Why does my dog need to take heartworm medicine all his life? The danger from heartworms spread by mosquitoes never goes away. The heartworm medicine blocks the development of the heartworm larvae, which would travel to the heart or lungs and grow up to a foot in length.
Cat lovers may not agree, but a report completed by researchers at the University of Oxford in England concludes dogs are smarter than cats. Dogs, as social animals, have had a greater need to develop their brains over time than solitary, aloof cats.
Major changes in behavior are a good reason to call the vet. If your pet stops eating, is pacing frequently or walking in circles, or has suddenly begun acting aggressively, get an appointment to check in on him or her.
If a skunk sprays your pet, try using tomato juice to remove the smell. Bathe your pet in tomato juice, and leave the juice on as long as possible for the best results. Use extra caution to make sure it stays out of your pet's eyes, though.
Heartworm, which is spread by mosquitoes, has been found in dogs and cats in every state in the country except Alaska, according to the American Heartworm Association. If you live along the East Coast or the Mississippi River Valley, those two large sections of the country pose the greatest risk for heartworm.
If you take your dog to a dog park for play days, regular inspection of its ears should be part of your routine. Ear mites are parasites that are common among dogs, and they spread by dog-to-dog contact. Look for inflamed ears, constant scratching, or earwax that looks dark brown and granular. Treatment is available to kill the mites and relieve discomfort.