Month: October 2023

DIY Pet Treats and Pet Food

Post author By Smoochie Pooch
Post date October 30, 2023

A cat or dog’s pickiness, health or sensitivities are just a few of the reasons some pet parents are changing to homemade meals and treats. Learn below the benefits of homemade treats and meals for pets, tips on making the treats and food, essential tools for the kitchen and a list of popular recipes for dogs and cats.

Reasons to Make Homemade Pet Food and Treats

Reading the back of a bag of pet food or treats can be overwhelming. The ingredient list may contain more than 20 substances with many of them being fillers, chemicals and preservatives (read more on this here.) Though there are great commercial pet brands, your furry friend may need a more natural and organic diet.

Customize Treats and Food for Pet’s Needs

Pets have their own individual health issues, taste preferences and intolerances. Homemade treats and food allows the owner to customize to their pet’s specific needs. A cat or dog with food allergies does not have to be concerned with coming in contact with the substances that flare up their hypersensitivities. An animal suffering from IBD (Inflammatory Bowel Disease) does not have to worry about additional ingredients in food that may be hard on their digestive tract. In both cases, the owner has full control of what their pet consumes.

Picky eaters make it hard for their owners to find the right blend of ingredients in a commercially-made pet food. DIY treats and meals allow the pet parent to put together different types of food that may not be normally found in a bag of pet kibble. If a cat or dog is overweight, then the owner can provide their pet with the right nutrients without the additional additives.

Prevent Food Boredom

Eating the same kibble or wet food every day for every meal can be boring for the pet. They may turn their nose up at the site of their normal meal and refuse to eat. Boredom with food is particularly common for cats. Homemade meals and treats bring daily variety to the animal’s diet since something new can be cooked or mixed together at each meal. The new smells, textures and flavors get the pet excited to eat.

Healthier Ingredients

Commercial pet food has a list of ingredients that are hard to pronounce and identify. Most often these substances are preservatives, fats and chemicals. In the wild, pets’ ancestors did not eat that way. They consumed natural substances that were heavy on protein with a bit of vegetables. Treats and meals made at home contain fresher ingredients and can be organically sourced. There was no need for the unnatural additives that could have a negative impact on the pet’s health.

DIY meals and treats severely limit the amount of starches a cat or dog consumes. Starches are a common filler in commercial pet food since it is a cheap substance and allows the pet food company to cut down on costs. These fillers include white rice, white potato, soy, wheat and maize. Dogs and cats are carnivores and have little nutritional need for starches.

Tips for Making DIY Pet Food and Treats

Create A Well-Balanced Diet

Putting together a meal plan for a cat or dog takes some research. A pet’s diet needs to be well balanced. Cats and dogs need plenty of protein and some fruits and vegetables. These foods provide the animal with the right amount of healthy fats, vitamins and minerals. Speak to your vet about the right balance for your particular pet based on their sensitivities, age, energy level and the presence of any health issues. Search for credible recipes and get them vet approved. Know what foods are unsafe for cats and dogs to consume. For example, grapes and raisins are very toxic to dogs. Learn more about well-balanced diets for pets here.

Find a Reputable Source for Food

Picking the right ingredients for homemade pet food is very important. Raw meat can have parasites. Vegetables and fruits lose nutritional value as they age and become easy targets for bacteria. Find reputable sources to provide the necessary ingredients you need. Double check how fresh the food is before purchasing. Only get small amounts at a time to prevent the purchased ingredients from spoiling before you are able to cook or bake.

Cater to Pet’s Taste Buds

A human’s taste buds are very different from an animal’s taste buds. We crave salt and spices to add flavor to our food. Cats and dogs don’t need either one to find their food delicious. Some spices, such as garlic, are not good for either pet. Salt is labeled as hazardous for animals if too much is consumed. Instead of spices and salt, pay attention to the texture and the smell of the food.

Tools for the Kitchen

Making pet food and treats requires new tools for the kitchen to aid in the cooking and baking. Essential items for treats are cookie cutters. You can purchase these in fun dog- or cat-related shapes. Another item is an airtight treat jar. This allows the treats to be safe from any pet trying to sneak another snack and to keep the homemade baked goodies fresh. During the hot summer months your cat or dog may want a frozen treat. Silicone pans are perfect to fill up with different ingredients and freeze them. A jerky dehydrator dehydrates different kinds of foods including proteins and vegetables for the perfect jerky treats.

Two essential tools for the kitchen when cooking a pet’s meal are a crock-pot and a blender. Slow cookers allow you to put all the ingredients together and cook without supervision, perfect for busy pet parents. Many pet food recipes also call for a blender. This tool is great for blending together important foods that contain vitamins and minerals crucial for a pet’s balanced diet.

Popular Pet Treat and Pet Food Recipes

Homemade Dog Food Recipe from Allrecipe.com : A great basic recipe to start with cooking for pets for the first time. Add in other foods or just leave it plain. https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/140286/homemade-dog-food/

Homemade Dog Food from The Almond Eater : Delicious meal that will make your pet drool. Filled with great vitamins and minerals. https://thealmondeater.com/homemade-dog-food/

Balanced Raw Diet for Cats with IBD from Raw Feeding for Cats with IBD: Recipe plus a nutritional analysis of the recipe. https://www.rawfeedingforibdcats.org/balanced-raw-food-recipe-with-nutritional-analysis.html

Homemade Cat Foods – 3 DIY Recipes from Floppy Cats: Goes into detail of the specifics of homemade cat food and lists three great recipes. https://www.floppycats.com/3-diy-homemade-cat-food-recipes-that-are-healthy-too.html

Carrot and Catnip Kitty Cat Treats from Epicuricloud: Healthy carrots mixed with a sprinkle of catnip makes cats go crazy for this treat. https://www.epicuricloud.com/recipe/carrot-and-catnip-kitty-cat-treats/

Easy Homemade Dog Treats from It Doesn’t Taste Like Chicken: Only 3 ingredients in this dog treat and super affordable. https://itdoesnttastelikechicken.com/easy-homemade-dog-treats/

Meal Recipes and Treat Recipes from Kong: Dozens of healthy recipes for meals and treats for dogs. https://www.kongcompany.com/cuisine/

Homemade and Healthy

Different reasons to switch to homemade meals and treats for your pet include health concerns, allergies, food boredom, weight loss and digestive issues. Each of these reasons can benefit from a more natural and organic diet.

It’s best for pet owners to speak with their veterinarian and do research in order to create a well-balanced nutritional diet for their cat or dog. There are essential vitamins, minerals, proteins and fats that should be included in each meal. Finding a reputable source for food helps in this goal, and knowing which foods should not be eaten by animals keeps the pet safe.

When you decide to switch to homemade meals and treats, check out the recipes available in numerous pet cookbooks and online resources, and try out the essential tools that make cooking and baking easier. Always get vet approval for recipes before feeding your cat or dog.

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Blogs Cat Grooming pet grooming Preventions Skin Care

The Importance of Cat Grooming

Post author By Smoochie Pooch
Post date October 26, 2023

do cats lick or groom, why do cats lick themselves, smoochie pooch

Do cats groom themselves? Many cat owners believe their cat self-grooms and there is no need for professional grooming. Though the feline is practicing coat maintenance, cats are not actually cleaning themselves. Not including cat grooming in the pet’s overall care puts the feline at risk for severe matting, digestion problems and housing unwelcome parasites.

This blog explains why cats don’t actually clean themselves and the reasons why they lick. Learn below why cat grooming is important, what to expect at the groomers and what you can do at home.

The Myth of Cats Grooming Themselves

Are They Actually Clean?

Cats do not groom themselves. They lick their coats. Their tongues are not the same as shampoo and water. They may get the visible dirt off of their body, but that does not mean they are clean. There is still bacteria, excessive oils and dead fur trapped within the coat.

Why do Cats Lick Themselves?

Felines use their rough tongues to self-soothe, get out loose hair or to relieve itchiness. When the weather is cold or hot they lick themselves to cover their coat with saliva in order to regulate their body temperature. Other reasons cats lick themselves include suffering from allergies, having parasites or wanting to alter their scent. Learn more here.

Why Cat Grooming is Important

Prevent Mats and Decrease Shedding

When cats lick themselves, they spread saliva and natural oils throughout their coats. A buildup of those substances causes shedding hair to get stuck and tangled. The tight knots create pain and irritation for the cat. The feline may lick and bite even more, leading to an increased number of mats.

Scheduled baths with a groomer help to prevent the buildup of saliva and natural oils. Washing also clears the skin of dirt and debris. Brushing removes the dead hair and distributes the natural oils evenly. This decreases shedding as it improves the health of the coat and takes out the loosened hair before the cat needs to completely shed it themselves.

Cat Claw Safety

Without proper maintenance, long, sharp overgrown claws not only damage furniture but can also cause harm to humans and animals. Taking proper care of a cat’s nails not only helps to protect your possessions but also helps protect your skin and clothes from damaging scratches. What’s more, when a feline retracts their overgrown nails too quickly, they can cut their paws, and the open wound increases their chances of getting an infection.

Groomers cut cat nails to prevent overgrowth. The majority of pet grooming salons, like Smoochie Pooch, include nail trimming in their basic grooming package. Keeping the cat on a consistent grooming schedule means the pet owner does not have to worry about their cat’s cute claws turning into sharp little weapons.

Bug Detection

Parasites burrow their way inside a cat’s coat and become difficult to detect if the hair is matted. Frequent grooming appointments prevent the feline’s hair from tangling and allows for easier examination of the skin. Cat groomers are able to keep an eye out for any ticks and fleas hiding out on the animal.

Less Hairballs

Hairballs happen when a cat licks themselves and swallows too much hair. The excess fur can form into a clump and block their digestive tract. The animal usually throws it up. Bathing and brushing limit the amount of loose hair on a cat’s coat. The feline may even lick less since they are clean and have healthier skin and fur.

Aging Felines

As cats age they cannot twist and turn as easily as they did when they were younger, and they also tend to gain weight as their metabolism slows down. For these reasons, older cats may not be able to reach and lick all the necessary parts of their body. Taking your cat to the groomers ensures your pet is clean and comfortable, even in those hard-to-reach areas.

Allergy Reduction

When humans are allergic to cats, it’s not actually the feline’s fur that causes a person’s hypersensitivities – it’s the saliva in their dander. When cats lick themselves, microscopic allergens in the cat’s saliva are transferred onto their fur and skin. This saliva then dries on a cat’s skin cells. Dander (the dead skin cells) is shed from the animal so they may produce new skin cells.

Frequent bathing and brushing a cat reduces the amount of dander on the animal, and less dander means less exposure to allergens. Grooming helps make your home a more pleasant place for those with cat allergies.

What to Expect at the Groomers

At Smoochie Pooch, a cat groomer comes out to personally meet with each pet and their owner. The groomer discusses the age and temperament of the feline to understand how to handle the cat in the best way. They next ask if the owner wants a shave, trim or just the bath and brush out. After getting the information they need, the cat groomer gives the pet owner a pick up time and brings the cat to their grooming station.

First, the cat’s nails are trimmed. Then, if requested by the pet owner, shaving is done. Typically, the sanitary area and paw pads are shaved out. The cat then receives a relaxing bath and shampoo followed by a drying session. When the hair is dry, the groomer trims the cat’s hair per the customer’s requests – either cutting length or trimming specific areas. The final step in the grooming process involves gently cleaning the cat’s ears with cotton and solution.

Cat Grooming at Home Between Visits

Purchase the Right Brushes

A fine-tooth comb works great for a cat’s face and feet. This type of comb also helps with working out mats if they are not too tight. A wide-tooth comb or slicker brush is best for long- and thick-haired cats. For short-haired cats, a rubber brush is ideal.

The Right Techniques

Using the right techniques is important when brushing a cat at home. Start with the areas where the feline enjoys being petted. Brush and comb in the direction of the hair growth. Give the cat treats to distract them and to help them associate brushing with a positive experience.

Choose times when the home is calm and quiet to brush the feline. This helps the animal to not link at-home grooming to a stressful environment. A content cat sits better than one that is anxious about the noise and activity happening in the room.

Preparing Your Cat for a Positive Experience with a Groomer

Handling Your Cat

It’s important to frequently handle your cat by touching their paws, ears and tail. These are the areas of the body that are regularly groomed. It is much easier for a cat groomer to perform their job when a cat is used to being petted and touched in those areas.

Acquaint Your Cat with their Carrier

Try to develop a positive association for your cat with their pet carrier. Leave the carrier out at all times to help desensitize the cat. Encourage the feline to associate the carrier to a den by placing their favorite toys, a comfortable bed and delicious treats inside. After the cat feels comfortable in the carrier, practice zipping it shut and moving it with the cat inside. Once the feline remains calm throughout the process, place the carrier in the car. Note: the majority of pet grooming salons will not accept cats unless they are transported in a carrier.

How Often Should Cats be Groomed?

The rule of thumb is to bring a cat in every four to six weeks for grooming. Triple-coated breeds such as Siberians and Neva Masquerades need to be on a very consistent schedule because they get matted the easiest. Some cats, like Korat and American shorthair breeds, may be able to go up to 12 weeks between visits. Talk to your cat groomer about the recommended grooming appointment frequency for your specific cat.

Keep Both Your Cat and Home Clean

Regular grooming is important for cats of all breeds, as they cannot fully clean themselves on their own. Let’s review some of the reasons why a consistent grooming routine is beneficial for you and your cat.

A groomed feline reduces both shedding and damage to furniture.
Grooming reduces the risk of clogging their intestinal tract with hairballs and throwing up on your carpet.
Trimming paw pads minimizes kitty litter and pet waste tracked throughout the house.
Scheduled bathing reduces cat dander that causes cat allergies in humans.
Flea and ticks may be caught more quickly, preventing a full-on infestation on your cat or in your home.
Aging felines don’t have to give up feeling clean when they can’t twist and turn anymore.
Overall, grooming increases the health of the cat and the cleanliness of the home.

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Blogs Cat Grooming Dog Grooming pet grooming Pet Nutrition Preventions Skin Care smelly ears in dogs

Pet Allergies: How to Recognize Them and What to Do

Post author By Smoochie Pooch
Post date October 23, 2023

symptoms of allergies, allergies in cats and dogs

Allergies can take a major toll on a pet’s health and skin. Hypersensitivity can be caused by a number of different types of foods, environmental factors or bug bites. Catch the signs early by knowing what to look for so that you can go to the vet before the reaction becomes severe. Learn in this blog common allergies for pets, what tests diagnose certain allergies and important treatments to help heal and lessen allergy hypersensitivity.

Symptoms of Allergies in Pets

Symptoms of allergies in cats and dogs include stomach issues, skin inflammation and infections. Pets who have an allergic reaction usually have red skin on their body and paws. The inflamed skin is itchy and uncomfortable. The animal may try to relieve the irritation by biting, scratching, licking or rubbing. This makes the skin even redder and open to infection. The constant itching can cause hair loss in the area of skin inflammation. Other signs of allergies include red eyes, facial swelling and hives.

A secondary symptom of allergies is ear infections. The pet may scratch, shake their head or have discharge coming from one or both their ears. Another sign of allergies is diarrhea and vomiting. All these symptoms show up in an animal between 15 minutes to a couple of days. How quickly the signs appear depends on the sensitivity of the pet. Other factors include how much and how long the cat or dog was exposed to the allergy-inducing substances.

Take your pet to the vet when you begin to see the signs of an allergic reaction. Write down everything your cat or dog has come into contact with or eaten. This information gives the vet a better idea of what your pet has been exposed to lately. If the cat or dog is having difficulty breathing, go to the emergency room immediately.

Common Types of Hypersensitivities in Cats and Dogs

Food allergies

Common food allergies in dogs include dairy, beef, chicken, chicken eggs, soy and wheat gluten. Cats tend to have a hypersensitivity to beef, fish, chicken and dairy. Pets can either be born with this allergy to a certain food or develop an allergy after being frequently exposed to a particular type of food. For example, beef is the number one food allergy in dogs because that protein is in the majority of canine food and treats.

Environmental allergies

Environmental allergies include grass, mold, dander, trees, weeds, dust and dust mites. This type of sensitivity can be seasonal or be present all year round. The level of symptoms can range from mild to severe depending on the time of year. Environmental allergies are also known as airborne or seasonal allergies.

Flea Bite Dermatitis

Flea bite dermatitis is the leading cause of allergies in dogs. This allergy is a hypersensitive reaction to the saliva of an adult flea bite. Pets with environmental allergies tend to be at a higher risk of also developing flea bite dermatitis.

How are Allergies in Pets Diagnosed?

Skin Test

This type of allergy diagnosis is also called an intradermal skin test. This procedure is done by a vet dermatologist and the cat or dog is sedated during this testing. The vet dermatologist shaves a patch of hair along the pet’s rib cage and marks dots in little rows. Different allergens get injected into each individual dot and the reactions are monitored. The swelling or lack of swelling around the injection site tells the vet or allergy specialist if the animal is allergic to that particular allergen. Skin tests are done for environmental hypersensitivities.

Blood Test

The RAST test (Radioallergosorbent test) is conducted by taking a blood sample from the pet. No shaving or sedation is necessary in this procedure. The blood is submitted to a laboratory for analysis, and technicians test for the amount of IgE antibodies which are present during an allergic reaction. This is usually a cheaper option than a skin test, but is not considered as accurate.

You can have your pet’s allergies tested by purchasing a kit like this one. Have your vet draw the blood. Then send in the sample and consult with your vet once you receive the results.

Elimination Diet Trial

To discover a food allergy, a vet may put a cat or dog on an elimination diet trial. This test period lasts for around 12 weeks. The pet owner must be strict in giving their animal only the food the vet has recommended for the whole duration of the testing period. The pet is provided food that is suspected to produce no allergic reactions. If the animal’s overall health improves, then the owner can be put on the right path regarding what to continue to avoid. A lack of healing creates another opportunity to test other foods.

How To Help Pets with Hypersensitivities

Recommended by a Vet

Pets with food allergies need to stay completely away from any food that causes them to have an allergic reaction. Follow the diet recommended by your vet. Year-round flea and tick prevention needs to be given to cats and dogs to help protect them against flea bite dermatitis. If you suspect your home has an infestation, call an exterminator.

A vet may prescribe oral or injectable medications to help the pet cope with high seasonal allergies. Steroids may be given but should never be used long term due to negative side effects. An immunotherapy or allergy vaccine can be given and has a 60-70% success rate.

Natural Approach to Pets with Allergies

If you’re looking for a more holistic approach to help with pet allergies, there are a couple options. Local organic honey contains pollen from the area where a pet lives. Given over time, the honey lessens the animals sensitivity to that pollen. Coconut oil digested or used as a moisturizer can lessen the inflammation caused by allergens. Omega-3s provide essential fatty acids that can help calm a pet’s reaction to inflammation. Aloe vera also has healing properties when applied to the irritated skin on a pet’s body. Read here for more suggestions on holistic options.

Grooming

Give a pet a bath schedule to help wash away any potential allergens that attach themselves to the animal’s fur. Speak with your groomer about more consistent bathing appointments for your pet and ask about any add-ons that may provide relief. For example, Smoochie Pooch offers an Iv San Bernard Exfoliating Skin & Coat Detox treatment that addresses inflammation and itching. We also have a flea treatment that kills fleas but is safe for your pet.

Relieve the Itch

Hypersensitivities can be a genetic issue or can be developed over time. Make an appointment with your vet when you see your pet showing any signs of an allergic reaction. The symptoms can increase if no treatment is given to the animal. Through testing and treatment your pet has a good shot at significantly decreasing their symptoms and may even become less sensitive to their allergies.

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Blogs Preventions

The Basics of Pet Insurance Coverage

Post author By Smoochie Pooch
Post date October 19, 2023

pet medical coverage, animal medical coverage, animal insurance

Elderly border collie dog in spectacles considers buying pet insurance. An old canine laying beside some claim documents with a pen.

An astounding number of pet owners purchased insurance for their pets last year with 4.8 million pets covered by pet insurance in 2022. With vet bills on the rise, purchasing pet medical coverage allows an owner to choose the best treatments for their pet without worrying about their own financial restrictions. Continue reading to learn more about the basics of pet insurance including how it works, what types are available, what they cover and how to pick the right coverage plan for you and your pet.

What is Pet Insurance?

Similar to human health insurance, pet medical covrage helps to offset the total medical cost for pets. Pet insurance is not mandatory by law, but is seen as a great option for aiding in paying costly vet bills.

How Does It Work?

Pet insurance works as a reimbursement plan. The pet owner pays the vet bills up front and then submits a claim to their insurance company. The reimbursement percentage options are usually 70% – 90%. The pet owner can also choose the deductible and annual limit. The deductible has to be reached before any reimbursement is given back. The annual limit determines the dollar amount that can be claimed in a year.

How is the Cost Determined?

The average cost of pet insurance can range from $9 to $90 dollars per month. These numbers depend on the coverage plan, type of pet, breed, gender, age and even location. States regulate animal health coverage and have different demands for insurers and their services. Local governments take into consideration the general cost of living in that particular area, and they require the pet insurers’ prices to reflect those figures.

Types of Pet Insurance Plans and What They Cover

The three main types of pet medical coverage are comprehensive, accident-only and basic wellness care. Comprehensive gives the broadest coverage. It’s also called accident and illness coverage as it insures both. This type of plan covers hereditary problems, congenital conditions, surgeries, treatments, diagnostic tests and chronic illness as long as they are not pre-existing conditions. Accident-only does not cover illness – only accidents such as broken bones, swallowed objects, ingestions and cuts. Basic wellness care is usually an add-on for the other two pet insurance coverages. This plan covers routine checkups, annual exams, dental cleanings, vaccinations and bloodwork.

What About Pre-existing Conditions?

The majority of pet health insurance companies do not cover incurable pre-existing conditions. A curable pre-existing condition is a health problem that is temporary, like an ear infection for example. The pet owner must show proof that the animal is symptom free and treatment free for a period of time before insurance coverage can go into effect.

Incurable pre-existing conditions are chronic illnesses that cannot be cured and that are reoccurring. These health concerns need on-going treatment. Pet insurance companies turn away pets that have shown signs of an incurable health condition or are already diagnosed with one prior to the owner getting pet health coverage. Examples of incurable conditions are diabetes, allergies, epilepsy, some types of cancer, disc disease and hip dysplasia.

How to Pick the Best Insurance Plan for You and Your Pet

Compare insurance policies and coverage options and predict what your pet may need in the future. Take into consideration any breed-specific ailments that are common in your type of cat or dog. Pay attention to the limitations and exclusions of each insurance policy. Factor in the overall cost. Some insurance plans may not be the top of the line but still cover what your pet needs for a lower price.

Look at additional benefits that companies offer like vet direct pay or telemedicine options. Customer service may be an important factor in which company you choose. Things like hours of operation, average time for claim reimbursement or availability of customer service representatives all influence how convenient the pet medical plan is for pet owners. Click on this link to see the best pet insurance in 2023 according to Forbes.

Preventative Step in Protecting Your Pet’s Health

Insurance provides important coverage for pets and aids in paying high vet bills. Pet owners have choices between different coverages and costs in order to align with their budgets and their pets’ needs.

The time to debate whether or not to purchase pet medical coverage is not when the cat or dog gets sick, but before any signs or symptoms appear. Once an animal is labeled as having a pre-existing condition, the majority of pet insurance companies will not accept that application. Do research or ask a breeder if there are any common health conditions that commonly affect your particular kind of cat or dog. Give yourself and your pet the best chance at the best treatment in case an accident or illness happens.

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Blogs Preventions

Pet Costumes and Safety Tips for Halloween

Post author By Smoochie Pooch
Post date October 16, 2023

dog halloween, cat halloween, smoochie pooch

The Halloween holiday has been acknowledged on October 31st for over 2000 years. The celebrations for this spooky day have evolved over the many centuries, and now humans are involving their furry friends in the scary fun. Pet costumes have grown in popularity over the years, and many pets join in on the trick-or-treating. However, not all cats and dogs enjoy Halloween.

This blog covers how to pick the best Halloween costume for your pet, ways to help a pet if they are stressed out and how to keep them safe this Halloween.

Halloween Costumes for Pets

Halloween and dressing up in costume are strongly connected together. Halloween costumes have been a long-standing tradition, and pet owners have begun including their cats and dogs in this fun practice. Read here to learn the history of dressing pets up for this spooky holiday.

How to Choose the Best Halloween Costume for Your Pet

The first step in choosing the best halloween costume for your cat or dog is to determine if they would tolerate wearing one. Some pets feel uncomfortable wearing clothing and try to tear it off of themselves. Do not force your furry friend to dress up if they do not want to wear a costume.

For those cats and dogs that allow clothing, seek out costumes made of soft, breathable fabric. This type of material does not cause irritation and allows the animal to stay cool. Choose an outfit that does not restrict the pet’s movement and is easy to put on and off.

Purchase a costume that fits your pet’s body size and height. Do not get one that is too small. The cat or dog may overheat or have trouble breathing. An outfit that is too big may drag on the ground and make the pet trip. Only use non-toxic paint that is vegetable based. Make sure any dyes you use are also pet-friendly.

Cute Pet Halloween Costume Ideas

A classic and easy costume for pets is a ghost. Go to the store, purchase a white bed sheet and cut holes for the eyes and nose. Trim the bottom if the sheet is too long.

Bring back the craze of the 90’s by transforming your cat or dog into a Beanie Baby. Buy poster board, felt or cardboard from a craft store. Cut the material into the shape of a heart and paint the “TY”. Attach the homemade tag to the pet’s collar.

Buy multiple loofahs or tulle of the same color to create a plethora of different pet Halloween costumes. Some options of costume ideas are ballerina, cotton candy and shower loofah. Purchase multiple colors and the pet can become a beautiful, fluffy rainbow.

Other popular and cute pet halloween costume ideas are pumpkins, bats, prisoners, cowboys or teddy bears. Spider costumes are popular with small black dogs as they actually really look like a large arachnid. Owners of dachshunds often purchase hot dog costumes for their weiner dogs. Large yellow dogs only need a furry headpiece to turn into a ferocious lion. White wings transform a cat into a little angel. Many pet stores and online businesses offer a vast array of options.

Creative Grooming

This form of grooming enhances a pet’s physical appearance. A groomer uses safe coloring, bows, rhinestones and different styles of cuts to transform an animal’s coat. Perfect for a particular “costume” look! Check your local salon for creative grooming availability.

How to get Through Halloween with a Stressed-Out Pet

Not all pets enjoy dressing up and celebrating Halloween. The constant ringing of the door bell can stress out a cat or dog, especially when ghouls and goblins are on the other side of the door. Before the spooky night begins, take your pet out for a walk or bathroom break ahead of the designated trick-or-treat time for your neighborhood. Once back at the house, put your stressed pet in their own separate safe room during the evening.

Play classical music to drown out the noise at the front door and keep them entertained with their favorite chews and toys. Other options to help are CBD oil, thunder shirts and hormone diffusers. If your pet has very high anxiety, leave a bowl of candy outside the door and a sign asking trick-or-treaters to not ring the doorbell. To learn more ways of helping a stressed-out dog or cat read this blog.

Halloween Safety Tips

Halloween can be a scary time for multiple reasons. Make sure the safety of your pet isn’t one of them.

Halloween Candy and Pets

Candy is not safe for cats or dogs to consume. Sweet treats may contain dangerous ingredients that could cause severe harm to a pet. Raisins can cause kidney failure in animals. Chocolate is a toxin to pets, and consumption may result in the cat or dog experiencing a seizure, coma or diarrhea. Even candy wrappers can cause health issues by creating blockage in the animal’s digestive tract after the wrapper is swallowed.

Keep all candy away from your pets. Do not allow children to dump their halloween treasure on the floor. Clear a kitchen or dining room table and encourage the children to only put their candy in that designated location. Remind them to always throw away their candy wrappers. Do not leave the candy bowl unattended. Keep the pets out of the room where the candy bowl resides. If that is not possible, stash the container in a cabinet or a closet when it is not in use.

Taking a Dog Trick-or-Treating

Many dogs enjoy the excitement of Halloween and like to take their pets trick-or-treating. It can get dark before the festivities end, so adding a light-up leash and collar to your pet is a good idea. This way, cars can easily spot a dog on the street or in a driveway. Adults and children with fears of dogs will also thank you. The advanced heads up allows the adult or child to keep a comfortable distance from your pet.

Halloween Decor and Pets

Cats and dogs are curious creatures. They love to check out the new items their human is putting up through the home. However, these items may contain dangerous toxins, be a choking hazard, frighten the pet or be a fire hazard. Consider avoiding decor items with tiny pieces, real candles or loud noises.

Safe and Fun Halloween for Your Pet

Some pets enjoy Halloween, while others can’t wait for it to be over. Either way a pet owner should create the best Halloween for their particular pet. Never force your pet to participate in the spooky celebrations if they do not enjoy certain aspects of the holiday. Keep all pets safe with good safety precautions against candy, cars and Halloween decor.

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Blogs Dog Grooming pet grooming Skin Care

How to Care for your Dog’s Winter Coat

Post author By Smoochie Pooch
Post date October 12, 2023

dog's winter coat, the importance of taking care of your dog's coat in winter, smoochie pooch

Winter is a time when everyone bundles up against the cold. Humans grab their hats and scarves, while dogs transition into their winter coats. The colder months may seem like the perfect time to take a step back from consistent grooming, but maintaining your dog’s winter coat in winter is crucial. Learn more about winter coats and best grooming practices for them below.

Why do Dogs Get a Winter Coat?

A dog’s fur is thicker in the colder months and thinner in the hotter months. The seasonal shedding cycles correlate to the number of hours the sun is out. Before domestication, dogs needed to protect themselves against the frigid winter weather. They only had their coats to help them stay warm. The shortening of days during the colder months cue the canine’s body to start growing thicker hair. The process goes in reverse when the sun starts to stay out longer – the dog then sheds their extra undercoat.

Double-coated breeds in particular are built for the freezing outdoors. Not only do they grow thicker hair on their top coat, but they also grow an undercoat. The primary coat protects against moisture, and the undercoat helps with insulation.

Important Reasons to Groom your Dog in Winter

Preventing Mats and Tangled Hair

Snow and ice can have a negative impact on a dog’s coat. A canine can pick up snow while out for a potty break or exercise, and the dog’s body heat causes the snowflakes to melt and turn into ice clumps. The icicles then collect more snow which creates snowballs covering the dog’s coat. The hair attached to the snow gets wet and tangled. The knotted fur evolves into mats.

Another way a canine’s coat can become matted and tangled is by not brushing out a dog’s undercoat. The loose fur can wrap around the new undercoat coming in. This causes discomfort for the dog. A compacted dog coat may seem like a good thing for winter, though matted fur does not provide warmth or insulation.

Dry, Itchy Skin

During winter, the outdoor air holds less moisture while the air indoors is heated and dry. Whether a dog is out in the yard or inside the house, the air is stripping moisture from their skin. This can cause the skin to become sensitive, dry and flaky.

The dry skin can become very itchy for the dog. They may often scratch or bite the sensitive area. The skin can become irritated with the constant contact with the dog’s nails and teeth or may break open. This opens the skin up to bacterial or fungal infections. If you have noticed your dog is itchy and the area is red, then call your vet to see if they need treatment

Regulating Body Temperature

One way a dog regulates their body temperature is through their fur, but a thick and impacted coat makes this difficult. An outdoor winter adventure can leave a dog with wet hair from the snow and ice. A coat that is well maintained has no problem allowing air to circulate to the roots of the fur and to the undercoat. However, when the fur is compacted the air cannot get through to the damp hair. The lingering wetness can have negative side effects for the dog. Sores on the skin can appear, and there is risk of potential frostbite. The canine can also go into shock due to being too cold and not being able to regulate their temperature.

The Best Grooming Practices for a Dog’s Winter Coat

Regular Bathing

Regular bathing should continue during the wintertime. Though the dog may not be visibly dirty, their skin still needs a good cleaning. Utilizing moisturizing shampoo and conditioner both at home and at the groomer’s will help to hydrate the dry skin. If certain areas of the dog’s body are in bad shape, then speak to your groomer about different skin treatments to add.

Daily Brushing

Brushing out the dead undercoat and detangling the wet hair are two ways to prevent matting in a dog’s coat. A quick brushing session after each outdoor adventure goes a long way in keeping the dog’s fur in good health. Talk to your groomer about which types of brushes are best for your particular dog. Schedule the grooming appointments every four to six weeks or even every two to four weeks depending on how much at-home care you are able to do.

Maintain A Regular Haircutting Schedule

Keeping the dog’s hair length longer may lead to tangled and matted hair. Longer hair needs more frequent brushing, and some pet owners are not able to keep up with the required consistency. Ask your groomer for advice if you want a length that keeps your dog warm in the cold winter months yet doesn’t demand as much at-home care. Read this blog to learn more about basic at-home dog grooming for pet parents.

Wintertime is Dog Grooming Time

The cold months can be harsh on a dog’s coat and skin. A canine can suffer from matted fur, dry skin and an unregulated body temperature. Continuing to put importance on maintaining a consistent dog grooming schedule helps your furry friend to have a healthy coat and skin. Work with your groomer to create the best grooming plan for your particular pet.

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Blogs Preventions

Pet Obesity: The Problems, Treatment and Prevention

Post author By Smoochie Pooch
Post date October 9, 2023

Slight obese, or fat, pussy cat outside in the sunny garden with fresh green grass in spring in the Netherlands

An estimated 50 million dogs and 56 million cats are overweight or obese in the United States. This means that more than half the population of cats and dogs in America weigh significantly more than what is healthy. That added body fat can cause severe medical conditions, negatively impact their quality of life and shorten their lifespan.

This blog covers the causes of pet obesity and why it is so harmful to pets along with offering a treatment plan for pet weight loss and tips for preventing obesity in your cat or dog.

Causes of Pet Obesity

Pet obesity is when a cat or dog has 20% higher body fat than their ideal healthy body weight. The animal has a noticeably much rounder shape, sagging stomach area, increased tiredness, excessive panting and lack of interest. The owner also has a hard time feeling their pet’s ribs, waistline and spine.

What causes this excessive weight gain is mainly overeating and lack of exercise. Underlying health issues may also be a contributing factor. Both neutering a pet as well as medical conditions such as hypothyroidism, pancreatic cancer and cushing’s disease can change a pet’s hormones and metabolism. Make an appointment with your veterinarian to understand why your dog or cat is obese and create a guided treatment plan.

Why Pet Obesity is Harmful

The extra added weight lowers a pet’s quality of life. The heart and lungs of an overweight dog or cat have to work harder. Lungs struggle to expand and the heart has to beat faster. The animal gets high blood pressure, their immune system weakens and the weight puts pressure on their body.

These factors may shorten an obese pet’s lifespan by up to two or more years. Severe medical conditions such as heart disease, a collapsed trachea, respiratory distress or laryngeal paralysis are all possible. The pet may develop fatty, breast or bladder tumors. They become more susceptible to mammary gland cancer and urinary tract cancer. The extra weight makes it difficult for the joints, and the cat or dog may develop arthritis or tear their ACL. The extra folds of skin can become irritated and develop a bacterial infection. Obesity can cause impaired glucose metabolism and insulin resistance leading the animal to develop diabetes.

Treatments for Pet Obesity

Alter Calorie Intake and Portion Sizes

Once a cat or dog is recognized as being obese, there are treatment plans to help them get back to a healthier weight. Create a weight loss plan with the help from your vet. The plan should include calorie intake and portion sizes.

Measure and keep track of how much food you are giving your dog or cat with measuring cups. Give the amount your vet suggests for each meal. Do not restrict your pet, but gradually give a little less each week to prevent your pet from feeling starved. A quick significant drop in weight can cause more problems for the animal.

Change in Pet Food and Treats

The type of food that is fed to the cat or dog may need to change, and your vet can help you customize your pet’s diet. A high-protein, low-fat or low-carbohydrate pet food can produce good results of healthy weight loss. Treats need to be less frequent or swapped out for healthier versions like green beans, apple slices without the seeds, bananas, blueberries and broccoli. Remind children or guests not to give the pet table scraps. The goal is to increase good nutrition and decrease calorie intake. Read this blog to learn how to help your pet transition to new pet food.

Increase Daily Activity

Put the cat or dog on an exercise plan. Start off with low-impact exercises and gentle playtime. Teach new games to your pet, and introduce new toys that catch their curiosity or awaken their predatory drive. Swimming is a good cardio and muscle building exercise that is not too strenuous. Walking allows time for fresh air and is an easy exercise at a slower pace.

Maintain a daily schedule of activity for your pet. Monitor their body language to see if a certain exercise or activity level is too much or too easy for the animal. Speak with your vet for advice and suggestions about your pet’s specific exercise plan.

How to Prevent Pet Obesity

Pay attention to the kind of food the pet eats, how much of it they eat and how often. Small breeds should be given around a cup of food a day while large breeds can be given up to three cups of food a day. Look at the ingredients of pet food and choose one that contains more protein and vegetables than starches.

Commit to daily activity with your cat or dog. Find out the different exercises that your particular pet enjoys or what their breed was bred to do. For example, many labrador retrievers love to play fetch and swim because they were bred to retrieve fish and nets from the water for fishermen.

Pet Obesity is an Epidemic

There is a rise in cats and dogs being obese in the United States. Though well-intentioned, many owners overfeed their pets and allow their furry friends to embrace leisure a little too much. This can lead to dangerous weight gain that may result in a medical condition and a shorter life.

Healthy calorie intake and daily exercise are both ways to treat obesity and prevent it. Give your cat or dog the best quality of life by adhering to the suggested daily food intake and activity level that your vet recommends.

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Blogs Dog Trainer Near Me

Tips for a Better Dog-Walking Experience

Post author By Smoochie Pooch
Post date October 5, 2023

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Walking a dog is universally seen as one of the core exercises a pet owner needs to provide to their furry friend. Walks can provide mental enrichment and be quality time for an animal owner and their dog. These outdoor excursions do not just involve these two individuals, but affect everyone in the neighborhood. Where a dog goes to the bathroom, how well the animal is trained and interactions with others are some ways that a dog walk can impact the community.

This blog discusses the importance of training your dog to walk on a leash, dog walking etiquette everyone should follow and ways to bond with your dog on walks.

Train Your Dog to Walk on a Leash

Walking an untrained dog can be an unpleasant experience for both the owner and others nearby. A dog that has not gone through training tends to pull, lunge and bark constantly during outdoor exercise. The best way to teach a dog how to walk on a leash is through positive reinforcement.

This reward-based training rewards the dog when they choose good behavior and trains them not to do a particular bad behavior. The prizes consist of treats, praise and a toy. This way of teaching encourages a positive bond between owner and dog and creates a fun environment for learning. Important behaviors to check off when training a dog are to not pull, have good recall and to focus on you only. Read this blog to learn more about how to train a dog to walk on a leash.

Part of teaching a canine to walk properly is choosing the right leashes, collars and harnesses. There are many different kinds out there on the market from choke collar to slip lead. How you choose the right one depends on the size of the dog, how they pull, if they are escape artists and what material they are comfortable wearing. Read this blog to learn more in-depth on this topic.

Dog Walking Etiquette

Do Not Let Your Dog Approach Without Permission

Not every dog or human is an animal lover. Your dog may be extremely friendly and enjoy meeting others, but it is bad etiquette to expect the same attitude from every canine and person you encounter on a walk. Always ask for permission to approach and be respectful if the offer is declined. Keep your dog on a six-foot leash to prevent dangerous situations and maintain full control of your extroverted dog. This also stops your dog from jumping on anyone.

Stay alert to others while walking. Maintain a wide berth if the dog or human is displaying a nervous attitude. When passing someone on the sidewalk, keep your body between your dog and the person you’re passing. These actions help to ease the anxiety of other dogs and humans.

Pick Up After Your Dog

Picking up dog poop is a stinky but necessary practice – not just to be polite to others, but because dog poop isn’t good for grass. There is a common misconception that dog poop is similar to fertilizer and is healthy for our yards, but in reality it can kill the grass if left unattended due to the acidity in the stool. Dogs also do not eat directly from the ecosystem, but instead eat nutrient-dense processed pet food, and their stool introduces excess nitrogen and phosphorus to the environment when not disposed of properly.

Dog poop can spread disease to other dogs and humans through parasites, bacteria and viruses. These germs can be passed through direct contact with the infected stool or soil. Some diseases a human or dog could contract are: E.Coli, salmonella, tapeworm, ringworm and parvovirus.

Grabbing a bag and picking up your dog’s poop may be required by law in your area. Many towns, parks and communities put local laws into place to prevent their spaces from being littered with canine stool. Fines can be anywhere between $50 to $2000.

Respect People’s Lawns

Do not allow your furry friend to treat other lawns the same as their own. Landscaping is expensive and some people in your neighborhood do not have dogs for a reason. Dog urine is a grass killer and no one enjoys having their lawn decorations peed on. Try to keep the dog on the road verge (the grass between the sidewalk and the street) to do their business.

Bonding With Your Dog on Walks

Taking a dog for a walk is not just for letting them go to the bathroom or for exercise. This time is also for bonding with the dog. Use this one-on-one time to watch your dog explore the world around them. Pay attention to their body language in different situations to learn more about what makes your dog happy, nervous, mad or curious.

Stay Off Your Phone

This may seem like a great time to call up a friend or scroll through social media, but a dog interprets it as their owner ignoring them. The canine may act out to try to get their owner’s attention. A distracted owner may also not be aware of any dangers around them and their pet. In either situation, the disaster is avoidable by putting the phone away.

Interact with your Dog

Talking with your dog and interacting with them on a walk both improves your bond and establishes your leadership. The owner guides the dog through different situations and environments on the walk and shows the dog that they can trust their owner to protect them. A dog also feels happy when their owner is paying attention to them.

Change up the Routine

Shaking up a dog’s routine makes walks more exciting to them. On new routes they are able to encounter new smells and new scenery. Walks are a great way for dogs to have mental stimulation, but if they are always on the same exact path they become bored.

Simple but Important

A walk may seem like a simple thing, but it can have a negative or positive effect on many individuals. Training your dog and adhering to the dog etiquette rules keeps your dog and others safe. It also maintains a good relationship with your neighbors and community.

A quality walk where the owner is present can do wonders for a dog’s mental health. Putting the phone away and interacting with your dog makes them happy and strengthens the bond. Switching up routines keeps things from getting boring. In these ways a simple walk can become very important.

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Blogs

How To Find the Right Pet Sitter For You

Post author By Smoochie Pooch
Post date October 2, 2023

animal caregiver, dog and cat sitter, smoochie pooch

Adorable cat and dog resting together on sofa indoors. Animal friendship

Pet lovers would love to bring their furry friends everywhere, but sometimes it is not possible. A pet owner may not have anyone who is willing or experienced enough to watch their dog or cat. That is when a pet owner needs to search for a reliable pet caregiver. The pet sitting industry has grown 9.97% from 2022 to 2023 and is expected to continue to rise. There may not be a shortage of pet sitters available, but a dog or cat owner still needs to know how to find a good one that fits well with their beloved animals.

This blog explains where to look for a pet sitter, the right questions to ask a pet sitter and how to prepare your pet and the animal caregiver for their time together.

Where to Look for a Pet Sitter

Ask neighbors, friends and relatives for referrals on pet sitters they have used in the past. In particular, ask the people who have dogs or cats that are similar in temperament and size to your own pets. Check out the animal caretakers that receive a glowing review.

Use websites such as Pet Sitter International and the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters if you do not personally have anyone to ask to suggest a trusted pet caregiver. Another option is to speak with your local veterinarian, humane society or grooming salon to see if any of their employees do pet sitting on the side or if they have contact information for local pet sitters.

Right Questions to Ask a Pet Sitter

Always interview face to face and watch how the potential pet sitter interacts with your dog or cat. Animals have good instincts about people. You want your pet to feel comfortable and happy with whom you let watch them. Choose a fitting animal caretaker for you and your pets with the right questions.

How Long Have They Been Pet Sitting?

Talk to the potential pet sitter about how much or how little experience they have in this job. Have them go into detail about the types of animals they have worked with before. Ask for past client references. An animal caretaker with lots of experience with a variety of pets may be a better fit if you have a difficult cat or dog. A pet watcher with less experience may be a good fit if your pet is easy.

What are Their Credentials?

A serious pet sitter has their business insured or bonded. Ask the potential dog or cat sitter if they see this job as a career or a side gig. Inquire if they have a certification in pet CPR and first aid training. Have they taken classes in or have knowledge of pet health and behavior? An older pet or one with health issues may need an animal caretaker who has these certifications. These individuals would know how to handle a pet emergency quickly and efficiently.

What are Their Personal Training Methods?

There are different ways to approach animal training and discipline. Choose a pet sitter who is similar in your own methods. This helps to maintain consistency and allows the animal to not get confused when commands are given. Ask the potential pet watcher about their training philosophy. Do they have any formal or informal pet training? What would they do if your pet snapped at them or had other behavioral problems? These questions give insight into how the potential pet sitter may treat your pet when they are alone.

Is There a Contract to Sign?

Speak to the potential pet sitter about whether they require you to sign a contractual agreement. Go over the specific duties they are willing to fulfill and if they are okay with doing anything extra. Speak to them about their daily rates and additional fees. Are these set numbers or is there room for negotiation? You may have to go a bit over budget for a qualified dog or cat sitter, but ensuring that your pet is well taken care of is worth it.

How to Prepare Your Pet and Pet Sitter

Write out a detailed schedule of your pet’s daily life. Cats and dogs are at their happiest when they stick to their comfortable routine. Have the pet sitter come over to lead them through the more complicated parts of the schedule, such as giving medication to the animal or how the pet’s food is prepared.

Show them where the toys, litter boxes and supplies are in the house. Demonstrate how to play your pet’s favorite games. Explain any rules of the house the cat or dog must adhere to, such as not getting on the couch, not eating people food or not biting their leash.

Leave your phone number and the phone numbers of a trusted neighbor, relative or friend in case an emergency happens and the pet sitter needs to contact someone. Write out the name and clinic of your vet so the animal caregiver knows where to take your pet if they need medical attention.

A nervous or high-anxiety pet may need the pet sitter to come over a few times beforehand. Have the animal caregiver take your dog for walks or spend time with your cat. Allow time for your furry friend to get accustomed to their new pet watcher.

Leaving Your Beloved Pet in Safe Hands

Inviting a person into your home and near your pet can be a little nerve-wracking. To ensure you hire the right person for the job, you need to know where to look and what to ask. Referrals and the right questions help to determine if the potential pet sitter is the correct fit for you and your pet.

Finding a trusted, reliable animal caregiver can add freedom and peace of mind to a pet owner. They are able to travel or go out on the town and know that their furry friend is happy and comfortable.

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