While having an outdoor cat comes with its fair share of difficulties, now is not the time of year to let your flea prevention regimen fall by the wayside. While it may be tempting to cut back on topical drops when the first frost hits, fleas are remarkably resilient creatures that will retreat indoors or maybe just hitch a ride on your cat's fur. Additionally, deer ticks have been reportedly staying around far longer than in previous years, so if your feline is spending a good amount of time outdoors, chances are he will run into these pesky insects. Luckily, you can use a variety of Hartz products to safeguard your furry friend throughout the entire year.

When your feline comes back indoors after an afternoon of exploring your yard, he probably retreats to one of his favorite parts of the house. Whether it's a pet bed or a dark corner behind a sofa, this could be an opportune spot for fleas to spread and start reproducing. This year, use Hartz UltraGuard Plus Flea and Tick Home Spray to kill fleas, ticks and their larvae on sight. Best of all, you can keep them from coming back for up to seven months to thoroughly protect your home before the height of flea season returns the following spring. This product makes use of an Insect Growth Regulator (IGR), which will inhibit the life cycle of the insect and stop it from reaching adulthood and reproducing. Use it on carpets, upholstery or anywhere your cat likes to spend the majority of his time to prevent the development of a flea infestation.

Of course, the easiest way to protect your home is with a monthly solution on your cat's skin that will kill the bugs before they have a chance to spread. Hartz UltraGuard Pro Flea and Tick Drops is a quick and easy monthly treatment that will kill fleas, deer ticks and mosquitoes on contact for up to 30 days. These topical drops are placed at the skin level at the base of a feline's neck and uses a handy Pro-cision Flo applicator to evenly spread the solution so it can perform at its best.

Letting your kitty roam outdoors during any season can put him at risk, but these quality Hartz products will ensure that he's happy and healthy during any time of the year.

To know more details about Hartz Flea Drops and other flea control products, visit www.hartz.com

While most animal shelters won't let you adopt a cat if you are known to have allergies, some people may adopt a kitten from a friend or inherit a pet from someone who is moving away. As a result, you may start to grow attached to your new companion even though he may be causing you to suffer allergic symptoms. Since you don't to give up your furry friend, you'll have to take a few steps to keep your allergies in check while ensuring animal wellness in your household.

One of the first things you should do is set up a cat-free zone in your home or apartment. Typically, the best place for this is your bedroom since you don't want your feline sleeping with you and leaving pet dander on your pillows and linens. As much as your furry friend may want to come in and spend some time with you, this is one of the easiest ways to keep your allergies in check. Additionally, you should also look into mattress and pillow covers designed to prevent the buildup of allergens.

According to CatChannel.com, you should get in the habit of washing your hands after you pet your four-legged friend. Rubbing your eyes or face after petting a cat can cause your eyes to water and itch, so this is a great way to keep the allergens under control. Additionally, you should invest in a new vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter - this will be able to remove many more of the allergens that have begun to give you problems, and you should also wear a filter mask when cleaning your household. Even with a high-quality vacuum cleaner, this activity can kick up plenty of dust in the air, so a mask can help you stay comfortable during chores.

Most importantly, you should resist the temptation to adopt another cat. This will only complicate matters and it may be too much for your allergies to handle. You're already doing a wonderful thing by giving a cat a home, so you don't want to have to get rid of him because your allergies are out of control. By following these tips and altering your habits just a bit, you can keep your home clean and help your furry friend stay around for years to come.

To know more details about  Hartz Flea Drops and other flea control products, visit www.hartz.com

Mange is one term that pet parents never want to hear associated with their furry friends, but the disorder is far more common than people think. Mange is a highly contagious skin disease caused by mites that embed themselves into a canine's skin and can lead to intense irritation, excessive scratching and loss of hair. While this ailment is easily treated, even humans can catch the parasites and it could be a big health problem in your home, according to PetMD. Luckily, there are easy methods to prevent this illness and ensure that dog wellness is at the forefront of your plans in the new year.

If your furry friend happens to come down with mange from any number of external sources, you may have to quarantine him as soon as possible. Since the small insects on his skin can spread to humans and other dogs, he needs to go on a treatment plan. Mange shows itself in the form of rashes, scratching and crusty discharge around the infected area, so it's vital that you bring him into the vet so he can eliminate allergies, parasites or other bacterial infections that could be causing his issues.

Your four-legged friend may be forced to stay at the vet's office while he undergoes treatment with a scabicidal shampoo to eliminate every last vestige of the creepy critters. While this will help to remove all of the mites that have been causing him problems, you will need to investigate a few animal wellness tips to get him back on his feet.

Since your pooch may have lost hair or is dealing with irritated skin, consider adding omega-3 fatty acids to his diet. These substances are known to improve his skin quality and improve the shine and strength of his coat, and they can be found in foods like cooked salmon or a simple fish oil capsule. This can help your companion get back on his feet and get his skin and coat health into tip-top shape.

Mange is a scary disorder for any pet parent to face, but if you make a concerted effort to keep your home clean and perform visual inspections of your dog's skin, you can help spot the warning signs and eliminate the problem before it becomes a major issue.

To know more details about Hartz Flea Drops and other flea control products, visit www.hartz.com

Even during the middle of winter, your outdoor cat could be susceptible to fleas and ticks, and if he manages to contract a few of these pesky insects, it could result in a full-blown flea infestation in your home or putting your feline at risk for Lyme disease. Oftentimes, using flea shampoo is the only option to get rid of these parasites, but bathing a cat is never an easy task. Luckily, by using the following tips, you can make the entire experience easier on both of you.

When it's time for a bath, be sure to wear clothing you don't care about and enlist the help of a friend to help. Your cat may be a bit stronger than you may think and may splash around in the sink, so it's best to have a helper. Using a sink is ideal, as the feline won't have as many places to run off to, and you can use a direct spray of water from the hose attachment.

You should fill up the sink with about 4-5" slightly warm water and put down a small rubber mat so your feline won't slide. Putting a small bucket of water to the side is also a great idea, as the sound of running water may frighten him. Now that he's ready, you can start to use Hartz UltraGuard Rid Flea and Tick Cat Shampoo on his skin. This shampoo will effectively kill fleas and deer ticks, and is safe to use on cats 12 weeks of age and older. Be sure to wet his coat thoroughly before massing in the shampoo at the skin level. Lastly, be sure to have it rest for five minutes to allow the ingredients to do their job.

When your companion is rinsed off, use a towel to dry him off and keep him cradled in the towel for 10 minutes to ensure that he doesn't catch cold. While the process may seem daunting at first, eventually your cat will get used to the sensation and go along with it. For owners who let their felines outside, this is a necessary step that you'll have to take to improve cat wellness and keep your feline protected from the myriad parasites he will encounter outdoors.

To know more details about Hartz Flea Drops and other flea control products, visit www.hartz.com

After a balmy beginning to the season, it seems that Old Man Winter has finally shaken off the rust and is bringing severe weather to many parts of the country. As a dog owner, you have more than your fair share of dog wellness concerns to look out for during this time of year, as some of the run of the mill winter products that we all use could pose a problem for your furry friend. By making the following pet care changes, you can ensure that your companion gets through the season unscathed.

1. Use sand instead of salt. If you've been using salt and other forms of ice melt on your steps and walkways, this could be posing a significant risk to your canine. These products contain their fair share of harsh chemicals that could cause digestive trouble or many other significant health problems. With this in mind, opt for sand around your home instead - it may not be able to completely melt the ice on your walkways, but your canine will be safe!

2. Space heaters. For large spaces like sunrooms and living rooms, using a space heater can be an effective way of improving the comfort level. However, the surfaces of these devices can be extremely hot, and even a tail brushing up against the side of one of them could cause extreme discomfort. If you're going to use a space heater, look for a model that emits heat from the top of the device and doesn't become extremely warm on the sides of the device. Now your pooch can curl up next to it and you won't have to worry about him getting hurt.

3. Invest in proper winter clothing. While it may seem frivolous at first, a dog's skin is just as sensitive to cold as ours, so if your canine has a shorter coat, this could be a wonderful way to improve animal wellness. Invest in a small sweater to keep his torso warm, and you can also keep an eye out for booties. These paw coverings will protect him from the buildup of salt and sand, which could pose problems if they are ingested.

Winter comes with its fair share of risks, but knowing is half the battle. By making a few advanced preparations, you can ensure that your canine is happy and healthy throughout the season.

To know more details about Hartz Flea Drops and other flea control products, visit www.hartz.com

Cat owners are in a unique position during the holiday season - felines are not the best traveling pets, so they will need a place to stay while you're off visiting family and friends. Ideally, you can find a pet sitter who will look after your companion and help you avoid the stress of taking him to a new location, but sometimes there isn't a person available. If you have to take your feline to a boarding facility, the workers' cleanliness standards may be up to par, but the other felines could pose a flea infestation risk to your own furry friend. Luckily, you can take the following steps before and after your trip to avoid the risk of fleas in your home.

Topical drops are one of the easiest ways to safeguard your feline when he is in a strange place. Hartz UltraGuard Plus Drops for Cats are a quick and easy application that will kill fleas, deer ticks and mosquitoes on contact for up to 30 days. The drops are placed at the skin level at the base of your cat's skull, so be sure to part his fur so that the applicator can penetrate deep down where it will be most effective.

When you bring your feline home, it's better to be safe than sorry, so give him a flea bath with Hartz UltraGuard Rid Flea and Tick Cat Shampoo. If you've never bathed your cat before, it's best to start the process in a bathtub and fill it up with lukewarm water so he can get used to the sensation. Wet his fur and rub the flea shampoo into his coat starting with his head, while being sure not to get any in his eyes. Ideally, you should let the lather sink in for about 5 minutes and then promptly rinse him off. You should also cradle him in a towel for ten minutes or so to make sure that he is properly dried and end a potentially stressful experience with a calm period.

The risk of flea infestations is still present during the winter weather, especially in warm indoor areas with an abundance of animals. These treatments will help spare your home from a potential flea problem and keep your companion happy and healthy throughout the season.

A combination of mild weather and the many risks that come with travel make this holiday season especially difficult if you own a dog. Since the winter temperatures have rarely approached freezing in many parts of the country, these creepy critters will be a concern throughout the holidays. Whether you're traveling on a plane, heading to a relative's house or simply entertaining friends and family at home, it's vital that you don't let your guard down during the holidays.

If you're having your loved ones over for the holidays and they're bringing their pooch along with them, it's best to be on the safe side when protecting your home from fleas. If your friends' flea treatments aren't up to snuff, this could put your home at risk. That's why it's important to have Hartz UltraGuard Plus Flea and Tick Home Spray to eradicate these insects at the first signs of trouble. This product can kill fleas, ticks and their larvae on contact and keep them from coming back for up to seven months. You can use it around the areas where your doggy guest spent the majority of his time, such as the area around a kennel or pet bed. This is a great way to safeguard your home from potential infestation and nip a problem in the bud before it starts.

On the other hand, if you're going to be on the road for the holidays, you can never be too careful when boarding a plane or heading off to a new locale. Using topical drops, such as Hartz UltraGuard Plus Flea and Tick Drops, will protect your furry friend no matter where you're headed. This simple application will kill fleas, ticks and mosquitoes at any stage of their life cycles for up to 30 days after administering the treatment. The drops are placed at the skin level between a canine's shoulder blades and down the length of his back to the tail to shield your companion against a potential infestation.

There's enough to worry about during the holiday season, and your canine's risk of fleas shouldn't be one of them. Using these Hartz products can give you peace of mind so that shopping and dealing with relatives will be your chief concerns during the holidays.

To know more details about Hartz Flea Drops and other flea control products, visit www.hartz.com

Your cat is an important part of your family, so it is natural to want to include him in family festivities and celebrations. Food and drink are the focal point of many gatherings and parties, but try to avoid indulging your cat in table foods. It may seem harmless to share food with your cat, but many common foods can be dangerous for your cat.

Fatty foods:

Rich or fatty foods can cause digestive stress for your cat.  For example, turkey, ham or other meats rich in fat will result in diarrhea.  Excessive fat intake can also cause a life-threatening inflammatory disease called pancreatitis. Signs of this disease include vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea and a loss of appetite. If your cat is craving meats, satisfy his hunger by giving him turkey-flavored cat food.

Bones:

Bones from meat, fish and poultry pose a potential danger to your kitty and should be avoided. If your cat manages to pull a bone from your trash, table or counter he could severely damage his digestive tract. A bone can result in laceration or obstruction within your kitty’s digestive system.

Onion and garlic:

You may also be tempted to give your kitten baby food, which can contain onion powder — a highly toxic ingredient for your cat. Any type of onion or garlic — raw, cooked or in powder form — can damage your kitten’s red blood cells and cause life-threatening anemia. Stews, soups and sauces are sometimes a hidden source of onion and garlic.

Undercooked meat:

Raw or undercooked meat may contain bacteria like Salmonella or E. coli, which can cause vomiting, diarrhea and loss of appetite. Likewise, keep your cat away from moldy or spoiled foods. They can contain toxins, which can cause tremors, shaking, seizures, diarrhea and vomiting.

Some nuts:

Macadamia nuts contain an unknown toxin, which can affect your cat’s digestive and nervous systems.  They have also been known to cause muscular weakness and tremors in dogs. Researchers believe that macadamia nuts can have the same effect on your cat.

Chocolate, raisins and grapes:

Unlike dogs, most cats are not drawn to sweets. Even so, take note: a chocolate snack can cause increased heart rate, tremors and hyperactivity in your cat. The severity of the reaction depends on the type of chocolate and how much is eaten. Dark baking chocolate will cause a more severe reaction than milk chocolate. Also, raisins and grapes have been proven to induce kidney failure in dogs. There have been reports of similar effects on cats, so it is wise to avoid letting your cat ingest these fruits.

Cow’s milk:

We all picture pouring our beloved kitten a fresh, cold saucer of milk. Unlikely as it may seem, milk is a no-no for your cat. Shortly after they’re weaned, kittens lose the ability to digest milk. More than a few of licks could translate into a very messy episode of diarrhea. If your kitten has a taste for milk, specially formulated lactose-free milk products are available for cats which should satisfy his craving.

The most important thing you can do for your cat is to ensure that he receives the nutrition and care that he needs. If you remember the things to avoid giving your cat, as well the things he needs to thrive, your cat will have a long, happy and healthy life as member of your family.

To know more details about Hartz Flea Drops and other flea control products, visit www.hartz.com

Dog training: can be a difficult process to get right. Delicate balances need to be struck between expectation and reward, incentive and instinct. But if you’re worried about spoiling your canine companion by using dog treats in the training process, fear not; treat training is perfectly fine for your dog, especially in the earlier stages of learning to obey. Remember, though, it’s not as simple as handing out snacks for any good deed. Treats need to be used appropriately: it’s important to know when to use them, how to use them, and how many treats are too many. Here is a set of guidelines to help you in this task:

Getting Started: Treat training is most effective in the early stages of a puppy’s learning process. This is because, unlike praising or petting, receiving a treat is an exciting, tangible incentive. When your dog is first learning commands like “down” or “stay”, he’ll need a very clear incentive like this. For example, you can hold the treat in front of your dog and bring it close to the floor as you say “down.” Once your dog lies down, you can reward him with the treat, repeating this process until he’s learned the command.

Don’t Overdo It: While it’s smart to use treats to teach your dog commands, make sure not to overdo the treats. When in the learning phase, one dog treat per executed command is acceptable at first, but refrain from letting your dog feast for an action that he will eventually need to learn is expected of him. Not only is this unhealthy, it distracts the dog from making the connection between action and reward. Likewise, you should refrain from over-praising your pet, as this has a similar effect.

Reducing the Treats: After your dog has learned the commands, only reward him with treats once in a while. He should be expected to perform them correctly, but receiving a treat occasionally helps keep him more interested. During this stage of dog training, a more appropriate regular reward is praise and petting. This gives your dog something to look forward to for obeying and builds the bond between pet and owner stronger than dog treats can.

Using Treats Wisely: Treats are an important part of the training process and should be used wisely. Remember to always use specially made dog treats and not human food or table scraps. These alternatives are unhealthy for dogs and lack the nutrients that specially made dog snacks do. Also, remember that treats aren’t substitutes for meals. They should never make up more than 10% of a dog’s diet, so be sure not to heap them upon your canine companion for every good deed.

To know more details about Hartz Flea Drops and other flea control products, visit www.hartz.com

Around fifteen percent of the United States population suffers from dog or cat allergies, so there’s a decent chance that someone in your family is allergic. This could present a huge problem if you want to add to the family in the form of a feline or canine companion. Allergies range greatly in severity, and affect everyone slightly differently. If someone in your family has very severe allergies to cats or dogs, it would be unwise for you to get one. If the allergies are milder, it is possible to live with a furry friend, but you should know what you’re dealing with first.

Causes:

Pet allergies are most often caused by the dander, or dead skin that the pet sheds. People can also be allergic to the saliva or urine of a cat or dog, though these allergies are easier to deal with. Contrary to what many people believe, cat or dog hair is not typically an allergen. However, hair often carries dander and other allergens such as dust or pollen, which often makes dogs that shed lots of hair harder to deal with. Dander allergens are extremely small and will float through the air and land on furniture without anyone in your family being able to see it.

If you are allergic to dogs or cats, any dog or cat will trigger your allergies. Some people, however, will be more or less allergic to specific types or species of dog or cat. Additionally, some species of dog are believed to be less allergenic in general than others. While this is not entirely true, and no dog is non-allergenic, some dogs have been known to be easier on allergies. These include dogs with non-shedding hair, like the poodle, smaller dogs, and short-haired dogs.

Symptoms:

The symptoms of dog and cat allergies are similar to those of many other types of allergies. Contact with the pet will cause runny nose, itchy, watery eyes, general cold-like symptoms and potentially itchy skin or rashes. The symptoms are most severe when in contact with the animal, but may last for awhile after.

Getting Help:

There are many things you can do if you or someone in your family suffers from cat or dog allergies, but you still want to own one.

Containment:

Your dog or cat’s dander will only infest rooms in which he spends time in. Try to keep your pet out of bedrooms and think about setting up an area of the house where he will spend most of his time. Those with allergies will know to spend less time there. Additionally, you can train your pet to stay off of furniture.

Clean Air:

Use a HEPA filter to clean the air of dander.

Allergy Treatments:

There are some treatments available on the market that can reduce allergies. Put them to the test.

Bathing:

Regular baths can help reduce dander. Make sure to use the right type of shampoo.

Hand Washing:

You should try to wash your hands regularly, and especially after handling your pet.

Medicine:

Talk to your doctor about possible treatments for you that could help reduce the symptoms of pet allergies.

Remember, if you are allergic to cats or dogs, you will not be able to get rid of that allergy. Except in some cases where children outgrow them, allergies are permanent. So before you decide to get a cat or dog, you should decide if it will be worth the itching and sneezing.

To know more details about Hartz Flea Drops and other flea control products, visit www.hartz.com