Amphibians secrete a mucus through their skin to help them evade predators, but in some species this slime is toxic. The Colorado/Sonoran River Toad, Marine Toad and Cane or Bufo Toad can kill by affecting the heart and central nervous system. To avoid pet interactions with poisonous toads:
Teach pets to “leave it” and not chase critters.
Observe when investigating uncharted territory.  
Article By Denise Fleck, The Pet Safety Crusader ​

These first-aid practices should be implemented in the event of a snake bite: For non-venomous snake bites:                                                                                        Wash the wound with antibacterial soap and observe. If red or warm to the touch, get to the veterinarian for antibiotics or other treatment. If unsure, assume it was a venomous bite:
Keep bite wound below level of heart to slow absorption; do not wash or massage area.
Keep animal calm since the faster he breathes and circulates blood, the faster the venom moves.
Call ahead and get to veterinary care for treatment. Do NOT:
Cut the bite and try to suck out the poison.
Manipulate the bitten area or allow the pet to move about freely. Place an ice pack over the bite.  
​Article By Denise Fleck, The Pet Safety Crusader

These first-aid practices can be implemented in the event of fly strikes: Softens scabs with a warm, wet washcloth until they can be gently wiped away.            Clean with Betadine or Chlorhexidine. For cats, plain, warm water is safest.      Apply antibiotic ointment, but if wounds don’t heal or you see maggots, get pet to the vet!  
Article By Denise Fleck, The Pet Safety Crusader ​

Remove anything that attract flies—fallen fruit, pet feces, uncovered garbage—and use fly traps.                                                                                                          When pets are outdoors, apply petroleum jelly or Avon® Skin-So-Soft lotion to tips of ears.                                                                                                                            Some swear flies will not bite an animal who drinks vinegar and recommend adding 1 Tablespoon Apple Cider Vinegar to a pet’s water bowl.
Article By Denise Fleck, The Pet Safety Crusader  ​

A routine examination on pets that are healthy is a good preventive. Puppies and Kittens need to see a vet every 3-4 weeks until they complete all of their vaccinations. Healthy young adult cats and dogs should be seen at least annually. Senior and geriatric pets should be seen more often by a vet to help catch early signs of disease. Senior cats with chronic conditions should be seen more frequently.                                                                                                                       Your dog may get other vaccines to prevent illnesses like kennel cough, and outdoor cats should get feline leukemia vaccines. Bring in a stool sample from your pet, to have checked for intestinal parasites. Mention any changes you've seen in your pet.

Dogs love the taste of chocolate ​                                                                          Caffeine and theobromine are toxic to dogs                                                                    The darker and more bitter the chocolate, the more toxic it is                                  Milk chocolate is not safe                                                                                                Dogs who ingest chocolate may start to vomit and have diarrhea                                Other signs include restlessness, a distended abdomen, seizures, a racing heart, and high or low blood pressure.                                                                                    Highly sensitive dogs to theobromine or who ingest cocoa powder or unsweetened baking chocolate can die from cardiac arrhythmias, hyperthermia, or respiratory failure.                                                                                                          Xylitol, sugar alcohol, in some chocolate it's highly toxic to dogs                                  ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center Phone Number: (888) 426-4435  

An estimated 41% of pet owners are not walking their dogs regularly, and that's bad for the health and overall well-being of your dogs. If you are busy with your work schedule, physical limitations, or other reasons you are unable to regularly walk your dog. Don't hesitate to call Comforts of Home Pet Care  727-771-0776

Causes of anxiety in a dog are fear, separation, aging. Anxiety often manifests itself in undesirable behaviors, such as urinating and defecating in the house, destroying furniture and furnishings, drooling, panting, pacing, and barking. Fear is caused by loud noises, animals, hats, umbrellas, strange people, and environments. Talk to your veterinarian on what is the best way to treat the anxiety. Also, you want to make sure that there is no medical condition that could be causing the problem. CBD oil is a possibility consult with your veterinarian.

When it's time to feed your dog, there are fun, creative things you can try that will both satisfy their hunger and give them a bit of a workout. For dogs that are food motivated to spread meals throughout different parts of the house or throw kibble, having your pet chase it is an excellent way to get them moving. A kong or puzzle toy will mentally stimulate the dog. Dog gets very excited when you play food games with them. Place a treat under a tennis ball, balled-up-sock place a treat underneath it, he dog has to figure out which thing contains the treats. Once the dog gets the idea gradually add more balls and socks hide the treat under them it is a good way for your dog to sniff out where the treat is. This is good for senior dogs that may start to experience diminished eye-sight and hearing as they get older. Combine different types of food or treats to keep it interesting. Start easy and gradually make it harder when once they understand the game. Lots of encouragement and praise.