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Is there a more perfect union of loyalty, love and friendship than the relationship between a child and pet? Probably not, as virtually any parent who has witnessed the positive effect pet ownership has had on a child will tell you.

Growing up with a pet benefits children in many ways, including improving self-esteem and self-confidence, helping in developing trusting relationships with other people, and helping develop nonverbal communication skills, compassion and empathy, according to the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychology. In fact, pets are such an integral part of life for American children that more kids in this country live with pets than live with both parents.

To help children get the most out of their relationship with their pets - and to help them grow into fulfilled pet-owning adults - it's important to teach them how to be responsible pet owners. Consider this helpful advice when educating your child about how to care for a pet:

* If you're bringing a new baby into a household where a pet already lives, consult with your vet on how to make the home environment as safe and happy - for both pet and child - as possible. If you are thinking about getting a pet for your family, keep in mind age appropriateness. Infants and very small children will not be able to participate in a pet's care. Some young children may be able to care for a small pet, like a hamster or gerbil, with adult supervision. The care of larger pets, including cats and dogs, should be limited to children older than 7 - and only with adult supervision. No child should ever be made entirely responsible for a pet's care.

* Encourage safe, healthful sleeping habits. Co-sleeping with a pet offers many benefits for a child, including stronger bonding and a sense of security. But pets should not sleep in bed with children - for both the health of the child and pet. Even the hardiest child may wake up with red, itchy eyes after spending eight hours snuggled up to pet hair and dander. And sharing the same bed puts small pets at risk for being smothered or harmed when a child rolls over - or puts small children at similar risk if the pet is larger than they are.

A better solution is a Pet Bunk Bed by Arm's Reach (www.armsreach.com), the co-sleeping experts who have helped thousands of mothers safely co-sleep with their newborns. The plush bunk bed fits snugly against a human bed (26 to 30 inches in height), giving pets their own safe, secure sleeping spot within easy reach of their human companions. The pet bunk beds can accommodate pets weighing up to 100 pounds, and upper and lower levels allow two pets to co-sleep with their humans at the same time. In addition to providing a safe sleeping environment for children, the pet bunk bed also is great for older pets or puppies or kittens that may need more attention throughout the night.

* Ensure children understand that taking your pet to the vet for regular checkups is an important part of pet ownership. Get kids involved in the pet's health by asking them to help track appointment dates on a calendar, doing online research to see what immunizations their pet may be due for at each appointment, and taking them with you - when possible and practical - for routine pet checkups at the vet. A word of caution, though - never allow children to hold a pet during an exam or when a shot is being administered. Even the most loving pet may feel stressed and afraid - and could growl, snap or even bite - in such situations. Either hold the pet yourself, or seek the aid of a veterinary technician, who's experienced in holding and soothing frightened animals.

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(ARA) - When the warm summer months roll around, our dogs are just as eager as we are to get outside and enjoy the season. Whether he tells you by nudging his leash or staring at the door knob, one way or another, your pup knows it's time for some fun in the sun.

Before you head out, keep in mind that warm weather and sunny days are fun, but they can also mean you might need to take some extra precautions with your pet. The whole family can rest assured knowing their four-legged best friend is healthy, hydrated and happy by keeping the following tips in mind:

1. Schedule a checkup. Before you go anywhere that requires your dog to interact with other dogs, be sure to schedule a visit with your veterinarian. Get updates on shots for dangerous communicable diseases like bordetella.

While you're there, ask your veterinarian to evaluate your pet's overall health. Your veterinarian's office is also a great place to pick up two essential medications for the season - heartworm preventers and flea and tick control.

2. Run free. It's easy for humans and canines alike to slide out of shape during the winter months, and now is the perfect time to work off what you've packed on. Taking your dog on regular walks will help, but even more fun for him is a trip to the dog park. Off-leash areas are a treasure for pets and their owners because dogs can run free and play to their heart's content. They also get natural lessons in socialization. In fact, 44 percent of dog owners who take their dog to the dog park say their dog is more social with other people and dogs. Plus, it's fun for you, too!

Because pet owners value off-leash areas so much, dog parks across the country are expanding and improving now more than ever. To help support dog parks in local communities, The Nutro Company, a leading manufacturer of natural pet food products, is leading a movement called Room to Run this summer to enhance local dog parks in 30 communities around the country. Pet enthusiasts are invited to join the effort and lend a hand. Whether there's a Room to Run event in your area or not, you can make a difference by going to your local dog park and making small changes to make it more enjoyable for everyone. To find out more about the initiative, go to www.thenutrocompany.com.

3. Be prepared. Dogs aren't much for strolling around the mall. They love to be out running around and often don't want to stop no matter how warm it is or tired they feel. Brush up on the signs and symptoms of health problems like dehydration and heat stroke, as well as basic first aid techniques.

Keep a canine first aid kit in your car. At a minimum, it should include antiseptic spray, water-based antibiotic ointment, bandaging (including sterile gauze and a binder like Vetrap or other elastic bandages), a thermometer, tweezers and single-use cold packs. You should also keep the number and address to your veterinarian and an emergency vet stored in your phone or on a slip of paper in your wallet.

4. Good on the inside. To keep your pet's energy and health at optimal levels for increased summer activity, be sure you feed a high-quality dog food. It's easier than ever to make sure your dog is getting complete, healthy nutrition without fillers. High quality foods can be found at your pet store and come in a variety of options that cater to your pet's size or life stage.

Whether you're going on a weekend camping trip with your four-legged friend or just heading out for a romp at the dog park, a safe summer is the happiest kind of summer there is.

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(ARA) - As a parent, you would never consider sending your child to school without the proper vaccinations. But did you know that according to the American Animal Hospital Association, about 50 percent of dogs in the United States go without preventative treatment for one of the most common diseases among canines?

Many people consider their dogs to be part of the family. And with mosquito season in full swing, dog owners should consider the best way to protect dogs against heartworm disease. Mosquito bites may be just a simple nuisance to humans, but they can spread heartworm disease without pet owners knowing, and dogs are most at risk of becoming seriously ill from the disease.

Heartworm used to be relatively contained in the American southeast, where warm, humid temperatures create good breeding grounds for mosquitoes. However, longer warm seasons in northern states and increased pet travel throughout the country have led to dramatic growth in the spread of heartworm over the past decade. Veterinarians in regions that were once considered low-risk now report heartworm outbreaks in their clinics, and the parasite can now be found in all 50 states.

Recognizing heartworm infection can be tricky. Symptoms include chronic cough and fatigue, but often the disease does not show any signs until it reaches an advanced stage. Eventually, heartworm can lead to lung, heart, liver and kidney failure.

Fortunately, heartworm prevention is simple, cost effective, and the best way to save dogs from the long, difficult and expensive treatment required once infection takes hold. Here are a few ways to keep dogs safe:

* The American Heartworm Society recommends getting your dog tested annually for heartworm. During these visits, talk to your veterinarian about the best method of prevention against the disease.

* Protect your dog with a monthly application of a heartworm preventative medication. Some topicals, like Advantage Multi for Dogs (imidacloprid + moxidectin) Topical Solution, also kill fleas and treat intestinal parasites, such as hookworms, roundworms and whipworms.

* During warmer months, keep your dog inside as much as possible during early morning and dusk when mosquitoes are most active.

Through annual testing and use of monthly preventatives, you can protect your dog from heartworm disease and help keep your dog healthy. If you haven't thought about prevention before, now is the time in the peak of mosquito season. For more information on heartworm prevention, visit advantagemulti.petparents.com.

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(ARA) - Protecting your pet from harmful fleas and ticks is a vital part of pet care. And since this summer is projected to be unusually rainy and warm, extra caution is needed. Fleas and ticks not only irritate your pet, but are capable of transmitting serious diseases like Lyme disease and flea allergy dermatitis.

There are about 20,000 reported cases of Lyme disease annually in the U.S. Furthermore, the likelihood of being exposed to ticks, and subsequently to diseases transmitted by ticks, is about 10 to 20 times greater than it was 10 years ago, according to the Companion Animal Parasite Council.

Dr. Melinda Fernyhough, veterinarian and manager of scientific affairs at Hartz, offers tips on how to help your pet avoid the dangers of fleas and ticks, and considerations when purchasing and applying flea and tick treatments to ensure best results.

"Health and safety is the number-one priority for pet parents, and there are several reliable products available at your veterinarian, local retail or pet specialty store that can help keep pets free from fleas and ticks all year round," says Fernyhough.

* Choose the appropriate flea and tick treatment. Several types of products exist that can help prevent fleas and ticks - shampoos, collars, and the most popular form of protection: topicals, or spot-ons. These monthly applications go on the back of your pet's neck or are striped down the back, depending on the manufacturer, and keep your pet pest-free for 30 days. A great example is Hartz UltraGuard Pro Flea & Tick Drops, designed to kill fleas and ticks on your pet and prevent new fleas from developing. All EPA-registered flea and tick products, whether sold in vets' offices or through retail channels, are held to the same safety and efficacy testing standards.

* Carefully follow label directions when applying topical flea and tick treatments.
Make sure to follow the manufacturer's weight recommendation - you don't want to put too much product (or too little) on your dog by misjudging the weight. Use the entire tube on one animal - don't split one dose between several animals. Never use a dog product on a cat, and if you have both animals, you need to keep them separated for 48 hours after applying treatments. Read the label carefully and don't be afraid to call the manufacturer if you have questions.

* Regularly check your pet for ticks to prevent permanent damage. If ticks are found on a pet, remove them with tweezers while avoiding squeezing them since that could cause disease carrying bacteria to enter your pet.

* Avoid hot and humid areas for your pets. The ideal climate for fleas and ticks is approximately 55-89 degrees Fahrenheit and 50-92 percent humidity. Keep your pet away from hot, damp and wooded areas. Fleas like to hide in shady areas of the yard, so treat these areas with a product designed to kill them outdoors.

* Consider a year-round flea and tick treatment for your home and pet. The best way to solve a flea and tick problem is to prevent it in the first place. Use topical drops or collars on your pet year round, regularly treat your yard, and vacuum to remove any potential flea eggs in your carpeting. Also, consider products such as Hartz Ultra-Guard Carpet Powder and Hartz Ultra-Guard Plus Flea & Tick Home Spray, formulated to kill fleas around your home and prevent new ones from developing.

To learn more, visit www.hartzultraguard.com. Through August, you can download a coupon for Hartz Ultra-Guard Pro Flea & Tick Drops on this site.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

(ARA) - Ever get the feeling that your dog knows what you're thinking, without saying a word? Many canine parents report that they've had an entire conversation with their dogs despite the obvious language barrier. From "can I have a treat" to "let's go for a walk," dogs have a special way of sharing their feelings. According to a new survey, it's the wags, not words that tell the story when it comes to canine communication.

The survey, conducted by Kelton Research for Pup-Peroni dog snacks, revealed that most canine pet parents believe that they can communicate with their dogs even though they don't speak the same language - giving a new twist to the old adage, "silence is golden."

Pet owners feel confident that they know what's on their pups' minds, even without the benefit of words. Almost three in four (74 percent) respondents believe their dog's body language or facial expressions better indicate how their pet is truly feeling than barks or other sounds. They also estimate that they know what their dog is thinking nearly half (49 percent) of the time.

Seven in 10 (70 percent) respondents say there have been times when they shared a meaningful look with their canine companions.

"Dogs have an uncanny ability to pick up on even the subtlest cues from their owners, enabling them to 'read' humans like few other animals can," said body language expert Patti Wood. "Even something as minute as a glance from their owner has meaning for a dog."

Wood also points out that our modern dogs' ability to communicate with us seems to be a product of millennia of interaction. "Research shows that, over time, there has been a deliberate selection of dogs with the ability to pick up on cues from humans," she said. "It shows just how important nonverbal communication between dogs and people has always been."

For many pet parents, the special bond they share with their pooch is one of the most important relationships in their lives. Without ever having to say a word, their pups are there for them through the good times and the bad, acting as confidants, therapists and most importantly, their best friends. Maybe it's because of that unspoken connection between canines and humans that people feel their dogs are just as good a source of comfort and companionship as their human friends - or maybe even more so. With a smile and a wag, dogs just know - how many people can say that about their best friend or significant other?

Courtesy of ARAcontent