Now that spring is here, you may be thinking about getting into the swing of things and embracing your workout routine. However, there's no reason that you should leave your dog at home while you're working on your beach bod. According to the ASPCA, there are far more engaging activities out there that can improve dog wellness and help your furry friend lose a few extra pounds. Here are a few suggestions that can shake up your workout routine and help your canine get in on the act.


1. On-leash biking. Going for a long bike ride with your dog in tow is a wonderful way to let off some steam. While this can work if you're biking through a park or a traffic-free suburban area, it can be difficult when you're dealing with high levels of traffic. As a result, many pet wellness companies now manufacture bike leash holders that elevate the leash a foot or two away from the bike frame. This will allow your pooch to run alongside you without having the leash or your pooch getting tangled up with you.


2. Obstacle courses. Whether you create your own using furniture and boxes in your yard, or explore a course in your community, this is a wonderful way to improve your dog's agility, reports Total-German-Shepherd.com. Whisking your dog through one of these courses will give you a surprising amount of exercise and it can help your canine release a bit of pent-up energy.


3. Fishing line. Start by removing the hooks from your fishing pole and then attach one of your dog's chew toys on the end. You can then go in the front yard and practice your cast, while your dog races back and forth trying to chase after the toy.


4. Swimming. On an especially hot day, nothing will make you or your pooch happier than going to take a dip in the nearest lake. Bring along a tennis ball that your dog can chase into the water and bring back to you to help him increase his heart rate.


After a long winter, you and your canine may need to lose a bit of weight, but now is the best time to amp up your fitness level. Using these fun activities, you can create many warm memories and finally get back in shape when it's time to hit the beach.

To get detailed information on every Hartz flea & tick products, visit www.hartz.com

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If you smoke, you know for a fact that it's a nasty habit that's an extreme detriment to your health, but have you ever thought about what it's doing to your pet? According to the ASPCA, dogs and cats who live in a smoking household are at risk for myriad health problems, ranging from cancer to respiratory problems to skin issues. If you've been on the fence about quitting smoking and need that extra push to make a change in your life, ensuring animal wellness in your household should be one of the chief reasons to kick the habit for good. The following health problems could force you to finally take action and make a change for your furry friend.



1. Mouth cancer. This is particularly prevalent in cats, that have far more stringent grooming habits which could lead to problems. Since cigarette smoke can release many carcinogens and poisons into the air, these materials could begin to collect on your feline's coat. As he cleans himself, these cancer-causing agents could lead to the development of mouth cancer. Recent studies back up these claims and it could pose a huge risk to your cat's overall well-being.



2. Secondhand smoke. According to the USA Today, recent research has found that secondhand smoke plays a much larger role in the health of pets than previously thought. The toxins that are released by this smoke can cause lung and nasal cancer in dogs. Being constantly exposed to these nasty ingredients will dramatically increase your pet's chance of developing a tumor and experiencing all the pain and life-threatening developments that come along with it.



3. Ingesting cigarettes. If you leave ashtrays lying out in your living room, this is a poison hazard that is just as bad as a block of chocolate for your dog. PetPlace.com warns that only two to four cigarette butts can lead to nicotine poisoning in canines, which can result in vomiting, upset stomach and even death in some cases. This is just another reason to kick your smoking habit for good to ensure that your pooch doesn't have a chance to eat any of these nasty butts.



Smoking is doing irreparable damage to your health, but it is also coming at a cost to your pet's wellness as well. By finally kicking this nasty ritual, you can breathe easier and ensure that you're doing everything you can to improve you and your pet's well-being.

To get detailed information on every Hartz flea & tick products, visit www.hartz.com

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As a dog owner, you have a responsibility to keep your canine healthy, and knowing the most prevalent diseases and conditions is vital to preparing for any situation. Recently, Veterinary Pet Insurance Co. released its Top 10 Most Common Causes of Veterinary Visits between dogs and cats, and the results were quite telling. To ensure dog wellness in your household, knowing the most common dog ailments and how to prevent them is essential to avoiding them in the future.



1. Ear infections. These ailments come from a variety of sources, ranging from diet to exposure, so it's vital that you keep a close eye on his ear canals. An overgrowth of yeast production in your dog's ears can be directly traced to diet, so consider giving him a food consisting of more natural ingredients. Additionally, ear infections can arise from an excess of moisture, so be sure to dry off your pooch's ears after going swimming.



2. Skin Allergies/Infection. Skin allergies and infections come in at two and three on the list, and these can come from a variety of sources. During the first sign of hot spots, a dull coat or dry skin, take your dog into the vet. You can then begin an exclusionary diet to find out what he's allergic to and get to the bottom of his skin problems.



3. Non-cancerous skin growth. Skin growths are a scary thing to spot on your pooch and they can come from a variety of sources. By regularly brushing your dog and bringing him into the groomer, you can keep an eye out for these growths and find them before they become a problem. This is a simple procedure that can be performed at the vet's office and your pooch will be back in tip-top shape.



4. Upset stomach. Most vets who deal with a dog's upset stomach are dealing with something that the canine ingested. Keep small items in your home to a minimum that your pooch may want to eat, as well as foods like chocolate, sugarfree gum and certain types of flowers that could cause him discomfort.



Owning a dog is often like taking care of a child, and you have to constantly be on top of his overall well-being. By knowing the most common pet maladies out there, you can plan for any contingency and improve your pet care standards year-round.

To get detailed information on every Hartz flea & tick products, visit http://www.hartzultraguard.com/

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Spring is finally here, and while the trees are budding and temperatures are steadily increasing, this is also one of the most harrowing times of the year for dog owners. With the mild winter weather that much of the country experienced in the past few months, flea and tick populations are expected to be at historic highs and pet parents will have to take advanced steps to protect their companions. According to KY3.com, veterinarians all over the country have already begun to spot these insects and encourage owners to take the necessary steps to protect their pets.



"Since it has been so warm this winter, we are going to have a big problem with fleas this summer, I believe," veterinarian Cynthia Wiseman with Springfield Veterinary Center told the news source. "If you get on flea control now, you can stop the life cycle of the flea. So if you can break the cycle now, you are going to be better off down the line in the summer."



One of the first steps that dog owners should take is to invest in a monthly treatment like topical drops that can eliminate parasites before they have a chance to reproduce. Hartz UltraGuard Pro Flea and Tick Drops for Dogs will kill fleas, ticks and mosquitoes on contact for up to 30 days and prevent flea eggs and larvae from forming. The drops are placed at the skin level between a dog's shoulder blades and down the length of his back to the tail. This will provide superior protection throughout flea season and keep your pooch in tip-top shape.



Along with the many quality flea treatments on the market, the Miami Herald suggests regular brushing and inspection with a flea comb to spot the presence of fleas and ticks. Ticks are a huge problem during this time of year, but they will have to stay attached to your dog for several hours before they have a chance to spread Lyme disease or other ailments. These regular checks can dramatically increase your chances of spotting an insect and preventing an infestation.



Flea season has come much earlier this year, but if you take the proper precautions, your pooch and your home can be spared from the blight of fleas and ticks that should be everywhere this season.


To get detailed information on every Hartz flea & tick products, visit www.hartz.com

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March is National Nutrition Month in the United States, a time for us all to take a closer look at the foods we eat on a daily basis and how we can improve our overall diet. As a cat owner, it's also your responsibility to make sure that your feline is receiving optimal nutrition, and this month is the perfect time to start. If your feline has become a bit tubby over the winter or doesn't seem to have the same spunk that he used to, you may need to examine what he's eating on a regular basis. Keep the following tips in mind to improve your furry friend's quality of life and increase his longevity.

1. Food labels. The next time you're at the pet store and examining the ingredients in your feline's food, keep in mind that cats are carnivores and shouldn't be eating the corn, grain and carb-filled foods that are very common. Look into products that are made with mostly natural ingredients and are free of preservatives and fillers. Going for an even split between a nutritious dry food and a tasty wet food can help your cat receive well-rounded nutrition.

2. Treats. The occasional treat is alright for your furry friend, but you should really search for a product that will add to his overall nutrition instead of just giving him junk food. If you can't find healthy cat treats at your local pet store, consider looking up all-natural pet stores and holistic vets. These locales will give you great advice to find natural cat treats that can improve animal wellness and prevent any weight gain.

3. Multiple cats. If one of your felines is in need of weight loss more than others, it can be difficult to feed one feline a specific diet while keeping the other one at bay. According to CatChannel.com, while you could decide to place the food in a separate area of the house or on a counter top where the other feline can't get it, it may be better just to separate the cats during mealtime. This will prevent your tubby kitty from dipping into extra food and it can help you be diligent about his diet.

Pet nutrition is one of the most important aspects of cat wellness, so use National Nutrition Month as your motivation to improve your feline's overall well-being.

For more information on Hartz flea & tick  Control Products and flea prevent, visit http://www.hartz.com/

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