Time to reconsider how you fight fleas?

Unfortunately, at one time or another as a dog owner you will face the challenge of having to fight off fleas. Whether you like it or not, combating fleas is almost part of your job description when it comes to raising a well rounded and healthy dog.

The frustrating part is there is almost nothing you can do about your dog getting fleas in the first place. Although some products claim to be flea preventatives, even when using these you may still find one day that these pesky intruders have somehow taken up home on your lovable pooch.

Scratching will probably be the first giveaway of a flea infestation. Out of nowhere your dog will likely start to scratch here there and everywhere just to rid themselves of the annoying pests that are jumping and leaping all over their coat. Where they come from may be an even bigger mystery. Your dog can contract fleas from other dogs they come in to contact with when out on walks or even from just playing on their own in your yard.

Even more surprisingly to some dog owners is that if your dog has previously had an outbreak of fleas which have now returned then it may be that they have returned simply from your dog spending time in doors. This is because it is not uncommon for fleas to live in your dog's bed or even your couch and then return to your pet at a later date.

That is why when treating your dog it is key to remember to treat their environment as well as their fur and coat.

One of the most effective way of treating your dog is through the use of a flea shampoo which will effectively rid your dog of any fleas on them at the time of the bath. However, although shampoo products are great at killing adult fleas they are not so effective at killing larvae or breaking the flea cycle which is so important if you want to completely rid your home of flea and ticks. This is especially important if your dog develops Flea Allergic Dermatitis (FAD).

The best way to get rid of fleas completely is by killing flea eggs as well as adult fleas by ensuring you thoroughly clean your home and any carpet, or furniture that your dog may have come into contact with during the infestation.

This is a step that many dog owners often overlook and is one of the best pieces of advice we offer to pet owners in order to get them to reconsider how they combat fleas.

Are you ready for a dog? Here are 4 things you need to consider

Canine companionship is a wonderful thing and, for many people, a dog is a member of the family. But raising a pet dog takes a huge amount of time, energy, money, and love. This means, while it can be great fun, not everyone is ready for the challenge. Given the responsibilities and level of commitment involved, it's clear that the decision to get a dog is one that no one should ever take lightly.

If you're thinking about getting a dog, you'll need to consider how you plan to care for, exercise, and pay for your new pet. To help you get started, we've compiled this guide to things you need to consider before committing to a canine companion. Just read on to learn whether you're ready to welcome a dog into your home.


1. Are you ready for a lifetime commitment?

The first thing you'll need to ask yourself is whether you're ready for a long-term commitment that will take up a great deal of your time. When you commit to a dog, you need to be certain that you can provide the care they'll need for the rest of their lives, and the average lifespan is usually 9-17 years, depending on the breed. So, you'll need to factor your potential pet into your long-term plans before making a decision. Bear in mind that, as your dog grows older, they may begin to experience health issues, so you need to be absolutely sure that you'll still be up to the challenge in ten or fifteen years' time.

2. Can you meet the needs of the breed you want?

If you've got a certain breed in mind, you'll need to do your research to help you find out whether you can cater to the individual needs of that kind of dog. It's not enough to simply pick the breed you find the cutest: you'll need to figure out whether you've got the time and the resources to take care of them properly. So, before you make a decision, do your homework and learn about the grooming, exercise, and diet requirements of your favourite breed, and whether you have the time (or the inclination) to carry these out.

For instance, some breeds - like border collies - will require at least a couple of hours of exercise a day to keep them healthy, happy, and stimulated, meaning this type of dog is only suitable for someone who wants to spend lots of time outdoors. Our breed library is a great place to learn more about the different temperaments of every breed, so you can make an accurate and informed decision about which dog is right for you.

3. Can you afford it?

The average cost of keeping a dog is around £25 a week, although this can vary drastically depending on the size and breed of dog (The Kennel Club). To ensure that you can afford to keep a dog, you'll need to research the requirements of your chosen breed, and work out how much money you're likely to need on a weekly basis. So, you'll have to factor in expenses such as food, insurance, vet's fees, and toys.

Bigger breeds will require more food, while long-haired breeds might require expensive professional grooming sessions. You'll also need to consider the initial price of your dog: pedigrees will be the most expensive, with breeders charging hundreds of pounds for sought-after breeds. Rescue dogs are much more affordable, although there is usually a rehoming fee to cover the medical expense of vaccinating and neutering the dog. If you're not sure where to start, H&T has a guide on how to create - and stick to - a budget, so you can be sure that you can cover the cost of your pet over their lifetime.

4. How compatible are your living arrangements and lifestyle?

Not every home is suitable for keeping a dog. If you have a small home, or live somewhere without a garden or outside area, you may struggle to give a larger or more energetic breed of dog the space they need. Some breeds may be less compatible with young children, while others may not socialise well with any current family pets, like cats or guinea pigs. So, you'll have to consider whether your home environment is a suitable place: PetMD has a handy guide to which breeds are best if you have children.

Dogs need companionship and supervision, so you should also think about how you plan to fit them into your day-to-day activities. For instance, is anyone in your household at home during the day? Or would you be able to hire a dog walker or house sitter to check in with your dog while you're at work? If you think a dog simply wouldn't be compatible with your current lifestyle, you might be better off getting a pet with less complex needs.

Getting a dog requires careful preparation and planning, so you'll have to be sure that you're up to the challenge. If you think you have the time, space, and money to take care of a dog, and you've taken these considerations into account, you're well on your way to welcoming a pet into your home.

DNA tests for dogs

Some time ago we filmed an article about DNA Breed Identification and found some interesting results about the breeds that made up office dog Sandy.

We have recently come across this web page with some information about the different dog DNA tests available, if you want your dog to be DNA tested, visit www.mypetneedsthat.com/best-dog-dna-tests to find out about 5 different Dog DNA tests.