Archive
How to Prevent Your Pet From Getting Lost
Lost pets face a harsh street - most stray animals die within a year, 30% from car accidents and 50% from hunger, injury and culling. Losses start with owner carelessness (a dog left tied to a cart, a door left open), sudden fright (horns, fireworks, other animals), or temptation (food and mating instinct). Prevent it: walk on a leash around home so the dog remembers the route, train a reliable recall with treats, socialize early to reduce fear of sounds, and consider a GPS collar or microchip as backup.
How to Repel Mosquitoes in Summer With Pets at Home
Pyrethroids are common in human mosquito products because they work and are cheap, but cats cannot metabolize them and long-term use can damage the brain and cause organ failure, even death. DEET is far less toxic to cats and the EPA rates it nearly non-toxic to mammals, though keep it away from cats in quantity. Safer still are physical methods: screens, nets, mosquito swatters, and pet-safe repellent lamps used when no one is home.
Are Mosquito Coils Toxic to Cats and Dogs?
Pyrethroid coils are safe for people and dogs in small doses but are highly toxic to cats, which can't metabolize them. DEET repellents can cause nervous-system problems in both. If a pet shows vomiting, drooling, uncoordinated movement, or seizures, seek a vet at once. Repel mosquitoes physically, with plants, or by isolating pets during use.