Month: June 2023

How to Calm Dogs During 4th of July Fireworks

Post author By Smoochie Pooch
Post date June 29, 2023

4th of July fireworks, dogs scared of loud noises, dog scared of fireworks, noise anxiety from fireworks,

The 4th of July can be a scary time for dogs. Not only are fireworks set off on the holiday itself, but loud booms and bright lights often disturb pets for days before and after the actual holiday.

The thunderous noises and flashing lights can alert danger in pets. Many dogs will have their flight or fight response triggered and show signs of stress such as panting, pacing, whining, hiding and destructive behavior. The key to helping your dog through the holiday is to be proactive before the fireworks begin.

This blog covers different ways to successfully calm down your dog during the 4th of July and offers suggestions to ensure the next loud holiday celebration is less stressful for your pet.

Exercise your Dog

Go for a long walk or have intense play with your dog a couple of hours before a fireworks show. The goal is to exhaust them and allow them to release any built up tension they already have in their bodies. With less energy in the tank, the dog won’t feel as overwhelmed by their emotions and will be less stressed.

Safe Place for Dogs

When the flight response is triggered a dog’s first instinct is to hide. This is a reasonable reaction. Do not prevent your dog from distancing themselves from what they find scary. Instead, create a safe place where they will not harm themselves or anything else.

Preplan a space for the safe haven if your dog doesn’t already have a regular spot. Find a place far away from windows and close blinds, curtains and doors to minimize noise and light exposure. Ahead of time, place their favorite toys, blankets and treats in the chosen space.

Distraction for Dogs

Play a calming TV show or music to help drown out the loud popping and crackling of the fireworks. This gives the dog’s ears something else to hear and minimizes the shock of the fireworks going off each time. Giving your canine an interactive toy or puzzle helps them to take their mind off of what is going on outside. Chewing, licking and sniffing are all self-soothing actions that encourage the dog to calm down.

Calming Coats and Shirts for Dogs

Calming coats and shirts act like a hug. The fabric tightly wraps around a canine’s torso with an even pressure, decreasing anxiety in dogs. It’s most effective to put the coat or shirt on the dog before the fireworks start. Afterwards, it might be too late to take effect.

CBD for Dogs

CBD products are great calming aids for canines. This single compound works with their nervous system to help them regulate their emotions in a more controlled way. Standard practice is to give your pooch CBD oil 15-30 minutes before the fireworks begin. Mix the oil with a bit of food. If giving CBD treats, use the same time frame but do not add any food.

Medication for Dogs

A vet may prescribe your dog a medication to help with their noise phobias. The drug Sileo is the first and only FDA-approved medication that is meant to treat dogs with noise anxiety.

Alprazolam (Xanex) is a short term anti-panic drug that is more commonly used to treat dogs with fears of thunderstorms. Prozac, Clomicalm and Elavil are all long-term drugs that are normally given to dogs who experience anxiety at baseline levels. Talk with your vet first on which of these over the counter medications are best for your dog to use as a stress reliever. Remember to never give your dog human anxiety medications.

Future Independance Days

Fireworks will likely always be a part of the USA’s birthday celebration. The suggestions above are great options to use during the holiday, but pet owners may also want to try additional training for their pet throughout the year to ensure the next 4th of July goes more smoothly than the last.

Relaxation Training

Relaxation training is a way to teach your canine to bring their own anxiety levels down to a calmer state of genuine relaxation and essentially teaches them to not be so afraid of their fears.

This type of training is done through positive reinforcement first in a safe environment. When the dog learns how to relax in controlled surroundings, the next step is to gently expose them to their noise phobia in small increments. As the canine continues to practice their relaxation training, they will be exposed to higher levels of the scary noises.

This training is best to do when their noise phobias are out of season. It takes months and requires patience to get your dog to a place where they can initiate their own relaxation in stressful environments. The hard work is worth it. This training helps your dog learn to control their responses to fear and have an overall calmer mind. Learn more about relaxation training here.

Plan Ahead

Unless you live in an extremely remote location, it’s nearly impossible to escape fireworks around the 4th of July. The holiday doesn’t need to be stressful for dogs and owners, however. If your pet struggles with anxiety and fear during fireworks, the best thing you can do is to be proactive and make a plan before your pet is triggered to ease their emotional and physical reactions to disturbing stimuli.

We hope the tips in this blog help you get through the holiday without your beloved pet cowering in fear. Visit your local Smoochie Pooch location before the 4th to stock up on CBD products, toys or puzzles to help make their holiday less stressful.

Tags anti anxiety medication dogs, calming aid for dogs, calming coats and shirts for dogs, calming down dogs during fireworks, calming music dogs, calming sounds for dogs, cbd for dogs fireworks, cbd oil for dogs, cbd treats for dogs, classical music for dog, create a safe haven for your dog, does cbd helps dogs with fireworks, dog calming chews, dog noise anxiety, dog noise anxiety medication, dog noise phobias, dog scared of fireworks shaking, exercise your dog to help with stress, how to calm a panting dog, how to calm my dog down, interactive toys for dog home alone, interactive toys games puzzles chews, over the counter anxiety dog medications, plan before pet is triggered, play outside with dog to help with stress, positive reinforcement training for dogs, relaxation training for dogs, safe place for dogs, self-soothing actions of dogs, sileo Alprazolam (Xanex) Prozac Clomicalm Elavil, stress signs of dogs, TV on for dogs, why is my dog afraid of fireworks

Blogs Preventions

Stressed Out Dogs – The Signs and What to Do

Post author By Smoochie Pooch
Post date June 26, 2023

stressed dog, my dog is stressed, why is my dog stressed

Signs of stress can be difficult to point out in dogs, as they express their anxiety in obvious and not-so-obvious ways. To determine if they are showing signs of stress it is important to pay close attention to their behaviors and the surrounding environment. By familiarizing yourself with your dog’s triggers and signs of stress, you can better understand how and when to help with your dog’s stress management.

Luckily there are many options to help calm your canine. This blog covers the signs of a stressed out dog and what to do when your dog is stressed.

Signs of a Stressed Dog

Pacing

This is the action of walking back and forth. Pacing is a way of getting rid of excess energy out of the body where tension has been building. This action occurs during the stressful situations your dog experiences and is usually a short term coping mechanism.

Barking or Whining

Barking and whining is a form of communication for dogs. When they are scared of something or uncomfortable in an environment, canines use barking and whining to communicate their fears to their owners.

Yawning

Dogs yawn when they are tired. They also yawn when they are stressed. A stress yawn is more intense and prolonged. This action is a type of calming gesture to deflect an assumed threat that makes the dog nervous.

Panting

It is common to see a dog panting on a hot day. However, if your dog isn’t panting due to high temperatures or recent exercise, this could be a sign of stress. Take note of what might be triggering them to be stressed.

Escape or Hiding Behavior

A dog experiencing a stressful situation sometimes tries to escape or hide. They may go into another room or a different part of the park in order to put distance between themselves and whatever is making them stressed out.

Hiding behind the owner or a piece of furniture is an easy sign that a dog is nervous. Listen to this communication, leave them alone and let them come out from hiding in their own time.

Excessive Drooling

Normally, drooling occurs when a dog smells delicious food and they are anticipating a scrumptious meal. However, sometimes dogs drool when there is no food in sight. This is often a sign that the dog is feeling nervous.

Shedding

Dogs who are stressed tend to lose their fur at a rapid rate. At the veterinary clinic it is common to see tufts of fur floating around the waiting room. The action of shedding gets triggered when a dog is anxious.

Changes in Body Language

The body language of a dog reflects what they are feeling. A nervous dog has tense muscles, a tucked tail, wide eyes and ears flattened against their heads. They may also shake if they are very frightened.

Destructive Behavior

If pacing doesn’t alleviate their nervous tension, a dog may resort to destructive behavior. Chewing furniture, digging holes in the yard and scratching doors are some ways that dogs release their excess energy and could indicate that the pet is stressed.

Changes in Bodily Functions

Stress hormones have a negative affect on your dog’s bodily functions. A large number of nerves are located in the digestive tract. When overly activated this can cause lack of appetite, gas build up, bloating, vomiting or diarrhea.

What to Do When your Dog is Stressed

Exercise your Dog

Stress causes excess energy in dogs. Walking and playing with your dog helps to relieve the nervous tension built up in their body. Exercise produces endorphins (the happy hormone). Take your dog for a walk or play with them in the yard before, during and after the stressful situation.

Physical Contact with your Dog

In the past, it was believed that comforting a nervous dog would only make the situation worse. This theory has since been debunked. Physical contact is proven to help calm dogs down. When your dog is feeling stressed you are encouraged to cuddle them, pick them up, give them a long petting session or give a massage to help them relax.

Play Music for your Dog

Music can help alleviate noise sensitivity. Use the power of music to drown out scary sounds. Research has found that dogs prefer classical music. They find that style of music calming and relaxing.

Schedule Breaks for your Dog

Breaks from a stressful situation can help a dog cope with their nervous energy. Removing them from a stress-inducing environment helps to alleviate their nerves for a little bit. Take the opportunity to help your dog calm down to prevent them from being overwhelmed.

Calming Coats and Shirts for your Dog

A calming coat or shirt is clothing designed to wrap around a dog’s torso. It applies mild, constant pressure to the dog. Many compare it to a swaddling cloth on a baby. The pressure releases calming hormones that relax the canine. Thundershirt is a great choice if you’re looking to try calming clothes for your pet.

Mental Stimulation for your Dog

Mental exercises are important to help reduce anxiety in dogs. It gives the dog a sense of control over their surroundings. Items like interactive toys, puzzles, games and chews activate their natural thinking abilities. Dogs become focused on the item in front of them instead of concentrating on their anxiety.

Hormone Diffusers for your Dog

Pheromone products release a manufactured scent that reminds dogs of their lactating mothers during nursing. This scent is not detectable by humans. Important parts of the dog’s brain associate the smell with safety and comfort. The synthetic chemical compound positively affects a dog’s behavior and nervous system by helping them relax and stay calm. Learn more in depth about hormone diffusers here.

CBD for your Dog

Products with CBD have become very popular in the canine world. It is important to point out that these products do not have THC in them and most come from hemp, not marijuana. There are no dependency issues and your dog does not become high off of these products.

CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid system. This system consists of a vast network of cellular receptors and chemical signals. CBD promotes a calming effect on this nervous system and supports a normal emotional balance. The dog feels relaxed and able to cope with their environment in a healthy way.

For more information on CBD for dogs, check out this blog.

Anxiety Medication for your Dog

Anxiety can be expressed in many ways. If your dog’s stress is intense, consistent and harmful to them, medication is a good option but isn’t the end-all-be-all. Prescription and over-the-counter medicines help lower your dog’s physical response to anxiety and are tools that work great alongside behavioral training. Talk to your vet about the best options for your pet.

Helping your Dog Live in a Calmer World

Some signs of anxiety are difficult to differentiate from regular dog behaviors. Knowing what to pay attention to helps pet owners be more aware of their dog’s feelings at any given moment. With this knowledge comes understanding of how to help your pet cope with their triggers and improve their emotional reactions.

There are many options to help calm your stressed out dog. All are good choices whether it be medication, CBD, physically comforting them, playing music for them or plugging in a hormone diffuser. Whichever one your pet positively responds to is the best option – and sometimes you may even want to try a combination of tactics.

Seeing your dog struggle with anxiety is heartbreaking. Learning the stress signals and what to do when your dog is stressed are key steps in helping them live in a calmer, happier world.

Tags anxiety filled dog, breaks for stressed out dogs, calming coats and shirts for dogs, calming down my dog, cbd benefits to dogs, cbd oil for dogs, comforting my stressed dog, cuddling my dog, destructive behavior in dogs, do pheromone products work for dogs, dog hiding, dog panting a lot, dog with ears pinned back, dog with tucked tail, dogs like classical music, exercise helps to get rid of tension, exercise your dog to relieve stress, hormone diffusers for dogs, how to calm a stressed dog, i have a very nervous dog, interactive toys games puzzles chews, mental exercises for dogs, mental stimulation good for nervous dogs, my dog is drooling and acting strange, my dog is nervous and is gassy, my dog is scratching my doors, my dog is yawning a lot, petting my dog, playing music helps a stressed dog, prescription for stressed dogs, signs of stress in dogs, stress making my dog have diarrhea, stress triggers for dogs, stressed dog body language, the importance of physical contact with dogs, thundershirts, when to put dog on anxiety medication, why does my dog have tense muscle, why does my dog look startled, why does my dog shed so much, why is my digging holes, why is my dog barking, why is my dog chewing the furniture, why is my dog pacing, why is my dog whining

Blogs Pet Nutrition Preventions

Common Foods that are Toxic to Dogs

Post author By Smoochie Pooch
Post date June 22, 2023

human food that is bad for dogs, should dogs eat people food

Many dog owners share food scraps with their dogs or allow them to clean up items dropped on the floor. While this may not harm the pet, there is a very real possibility that the food contains ingredients and toxins which are safe for human consumption but very dangerous and toxic for dogs.

Symptoms from these toxins can range from vomiting and diarrhea to liver failure and pancreatitis. Knowing which foods are bad for dogs can help prevent opportunities of accidental consumption.

This blog explains which foods are toxic for dogs, food poisoning symptoms in dogs and what to do when your dog has eaten toxic foods.

Avocados

Don’t share your guacamole recipe with your dog, even if it’s a hit at the party. This fruit has a fungicidal toxin called persin that is present on every part of an avocado. Canines are more resistant to persin than other animals, though it is always good to err on the side of caution. When too much of the noxious substance gets into a dog’s digestive tract, it can cause diarrhea and vomiting in about 24 to 48 hours.

The high fat content in avocados and the pit of the fruit pose even more problems for your pooch. Though high fat is excellent for a human’s health, it can result in serious health conditions like pancreatitis in dogs. The pit is also seen as a choking hazard.

Grapes and Raisins

The toxin in grapes and raisins has not yet been identified. A canine can develop kidney failure or renal failure one to three days after eating these snacks, and can also be fatal for dogs.

It’s unknown how much of this fruit needs to be consumed before symptoms start to appear. A general stance is that no dog should eat any amount of grapes or raisins.

Raw Bread Dough

The yeast in raw bread dough is the culprit when it comes to harming dogs. The substance immediately starts to expand the second it enters the stomach and introduces ethanol into the bloodstream. The longer the yeast remains inside a dog, the more damage it does to the pet. Some conditions that could develop are metabolic abnormalities, central nervous system depression, GDV, ataxic and poisoning.

Chocolate

Chocolate is a delicious treat for humans but is detrimental to our furry friends. This dessert contains theobromine and caffeine which are both toxic to dogs. The darker and richer the chocolate, the more of these toxins it contains. Any problems will appear six to twelve hours after a dog eats chocolate.

Consumption can result in vomiting, increased thirst, heart rhythm abnormalities, seizures, diarrhea and more. Symptoms vary depending upon how sensitive each dog is to the poisonous substances.

Onions

Never let your dog near onions, as this vegetable contains compounds called disulfides and thiosulphates. These toxins are present in onions, onion flakes and onion powder. When ingested they damage a dog’s red blood cells which can result in the animal developing hemolytic anemia, Heinz body anemia or methemoglobinemia.

Symptoms like vomiting and diarrhea can occur in dogs anywhere between 24 hours and a couple of days after devouring the onion. Anemia symptoms can take up a week or longer to appear.

Garlic

Garlic is in the same vegetable family as onions and is reported to be the most dangerous. The disulfides and thiosulphates compounds cause the red blood cells to become very fragile and rupture. A dog eating this bulbous plant will vomit or have diarrhea within one to three days. Red blood cell damage will result in anemia with symptoms appearing anywhere between a few days to seven days after consumption.

Xylitol

Xylitol is a natural sugar alcohol commonly used as a sugar substitute and is found in fruits, vegetables and other plants. When digested by canines, it quickly absorbs into the bloodstream and can release a dangerous amount of insulin from the pancreas. This results in a rapid decrease in blood glucose within 10 to 60 minutes of consuming the sugar alcohol.

Symptoms of xylitol poisoning include vomiting, weakness, collapse, decreased activity, seizures and incoordination. These symptoms can progress into liver failure and hypoglycemia which, if not treated, can be fatal.

Xylitol can be found in flavored water, sugar-free candy, gum and some brands of peanut butter.

Macadamia Nuts

Macadamia nuts are listed as one of the worst things you can give your dog. These nuts cause weakness, depression, vomiting, tremors and hyperthermia in only three to six hours after being eaten. Consumption of this food can also trigger pancreatitis. It is not known which toxin causes this mayhem in dogs.

What Should I Do if my Dog Ate Toxic Food?

Take the toxic food away from your dog if they are still eating the substance. The canine may try to eat faster or get aggressive when you separate them from the food. If this is the case, try using a dog treat to distract and coax them away from the toxic substance. Once you’ve removed the food from your dog’s reach, take the time to analyze the type of toxin it is and how much they ate.

If you don’t witness a dog consuming poisonous food, it can be hard to know what they ate. If you suspect your dog has eaten something poisonous, make a list of food items which were potentially accessible, what symptoms your pet is showing and whether you see any foreign objects or abnormalities in their vomit or poop.

Contact your dog’s veterinarian as soon as possible and relay all the information gathered. Depending on which toxic food was consumed and how much, the vet will determine the best course of treatment for the dog.

Leave Human Food for Human Consumption

Research which foods or ingredients are harmful for your dog as your first line of defense against food poisoning. The majority of human food is not meant to be digested by canines, though most meat and some vegetables are safe for dogs.

Keep the foods listed above out of paws’ reach, and pay attention to what your dog eats on a daily basis both at home and in public. If your pet shows signs or symptoms of food poisoning, attempt to identify the source of the toxin along with the amount consumed and the time it occurred.

Remember to call the vet immediately after separating the substance from the dog if you believe that your canine has consumed food that is toxic.

Tags are onion flakes bad for dogs, call vet when dog eats something poisonous, can caffeine hurt dogs, can chocolate kill dogs, can dogs eat grapes and raisins, can dogs eat macadamia nuts, can dogs have avocados, can dogs have garlic powder, can dogs have onion powder, causes of renal failure in dogs, dog ate raw bread dough, dog vomiting and diarrhea from food, ethanol poisoning in dogs, food dangerous for dogs, food poisoning symptoms, foods that cause kidney failure in dogs, foods with xylitol dogs, garlic good for dogs, GDV dogs, hemolytic anemia Heinz body anemia methemoglobinemia, how to get dog away from toxic food, human food bad for dogs, human food good for dogs, hypoglycemia in dogs, is avocados good for dogs, list of toxic foods for dogs, macadamia nut toxicity in dogs, pancreatitis in dogs, persin toxicity dogs, preventing bloating in dogs, renal kidney failure in dogs, signs to look for when dog eats something poisonous, symptoms a dog eating toxic food, theobromine toxicity dogs, what causes low red cell count in dogs, what human foods dogs can't eat, what to do when your dog has eaten toxic food, what to do when your dog has eaten toxic foods, will a small amount of onion hurt my dog, xylitol dogs toxic dose, yeast in dog's stomach

Blogs

Take Your Pet to Work Week

Post author By Smoochie Pooch
Post date June 19, 2023

Take Your Pet To Work Week

Take Your Pet to Work Week is a fun national week where you are encouraged to bring your adored pets with you to work. This year it is taking place June 19 – 23, 2023. The event is not just for dogs but for all pets such as cats, ferrets, goldfish and more!

This blog provides helpful planning advice for your pet’s visit, how to keep your pet comfortable at work and why to participate with a purpose.

Get Permission First from Work & Co-workers to Bring Your Pet

During that week do not just show up to your place of business with your adorable creature or critter. The first step is to acquire permission from your boss and check in with your co-workers. Not all companies participate in Take Your Pet to Work Week. Talk to your manager or boss about the possibility of joining in on this fun event and how it can be organized.

Checking in with co-workers is a smart and respectful move. Not everyone is a pet lover. Some individuals could have a possible fear or phobia of certain animals. Others could have severe allergies of fur and pet dander. Be considerate of these anxiety disorders and conditions when making the decision whether or not you will be bringing in your household pet.

In that same vein of thought, do not force interaction between your pet and your fellow colleagues. If an individual is interested in interacting, they will make it known. Not everyone will be jumping at the chance to pet and play around. Respecting people’s boundaries is important.

Schedule Participation for the Week

Scheduling when and what days certain pets come into the workplace is vital to preventing any problems. If the company already has the week planned out, mark the day that is designated for your type of animal. If there is not a schedule, work with your boss and co-workers regarding how the week should be divided.

How to Keep Your Pet Comfortable at Work

Our precious pets can get excited to be in our places of business. There will be new sights, smells and people to meet. They can also get very bored or overstimulated in this unfamiliar atmosphere. The goal is to not disrupt the work environment or prevent others from focusing on their tasks. Owners are responsible for preventing noises, aggression and messes from their pet. Come with a plan and the right supplies to guarantee that you and your pet have a successful day at work.

First, make sure the work environment is the right place to take your household animal. For example, don’t bring your dog to a predominantly male workplace if they exhibit anxiety around men. That type of work environment would not be ideal for that particular dog.

If you’re confident the pet will do well, then the next step is to bring along the right items. Think about what toys, chews, bedding and habitat would bring comfort and entertainment/distraction for your pet. Don’t forget to bring essential items such as leashes, food, clean-up products and bowls.

Schedule timely potty breaks and exercise breaks through the work day if needed. Talk to your boss about good times to step away.

Exit Strategy for Your Pet

Keep a consistent eye on your pet in case staying at your job all day ends up not being their thing. Have an exit strategy with a friend, significant other or pet sitter to come pick up the pet at a designated time or when the animal starts to show signs of stress. The pet can be brought back home to rest and decompress.

Participate With a Purpose

This fun national week was created with the purpose to showcase how animals can make great companions and encourage adoption. By bringing a pet to work, the owner can show their colleagues how fantastic it is to own a pet. They can answer any questions their co-workers have and talk about the positive benefits of having an animal companion. This will, hopefully, encourage those inquiring or curious to seriously look into adopting from a local shelter.

Learn more about the creation of this day here.

Summary

Joining in on Take Your Pet to Work Week can be a wonderful experience. The pet can have a new adventure, and the owner gets to spend quality time with them during the day. To ensure that everything goes smoothly, plan ahead by asking permission, speaking with co-workers and bringing supplies that will help your pet be comfortable and entertained. Schedule breaks and have an exit strategy in case things get too overwhelming for your pet.

Go to work with the mindset that others will see an example of what a companionship with an animal looks like. Show them the best sides of owning a pet and talk to them about the process of adoption. Use this week to not only enjoy the benefits of having your pet with you at your business place, but to promote how fantastic pet ownership is for the benefit of the animals waiting to be welcomed into their forever home.

Tags adoption of pets, animal companionship, ask permission for bring your pet to work week, bored pets at work, bring habitat and bedding to keep pets comfortable at work, bring toys and chews to entertain pets at work, bring your cat to work day, bring your dog to work day, co-workers and your pets, exit strategy for your pet from work, get permission from boss to bring pet to work, how to encourage adoption of pets, how to keep your pet comfortable at work, national take your pet to work day, national take your pet to work week, pet companionship, pets for companionship, schedule breaks for pets from work, show co-workers how great it is to have a pet, take your pet to work day, take your pet to work week, walk dogs for break from work

Blogs Cat Grooming Dog Grooming pet grooming Preventions

Keeping Your Pet Cool in Summer

Post author By Smoochie Pooch
Post date June 15, 2023

how to cool cats down, how to cool down cat, how to cool down a dog, how to cool a dog down, how to cool my dog down

Summer months are a time of fun in the sun, but rising temperatures and longer days mean potential danger for your pets. High heat can have a negative effect on dogs and cats which can result in overheating and heat stroke, so it’s crucial to know how to keep your pet cool in summer.

This blog is about ways to cool down your furry friends without having to say goodbye to good times and tan lines. Read below to gain knowledge on how cats and dogs cool themselves naturally, the warning signs of overheating and heat stroke, ways to help keep their body temps low and summer safety.

How Do Cats and Dogs Cool Themselves?

Our canine and feline friends do not sweat the same way their human friends do – by perspiring from their bodies. Instead they have a different approach to the overheating problem.

Dogs regulate their body temperature through panting. As they breathe heavily the moisture from the lining of their lungs, nasal passages and tongue evaporates. This allows air to circulate throughout their body and helps them reach a lower temperature.

Cats lick and groom their coats to cool down. Once it evaporates from their coat the spit acts as a coolant similar to how a human’s sweat dries up off their skin.

Signs of Heat Stroke and Overheating

Even though they can naturally cool themselves, dogs and cats are still at risk of overheating and developing heat stroke when temperatures soar. Warning signs for both pets include excessive panting, whimpering/whining, slowing down and frequently laying down. More dangerous symptoms include difficulty breathing, excessive drooling, lack of coordination, collapsing, vomiting and seizures. If any of these are happening to your cat or dog, take them to a cooler environment immediately and call your vet for further instructions.

Ways to Keep your Pet Cool

Keep Your Dog or Cat Hydrated

You may have known that humans are mostly made up of water, but did you know that your cat and dog is the same way? H2O accounts for about 60% of their body weight. As humidity rises so does their need for water. A good rule of thumb is one ounce of water per pound of body weight for dogs and four ounces of water per five pounds for cats daily.

Excessive heat may tempt your pet to drink too much and too fast, leading to painful bloating. Thankfully there are a couple of strategies to prevent this from happening.

Control when and how much they drink by only giving them a small-to-moderate amount of water at a time, placing small bowls throughout the home or yard to curb the urge to drink it all at once, limiting drinking water 30 minutes prior to any intense exercising, and taking their bowl away if they are guzzling it down. You want your pets to drink enough – and slowly enough – to satisfy their thirst and cool them down without it harming them in any way.

Elevated or Cooling Bed for Dogs

An elevated bed is a must for any cats or dogs that want to hang out outdoors in high heat. This type of lounge furniture is perfect to keep them off the hot ground and allows the air or a breeze to cool their undersides.

Cooling beds are great to help your pet regulate their body temperature on hot days and nights. They come in a variety of sizes and styles to fit different types and preferences of household animals.

Provide Shade for Your Pets

Temperatures aren’t always dramatically different in the shade, but the shelter from the sun protects your furry friends from harmful UV rays. Some of the best summer shade options for dogs and cats in the backyard are patio umbrellas, canopy covers, sun sails or cotton awnings. Putting a protective shade over their elevated bed will create a little cooling paradise for your beloved pet.

Frozen Dog Treats

Like humans, dogs enjoy cold snacks on hot days. Frozen treats like homemade pupsicles, ice cream (Puppy Scoops ice cream mixes available at Smoochie Pooch locations) and frozen fruits and vegetables are a great way to cool them down and give them extra nutrients. Click here to learn which fruits and vegetables are safe for pets to consume.

Swimming and Water Activities for Dogs

Swimming in a pool, lake or river provides excellent exercise for your dog while keeping their body temperature cool. Be cautious at the beginning of summer, however, as many bodies of water may still be cold for your pet.

Water can be a dangerous place for dogs, so never leave your pooch unattended. Make sure they are experienced in swimming, put them in a life jacket if they need help with buoyancy, and give them breaks so they don’t get too tired.

If you don’t have access to a lake, river or a pool, you can cool your pet with water using a sprinkler, hose or kiddie pool. Dogs may bite or drag around hoses and sprinklers, so it’s best to keep an eye on them when utilizing them.

Regular Grooming Helps Keep Pets Comfortable in Summer

For both cats and dogs regular grooming is crucial to having a comfortable summer season. Most people are aware that an animal’s coat keeps them warm during the cold months, but many don’t know that it actually helps keep them cool during the hot months, too. It also protects their skin from sunburn.

To maintain proper air flow along your pet’s skin, consistently schedule brushing and styling to prevent matted, compacted fur and too thick of an undercoat. This will also decrease their summer shedding – an added bonus for pet owners!

For double-coated dogs and cats it’s actually not a good idea to shave them down. This action can completely change the texture and growth patterns of their fur. It is okay for single-layered cats and dogs, but this will increase their risk of major sunburn. Learn more about why you should never shave a dog with a double coat in this blog.

Summer Safety

Never Leave Pets in a Parked Car

Never leave your pet in a parked car. Ever. Even with cracked windows the temperature inside of a vehicle can get up to 131-172 degrees Fahrenheit. With little-to-no air circulation, your furry friend will feel the effects of the rising temperatures quickly.

Don’t put your pet at risk for heat stroke – or death – by leaving them in your car. Do what is best for your pet and leave them at home in the air conditioning.

Be Mindful of Midday Heat

Temperatures can change dramatically throughout the day during the summer months. Midday, typically considered 11am – 3pm, is the hottest and most dangerous time for your pet to be outdoors. The best time to exercise your dogs or let your cats out is in the early morning or late evening. The sun will not be as intense and the temperatures will be lower.

Eighty-degree weather is considered moderately dangerous for animals. Being outside in 90+ degree weather is considered very dangerous for pets. Pay attention to heat levels outside before you decide to spend a lengthy amount of time in the open air with your dog or cat.

Hot Walking Surfaces for Dogs and Cats

The sun can bake a sidewalk or a road with intense heat and light. For this reason, asphalt and concrete may be much hotter than the air around them. To prevent your pets’ paws from burning, it’s a good practice to test the ground they will be walking on.

Place your palm on the sidewalk or road to feel how hot it is. If it’s too hot for your hand, it’s too hot for your dog or cat.

How to Enjoy the Dog Days of Summer

Summer is a wonderful yet tricky season. You want to be outside with your pets and let them play and roam, but the heat and sun can be harmful to their health and overall well-being. You can still enjoy the weather as long as you adhere to safety and actively provide consistent cooling opportunities for your dog and cat.

Always keep your pet hydrated, but do your best to prevent them from guzzling liquids. Pay attention to the outside temperature, both on the ground and in the air, and make sure your pet has adequate shade. Consider giving your pets frozen treats to cool them off or let them play in water for quick relief. And never, ever leave your pet in a parked car.

Your pet deserves regular grooming, and summer is no time to slack. Help prevent your pets from overheating, shedding excessively or burning in the sun by following a regular grooming regimen. And remember not to shave your pet if they have a double coat.

Talk to your local pet groomer if you have any questions. We’d love to help keep your pets cool this summer!

Tags cat overheating, cat overheating symptoms, do cats get hot in the summer, do cats shed more in the summer, do dogs shed more in summer, dog drinking a lot of water, dog heat stroke symptoms, dog overheating, dog swim, dog swimming, dog walks, dog with heat stroke, heat stroke in cats, heat stroke in dogs, hot dogs car, how to keep cats cool in summer, how to keep dog cool in summer, how to keep your dog cool in the summer, how to protect dog paws from hot pavement, keeping cats cool in summer, overheated dog symptoms, pet summer safety tips, protecting dogs paws in summer, signs of heat stroke in cats, signs of heat stroke in dogs, signs of overheating in dogs, summer safety tips for pets, summer shade for dogs in backyard, why is my dog drinking so much water, why is my dog shedding so much in summer

Blogs Pet Nutrition

Puppy Basics: Supplies, Tips & Tricks

Post author By Smoochie Pooch
Post date June 12, 2023

puppy, new puppy, basic puppy knowledge, puppy chew toys

Bringing a new puppy home can be a very exciting time, but also a very daunting one. If you have never owned a dog or a puppy before, it can be easy to get lost on how to train and what supplies you will need.

This blog discusses essential supplies along with helpful tips and tricks to help you welcome your new puppy not only into your home but into your heart.

Puppy Supply List

There will be many things you will need to purchase to provide a safe and engaging environment for your new pup. It will be easy to go overboard, but all you truly need are the essentials in the beginning. As you get to know the personality and preferences of your young dog, you will be able to learn what you will need beyond the basics.

1. Cleaning Supplies

Puppies are the cutest mess makers! You will need a good amount of items to help ensure your house doesn’t suffer for it. Important products to purchase include paper towels, stain & odor remover, towels, rags and carpet odor eliminator.

2. Crate and/or Dog Bed

Crates and kennels are great for potty training and keeping your pup out of trouble when they’re alone. A cozy bed is a must to give your pup a sense of security and a great night’s sleep in their little den.

3. Puppy Food

Ever wonder why food is often targeted toward puppies, adult dogs or senior pets? It’s because dogs have different nutritional requirements based on their stage of life.

It is important to feed your pet nutritional food with ingredients that reflect their dietary needs. Puppies need food that is slightly higher in calcium and phosphorus to support their growing bones and prevent growth abnormalities. Having kibble high in fat and protein is also beneficial to support their high-energy, rapid growth and muscle development.

4. Leash, Collar, Harness

A leash is an obvious item on this list, but you may be surprised to see both collar and harness. Collars are great for everyday use and to display ID tags. Harnesses, according to the AKC, are a better choice to help train. Puppies are known for pulling, and harnesses are secure, comfortable, provide great control, and are safe for their necks. Just make sure it fits properly and is easy for you to take on and off.

Ask a staff member at your local pet store to help make sure your collar or harness isn’t too tight or loose. Your local dog groomer can also help you make informed decisions about the different kinds of leashes, collars and harnesses available. For more information on dog collars, check out this blog.

5. Training Treats

The most important things to consider for training treats are ingredients, size and texture. Choose treats that are high in natural ingredients but low in calories since you will be using them consistently in your pup’s training.

The treat size should be on the small side so that your young dog can quickly devour it and not become distracted with too much chewing. Dry treats are easiest, as they won’t stick together or melt and are faster for you to grab than treats that are soft and chewy.

6. Bowls

Puppies can be energetic eaters. A bowl that is on the heavy side and durable is a must.

Stainless steel is always a great option since it is stain-proof, rust-resistant, dishwasher safe, sturdy and very hardy. Some even come with rubber bottoms to help the bowl stay in place.

The breed of your puppy can play a part in what kind of bowl you decide to get. Golden Retrievers, Labradors and Pugs are known to love eating and have a tendency to eat fast. A slow feeder may be the best option for them. If you have a dog with a flat face, a wider and shallower bowl works better for them. For long-eared breeds, a deeper bowl helps to keep their ears out of their food so they stay dry and clean.

7. Pumpkin

Pumpkin is an excellent source of fiber and can help tremendously when your puppy is feeling constipated or having diarrhea. Consider keeping a can on hand in case you need it.

It is always a good idea to start off with a small amount. Once or twice a day, depending on the severity of their stomach issues, mix 1-2 teaspoons in with their meal. Keep an eye on their stools to see when they start to improve. Encourage your pup to drink plenty of water to help prevent dehydration.

8. Poop Bags

It’s important to clean up after your pet while on walks around the neighborhood and other public spaces. You can never have too many poop bags! Another poop-related item you may want to acquire is a poop scooper.

Get Your Supplies Before You Bring Your Puppy Home

You may be tempted to wait until the day you get your little pooch to buy all the essentials, but it is best if everything is in place before the furry ball of energy makes its entrance. A puppy’s experience meeting their human family, seeing their new home and riding in a car, maybe for the first time ever, can be overstimulating.

Having your cleaning supplies, treats, crate, etc. at the ready will help you jump right into introducing your new pet to all their cool items and get them adjusted to their new environment.

Puppy Proof Your Home

Puppies are toddlers in dog form. They want to sniff, touch and eat everything. Providing safe surroundings is crucial. It will be important to keep certain items behind securely closed doors or high out of reach.

Keep trash stored in a bin with a lid or under the sink. You don’t want your dog eating anything that could harm them.
Cover and contain cords to prevent electric shock and burns to their mouths.
Keep all household cleaners, medications, yard chemicals, batteries and poisons stored in closed cabinets. Also make sure to clean up spills immediately.
Keep doors and windows closed to prevent your pup from becoming an escape artist.
Always put away choking hazards like coins, jewelry and rubber bands.
Watch out for poisonous plants in the yard and in your home. Plants like Lily of the Valley, Autumn Crocus, Sago Palm and Tulips can cause symptoms like diarrhea, vomiting and drooling. (Call your vet immediately if you think your young dog has swallowed something they shouldn’t or call APCC’s 24 – hour emergency hotline at 1-888-426-4435)

Adjusting a Puppy to New Food

There could be a number of reasons why you want to transition your puppy to a new kibble. The brand the shelter or breeder used is too expensive, you have always given your dogs a different type, or you have noticed allergies developing. Whatever the reason, the key to getting your baby canine onto a new food without major digestive consequences is to take it slow and do it gradually over at least 5-7 days.

For tips on transitioning your dog’s food, check out this blog.

Visit the vet

Bring your puppy to the vet within their first week home. This will be a great way to talk to your vet about food, treats, concerns and questions you have about your particular dog. You can receive an overview of how to care for your dog and get knowledge on disease and preventive care.

Puppy Training with Positive Reinforcement

The overwhelming consensus is that positive reinforcement is the absolute best way to train your puppy. It creates an engaging and encouraging environment for your furry student that makes them want to repeat the desired behavior you are teaching them. Reward and praise increases their motivation and self-confidence to listen and follow commands.

Use the tactics of praises, happy voices and treats to guide your new dog in potty training, leash training, crate training, socialization and basic tricks. This will also help initiate a healthy and positive bond with them that will last well into their adulthood.

Puppy Nipping and Biting

Puppy teeth are tiny and adorable, but man can they hurt. Puppies typically nip and bite because they are bored, tired, hungry, want attention or are overstimulated. This phase usually starts when they are 3-4 months old and lasts till they are 6-7 months old.

Redirecting and ignoring are two great methods in showing your young pet that nipping and biting are not something you will tolerate. When they grab at your hands or clothing, bring their attention to a toy or chew. Have a variety of options to prevent them from getting bored. If they persist in focusing on you, take away what they want most – your attention. This will teach them that putting their teeth into a human doesn’t result in fun.

Puppies = Responsibility and Adjustment

Bringing home a new puppy is a big responsibility and a huge adjustment for any household. The task of caring for your new best friend will be much easier if you begin your friendship prepared.

Keeping supplies on hand, limiting dangers for your pet, keeping up with regular veterinary visits, paying attention to your dog’s nutritional needs, and utilizing positive reinforcement training will all help ensure your transition as a pet parent goes more smoothly.

Caring for your puppy is hard but rewarding work. It requires time and patience. With the right tools and training, you can create a strong bond and love between you and your new pet.

Tags adjusting a puppy to new food, bought a puppy, first time owner, first time puppy owner, how to redirect puppy, limiting dangers for puppy, new owner, new puppy, poisonous plants to dogs, positive reinforcement when training, pumpkin for dogs, pumpkin for puppies, puppies, puppy bed, puppy biting, puppy biting tips, puppy cleaning supplies, puppy cleaning tips, puppy collar, puppy crate, puppy crate training, puppy diet, puppy food, puppy food bowls, puppy harness, puppy kennel, puppy leash training, puppy nipping, puppy nipping and biting, puppy nutritional needs, puppy potty training, puppy proof your home, puppy supply list, puppy training tips, puppy training treats, puppy training with positive reinforcement, rescued a puppy, reward and praise puppy, slow feeder bowl, stain, stainless steel bowls, training a puppy, training treats, transitioning puppy to new food, vet visit, what to do when you get a new puppy

Blogs pet grooming Preventions Skin Care

Protecting Pets From Fleas, Ticks and Heartworms

Post author By Smoochie Pooch
Post date June 8, 2023

dog flea prevention, dog tick prevention, removing ticks from dogs, pets and ticks, pet tick prevention

Fleas, ticks and mosquitoes are summer’s nasty little buggers. These tiny insects may seem harmless at first glance, but they can cause chaos to your beloved pet and to your home. Thankfully, there are numerous ways to protect your canines and felines through flea, tick and heartworm prevention.

This blog will cover the dangers fleas, ticks and mosquitoes pose for dogs and cats along with a variety of preventative measures to keep them at bay. We’ll also give tips for removing ticks from your pet.

How Fleas and Ticks Affect Dogs

Both fleas and ticks are external parasites. They can create skin irritation through their bites and can cause anemia by how much blood they take. If you notice the signs of excessive licking or scratching, hot spots, loss of appetite, low energy, fever or swollen lymph nodes and/or joints, call your vet immediately.

Fleas

Fleas feed on your pet’s blood while they snuggle into the nice, soft, warm fur. These parasites can be found anywhere throughout your dog or cat’s coat. They spread droppings and eggs in the fur, which appear as dark and/or white specks.

Ticks

Ticks attach near the head, neck, ears, eyes or paws of dogs and cats. They bury themselves partially under the skin and become engorged.

The ticks to watch out for are the brown dog tick (kennel tick) which can transmit Ehrlichiosis, the deer tick which can transfer Lyme disease, and the American dog tick (the most common tick) which can spread Rocky Mountain spotted fever.

How Mosquitoes Affect Dogs

Mosquitoes are not external parasites, but they are carriers of a parasitic worm called Dirofilario immitis (more commonly known as heartworm). The worms are transmitted through the mosquito’s bite. Heartworm in dogs and cats can result in severe lung disease, heart failure, other organ damage and even death if not treated.

Flea, Tick and Heartworm Prevention Options for Dogs

The best defense against fleas, ticks and heartworms is consistent protection in the form of oral medications, topical medications or flea collars. There are lots of options for oral or topical medications, however, it is best to discuss with your veterinarian which one is best for your dog.

Deciding between oral and topical will depend on your pet’s medical history, how often they are in water, if you want to repel fleas and/or ticks, the area where you live, if your pet is pregnant or nursing, etc.

Many pet owners wrongfully assume that flea and tick preventative measures completely deter fleas and ticks. Even with flea, tick and heartworm medications, parasites may still be attracted to your pet. The goal of the medications is to prevent infections and the transmission of diseases if the parasites do come into contact with your dog or cat.

Oral Flea, Tick or Heartworm Medication

Oral preventative medications tend to last longer than topical preventative medications and can come in the form of pills or chews. These medications must be prescribed by your veterinarian and cannot be purchased over the counter.

Unfortunately, parasites will still attempt to attach to pets who use oral preventative medications. Since the preventative medication is in the pet’s bloodstream, fleas and ticks first need to bite your pet in order for the medication to be effective. This paralyzes and kills the parasites, and protects your pet from the transmission of diseases.

Heartworm medication is only available in a pill or chew form and is not available in topical form.

Topical Flea and Tick Medication

Topical flea and tick medications come in liquid form. Prescriptions are available from veterinarians, though most topical medications are available over the counter.

Topical preventative medications do not cross the skin barrier or enter into the bloodstream, so your dog doesn’t need to be bit in order for the medication to take effect. With the medication sitting on the skin, any flea, tick or mosquito that comes in contact with it will die or retreat.

Read the product instructions to learn how often you should reapply topical treatments for your pet. While many treatments are waterproof, they still wash away over time and lose their effectiveness. Pay attention as well to other instructions, like whether or not it’s okay to wash your pet shortly before or after applying.

Topical medications can be oily and cause skin irritations for your pet. Always ensure you follow directions on the packaging and utilize the proper amount of medication for your pet. If you notice any adverse reactions to the medication, contact your veterinarian for guidance.

Flea and Tick Collars

Unlike topical and oral medications, flea and tick collars actually help to repel parasites. The collars release and spread chemicals along your pet’s fur and skin which then kills fleas and ticks that come into contact with your pet.

Traditionally, flea collars have been seen as the perfect option for small dogs since they are cost effective, long lasting and easy to use.

There is some controversy on flea collars, however, due to the recent discovery of the potentially harmful chemical TCVP present in many dog flea collars. This chemical is not only dangerous for dogs, but also for humans as well. We recommend consumers check product labels before purchasing and avoid the many collars containing TCVP. If you have questions or concerns, consult your vet.

Natural Options for Flea and Tick Prevention for Dogs

If you wish to avoid all chemicals and prefer a more holistic approach, essential oils can be used to deter fleas, ticks and mosquitoes. Citronella, eucalyptus, peppermint, lemon grass, tea tree, rosemary or rose geranium are all good options for dogs.

Never put essential oils directly onto your dog’s skin. Instead dilute with water in a spray bottle, mix it with shampoo when you give them a bath, or even create your own herbal flea and tick collar.

If you have never used essential oils on your pet before, you may wish to apply diluted essential oils to a test spot first and monitor your pet to make sure they have no allergic reactions.

Maintaining Your Dog’s Environment

Keeping your dog’s environment clean and tidy is crucial to lowering their chances of coming in contact with one of these critters and preventing them from taking over your home. Mow your lawn to a shorter cut, keep shrubs contained and drain any standing water near your home.

Regular cleaning indoors also helps. It’s a good idea to wash your dog’s bed with soap and hot water and vacuum carpets and curtains weekly if not daily.

Specialty Shampoos for Fleas and Ticks

Having your dog on a consistent grooming schedule is very important, especially when it comes to bathing your pet. Lathering your pet with normal pet-friendly shampoo and water will not kill fleas, however. Find a shampoo specifically designed for killing fleas and ticks. Ask your local pet groomer for suggestions on flea and tick shampoos.

If a pet has fleas, utilizing specialty shampoo will help. Let the shampoo sit 5-10 minutes so the product has time to penetrate and kill the fleas. Be aware, however, that this is not guaranteed to kill all of the fleas. Fleas are very resilient!

Comb out your dog’s hair thoroughly after the specialty flea bath. Use a flea comb for extra caution to make sure any fleas are down the drain and not still hitchhiking on your dog’s back.

Tick Removal

It’s crucial to inspect your dogs after walks, particularly in wooded areas. If you find a tick, you should physically remove it as soon as possible.

Make sure that you can see the head before attempting to remove the tick. If the tick’s head is buried too far into your pet’s skin, it’s best to ask a veterinarian to remove the tick. If you attempt to remove a tick but fail to remove the head, seek the care of a veterinarian for assistance.

For a safe removal use clean and pointed tweezers. Grasp the tick as close to your dog’s skin as you can without pinching their skin. Then, once you have a good grip on the tick, slowly in a steady fashion pull the tick straight out. Afterwards, dab disinfectant or antiseptic cream on the spot and give your good girl or boy a much deserved treat.

A Tick key is another useful tool for removing ticks from dogs and cats. It utilizes forward leverage to remove the entire tick quickly and safely without squishing it.

Flea and Tick Prevention for Cats

Your feline friend is also at risk for fleas and ticks, even if they’re a strictly indoor cat. Like dogs, cats can benefit from preventative oral, topical or collar treatments.

Dog products should not be used on cats since some of the chemicals used like permethrin and pyrethrin are highly toxic to cats. This is important to remember when you have dogs and cats in the same household. Your canine’s topical medication must be cat safe. Consult your vet on which topical medications are best if you decide to go with that option.

Even for the natural approach, caution is encouraged when treating cats. There are certain essential oils that are toxic to them like tea tree and eucalyptus. Citronella, peppermint and lemongrass are okay. However, small doses are preferred, as cats tend to lick and groom more often than dogs. If too much of an essential oil is digested by a cat, it can cause foaming at the mouth, wobbliness and even liver problems.

Summary

Fleas, ticks and mosquitoes are not just a nuisance but can also bring serious harm to your pet. As a responsible pet owner, it’s important to stay current with preventative measures and regular checks for both dogs and cats to ensure your pet is safe and has low chances of contracting diseases from parasites.

Get in the habit of checking your pet over for unwanted parasitic hitchhikers after time outdoors. Maintain your environment to keep areas tidy and clean. Keep with a regular grooming regimen to evict the critters who latch onto your pet despite your best efforts.

If you have questions regarding the various preventative options for your pet, please contact your veterinarian for guidance.

Want to learn more? PetCareRx has some great information in this blog about specific heartworm, flea and tick prevention medicines.

Tags american dog tick, bathing dogs with fleas, cat tick removal, chemicals on dog collars, controversy on flea collars, dirofilario immitis, dog collars toxic to cats, dog flea bites, dog flea comb, dog flea prevention, dog flea treatments, dog lyme disease, dog mosquito bite, dog tick bites, dog tick prevention, dog tick removal, dog tick treatments, essential oils for cats, essential oils for dogs, essential oils for fleas and ticks, essential oils toxic to cats, external parasites, flea and tick collars, flea and tick preventative measures, flea and tick prevention for cats, flea collars for cats, flea collars for dogs, flea comb for dogs, flea dog bath, flea preventative, flea tick and heartworm prevention for dogs, fleas, heartworm in dogs and cats, heartworm preventative, herbal flea and tick collar, indoor cats and fleas, kill dog ticks, kill fleas on dogs, mosquitoes, mosquitoes and heartworm, natural options for dog fleas and ticks, oral flea tick or heartworm medication, oral medications for fleas and ticks, over the counter flea treatment, over the counter heartworm medication, protecting cats from fleas and ticks, protecting dogs from fleas, protecting dogs from ticks, protecting indoor cats from fleas, protecting pets from fleas, reapply flea and tick medication, regular dog grooming regimen, repel fleas on cats, repel fleas on dogs, repel parasites, repel ticks on dogs, tcvp and dog collars, tick preventative, tick removal for dogs, ticks buried in dog skin, topical flea and tick medication, topical medications for fleas and ticks

Blogs Pet Nutrition Preventions Skin Care

Why & How To Switch Your Pet’s Food

Post author By Smoochie Pooch
Post date June 5, 2023

switching your dog's food, changing your pet's food, transitioning dog foods

Why & How to Switch Your Pet’s Food

There may come a time when you want or need to change the type of food you feed your dog or cat. Some pets aren’t picky eaters and will adapt to the change without issues. Other times, your pet may protest and refuse to eat the newly offered diet at first.

This blog covers various reasons for changing your pet’s diet along with helpful tips to make the transition smoother. We’ll also address what to do if your cat or dog refuses to eat new food and when to contact your veterinarian for guidance.

Reasons for Changing Your Pet’s Food

There are many reasons to change a pet’s food. Even if the dog or cat does seemingly well with their current food, there are numerous valid reasons a pet owner may opt to make a change in their pet’s diet.

General Nutrition

Perhaps you recently learned that the food you feed your dog or cat isn’t as healthy as you first thought. Dog food can be packed with unhealthy ingredients, and sometimes dog parents opt to change their dog’s diet for the simple reason of selecting healthier alternatives.

Maybe you’re looking to feed your pet food with less chemicals and preservatives. Or perhaps you’re looking to stay away from meat meal, meat by-products, artificial coloring, flavor enhancers or other fillers. Read more about dog food ingredients here.

It’s a good idea to switch your dog’s food every three months in order to provide them with a variety of high-quality food and a more well-rounded diet. A commonly accepted recommendation is to rotate your pet’s food with different protein sources (beef, lamb, chicken, etc). This not only gives the dog more variety, but also can help prevent your pet from developing allergies and intolerances.

Allergies

Allergies are probably the #1 reason pet owners change a dog’s food. Allergies can cause terrible side effects such as hot spots, cysts, runny noses, eyes crusting over and dry, itchy skin, among others. Therefore, even if your dog does well with its food in other ways, it would make sense to change it. If you suspect your dog has allergies, talk to your vet about making changes to your pet’s diet.

Changing Food for Aging Dogs

All dog food should have a high quality meat source along with fruit and vegetables – providing protein, fat, energy and nutrients to your pet. Although the basic composition should be the same, there’s still a reason we’ve all seen pet food labeled and targeted toward dogs of different life stages.

Puppy food contains higher levels of calcium, phosphorus, amino acids, fat, protein and calories than adult dog food. Like growing children, growing puppies need different nutrients to help them form new muscle, strengthen their bones and help with development and functionality.

Adult dog food contains less calories than puppy food, as they burn less calories than growing, energetic puppies. So what happens if you feed puppy food to an adult dog? Unfortunately, they will likely gain weight quickly due to the higher fat content. They’ll also be at risk for developing high cholesterol and heart problems due to the high amount of amino acids in puppy food.

Your dog may be considered a senior once they are between 6 and 10 years old, depending on their breed (larger breeds generally mature faster than smaller breeds). Senior dog food generally contains less protein and fat while supplying dogs with more carbohydrates. All-ages dog food can still be given to elderly dogs, though many pet owners begin switching their senior dogs to prescription diets later in life to help aid their specific health conditions.

Digestion Issues

Diarrhea and vomiting may suggest your pet is experiencing digestion issues. Gradually switching your pet’s food may improve this issue.

On the contrary, introducing new foods too rapidly can also aggravate the issue. It’s best to try to find the underlying cause of your pet’s digestion issue before attempting to make too large a change to their diet.

Skin and Coat Problems

Your pet’s skin and coat are greatly affected by their nutrition. Pet owners may opt to either switch their animal’s diet altogether or add supplements to their existing pet food to help problems like skin inflammation, hair loss, or a brittle, dry haircoat.

Ultra Oil (available at Smoochie Pooch boutiques) provides a great source of vitamins and minerals like sardine, anchovy and hempseed oil that are great for your dog’s skin and coat (and help relieve hot spots, allergic breakouts and other skin and coat irritations).

Other ways to supplement a dog’s diet for skin and coat problems involve adding fish oil, coconut oil, specialty freeze-dried raw supplements and other items to a dog’s food to help improve their condition.

Kidney Disease and Diabetes

Both kidney disease and diabetes require very specialized diets for dogs. Typically these dogs are prescribed a specific diet by a vet and are allowed little-to-no treats. Switching to these foods may be difficult for your dog as it may not taste as good.

Diagnosed Health Concerns

Any changes in a pet’s diet can be difficult for animals that are predisposed to health concerns. Pets that have been diagnosed with an autoimmune disease, kidney disease or even severe allergies can decline quickly without the proper nutrition. It is best to switch diets on these pups only if needed and with the guidance of a veterinarian.

How to Transition Your Pet’s Food Correctly

There are mixed opinions among the professional pet industry on the best way to transition your pet to a new food. It really depends on your dog or cat and also what you are trying to accomplish. The general rule of thumb is to introduce the new food to your pet by slowly adding it to its existing food. According to the American Kennel Club, the following are the ideal guidelines for transitioning food:

Day 1: 25% new diet and 75% old diet.
Day 3: 50% new diet and 50% old diet.
Day 5: 75% new diet and 25% old diet.
Day 7: 100% new diet.

Transitioning your furry friend’s food slowly and gradually will help avoid both frustration and upset tummies. Switching their food too quickly can lead to vomiting, diarrhea and a decreased appetite.

What if My Pet Won’t Eat the New Food I Offer?

We call this a hunger strike. The good news is that in most cases, dogs and cats will not starve themselves. They will eventually eat what is offered. Especially if the change is needed for a medical reason, stick to it for several days before panicking.

In the scenario where you have to transition to a prescription food for medical reasons, you may want to try food toppers over your pet’s food. Food toppers are treats or flavor enhancers that come in powder, liquid or raw form and are designed to entice your pet to eat. Be sure to check with your veterinarian before trying them, but it may be your key to getting your best friend to eat their new diet.

Note: If your dog refuses to eat or makes another dramatic change in their eating habits and you haven’t made changes to the food you offer, contact your veterinarian for guidance. It’s possible that they’re experiencing an issue even if you don’t notice any other warning signs. Pet owners should always play it safe when it comes to the health of their pet.

If you have questions about your pet’s dietary needs, ask your local Smoochie Pooch pet groomer. We’re happy to help answer any questions we can. If we don’t know the answer, we’ll help guide you in the right direction!

Feeding Your Dog Chicken – Why To Be Careful

Tags adding supplements to cat food, adding supplements to dog food, adding supplements to pet food, adult dog food vs elderly dog food, all-ages dog food, calories in dog food, can I give adult dog food to my puppy, can I give puppy food to my adult dog, can I give puppy food to my elderly dog, cat allergies and diet change, cat picky eaters, cat refuses to eat food, change your pet's diet, changing dog food for medical reasons, changing food for aging dogs, changing your dog's diet, changing your pet's diet, chemicals and preservatives in dog food, diagnosed health concerns for dogs, digestion issues in dogs, dog allergies and diet change, dog diabetes and diet, dog diets and digestion issues, dog digestion issues from eating, dog food and dog allergies, dog food ingredients, dog food protein sources, dog food supplements, dog hunger strike, dog kidney disease and diet, dog nutrition, dog picky eaters, dog prescription food, dog refuses to eat, dog refuses to eat food, dog skin and coat, dog upset tummy, dog won't eat, general dog nutrition, healthier dog food alternatives, how is puppy food and adult dog food different, how long should I wait to contact my vet, how to change dog foods correctly, how to change your dog's food, how to switch your cat's food, how to switch your dog's food, how to switch your pet's food, introducing new food to your dog, introducing new food to your pet, my dog isn't eating, my dog won't eat her food, my dog won't eat his food, pet food protein sources, pet picky eaters, proper nutrition for dogs, puppy food vs adult dog food, reasons for changing your dog's diet, reasons for changing your pet's diet, selecting a new diet for your cat, selecting a new diet for your dog, selecting a new diet for your pet, switch your dog food every three months, switch your pet food every three months, transitioning to a new cat food, transitioning to a new dog food, transitioning to a new pet food, ultra oil for dogs, ultra oil for pets, why to switch your cat's food, Why to switch your dog's food, why to switch your pet's food

Blogs Dog Grooming pet grooming Skin Care

Dog Bathing at Home: Tips to Make it Easier

Post author By Smoochie Pooch
Post date June 1, 2023

dog bathing tips, dog bath at home, smoochie pooch dog groomer, dog bathing tips

Dog Bathing at Home: Tips to Make it Easier

Even if you bring your dog in regularly to a local dog groomer, you’ll still likely need to bathe your pet on occasion. Dogs love rolling around and getting dirty outdoors, and bathing your dog at home may be required occasionally between appointments. Keeping your pet clean between visits eases the grooming process, nourishes their coat and benefits their overall health.

This blog discusses tips for distracting dogs during the bathing process, keeping them in position, choosing the right shampoos and conditioners, and drying your pet. We hope our tips and tricks make bathing at home a little easier!

Use a Slip Lead or Collar & Leash

The more control you have over the situation the better. Whether you’re dealing with a playful puppy or a cranky senior, having control of where their head goes can be extremely important.

If you intend on only bathing your pet occasionally, a slip lead or collar will work. A slip lead is nice to have handy because it’s not a big deal if they get wet or gross. You may not want to get your dog’s nice collar wet and soapy.

If you are bathing your pet frequently, purchasing a grooming loop would be a great idea. They are inexpensive and help you move and restrain your pet easily. You can also get suction cup teacher clips to safely attach your pup where you want it.

Where Should I Bathe My Dog?

Where you choose to bathe your dog will depend largely on the size of your dog. If you have a little dog or puppy, don’t be afraid to use your kitchen sink! Your back will thank you for it.

If you have a medium or large size dog, the tub or shower will likely be your best option. If you have a walk-in shower, make sure you have a way to tether your dog so you don’t end up with a soapy dog running around.

Sometimes you may have to use a hose outdoors. It may not be ideal, but sometimes it’s your best option. If you have to bathe your pup outside with the hose, consider only bathing the sections on your dog that are soiled so you don’t cover their entire body with cold water.

Find A Distraction

Now that you have a plan for safely tethering your dog during a bath, add enrichment to bath time by giving them something to do. Try a suction cup Lickimat (available at your local Smoochie Pooch grooming salon). Lick mats are silicon mats that have different designs inside to hold food or treats in an effort to retain a dog’s attention. The different designs and what you put in them offer different difficulty levels.

Many people simply use peanut butter on them, but you can get creative with it. You could mix up some Puppy Scoops Ice Cream Mix (also available at your local Smoochie Pooch salon) and freeze it on the mat or mix up some canned dog food with fresh fruit and vegetables. Whatever you choose, your pet is sure to love it – and it helps make bath time fun for them.

Choose the Right Dog Shampoo and Conditioner

Different dogs require different bathing techniques, and the same goes for bathing products.

Choosing shampoo and conditioner that is right for your dog’s coat is important. While single-coated dogs may require less frequent bathing and gentler shampoos, double-coated dogs require shampoos that penetrate more to the undercoat and skin. Skin conditions and allergies are other factors you may wish to take into consideration when choosing the right bathing products for your pet.

You should also never use human shampoo when bathing your pet. The chemical makeup of a dog’s hair and skin is completely different from that of a human’s, and utilizing human shampoos can irritate their skin with improper pH levels. Ask your local pet groomer for recommendations on the perfect shampoo and conditioner for your pet’s coat and skin.

Shampoos that are made for professional pet groomers are intended to be diluted, so you only need about a teaspoon of the shampoo per cup of water. You can pour it into an empty bottle and shake it up to mix it or utilize a frother. Shampoos that you buy at your local pet retailer can be diluted as well. This reduces the step of mixing the product with water and makes it easier to apply and rinse out.

Dog conditioners are also important, especially if your dog is thick- or long-coated. Shampoos strip natural oils out of the skin and hair, so conditioning is key for skin rehydration and repairing the hair shaft.

Conditioners add a protective coating to the hair and make it much easier to brush. Don’t forget to run a brush or comb through your dog’s hair once it dries. You can also use a leave-in conditioner to save time.

Preparing a Dog Bath

If your dog has a lot of energy, you may want to find a way to exercise and tire them before taking a bath. Taking dogs for a walk or run first may help make the bathing process easier.

Be prepared before alerting your dog that it’s bath time. Check the water temperature in advance (water should be warm, not hot) and have your products out and ready before bringing your pet over to the bath (shampoo, conditioner, leashes, distraction tools and towels).

Pets are alarmingly in tune with their owners’ body language. It’s good advice to wait until you are calm and collected before beginning the bath so neither you nor your pet begin the process in an escalated state of anxiety. If you know your pet is prone to anxiety during baths, try giving them some calming CBD treats like Pawse Bark-Less Bites before a bath to help relieve their stress as well.

Dog Bathing Process

Secure your pet with leashes if necessary. With warm water, wet your dog’s coat thoroughly. Once your dog is sufficiently wet, begin applying and lathering shampoo to their coat. It’s a good practice to work on the dirtiest areas first, as this allows the shampoo to sit and work longer in those areas while you continue to apply product to the rest of your pet.

Apply product onto your dog’s head and muzzle, but try to avoid getting shampoo in your pet’s mouth, eyes, nose and ears. Our recommendation is to massage the shampoo thoroughly so it reaches past your dog’s coat and nourishes the skin. A good rule of thumb is to take your time and allow your dog to sit while the shampoo to works for about 10 minutes if possible before rinsing.

Rinse out the shampoo. Then rinse your dog again to ensure you got out all of the suds. Next, massage your dog with conditioner. Leave the conditioner on for a few minutes before rinsing well.

Again, you’ll want to rinse your dog very well so as not to leave product behind that would irritate your pet’s skin.

Can you even call it a bath if your dog doesn’t shake off afterward?

Drying

Many pet owners don’t dry their dog after home baths, but it does make a significant difference – especially in long-coated dogs. The easiest way to do this at home is to wait for your pet to drip dry for a significant amount of time first and dry them off with a towel.

Once they have air dried for a bit and are just damp, you can use a dryer (cool or warm setting, not hot) and brush them while using the dryer. This will create a soft, fluffy look and feel.

Avoid drying the head until the very end as most dogs don’t like it. After it is dry, be sure to run a metal comb through your dog’s coat to ensure no tangles have occurred.

Always a Positive Experience

The goal is to always make bath time fun for you and your pet. The more praise and treats, the better! It is best if you have someone to help you so they can give treats while you bathe, but it’s not necessary. Try the lick mat if you know you’ll be by yourself. Just remember, stay calm and try to have fun!

Tags applying shampoo to a dog's face, bath time for dogs, bathing a dog in a shower, bathing a dog in the sink, brush your dog while drying, control a dog's head during a bath, diluting dog shampoo, distraction your dog during bath, dog allergies, dog bath water temperature, dog bathing, dog bathing at home, dog bathing process, dog bathing products, dog grooming loop, dog lick mat, dog shampoo, dog skin conditions, dog slip lead for bath, drying your dog after a bath, how to give a dog a bath, how to keep your pet clean, human shampoo vs dog shampoo, lathering shampoo on a dog, leave-in conditioner for dogs, let dog shampoo sit for 10 minutes, lickimat for dog bath, massage dog conditioner, massaging dog bath, mixing dog shampoo, pet groomers, preparing a dog bath, professional pet groomers, rinse your dog twice during a bath, suction cup teach clip, tether a dog during a bath, tips for bathing your dog at home, washing a dog's head, washing a dog's muzzle, wet dog, where should I bathe my dog, why you should never use human shampoo on dogs