Month: March 2021

Pet Nutrition – Should I Really Feed My Dog Raw Meat?

Post author By Smoochie Pooch
Post date March 25, 2021

There are lots of options to consider when it comes to having a pet. Where to take them for pet grooming, what kind of training they’ll need, and of course, what to feed them. For some pet owners, a raw food diet may be something to consider for a variety of reasons.

Whether you want your dog’s food to resemble what their ancestors ate or if you believe that a dog’s overall health and wellness would benefit from a raw food diet, it’s important to do your research first before you choose the type of dog nutrients your pet will consume.

Learn More about a Raw Food Diet for Your Dog

To start, the decision to feed your pet a raw food diet should only be made after talking with your veterinarian. Your vet can tell you about the risks and rewards involved in a raw food diet while also considering your pet’s specific needs like their age, breed, and medical concerns.

Many Indiana pet owners and dog groomers have noticed that a dog’s coat health can improve with a raw food diet, but as mentioned, that doesn’t mean that raw food is right for every dog. Keep reading for what you should know before you consider this type of food for your pet.

Ingredients matter. Dog nutrients derived from raw food still need to be kept top of mind. Raw food doesn’t automatically mean better ingredients, so be sure you read what’s in the food and how it’s been prepared.
There is a possibility of bacterial contamination. All raw meat and raw meat-based products may be contaminated with bacteria that can cause illness. While the consequences for your dog will most likely be mild, it can cause much bigger issues for the humans that share a home with the dog eating a raw food diet.
Due to the mineral and vitamin requirements for a dog’s good health, supplements will likely need to be added to ensure that their diet is balanced.

In addition to their main source of food, don’t forget that you can also make different choices when it comes to the treats you feed your pet as well. Next time you take your dog in for pet grooming, take a look at the food and treat options that they sell. Many groomers make a conscious effort to stock high-quality, nutrient-dense treats that they know will support your dog’s coat and skin health.

Smoochie Pooch: Dog Groomers That Support Your Pet’s Overall Wellness

At Smoochie Pooch in Indiana, we only want what’s best for your pet. We know that grooming is an important part of maintaining a dog’s overall health, and that’s why we always aim to provide the best experience possible. In addition to only using high-quality grooming products that support coat and skin health, we also sell food products that positively contribute to a dog’s long-term health. Contact us to learn more about our commitment to exceptional pet grooming and to your pet’s overall health.

Preventions

Flea and Tick Prevention

Post author By Smoochie Pooch
Post date March 17, 2021

Nothing may annoy your dog more than pesky fleas and ticks. Unfortunately, your pet’s warm body and soft fur are the type of environment that these insects just love. While having a trusted nearby dog groomer can help keep your dog in good health, it’s important to know what other preventative measures you can take to help keep fleas and ticks away.

Why is prevention so important? If one of these pests happens to make a home on your dog, it can cause a wide range of health issues. From Lyme Disease to skin infections and many other long-term complications, pet owners should do what they can to ensure their pet stays flea and tick free.

What Provides The Best Dog Flea And Tick Control?

To start, Smoochie Pooch Valparaiso recommends you speak to your veterinarian. They’ll be up-to-date on flea and tick preventatives, treatments, and information and can help you decide what the best option is for your dog.

In addition to your vet’s recommendations, here are some helpful tips for flea and tick prevention.

Regularly inspect your dog, even if they’re taking a flea and tick preventative from your vet. This will be easier to do if you regularly book appointments with nearby dog groomers so that their coat is well-groomed and easy to look through. Feel for bumps all over your dog and part fur to check out anything that feels out of the ordinary.
Be sure to also check yourself for ticks after walks through the woods or grassy settings so that you don’t transfer anything to your pet.
Keep the grass in your yard cut as short as possible and remove leaf litter, tall grasses, and brush.
If you own multiple dogs, treat them all at the same time if you discover one of them has fleas or a tick. This will help prevent cross infestation.
The best dog flea and tick control starts by asking your dog groomer for advice on what grooming schedule they recommend for your specific dog. Especially during tick season or if you and your dog live a very active outdoor lifestyle, you need their coat to be manageable so you can easily check for pests.

Why Choose Smoochie Pooch in Valparaiso for Dog Grooming

You only want the best for your pet, and that’s why you want to take every precaution to ensure they remain in good health, including regular grooming appointments. At Smoochie Pooch, we’ll treat your dog as if they were our own. Our groomers are highly trained and experienced and work hard to make your pet feel safe and welcome at every appointment. To find out more about booking a professional grooming appointment with nearby dog groomers in Valparaiso, contact us today.

Mobile Dog Grooming

Animal Behaviour Essentials: What You Need to Know

Post author By Smoochie Pooch
Post date March 8, 2021

Ever wonder what your pet is really thinking? When you drop them off at the local dog groomers, what are their actions trying to tell you? While you may be able to make some accurate assumptions about their behavior, it certainly does help to take the time to know more about what your pet’s actions may mean.

Understanding what your pet is trying to tell you can not only make life easier but will also help increase your bond. Every Indiana pet owner should know the basics of animal behavior, and in most cases, that means watching their body language. For example, dogs that show signs of stress around other dogs may enjoy a mobile dog grooming experience better as there will be no other dogs around.

A Guide to Animal Behaviour from Smoochie’s Dog Grooming Professionals

Keep reading for important highlights every owner should know about animal behavior. For the most part, it’s easier to tell when a pet is happy, but animal behavior and emotions can be surprisingly nuanced. As your local dog groomers can probably tell you, a wagging tail doesn’t always indicate happiness, and a purring kitten isn’t always content.

Cat Behaviour Essentials

A tail held upright or slightly curved is a sign that your cat is feeling confident and relaxed.
An upright tail that’s been puffed out or a tail quickly moving back and forth means your cat is feeling threatened.
A slow blinking cat or one that greets you by bumping their head into your leg is showing trust and affection.
Flattened ears and dilated pupils are a sign of being scared, angry, or ready to pounce.
Purring is usually associated with contentment, but some cats purr when they feel unwell.

Dog Behaviour Essentials

A tail held high and loosely wagging generally means a dog at ease. At Smoochie’s dog grooming, we do our best to treat pets with special care so that they behave in a relaxed way when they come to see us!
A stiff tail indicates your pup is feeling threatened.
Dogs hold their tails between their legs when they’re scared or feeling very submissive.
Lowering their chest to the ground while hips stay high is a signal it’s time to play.
Yawning (when not tired) and looking away is due to overstimulation and the need for space.
A dog that mounts people or objects is trying to relieve stress, exert dominance, or get attention.
A dog that shows its teeth is telling you he is upset and is feeling aggressive or dominant.
When a dog exposes their belly, they either want affection or want to play. Often times they’ll do this as a sign of respect or submission to an owner or another dog.

Find Top Mobile Dog Grooming and Salon Grooming Appointments in Indiana

Ensuring your pet has a good quality of life involves working to understand their likes and dislikes as well as making sure their physical needs are met. Regular dog grooming should be considered an essential part of maintaining good health and wellbeing. Smoochie Pooch works to understand every part of your pet so that they feel comfortable and safe at each and every appointment. Whether you’re looking for mobile dog grooming or an in-salon appointment, contact us to learn more about how we provide exceptional service for you and your pet.

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