Keeping Your Pet Healthy in the New Year

Every year, I compile a list of New Year’s Day resolutions. Typically, the same items top my list each year. For instance, I always desire to lose weight and spend more time with my family members. Perhaps, you want to get healthier in the New Year. You may also wish for your beloved pet to enjoy better health this year. To help you accomplish this important task, schedule regular appointments for your pet with his or her veterinarian. A veterinarian can inform you of any health problems your pet may be experiencing. On this blog, I hope you will discover the importance of taking your pet to annual veterinarian appointments. Enjoy!

3 Tips for Easy At-Home Dog Grooming

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Professional groomers can work wonders with even the most unkempt dogs, but you don't always have to see a professional to keep your pet clean and tangle-free. Here are three tips that can make at-home grooming easier for any dog owner.

Brushing

The first thing to consider when choosing the most effective brush for your dog is the length and thickness of your dog's hair. For short-haired dogs, a medium bristle brush or rubber brush can be used if the dog's coat is smooth. Wiry coats may require a firm bristle brush. Wire-pin brushes are the best choice for dogs with medium or long fur to keep them comfortable while removing knots and tangles in their fur.

Bathing

If your dog lives an active lifestyle, you should expect to bathe him at least two or three times per week. Indoor dogs usually only need to be bathed once a week at most. No matter how often you bathe your dog, you should inspect their skin after every bath for redness and irritation. Some dogs are more sensitive to certain shampoos than others, so you may need to change brands if your current shampoo is causing irritation.

You will often need to take a few extra steps to keep your dog comfortable and relaxed in the tub. Distracting your dog with a favorite toy is one method that can help to keep them still. Placing a rubber mat in the tub while you bathe your dog will create a softer surface that makes him more comfortable while also protecting him from slipping and falling if he tries to jump out of the tub.

Nail Trimming

Nail trimming is one of the riskiest parts of at-home grooming if you are not familiar with the proper technique. Cutting your dog's nails too short can cause extreme pain, and your dog may never be willing to sit still for a nail trimming again.

To avoid cutting into the quick, you should look at the underside of your dog's paws before every snip. You will see a crease starting at the tip of your dog's nails that closes up as it reaches the base of the nails. Usually it is safe to trim away the nails above the spot where the crease closes. If you are unsure about how low to cut, apply a slight amount of pressure with the clippers and watch your dog's reaction. If your dog tenses up or tries to pull away quickly, you are likely on the quick and need to clip higher.

Use tips regularly so your dog will continue looking clean and groomed much longer between each visit to pet grooming locations.

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28 February 2017