Are you looking to have the best yard in your neighbourhood this season?! Now is the time to start! While maintaining an attractive lawn, it is important to concentrate on the basic needs and conditions of the lawn and soil to fix any issues. Preventing lawn problems is usually easier than treating them with chemical pesticides after the issues start. Here are some simple tips on how to maintain a healthy lawn.
Rake Thatch
Rake any thatch – any dead grass from the previous year. Too much thatch reduces water and nutrients moving down to the roots and can shelter damaging insects and fungi.
Fertilize
Regularly fertilizing your lawn gives it the necessary nutrients to keep it strong and healthy. It will help out-compete any possible weed infestations and will make it tolerate a certain degree of insect infestation. Choose a fertilizer high in nitrogen with some iron for your first fertilizer application. Move to a fertilizer that has a longer-lasting effect for your second application. This type of fertilizer will release over the season rather than quickly. Fertilize in April/May or September when the lawn is actively growing.
Lime
Maritime soil is often very acidic. Sweeten the soil by adding lime. It is recommended to apply twice a year. Test your soil to determine whether your pH level suits your lawn. It should have a pH of 5.8-6.5.
Overseed
Overseeding is an easy and effective way to strengthen your lawn and protect against weed problems, especially in sparse areas after the winter cold or summer heat.
How to overseed:
1. Rake the bare or thin areas vigorously to loosen the soil.
2. For thickening-up purposes, apply at half the recommended rate.
3. For patching-up purposes, apply at the full recommended rate.
4. Apply a thin layer of topsoil on patched-up areas.
Aerate
Aerating the soil increases air and water circulation by opening up air spaces. Compacted soil is bad for grass development and often results in weed infestations such as plantain and clover.
Mowing Habits
Good mowing habits will help the overall health of your lawn. It is healthier to mow more frequently and keep the grass longer than removing too much at once. Maintaining your grass at a high of about 2-3 inches makes it more tolerant of drought and better to compete against weeds.
Grass Seed
Grow a lawn with more than one type of grass. Lawns with mixed grass are more tolerant of different growing conditions and insect- and disease-resistant.
Watering
Lawns usually receive enough water from rainfall, but in the driest summer periods, ensuring your lawn gets enough water is vital. Water just enough so that about 1 inch covers the entire surface of your yard. Watering in the morning or evening will reduce evaporation.
Weed Control
Weeds are prone to grow in lawns that are in poor condition. Weed seeds quickly germinate and grow in damaged areas where the soil is compacted or grass that is heavily damaged by insects and diseases. Re-seed any bare or damaged patches quickly. Walk in different places to avoid compacting the soil or waring bare spots in the grass.
Pest Control
Some lawn problems don’t seem to go away and might need a pesticide. Figure out what’s causing the problem, and visit your local Feeds’n Needs for advice on the best product to resolve your lawn issues. You can ask our Experts in-store any questions about your lawn care process. Great lawns start with Feeds’n Needs!
Early lawn care process:
April to May – Set a plan, rake, lime, create air movement, sunlight, and start with a clean slate.
May to June – Overseed and fertilize OR take care of weeds
July to August – Water (deep); mow (about 3″); fertilize, and weed
September to October – Lime, overseed and fertilize
Early November – Rake, dormant fertilize, dormant seed, put to bed
Sources:
Halifax Seed Company – Lawn Care: How to Maintain a Lush, Green & Healthy Lawn
Healthy.Lawns.pdf (novascotia.ca)
The Importance of Your Pet’s Dental Health
Dental care for pets is often overlooked. We teach our children about the importance of oral health care, so why do we neglect our pets? Our pets rely on us to keep their mouths clean and healthy. Good dental hygiene is directly tied to overall health and longevity for our pets. As pet parents, we want our pets to have healthy mouths. Here are some reasons why good dental care is so critical to our pet’s overall health:
- Preventing Tooth Loss: Good pet dental care will ensure the structures supporting a dog and cat’s teeth stay healthy and keep their teeth in place.
- Preventing Bad Breath: Bad breath will not be a problem when your pet has a healthy mouth and teeth.
- Preventing Oral Pain: Dental disease can become painful for dogs and cats. Keeping their teeth and gums healthy will prevent any pain.
- Preventing Organ Damage: Bacteria in plaque buildup can actually enter your pet’s bloodstream and spread to their heart, kidney and liver. This spread of bacteria, called bacteremia, can damage organs and make your pets quite sick.
- Preventing Worsening Dental Disease: So many pets have dental disease by the time they are three years old. Good dental care can prevent dental disease from becoming severe. It is essential to take preventative measures when your pets are young to avoid dental disease.
Preventative measures against dental disease should begin when your pets are young, but it is never too late to get them accustomed to teeth brushing! Here are some good reminders and tips to ensure the well-being of your furry friend’s oral hygiene:
- Regular exams are important. It is recommended to visit the vet once a year.
- Check your pet’s breath monthly. Bad breath can indicate gum disease.
- Dogs can often disguise how much pain they are truly in. Regularly monitor eating and chewing habits to look for signs of oral distress.
- Check for red, puffy gums and yellow or browning tartar on teeth as signs of concern.
- Supplements and diet play an important role.
- Dental-specific kibble and dental treats can help reduce plaque and tartar.
- Daily oral chews can help improve dental health.
- Look for Veterinary Oral Health Council-approved products.
- Daily brushing is essential in preventing bacteria build-up.
- Use a pet-specific toothbrush or a soft child toothbrush.
- Use pet-friendly toothpaste only.
- Start slow and work up to longer brushing.
Oral care is health care for our furry friends. Feeds’n Needs has a variety of specialty treats, chews and more to help keep your pet’s teeth healthy. Ask our Experts in-store about our favourite oral health care products and what will best suit your pet’s needs!
For more dental health tips for your pets, check out our other blogs:
Dental Health Tips for Your Dog
Dental Health Tips for Your Cat
Source:
Benefits of a Raw Food Diet
Raw food diets for cats and dogs are becoming more popular! Many people are choosing to feed their pets a raw diet because it is more natural and less processed than kibble. Others feed raw due to the many health benefits of a raw food diet. Here are some of the top reasons you should make the switch to raw:
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- Joint and Bone Health
The best way to support bones is with bones! Real crushed bone is a natural source of calcium, phosphorus, glucosamine, chondroitin, collagen and marrow. These components result in healthy growth in puppies and maintain superior joint and bone health for your dog throughout its lifetime. - Immune System Support
Raw meat is highly bioavailable and contains live bacteria/enzymes that support digestion and help to absorb almost all the immune-boosting nutrients. Raw food is also naturally rich in moisture, which supports organ health. - Less Stool
Having a diet of highly digestible ingredients for your pet is that more of what goes in is absorbed and utilized within the body – meaning less comes out the other end. Carbohydrates and filler ingredients such as soy, potato, corn and rice take longer to digest and do not fully absorb within your pet’s body. These ingredients can lead to larger stool volume with a heavy odour. Most raw diets contain no fillers and are low in carbohydrates, resulting in less waste passing through and decomposing faster. - Healthy Skin & Coat
Raw diets contain many ingredients that support skin and coat health, one of the most notable being omega-3 fatty acids. Healthy omega fats play a significant role in supporting healthy skin and a soft coat. Some common ingredients that provide essential omega-3 fatty acids include salmon, chia, and flax seeds. After switching your pet to a raw diet, you’ll notice a difference in their skin, coat and even how much less they shed! - Reduced Body Odour
When pets consume food high in fillers, additives, and preservatives, it can lead to unpleasant odours. A raw food diet better supports your pet’s digestive system, which often decreases or eliminates gas. - Weight Management
A raw diet is a natural way to help manage your pet’s weight and improve its overall well-being. Kibble contains carbohydrates and sugars that are harder for your pet to burn off, most times causing weight issues. - Cleans Teeth Naturally
Poor dental hygiene in your pets can sometimes be caused by a poor diet, especially if their diet is heavily processed or high in carbohydrates. Kibble and canned food can often get stuck in your pet’s teeth, leading to plaque, tartar and bad breath. Raw, meaty bones are well-known for helping them get into those tricky places between their teeth and removing plaque. - Reduction in Allergies
A pet’s diet is the most common cause of allergies. Many fillers used in kibble are not biologically meant for pets to digest and can cause stress on their digestive system and compromise their immune system. Common allergic reactions include rashes, itchy paws, ear infections, and digestive and joint issues. Healthy omega fats provide anti-inflammatory benefits, perfect for dogs with allergies or inflammatory skin diseases. A raw food diet can help reduce and sometimes even eliminate your furry friend’s allergy symptoms.
- Joint and Bone Health
These are just some of the many benefits of a raw food diet for your pet. Our Experts here at Feeds’n Needs recommend Big Country Raw for your pets! There is something on their menu for dogs and cats of all breeds, sizes, and ages! Chat with one of our Experts in-store for more information on getting your furry friend started on a raw diet. We are here to help!
Sources:
Health benefits of raw feeding – Guides | Big Dog Pet Foods
The Top 10 Benefits Of A Raw Diet For Your Pet – Top Dog Food & Supply (topdogfoodandsupply.com)
How To Properly Clean Your Dogs Ears
Ears of all shapes and sizes must be cleaned regularly as part of your dog’s grooming.. Every dog is different when determining how often they need their ears cleaned. Long, floppy ears need to be cleaned more often as they can be prone to ear infections, while others rarely require cleaning. If your dog visits a professional groomer regularly, you should check with them to verify that your dog’s ears are getting cleaned. All dog owners should know how to clean their dog’s ears properly. Dogs with short ears and not a lot of hair may only need to have their ears wiped out occasionally when they begin to look dirty. Dogs with long, floppy ears and those with a lot of hair around their ears should have a more thorough inspection and have them cleaned at least every other week to prevent any infections or irritations. Here is everything you need to know, from supplies to steps:
Supplies Needed to Clean Your Dog’s Ears:
- Ear Cleaner: Look for a veterinarian-recommended cleaning solution. If you’re unsure whether something is okay to use on your dog, ask your vet or the Experts at your local Feeds’n Needs. Visit your local Feeds’n Needs for an ear-dry solution with aloe vera by Professional Pet Products. It is a routine ear cleaning, drying and odour control product. Be sure to follow the recommended directions on the ear cleaner you are using.
- Cotton Balls or Pads: Swab your dog’s ears with a cotton ball or pads. Be careful not to go too deep. A rule of thumb to remember is to not go past skull depth to avoid causing hearing damage. Wipe the inside of the ear flap and ridges of the outer ear as well.
- Tweezers: It’s a good idea to have a pair of tweezers dedicated to your dog’s ear.
- A Towel: This is recommended for containing potential messes, especially if your dog is prone to shaking its head when something gets in its ears.
- Treats: You’ll want to reward your dog when you’re all done.
Steps on How to Clean Your Dog’s Ears
Before you begin, take a moment to inspect your dog’s ears. If they appear red or inflamed, they smell bad, or your dog shows signs that their ears itch, contact your vet as they may have an infection that needs to be treated. For dogs who have a lot of hair, use tweezers to clear the hair out of the ear canal. If everything appears normal, follow this step-by-step process on how to clean their ears:
- Get your pup to sit, reward them with a treat and then let them inspect the bottle of ear cleaner.
- If your pup has long, floppy ears, hold their ear flap upright and carefully fill the ear canal with a cleaning solution.
- Keep the ear flap out of the way and gently massage the base of the ear with your fingers for about 20 seconds.
- Allow your dog to shake their head if they desire. Hold a towel over their head to prevent the solution from flying everywhere.
- Use a cotton ball or pad wrapped around your index finger to gently wipe the visible part of your dog’s ear canal and outer ear.
- Reward your pup with another treat and repeat these steps for their other ear.
Tips and Tricks to Make it Easier
Here are a few tips that will help it go easier for both you and your pup:
- Wear old clothing that won’t get ruined if the cleaning solution gets on them.
- Follow directions on the cleaning solution bottle.
- If the ears still appear dirty when you’re done, go ahead and repeat the process, and stop immediately if you notice redness or bleeding or if your dog show signs of discomfort.
Knowing how to clean dog ears is fundamental to their health. Make sure cleaning is done regularly to help protect their hearing and ensure that your pup’s ears stay healthy throughout their life.
Sources: How to Clean Dog Ears | Hill’s Pet (hillspet.com)
24Petwatch: How to Properly Clean Your Pet’s Ears
Road Trip Safety For Your Dog
While road tripping with your dog, their safety should be a top priority. Whether you’re driving a couple of kilometres or taking a long road trip, it’s important to have safety precautions in place at all times for your pet’s safety. Check out our tips to road trip safety for your dog. These tips will help keep your furry friends safe, secure and comfortable during your road trips so you both can enjoy the drive!
Keep them Buckled!
In order to keep your pup safe while on the road, the best thing to do is keep them properly restrained. Accidents can’t be foreseen, so it’s crucial to keep them protected at all times. Vehicles, unfortunately, don’t come with doggy seat belts, so during your next visit to your local Feeds’n Needs, ask our Experts what equipment is available and would be best for you and your furry friend. These are necessary to secure your dog and restrict them from harmful movement in the event of an accident. Prepare your pup for a safe road trip by taking them on short trips to town to get used to the safety equipment.
Pack the Essentials!
You never know what may happen on the road, so it’s good to have a first aid kit for you and your dog. Packing your pet’s food, water, treats, medicine, toys, and feeding bowls is also a good idea when going on a long drive. It’s a good idea to have something to keep your dog entertained and engaged, such as their favourite chew toy helping to keep them calm during the ride.
Wear your Dog Out!
A tired pup is often a more well-behaved one, so right before you plan to head out on your trip, take your pet for a long run or a visit to the dog park. This should help your dog feel more rested and calm. They may even sleep a portion of the drive. During long trips, it’s important to stop anywhere from 2 to 3 hours so your dog has some time to play and get some more energy out.
Don’t Let Them Overheat!
You should never leave your dog unattended in your car for any reason. Especially during the warmer weather, this can lead to heat stroke and even death. Be sure to pack water to keep your dog hydrated during your trip. Grab a portable dog water bottle from one of our stores before your next trip, making it simple to keep your pup hydrated during the drive!
These are just simple tips, but following them will help you have a safe road trip with your dog and one that you can both enjoy. If you ever have any questions, reach out to the Experts are your local Feeds’n Needs.
Dental Health Tips For Your Cat
How often do you brush your cat’s teeth? It is suggested that owners should brush their companion’s teeth after every meal, or at least once a day to keep their dental health in check. Did you know that once a cat reaches the age of three, they’re more likely to experience issues related to their dental health? Check for signs of bad breath, drooling, lack of appetite or repetitive shaking and pawing at their mouth for signs of a potential issue. If left untreated, poor dental hygiene can lead to more serious conditions, including kidney and heart disease. Many owners find that putting anything in a cat’s mouth to be a tricky, squirmy process, so here are a few tips to keep in mind when thinking about your furry friend’s dental health.
It is important to get into a habit of checking your cat’s teeth and gums for problems – the sooner you start, or earlier in your cat’s life you establish these habits, the better and more cooperative and patient they’ll be during teeth brushing and check-ups. Start by gently lifting their upper lip to check for red, swollen gums, or tartar build up on their teeth for indications that it’s time for a check in at the vet.
Use a pet-safe, cat-friendly toothpaste. Let one of our experts help you find a toothpaste in-store that will keep your cat interested and distracting during the brushing and cleaning process.
When it comes to selecting a toothbrush for your cat, opt for a human baby-sized or pet toothbrush, or a rubber finger slip that goes over your finger that allows you to graze over their teeth.
Reward with some catnip throughout the process to make it a pleasant experience for your kitty. We carry many great brands that are specifically formulated and coated to clean your pet’s teeth while chewing. Greenies Dental Treats are a great option for this, as they freshen breath while the treats’ textured surface helps remove tartar buildup. Ask our Experts in-store which treats they recommend!
Dental Health Tips For Your Dog
We know the importance of brushing our teeth, but what about our pets? Did you know that dogs can get cavities, gum disease and plaque build up? Yep, just like humans! Your dog’s teeth should ideally be brushed after every meal to prevent tartar build up and protect against periodontal disease. If you haven’t gotten your dog accustomed to teeth brushing as a puppy, it’s not too late to start. Here are a few helpful dental health tips for your dog.
- Get your dog used to having their mouth open when you need to check their teeth or mouth. The more you do this, the more patient and calm your dog will be when brushing. It might be helpful to offer them a treat for good behaviour when they let you do this.
- Head to your local Feeds’n Needs and ask our Experts to help you pick out a dog-friendly toothpaste. This is an important step to take, as human brands contain fluoride which isn’t healthy for your pet to swallow and can be toxic. Many toothpaste for pets come in a variety of flavours, some similar to their favourite treats, such as beef, chicken, bacon and more.
- Pick a soft toothbrush for your dog, to ensure their gums don’t damage during brushing. There is a large selection of options, but opt for one with an angled tip, making it easier for you to reach the back of your dog’s mouth. Many pet owners use toothbrushes made for babies, as they are smaller and less intrusive in your dog’s mouth. If your dog is used to having your fingers in their mouth, you could consider purchasing a finger brush slip that can go over your index finger and get the job done!
Pro tip: If your dog is fussy when brushing, don’t worry too much about brushing the insides of their teeth as their tongue does a great job of keeping the inner sides of their teeth clean throughout the day. - Pick up some dental treats and kibble for your pet to help protect against disease. Greenie’s Dental Treats are a perfect choice for both dogs and cats, as they freshen breath while the treats’ textured surface helps remove tartar buildup. Ask our Experts in-store which treats they recommend!
Keep Feeding Areas Clean and Maintained
It is important to keep bird feeders clean and maintained. In the Atlantic provinces, a parasite called Trichomonas Gallinae can infect birds, especially purple and gold finches. Bird droppings and other contaminants may also spread infectious bird diseases. A dirty feeder can harbor bacteria, mold, and other disease agents that can quickly contaminate hungry birds and spread to other wild populations. Fortunately, it is easy to clean bird feeders to ensure birds enjoy safe, clean feeding stations.
Clean your feeders about once every week or two, more often during times of heavy use, wet weather, if there have been reports of salmonella in your area, or you notice sick birds in your yard.
Cleaning Bird Feeders
Clean feeders attract more wild birds as fresh, clean seed is more appealing. For the cleanest, healthiest, and most attractive feeders:
- Choose easy-to-clean feeders. Feeders made of plastic, metal, glazed ceramic, and glass feeders are best. Wooden feeders can absorb oils and other remains, making them much more difficult to clean over time. However, if choosing a wood feeder look for cedar constructions.
- Clean regularly. All feeders should be thoroughly cleaned at least once per month. Busier feeders should be cleaned much more frequently. Hummingbird and oriole feeders should be cleaned each time they are refilled.
- Use proper cleaning solutions. Feeders can be sanitized with a solution of one part bleach to nine parts hot water. A mild solution of unscented dish soap is also effective to clean less popular bird feeders.
Steps for Cleaning Bird Feeders
- Soak feeders first. Submerge feeders in a utility sink, large basin, or bucket full of proper cleaning solutions. By soaking a dirty feeder debris is loosened making it easier to scrub clean.
- Clean all feeder parts thoroughly. For the best sanitation each feeder should be cleaned inside and out. This includes cleaning all feeding ports, perches, lids, platforms, reservoirs, and any other part where birds may perch or where feces may collect.
- Use proper equipment. Wear rubber gloves to avoid any contamination. Use stiff brushes to ensure thorough cleaning. Feeds’n Needs sell specialized brushes specifically designed for feeders, though a regular bottle brush can also be effective. An old toothbrush is also a great option for reaching smaller parts, feeding ports, and tight corners. And a stiff pipe cleaner is ideal for pulling through small holes.
- Rinse thoroughly. Submerge cleaned feeders in clean water for several seconds and then rinse to be sure all chemical residue is removed. Inspect to ensure there is no debris remaining.
- Dry feeder completely before refilling. Remaining moisture can lead to mold and mildew that can cause illness and spoiled seed.
- Sanitize all tools and equipment after cleaning feeders. Before putting tools and equipment away, clean them thoroughly and let them dry completely.
Clean Around Feeding Areas
It is essential to clean all nearby feeding areas where birds perch and congregate.
- Clear away old seed and hulls from beneath feeders.
- Remove any rotten or fallen fruit from trees and bushes where birds feed.
- Add mulch or gravel beneath feeders to cover bird droppings.
- Keep birdbaths and other perches clean.
Maintaining Feeders During Poor Weather Conditions
Despite taking necessary steps to protect feeders, they can still accumulate snow and ice in the worst weather. This also happens to be when birds rely on feeders the most. To maintain winter bird feeders:
- Winter Storms. Clean off feeders after every storm, or during storms, to give birds easy access to food. Check all feeding ports are clear and that seed can flow freely. Inspect and repair any damages and ensure they feeders are still fastened securely.
- Keep Feeders Full. Refill feeders frequently with the best winter foods that are higher in fat and calories creating a healthy and trusted food source for hungry birds.
- Keep Feeding Areas Accessible. Remove snow in ground-feeding areas to allow ground-dwellers like juncos and doves easy access to food.
Related Articles
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Best Winter Bird Seed
How To Properly Store Bird Seed
Keep Backyard Birds Healthy in Winter
Watch our Tick Webinar Recording with Dr. Nicolette Faraone
We were fortunate to have Dr. Nicoletta Faraone, PHD. join us for a tick webinar to teach us all about tick safety and prevention! Dr. Nicoletta Faraone is an assistant professor at the Chemistry Department, Acadia University, Wolfville (NS). She teaches Biochemistry and Natural Product Chemistry. Her research focuses on studying tick chemosensory system, how ticks detect odours from hosts and how they respond to repellents. She designs and develops novel essential oil-based tick repellent products. In this one hour long webinar, customers had the chance to learn from Dr. Faraone and ask their questions. If you missed the live webinar, you can watch the recording below!
For more Expert Advice on products we carry to protect your pets, click here.
Keep Tick Safety Top of Mind This Spring and Summer
Its spring, which mean it is tick season here in the Maritimes. As the weather warms up, it’s important to remember that ticks will be more present within our communities and the places we love to adventure with our pets. Whether you are letting your dogs out in your yard, or heading to a local trail to get some exercise, you will need to be diligent about checking for ticks on both you, and your pet. Here are a few Tick Tips to ensure you and your pet’s safety this season!
Where ticks are present:
Ticks are small so it can be difficult to spot them not just on your pets, but where you are outside that they could be hiding. The most popular ticks in our area are called Blacklegged ticks, or commonly known as deer ticks. Ticks can be as small as the size of a poppy seed, so be vigilant! Typically, ticks can be found in tall grass, woods, shrubs, walkways and trails.
Ticks can also be found in your own backyard. In fact, most people contact Lyme disease from ticks within 100 yards of their own homes in areas with woods or tall grass. If you are doing some spring cleaning around your yard, be careful of the shrubs, sticks and trees when you are doing your chores in preparation for the summer.
Pet owner tip: if you are doing yard work, wear long pants and boots and wear clothing that is light in colour so you can easily identify a tick. Spray yourself with repellent and remember to take a hot shower once your yardwork is complete.
Where to check your pet for ticks:
The more frequently you check your pet, the more likely you are to locate ticks before they fully latch onto your cat or dog. Here are a few places they like to hide on your animals.
Ears: In and around the ears are popular places for ticks to hide. They could even be inside your pet’s ears! If your dog has floppy ears, be extra vigilant of this area.
Between the toes: Check in between each toe of your pet, on each paw. Ticks like to burrow in between these areas as they are drawn to dark, warm places.
The tail: Naturally your pet is going to be happy when they are out adventuring, but this makes for some extra wagging in areas where ticks hide. Check at the base of the tail and your pets groin for ticks.
Under the collar: Your pet’s neck is another likely place for ticks to latch onto. It can be extra difficult to spot ticks in this area, especially with pets who have lots of fur or scuff on their neck area. When it’s safe, remove your pet’s collar and check for ticks underneath it where they might be burrowed.
Under back and front legs: while this may seems standard, it’s important that this area is checked as carefully as other furry areas on your pet!
How to prepare for tick season and protect your pet:
Preparing your tick season means beginning with preventatives for your pet. It’s important to talk to your vet before choosing a treatment to best suit your pet’s needs. At Feeds’n Needs, we carry many preventatives, topical treatments (Infestop, Advantix, and Advantage products), oral preventatives, sprays (Zodiac and Atlantick) and many tick accessories (tick removing tools, shampoos, etc.) in-store! Ask our Experts for help regarding tick safety on your next visit, and remember to always check your pet for ticks!
