Month: May 2021

It’s pretty easy to picture a dog swimming happily in the water on a hot Indiana summer day. However, did you know that not all dogs like water or even know how to swim? Whatever breed your pet may be, it’s really important to know common dog water safety tips to ensure they stay safe and accident-free.

Feeling confident when your dog is around water really starts with basic obedience training. Ideally, your pup should come when called and should only jump into a pool or lake once you give the okay. Another way to positively handle a swimming pet is to ensure that they’re regulars when it comes to dog grooming services. A well-maintained coat will make it much easier to deal with wet fur or hair after they’ve enjoyed a swim.

Top Summer Water Safety Tips for Dogs

You’ll likely know pretty quickly what you’re dog’s water preferences are based on their behavior, but even dog’s that love to swim still require caution and supervision. Follow these dog water safety tips to help make sure your pet stays as safe as possible.

• Never throw a dog into the water, even if it’s shallow.
• Do not leave your dog unattended around water.
• If you have a pool, take the time to show your dog how to get out using the steps. Have them practice exiting the pool until they confidently understand where and how to exit.
• Even if your dog loves swimming, make sure to get them out for a rest every so often. A tired dog is at greater risk for drowning.
• Invest in a dog lifejacket if you are out on a boat or around the water a lot.
• Don’t let your dog drink pool, lake, or ocean water. Keep fresh water available to drink at all times.
• Rinse your dog off after swimming to get rid of bacteria or pool chlorine which can cause skin irritations and dry skin.
• After rinsing, brush your dog using a conditioning spray to get out tangles and avoid mats. Consider increasing the frequency of dog grooming services over the summer if your dog is in and out of the water a lot.
• Dry their ears after swimming to prevent infection.
• Since heat from the sun is more intense around water, be sure to watch your dog for signs of sunburn or heat stroke.

By keeping these summer water safety tips for dogs in mind, you and your pet can focus on enjoying the beautiful weather and having fun together.

Where to Find Top Dog Grooming Services in Indiana

If you’re looking for pet groomers that will help your dog look and feel its best, look no further than Smoochie Pooch. With Indiana locations in Valparaiso, Fort Wayne, Crown Point, Portage, and Schererville, our trained groomers are ready to help you with all your dog or cat grooming needs. We know you only want the best for your pet, and at Smoochie Pooch, you can rest easy knowing we’ll take care of your pet’s individual needs. If you want to get the most out of summer, be sure to book your dog for a grooming appointment, so they’re ready for all your sunny adventures!

Dogs of any age love to play. Whether your new puppy needs some socialization or you have an adult dog that loves to run around with pals, setting up successful playtime does take some planning. Just like you take your time choosing the right salon for dog grooming in Fort Wayne, organizing a positive play session requires some thinking too.

To start, always keep your dog’s temperament in consideration as you plan any doggy playdates. In addition, the location of the meeting will also impact how things unfold once a few dogs are in the same space. Thankfully, if you plan things right, a successful puppy playdate can really be fun for everyone!

Creating Positive Doggy Playdates

If you’re not sure where to start when it comes to arranging some fun playtime for your pet, take a look at the tips below. While you always have to pay attention to your dog’s cues, these suggestions can make it easier to successfully set up playtime for your pup and their pals.

As an added reminder, since your pet will likely get dirty and messy as they run around and play, make sure you regularly book an appointment for dog grooming in Fort Wayne so that their coat won’t become a tangled mess!

Six tips for setting your dog up for playdate success:

1. Know what your dog likes to do.

Would you say your dog’s a wrestler or a chaser? Knowing their play type can really help you match with playmates that have the same style of play.

2. Take a look at the basics.

A well-matched puppy playdate will include dogs that are typically close in age and size. This helps to ensure that no one feels overwhelmed.

3. Pick a safe location.

The best play locations are safe for off-leash play (a fully-fenced outdoor area or a dog-safe indoor spot) and large enough to allow for the full spectrum of play styles.

4. Let the dogs set the pace.

Once the dogs are together, let them explore the environment and interact with each other in their own time. Allow them to initiate play without your intervention.

5. Pay attention to body language.

When dogs play, they certainly can get rowdy, and it often looks and sounds scarier than it truly is. It’s really important for pet parents to pay attention to body language during a doggy playdate to see what the dogs are saying to each other as they interact. As a general rule, appropriate play tends to be bouncy and loose, while inappropriate play appears controlled and focused.

6. Encourage water and rest breaks.

Make sure to have a water supply handy. A large neutral bowl that all the dogs can drink from is ideal. Don’t forget to give the dogs a play break too. Whether that means separating them temporarily or leashing them for a rest, they may not realize they need a break on their own.

Find Professional Dog Grooming in Fort Wayne at Smoochie Pooch

From playdates to nutrition to keep them as healthy as can be, we know you only want the best for your dog. At Smoochie Pooch, our highly trained groomers treat each dog as their own and ensure we provide grooming services that match their individual need. We offer breed-specific grooming as well as skin therapy, all of which are designed to ensure your playful pet looks and feels its best. To make an appointment, please contact us to arrange a time that works for you.

No matter what size or breed of dog you have, chances are you’ll have to take them out for at least one walk, even on days where it’s wet and rainy. As we head into spring, which can typically mean more wet weather, knowing what dog walking essentials to have on hand when it rains can make outings more enjoyable.

Before we get into walking tips, it’s important for Portage pet owners to understand that keeping their pet well-groomed will also make walking in wet weather easier. When their coat is in good condition and not overgrown, they’ll be less likely to pick up tangles and mats when out in the rain. Whether you call your local mobile dog groomers or make an in-salon appointment, be sure to make regular grooming a priority.

Tips for Walking with Your Dogs in The Rain

It can feel a bit more challenging to get your dog out for a good walk in the rain, but when you have these recommended dog walking essentials, the experience can become more enjoyable.

1. A reflective collar and leash.

Rainy weather makes it more difficult for everyone to see. You don’t want to be hard to notice, so switching out your usual leash and collar for reflective ones can help prevent accidents.

• A rain route.

If your usual Portage walking route tends to be a high traffic area, consider a different path when out walking with your dogs in the rain. By picking a quieter route, you’ll reduce the possibility of getting wet thanks to cars splashing you on their way by.

• A harness or a coat for your dog.

There are some dogs that really don’t like the rain. If your pet falls into this category, try a pressure harness to help them feel safer or a raincoat to reduce the vibrations they feel from the rain. These dog walking essentials can really help them feel more relaxed in wet weather. 

• Towels ready at the door.

When you finally make it back home, the last thing you want is muddy footprints all over your house or for your dog to shake water all over your furniture! Always be prepared by having dry towels in an easily accessible area that you can quickly grab as soon as you come back inside.

• A plan to wash and dry your pet.

Did you know that wet and rainy weather can increase the number of germs and bacteria your dog may pick up? After a wet and rainy stroll, consider rinsing them off with warm water. If you’re out in wet weather often and find you’re bathing your dog more as a result, ask your in-salon or local mobile dog groomers for moisturizing shampoo recommendations so that you don’t inadvertently dry out their skin.

Keep Your Dog Wet Weather Ready with Grooming from Smoochie Pooch

At Smoochie Pooch, our trained and experienced pet groomers will make sure your dog’s coat is ready for the rainy season. Not only can we provide breed-specific grooming, but also we’ll work with each pet owner to ensure their pet is groomed to fit their lifestyle too. With five convenient locations throughout Indiana, as well as a mobile grooming option, we know we can take care of your pet and help them feel their best, no matter the weather. Contact us today to book an appointment.