By: Tony Cooper
The word “cancer” is enough to strike terror into the heart of most people. Just like humans can suffer from cancer, dogs are also susceptible to this terrible condition. Some people are surprised to know that dogs get cancer and aren’t aware that there are cancer specialists (oncologists) that deal with canine cancer. Unfortunately cancer can strike pets with frightening frequency, especially as they age. It is not uncommon for a dog owner to discover their dog has cancer when performing a routine checkup. Dealing with cancer in a pet can be a very difficult experience but you should try to do what’s best for your pet.

Cancer can affect the skin tissue, organs and bones of dogs, just like with humans. There are many different types of cancer which are categorized according to location and severity. Cancers that are aggressive are usually the type that spread to other locations and these are the hardest to treat. Sadly, an animal may have been suffering from cancer for quite some time before it begins showing any symptoms and this makes it vital that you perform regular blood tests and checkups for your pet on a regular basis. Caught in time, the prognosis can be positive, so early detection and treatment is crucial.

If your dog is diagnosed with cancer, the highest priority on your list should be pain management. You should do everything in your power to prevent your pet from suffering. Pain medication such as pills, anesthesia, injections and pain relieving patches are commonly used to prevent pain. Gentle handling and care should be provided for your dog as well as comfortable bedding.

Chemotherapy may be recommended by your vet as part of the cancer treatment and it is comforting to know that many dogs don’t experience nausea and vomiting during chemotherapy like their human counterparts. However, if your dog does vomit during treatment you should be very careful to ensure that he doesn’t become dehydrated as sick pets may sometimes refuse to drink. Dehydration is fatal to a pet. Also observe your dog’s appetite; if his appetite decreases you have to make sure he is getting ample nutrition. Appetite stimulants and supplements may be prescribed by your vet to aid with this.

Offer your dog foods he likes, do everything possible to make sure your dog is eating. Tempting him with tasty food can help. You should also try to keep your dog as stress free as possible during this time. Food that is easy to digest yet nutritious is best as well as omega-3 supplements. If your dog refuses to eat your vet may have to insert a feeding tube to make sure the dog is getting much needed nutrients.

If the condition deteriorates to the point where your dog becomes listless or in pain and there’s nothing more you or your vet can do to make his life comfortable, you may find yourself coming to a very difficult time in any pet owner’s life, having to make the decision of whether your beloved pet’s quality of life has become so compromised that euthanasia is an option you should begin to consider. You should discuss this will your vet and try to base your decision on what is best for your pet. It is never an easy decision to make and you should try to get as much information as possible from your vet to help you make the right decision for your best friend.

Cancer can be a very emotionally draining experience and the best thing you can do for your pet is to ensure he is comfortable and pain free and give him a lot of love and attention.

Tony is an avid pet lover and also writes articles for Discount-Pet-Mall: A site that sells pet supplies such as dog beds and bark collars.

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By: Irvin Mcclain

There’s nothing more frightening for new parents than the thought that their child may be sick. While most parents do well keeping their child away from common cold and flu germs, not everyone takes into account the affect household allergens may have on a newborn. Common respiratory symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, coughing and difficulty breathing are often examples of allergic rhinitis, or respiratory allergies, and are caused by a simple factor in the child’s environment. Dust mites, pet dander, mold, pollen -young children can develop allergies to a number of everyday things. Luckily, removing allergens and thus preventing or reducing allergic reactions can be a very easy process. The most important part of the process, though, is knowing what you’re up against.

It is important to understand what respiratory allergens are if you expect to protect your child from them. An allergy is an immune reaction to an irritable substance in the child’s environment. The child’s body views these irritants as dangerous and releases chemicals, such as histamines, that cause uncomfortable and potentially harmful symptoms. While a child may eventually develop immunity to these irritants, untreated or ignored allergic symptoms can lead to such respiratory problems as asthma and emphysema.

The most common allergens are dust mites, animal dander and molds. Dust mites are microscopic organisms that live in carpets and fabrics and feed on dead flakes of human and animal skin. Children can develop respiratory allergies from inhaling accumulated mites in areas that aren’t cleaned properly or regularly. Bedding, clothing and comforters should be washed in hot water at least once a week. For additional protection, cribs and beds should be covered with an impermeable mattress encasement. These covers act as a barrier between your baby and allergy-causing dust mites. It is also important to vacuum and dust weekly; a vacuum cleaner with a high efficiency particulate arresting (HEPA) filter helps trap particles normal dusting and vacuuming can miss. It is also important to clean or replace heating ducts, furnace and air conditioning filters whenever they’re in use.

Stuffed animals and plush toys can also be a haven for dust mites. Make sure you wash your child’s favorite plush toys as often as you would his or her bedding and clothing.

Pet dander is another common household allergen. Unfortunately, the only sure-fire way to protect your child from dander is to give the animal away. This can often be a very difficult and heartbreaking decision, but if your child’s allergic reaction is severe it may be the only option. If your child has only a mild allergy you might consider simply keeping the animal well-groomed, shampooed, off furniture and out of the child’s room.

Mold is a versatile and particularly irksome allergen. Molds can grow in closets, attics, cellars, planters, refrigerators, showers, garbage cans, mattresses, carpets -just about any warm, moist area in the house. Mold allergies are caused by the spores the mold uses to reproduce. These spores can cause significant health problems. The best way to prevent mold growth is to keep the air in troublesome areas of your home dry. A dehumidifier can help keep air dry in the winter, while a good air conditioner can achieve the same effect in the summer. Keeping high-risk areas clean is also important-use mold-inhibiting disinfectants such as bleach or tea tree oil and water.

Of course, any respiratory symptoms should be checked by your child’s physician. Most doctors won’t prescribe allergy medication to newborns, especially children younger than six months, but they may have treatment options that better fit your child’s specific allergy problem.

It’s fairly easy to determine whether your child is going to have a tendency to be allergic. Allergic tendencies are inherited, though specific allergies are not. If either you or your mate is allergic to cats, for instance, your child will have a fifty percent chance of developing some sort of allergy as well, though not necessarily to cats. Allergies also take a while to develop. Newborns may not show symptoms of allergic reactions for a few months; then, suddenly, the child’s exposure level to mites, mold or dander will reach its threshold and the child will start to develop symptoms.

Newborn allergies can be a scary experience for parents, especially if you are unprepared for them. The best way to help treat allergies is to prevent them before your child is even home from the hospital. Thoroughly clean and disinfect any areas the newborn will occupy, invest in proper ventilation and vacuum symptoms, and keep clothes and bedding washed regularly and protected with impermeable covers. Taking care of a newborn can bring about a number of unforeseen obstacles, but with proper preparation, common household allergens don’t need to be one of them.

Read about milk thistle benefits, milk thistle tea, milk thistle facts, how to remove nose hair, nose hair removal , nose hair problems and other information at the Health And Nutrition Tips website.

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By: Handy Man

Remedies to Indoor Air Quality Problems

Living Areas

Paneling, pressed-wood furniture and cabinetry. These products may release formaldehyde gas.

Remedy: Ask about formaldehyde content before buying furniture or cabinets. Some types of pressed-wood products, such as those with phenol resin, emit less formaldehyde. Also, products coated with polyurethane or laminates may reduce formaldehyde emissions. After installation, open windows. Maintain moderate temperature and humidity.

Carpet. Biological pollutants can grow on water-damaged carpet. New carpet can release organic gases.

Remedy: Promptly clean and dry water-damaged carpet, or remove it altogether. If adhesives are needed, ask for low-emitting ones. During installation, open doors and windows, and use window fans or room air conditioners. Vacuum regularly. Consider area rugs instead of wall-to-wall carpet. Rugs are easier to remove and clean, and the floor underneath also can be cleaned.

Floor tiles. Some contain asbestos.

Remedy: Periodically inspect for damage or deterioration. Do not cut, rip, sand or remove any asbestos-containing materials. If you plan to make changes that might disturb the asbestos, or if materials are more than slightly damaged, contact a professional for repair or removal.

Moisture. Moisture encourages biological pollutants, including allergens such as mold, mildew, dust mites and cockroaches.

Remedy: If possible, eliminate moisture sources. Install and use exhaust fans. Use a dehumidifier if necessary. Remove molds and mildew by cleaning with a solution of chlorine bleach (1 cup bleach to 1 gallon water). Maintain good fresh air with natural and mechanical air circulation.

Fireplace. Your fireplace can be a source of carbon monoxide and combustion pollutants.

Remedy: Open the flue when using the fireplace. Have the flue and chimney inspected annually for exhaust backdrafting, flue obstructions or cracks, excess creosote or other damage. Install smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.

Air conditioner. This can be a source of biological allergens.

Remedy: If there is a water tray, empty and clean it often. Follow all service and maintenance procedures, including changing the filter.

Gas or kerosene space heater. These devices can release carbon monoxide and combustion pollutants.

Remedy: Never use unvented kerosene or gas space heaters. In the room where the heater is located, provide fresh air by opening a door to the rest of the house, turning on an exhaust fan and slightly opening a window.

Tobacco smoke. Smoke contains harmful combustion and particulate pollutants, including carbon monoxide and combustion byproducts.

Remedy: Do not smoke in your home or permit others to do so, especially near children. If smoking cannot be avoided indoors, open windows or use exhaust fans, and restrict smoking to one space.

Draperies. New draperies may be treated with a formaldehyde-based finish and emit odors for a short time.

Remedy: Before hanging, air draperies to ventilate odors. After hanging, ventilate the area. Maintain moderate temperature and humidity.

Lead-based paint. Paint manufactured before l978 may contain lead.

Remedy: Leave lead-based paint undisturbed if it is in good condition. Before removing paint, test for lead. Do-it-yourself lead test kits are available from hardware or building supply stores. Do not sand, burn off or remove lead-based paint yourself; hire a person with special training to correct lead-based paint problems.

Animals. Many animals leave allergens, such as dander, hair, feathers or skin, in the air.

Remedy: Keep pets outdoors as often as possible. Clean the entire house regularly. Deep clean areas where pets are permitted. Clean pets regularly.

House dust mites. Biological allergens can trigger asthma.

Remedy: Clean and vacuum regularly. Wash bedding in hot water above 130 degrees F. Use more hard-surface finishes; they are less likely to attract and hold dust mites.

Kitchen

Household cleaners. Unhealthy or irritating vapors may be released from chemicals in products.

Remedy: Select nonaerosol and nontoxic products. Use, apply, store and dispose of them according to manufacturers’ directions. If products are concentrated, label the storage container with dilution instructions. Completely use up a product.

Pressed-wood cabinets. These can be a source of formaldehyde vapor.

Remedy: Maintain moderate temperatures (80 degrees maximum) and humidity (about 45 percent). When purchasing new cabinets, select solid wood or metal cabinets or those made with phenol resin; they emit less formaldehyde. Ventilate well after installation.

Unvented gas stove and range. These are a source of carbon monoxide and combustion byproducts.

Remedy: Keep appliance burners clean. Periodically have burners adjusted (blue flame tip, not yellow). Install and use an exhaust fan. Never use a gas range or stove to heat your home.

Bathroom

Personal care products. Organic gases are released from chemicals in some products, such as deodorant and hair sprays, shampoos, toners, nail polish and perfumes.

Remedy: Select odor-free or low odor-producing products. Select nonaerosol varieties. Open a window, or use an exhaust fan. Follow manufacturers’ directions when using the product and disposing of containers.

Air freshener. These products can release organic gases.

Remedy: Open a window or use the exhaust fan instead. If you use air fresheners, follow manufacturers’ directions. Select natural products.

Bedroom

Humidifier/vaporizer. Cold mist vaporizers can encourage biological allergens, including mold, mildew and cockroaches, that can trigger asthma and encourage viruses and bacteria.

Remedy: Use and clean them according to manufacturers’ directions. Refill daily with fresh water.

Moth repellents. These often contain the pesticide paradichlorobenzene.

Remedy: Avoid breathing vapors. Place them in tightly sealed trunks or other containers. Store separately, away from living areas.

Dry-cleaned goods. Chemicals used in the cleaning process release organic gases.

Remedy: Bring odors to the attention of your dry cleaner. Try to air out dry-cleaned goods before bringing them indoors. Seek alternatives to dry cleaning, such as hand washing items.

Utility Room

Unvented clothes dryer. Gas dryers produce carbon monoxide and combustion byproducts and can be a fire hazard. Remedy: Regularly dispose of lint around and under the dryer. Provide air for gas units. Vent the dryer directly to the outside. Clean vent and ductwork regularly.

Gas or oil furnace/boiler and gas water heater. Air quality problems include backdrafting of carbon monoxide and combustion pollutants. Remedy: Have your heating system and water heater, including gas piping and venting, inspected every year.

Asbestos pipe wrap and furnace insulation. These can release asbestos fibers into the air.

Remedy: Periodically look for damage or deterioration. Do not cut, rip, sand or remove any asbestos-containing materials. If you plan to make changes that might disturb the asbestos, or if materials are more than slightly damaged, contact a professional for repair or removal.

Basement

Ground moisture. Moisture encourages biological allergens like mold and mildew.

Remedy: Inspect for condensation on walls, standing water on the floor, or sewage leaks. To keep basement dry, prevent outside water from entering by installing roof gutters and downspouts, not watering close to the foundation, grading soil away from the home, and applying waterproofing sealants to basement interior walls. For standing water, consider installing a sump pump. If sewage is the source, have drains professionally cleaned. If moisture has no obvious source, install an exhaust fan controlled by humidity levels. Remove mold and mildew. Regularly clean and disinfect the basement floor drain.

Radon. This invisible, radioactive gas poses a lung cancer risk.

Remedy: Test your home for radon. Do-it-yourself kits are easy and inexpensive.

Hobby products. Chemicals in products such as solvents, paint, glue and epoxy release organic gases.

Remedy: Follow manufacturers’ directions for use, ventilation, application, clean-up, and container storage and disposal. Use outdoors when possible. Indoors, open a window, or use an exhaust fan. Reseal containers well. Clean tools outside or in a well-ventilated area.

Garage

Car and small engine exhaust. These are sources of carbon monoxide and combustion byproducts.

Remedy: Never leave vehicles, lawn mowers, snowmobiles, etc., running in the garage.

Paint, solvent and cleaning supplies. These products may release harmful vapors.

Remedy: Provide ventilation when using them. Follow manufacturers’ directions. Buy only as much as you need. If the products contain methylene chloride, such as paint strippers, use them outdoors. Reseal containers well. Keep products in their original, labeled containers. Clean brushes and other materials outside.

Pesticides and fertilizers. Yard and Garden chemicals may be toxic.

Remedy: Use nonchemical methods when possible. Follow manufacturers’ directions for mixing, applying, storing and using protective clothing. Mix or dilute them outdoors. Provide ventilation when using them indoors. Store them outside of the home in their original, labeled containers. After using the product, remove your shoes and clean your hands and clothing to avoid bringing the chemicals into your home.

Handy Manson is a Licensed Contractor turned ’self professed’ internet geek, creating his local internet directory KW Contractor for the Kitchener Waterloo Area. As a fully licesensed contractor, Handy has over 20 years experience in several trades.

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By: Steve Morin
Currently many manufactures and designers are enthused with the demand over the past numerous years for luxury canine and cat bedding. Designers are keeping with this trend and providing doggie proprietors significantly a lot more than a stiff wicker basket or an ordinary rug like the typical dog bed has been. Additional men and women right now are interested in design and style, and doggie owners are trying to find not only functional, safe canine and cat beds but dog beds that look excellent and fit in with their interior design and style without searching like a monstrosity. Which is why manufacturers and designers are offering extravagance puppy bedding that may be a fully finished piece of furniture that arrives total with cushioning and upholstery.

The rise inside the demand for offering luxury dog beds can be contributed to the fact that dogs and cats have grow to be members with the family who are as important as a child to some pet owners. Numerous individuals right now are deciding to wait on having kids or creating the option not to have any at all, or same sex couples, or youngsters have left home so pets are filling that void and producing the perfect addition. Folks now also have much more spending freedom, are style conscious and would like to lavish their four-legged loved one.

Pet proprietors have quite a few style styles, fabrics and colors to match not just their residence décor but also their and their pet’s personality when it comes to selecting a dog bed. Puppy proprietors can select from puppy pillows, mats, throws, sofas, chaises, designer furniture and a lot far more. An essential thing for dog proprietors to keep in mind when deciding on a bed to match their décor is this is for your doggie! Does your canine like to spread out and lounge or do they like to squeeze into small spaces? Pets that suffer from joint pain will discover orthopedic canine beds are by far the most luxurious. Also think about the smell, some pets will react to wood or plastic.

As designers come to be incredibly passionate with this growing trend more and a lot more layout shows, magazines and events have leaped at the opportunity for those canine and cat proprietors who are interested. Even the lodging industry is keeping up with this current trend as noted in a recent press release dated September 20th, 2006, “TRAVELODGE DESIGNS Extravagance BED FOR TRAVELLERS’ PETS.” It states,

“Talk about creature comforts… In response to clients who can’t bear to be parted from their beloved pets, 1 from the UK’s biggest hotel chains has produced a customized extravagance bed for its canine and feline guests. Results from a survey conducted among 1000 people by Travelodge identified that nearly two-thirds of respondents (61%) admitted they hate leaving their pets behind when they’re away from home. To respond to this demand, Travelodge has customized a replica of their luxury king size bed to accommodate its customers’ pets. The bespoke pet bed is 2′ 6” long and 2′ wide and arrives complete with mattress, pillow and duvet in Travelodge colours. Canine beds will be trialled in Newcastle, Liverpool, Birmingham and Nottingham hotels.”

In conclusion, with the rise of organic pet foods, nutritionally balanced puppy treats, pet clothing, designer carriers, luxury canine and cat beds are something designers are extremely excited to give doggie owners the chance to not only have a canine or cat pet bed but have an additional piece of furniture they are excited and proud about.

Information you need when you need it!

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By: Ray Toofan

With the number of people suffering from asthma and other breathing problems increasing weekly it is important that you know just how many indoor pollutants there are in your home. Years ago people believed that just by keeping your home clean you were getting rid of anything harmful that could cause you to be ill, this is not the case today. There are many different things that can all contribute to illness and breathing problems and they are polluting the air you breath inside the cleanest homes constantly.

If you suffer from breathing difficulties or someone in your family does you might be shocked to learn just how many pollutants could be lurking in your home such as:

-Dust mites: These tiny microscopic creatures live in bed mattresses, fabric and carpets all around your home and they feed on human and pet skin, discarded food particles and any other organic products in your home. Dust mites then produce faeces which are inhaled and can be a major irritant for people who suffer from asthma and other breathing problems.

-Pet dander: This is basically pet dandruff which is produced much in the same way that human dandruff is produced. However as animals groom themselves they will get saliva onto their fur and skin and this contains protein which can produce allergic reactions in some people.

-Cockroach droppings: These can induce allergic reactions in certain people and as they mix with other irritants they can become even more potent.

-Mold: Mold thrives in damp, warm conditions and will grow at an alarming rate if left alone. Mold produces spores which are tiny and can float in the air which means they can easily be breathed in. Certain types of mold are actually poisonous so if you have a mold problem in your home you should get it treated as soon as possible to avoid any major problems.

-Tobacco smoke: Everyone knows how dangerous tobacco is and it makes sense not to allow people to smoke in your home as passive smoking can be deadly. If you smoke yourself make an effort to do it outside so that you do not pollute the air in your home for yourself and others.

-Radon: This is a naturally occurring gas which can be sucked into house through the basement and can lead to lung cancer. Get your home checked to see if there is any radon present.

-Carbon monoxide: This is a tasteless, odorless and colorless gas that is produced in appliances that use combustion such as air conditioners and heating. CO poisoning can kill so you should fit CO detectors in your home to alert you to any potential leaks.

-Pollen: This can get into your house and aggravate certain conditions such as hay fever and asthma. When the pollen levels are high in your area make sure that you keep doors and windows closed and if possible have your air conditioning on to eliminate the risk of pollen.

One of the best ways to combat pollutants such as dust mites, pet dander and cockroach droppings make sure that you clean all surfaces including upholstery regularly and change bed sheets each week. Use HEPA filters in your air conditioning system – this will eliminate 99.995% of all airborne particles from the air – keeping you healthy. Invest in a HEPA vacuum which will trap all particles caught in carpets and upholstery, you can then safely dispose of them in the trash.

Contact your local HVAC technician for advice on making your air conditioner pollutant proof and help you with any aspect of improving your air quality. HVAC technicians work with residential and commercial properties and will work with you to bring you a clean air solution that meets your needs.

Giant Mechanical is a leading Chicago area company that provides Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, Refrigeration, and a variety of other services. Find out how Giant Mechanical can help you with your commercial, residential, or institutional needs by visiting http://www.giantmechanical.com.

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