Grooming for health!
Everybody knows, you have to look good to feel good!! This definately goes for your pet! Maintaining your pets health is imperative, and by doing so you ensure that your other pets as well as your home are healthy and clean. Keeping up with flea control is also a large part of your pets health regimen- and regular grooming should go hand in hand with it. You want to make sure that you are feeding healthy food as well, so that everything that goes inside your furry friend is as healthy as everything you do on the outside! Oatmeal based shampoo seems to have the most success with pets, it tends to calm the skin and avoids irritation. So if you feel that paying the groomer is too much for you with prices of everything else going up, you can do it yourself, and your pet will be just as happy and healthy! And don’t forget, lets brush those teeth! Make sure you are using pet friendly toothpaste, this will ensure that your pet is smiling and tarter free. It just takes a little extra time, but you can have your pet shining sooner than you know it.
Is your dog scooting around?
If you have noticed your furry friend is scooting around, don’t immediately assume your pet has worms. Often, the problem is that their anal glands are full, and need to be expressed; scooting is your pet trying to empty those uncomfortable sacs. If you aren’t aware of how to express your pet’s anal glands, you should take them to your vet-any vet tech should be able to take care of it.
To express your pets anal glands, you need gloves, lube, and its nice to get a pet spray cleaner for their bottom when your done. You will also need someone to help you hold the pet to avoid getting bit. You will need to use your right thumb in the anus at the 5 o’clock position, and pull the contents of the gland towards you. Then use your pointer finger at the 8 o’clock position and pull it towards you like you did the other gland. If you learn how to do this, you can avoid discomfort for your pet and save yourself some money. Also, it is important to get your pet checked for worms to be on the safe side.
Avoiding sun burns
If your pet is in the sun with you, and has light hair, or even bald spots-depending on the breed, you should really consider using sunblock! Its not just for people anymore, and pets DO get sunburned. If you are taking your furry friend to the lake, look into getting some sunblock that is safe for your pet! There are brands out there available, make sure to check with your vet because you definitely don’t want your pet to have a skin reaction to the sunscreen. Even on these cloudy/hazy days, its important to remember sunscreen!
Fun Games while its so hot outside!!
Trying to find a way to connect with your pet? Just wanna have some fun with your kids n your furry friend? Check out these goofy games!
Hide and Seek!!
Its a great way to train your pet to stay while you hide!!Sometimes, treats are necessary, and sometimes they cheat and break away early! Only reward the positive behavior, which is waiting until you give the go ahead. This can be even more fun if you have a couple dogs taking part!!
Find the Treat!!!
Ever hide eggs for an easter egg hunt?? Its a lot of fun, especially for your pets!If you have them stay in the garage while you hide the treats from them, and let ‘em go, just wait to see that craziness that ensues!! Whichever gets the most treats, wins!!! Obviously, I request that you use healthy treats, preferably from this site!!:D
Got any old tires hanging around?
Set up an obstacle course in your yard! Now this is a game for those who are willing to put time into it!! This can help your pet and you learn to communicate better (by teaching them how to get around your obstacle course) and can be fun as well! All you need is a few tires, a couple ropes for them to jump over, and maybe a trick for the finale!!
training tip of the day!
Are you considering getting a dog, or a puppy? First of all, I always recommend visiting the pound, there are wonderful animals there who need to be rescued into a loving family. Once you have your furry new addition, and you have chosen a healthy dry dog food (see my obesity page for more information regarding food tips), its time to consider training! Potty training can come easily to some pets, and can prove very difficult for others. I recommend starting to train as soon as possible, for both potty training and behavioral training. Positive reinforcement while training is what I recommend; training is not code for torturing your pet!! Also, training your pet to have healthy habits, such as tooth brushing, is great to start as early as possible. By doing this, your pet will be used to having their teeth brushed, and their mouth is free of plaque and gingivitis- and later in life you can avoid paying for a dental for your pet. Also, please PLEASE get your doggie toothpaste/toothbrush from a Veterinarian, or trained professional–people toothpaste is a big nono!!As a vet technician, i saw many cases of older pets with really bad plaque, and their health was weakened because they were constantly swallowing unhealthy bacteria from their own mouths. Had their owners started training with tooth brushing at an early age, or using healthy chews recommended by Veterinarians. I know it sounds odd, brushing your pets teeth, but try it! It can be a fun thing to do with your pet, and will establish a routine that will come in handy to you later in life.
