Spring is saying its goodbye and summer is coming fast. Dealing with your dog’s matted coat or your cat’s shedding hair can be tough. It can feel like it is literally raining dog hair or cat hair. Is it a battle to groom your pet? Is it too much of a hassle to bathe your pet? Well, there are ways to navigate the difficulty of bathing and grooming.

Here are some tips for a successful grooming session:

• Make sure you use the right size tools while grooming.
• Have a pet with sensitive skin issues? Look for a shampoo that has oatmeal as an ingredient, as it is very soothing.
• Proper rinsing is important to ensure that all of the pet shampoo is fully cleansed from your pet’s fur. If not, the remaining shampoo can cause excessive dryness to your pet’s coat.
• Have a white pet? Purchase a shampoo that’s specially formulated for them, so that their coat will not have a dingy or yellow tint to it.
• Keep your pet’s toenails trimmed properly. This is where you’ll need to do your research so you don’t hurt them.
• Remember that certain breeds have special needs during grooming. Pugs, Bulldogs and other flat-faced dogs require specific attention to their facial area. Baby wipes work well to clean the wrinkles.
• Check the ears to make sure there is not too much build up. If you pooch like to swim, make sure the inside of the ear is allowed to dry so they don’t develop swimmer’s ear.
• Always check between the toes. They are a hiding place for grass stickers, ticks, foxtails, cone heads etc.
• Run a flea comb through to make sure there are no surprises.
• They might not like it, but brush their teeth. Also gently brush the gums as well.
• Be careful not to trim the coat down too far. You pet’s coat gives them built-in air conditioning. It also protects again sunburn, stickers, sprigs and other things.
• Always remember to brush your pet! Brushing ensures a healthier looking coat, removes dead hair, and stimulates the skin; plus, most pooches and kitties love it.
• If you decide you cannot do this, seek a professional groomer. Sometime you just have to pay for convenience.

If you have any grooming tips that have worked for you, add them to the list? We’d love to hear from you!

Source:

Embark On Pet Health
The Bark

Make sure your veterinarian knows of these specific needs, as well as your groomer, if you decide to retain professional services.

These suggestions are great for creating and maintaining a healthy routine for your dog.

Food and Nutrition– Let’s face it. It’s hard not to give your dog treats from the table when they are staring at you with those big, sad eyes begging for food. But feeding your dog table scraps can be a bad habit. Too many foods that humans eat are dangerous for dogs causing upset stomach, gas, diarrhea and possibly a costly trip to the vet. Always check with your veterinarian before giving your dog human food. It is important to maintain a solid nutritional regiment. Some human foods can actually be healthy.

Exercise– Pets can be very active, especially puppies, and we should take the initiative to become actively involved with the exercise maintenance of our pet. Especially for larger and more active breeds, exercise is almost a necessity or your pet will become bored, get separation anxiety and possibly begin destructive behaviors. With any outdoor activity, such as walking or running, always make sure your pet is on a leash. Eventually, you may possibly want to mix up walking/running with hikes or bike rides. Playing fetch or ball is also a great bonding technique.

Train Your Dog! – Come on folks, spend the money. It is worth its weight in gold to get a trainer for potty training proper behavior and socialization. Far too many pet owners end up wanting to find a new home for their pets because they failed to get proper training to break habits like:

• Jumping
• Tearing up furniture
• Licking or biting
• Excessive barking
• Digging
• Humping on guests
• Stealing food
• Aggression

Techniques learned during training can be reinforced by playing games and teaching new tricks. Having a well-mannered dog can significantly increase the happiness of your home.

Visit the Vet– Taking your pet to the vet ensures the longevity of your pet’s health and life. Your veterinarian also provides routine tests, vaccinations, and a physical exam that your pet needs. Always maintain monthly or yearly check-ups with your pets and don’t ignore new lumps and bumps that might appear as your dog ages.

Don’t Forget the Pearly Whites– Just like we have to brush regularly, so does your dog. Brushing your dog’s teeth, gums and tongue can insure that your dog does not get a case of ‘yuck mouth’. Plaque and tarter build up can make your dog’s breathe smell like death, not to mention cause gum disease and other very serious issues. Use an old toothbrush to combat bad breath. A regular soft adult toothbrush for large dogs and a baby toothbrush for smaller dogs will work. You may also use a finger brush (although they do not work as well); dental chews and water supplements to make your dog’s dental care easier. Start slow and build up. Brush in a circular motion. Try brushing the top teeth one day and the bottom the next. Be sure to use toothpaste intended for dogs and fluoride free since fluoride is toxic to dogs.

Source: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/01/18/healthy-pet-tips-cat-dog-puppy-kitten_n_2503145.html slides 2 and 3

Do you ever wonder why you cat poops in places other than their litter box? Or maybe your cat digs around but never actually goes in the litter box? Do they void the box like the plague? If this is the case, here are some tips that might inspire your cat to use their own litter box rather than your hardwood, tile or favorite carpet.

• Make sure the litter box is clean! Felines are incredibly fussy about their living space being clean. If there are two cats in the home, there should be two litter boxes. The litter should be scooped daily and the their entire box cleaned out at least once a week.
• Privacy please! While you want your cat to have easy access to their box, definitely keep it away from their food and water in a low traffic area in the house.
• Use your nose! It seems like today you can buy everything scented. Just because that wild berry scent smells good to you doesn’t mean your cat is going to like it. Try an unscented clumping litter.
• Many of the fancy new boxes are now covered, but your cat might find it to be scary, especially if you own another cat or dog that sneaks up behind them. A covered litter box could make them feel trapped because there is only one way in and one way out. A covered box could also contribute to the consolidation of strong odors.
• Size does matter. A standard litter box is perfect for a kitten, but it might not be suitable for a large tabby cat or Maine Coon. Larger cats need extra large litter boxes. And, you might have to think outside the box (literally). According to Arden Moore, author of Fit Cat: Tips & Tricks to Give Your Pet a Longer, Healthier, Happier Life, giant cats need larger litter boxes more comparable to a sweater storage box with higher sides. Conversely, a kitten, senior or special needs cat might need a box with lower sides.

These are basic tips to improve your cat’s litter box culture, but if it doesn’t, seek out a veterinarian. There could be a hidden medical condition that needs attention.

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Moore, Arden: Fit Cat: Tips & Tricks to Give Your Pet a Longer, Healthier, Happier Life