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What exactly is pet parenting?

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So what is pet parenting and why is it important to those who have pets at home or those who provide services and products for pets?

Pet parenting is the sum total of all the things you do for a companion animal that joins your family.

Some people refer to themselves as pet owners, pet guardians, pet caretakers but the reality is that today, no matter how you refer to a person who has pets, those pets need parenting.

Pet parenting is the sum of all the efforts that go into making a pet a happier, healthier and better behaved animal.

It isn’t just one thing–which is why I use the term, “parenting.”

The funny thing is, that as long as animals have lived with us–few people actually get adequate coaching on just what activities are needed to mold an animal into living harmoniously with humans and their other animal pals.

People often think they know how do to this–but the reality is most don’t.

I want to make it clear that what I am going to talk about isn’t a reflection on whether or not you love an animal, or whether or not you take good care of an animal–it has to do with pet parenting skills (or lack of) and whether or not your have been lucky enough to have been taught these skills or made aware of them.

Answer these questions:

  • Does your dog jump or paw on your or anyone else entering the home?
  • Does your cat wake you up to feed him or her?
  • Does your dog pull on the leash out in public?
  • Does your cat disobey all your requests to stay off the counters or fail to listen to you altogether?
  • Do you have to repeat commands over and over again before your pet listens?

If you answered yes to some or all of these questions–you need a pet parenting coach–because these are just tip of the iceberg issues.

Pet parenting is a lifestyle skill that you have to learn.

Most people grew up with family animals but that does not mean that they grew up with a skill set on how to manage, handle and care for a pet in the right way.

Times have changed–and so have our relationship with animals.

Isn’t it time you got the right information and the correct skill set so that everyone in your home is happy?

Wouldn’t it be nice if your pets would listen, feel more secure and so be happier while also being better behaved and healthier?

If you agree, I invite you to subscribe so you don’t miss the launch of the Pet Parenting School.

I’ll be touching on a variety of topics here prior to opening and I know you won’t want to miss a thing so get on the list!

Photo Credit: ReutC

Blog Posted May 14, 2011 at 6:08 am

EPA & Flea Treatments

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flea treatmentsFlea treatments is an interest of mine and I just finished my certification for counseling others on flea control. Some of you are aware that I am the author of Flea Control Secrets which was published in response to the big spot-on flea control disaster.

Now I spent a lot of time researching and fact checking and have to say that it is a shock to see how much inaccurate flea treatment advice circulates.

Many people seek information on how to kill fleas, and although the advice shared may be well meaning, it can be downright deadly to your pet!

I have written about the EPA Flea Control Advisory before but recent news and the immanent arrival of flea season in the USA makes it an important topic to revisit.

Target PetRX
The Target PetRx pilot program launched in fall of 2010 with the goal of offering convenience, affordability and guest service. 35 Target pharmacy locations are participating in the states of Minnesota, Georgia, North Carolina and Tennessee. I don’t have word on the expansion to other states yet.

Pilot locations can fill veterinary prescriptions for animal-specific medications such as HeartGard, Atopica, Clavamox and Deramaxx. However the business also sells Merial’s flea and tick treatment Frontline as an over-the-counter product. Consumers can also use the $4 generic program for both people and pet medication.

Dr Flea Named Veterinarian of the Year 2010
Michael Dryden DVM was named the 2010 Veterinarian of the Year. Known as “Dr Flea”, Dryden is a professor of veterinary parasitology in the Department of Diagnostic Medicine and Pathobiology at Kansas State University. His research is in flea and tick biology and control, investigating urban wildlife as vectors of parasitic diseases and diagnosis and control of gastrointestinal parasites.

Dryden is active in the American Association of Veterinary Parasitologists and the American Veterinary Medical Association and was instrumental in founding the Companion Animal Parasite Council.

Other Flea Treatment News

So, I wonder how you are tackling fleas this year–join the conversation over on the Flea Control Secrets page on Facebook and be sure to follow my updates for tips and hints on Twitter.

Flea Treatment Safety Steps YOU Can Take
Now I’ve covered this before–but it is worth repeating.

  • Consult your veterinarian before using any product.
  • Do not purchase flea treatment products from suspect suppliers (such as online) as counterfeit flea treatment is a problem.
  • Read the manufacturer’s instructions and entire label (follow the directions as detailed).
  • Pay attention to warnings and use caution on weak, elderly, sick, pregnant, or nursing pets.
  • Follow age restrictions.
  • Weigh your pet before application and follow weight restrictions on package–and err on the low side.
  • Follow species specific practices. Only use a dog product on a dog and a cat product on a cat.
  • Keep the package and record the dates and times you treat your pet. Lot numbers and product data is vital if your pet has an adverse reaction.
  • Use a flea treatment product on a pet when you are going to be present so you can watch your pet and identify an adverse reaction quickly if it happens.
  • Treat all animals in the household.
  • Call your veterinarian immediately if your pet has symptoms of an adverse reaction.
  • You can also call an emergency clinic or the Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.

So, change is in the air–and many people are excited that mass market channels are offering discounted prescriptions and that generic flea treatment products are now for sale–but use caution when using any kind of pesticide or product on your pet.

Of course, there is more to add–and I will over time. BTW if you want to watch some of my videos how things you can do to help thwart fleas–visit the YouTube channel on flea treatment!

Blog Posted May 10, 2011 at 5:43 am
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