Frequently Asked Questions

Rawhide is the inner layer of the hide of cattle.

We recommend that these treats be given to your dog on a surface that is easy to clean.

Dentist’s Best® rawhide or edible bones are not recommended for your puppy’s smaller teeth. However, when your puppy gets his adult teeth (about 6 months) he can begin having these treats.

No. Our edible bones are made of 100% edible ingredients.

Oinkies® treats are sold in major grocery and mass merchant retailers, as well as online at Amazon.com and Chewy.com.

We recommend that Oinkies® be given to your dog on a surface that is easy to clean.

The pig skin is from the layer below the hide, and is processed to reduce the fat.

Puppies love to chew, and chewing on an Oinkies® treat (instead of your shoes!) helps channel their energy, satisfy their need to chew, and helps promote healthy teeth. Once your puppy gets his adult teeth (about 6 months), he can begin having Oinkies® treats. Always monitor your puppy while chewing.

Ingredients and calorie content vary, and can be found on the back of each pack. This can also be found on each product page on the following web page.

You can feed your dog Oinkies pig skin twists up to two per day for an average size adult dog. Tender Treats or Lasting Chew Bones can be fed to your dog two to three twists per day for an average size adult dog.

Oinkies® products are made in China and Thailand.

Yes, all Hartz UltraGuard® and Hartz® Pet Defender Plus™ products are registered with the EPA and the states, data has been provided for both efficacy and safety as required.

Hartz UltraGuard® and Hartz® Pet Defender Plus™ products can be found in grocery stores, supercenters, mass retailers, online, etc. You can check where your favorite product is sold using our Where To Buy feature.

Hartz® Pet Defender Plus™ utilizes the same active ingredients (fipronil and methoprene) as Frontline Plus, but at a more affordable price. This product has been proven to kill fleas and ticks including the tick species that transmits Lyme disease.

One tube/application of Hartz UltraGuard® Topicals or Hartz® Pet Defender Plus™ provides one month of protection.

Hartz UltraGuard® Collars provide up to seven months of protection against fleas and ticks.

This is not recommended. Once an infestation is under control it is important to continue using a flea and tick control product to prevent re-infestations in the future. Although adult fleas are not seen on the animal, the sub-adult stages (eggs, larvae, pupae) may be developing within the house (carpet, upholstery). To ensure full protection against all life stages of fleas Hartz recommends treating all affected areas of your pet’s surroundings.

Typically, dogs are most susceptible to ticks while outside. Ticks are found in yards, dog parks, hiking trails and anywhere they can quest for a host on blades of grass or vegetation. Ticks can be brought into the home by pets and humans, so it is important to do regular body checks after spending time in a high risk area.

The Companion Animal Safety Council recommends that pets should be treated year round with a flea and tick product. Fleas and ticks may be dormant during freezing winter months but can still be active on days above freezing temperatures. These parasites utilize leaf litter and even snow to provide insulation in the extreme cold.

Always consult with a veterinarian before applying flea and tick treatment to a sick, nursing or debilitated dog.

Hartz UltraGuard® Topicals start killing fleas within 15 minutes after application and continues to kill for one month.

Hartz UltraGuard® and Hartz® Pet Defender Plus™ contains EPA registered insecticides that have been proven to control fleas and ticks. These insecticides have been specifically formulated to provide protection across the entire body of the pet for the duration indicated for each product.

Example: Protection is one month for topicals and seven months for collars.

Always read the label directions; typically only one flea and tick product should be used on your pet at a time. Using multiple flea and tick products at the same time may result in interaction which could cause illness or irritation. (A heartworm product can be used but you should consult your veterinarian)

Your pet should not be bathed 48 hours both pre and post application.

NO, flea & tick products labeled for dogs must only be used on dogs. Likewise, flea and tick products labeled for cats should not be used on dogs. This ensures safe and effective flea & tick treatment since products are specifically formulated for cats or dogs.

An insect growth regulator (commonly referred to as an IGR) is a substance which interferes with the immature development of an insect; therefore, they never reach maturity, cannot multiply thus eliminating infestation.

All Hartz UltraGuard® Flea & Tick Collars are water resistant and can remain on your pet while swimming or in the rain.

A topical is a monthly dose of liquid flea & tick product applied to the dog’s neck and/or back , while the Hartz collar is a solid plastic band that is fastened around the pet’s neck and provides up to seven months protection against fleas & ticks. Both products require registration by the US EPA . Product registration includes a full toxicology and efficacy profile which is reviewed prior to approval by the authorities and determines the labeling for the product.

Yes, Hartz collars can be used with any regular dog collar.

Dogs with sensitive gums need to chew too! Select toys that are softer and won’t damage the gums such as a plush toy or a soft chew toy. If your dog is a tough chewer but displays signs of sensitive gums try a soft toy with a more durable exterior. Our exclusive Dura Play® line is great for dogs with sensitive gums

Hartz is a manufacturer and does not sell directly to consumers. Our website was designed for informational purposes.

Our toys are available in supermarkets, large retail stores and online, among other locations. You can find your dog’s favorite toys by clicking the “where to buy” button on the product detail page on our website.

Only Hartz® dog pads are made with Flash-Dry technology® that instantly turns urine to gel, preventing wet paws, tracking and runoffs. The 6-layer construction pad creates a small urine spot, allowing your dog to find fresh, clean spots for multiple uses per pad. In addition, our harmonizing odor technology neutralizes odors.

Housetraining can be a lot easier than it seems, especially if you’re properly prepared. Use some of these house training tips to start out.

It is very important to keep within the weight guidelines when using dog topicals. For example, if your dog weighs 20 lbs. and you use drops for a 4-15 lb dog, then you are lowering the dosage and hence lowering the efficacy of theproduct. On the other hand, if you were to use drops for a dog weighing over 60 lbs. on your 20 lb dog, then you are going above the recommended dosage set forth by the EPA for safety.Just like with a medication it is important not to go above or below the recommended dosage.

Fleas can be picked up outside in grassy areas, and are most prevalent in areas that are shaded. As your pet walks through these areas, the fleas hop on. Humans can even bring fleas into their home on their clothing, bottom of shoes, etc., and then pass them onto their pet.

Puppies must be 12 weeks of age or older and must weigh at least 4lbs.

No, it is not recommended to use our flea and tick products on pregnant dogs, read the product labels for full precautions.

If your dog does get a few drinks of the water before you can stop it, this should not likely cause a problem because the bath water will have diluted the shampoo. However, it is possible to have some gastrointestinal upset (vomiting or diarrhea) from the soap in the shampoo usuallywithin 24 to 48 hours of the bath. Contact your veterinarian if the signs persist for longer than 48 hours or if they become worse.

Unfortunately, this is not an easy question to answer. Your dog can have a reaction to the first exposure to a product, to a later application of the product, or never. While reactions to topical drops are rare, they might result in mild skin irritation. It is important to observe your pet for the first 24 hours and contact your veterinarian if you note any abnormal reactions.

Your dog is not too old. In fact, it is important to provide effective flea and tick control for your senior dog’s health and well-being. However, if your dog has been diagnosed with an illness,consult your veterinarian before using any topical flea and tick product.

Yes, mosquitoes are not only a nuisance but they can also carry diseases. Most concerning is their ability to transmit canine heartworms. We recommend the use of Hartz® UltraGuard Pro® or Hartz® UltraGuard Plus™ to kill mosquitoes on contact.

Ear mites are barely visible to the naked eye; however, here are some symptoms to look for:

• Head shaking or carrying the head tilted to one side.
• Excessive scratching at the ears (there may be sores around the ears).
• Dark brown to black crusty discharge in the ears.
• Difficulty hearing – especially if combined with other signs.
• See Ear mites and your dog

As a dog owner, it’s important to know about the different types of worms and their potential effects on your dog’s health. The most common are roundworms, hookworms, tapeworms and whipworms. See Intestinal parasites and your dog.

How your pet becomes infected depends on the type of worm. Puppies may become infected with roundworms while in uterus, thus they are already infected at birth. Otherwise, they can become infected through their mother’s milk. This is also true of hookworms. To become infected withTapeworms dogs need to ingest an infected flea. See Intestinal parasites and your dog.

Frequency of bathing is dependent upon the dog’s activity level and coat type. Short haired/ indoor dogs do not require as frequent bathing as long hair/ outside dogs. Dogs with a healthy coat can be bathed every two weeks if necessary.

Sprays are an ideal freshening solution for the in-between bath time. The Hartz Infusions® Freshening Spray and the Conditioning Spray can easily be used to freshen, deodorize and add shine to your dog’s skin and coat. These products are gentle enough for daily use and are fast-drying.

Different dogs have different coat types with different needs. Age, skin and coat condition, activity level, being indoors or outdoors, seasonality, all play a part in the type of shampoo you should use on your dog. Hartz has products that cater to different needs. Here are some examples:

• Groomer’s Best® Puppy shampoo: Extra gentle and tearless. Great for puppies as well as sensitive senior dogs.
• Groomer’s Best® Whitener shampoo: Reduces discoloration and is perfect for use on white or light coats.

There are some ingredients that are well known to be efficacious in keeping your dog’s skin and coat healthy and shiny. Here are some examples of ingredients that can be found in our shampoos and sprays:

• Lemongrass to balance skin oils and promote a healthy coat. Can be found in Infusions Herbal shampoo.
• Lavender for its soothing and overall calming effect. Can be found in Groomer’s Best Puppy shampoo.
• Vitamin A & E to moisturize & promote healthy skin and coat. Can be found in Infusions Moisturizing shampoo.
• Oatmeal & aloe to provide soothing and anti-itch relief. Can be found in Infusions Oatmeal or Groomer’s Best Oatmeal.

Depending on the breed and season, some animals shed more than others. With a healthy diet consisting of Omega 3 & 6 fatty acids and daily grooming, pet shedding can be controlled. The best solution is also the simplest: control shedding by increasing the number of baths you give your pet and by brushing your pet on a daily basis. Use a slicker brush that easily captures fine hair. By brushing daily, you will notice less hair floating around the house, and, less hair will also help in reducing allergens.

If your pet’s skin is truly irritated, with swollen or scabbing skin, you should consult with your Veterinarian before using any shampoo, especially flea & tick shampoos. For skin that is mildly irritated, red, dry or itchy, we recommend using Hartz Infusion®Soothing Oatmeal shampoo with Aloe Beads or the Groomer’s Best® Oatmeal shampoo which contain oatmeal extracts to help soothe dry, irritated itchy skin.

Hartz shampoos have been carefully tested and formulated with very low toxicity to pets and humans; but as with any ingestion of shampoo, it may cause some degree of gastrointestinal upset.

Hartz shampoos have been formulated with overall mildness in mind yet contain necessary detergents to aid in the removal of excess dead skin, dirt and oils. Our gentle pH balanced moisturizing shampoos will not strip your dog’s skin and coat of essential oils.

Yes. All Hartz grooming shampoos are gentle enough for use on pregnant animals. However, a veterinarian should be consulted prior to use of any flea & tick shampoo.

Puppies can be bathed as early as two weeks old if needed. Getting puppies accustomed to bathing does help avoid struggles later on. Keep in mind, puppies chill easily and should be dried gently and thoroughly after bathing.

Hartz products are sold in all major retail outlets. Our product can be found in large mass stores such as Wal-Mart and Kmart,grocery stores, drug stores, pet specialty retailers and more.

Hartz shampoos and sprays are all made in the USA.

Although our toys are designed with your fur baby in mind and constructed with high standards each dog is an individual so it is important to supervise your pet during play, no matter how comfortable your dog is with the toy. Nearly any dog toy can pose a hazard in one way or another, so you must monitor your dog’s interaction with every toy. Over time, you will learn which toys your dog can handle without close supervision, which toys are alright only for a short time, and with which toys your pet gets very rough (these should be removed if excessive wear or damage occurs).

Our toys are tested at certified, independent testing facilities to assure that the toy meets government safety guidelines for lead content.

Phthalates, or phthalate esters, are esters of phthalic acid and are mainly used as plasticizers (substances added to plastics to increase their flexibility). Our toys are tested at certified, independent testing facilities to assure that the toy meets government safety guidelines for phthalate content.

Hartz produces many of its toys in China. Hartz has a long history of producing quality pet toys and as such works with trusted vendors, most of whom we have worked with for many years. Our quality-control team inspects all finished goods to ensure procedures are in compliance with our quality standards.

It depends on the size of the piece and the size of the pet. Pets can easily swallow something that would never make it through their entire system. If you suspect your pet may have ingested a piece of a toy it is best to consult your veterinarian.

Although our toys are designed with your animal in mind and constructed with high standards each dog is an individual – even dogs of similar size and breed will have very different play patterns. For example, a plush toy in the mouth of a tough chewer could be demolished in a matter of minutes. Play behaviors also change as your dog adapts to each individual toy, so it is important to supervise your pet during play, no matter how comfortable your dog is with the toy. Nearly any toy can pose a hazard in one way or another, so you must monitor your dog’s interaction with every toy. Over time, you will learn which toys your dog can handle without close supervision, which toys are alright only for a short time, and with which toys your pet gets very rough (these should be removed).

Just like humans, dogs like to play in different ways, and it is important to select the appropriate toy based on your dog’s playing and chewing style (moderate or aggressive chewing). We as pet parents are attuned to their needs, some dogs may have one favorite way of playing while others alternate among several types of play.

However you decide to incorporate play into your dog’s daily routine, Hartz has
created the perfect toy to get Fido’s tail wagging by extensively researching and identifying four primary play patterns:

Chew: Satisfies dogs’ chewing instincts and keeps them occupied.

Toss & Retrieve: Encourages exercise through active play and promotes bonding between dogs and owners.

Tug: Allows dogs to exercise strength and involves owners and other dogs in engaging play.

Comfort & Security: Meet dogs’ need for comfort and calmness and allows for solo play.

One size does not fit all. Toys should be appropriate for your dog’s size, weight and age. If a toy is too big, your dog may have trouble handling it with their mouth or paws. Toys that are too small could be easily swallowed, lodged in your pet’s throat, or quickly broken. Ideally, your dog should be able to grasp the toy in their paws and still be able to easily chew on it. If the toy is a ball or other “fetch” type toy then it should be large enough for your dog to pick it up in their mouth and not swallow it. A good rule of thumb – if your dog can fit the entire toy in its mouth then it is too small.

Dogs with sensitive gums need to chew too! Select toys that are softer and won’t damage the gums such as a plush toy. If your dog is a tough chewer but displays signs of sensitive gums try a soft toy with a more durable exterior. Our exclusive Flexa Foam® line is also great for dogs with sensitive gums. They are constructed with a soft latex exterior combined with a foam filled interior which provides a soft texture as well as added durability.

Toys can be given to pets as soon as they show interest in playing (usually about 4-6 weeks old) and toys can help build coordination and motor skills in young pets. Be sure to choose age and size appropriate toys. Puppies have smaller, sharp teeth that could fracture more easily so softer chew toys are better for them. Because puppies grow so quickly, toys that were correctly sized at 6 weeks may be too small for the same puppy at 8 weeks old.

Hartz toys are designed specifically for cats and dogs and are not approved for use by children. We do have toys designed specifically for interaction; however young children should always be supervised during playtime with pets.

No, squeakers may not be purchased separately from Hartz. It is not advised to replace squeakers once your dog has removed the squeaker from the toy. It is important to frequently inspect your dog’s toys for excessive wear and tear. Be sure to replace the toy if excessive wear or damage occurs.

Dogs, like children, benefit from playing with toys. Toys satisfy your dog’s chewing needs, give your dog safe ways to explore, encourage exercise, relieve boredom, discourage destructive behavior, and provide comfort when you are away. A dog busy with a toy is not chewing on your couch or digging in the yard. It is recommended to rotate the toys that your dog plays with each day to keep your dog stimulated, happy and healthy.

Some dog toys can be easily cleaned while others should be tossed. Toss any of the following: toys that have missing parts or dangling bits (stuffed animal eyes, etc), have been heavily chewed (the toy is much smaller than it was initially), will not come clean, has a foul odor. Toys that can be cleaned: plastic/rubber/hard toys (clean by hand with soap and water or in the dishwasher with no detergent); rope toys (wet the toy and microwave it for one minute or put in dishwasher with no soap); stuffed animals (try throwing these toys in the washing machine but check for loose parts when finished). For more information on how to maintain your dog’s toys see our post on dog toy maintenance.

Many times dogs play with stuffed animals until they successfully remove the squeaker,which results in a destroyed toy. Next time you bring a new stuffed toy home try sleeping with the toy or letting your child sleep with the toy before giving it to your dog. Once a familiar scent is on the toy it will become more like a comfort toy for your dog and therefore less likely to be torn apart. Another option is buying toys with a more durable exterior such as our Hartz® Tuff Stuff® toys which are made of an ultra-durable ballistic nylon shell.

Hartz® attention to quality is evident in the way our products are produced. Hartz® employs a stringent production control process to assure the highest quality products. All Oinkies® products are manufactured in facilities certified to internationally recognized food safety standards, where routine Salmonella testing is an integral part of our quality assurance program.

The DentaShield® ingredient coats your dog’s teeth creating a barrier
The barrier BLOCKS new tartar formation
Leaving your dog with cleaner teeth, longer

DentaShield® is our name for Sodium hexametaphosphate, the same ingredient used in many leading human toothpaste brands. This ingredient was developed as a toothpaste additive by researchers at Indiana University’s School of Dentistry, the same researchers who developed fluoride for toothpaste.

• DentaShield® reduces the formation of tartar.
• Chewing rawhide helps reduce existing plaque and tartar, which will help freshen your dog’s breath.
• Rawhide with DentaShield® is scientifically proven to reduce tartar formation in dogs up to 83%*.

_{* Studies on file at The Hartz Mountain Corporation}

Typically, a puppy can only hold its waste for an hour for each month of age (i.e. a 3 month old puppy has to relieve itself every 3 hours). Training takes consistency and patience. Whether you are crate training, paper training, or both, puppies may not be fully housebroken until they are 8-12 months of age.*

* www.aspca.org

Hartz® dog pads can be used to protect your home from pet soiling, to housebreak your puppy, to provide a comfortable environment for your dog to relieve itself when you are away from home, as area for indoor dogs to relieve themselves and as a convenient place for your pet to relieve itself when he refuses to go outside. Hartz® dog pads can also be used daily for ailing / senior dogs, lining crates and carriers, drying wet / muddy paws and protecting car seats.

Place the pad colored plastic side down. Let the dog or puppy smell the pad and get used to it. If your pet relieves itself somewhere else, bring it back to the pad immediately. Continue bringing your dog or puppy back to the pad and reward him with treats and praise when he uses the pad to reinforce that this is the place to soil. Once your pet has learned to relieve itself on the pad, bring the pads gradually closer to the door and finally outdoors to complete the housebreaking process.

A small amount in a larger puppy most likely won’t cause serious issues but a smaller puppy ingesting some could cause problems. If you note any vomiting or abnormal behavior, consult your veterinarian.

It is important not to become angry or frustrated as this may confuse the dog or cause it to secretly soil areas when you are not around. Continue with consistent training and thoroughly clean soiled surfaces with a strong product designed to remove tough stains and odors rather than cover them up, such as the Hartz® Home Protection™ Stain & Odor Remover.

Hartz scientists designed this special formula to remove pet feces, urine and blood stains from multiple surfaces and yet be gentle on fabrics. Safe to use on carpet, upholstery, clothing, tile, linoleum, plastic, pet bedding and many other surfaces.