Questions and Answers About the Seresto Collar for Dogs

Every dog in his house has worn a Seresto collar. They are an easy, and maintenance-free way to prevent fleas and ticks. Here are answers to some of the most common questions about Seresto collars for dogs.

• How tight should I fasten the Seresto collar around my dogs neck?

According to the product manual, the Seresto collar should be tightened firmly enough so that the loose end of the collar pulls through the clasp at the end, and you should be able to fit two fingers between the collar and neck.

• Can I bathe my dog while they are wearing a Seresto collar?

Yes. The Seresto collar is designed to be worn during bathing and still achieve 8 months of prevention. However, the efficacy of the collar will be reduced when dogs are shampoo-bathed or go swimming more than once a month.

• Are the chemicals in the Seresto collar safe to use around the house?

The pesticides used in the Seresto collar are safe to use in the household. Special precautions should be taken when the collar is used in the same household as children. Do not allow small children to play with the collar or reflectors. Avoid contact with eyes, skin, and clothing. Wash hands with soap and water after fitting the collar. The collar must not be used on animals other than dogs. Scratching or mild coat loss may occur after a new application of a collar.

• What pesticides are found in the Seresto collar?

The active ingredients in the Seresto collar are Flumthrin, and Imidacloprid. Read more at this blog post about these ingredients and those found in other flea and tick collars.

• Must I attach the reflectors to the Seresto collar?

No, it is not mandatory to attach the reflectors to the Seresto collar. Attaching them to the Seresto collar will help increase visibility at night if you dog goes outside. To ensure safety, they must be installed according to the package insert.

• Is the Seresto collar a choking hazard for my dog?

When fitted according to the instructions in the packaging insert, the Seresto collar is safe to leave on your dog. It features a ‘break away’ design that will loosen the collar if it becomes entangled.

• Are the active ingredients in the Seresto collar different from other brands?

Manufacturers of several brands of flea and tick collars use a combination of several pesticides. Find out which brands use a mix of which chemicals by reading this article.

• Where is the best place to buy a Seresto collar for my dog?

Seresto collars are available at most major pet stores and are often in a large display. Amazon keeps Seresto collars in-stock year round, and you can elect to add them to a subscription so new collars will automatically ship when it is time to replace it.

• What size Seresto collar should I buy for my dog?

Seresto collars are available in two sizes; for large and small dogs. Dogs under 18 pounds should wear the Small size, and dogs 18 pounds and over should wear the Large size Seresto collar.

• What company manufactures the Seresto collar?

BayerDVM is the veterinary-focus subsidiary of pharmaceutical manufacture Bayer Health that produces the Seresto collar.

Holiday Cards From Canine Companions

Today my order of holiday cards arrived from Canine Companions For Independence.

The packet of cards arrived just in time for mailing to friends and family.

From the CCI website:

Professional Canine Companions instructors teach the dogs to master over 40 commands in six to nine months. After training is successfully completed, the dogs can go through Team Training and be matched with adults, children or veterans with a disabilities, or professionals assisting clients with special needs. Team Training culminates in a joyful graduation ceremony for graduates beginning a new journey and for puppy raisers witnessing their puppies’ achievements.

Canine Companions is funded by private contributions from individuals; gifts from businesses, civic groups and service clubs; grants from corporations and foundations; and ongoing fundraising activities such as special events and mailings.

If you would like to make a donation to CCI, please use the link below.

Please visit our donate page for more ways to give.

Christmas Storytime With Monty And Friends

Recently I found this heart-warming children’s book by M.T. Saunders titled “Monty and Friends Save Christmas”.

The story is part of a series following the many adventures of Monty the dog and his friends. In this installment, Santa’s reindeer are scared and fly away on Christmas Eve! Thankfully Monty and is friends (and a few surprise pups) come to his rescue to ensure “hoomans” around the world have presents under their trees by Christmas morning.

The story is written in rhymes children will love, the words are easy so kids can read along, and the illustrations are engaging so there are lots to keep little readers engaged.

This book can easily become a seasonal favorite bright out each year to be a tradition every year.

Visit the authors page here and be sure to check out the latest price on Amazon.

Halloween Costume Party at Petco

Are you looking for something fun to do this weekend? Do you get into the Halloween spirit? Does your pup look cute in their costume this year? If you said yes to any of these, check out Petco’s Halloween Costume Party on October 14, 2018.

There are prizes for the winners and workshop, and experts available for everyone! Read the details below and find your nearest store!

Sunday | October 14 | 11am-1pm

11 am: Join us for our pet costume contest,
where your pet can compete to win a Petco gift card!

Noon: Trick for Treats Workshop
Who’s a good ghoul? Learn useful training tips from our experts.

12:30 pm: Pet and Parent Costume Contest
Be the best-dressed duo! Come coordinated with your pet for a chance to win a Petco gift card!

Find Your Nearest Store

Be Prepared For Emergency Situations Using These Tools

Ensuring you and your pet are ready for any emergency situation is essential. An emergency plan doesn’t have to be incredibly detailed but should include checklists and a small stock of supplies to last until a reliable source of food, water, and Shelley is available.

The Department of Homeland Security in conjunction with FEMA hear compiled this list to assist you. Check out their site www.ready.gov/pets

• Include your pets in your emergency plans

• Build a separate emergency kit for your pets

• Make sure and keep digital records and/or pictures to identify your pet after a disaster in case you become separated

• Create a list of places that accept pets if an emergency happens

Supplies for your emergency kit should include:

• Food. At least a three day supply in an airtight, waterproof container.
• Water. At least three days of water specifically for your pets.
• Medicines and medical records.
• Important documents. Registration information, adoption papers and vaccination documents. Talk to your veterinarian about microchipping and enrolling your pet in a recovery database.
• First aid kit. Cotton bandage rolls, bandage tape and scissors; antibiotic ointment; flea and tick prevention; latex gloves, isopropyl alcohol and saline solution. Including a pet first aid reference book is a good idea too.
• Collar or harness with ID tag, rabies tag and a leash.
• Crate or pet carrier. Have a sturdy, safe crate or carrier in case you need to evacuate. The carrier should be large enough for your pet to stand, turn around and lie down.
• Sanitation. Pet litter and litter box if appropriate, newspapers, paper towels, plastic trash bags and household chlorine bleach.
• A picture of you and your pet together. If you become separated, a picture of you and your pet together will help you document ownership and allow others to assist you. Add species, breed, age, sex, color and distinguishing characteristics.
• Familiar items. Familiar items, such as treats, toys and bedding can help reduce stress for your pet.

Follow FEMA at http://www.twitter.com/readygov for the latest updates and preparation tips.

Planet Dog Releases Made in USA Plush Dog Toy Line

Planet Dog, one of the pet industry’s leading durable and socially responsible toy company, has launched their Made in USA plush toy collection.

The new collection includes three original shapes and with unique designs, including the Plush Squeaky Tree, Plush Squeaky Bone, and Squeaky Buddy. Each Planet Dog Plush toy is made of 100% made in the USA fabric and are each individually sewn in New Hampshire.

To maintain the high-quality and durable performance of all Planet Dog products, Planet Dog has partnered with a high-end USA upholstery designer to provide pet parents a variety of patterns to choose from, on ultra-durable fabrics that are also stain and soil resistant, and machine washable for endless hours of play.

Each toy in the collection includes an internal squeaker to add extra excitement to every second of playtime! The Plush Squeaky Bones are available in two sizes, small and large, to accommodate dogs of any size or age.

Top 10 Gifts For Pug Lovers

Dog lovers have a special place in their heart for their beloved pet; they are extensions of our families. Of all breeds, Pugs especially are endearing to us all. Their distinctive features make us fall in love with them. You will find reminders of these features in the products listed below. Everything you see in the gift list below is sure to be loved by any pug lover, pug owner, or even the guardian of any dog! 

This gift guide features the “Top 10 gifts for any pug lover”. These products are affordable, make a great addition to any style of home, and will remind you, or the recipient, of the love we hold for our pet.

These fanciful items can be displayed in any home, and are some of the best every-day necessities for a home full of love. Proudly display your “pug love”.

Click on the item name to see the current price on Amazon.

• 

  Pug Salt & Pepper Shaker

• 

  Pug & Heart Print Throw

• 

  Wine Stopper

• 

  Pug Life Backpack

• 

  Women’s Pajama Pants

• 

  Ceramic Pug Mug

• 

  Comfy Pug Socks

• 

  Cute Throw Pillow

• 

  Whimsical Wall Hanging

• 

  Pug-Opoly

CycleDog Plush Toys And Other Dog Essentials Made In America

Cycle Dog got their start in Portland making rubber-lined dog collars. Both eco-friendly and practical, they became popular quickly. The company has expanded to include manufacturing a variety of plush toys too. They haven’t lost their focus on the environment as the inside of their Duraplush SpringyBot plush toys have a filling made from recycled plastic bottles. Other products include their Eco Last post-consumer recycled rubber toys that are balls, treat dispensers, and fun critter shapes.

 

 

2 Hounds Design began as a one-woman business and has since expanded to help revitalize a lost textile industry, but also help improve the life of animals.

They continually add new designs to their lineup, and the most recent addition is the Paradise Cream which has soft a blue and green peacock pattern. Some of their collars and leashes come in matching designs so you can keep your pets ensemble coordinated!

 

Dogs Love Hummus Chews, from Dogs Love Kale, are dog treats primarily made of chickpeas, which are highly palatable and rich in protein. There are no animal-based protein sources in the chews, making them suitable for dogs with common food intolerances.

This chews have ingredients like turmeric and peppermint oil, to make a healthy, limited-ingredient chew that’s safe for dogs with allergies. Turmeric is an antiinflammatory herb.

Dogs Love Hummus Chews are fully digestible, are not hard enough to break teeth and emit unpleasant odors. The chewing action can help fight tartar buildup and added peppermint oil relieves bad breath.

They make a wide variety of products including these soft treats with turmeric Beef and Apple flavor.

 

 

Started in 1984, Up Country Inc started making upscale dog collars. Since then they have continued to add stylish designs and products which are made in their Rhode Island factory.

Their innovative Doggie Doorbells are a simple and stylish way to let your dog inform you of their need to go outside. Their door bells come in 11 colors and can be customized to match your house or your dog! Keep checking their store for the holiday version that will be coming out soon!

 

 

Something new that I hadn’t seen before are clam dog treats. It is an interesting twist with an even funnier name – Clam Chowda. Made from slowly dehydrated clam protein in Boston, MA. They make lots of unique dog treat flavors including chicken jerky, and cod and haddock skin treats,

 Polkadog is obsessed with quality and sustainability. They are always looking for innovative ways to create new treats that are good for your pet and good for the planet. That means sourcing raw materials conscientiously from good people doing good work in our own backyard. Clams are one of the most sustainable protein sources in the ocean. They’re high in Omega fatty acids, low in calories, and filter the water they live in to feed. Low impact and delicious.

 

As you know, buying locally and domestically is a great way to help build and sustain our economy. It also draws on the innovative nature of our fellow countrymen. So many of these products were created out of a sense of entrepreneurship and innovation. Owners have asked themselves, how do I take what I have and turn it into a business. They ask, how do they take their skills and apply it to something they love.

All of these companies, Cycle Dog, 2 Hound Design, Dogs Love Kale, and Polkadog Bakery were all built buy people looking to do what they love.

Start A Walking Routine With Your Dog For Better Health, And A Free Magnet

The American Kennel Club (AKC), the world’s largest purebred dog registry and leading advocate for dogs, is proud to announce the AKC FIT DOG program.

AKC FIT DOG is an introductory level incentive program that will offer dog owners who reach a specified fitness goal a free car magnet featuring the AKC FIT DOG logo. Participation in AKC FIT DOG will bring health benefits to both dogs and their owners.

“There are many reasons to walk for exercise,” says Ann Green in this NBC interview, M.S., past heptathlon world athlete, yoga teacher and fitness studio owner. “Walking improves fitness, cardiac health, alleviates depression and fatigue, improves mood, creates less stress on joints and reduces pain, can prevent weight gain, reduce risk for cancer and chronic disease, improve endurance, circulation, and posture, and the list goes on…”

“The most commonly recommended exercise to improve fitness by both physicians and veterinarians is walking,” said Mary Burch, Director of the AKC Family Dog program. “AKC FIT DOG has adopted the American Heart Association’s recommendation of 30 to 40 minutes of walking for a total of 150 minutes per week. If we can get people walking with their dogs, we can contribute to the overall health, fitness and well-being of dogs and their owners.”

To participate in AKC FIT DOG and earn your free car magnet while supplies last, please go to: https://www.akc.org/sports/akc-family-dog-program/akc-fit-dog/

DogDiscuit Is A Flying Rainbow Of Fun

With the sun setting earlier each day here in the Northeast, the amount of time that we can play outside is getting equally short. One of the favorite things we do each evening is play fetch with a flying disc. The Australian Shepherd is a natural at it and loves the challenge of catching it mid-flight and bringing it back. Apparently he needs a “job” to do as working breed, and returning flying discs to me satisfies that need.

I had been on the lookout for something to supplement his bright orange disc that we usually play with.

What I like about the orange disc:

1. Inexpensive – cost under $5
2. Lightweight – flies very far and has lots of “hang time” so its fairly easy to catch
3. Bright, Solid Color – Easy to see against a backdrop of sky and grass

Sadly, when it gets dark, he can’t see it, so in order to extend playtime, I looked to Amazon for a solution.

Enter the DogDiscuit by Nite Ize Innovation. This disc has a large diameter, is made of flexible plastic, and as LED lighting built in.

DogDiscuit flying LED dog disc by Nite Ize

It is made of translucent durable, flexible plastic, so it is easy on your dogs mouth, and cushions the impact if they miss catching it. The lights cycle through several colors when they are turned on and are highly visible as the disc is flying. Because of the materials it is made from, the light radiates out to the edges so the entire disc changes color as the lights cycle.

The DogDiscuit is much heavier at 4.6oz than my previous orange disc which weighs 2.7oz. The DogDiscuit flies much faster and has less “hang time” so it requires the dog to be on full alert to follow it.

Also, because the disc is translucent, it is harder for them to see as it is flying.

Another phenomenon I was thinking about is regarding the LED themselves. When people have lights on their house around Christmas, for me it is hard to gauge the distance of how far away they are. There is something about LED lights for me that throws off my vision. I’m not sure if this is the same for dogs.

The “success” rate in times he has been able to catch the disc in flight is much lower with the DogDiscuit than with the orange disc.

The batteries are very easy to replace. Simply remove the domed cover, pull the electronic unit out, slide the two- CR2016 batteries out of the sheath, slide new ones in, replace the electronics, press the dome back into place, and you are ready for hours of fun.

Overall, buying this was a great decision. It allows us to extend playtime and the quality of this product is high. It has a durable feel but soft enough it is easy on his teeth and gums.

DogDiscuit LED Flying Disc
Pros	Cons
Durable Material	Flies Fast
Bright LED With Fun Colors	Weighs More Than Alternative Discs
Soft Plastic Easy On Dogs Mouth	More Expensive

Dogs of many breeds like the challenge and mental reward of catching and returning a Frisbee (flying disc). Breeds which will enjoy this kind of toy are:

• English Whippet (Snap Dog)
• Border Collie
• Labrador Retriever
• Belgian Malinois
• Goldn Retriever
• Australian Cattle Dog
• Australian Shepherd
• German Shorthaired Pointer
• Weimaraner
• American Pit Bull Terrier

The common traits that these dogs have are hunting, retrieving, and herding dogs. Their internal motivation to keep ‘things’ together, and their high energy are the perfect attributes for type of play that flying discs provide.