FREE Pet Charm + Protect Your Dog or Cat From Secondhand Smoke #FinishIT

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Free Pet Collar Charm

Did you know that dogs and cats are twice as likely to get cancer if their pet parent smokes? To help raise awareness and educate pet owners, Petco is giving away FREE Pet Collar Charms. Just stop by your local Petco store and pick one up while supplies last.

second hand smoke and pets

We hope that if you smoke, you’ll consider quitting. It’s healthier for you, your family members and the fur kids. Both Woof Woof Papa and I quit smoking several years ago and I know how difficult it is, but it’s SO worth it! If you’ve tried before, try again…it often takes several attempts before it sticks, but don’t quit quitting!

Pets don’t have control over their exposure to harmful toxins, so pet parents must be responsible. Petco has put together some tips on how to help protect your pet from the effects of second hand smoke.

Wash or change your pet’s bedding regularly. If you smoke in the home or around your pet’s things, wash or change those things frequently. This includes your pet’s beds, leashes, collars, dishes, clothing, toys—even your own furnishings, carpets, floors and clothing—anything that can collect tobacco residue left behind after smoking and become harmful to your pet.

Take your pet to a veterinarian for regular wellness checks. Just like regular check-ups with a doctor are important for us, regular visits to your veterinarian are the best way to stay on top of your pet’s overall health and wellness. A full veterinary evaluation at least twice a year—or more often if specific health concerns arise—can also identify signs or symptoms of health issues, including pet cancer, sooner rather than later.

Groom or bathe your pet regularly. Just like your own clothing and hair, your pet’s fur is another place where tobacco residue can build up over time and be inhaled or ingested by your petparticularly those who groom themselves by licking. Regularly grooming or bathing can help reduce the presence of harmful toxins. Petco recommends bathing or grooming every 6-8 weeks, but if you smoke, your pet may benefit from greater frequency. Between grooms and baths, or immediately after smoking near your pet, you can use a wet cloth or pet wipe to quickly clean the surface of your pet’s fur.

Dispose of cigarette butts properly—don’t let your pets eat them. This should be a no-brainer, but cigarette butts, ashes or any other leftover tobacco products can be harmful to your pet if chewed, licked or swallowed. If you or anyone else smokes around your pet, be sure to properly dispose of the remnants so they’re not accessible. Never leave ashtrays within your pet’s reach and be on the lookout for stray cigarette butts improperly disposed of by others, especially when walking outside with dogs.

Don’t smoke around your pet or better yet, quit smoking! To more significantly reduce your pet’s exposure to harmful carcinogens found in secondhand and thirdhand smoke, don’t smoke near your pet, around their things, or in their home environments at all. If you must, smoke outside and wash your hands and face—even change your clothes if you can—before handling or touching your pet after smoking. This won’t eliminate your pet’s exposure altogether, but it can reduce the amount of smoke or tobacco residue they take into their bodies. Cut back if you can. Quitting is ideal.

Want to learn more and get involved? Visit thetruth.com for quizzes, facts, videos and events near you!

Get Healthy, Stay Healthy with CVS MinuteClinic #MC

Some posts may contain affiliate links. Read the full disclosure.

Since I know we are all trying to make healthy changes and keep our families well, I’m participating in a campaign on behalf of Mom Central Consulting for CVS/pharmacy MinuteClinic to help spread the word about their programs and services to help you get healthy and stay healthy. I received promotional items as a thank you for participating.

cvs weight loss

How are YOU doing with your New Year’s resolution so far? This year, the hubby and I resolved to continue our healthy eating, keep up the exercise and look for some new hobbies and activities to join. It’s going pretty well so far, but I remember how hard it was back a few years ago when we both started to think about making serious changes to our lifestyle. We were lucky that we had each other, as well as the support of great doctors to encourage us and provide us the tools we needed to both get serious about weight loss AND to quit smoking. It’s been over 4 years now since we quit smoking (after many previous attempts) and I still remember how tough it was even with professional help! And the battle with weight and healthy eating is an ongoing challenge for us and many other people we know.

That’s why, when I heard about the new Weight Loss Program and Quit Smoking Program offered at CVS MinuteClinic, I jumped at the chance to help spread the word!

The Weight Loss Program at MinuteClinic is personalized, provides ongoing coaching and medical supervision. The program is easy to follow, focuses on healthy eating and is clinically proven to promote weight loss. It also has the added benefit of lowering blood pressure and cholesterol. With your initial assessment, you’ll receive membership to DASH for Health™, a great online resource to help you stay on course between visits to MinuteClinic. The Weight Loss Program is covered by most insurance plans, but contact your insurance company prior to visiting MinuteClinic to verify coverage as well as any copays, co-insurance or deductibles.

Want help quitting smoking? Studies show that smokers assisted by a health care provider have a greater chance of kicking the habit. MinuteClinic created this program that’s covered by most insurance plans to help those over 18(and you don’t even need to make an appointment). The program includes one-on-one consultation with a practitioner, including a nicotine dependence assessment. You’ll get an individualized smoking cessation plan and education based on your needs and goals, ongoing coaching and support in your efforts to quit smoking, plus Nicotine-replacement recommendations or prescriptions, based on what’s appropriate for your needs and situation.

stay healthy with CVS screenings

Want other help keeping yourself and your family healthy? In addition to weight loss and smoking cessation, MinuteClinic has a series of wellness services designed to help you identify lifestyle changes needed to improve your current and future health, including screenings and monitoring for diabetes, blood pressure and high cholesterol.

MinuteClinic is also there to help you with year-round common family illnesses such as strep throat and ear, eye, sinus, bladder and bronchial infections. Minor wounds, abrasions, skin conditions and joint sprains are treated, along with common vaccinations and walk-in camp, sports and school physicals are available.

Whatever you need to get healthy and stay healthy, MinuteClinic walk-in medical clinics, located inside more than 800 CVS/pharmacy stores nationwide, are there to help you stay on track with inspiration and support along the way! They are open 7 days a week with evening hours and you don’t need to make an appointment. Go HERE to learn more & find your nearest CVS MinuteClinic location.