Pet Care Tips and Articles

The Santee Cooper region, famous for its tranquil lakes and prosperous fishing culture, provides an array of fishing cabins. Santee Cooper fishing cabins are not just a place to stay; it’s about being an angler. Perfectly situated on the lakeside, they give fishermen fast access to some of the best fishing spots in South Carolina.

Why Do People Gravitate Towards Santee Cooper Fishing Cabins?

It’s in their diversity that the true charm of these cabins lies. From rustic and cozy to modern and luxurious, all tastes and budgets are catered to. Close your eyes and the gentle lapping of lake waters will soon wake you up. Standing on a cabin porch comes with coffee, as the sun rises over the horizon. Cabins are usually equipped with amenities such as full kitchens, comfortable bedding, and sometimes even a private dock for fishing experiences beyond the public.

In addition, local people who manage these cabins are often well-informed about fishing. They can give you pointers on the best fishing spots, and the best times to take your line out. Especially for one getting to know this place or getting started in fishing, this inside information is even more valuable.

A good choice of cabin can make or break the perfect fishing trip. Whether to fish closer to the cabin or what amenities will be available is part of the consideration. Also, you should consider how much money will it take for each trip to happen. While some cabins provide private docks and guided fishing tours, others are home only to the most basic amenities and the joys of nature are all around you.

Fishing Holes and Techniques

Any fish camp near me in Santee Cooper Lakes is a paradise for anglers. The area is swarming with a variety of fish such as bass, catfish, crappie, and striped bass. Each fish requires different fishing techniques and baits. For bass, effective choices include spinnerbaits or plastic worms. It’s especially smelly, rubbery things in the swampy lower reaches of the big lake. It’s especially wise to use topwater lures, especially early or late in the day.

Catfish, a traditional species in Santee Cooper waters, can be brought up with live bait such as bream or cut bait. Out in deeper water, esp. in an area like the Division Canal, let the hook sink–to catch fish. For crappie, anglers should go near brush piles or submerged timber and use minnows or small jigs.

The lakes are also known as good locations for catching stripers, with specific fishing areas and periods placing a greater probability of a good catch. Careful observation of the surface water’s commotion where the stripers are feeding can be a good signal. Key spots are the humps in Lake Moultrie and the forests of standing timber beneath Lake Marion’s surface. The diversion canal that connects the two lakes is especially hot in the transition from late winter to early spring, but all those conditions favor striper fishing at the lower end of Lake Marion.

Year-Round Catfish Adventures

Catfishing in the Santee Cooper lakes is an all-year job. Each season has its unique situation. But summer in particular is the high-tide season. All through both lakes, catfish actively try to gain weight. Shad are schools of catfish that can be located with electronics. The lower ends of the lakes, particularly Lake Moultrie, are the areas to fish during this period.

Winter allows you to catch big catfish. The numbers might be lower but the size is very impressive. Key locations at this time are the deeper waters near the dams and deep creek mouths of the lakes, such as Lake Marion’s Wyboo Creek.

Fishing techniques also vary with the seasons. Drift fishing live bait during the evening is effective in the summer, but switching to anchoring and covering a specific area at night yields results too. In winter, deeper water tactical techniques are called for, including drifting and vertically fishing live bait for best results.

Partake and Enjoy Local Culture

The Santee Cooper region is steeped in history and culture, adding depth to the fishing experience. Black’s “Ferguson,” which was drowned by the lakes, is a grim reminder of what used to be. Now it is the intermingling of beautiful scenery and interesting history. Local establishments like The Lake House offer a glimpse of the region’s culinary delights and community spirit. Here, visitors can take in a variety of seafood and Southern favorites and find the warmth and hospitality for which the area is famous. Local characters like Barbara Witherell, also known as “Mouse” the region’s only female fishing guide, add a unique flavor to the fishing culture. Her knowledge and stories about the sport all add to the fishing experience and make it more than just a catching of the prey.

Santee Cooper Fishing Cabins to Consider

Carolina King Retreat & Marina

A blend of fully furnished cabins and boat rentals gives the retreat a unique appeal. The amenities include a marina and a launching ramp. Anglers can enjoy the comfort of seven fishing piers, a fish cleaning facility, and more. This North Shore establishment has access to some of South Carolina’s best fishing, and it’s great for families, and groups too.

Canal Lakes Fish Camp Near Me

Offering easy access to prime fishing zones and comfortable lodging, this camp is located along the Diversion Canal. Newly upgraded and remodeled accommodations are available.

Waterfront Fishing Cabin – Lake Marion

Located near Eutawville, a town of great charm, this cabin offers a peaceful waterfront experience. It’s got a beautiful Dolomite wall and is next to Lake Marion, just a few steps away. For those who like being near water and are attracted by the natural beauty of this area, it’s ideal for their tastes.

Summing-Up of the Opinions

Santee Cooper Fishing cabins provide an angling experience. However, they are a window into a realm where nature, history, and culture are so related in ways that they encompass a whole life world, making you feel more alive. No matter how crazy you are about fish or traveling with your children on vacation, climbing those hills isn’t just for catching fish but for leaving the kind of adventure behind that will haunt you long into old age after the return journey.

Horse rugs are quite expensive and so it’s a good idea to take care of them, washing them regularly, it will significantly extend their useful life as well as help to provide the best possible protection for your horse. Although it takes a bit of effort and your horse rug legstraps usually need to be removed, doing so will save you the expense of having to replace them more often than if you don’t look after them adequately.

Professional help

In most areas you will be able to have your horse rugs cleaned which can be a good idea for the larger, heavier type of horse rug that cannot fit into your washing machine. The advantage of this service is they do a very good job and can repair any repairs that may be required. Unfortunately, this can become quite expensive so many horse owners elect to do this job themselves. The advantages are you save money and it gives you a good physical workout.

Using a washing machine

If you have small light weight horse rugs that fit in your washing machine you’re fortunate, but larger rugs just won’t fit in a standard washing machine so need to be cleaned by hand. The types of rugs that are machine washable, come with specific washing instructions that if followed will ensure your rugs remain in good condition

Hand cleaning your horse rugs

Before you start you will have to remove all the horse rug legstraps and other hardware that may be attached to the rug. These can be soaked and then washed in your washing machine for the best results.

Begin by placing the rug over a fence or a form to give you easy access to it and scrubbing it with a hard bristled scrubbing brush. This will remove any dirt or debris from the outside. Then turn it over and scrub the inside to remove any hair or sweat residue.

Place some non-bio soap or horse rug shampoo into a large container filled with hot water and stir to combine well then add your horse rug. Use a strong stick or broom handle to agitate the rug a bit and then leave it to soak for a while to loosen any deposits or stains.

Remove the rug and lay in on a clear floor and start to scrub it with your hard scrubbing brush or a stiff broom. This is reasonably hard work, but will save the need for gym fees.

Once you have scrubbed both sides, rinse the rug with clean water and then hang it to dry on a frame or fence to dry.

Once your horse rug is dry, replace the legstraps and other hardware, but be sure you allow your horse rug to dry completely so it does not become musty or mouldy before using or storing.

There are a variety of products available to use on your horse rug, including waterproofing agents and conditioners that will help to provide for the comfort and well being of your horse, but it is important that you maintain the horse rugs in a clean condition by regularly washing them to prolong their life and appearance.

The world of equestrian sports can be compared to the world of motor racing. Each type of competition requires its own car: for Formula 1 races – a light and fast car, for rallies – passable and hardy off-road vehicles.

The same goes for equestrian sports – a whole bunch of horse breeds with specific characteristics has formed over the years. For example, the English Thoroughbred is indispensable for horse racing, the Hanoverian Horse – for show jumping, and the Holsteiner – for dressage.

A wide range of horse breeds is available nowadays. Depending on the style of equestrian activity you want to take part in, you should consider various equines. Here, we’d like to mention top-notch horse breeds that are quite versatile and can be used in an array of horse shows.

The Oldenburg Horse

Conformation

While observing these stately creatures, you may notice the heritage of the Friesian ancestors – the powerful and muscular conformation, the long body, strong legs with large hooves. The Oldenburgs inherited a hump-nosed profile from the Hanoverians.

The most striking features of the breed are the graceful set of the neck, the convex back, smoothly going into a wide muscular croup, strong forearms, short wide pasterns, powerful hocks, and a high base of the tail. As for the coat colors, the most common are dark shades including black, dark bay, and brown.

Use

Modern Oldenburgs are used as companions for equestrian sports but they can be confidently called universal horses. They have an innate predisposition for show harness as well as a lot of strength to become a good assistant at the farm. Thus, the breed is perfect as a draft horse vs riding horse for sure.

The Holsteiner Horse

Conformation

The Holsteiner horses are strong and tall, the average height at the withers is about 16-17 hands. Describing the exterior of the equine, experts note the following striking features:

• an elongated noble head with expressive eyes;
• straight or slightly round profile;
• the neck is long, high, but wide at the base;
• the back is sloping, muscular, going down to the wide strong croup;
• the limbs are high, muscular with strong joints;
• the most common coat colors are bay, black, less often gray, and red.

Use

The championship of the Holsteiner horses in equestrian sport is undeniable. They are among the five best horses for show jumping and dressage. The breed always grabs the top lines on the tournament lists.

The Dutch Warmblood

Conformation

The modern Dutch horse has a beautiful built and significant height – up to 17 hands at the withers. The general exterior has the following characteristic features:

• the noble head with attentive expression;
• the slanting shoulders and well-marked withers;
• the chest is deep and wide;
• the strong back and muscular croup;
• the high legs with broad bones and short pasterns;
• the coat is mainly brown and bay.

If you visit almost any online pet shop, you will find that there are a lot of different bird toys for sale. But if you are like most new pet owners, then you may not yet understand how important parrot toys are for your pet. At the first sight, they may seem like a luxury and not as essential tools that you will need to take care of your pet. But that’s exactly what they are. The toys are actually essential tools for your parrot’s wellbeing.

In this article, you will find the top 3 reasons for which your parrot needs bird toys. And it is your duty as its owner to provide it with all the supplies that it needs, including the toys. There is enough information in this article to make you understand why are these tools so important and make you get them as fast as possible. Keep in mind that if you raise your pet properly, then you will also benefit a lot. It can be a wonderful experience to take care of a parrot.

• Toys will benefit the mental health of your pet.
• The body health of your pet will also be maintained.
• You can enjoy time playing together with your pet.

Parrot Toys Will Keep Your Pet Happy and Less Stressed

As you may know, parrots are very intelligent animals. Although this may be a good thing, it also has some disadvantages. A parrot is a lot more perceptive about the environment it leaves in. And that means that it will be affected by the fact this it is kept captive a lot more than other animals. The mental stress and suffering that it can feel because of this are enormous without using parrot toys or other tools. Some parrots can even start harming themselves from these causes.

It is mandatory for you, as the owner of a parrot, to make sure that it is not stressed, nor it suffers from the fact that it is kept as a pet. And one of the best solutions for that is to use bird toys. They will not only help your pet relieve any stress that it may have, but they will also keep it happy for long periods.

But to accomplish this task, you need to make sure that the toys you get are the right ones. Eep in mind that most toys are created with a specific purpose in mind. And you will need to do some research and find the right toys that your pet could use for this purpose. Only then you can make sure that the mental health of your pet is not negatively affected by its captivity.

You Can Use Parrot Toys to Keep Your Pet’s Body Healthy and in Shape

But the mental health is not the only one that can be protected by parrot toys . The body health of your will also be improved with the help of toys. How so? Well, you need to understand some things about parrots beforehand. Like most other birds, parrots have bodies that adapted to many hours of physical effort. In nature, the parrots must look for their food themselves. They are also free to fly as much as they want or need to.

All the exercise that parrots do in nature is essential for keeping their body healthy. On the other hand, your pet is not able to do the same. It does need to fly around and look for food nor it has the space to fly around as much as it wants. And these factors will lead to sedentarism, which will negatively affect the health of your pet.

The best solution that you can find on the market to prevent this situation from arising is the bird toys. There are many toys that a parrot enjoys, and that requires them to spend a lot of energy and exercise their bodies a lot. And through the use of these tools, you can ensure that your parrot does all the exercise that its body needs to remain in shape and healthy.

There Are Interactive Bird Toys You Can Use to Play with Your Pet

The last use of bird toys is for you. With some research, you will also be able to find interactive toys that are meant to help you enjoy your time playing with your pet. These toys will increase the variety of games that you can play and increase the period that you can enjoy with your pet. Keep in mind that raising a pet is not only a responsibility but is also a method that you can use to improve the quality of your life.

If you can properly take care of your pet and you make sure that it will always be healthy and happy, then you can be sure that your own life’s quality will increase. A pet has the power to influence the emotional state of its owners. So, if a pet is happy, it will also make you happier. On the other hand, if a pet does not feel good, then your state will also be influenced in a negative direction.

If you want to maximize the positive influence of your pet and eliminate the negative one, then you will need to use all the supplies, such as the parrot toys that will ensure that the general health of your pet is perfect and its happiness levels are maxed. But to be able to do all that, you will need to find a reliable pet shop that provides all the supplies you need.

The best method that you can use is to use the internet to find the best online shop that can make deliveries to your house. So, you can use Google or a similar search engine to find all the available options. Next, you must spend some time researching the options until you find the right supplies for your pet as well as the best shop. And lastly, you need to buy all the supplies that will improve the quality of your pet’s life.

Rabbits are friendly pets that need proper nutrition to stay healthy. These pets thrive on a plant-based diet, one that is rich in fiber. Rabbit food should be adapted to the age of the rabbits to maintain their GI motility. For them, grass hay is an essential source of fiber and this means that it should be included in their daily diet. Birds also have special dietary requirements. Bird food should be diversified and healthy.

What Should Healthy Rabbit Food Include?

Unsuitable diets for rabbits can cause gastrointestinal issues, microbial overgrowth, dental disease and other problems that affect the health of these pets. The nutrition of the rabbits should contain all the nutrients they need to stay healthy. Rabbits should have at their disposal hay and fresh water all the time; all the changes you make to their diet should be done gradually; for example, if you want to introduce new food you should offer a new type of food each week. Rabbit food is a challenge for first-time owners because they do not know how sensitive these pets are.

Rabbit food should include:

• Hay- make sure your rabbits eat hay every day; the best choices are timothy, orchard grass and oat hay.
• Greens are important for they offer rabbits the nutrients they need to stay healthy; the most suitable choices are spring mix greens, carrots, carrot tops, collard greens, dandelion greens, peppers, kale, mustard greens, radish tops and spinach.
• Fresh fruit and vegetables- a small amount is recommended daily and you can feed them kiwi, blueberries, raspberries, pears, peaches, papayas, melons, etc.
• Pellets- if you decide to feed your rabbits pellets, you should make sure they have a low content of protein and calories.

A proper diet for rabbits should be established according to their stage of development. Another important aspect is to make sure your pets exercise daily for they need physical activity to stay healthy and to keep them from getting bored and developing destructive behavior. If you are new to caring for rabbits, you should educate yourselves on this matter prior to bringing one home. You have to start with the right diet from the beginning to avoid health issues. By taking the time to read the information available you will know what works and what doesn’t when it comes to feeding rabbits.

How Do You Choose Bird Food?

Most people assume that caring for a bird is not much of a hassle. What they do not know is that they need a diversified, balanced diet to stay healthy. Bird food should not be limited to seeds or pellets. The right diet supports the immune system of the bird, preventing it from getting ill. The daily diet of a bird should include healthy food; you can choose a reliable brand that provides food that contains the right amount of nutrients. There are premium products for birds from reliable brands that make it easier for you to keep your bird in optimum health.

Apart from base food, you should also feed them seeds and pellets. There are different suppliers on the market that offer such products which are high in nutrients and contain vitamins, minerals and fatty acids. As a bird owner, you have numerous choices when shopping for suitable food. All you have to do is educate yourself on this matter and shop from a reliable brand that puts at your disposal only high-quality products. Bird food should be of premium quality to ensure your bird gets essential nutrients and stays healthy. Fruits and vegetables are also nutritious and they can be fed to birds in numerous ways; you can chop them, mash them, grate them or mix them with other types of food.

The most common fruits used to feed birds are apples, bananas, berries, melons, oranges and pineapple. As far as vegetables are concerned, we should mention asparagus, broccoli, carrots, cauliflower, leafy greens, sprouts, yams and squash. Your bird might not like what you feed it, but it will get used to its diet in time. Keep in mind that you are responsible for its health and you have to be consistent and find creative ways to mix food so that your bird enjoys eating it.

Why Should Rabbit Food Be Selected According to Growth Stages?

The most common health problems in rabbits are related to their digestion, weight and teeth. Sudden changes in the diet of these pets are not recommended for they can upset their digestive system. Rabbit food should be chosen according to the stage of development of the rabbit:

• Bunnies- they drink only milk from their mother in the first three weeks and this is important to prevent diseases; afterwards, they can eat alfalfa hay and pellets.
• Juvenile rabbits- between 3 to 7 months- you can introduce vegetables in small quantities, one at a time.
• Young adults- these are from 7 month to 1 year and they can be fed timothy hay, grass hay or oat hay. Also, the number of pellets you offer them should be limited and you can replace it with vegetables.
• Mature rabbits- they can be fed hay without any restrictions; the number of pellets they eat should be reduced and replaces with leafy greens and fruits.
• Senior rabbits- their diet should be established according to their weight.

Birds do not know what is best for them but you do. Bird food should be varied, healthy and fresh. The good news is that there are various brands on the market that put at your disposal an impressive selection of products for birds. Premium food is a great choice for it helps you keep your bird healthy and active. You can shop online for bird food to see what options you have; the Internet gives you the possibility to do some research and see which brands have favorable reviews and are recommended by other pet owners.

Pets Are Constant Companion

Your child is bound to get bored and lonely. This happens most when you are raising a single child. However, having a pet around helps your child to have a constant companion in the house.

Pets also can match the energy and excitement level of a child. A human adult can never match the energy and enthusiasm a pet, in the form of a dog, has. The pet can keep your child busy and engaged. It can be your child’s constant playmate without getting bored.

Increase Your Child’s Activity Level

In the era of smart-phones and tabloids there are chances that your child might become less active. However, a recent study has shown that the kids, who own a dog, exercise eleven minutes more on average, than non-dog owning kids.

Eleven minutes might sound quite less but also when you add up the figure in terms of weeks and month you realize the benefits. A pet in the form of a dog really helps your child to walk the extra mile and keep him/her active.

Grows Responsibility

Children with pets become more responsible than the others. It keeps them alert whether the dog or the cat got their share of food or water. They also tend to share more than the other kids.

The kids learn to be accountable of someone else. In that way they grow up to be more responsible adults. They learn fast that how the pets are dependent on the human beings and from that understanding, the attachment develops.

Makes them Empathetic

Pets also teach your children to become empathetic and kind towards others. Kids without any kind of pets tend to become cruel or repulsive towards other animals. However, kids having pets like dogs or cats tend to care more for others.

The responsibilities of owning a pet makes them accountable and their self-esteem also increases. They grow-up to be dependable adults than kids who don’t own a pet. By keeping in mind their pet’s feeding and grooming routines, they also learn to keep track of their own routines.

Makes them Healthier

Studies have shown that there are also certain health benefits of having pets. Babies who are being raised near pets tend to fall less sick than the babies who are not. Pets, especially dogs, carry certain microbes from outside into your home. These microbes tend to help your baby by improving their immunity.

You have just gotten your pet rabbit-congratulations!-and have already taken it home to show it off to your family and friends. After setting up the cage and offering it some food and water, the next step is litter training. This is one of the most important and often challenging parts of raising a pet, but once it’s mastered, the experience is all the more rewarding. Here, we provide you a step-by-step manual on how to litter train your rabbit; pretty soon, you’ll be on your way to becoming the ultimate pet owner.

Before you start…

1. Spay/neuter your rabbit. This is especially important if you own a baby rabbit; after four to six months, your pet’s hormones will kick in and soon enough it will begin to mark its territory. To lessen the likelihood of doing so, spaying or neutering your rabbit will help make it easier to be litter-trained.

2. Choose the right type of litter. While there are many types of litter that are marketed out there, many owners tend to make their own for the litter box, which is not only inexpensive, but also safer for their bunnies. Using litter designed for cats or wood shavings can be hazardous to health, as they might cause digestion or respiratory problems. An ideal type of litter is recycled paper products (e.g. newspapers), since they are harmless to the rabbits if ingested. Certain litter brands like Care-fresh or Cellu-Dri arm considered safe for them, too.

3. Clean and dispose frequently. Changing the litter box often will not only keep the cage from smelling, but also encourage your rabbit to use them more. Vinegar is a cheap and convenient tool to use to get rid of odors when cleaning the box and other stains inside the cage.

How to Litter-Train your Pet…

1. Make it comfortable. You want your rabbit to be at ease when being litter-trained while also making sure that it knows that the cage’s litter box is where it needs to go to for doing the deed. By making its cage a calm and safe environment, it will help motivate your pet to go there more often.

2. Give enough space for roaming. If you would like your pet bunny to run around the house (with supervision, of course!), then it is essential to begin litter training right away. Start small by restricting your bunny’s roaming space to a small part of the room, before increasing it to the rest of it. Make sure to always have multiple litter boxes all over the room, just in case your rabbit decides to litter somewhere other than in the cage.

3. Discipline firmly. Rabbits are naturally habitual animals, and so if you are not firm in disciplining when it marks its territory, then it will be very difficult to break the cycle for future littering sessions. Give a gentle, but stern “no” every time it starts to litter in a place other than where its designated to, and move it quickly to a nearby litter box (whether in the cage or the room) to reinforce where it should do its business.

4. Reward your pet. Positive reinforcement is just as important to litter training your rabbit as reprimanding it when it goes wrong. Treat your pet with something small, like a piece of fruit or its favorite play-thing when it correctly disposes in the litter box. Of course, you don’t have to do this every time that it works, especially after more than several times, but during its initial stages it is highly suggested.

5. Be patient. Like with babies and other pets, rabbits take time to be properly litter trained. Slip-ups will happen, and it is a matter of being calm and correcting your pet’s behavior as soon as they occur that will help the process go more smoothly. Having patience is key to being a good pet owner, and it will no doubt build a solid and trusting relationship with your rabbit.

Every pet owner wants to get the best things for his furry pal. But are there any best hacks that can take your pet ownership skills to the next level? With a wide array of pet products available in the market from apparels to grooming supplies, sanitation, feeding supplies, cleaning, pet techs and gadgets it sometimes becomes a difficult ask to select the best ones for your furry pal. With the advancement of technology, it has now become possible to make pet ownership easy.

Let us look at some of the products that will assist you in achieving this feat:

Automatic Feeders & Waterers

This product has been developed for the convenience of pet owners. Now you do not have to worry about feeding or watering your pet until and unless the stock is over in the storage area. There are a variety of DIY automatic feeders and waterers available in the market that can make your life easier. Normal bowls are now a thing of the past. Pet feeders and waterers that need you to only fill up the storage is a total fad. Now you do not have to put any reminders to feed your furry companion or water them. This will now be done by an automatic feeder. But to be safe, always keep a watch on the automatic waterers and feeders just in case a sneaky pal who might break into the storage bin. The automatic feeder aids your pet to eat at scheduled timings and prevent overeating. You can set the timer on a program timer present in the feeder or waterer. There are certain feeders that work by gravity.

Pet Monitor

Pet monitors are similar to baby monitors. With the aid of this instrument, it is possible to speak, interact, view and listen to the pets from anywhere. The monitor contains inbuilt speakers and microphones that aids in communication from both sides. This can all be controlled through a smart-phone. It can rotate 340 degrees with up and down video motions. This feature makes it easier for you to place it at heights as well. It is also possible for you to capture pictures and videos from the mobile device paired with the monitor. The great thing about this device is that it is now possible for multiple users to connect to the pet monitor. They come in different colours too.

Pet Flap Doors

Tired of opening the door repeatedly for your pooch? If yes; there is a solution for it. Thanks to pet flap doors it is now possible to stop moving even an itch. The great thing about these doors is that they can be installed to the existing doors. These doors are available in plastic, wood or any other material as preferred to you. They are generally made up of vinyl and certain flaps consist of a magnetic bar at the end that aids in secure closing of the pet door. These doors come in different sizes depending on how big is your pet. These doors make it easier for your pet to go to the balcony or garden area to conduct their business. The other great thing about this door is that you do not need to get back to the pet during your work timings to open the door for your pal.

Do you really think that only the dogs that spend their time in the woods get ticks? Or do you believe that ticks are not a big problem for cats since she gets rid of them when she grooms herself? All these things are incorrect. Let us now put the facts right. Some of these facts might even surprise you:

Ticks do not only affect pets that spend their time in the woods

Ticks tend to live where the animals they feed on live. It is not contingent on the area. It can be an urban, suburban or rural locale. These ticks are generally found in areas of tall grass, brush and other plant material. Ticks never fall from trees. But they can climb it. In fact, adult black-legged ticks can be found up to 3 feet off the ground to wait for the host. Adult ticks crawl up grass blades, bushes or tall weeds while waiting for an animal or a person to walk by.

When you or a pet brushes against them or the plants they are resting they climb aboard, attach to the skin and feed on the blood for hours or even several days. Once the feeding is complete, they drop from the host’s body. Immature ticks can be seen on leaf litter or in the layers of decomposing leaves under trees. They may then crawl onto the host when the debris is disturbed.

Ticks do not die in cold winter weather

It is falsely acclaimed that ticks cannot survive in cold weather. But the truth is there are certain ticks that become dormant while others hide in the leaf litter of wooded and bushy areas or remain indoors. It has been found that adult black-legged ticks, the tick species that are renowned to transmit Lyme disease start feeding during the time of first frost. Those adult ticks that do not find hosts during colder temperature remain covered under leaf litter or other plant material.

Cats can suffer from ticks even though they remove ticks when they groom

Cats can and do pick up ticks while grooming. This is especially true for outdoor cats that spend most of their time in grassy areas and rest under shrubs. But due to the fact that cats have rough tongue, it is not possible for them to remove all the ticks while grooming. There are several ticks that produce glue like substance that aids them to stay attached to the host’s body. The ticks can even attach themselves to areas where the cat cannot groom. This includes the cat’s face or ears. Even if the cat is successful in getting rid of ticks during grooming, she can become infected with a tick-transmitted disease known as cytauxzoonosis which can be very lethal for her health and in certain extreme cases even death.

Ticks do not transmit disease as soon as they bite the host

Ticks can carry a wide array of disease-causing organisms like viruses, parasites, bacteria and toxins. But the fact is that not all ticks are infected and most tick bites do not lead to disease. There are certain bacteria that can be transmitted within 3 to 6 hours of tick attachment, while others need more than a day before transmission occurs. Since it is not possible to know where a tick is infected, immediate removal of the tick is important to prevent the pathogen from transferring to you and the pet. Hence, contact your veterinarian and ask them to recommend an appropriate tick control product for your pet.

Just as people need to have frequent vaccinations, it is important that you do the same for your furry, four legged friends. However, unlike with human vaccinations, where the types of shots needed are fairly standard, for pets the types or frequency can vary from species to species as dogs, cats, horses, etc. each have different needs. Yet. it is to be noted that there are mutated versions of some disease that while they may be primarily a dog issue, may affect a feline – and vice versa.

Common Vaccinations for Dogs

As mentioned, the vaccine action needed depends on the pet species. For canines, the primary shots you need to be concerned about include: canine parvovirus, distemper, canine hepatitis and rabies are considered core vaccines. Non-core vaccines are given depending on the dog’s exposure risk. These include vaccines against Bordetella bronchiseptica, Borrelia burgdorferi and Leptospira bacteria.

Common Vaccinations for Cats

Your feline friends has other needs. Talk to your vet about scheduling these pet vaccinations: panleukopenia (feline distemper), feline calicivirus, feline herpesvirus type I (rhinotracheitis) and rabies are considered core vaccines. Non-core vaccines are given depending on the cat’s lifestyle; these include vaccines for feline leukemia virus, Bordetella, Chlamydophila felis and feline immunodeficiency virus.

It should be noted that while these are all the commonly suggested pet vaccinations, that not every pet will be on the same schedule. For instance, if a puppy’s mother was healthy and then nursed the puppies, then some of the shots can be delayed. For cats who are nursed by a healthy mother whose immune system is strong, it is typically not necessary to begin vaccinations until your kitten is as much as 8 weeks old. Once your kitten or puppy reaches adulthood, it generally not necessary to vaccinate your pet but once every 3 years.

However, do be sure to talk to you veterinarian as there are some diseases that may be more common in your region, and thus require you to have your pet inoculated for some diseases more frequently then mentioned here. Also, as with human immunizations, there are often side effects that will need to watch for. Be sure to ask your vet of any specific indicators that your pet has had a reaction.

Having your pet vaccinated is a way you can be proactive in keeping your pet healthy and protecting them fro any potential sickness they may be exposed to. If you are unsure about what type of shots are needed for your pet, then be sure to talk to your veterinarian. They will be happy to help determine what approach to take.