Dogs and cats are prone to several types of intestinal worms. The most common of these intestinal parasites are roundworms, hookworms, tapeworms and whipworms. Although dogs and cats of any age can become infested with worms, puppies and kittens are often the victims. An infected mother can pass the parasites to her litter through the placenta or milk during feeding. Kittens or puppies often exhibit a potbellied appearance when they are suffering from a worm infestation. Adult pets can also get worms from fecal contaminated soil. Roundworms Roundworms are common parasites that live in the intestines. Roundworms have a spaghetti-like appearance and can sometimes be seen in the stool. Signs and symptoms of roundworm infection other than their appearance in the stool, include vomiting, diarrhea, coughing, dull coat, thinning coat, as well as weight loss or failure to gain weight. Tapeworms Tapeworms also reside in the intestines of the infected animal. They consist of a head and several segments that comprise the body. These segments resemble grains of rice. They may be seen in the stool or around the anus of an infected pet. Cats and dogs may become infected with tapeworms when they eat a flea that has eaten tapeworm eggs. Symptoms of tapeworm infection include increase or decrease in appetite, dull coat, hair loss, stomach upset, weight loss and red areas on the skin, typically around the rump and feet. A flea infestation puts pets at an increased risk of developing tapeworm. It is imperative to rid your pet and the environment of fleas. Hookworms Hookworms are a type of intestinal parasite that attaches to the lining of the intestinal wall and feeds off of the animal's blood. The eggs pass through the feces of an infected animal. Pets may ingest the eggs through contaminated soil. Hookworms can pose a serious problem for pets, especially the very young and elderly, because they cause internal blood loss in the animal. If untreated, chronic blood loss can lead to death. The main symptoms of hookworm infestation are diarrhea and weight loss. Whipworms Whipworms live in the part of the large intestine where the large and small intestines meet. Transmission typically occurs when an animal ingests an egg through contaminated soil. If a few whipworms are present, they do not generally pose a severe problem. However, if the infestation is large, they can cause severe bloody diarrhea which can lead to blood loss and dehydration. Whipworm infection is usually more severe in dogs than cats. Consult a veterinarian if you suspect your pet may have worms for a proper course of treatment. Follow your vet's schedule for de-worming puppies and kittens. Annual checkups and examination of stool samples can help provide early detection of the presence of internal parasites. It is important to use a de-worming medication regularly to prevent re-infestation. It is also important to keep your pet's environment and bedding clean. All soiled areas should be cleaned immediately and thoroughly. Always practice good hygiene when handling pets and cleaning their area, by using disposable gloves and washing hands thoroughly. Want to protect your four-legged friends from intestinal worms? Our online store stocks heavily discounted (up to 75% off) intestinal worm treatments from leading brands.  

Administering pills to your cat may be easy for some, but for many it’s a daily struggle. Thankfully, there are several methods that can make the process less stressful both for you and your cat. 1. Special treats   image credit The best way to give your cat a pill is by using treats that are made specifically for this purpose. The treats are soft, sticky, and tasty so that your cat will have no idea they are taking medicine!   2. DIY Pill Pockets   image credit   Instead of purchasing treats, you could also try making your own. PetMd recommends forming “meatballs” out of your cat’s canned food. Make one with their pill, and a couple others without. 3. Crushing the pill image credit If your cat still refuses to take the pill, you could try crushing it into a very fine powder, and then mixing it with their wet food. Make sure you check with your vet first; some pills are not intended to be crushed.   These three methods work fine as long as your cat is allowed to have food with their medicine. In the case that they're not, your best bet is to restrain your cat and give them the pill directly.   4. The direct way   image credit Place one thumb and forefinger on either side of the cat’s face and apply gentle pressure at the space between the teeth. Once their mouth starts to open, press down on the lower jaw and deposit the pill as far back as possible. Close the mouth and massage their throat until they swallow. To make sure the pill doesn’t remain in the esophagus, give your cat a teaspoon of water from a syringe or eyedropper.   image credit   If your cat will not stay still or if you’re afraid of them scratching you, it’s probably best for you to wrap or swaddle your cat in a towel and then proceed with the previous steps.   No matter what method you use, make sure to give your cat lots of praise afterward!   feature image credit

Tiny dogs are becoming increasingly popular particularly among urban city dwellers, people who live in apartments or those who don't have much space. Small dogs are compact, cuddly, transportable, fond of affection and generally more affordable than their larger counterparts. They can also be easier to look after because they eat less, produce less waste, shed less, live longer and don't need as much exercise. They are however known for having huge personalities to counter-balance their teeny tiny bodies which can of course have it's own behavioural upsets! A small dog is characterised by being sixteen inches tall or less and weigh 22 pounds or less. Tiny dog breeds include: the Maltese, Pug, Pomeranian, Chihuahua and Dachschund as well as many of the designer breeds that are now popular. Caring for a tiny dog comes with it's own set of special needs that are important to follow in order to maximise it's health, wellbeing and happiness as well as yours.   Image credit 1. Make a safe place Tiny dogs can be very sensitive, whether they easily become scared or over-excited. Having a safe place for your little one is a great idea as it's somewhere they can escape to whenever they need to. This can be a crate or cage, bed or gated area that's away from high traffic areas. This safe place means that your little pooch is off limits so make sure this rule is communicated to family, friends and visitors. Keep your dog's toys in this area along with water and a heating pad covered with a soft fabric as small dogs get chilled easily. Another great idea is to have potty pads near by this location because small dog breeds tend to need the bathroom often! 2. Diet and food Tiny dogs have tiny stomachs and tiny appetites and are prone to digestive issues like bloating and vomiting which can be encouraged by eating large portions of food all a once. It's preferable to feed your small dog two or three meals a day using high quality, antioxidant rich (to promote longevity) protein (meat or fish) based food with no fillers like ash or corn. If you have a fussy eater on your hands you can moisten dry food with warm water or add a little canned food to liven up meal time and their appetite. Small dogs are also susceptible to hypoglycaemia so frequent meals helps to regulate their blood sugar. If you are time-poor consider purchasing an automatic feeder which can dispense several small meals a day. Beware to watch portion sizes because little dogs are prone to obesity! 3. Dental care Tiny dogs are prone to dental problems like tooth decay and gum disease so you should invest in dental pads or toothbrushes specifically for small breeds. Dental treats also help keep teeth clean and freshen breath. You should clean your dog's teeth once a week to keep any dental problems from occurring.   Image credit 4. Training Small dogs are intelligent and because of this, they can become easily bored or frustrated. Training is very important to help curb any naughty behaviour from developing such as ignoring basic commands like sit or stay. Get your little dog involved in group obedience classes which helps with socialisation, soothes boredom and importantly teaches them manners! 5. Exercise They might be small, but your tiny dog needs daily exercise. Of course you won't need to walk miles like you would if you owned a larger dog so a brisk walk around the block, or an energetic ball game should be suffice. The amount of exercise will be dependent on the breed so sometimes it might take a few extra minutes of activity to wear your pooch out. 6. Offer protection Your little dog might have oodles of confidence to take on that big Labrador down at the park but the reality is their bodies are too small and even a nudge from a bigger dog could cause injury. To prevent these sort of mishaps, when out with your dog keep them or a short lead and pick them up if it looks like trouble may be brewing. Image credit 7. Extracurricular activities As mentioned, small dogs are prone to boredom, largely due to their high intelligence. One way to combat this is through extra training and agility courses. It's another excellent way to socialise your dog and who knows you may have a little award-winning champion on your hands? Keep an eye out for events like fly ball, agility trails and obedience competitions. 8. Toys Because small dogs have more energy than larger breeds, you'll need to incorporate plenty of play time and toys into your pooch's daily routine. It helps prevent boredom and stave of bad behaviour - plus it keeps them happy! Remember to replace any broken or torn toys to prevent any nasty accidents. 9. Keep them warm   Seeing a tiny dog in an even tinier coat or jacket is incredibly cute - but it serves an important purpose. Small dogs feel the cold easily because they have no winter undercoat so can quickly develop hypothermia. So when it's cold out, make sure you dress your little dog appropriately. Sweaters and coats that are snug fitting and made from soft, natural fibres are best. Also remember to clean of any snow or ice from your pup's feet to stop painful ice balls developing between toes.   Image credit 10. Grooming They might be little and spend a lot of time indoors, but that doesn't mean your tiny dog doesn't need to be groomed. In fact, small dogs should be groomed from nose to tail weekly. Use a soft brush and look out for mats of hair in long-haired breeds. Remember to also use a small set of nail clippers to clip of small bits of nail, always avoiding the quick. 11. Be affectionate This should be easy to follow because your tiny dog is so adorably sweet! However not only is it important to handle your dog throughout the day to develop a close bond but it prevents them from become nippers. Remember to always be gentle, touching ears and feet to help get them used to being handled.   12. Promote longevity   As mentioned, small dog breeds live for a long time so it's important to look after them properly so they can have a long, happy and healthy life. As stated, an antioxidant rich diet is important to keep their insides healthy. As your small dog ages you will need to start buying joint care products, heated beds and aspirin to help bring comfort if they should develop arthritis. If you notice your dog begin to loose their teeth, gradually switch over to a high-quality canned food specifically targeted for mature dogs. Feature image credit

Just as you might enroll your child in daycare, you can also do the same for your dog. Although the reasons for enrolling are a little different, the concept is the same: You drop your dog off in the morning where he gets to play, socialize with other dogs, snack and nap, and then you pick him up on your way home from work. If you’re thinking of enrolling your dog in daycare here’s everything you need to know:   What is doggy daycare?   Doggy daycare is a great option for dogs with busy guardians who work and are not comfortable leaving their dogs home alone all day. Most are open for 12 hours a day, Monday through Friday, and offer half-day or full-day options. The cost can vary between $8.00 to $35.00 a day, but will depend on the provider. Privately owned daycares operated out of a home are often cheaper than a fully-staffed facility.   What are the benefits?   Not only does daycare relieve your dog of boredom and loneliness, but it also relieves you of the guilt you may feel about leaving your dog home alone. You can go to work knowing your dog is being well cared for and having a great time socializing with other dogs and people. After a long day of exercise and interaction, your dog will be nice and tired by the time you pick them up.   Good candidates   Since your dog will be interacting with other dogs all day, most doggy daycares require that your dog is healthy and spayed/neutered. Some may also require certain vaccines like the Bordetella. In terms of non-medical requirements, your dog should enjoy socializing and interacting with other dogs. For example, if your dog is a regular at the park and seems to enjoy themself there, then they’d be a great candidate for daycare. Also, younger dogs tend to adjust better in a daycare environment as opposed to older ones.   Bad candidates   Unvaccinated dogs, females in heat, and unneutered male dogs will be turned away from doggy daycare. Dogs who are undersocialized or haven’t had many positive experiences with other dogs are also not good candidates. If your dog has ever bitten another dog, or tends to be aggressive towards them, then daycare really isn’t the best place for them to be. You also don’t want to enroll a dog that tends to avoid or simply tolerate other dogs. Most likely they prefer to stay home than spend their day in the company of other dogs. Choosing the right daycare   If you’re going to be leaving your furbaby at a daycare, you want to be sure your dog is in good hands. Look for a daycare with the following qualities: clean and organized facility abundance of toys or equipment for dogs to play with a safe and comfortable place to nap knowledgeable staff with a basic understanding of canine communication staff that interacts with the dogs regularly including walking the dogs outdoors On your dog’s first day, it’s a good idea to stay and observe for a little. You want to pay attention to whether your dog seems happy or stressed out. Also look for these signs when you approach the daycare. Your dog should be happy and relaxed when approaching, not reluctant like they may be at the vet.   It’s important to make sure you feel comfortable with where you choose to leave your dog. You know your dog the best, so ask yourself if they will feel comfortable there too.     image credit

The Raw Truth   What other felines, besides domesticated cats, consume their prey cooked? Most likely, you're drawing a blank because the answer is none! Cats by nature are carnivores - more specifically they are obligate carnivores, meaning in order for cats to thrive they require nutrition from the meat, organs, and bones of animals. In other words, cats are meant to consume and digest the entire carcass of their prey.   As you can imagine, most domesticated cats are not being served an entire rabbit for dinner. Instead, they are eating over-processed kibble and canned food that contain an unnecessary amount of carbohydrates and additives. This, along with the frequent pet food recalls, has inspired many cat owners to feed their pet an all natural diet, aka, a raw one.   Tips   There are two ways to go about feeding your cat a raw diet. You can either purchase pre-made raw food or you can make it yourself. There are multiple brands including Bravo or Feline's Pride that have already done the dirty work for you. However, if you prefer to make it yourself, here are some tips:   1. Start off slow and be patient. It's easy to get overwhelmed quickly by the amount of work that goes into prepping your cat's raw food. The best way to start is to buy some chicken thighs and cut them up into small pieces. A younger cat may go for it right away, whereas an older cat used to the taste of canned food may take some time to transition. Eventually they will get used to the taste of raw meat, and their carnivorous instincts will kick in.   2. Buy a grinder and supplements. After a week or two of testing the waters, a grinder is the next step in getting serious about a raw diet. Supplements such as Vitamins A, D, E, B-Complex, and Fish Oil are added to make up for the fact that the cat isn't actually eating the entire carcus, so they aren't able to get all the same nutrients as they would from prey in the wild. To make it easier, there are companies that sell these vitamins already mixed for this purpose.   3. There are multiple recipes for success. There are several recommended raw recipes to choose from but they all have the same essential ingredients of meat (both muscle and organ), bones, and supplements. Here's one in particular that is well illustrated.   4. Food should be fresh and warm. Most cats cannot tolerate cold food so make sure to defrost their meal in time. It's recommended that you defrost or warm the meaty bones by placing them in a ziploc bag, and then in warm water for 10 minutes. The water should never be hot enough that it will cook the meat, nor should you ever use your microwave as a method of defrosting.   Benefits   There are several benefits to raw feeding your cat, and many of them will become apparent soon after you make the switch. Cats on raw diets have a healthy skin and coat, clean teeth, and increased energy. The volume and odor of their feces changes (for the better), and allergies tend to clear up. It's also a great way to control your cat's weight, which should be monitored closely when making the switch to a raw diet.   Risks   If you're considering raw feeding your cat, it's important to know that not all veterinarians recommend it. Their main concern is the chance of animal to human disease transmission, contagions, and other food safety issues during the meal prep.   The ultimate goal of raw feeding is to give your cat the food nature intended him to eat. Deciding to raw feed your cat is both a big decision and responsibility. Do as much research as possible to make sure it's right for you and your cat. As long as you can be responsible and follow food safety guidelines, raw feeding could help your cat be the best cat he can be.    

Ticks are tiny, blood-sucking parasites that attach to your pet. Ticks feed on the blood of their hosts and can transmit several infectious organisms to your pet. Pets that live in wooded areas are at an increased risk of a tick infestation. Dogs are more commonly infected than cats, however outdoor felines in rural areas are susceptible to ticks as well. Although ticks can be found anywhere, they thrive in wooded areas, with thick brush and high grasses. There are several types of ticks including the American dog tick, the brown dog tick, the Lone Star tick, the Gulf Coast tick, the black-legged tick, the Western black-legged tick, the Spinose ear tick and the Rocky Mountain wood tick. Ticks can cause several infectious diseases such as Rocky Mountain spotted fever and feline infectious anemia. Black-legged ticks are the carriers of Lyme disease. When a tick bites your pet, it can transmit bacteria to the animal while it is sucking its blood. However, the tick must remain attached to the animal for a time period of 24 to 48 hours for the bacteria to enter into the pet's bloodstream. If a tick is found on your pet, it is important to remove it as soon as possible. Ticks can be removed with a pair of tweezers or a device designed for tick removal. Grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible where it is attached and pull back with gentle pressure. Don't try to burn the tick since it can release organisms into the body. If your pet has contracted a tick transmitted disease, there are several symptoms that could be present, depending on the type of tick and bacteria. Signs may include malaise, decreased appetite, fever, swollen lymph nodes, vomiting, diarrhea, nasal discharge and joint pain. If you notice any of these symptoms or spot a tick on your pet, contact your veterinarian immediately. If a tick is present, remove it, place it in a small plastic bag or container and take it with you. Anemia is another danger that ticks can pose to pets. An adult female tick can ingest large amounts of blood. If an animal has a severe tick infestation, severe blood loss could result. Ticks also inject chemicals into the body that can cause allergic reactions resulting in severe itching and skin irritation. Ticks can also secrete a toxin that affects the nervous system and causes a type of paralysis. Symptoms usually begin with weakness in the limbs, followed by difficulty breathing and swallowing. Death may result if the condition progresses. If you live in an area where tick infestation poses a threat to your pet and family, it is important to take preventative measures to control ticks. Ticks are most active during the summer months through early fall. However, they may continue to be active throughout mild winters as well. There are several yard products that can kill and repel both fleas and tick. Consult your veterinarian for information in determining which products would be best for your pet and environment. You can also reduce the risk of tick infestation by keeping your yard clean, keeping the grass cut and pulling weeds. If necessary, limit your pet's roaming range, to keep the animal away from tick prevalent areas. Want to protect your furry friend from ticks? Our online store stocks heavily discounted (up to 75% off) tick treatments from leading brands. Feature image credit  

Many cats appear to be pretty cool customers, but that doesn't mean they are exempt from stress and anxiety. If stress becomes a major player in your cats' life, behaviour problems, particularly over-grooming, can become a real issue. What is it? Over-grooming, also known as psychogenic alopecia, is a coping mechanism for cats dealing with stressful situations. Some cats go bald or create sores on their body as a result of excessive licking and chewing. While self-grooming is perfectly normal behaviour for a cat - over-grooming is when the behaviour becomes a compulsion and disrupts a cats normal routine. Over-grooming is a common way for cats to cope with stress because the act of grooming releases endorphins so it's no wonder it's a behaviour they turn to when they feel anxious or stressed. Generally, as soon as a cat correlates grooming with a way to ease upset feelings the behaviour may increase and become compulsive. Causes Like humans, cats deal with stress in different ways and what one cat might become stressed over might not even conjure up a reaction in another. It's important to note that it might not always be obvious what is causing your cat stress or there could be more than one issue that's upsetting your cat. Common causes of stress include:     •    A death     •    A divorce     •    Owner working longer hours     •    A family member leaving the house. (e.g. to go to college or traveling)     •    Changes to routine     •    New family members     •    Moving house     •    Rearranging furniture     •    Presence of other cats How to identify Unfortunately, over grooming is a secretive activity, so many owners report that they find it hard to catch their kitty in the act. This may be because the cat doesn't feel the need to indulge in their secret vice because their owner's presence already gives them positive feelings. Or it may be because the owner has caught kitty out previously so the cat now knows not to do it around them. Fortunately, there are some signs that can help identify over-grooming.     •    Hair missing in places such as middle of the back, belly and inner thighs     •    Hair is very short and stubbled, in patches or broken     •    In extreme cases cat may lick, chew, pluck or bite areas and if you do catch them it's difficult to interrupt.     •    Grooming takes place out of context and disrupts usual activity   There are certain breeds that are more susceptible to over grooming. These include: the Siamese, Burmese, Himalayan and Abyssinian. How to help In the first instance, cat owners will need to distinguish whether their cat is over-grooming because of stress or is suffering from genuine alopecia. You'll know it's alopecia because the remaining hair feels soft and normal to touch, where as with over-grooming, hair is broken and spiky. There are also other diseases and illnesses that can cause over-grooming so it's also important to rule those out too. These include:     •    Lower urinary tract disease     •    Feline hyperaesthesia syndrome     •    Flea bites     •    Inhalled allergies     •    Ringworm The best thing to do to help is to consult your vet who will be able to make a formal diagnosis. If your cat is indeed over-grooming because of stress, the best thing to do is identify what is causing the stress and then eliminate it. Sometimes that's not always possible so there are other methods you can try to help stop this compulsive behaviour.     •    Leave small reminders from missed people such as a voice recording or an unwashed item of clothing to help give cats a little pick-me-up     •    If stress is caused by another cat, remember to introduce them slowly to keep stress levels down.     •    Play therapy can help increase a pet's self confidence - interactive games work best.     •    Plug in pheromone diffusers can help relieve stress. A trip to the vet will be most definately required though as anti-anxiety drugs or herbal remedies can be prescribed. Feature image credit

Exercise is as good for our pets as it is for us - and for the very same reasons. Daily exercise will help maintain a healthy weight, tone and strengthen muscles, lower stress, improve circulation, keep joints mobile, keep the mind active as well as reduce boredom and therefore the chance of destructive behaviour. A sedentary life can lead to obesity which has serious health complications such as higher risk of ligament and tendon injuries, joint problems, arthritis, hip and elbow dysplasia, respiratory disease, heart disease and diabetes. The amount of daily exercise your pet should have will depend their breed, size, age, health and weight. Younger animals tend to be more energetic and will need little encouragement to play and be active. If your pet has a health condition, is aged or obese, talk to your vet about exercise frequency and intensity.  Cats  Many people believe that cats get enough exercise just being themselves but this is not necessarily the case, especially for indoor cats. Cats should spend 30-45 minutes each day being active. They can do this themselves by using toys, scratching posts, cat trees, perches, climbing trees and exploring outside or by you playing with them for 10-15 minute sessions throughout the day. Dogs Most dogs need between 30-60 minutes of daily exercise but the type of activity will vary depending on your dog. Working, sporting and terrier breeds generally need more exercise, ideally at least 30 minutes of intensive aerobic exercise. However, sustained jogging or running is not recommended for dogs under 18 months as their bones are still growing and developing and can be easily injured or damaged.  Large breeds who are prone to joint issues, and older active dogs, will benefit from a 60 minute walk. Smaller breeds should get 20 minutes exercise two or three times per day but certain breeds should not undertake lengthy intensive exercise. Brachycephalic breeds with short or flat noses such as English and French bulldogs, Pugs and Boston terriers can have trouble breathing when exercising especially during hot and humid weather. Dogs will often slow down when they have had enough and are ready for rest. Never push a dog to continue exercising especially if it is aged or obese.    Image credit Pets like variety so mix up their play and exercise a bit.  Exercise for cats Cat trees, perches and platforms for climbing and jumping Scratching posts for stretching Wand toys, plastic rings, strings, ribbons, feathers, balls and bell toys that encourages their pouncing, swatting and hunting skills Leashed walks if your cat is trained Food dispensing puzzle toys Laser and torch games Specialised cat exercise wheel Exercise for dogs Leashed walk or jog. If jogging, it is best done on a softer surface such as grass or sand Play catch or fetch with balls and frisbees Race and play chase with your dog Many dogs like to climb and jump as well so look for a park with logs, benches, large boulders and raised areas Dog parks and dog day care are also great for socialisation Beaches, lakes, rivers and pools Specialised dog treadmill Food dispensing puzzle toys Laser and torch games Image credit   Feature image credit

Intestinal worm infestations are among the most common health problems in dogs, and one that every dog owner needs to be on the lookout for. If you have just purchased or adopted a new puppy, the breeder or shelter should have wormed the animal. Even so, some parasites can linger in the intestinal tract, and new pet parents need to be vigilant to protect the health of their new family members.   One of the best ways to protect your dog from intestinal worms is to have regular checkups with your veterinarian. Your vet can detect the presence of intestinal worms and provide effective treatment if they are discovered. Your vet may ask for a stool sample when you go for your regular exam; that sample is used to find and identify intestinal parasites and recommend effective treatments.   In between regular veterinary checkups, you can protect your dog by watching out for early signs and symptoms of intestinal worms and other parasites. Some of the signs of an intestinal worm infestation are quite obvious, while others are subtle and easy to miss. If you notice any of these symptoms in your dog, your next call should be to your veterinarian.   Coughing - Many dog owners do not realize that coughing can be a sign of intestinal worms. They may put the cough down to a simple cold or upper respiratory tract infection, but any cough is cause for concern. Coughing can be a sign of intestinal worms, but it is also a classic symptom of heartworm, which can be life threatening. Lethargy - Intestinal worms will sap the energy from your dog and interfere with its nutrition. As a result, the dog will often be lethargic and apathetic. If you notice lethargy or lack of energy in your dog, you should contact your vet right away. Vomiting - Stomach upset is a classic symptom of intestinal worms, and it should be taken seriously. In some cases the dog owner may be able to detect small roundworms in the vomit. In other cases there will be no worms present, but it is still important to have the dog checked out by a vet. Diarrhea - Diarrhea and soft stools are often present in dogs with an intestinal worm infestation. If your dog is infested with hookworms, you may also notice blood in the stool. Loss of Weight - When your dog has intestinal worms, those parasites are stealing the food and the energy it provides. As a result, your dog may lose weight even though it is eating more than ever. Bloated Appearance - A pot belly or bloated appearance is one of the main symptoms of intestinal worms. This is most apparent in puppies, but it can appear in adult dogs as well. Scooting - Intestinal worms are uncomfortable for your dog, and it may show that discomfort by rubbing its bottom or scooting across the rug. If you notice any of these symptoms, you should make an appointment with your vet. Dull Fur - If you notice that your dog's once lustrous fur is now dull and shaggy, intestinal worms could be to blame.

Whilst we humans love chocolate as a snack, we know it is a bad idea to feed it to dogs. Of course, often dogs are convinced they would quite enjoy ‘sharing’ with us and there have been tales of dogs breaking into a box of chocolates and polishing them off. If a dog does accidentally get a hold of a chocolate product, owners often ask how much is too much? The answer varies from dog to dog, with larger dogs being able to tolerate larger amounts than smaller breeds.   Image credit Chocolate provokes such disastrous results in dogs due to a compenent it contains called theobromine. Whilst we humans can easily metabolise the substance, the dog digestive system processes it far more slowly, allowing it to build up to toxic levels. Whilst one small piece is unlikely to cause your dog serious distress (though it make instigate a case of vomiting or diarrhea) it is best to be on the safe side if you are unsure how much they have gotten into and take a trip to the vet. Serious signs of chocolate poisoning include severe hyperactivity, muscle tremors, seizures, irregular heartbeart, internal bleeding and heart failure.   Image credit Note that different chocolate products contain varying levels of theobromine.  The highest levels are found in cocoa, cooking chocolate and dark chocolate and the lowest levels in milk and white chocolate. Due to these differences a dog consuming a few pieces of dark chocolate can cause deadly results that would not happen if they instead ate milk chocolate. Only one ounce of dark is enough to poison a 44-pound dog. As a general rule, 100-150 mg/kg bodyweight of theobromine causes canine poisoning.   Image credit Treatment options are limited. The general course of action is to induce vomiting, wash out the stomach and feed activated charcoal to absorb any remaining theobromine left in the intestines. For more severe cases, intravenous fluids and medication may be required.    Feature Image Credit