Parasites in dogs are very serious and may be life-threatening if not treated. There are many types of parasites, with some quite dangerous, but all are treatable.

• ~Flea fossils date back to the Lower Cretaceous period, meaning fleas have been around for about 100 million years. At that time, fleas may have infested a Tyrannosaurus Rex or Triceratops!
• ~Fleas can jump up to 150 times their own length. So they can easily jump onto your pet from the ground, or from another pet.
• ~A female flea consumes 15 times her own body weight in blood every day, and lay 2,000 eggs.
• ~Just one flea can multiply to 1,000 fleas on your pet and in your home in 21 days.
• ~On average, a flea's lifespan is two to three months. However, pre-emerged fleas (not living on a pet) can survive undisturbed and without a blood meal for more than 100 days.
• ~Fleas can bite up to 400 times a day!
• ~On average, a flea lives 2-3 months and spends most of it's life on your pet.
• ~The largest recorded flea is the North American Hystrichopsylla schefferi. Found in beavers, it can measure 12mm in length - almost 1/2-inch!

With these facts and knowing fleas carry so many diseases that are harmful and deadly to your pet, keeping them on a preventive is a must. Here is a coupon for Frontline plus Click Here

More is not better. Never use more than one flea product on your pet without your veterinarian’s approval. Using a shampoo or dip along with a topical or oral flea product can cause your pet to take in too much of the active ingredients in these products, leading to a bad reaction or even poisoning.

You will need a rectal thermometer to take your dog's or cat's temperature. You do not need a special 'dog' or 'cat' thermometer – you can use one designed for human use.

Shake down the thermometer until the reading is 96°F or less. Lubricate the thermometer with some vaseline or lubricating jelly.

Grasp your pet's tail at the base and raise it. Hold it firmly so your pet will not sit down. Reassure and talk quietly to your pet during the whole procedure. This will help keep your pet calm, relaxed, and holding still.

Taking a dog's temperature Gently insert the bulb portion of the thermometer into your pet's anus. It works best if you use a twisting motion. Insert the thermometer about 1 inch in cats and small dogs, and up to three inches for giant breed dogs.

Leave the thermometer in place for 1-2 minutes. Then remove it and wipe it with gauze or a cotton ball. Read the temperature at the end of the column of mercury. Clean the thermometer with rubbing alcohol and store it safely.

Temperature - 100.5 to 102.5 This is the normal reading for your pet.