ but it is important to go if you notice signs of severe or prolonged pain or discomfort. Sources Kirrawee Vet PetMD AKC AKC PDSA PetMD VCA PetMD PetMD Featured Image Credit: Al Serov‚ Shutterstock The post Why Is My Puppy Limping? 5 Vet-Reviewed Reasons appeared first on Pet Keen.

Click to Skip Ahead Sandalwood Overview Other Toxic Essential Oils Signs of Essential Oil Toxicity Sandalwood Incense Sticks Safer Alternatives Essential oils and other fragrance-smelling objects can make your home smell wonderful and pleasant. Many people like to use such items to freshen up the odors inside their homes when they have cats. However‚ is this safe? One such wood used for essential oils and incense is sandalwood‚ and it is not safe for cats. In fact‚ it is downright toxic.  If you’re a cat owner and wondered if it’s safe to use this wood for such purposes‚ now you know it’s not safe for your cat. Let’s explore further to find safer alternatives to use around your kitty for a fresh-smelling home and what to avoid. What Is Sandalwood? Sandalwood is a tree or large shrub with an earthy and woody fragrance. It is often used to make essential oils‚ incense‚ perfumes‚ cosmetics‚ and more. Sandalwood describes a number of smaller trees belonging to the genus Santalum‚ and it’s been used for centuries in India‚ its native land‚ for its anti-inflammatory‚ antimicrobial‚ and antiproliferative properties. You can also find this tree or plant in Hawaii and Australia. The flowers and wood of sandalwood are harvested when the tree is between 10–30 years old due to increased potency of the oils with age. In Hawaii‚ Australia‚ and India‚ the leaves and bark are used to make laundry soap and medicated shampoo to treat lice and dandruff‚ and they are also used to treat body aches and wounds. Image Credit: joanna wnuk‚ Shutterstock Is Sandalwood Essential Oil Safe to Use Around My Cat? Essential oil made from sandalwood is toxic to cats if ingested. The problem with cats is they can walk by an essential oil diffuser and easily get the oil on the fur. As all cat owners know‚ cats are expert groomers and groom constantly. So‚ when a cat licks the fur‚ the essential oil can become ingested and cause oral and skin irritation. Another issue with using essential oils around cats is their inability to metabolize the chemicals the scents emit. Cats have a lower number of certain liver enzymes compared to humans‚ which causes increased risk of toxicity to many seemingly harmless items.. What Other Essential Oils Are Toxic to Cats? Many essential oils are used for aromatherapy‚ but many are toxic to use around your kitty. It’s tempting to use essential oils when you have a cat due to litter box smells‚ which can be rather unpleasant if not cleaned often‚ but in doing so‚ you’re putting your cat at risk. Here are other essential oils to avoid: Cinnamon oil Peppermint oil Eucalyptus oil Clove oil Citrus oil Tea tree oil Pine oil Ylang Ylang oil Pennyroyal oil Sweet birch oil Wintergreen oil If you just purchased an oil diffuser‚ you don’t have to toss it just yet. You can still use the essential oils mentioned above if you have a cat‚ but you need to take extra precautions if you choose to do so. The only way to safely use these oils if you’re a cat owner is to place the diffuser in a room your cat cannot access. The room should be well-ventilated with no way your cat can enter and be exposed. Image Credit: Halil ibrahim mescioglu‚ Shutterstock What Are Signs of Essential Oil Toxicity to Cats? It’s important to know the signs of essential oil toxicity in case your cat is accidentally exposed. It only takes a small amount on the skin or a couple of licks to become problematic. Here’s what to look for: Drooling Lethargy or weakness Difficulty breathing Fragrance of oil on fur‚ skin‚ or breath Muscle tremors Redness on lips‚ tongue‚ gums‚ or skin Pawing at the face or mouth Vomiting If you notice any signs of toxicity‚ it’s vital to contact your veterinarian immediately for treatment. Is It Safe to Use Sandalwood Incense Sticks Around My Cat? Unfortunately‚ burning incense is also harmful to your cat. The smoke from burning incense sticks can cause respiratory problems in cats. Cats are sensitive to smoke‚ and exposure can cause coughing‚ watery eyes‚ sneezing‚ and congestion. Exposure can also trigger asthma in cats. Image Credit: 4174332‚ Pixabay What Are Safer Alternatives to Use to Keep My House Smelling Pleasant? While it’s tempting to use essential oils and incense‚ whether sandalwood or a different fragrance‚ it’s best to refrain from these options for the safety of your feline companion. However‚ you can try a few other ways to freshen up your home that are also safe for your cat. Air Purifier Air purifiers are an excellent way to keep your home smelling fresh. They don’t just mask the odor; rather‚ they absorb pet smells from any room. However‚ ensure you buy one with an activated carbon filter. Other filters‚ like HEPA filters‚ only rid the air of pet dander but don’t eliminate odors. Air purifiers are pricey‚ but investing in one is a superb way of ridding your home from pet odors‚ and it’s safe for your cat. Image Credit: Kristi Blokhin‚ Shutterstock Clean the Litter Box Regularly Keeping the litter box clean and scooped often can help cut down on litter box smells. It’s recommended to scoop the litter box at least twice daily and refill it with fresh litter as needed. A rule of thumb is to keep the litter at a height of 2–3 inches. Another excellent way to keep smells down is to dump old litter and replace it with new litter once a month. After discarding the old litter‚ clean the empty litter box with hot water and a mild‚ unscented soap. Scrub thoroughly and rise before adding new litter. Conclusion While sandalwood gives off a pleasantly warm and earthy scent‚ it’s unsafe to use around your cat. Sandalwood is commonly used to make essential oils and incense sticks‚ but neither is ideal for cat owners. Essential oils can be problematic for cats if ingested from grooming and can cause oral and skin irritation and liver issues. Incense is problematic due to the smoke‚ so it’s best to avoid these items altogether. Remember to clean the litter box regularly and use an air purifier with an activated carbon filter for safer alternatives to essential oils and incense. Sources  https://www.hillspet.com/cat-care/routine-care/essential-oils-for-cats?lightboxfired=true https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/essential-oil-and-liquid-potpourri-poisoning-in-cats https://www.petpoisonhelpline.com/blog/essential-oils-cats/ Featured Image Credit: Madeleine Steinbach‚ Shutterstock The post Is Sandalwood Safe for Cats? Vet Approved Facts &; Safety Guide appeared first on Pet Keen.

Dogs require water to survive just like humans do. Fortunately‚ dogs inherently understand the importance of drinking water‚ so if it’s available to them‚ they will drink it. They’ll even drink from puddles‚ rivers‚ and any other source of water that they come across outdoors—if we let them. The problem is that dogs don’t know what water is safe to drink and what isn’t. For example‚ they don’t understand that there could be car oil lurking in those street puddles. At home‚ you can easily give tap water to your dog to satisfy their thirst. But is tap water safe for dogs to drink? In general‚ if your tap water is safe enough for you to drink‚ it is safe enough for your pets. Here is what you should know about this important topic. The Safety of Your Tap Water The safety of your tap water supply depends on various things‚ such as how well your municipal water system is managed‚ monitored‚ and maintained‚ where the water comes from‚ and whether you’re getting water from a well. So‚ if you don’t drink tap water out of concern of contamination or for other reasons‚ you may not want to give that water to your dog either. Let’s discuss the possible contaminants in tap water and how you can improve its safety to make it better for your dog to drink regularly. Possible Contaminants in Your Tap Water There may be contaminants in your tap water without your knowledge‚ even if it looks clear and smells normal. Some contaminants to be aware of include: Lead — While it’s safe to bathe in water that’s contaminated with lead‚ it is not safe for humans or dogs to drink said water. Lead pipes are no longer legal for building‚ but if you live in an old home‚ there might still be lead pipes throughout your plumbing system. Trihalomethanes — This is a human-made chemical contaminant that develops when organic matter is exposed to chlorine water treatments. Fortunately‚ this chemical evaporates‚ but it could be present in the water that comes out of your sink because there hasn’t been an opportunity for evaporation. Pesticides — Pesticides from farming and pest control practices can contaminate groundwater and travel long distances. The closer you live to agricultural areas‚ the higher the risk that pesticides are getting into your water supply. Giardia — This tiny protozoan parasite can’t be seen with the naked eye. When ingested‚ it can cause giardiasis. Giardia may or may not result in any signs or problems for your dog‚ but your dog can pass it on to you. Signs that giardia can cause in dogs and people include diarrhea‚ abdominal pain and vomiting. Radium — Sadly‚ more than 100 million people (and their animals) drink tap water that contains radioactive elements including radium‚ radon and uranium. According to the Environmental Working Group‚ these contaminants may increase the risk of developing certain cancers. Image Credit: kaboompics‚ Pixabay How to Know If Your Tap Water Is Contaminated There are a few things that you can do to learn about the quality of your water and whether there are any contaminants in it that you should be worried about. Here are your options: Request a Consumer Confidence Report — If your water is supplied municipally‚ your local water treatment plant should be able and willing to provide you with an annual consumer confidence report that breaks down exactly what is in your water. You may find that there are things in your water that your water department is working to rectify‚ but you can do something about yourself at home (like invest in certain filters). Do Your Own Testing — You can take a sample of your water and bring it in or mail it to an EPA-approved testing facility to find out exactly what is in the water that’s running directly into your home. Your local government may offer a free testing site to utilize. Testing can cost anywhere from $20 to $300‚ depending on the complexity of the test that you choose to utilize. Image Credit: luchschenF‚ Shutterstock Ways to Make Your Tap Water Safer for Your Dog Whether you decide to have your water tested or not‚ there are a few things that you can do to make your tap water safer for your dog to drink without spending thousands of dollars on upgrades. Consider the following: Install a New Water Filter — You can find a variety of add-on water filters that can be installed under your sink or next to your faucet‚ which will help eliminate many contaminants that might be lurking in your water supply. If you don’t want to install a filter on your water system‚ consider investing in a filtering pitcher that can be filled from the faucet and stored on the counter or in the fridge. Regularly Clean Your Dog’s Water Bowl — Contaminants can get into your dog’s water from the environment‚ so cleaning their water bowl two or three times a week can help ensure that contaminants do not get stuck on the bowl’s walls and get into the drinking water. Utilize a Water Fountain — A pet drinking water fountain usually contains a filtration system to help remove contaminants and other impurities from the water‚ it also continually cycles the water to help keep it fresh and clean. Final Comments If your tap water is clean and safe enough for you to drink‚ there is no reason that you can’t serve it as-is to your pup and any other animals that might be living in your house. If you are unsure whether your tap water is safe for your dog‚ you can have it tested by an EPA-approved testing facility. You can also install extra filters or consider getting a filtered pitcher. Sources EWG: 170 Million in the U.S. Drink Radioactive Tap Water WaterDefense: Most Common Water Contaminants CDC: Giardia CDC: Giardia and Pets PetMD: Is Tap Water Safe for Dogs? Capital Home Veterinary Care: Is Tap Water Safe for My Pet?   Featured Image Credit: Andres Siimon‚ Unsplash The post Can Dogs Drink Tap Water? Vet-Reviewed Facts &; Concerns appeared first on Pet Keen.

There are many reasons why you may need to weigh your cat. It could be to keep track of their weight gain in an attempt to help them gain or lose weight. You may want to find out their weight so that you know how much medicine or food to give them. Regardless of the reason‚ it is a way to keep an eye on your cat’s health in a more precise way than judging off their appearance. Knowing how to weigh your cat is the tricky part. Not many cats are happy to be placed on a cold scale and sit there patiently while you jot down their measurement. Taking your cat to the vet is one way to determine their weight‚ but that takes time‚ effort‚ and money. Weighing your cat at home can be done more frequently and is often the easier option. Below are a few tips on how you can accurately weigh your cat at home. The 5 Steps to Weigh Your Cat at Home 1. Cuddle Your Cat Doing anything out of your cat’s routine can be a bit stressful for anxious personalities. A usually relaxed cat may start to get frantic when picked up to be weighed‚ which may result in an inaccurate reading. Start off by holding your cat‚ stroking them‚ and speaking softly to them so that they relax in your arms. Image Credit: New Africa‚ Shutterstock 2. Use a Quiet Room A loud and busy environment may feel overwhelming for your cat‚ so place your scale in a quiet room‚ separate from other pets‚ children‚ and noise. For an accurate reading‚ you and your cat need to be still‚ so the less chaotic the environment‚ the better. 3. Use Your Bathroom Scale If you don’t have a fancy pet scale‚ don’t worry! There is no need to go out and buy one if you have a bathroom scale at home. Place your scale in your quiet room and stand on it with your kitty‚ jotting down the combined weight. Image Credit: svf74‚ Shutterstock 4. Weigh Yourself You’ll need to repeat the last step‚ but this time without your cat in your arms. You can place them beside you on the floor or let them run out of the room as their part in this process is complete. Get on the scale alone and record your weight. 5. Do a Bit of Math Unfortunately (or maybe fortunately for the math boffins)‚ this step requires a bit of math‚ so whip out your calculator or paper and pencil! You will need to subtract your weight from the weight you recorded while holding your cat. The result will be your cat’s weight. Alternative Ways to Weigh Your Cat at Home Depending on how anxious your cat is‚ your cat’s energy level‚ and the equipment you have at home‚ you can try out a few alternative options to weigh your cat. 1. Use a Cat Carrier If your cat will not settle in your arms and is causing the readings to be inconsistent‚ you can opt to use their cat carrier. The process is similar to the guide above‚ except this time‚ you’ll hold your cat in the carrier instead of in your arms or place cat in carrier on the scale. Once you have the combined weight‚ release your cat and weigh yourself‚ holding the empty cat carrier (or similarly‚ weigh the empty carrier). Subtract the last reading from the first‚ and the result will be your cat’s weight. Image Credit: Zossia‚ Shutterstock 2. Place Them on The Scale If you have a baby scale‚ pet scale‚ or just a simple bathroom scale and your cat is happy to sit still on it by themselves‚ then use this method because it is the fastest and easiest option. A baby scale or pet scale will provide you with the most accurate measurements because it is very sensitive to lighter weights. All you need to do is turn the scale on and place your cat on it. The number that it stops on is your cat’s body weight. 3. Use a Luggage Scale A luggage scale is another good option for cats who won’t sit still long enough for you to get their weight from the bathroom scale. This type of scale has a hook to which a bag or carrier can be attached. The scale will read the weight of whatever the hook is holding. You can place your cat into a cat backpack or carrier‚ place it on the hook‚ and take down the measurement. You’ll need to repeat the step with the empty bag or carrier. Subtract the two measurements‚ and you’ll be left with your cat’s weight. Conclusion You may want to weigh your cat to keep an eye on their health or because you’re curious about what it is. Thankfully‚ weighing your cat can be done at home in a few simple steps. You can use a bathroom scale‚ a luggage scale‚ a baby scale‚ or a pet scale if you have one. Holding your cat on the scale is one of the best methods to use‚ but there are several others if it doesn’t work well for you or your cat. Sources https://www.animalfriends.co.uk/cat/cat-advice/cat-maintenance-and-safety/how-to-weigh-your-pet-at-home/   Featured Image Credit: Andriy Blokhin‚ Shutterstock The post How to Weigh Your Cat at Home: Step-by-Step Guide (Vet Approved) appeared first on Pet Keen.