People and Pets... Better Together!
 Photo by Rachel Claire Summer sun and fresh air might be a pet's dream, but warm weather also brings out some unwelcome visitors: fleas, ticks, mosquitoes, mites, and more. While these pests may seem like little more than a seasonal nuisance, they can pose serious health threats to both pets and people. Understanding the risks and taking preventative action is key to keeping your furry companions safe and healthy.  Infographic by ryan hilary The Hidden Dangers of Bugs and ParasitesParasites don’t just irritate your pets. They can also transmit diseases, cause allergic reactions, and lead to long-term health complications if left untreated. Here are some of the most common pests and the risks they carry: 1. Fleas
 Photo by SweeMing YOUNG: Prevention Tips: How to Minimize the RiskThe good news is that with a few proactive steps, you can greatly reduce your pet’s exposure to parasites: 1. Use Preventive Medications Talk to your vet about year-round parasite prevention, including flea, tick, and heartworm medications. These can come in the form of monthly chewables, topicals, or collars. 2. Maintain a Clean Environment Regularly wash your pet’s bedding, vacuum floors and upholstery, and keep your yard trimmed. This disrupts the life cycle of fleas and reduces tick hiding spots.  Photo by RDNE Stock project 3. Groom and Inspect Your Pet Brush your pet regularly and check their skin, especially after walks or outdoor play. Pay close attention to ears, armpits, neck, and under the tail for ticks or bite marks. 4. Protect the Indoors Use pet-safe pest repellents and keep your home sealed to prevent bug entry. Consider mosquito screens and door sweeps. 5. Control Outdoor Exposure Limit your pet’s access to tall grass, standing water, and wooded areas—prime breeding grounds for pests. If you're hiking or camping, keep pets on-leash and check them afterward.  Photo by Molnár Tamás Photography™ 6. Practice Safe Socialization Parks, daycares, and pet-friendly events are great, but they can be hotspots for fleas and worms. Make sure your pet is up-to-date on vaccinations and preventatives before mingling. 7. Regular Veterinary Check Ups Routine fecal tests and physical exams can catch infestations early. Ask your vet to tailor a parasite prevention plan based on your pet’s lifestyle and location.  Photo by JacLou- DL Final ThoughtsBugs and parasites may be a part of nature, but they don’t have to be part of your pet’s life. With a proactive approach, the right medications, and a little vigilance, you can keep your furry family member safe from these dangerous intruders.
Your pet trusts you to protect them. Make this season a parasite-free one.  Photo by Helena Lopes: from www.pexels.com Summertime travel is a national tradition and fantastic opportunity to see the world. For many pet lovers, leaving furry family members behind simply isn't an option and their animal inevitably sends up joining them on the road, track or even up in the air. While travelling with an animal can be a great experience, it also presents certain challenges, requiring additional planning and preparation to ensure a smooth experience for all involved. Whether you're planning a weekend road trip, cross-country adventure, or air flight to another land, here are essential summer travel tips to ensure your pet stays safe, comfortable, and happy.  Photo by Max Vakhtbovycn from www.pexels.com 1. Plan Pet-Friendly Travel AccommodationsBefore you hit the road or book your flight, do your homework on pet-friendly accommodations. Many hotels, vacation rentals, and even campgrounds welcome pets, but their rules and amenities vary widely.
 Photo by Tima Miroshnichenko from www.pexels.com 2. Visit the Vet Before You GoA quick check-up can prevent many travel-related headaches.
 GRAPHIC DESIGNED BY RYAN HILARY 3. Pack a Dedicated Pet Travel BagJust like you pack your suitcase, your pet should have their own travel bag with all the essentials. This helps ensure nothing important gets left behind. Here’s a basic checklist:
 Photo by Aliaksei Smalenski from www.pexels.com 4. Choose the Right Mode of Travel Car Travel Tips Car travel gives you the most flexibility when traveling with pets. To ensure safety:
Air travel can be more stressful and should ideally be reserved for longer trips or relocations.
 Photo by İdil Çelikler from www.pexels.com 5. Prepare for the HeatHeat is one of the biggest concerns when traveling with pets in summer.
 Lum3n from pexels.com 6. Keep Your Pet’s Routine (as Much as Possible)Travel can be unsettling for pets. Maintaining familiar routines can reduce their anxiety.
 Photo by Cup of Couple from www.pexels.com 7. Have a Backup PlanEven the best-laid travel plans can go sideways. Have contingencies in place:
 Photo by David Kanigan: https://www.pexels.com 8. Respect Local Rules and Other TravelersWhether you’re hiking, beachcombing, or walking through a national park, make sure you follow local rules regarding pets.
 Photo by Hana Brannigan: https://www.pexels.com 9. Try a Test RunIf your pet hasn’t traveled before, try a shorter “trial trip” first. This helps you gauge how they react to being in the car, sleeping in a hotel, or visiting new places. You can make adjustments based on how your pet handles the experience—before committing to a longer journey. 10. Make It Fun for Your Pet TooRemember, this trip is for your pet as much as it is for you. Try to plan activities they’ll enjoy.
 Photo by Tim Gouw: https://www.pexels.com Final ThoughtsSummer travel with pets takes planning, but it’s absolutely worth the effort. With the right mindset, you can create memorable, joyful experiences for both you and your furry companion. Stay flexible, patient, and observant of your pet’s needs—and don’t forget to enjoy the ride!
 Photo by Tanner Barrott: https://www.pexels.com Feel like pampering your cat? Interested in adding something extra to their wellness routine? Check out this guide to common oils, which when safely applied can add a whole host of benefits to your feline’s health and well-being. While commercial cat food provides the essential nutrients for a balanced diet, certain oils, either ingested or added topically to the animal’s skin, act as powerful supplements. However, it’s crucial to choose substances that are safe for feline consumption, as some can be toxic to cats. In this guide, we’ve got you covered with a comprehensive guide to the most effective oil-based treatments. Note: This guide is only intended to point cat owners in new and potentially beneficial directions. It does not constitute professional advice and ANY change you make to your kitty's diet should be in conference with your vet.  Photo by alleksana: https://www.pexels.com Safe and Beneficial Oils for Cats1. Fish Oil Fish oil comes from fatty fish such as salmon, sardines, and anchovies, and is one of the most beneficial oils for cats. It is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which provide numerous health benefits, including:
 Photo by Samer Daboul: https://www.pexels.com 2. Coconut Oil Coconut oil is another safe option for cats, offering antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties. Benefits include:
 Photo by Mareefe: https://www.pexels.com 3. Olive Oil Olive oil is packed with antioxidants and healthy fats that can benefit cats in various ways:
 Photo by Arjun: https://www.pexels.com 4. Flaxseed Oil Flaxseed oil is an excellent plant-based source of omega-3 fatty acids, particularly for cats that may not tolerate fish oil. Benefits include:
 Photo by Laryssa Suaid: https://www.pexels.com 5. Hemp Oil Hemp oil is gaining popularity as a natural supplement for pets. It contains omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, as well as antioxidants that support overall health. Benefits include:
 Photo by Pixabay from Pexels.com Oils to AvoidNot all oils are safe for cats. Some can be toxic and cause serious health issues. Avoid the following oils:
 From Pixabay via pexels Tips for Introducing Oils to Your Cat
CONCLUSIONIncorporating safe oils into your cat’s diet can provide significant health benefits, from improved skin and coat to joint support and digestive health. Fish oil, coconut oil, olive oil, flaxseed oil, and hemp oil are some of the best options. However, always introduce any new dietary supplement gradually and consult with a veterinarian to ensure they are suitable for your cat’s specific needs. By making informed choices, you can enhance your feline friend’s health and happiness in a safe and natural way.
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AUTHORSOur blog is managed by Ryan Hilary with additional contributions from our awesome volunteers and supporters. Are you a member of our community and have a great idea for a post (or maybe want to write one yourself?). Reach out to [email protected]. Archives
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