Lupo's News (by CatAge & Dog Age )

What is toxoplasmosis?It's a common infection caused by the tiny one-celled parasite Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii), and it can occur in most warm-blooded animals.

How do cats become infected with T. gondii? Cats become infected by eating prey, like rodents or birds, or raw or undercooked meat contaminated with T. gondii.

Find out the signs of infection. Can I get toxoplasmosis from an infected cat? Yes, but not very easily, and not through direct contact with a cat. Because infected cats shed the T. gondii eggs in their feces, you can only catch toxoplasmosis by ingesting their feces or something contaminated with their feces. And once the eggs are passed, which occurs within 2 to 3 weeks of initial exposure, the cat is never contagious again. How else might I become infected?

Three more common causes of infection include: Eating contaminated raw or undercooked meat or contaminated fruits and vegetables Drinking contaminated water Gardening in contaminated soil and then touching your mouth.

Do I need to give away my cat if I'm pregnant? No, there's no need to give up your kitty or avoid other kitties. But because a woman initially exposed to toxoplasmosis during pregnancy can put her unborn child at risk for serious health issues later in life, delegate "doodie" duties while pregnant.

Immunocompromised people should also hand off this chore. If that's not possible, there's another solution: Simply wear rubber gloves and wash your hands thoroughly after handling the litter box. How can I protect myself against toxoplasmosis infection? That's easy. You can greatly reduce your chances of infection by wearing gloves during, and then washing hands after, gardening, cleaning the cat box, or handling raw meat. Learn more about protecting yourself from infection.

Plan an Outdoor Space in Stages (by Home Depot)

Landscaping sets the stage for your home and lifestyle, reflecting your personality while adding valuable curb appeal. But rarely can you plan a garden in one simple step. Small garden ideas grow over time, as plants become established and you add new details and hardscaping to your space. Whether professionally installed or planted by hand as a labor of love, landscapes constantly evolve. Step by step gardening allows for optimal attention to detail during each stage of the process—and helps you break up the cost over time.

Here are some simple first steps to consider in liability management:

STEP 2: Continually Evaluate and Monitor the Health of Your Current Credit Profile – The second step is to evaluate your current credit and debt profile and establish a plan based on your short- and long-term credit needs. Continually monitoring your credit report and profile is no different or less important today than getting (More)

What's In Your Pooch's First Aid Kit?

Like parents tending to kids' skinned knees, most dog owners will occasionally have to nurse their pets' scrapes, scuffs, or other minor injuries. Yep, accidents happen. But you can make such mishaps more manageable by following the old scouting motto: Be prepared. That means having a well-stocked first-aid kit on hand at all times. Don't have one? Pick up a waterproof plastic box, and stock it with these essentials:

1. Vital Stats -- Write down your dog's name, breed, and date of birth; any medical conditions and allergies he has; and any medications he's taking (including doses). If he's been microchipped, jot down the number. Also include your home address and phone number; your vet's name and phone number; and your emergency vet clinic's phone number.

2. Important Records -- Make photocopies of important health records, including vaccinations, and seal them in a plastic bag inside your kit.

 3. Basic Supplies -- Fill the rest of your kit with alcohol wipes, gauze, cotton balls, nonstick bandages, hydrogen peroxide, scissors, adhesive tape, cotton swabs, tweezers, an eyedropper, hand sanitizer or soap, a digital thermometer, a pair of latex gloves, and a tube of both topical first-aid cream and antibiotic ointment. Also, look into taking a pet first-aid class. After all, learning how to handle accidents is the best way to help your dog live younger.

Evaluate drainage

Working in stages is not only more affordable but it also helps you set priorities and makes it easier to break up and prioritize tasks. Start by evaluating your space for proper drainage. If you have any standing water after a rainfall, you have a few options:

Small puddles can be alleviated by installing a (More)