Month: July 2021

Do you notice any difference in your dog’s behavior in summer? While it may seem like they love running around on a sunny day and jumping through the water, don’t forget that they can get overheated too.

It’s important to keep up with pet grooming in summer, which can include at-home maintenance and regular grooming appointments in Portage. When their coat is in good condition, it will be easier to keep your dog happy and healthy all summer long.

H2: How to Help Your Dog Deal with Hot Summer Heat

Keeping your dog calm when it’s hot outside is all about preparation and planning. In addition to helping them regulate their temperature, you’ll also reduce the risk of your dog suffering from heatstroke. Keep reading for some summer dog care tips that will help you and your pet enjoy the best that summer has to offer!

• Encourage them to stay in shaded areas and away from direct sunlight.
• Regular pet grooming in summer ensures they won’t get matted. Mats can trap heat, making it hard for your dog to regulate their temperature.
• Put down damp towels for them to lie on.
• Fill a hot water bottle with cold water for them to lie on.
• Put the garden sprinkler on.
• Keep a paddling pool in the shade for them to splash about in.
• Never leave your dog in a hot car.
• Always remember to bring water if you’re out and about with your dog.
• Plan your walks to avoid the midday sun.
• If you have a light-colored or thinly coated dog, learn more about specially formulated sun cream for dogs that may help.
• Be mindful of their footpads and avoid standing for long periods of time on hot sand or pavement.

When temperatures rise, you’ll need to watch for changes to your dog’s behavior in summer as they could be showing signs of heatstroke such as excessive salivation, vomiting, glazed eyes, and heavy panting. Heatstroke can develop when a dog can’t reduce their body temperature on its own.

If you think your dog has heatstroke, call your veterinarian. In the short term, take them to a cool shaded area and apply cold, wet towels to their head, neck, and chest and let them lick an ice cube. Placing them directly into icy water or allowing them to drink too much can cause them to go into shock.

H3: Book Summer Dog Grooming Services in Portage

Ready for a fantastic summer? At Smoochie Pooch, our top-quality summer dog grooming services mean that your pet will be ready for all your warm-weather adventures. No matter what your pet needs, know that we offer breed-specific grooming as well as skincare and shed relief options too. With their coat and skin in excellent condition, your pet will be able to enjoy the warmer weather while being comfortable too. Contact us to book your appointment for pet grooming – we’d love to help!

Who’s ready for more sunshine and more time spent outdoors? We know your dog likely is! Trying out some new fun games with your dog is a great way to pass a summer day and help your pup get the exercise they need.

Before you enjoy the hot sunny weather, make sure your pet has an appointment for dog grooming services in Schererville so that their overgrown coat won’t cause them to overheat or get too tangled during your outdoor fun.

H2: 5 Fun Games to Try with Your Dog During the Summer Season

Dog’s love nothing more than to run around their yard and enjoy a beautiful warm day. It’s fun to frolic outside with your pup; many of these ideas also work as helpful training games if you’re looking for ideas to work on their skills and behavior.

With summer just around the corner, give some of these games a try:

1. Bubbles.

Blow some bubbles and watch how much your dog loves chasing them! Just remember not to leave a bowl of bubble solution lying on the ground – you don’t want your pet to mistake it for a water bowl.

2. Name that toy.

The following is an entertaining training game to play with your dog, who loves a mental challenge. First, go over the names of two of their favorite toys and then throw them both out in the yard. Be specific about which toy you want your dog to retrieve and see if they can pick up the right one. It may take a few tries, but you may be impressed at how fast your dog can learn new commands!

3. Create a homemade agility course.

See what you have around your Schererville home to create jumps, tunnels, steps, and obstacles that your dog must navigate their way through. Obstacle courses are great for challenging your dog’s mind and muscles.

4. The sprinkler.

A simple tip for the water-loving dog in your home; Before you break out that sprinkler, make sure their appointment for dog grooming services isn’t long overdue! Otherwise, you may end up with tangles and mats that aren’t part of anyone’s summer fun.

5. Ball pit.

This game can be used outside but also makes a great rainy-day option for those wet summer days. Fill a giant old box or kiddie pool with plastic balls, and then throw some treats inside for your dog to find.

H3: Dog Grooming Services in Schererville

Summer fun does take some planning, and it’s essential to include your dog in those plans! To help your dog enjoy the best that summer has to offer, make sure that they are groomed and ready to play. A well-managed coat, trimmed nails, and healthy skin will help them handle the warmer weather better and make it easier to enjoy water play and outdoor adventure. Our team members at Smoochie Pooch have the best training in grooming all sizes and all breeds of dogs professionally. We know you want your furry friend to thrive this summer, and so do we! So contact us today to book a grooming appointment for your pet.

You can recognize when you start to feel uncomfortable if it’s been too long between trips to the hair salon or barbershop, but unfortunately, your pet can’t speak up for themselves and tell you it’s time for some dog grooming “near me”!

You may even bathe your dog at home and remember to brush their fur often enough, but dog groomers take the extra needed steps to keep your pet’s coat, skin, nails, and ears stay healthy. In addition to their skilled grooming abilities, they’ll also be able to check for fleas and ticks, irritated skin, or sores.

H2: 5 Signs You Need an Appointment for Professional Dog Grooming

So, how do you know if it’s time to book dog grooming in Portage? While you know your pet best, some basic signs to watch for can serve as a reminder to make booking their next appointment a priority.

1. Dull coat or fur.

Regardless of breed, a dog’s fur or coat should look shiny and healthy. If not, it’s time to visit the dog groomers. If left uncared for, your dog would likely end up with matting, which is uncomfortable and sometimes painful. Matted fur can also lead to skin irritation, skin infections, and other issues.

2. Unpleasant smell.

Even when you try washing your dog at home, you may still notice a foul odor that you can’t get rid of. Excessive dirt and debris that gets ground into fur and skin can not only make your pet smell bad but will also trigger skin irritation. With professional dog grooming in Portage, your pup gets a thorough bath using appropriate shampoo and conditioner, including brushing and drying too.

3. Long nails.

You can hear your dog’s nails clicking on the floors, and you may have even been scratched by their overgrown nails too. It is essential to keep your dog’s nails properly trimmed to avoid causing pain and discomfort.

4. Smelly ears.

Your dog’s ears do a pretty good job of cleaning themselves, but if the odor is more potent than usual, it may mean that your dog is due for a professional ear cleaning.

5. Scooting.

If your dog is pulling themselves across the floor when sitting, also known as scooting, it may mean that their anal sacs are clogged. At a professional dog grooming appointment, they can softly express the glands to release the contents and provide your dog with needed relief.

H3: Quality Pet Grooming in Portage with Smoochie Pooch

When your dog’s groomed regularly, you can feel confident knowing they look and feel their best. Having a healthy coat has a substantial impact on your pet’s overall comfort, and at Smoochie Pooch, our highly trained groomers will work with you to ensure your pet receives the services they need to support their health. Contact us today to book your next dog grooming appointment and find out why dogs of all breeds love their visits to Smoochie Pooch!

Dogs can add so much joy to our lives and make excellent companions. But it’s important to remember that since they are still animals, they will need training and reinforcement to demonstrate and maintain good behavior. Building positive behavior in dogs should be a goal, right from the start, and everyone in the family needs to be on board with that goal.

When your dog is feeling bored or wants your attention, they may gravitate towards naughty behavior, like when they feel nervous, such as before a vet or a dog groomer’s appointment. Luckily, there are plenty of ways that you can encourage positive behavior and help your dog be the best that it can be.

H2: Building Up Positive Behavior in Dogs

Dog groomers in Fort Wayne certainly appreciate when owners work to ensure their pets demonstrate good behavior. Good behavior not only helps those who interact with your dog but makes the dog feel better about themselves too, as they’ll get rewarded more often.

To develop and encourage positive behavior in canines, you should try these tips:

1. Spend quality time together. When dogs feel loved, they will reciprocate the feeling and try to please you.

2. Make time for daily exercise. The need for exercise will vary based on your dog’s size and breed. No matter what type of dog you have, daily activity will help our pets spend their energy so that they’re in a better state of mind to listen to your commands.

3. Train them. Start with basic commands at a young age. Training is vital in being able to manage your dog more easily. Dogs enjoy following orders and knowing who the leader is. Giving them boundaries and rules to mind is a positive thing for them.

4. Introduce them to others. Dogs who get the chance to be around other dogs and people tend to be friendly and develop better behaviors.

5. Reward behavior you want to see. Reward your dog every time they show good behavior. A small treat, petting, or praising will let them know you like what you see. It means a lot to them when they’re recognized as a good pup!

H3: Dog Training for Positive Behavior

If you’re looking for outside support to encourage and teach your dog positive behaviors, there are many options to consider. Start by asking your Fort Wayne dog groomers or veterinarian for any training company recommendations. If you’re keen to get started right away, don’t forget that many helpful books and videos are available.

In addition to dog training for positive behavior, when your dog looks and feels their best, they’ll also have a better overall demeanor. Regular grooming ensures their coat is mat-free, their nails aren’t overgrown, and they aren’t feeling uncomfortable with itchy skin. They’ll be ready to play and to enjoy spending time with you and your family! To book a grooming appointment with a top-rated Fort Wayne groomer, contact Smoochie Pooch.