Thursday, January 30, 2014

How to Save Money on Pet Care

Your furry friend deserves the best in care. Buying and raising a pet is a major commitment but it doesn’t have to break the bank. There are many ways to cut costs without skimping on pet care. Here are seven ways to save money on pet care that you could do easily:

save money on pet care


1. Buy in Bulk

Whether its pet food or flea and tick medicine, buying pet supplies in bulk saves you money in the long run. Ask your veterinarian if you can buy the largest dosage of routine heartworm pills and topical flea/tick ointments. Buying pet food in bulk is also a smart move when trying to cut costs. Just make sure that your food is staying fresh.

Tip: If you find that buying in bulk simply yields too much food, try splitting with a friend or fellow pet owner in the neighborhood.

2. Take Preventative Care Measures

One of the primary things to do to save money is to keep up with vet visits. By scheduling 6 month or yearly check-ups for your pet, it is easier to stay ahead of an illness or injury. Animals are not really good at telling when they are sick, so it is important for you as a pet owner to watch for the signs.

Tip: If you have more than one pet that attends the same vet, schedule your appointments for both in the same time slot to save time and money.

3. Make Your Own Treats and Toys

Instead of buying store brand treats, use kibble or certain human foods as rewards for good behavior. Some pet treats can get costly and in most cases are devoured pretty quickly. The same goes for toys! A lot of toys are made of everyday objects you might have in your home. Old sheets and fabrics can be made into tug-of-war rags and sticks from the backyard are perfect for fetch.

Tip: Try baking pet treats at home to save money. If you prefer buying toys, only buy a few and wash and rotate them every few weeks.

4. Utilize The Internet When Deciding On Pet Care Services

Pet care services range from grooming, dog walking and pet sitting to dog training and daycare. DIY grooming is the easiest way to cut back on spending. Cutting toe nails, bathing and trimming up your pets fur isn’t too hard as long as they cooperate. Dog walking and sitting services can be crucial if you work long hours or far from home. Do research online and look for deals and reviews for a cheaper place.

Tip: Partner with your neighbor or friend who also has a pet to take care of yours while you are away. It will be mutually beneficial and saves a lot of money.

5. Shop Around For Pet Medicines

Before buying your medicines from your vet, shop around and compare prices online. A lot of time, you can find discount pet pharmacies that are able to fill your prescription at a cheaper price.

Tip: During your next visit to the vet, have them send the prescription to your favorite online discount pet supply store to get the meds delivered to your door.

6. Consider Buying Pet Insurance

Pet insurance is not as expensive as we think it would be. As your pet gets older, having pet insurance is helpful in case of sickness or injury or just to pay for frequent hospital visits. It works just as human health insurance does in that the insurance company pays part of your pet’s health care while you pay the rest.

Tip: Look at your pet medical bills over the past few years and see if getting insurance makes sense. Also consider the age of your pet and find out the common health issues for the breed as they grow older.

7. Buy Durable Pet Supplies

When shopping for leashes, collars, cages, beds or other pet essentials, buy based on durability. The more durable the product is, the longer it will be around and the less times you will need to replace it. Therefore, spending less.

Tip: Plan and anticipate your pets needs so you can shop when the store has sales. Sign up for newsletters to get coupon by emails to help you save money.


Be proactive about your pet care as saving on the little things is what saves you in the long run. And sometimes the best options are just a click away!

Tuesday, January 21, 2014

4 Best Products for Dog Weight Loss

Finding a healthy weight-loss solution for an overweight dog can be challenging, especially with so many products on the market. You want your dog to get the best possible nutrition so that he or she can be active and enjoy life while maintaining a healthy weight. Combining a few different weight-loss products with an increase in exercise is probably the best approach to giving your dog strength, energy, and a happy life.

Best Products for Dog Weight Loss

Purina Veterinary Diet Food

Providing your dog with an appetizing, nutritious food that will support weight-loss is crucial. Purina Veterinary Diets OM Overweight Management Canine Formula makes an excellent dog food for weight loss and weight management. This formula is designed with a balance of nutrients, low fat, high protein:calorie ratio and isoflavones to allow your dog to lose weight while maintaining excellent overall health. It is available both as dry or wet food.

Vetri-Lean Weight Loss Chewable Tablets

A helpful product for dog weight-loss is a supplement called Vetri-Lean Chewable tablets for Dogs. This supplement, made by Vetri-Science Laboratories, is designed to prevent starch absorption. It is a safe, healthy, chewable tablet that reduces your dog's absorption of calories from carbohydrates so he or she can lose the extra weight. The supplement even has a tasty, dog-friendly chicken flavor.

Butler NutriSentials Lean Treats

Another great product is Butler NutriSentials Lean Treats for Dog that allows your to reward your dog for their good behavior without having to worry about straying away from your dog’ diet plan. Check out our detailed review on this product here.

BUSTER DogMaze Food Bowl

The BUSTER DogMaze is a innovative food dish that challenges your dog to eat more slowly. Dogs that eat slowly have a healthier digestive process, allowing them to absorb nutrients properly and get the most out of their food without overeating. Combining functionality and design, this food dish is a unique maze that makes mealtimes fun and healthy for your dog.


Exercise & Play Fun Games

Finally, helping your dog to get more exercise is the best beneficial weight-loss tool. All dogs need exercise, some breeds need more than others. This is more important if your dog is overweight. You dogs can have happier and healthier with regular walks. Other great physical activities to try with your dog include hiking, swimming, playing fetch with a ball or other fun dog toy, or even just running around in the yard or park. If you get excited about doing something physical, your dog will too. Helping your dog lose weight can be a fun way to bond, and you'll feel good knowing that you're giving your dog a happy, healthy life. Visit our website Medi-Vet to check more excellent products for getting your dog healthy and fit.

Tuesday, January 14, 2014

6 Easy Tricks to Teach Your Dog

You have a dog that knows all of its obedience commands. Your dog can sit, lay down or come to your when you say so. You are happy with these basic commands but would like to teach them more advanced tricks. But you fear that it is going to take a lot of time and might be complicated that you would like. Lucky for you, you can easily teach your four-legged friend these 6 tricks.

Easy Tricks to Teach Your Dog

1. Go to bed

This is a super easy trick to teach your dog and is very helpful when your dog gets hyper. We recommend having a standard location for the bed before you get started.
  1. First, have your dog sit away from his/her bed
  2. Then, place a treat on the bed and say “bed” to the dog
  3. The dog will run to the treat on the bed
  4. Immediately, make them lay down on the bed
  5. Reward them, and give them another treat

2. Open the fridge

You know that there are days when you’re feeling too lazy to open the refrigerator? When you teach your dog how to do it, you’ll never have to set hands on the fridge door again! To learn this trick, your dog will already need to know how to tug on a rope; a trick that comes naturally for most dogs.
  1. Tie a bandana or a rope to the refrigerator handle.
  2. Walk your dog to the fridge and tell it to tug the bandana.
  3. Praise and treat your dog as soon as it puts the bandana in its mouth.
  4. Encourage your dog to tug the cloth until the door opens.
  5. As soon as the door begins to open, tell your dog “fridge” and offer a treat.

3. Smile

Some dogs naturally grin with their teeth and others don’t. Whether your dog happily displays its teeth or not, you can easily teach it to smile on command. If your dog smiles naturally, put a word to the action and offer a treat. If your dog needs a bit of help, tickle its nose or do something else that makes it lift its lip. As soon as you see teeth, praise your dog, use your command word, and give your dog a treat.

4. Potty Bell

Not every dog owner is adept at reading their dog’s signals. If you are tired of trying to figure out if your dog has to go outside to the bathroom, it’s time to teach it how to ring a bell to alert you.
  1. Hang a row of jingle bells on the doorknob on the door you use to take your dog outside. Make sure that the bell is at eye level.
  2. Each time you take your dog outside, hit the bell gently.
  3. Begin teaching your dog to hit the bell with its nose or paw.
  4. Give your dog a treat when it touches the bell.
Pretty soon you will have a dog that alerts you to its need to go outside.

5. Crawl

Teaching your dog to crawl is fairly simple.
  1. Place your dog in a down stay.
  2. Put a treat in front of your dog’s paws
  3. Slowly move it back towards you
  4. As your dog reaches for the treat, praise it and give it the treat.
  5. Slowly increase the distance that your dog has to move to get the treat. If your dog’s behind comes off of the ground, start again at step one.

6. Bring It

Your dog can help you with the laundry, can get you its leash, and can help you carry lightweight items through the house. Encourage your dog to pick up an item while you give a “take it” command. Let your dog follow you to another room with the item in its mouth while you give a “bring it” command. Put your hand out for the item while you give a “drop it” command. The more you practice this, the better your dog will become at helping you do the daily household chores.

Some of other popular tricks that you can teach your dog are high-five, shake, wave and kiss. It doesn’t matter if your dog is young or old. All you need is patience, yummy dog treats and of course, a dog. Teaching them tricks not only keeps their mind active but also allows you to show off with your smart pet to your family and friends.

Wednesday, December 11, 2013

Novartis Sentinel Flavor Tabs for Heartworm & Flea Prevention for Dogs Review

sentinel heart worm medication for dogs
Providing the best possible care to family dog(s) is the common goal for you and your veterinarian. The main goal is to keep your dog healthy and active so they can enjoy many years of fun, love, and adventure. The prevention and treatment of heartworm disease is a very high priority when it comes to a dog’s health and that is why Novartis created Sentinel Flavor Tabs for Heartworm & Flea Prevention.

Sentinel Flavor Tabs are once-a-month tablets that can prevent and treat heartworm disease and flea populations in dogs and puppies. Indicated use suggests use in puppies that are four weeks of age or older, and two pounds of body weight or greater. Sentinel Flavor Tabs are orally administered and extremely palatable to dogs, which makes treating them that much easier. Dogs love the taste so much, they will think you are giving them a treat! Before giving Sentinel to you dog, please talk to your veterinarian.



Sentinel Flavor Tabs for Dogs indicated uses are:
  • Prevention of heartworm disease caused by Dirofilaria Immitis
  • Prevention and control of flea populations
  • Control of adult hookworm Ancylostoma caninum
  • Removal and control of adult roundworm Toxocara canis and Toxascaris leonine
  • Removal and control of whipworm Trichuris vulpis

Sentinel Flavor Tabs work to immediately break the flea life cycle by inhibiting egg development. To ensure adequate absorption, it is recommended that tabs are administered to dogs immediately after or in conjunction with a meal.  It is also recommended that the tablets be administered monthly, preferably on the same date each month, as a preventative health measure.

Novartis Sentinel Flavor Tabs are available in four tablet sizes with varying dosage formulated according to weight:
  • 2 to 10 lbs… 2.3 mg
  • 11 to 25 lbs… 5.75 mg
  • 26 to 50 lbs… 11.5 mg
  • 51 to 100 lbs… 23.0 mg

Each tablet size arrives in color-coded packages of either six or tablets each, which are packaged 10 par display carton.  You can purchase the full line of Novartis Sentinel Flavor Tabs at www.medi-vet.com and save money compared to other online stores. Medi-Vet offers name brand pet products to pet owners, veterinarians, and pharmacies at discount prices.  Be sure to check out Medi-Vet’s wide selection of dog supplies including supplements, toys, grooming tools and more.


Monday, December 2, 2013

6 Top Questions about Dog Pregnancy

Do you think your dog is pregnant or have questions on how to take care of your pregnant dog? Then you have come to the right place. We have compiled a list of top questions we get asked and the answers or solutions for them. These answers are just to help you get started and alleviate some of your immediate concerns; it does not replace talking to your veterinarian.

dog with new born puppies

1. How can I tell if my dog is pregnant?

Canine pregnancy lasts an average of 62 days, and the first signs start showing about 15 days after conception, when the mama dog’s nipples get larger and darker and the fur surrounding them will start to thin out. After about three weeks, your dog may lose her appetite as doggy morning sickness sets in. If your pooch is pregnant, you should be able to hear heartbeats with a stethoscope just one month after conception and feel the walnut sized puppies in their tummy. If you are trying to find out if your dog is capable of getting pregnant, a Witness LH Test kit can tell you when she is ovulating.

2. What should I feed my pregnant dog?

It’s okay to feed your dog as normal for the first month of her pregnancy, but after that you should increase the amount by 25% every week. You should also switch her to puppy food instead of dog food at that time to give the growing puppies the nutrition they need. You may find it necessary to start feeding her several small meals throughout the day, since loss of appetite is common.

3. How much exercise should I give my pregnant dog?

When it comes to getting mama dog some exercise, more is better. Being more physically fit will make giving birth easier for her, and although she will get tired more easily as her pregnancy progresses, it’s still ideal for her to have several short walks a day to stay strong.

4. When will my puppies open their eyes?

About two - three weeks after they’re born, your puppies should start to open their eyes. If you are planning to sell your puppies, eight weeks is the ideal time for them to leave the nest. Recommend their new owners invest in a Snuggle Puppy with a warm and comforting heat pack, specially designed to reduce stress and help the pups adjust to their new homes.

snuggle puppy for pregnant dog and new puppies

5. If the mama can’t provide enough milk to feed the puppies, what should I do?

Sometimes the mama dog can’t provide enough milk for her puppies. Her milk provides important antibodies and nutrients to keep the pups healthy, and you want them to get as much as possible, but sometimes supplemental feeding is necessary. Vet Solutions Pro-Biolac Milk Replacement for puppies is a nutritionally complete supplement that can be added to your adult dog’s food, mixed with water to provide a supplemental food source to your puppies, and also contains colostrum for a food source that can replace mother’s milk in a pinch.

6. How can I tell if one of my puppies is sick?

Keep a close eye on your puppies; one of the best indicators of whether a puppy is sick is if it starts behaving differently from the rest. A sick puppy may go limp, and its tongue will be cool to the touch. If the mother refuses to feed or interact with her puppy, it may be time for a trip to the vet. If this happens, you may need to take over the feeding and care of your puppy with a Petag Nursing Kit and a milk replacement kit for puppies.

Wednesday, November 6, 2013

5 Christmas Gifts for Your Dogs & Cats

The holiday season is just around the corner! Chances are that you have thought about buying gifts for pets and are window shopping online, looking for this year’s top gifts for pets. Make your gift extra special and brighten up your four-legged friend’s day with these unique presents that are meant just for them. Here at Medi-Vet, we have come up with some holiday gift ideas for pets that will truly show them how much they are loved. A word of advice, though: don't put your pet's presents under the tree before Christmas since they have a way of "nosing out" what's under the wrapping paper!

1. Kong Snugga Wubba Dog Toy: 

Dogs love to play tug-of-war and fetch but you don't like holding onto a slimy tennis ball or rope. The Kong Snuggaa Wubba is the perfect solution. Its bright colors and tail make it great fun for dogs to chase and shake. This dog toy by Kong comes in four different sizes (small, medium, large and extra-large) so, no matter what type of dog you have, there is a Kong Wubba perfect for him or her.

kong snugga wubba dog toy

2. Busy Buddy Bouncy Bone: 

All dogs love to chew on bones but the mess and choking risk from real animal bones may make you reluctant to give them to your pet. The Busy Buddy Bouncy Dog Bone is what you have been looking for. It is a durable nylon and rubber bone that is attached to a rubber ball for endless chewing pleasure. Even better, you can add treats to the toy for a tasty surprise! The Busy Buddy Bouncer Bone comes in four different sizes from small (for puppies and miniature dogs) to large (shepherds, retrievers and other dogs over 60 pounds).


busy buddy bouncy dog bone

3. Kong Extreme Dog Toy: 

Kong chew toys are famous for their fun and durability. The Kong Extreme Dog Toy is made of puncture-resistant rubber that will help clean your dog's teeth and massage its gums. As an added feature, the Kong Extreme Dog Toy is hollow, allowing you to stuff it with treat pastes (or even peanut butter!) for your dog's chewing pleasure. It come in a variety of sizes, so there is one for your furry friend, no matter what their breed. Whether you have a three pound Chihuahua, or a 200-pound Great Dane, there is a Kong Extreme Dog Toy perfect for them.

kong extreme dog toy

4. Feline Greenies Smartbites Treats: 

What cat doesn't like treats? Feline Greenies are treats that are essentially health supplements for your cat. Not only are they delicious, but they provide important nutrients like fish oils and natural fibers. Because Feline Greenies Smartbites for Cats are so good, they recommend that you provide up to 40 treats a day (depending on weight). It is available in 3 different flavors such as salmon, chicken, tuna and can help with hairball control, digestion and healthy skin and fur.

smartbites greenies treats for cats

5. Kong Wubba Cat Mouse Toy: 

Cats are natural hunters. Indulge their desire to stalk and hunt with the Kong Wubba Cat Mouse Toy. This toy is designed to resemble a mouse and is infused with catnip to intrigue your kitty. The tail makes a distinctive crackling noise when touched for added fun.

kong wubba cat mouse toy

Hopefully this article has been helpful in giving you some great ideas for picking the best Christmas gifts for pets. Don't forget to include them in your holiday shopping this season!

Wednesday, October 30, 2013

Butler NutriSentials Lean Treats For Dogs Review

You love your dog and you want them to be healthy, right? Are you looking for a treat you can give them that they will love but won’t cause them to gain weight? Butler NutriSentials Lean Treats for Dogs is the perfect choice for your four-legged furry friend.


Keeping your dog healthy and happy has never been easier with this dog treat because it is
  • Made with real chicken that has the skin removed to be even healthier
  • Comes in bite-size pieces for easier portion control
  • Low fat content - only 7 calories per treat

Butler NutriSentials Lean dog treats are not just for showing your best friend how much you love them but are also an excellent way to give medication and treat them with a delicious reward during training. The treat can easily be digested by the dogs and are priced reasonably for regular consumption.

Butler NutriSentials Lean Treats For Dogs are made up of:
  • Crude Protein - 23%
  • Crude Fat - not less than 4%, not more than 7%
  • Crude Fiber - 2%
  • Moisture - 32% 

The Butler Lean Treats come in a convenient, resealable zipper pouch to lock in flavor and insure freshness. Each packet weighs 4 oz and are economically priced, which is a good thing because your dog will try them once and go absolutely crazy for it and will be begging for more. When choosing treats for your dog, you want only the best- best in taste and for their health. Butler NutriSentials Dog Treats will not disappoint but don’t take our word for it, let your dog do all the talking (tail wagging).