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4 | TheBucknerClarion.com June/July 2017 Brittany Butler, owner of Dirty Dogs Paw Spa LLC., has a special place in her heart for animals and a penchant for safety. She said it's the most important thing when taking furry, four-legged friends for a spa day. Butler has had a love for animals for many years and enjoys working with them. Having worked in the pet industry and paw salons through the years, she saw firsthand common practices that didn't quite sit well. Besides a genuine love for pets, this was another impetus for Butler to start her own dog spa. For her, safety and genuine pet care comes first. For instance, she offers custom bathtubs to help promote safety for elderly and disabled animals. She also has escape proof kennels and just purchased a privacy fence so animals can relieve themselves outside and stretch their legs. Butler said she is hoping to eventually start boarding animals so owners who want to take trips will have a safe place to leave their pets. Butler not only cares about animals but also for the people who serve the community and the nation. She offers discounts for first responders, veterans and military personnel. "I want to give a little back to the people that do so much for others," she said. "Pets are amazing companions and provide good therapy. People who work such stressful jobs should have a safe place to care for their pets." As for why she opened up shop in Buckner, her answer was simple, "I wanted to bring people out to Buckner because there is no where to take your pets out here unless you go into the city. I decided to use what I know and use my natural knack for grooming and bring it here. I am from Wellington and enjoy being close to home." Butler advises pet owners to trim nails every four to six weeks. She said the more the nails grow out, the risk increases for damaged floors. Additionally, the nails could curl and become painful. She also said keeping their ears clean is very important and can be done at home by mixing vinegar and water. Butler says daily cleaning helps to keep their ears yeast free. The Dirty Dogs Paw Spa isn't only a place for dogs but also cat friendly. Cats have designated time slots to help promote safety and comfort. Butler offers walk-in nail trims for $10 and nail trim and buffering for $15. She has full-service grooming and bath appointments that come with the works including nail care, ear cleaning, gland expressions and more. Call to book an appointment at (816) 249-4127, or schedule in person at 301 S. Hudson, Buckner, Mo. 64016. Look for the Dirty Dog Paw Spa booth at the Buckner Fair this fall and receive coupons and promotional items. 7 Ways to Protect Pets From Fleas and Ticks By Shayna Heathman Dirty Dogs Paw Spa Brings Pet Services to Buckner 7 Simple Heartworm Prevention Tips From Veterinarians One of the most unfortunate risk every dog owner deals with is heartworm. These parasites can sneak in and take over a dog's body, they are hard to detect, often take months for symptoms to surface, and may eventually lead to death. When looking after the health of your dog, take into account routine preventative measures. In most cases, prevention is much cheaper and safer than treatment, and heartworm is no exception. According to the American Heartworm Society, treatment can be 15 times more expensive than prevention. Rather than give heartworm a chance to take hold in your dog's body, following these simple tips will help reduce risks while also encouraging a healthier lifestyle. 1. Monthly Preventatives Nobody wants to watch their dog go through the harmful process of heartworm treatment, just as no one wants to go out of their way to pay hundreds or more for the procedure. Prevention is cheaper and significantly safer than what it takes to treat heart- worm. According to Pets.WebMD.com, missing a month of treatment is not recommended, but can be okay during colder months. Just missing multiple months of heartworm prevention treatment can increase the risk of infection significantly. just one heartworm- positive dog can significantly increase the risk of heartworm for all other dogs in the area. As for natural or herbal remedies, it is best to consult with a qualified veterinarian. Some of the more known preventative medications are ivermectin, selamectin, milbemycin, and moxidectin. 2. Routine Checkups In addition to monthly preventative medicine, schedule regular checkups. Ideally this happens every 6 – 12 months. Unfortunately, heartworm infection can take months for symptoms to show. The signs will often be subtle at first. If you notice decreased stamina, your dog getting out of breath more easily, or a slight cough, it's worth taking your dog the vet to get checked out. 3. Great Nutrition Just as you want to maintain your own body by providing it with healthy food, your dog needs the same level of attention. The healthier they are, the more likely their chances are of dealing with daily life as well as heartworm risk. In addition to your normal range of dog food, certain foods that you eat can be a great source of nutrients for your dog. However. many of the foods that are okay for humans to eat are toxic to dogs. Do your homework to find out what foods are safe and which ones may cause harm. Regarding dog food, look for brands which primarily use vegetables and meat to create their product. Stay away from fillers or heavily processed foods, just as you would with your own food. Avoid food coloring, too. Remember that dogs typically have a more sensitive digestive system than humans. Give your dog plenty of water. Let them have access to it whenever they want. Also, consider adding immunity boosters like garlic, whole foods, and other nutrient rich food. 4. Plenty Of Exercise Although the risk of heartworm is from mosquitoes, it's still a great idea to keep your dog active. Whether they are inside or outside, keeping them active will promote a longer and healthier life. Exercise won't treat or even necessarily fight against heartworm, but it will help in other areas of health for your dog such as supporting an optimal immune system. The only real prevention is monthly preventative medicine, but a healthier dog will still face less risks than an unhealthy one. Keep your dog well fed, active, and happy to help give them the best odds of remaining free of sickness and other ailments. 5. Keep Inside During Dawn And Dusk Peak mosquito time is early in the morning and near sunset. During these peak mosquito times, it's best to keep your dog inside. Although mosquitoes are inevitable, reducing the chances of your dog being bitten will decrease heartworm risks. 6. Reduce Mosquito Breeding Grounds Both near your house and throughout your yard, look for standing water and other potential spots where mosquitoes might breed heavily. Keep these breeding grounds clear and clean. Fleas and ticks are more than just annoying pests — they can cause real health problems for your pets. But with some simple steps, you can help protect your furry friends from these parasites and prevent any discomfort. Here are the top seven ways to do it. 1. Treat for fleas and ticks year-round. While it's true that fleas and ticks are more common in the summer months (they thrive in temperatures between 65 and 80 degrees), some can also survive indoors during the winter — even in cold climates. For this reason, many veterinarians recommend year-round preventive measures to protect pets. There are many products from which to choose — check with your vet for the best one to meet your pet's individual needs. Make sure you read and carefully follow your veterinarian's instructions for how and when to use the product. This is the best way to guarantee that it will effectively protect your pet. 2. Do not use old preventive products. If you have old flea or tick products to which you have been holding on, it is probably time to trade them in for something new. Old products, especially ones past their expiration date, can lose effectiveness. And you always want to check with your vet about new brands or products in the marketplace that may work better than what you've traditionally been using. 3. Do not use a canine product on cats. Some flea and tick preventives that are formulated for dogs contain an ingredient that is toxic to cats. It can cause very severe reactions in cats , which require immediate veterinary care. The product label will clearly indicate the species for which it has been approved. Be sure to use products only as intended. 4. Do regular tick checks. If you and your pet have been in an area that might have ticks, be sure to do a tick check once you're indoors, inspecting your pet's skin, ears and armpits for ticks. Deer ticks, for example, have to bite your pet and be attached for approximately 24 hours in order to transmit the pathogen that causes Lyme disease, so the best way to prevent transmission is finding and getting rid of any ticks as soon as possible. And though not every tick bite transmits a disease, it's a good idea to alert your veterinarian that your pet has been bitten. You'll also want to monitor your pet's behavior for any changes, such as lethargy, limping or loss of appetite. 5. Groom your pet regularly. Grooming is a great way to spend quality time with your pet. It also helps you keep an eye out for any external parasites that may be hiding under your pet's haircoat. 6. Clean up your yard. Along with keeping a well-maintained house, be sure to clean up your yard , too. Mow your lawn regularly, as ticks tend to like high grasses. Fleas prefer warm, moist, shady areas with organic debris. Raking leaves, brush and clippings from your yard will give fleas fewer places to hide and breed. 7. Get regular checkups. One important thing your veterinarian does during your pet's routine checkup is examine him for any signs of parasite problems to help ensure that the preventive product you are using is working effectively. However, you should contact your veterinarian right away if you have questions at any time about the product. Source: Sky Canyon Animal Hospital Source: vetStreet