Archive for the ‘Pet Health Care and Insurance’ Category

Dog Groomers

How To Groom Your Dog or Puppy

Executive summary about Dog Groomers by Keith S. G. Gilbert

puppy groomer

puppy groomer

Dog grooming is an art that goes from basic pet care to almost spa-like pampering. The essential grooming requirements depend on the dog’s breed and its characteristics. The first thing a pet owner deals with is dog hair.

Long hair dogs that shed need more frequent grooming than short hair dogs or those who only shed seasonally.

Sending your dog to a groomer each week gets expensive. Dog grooming isn’t just a luxury - it’s a necessity. A dog that doesn’t get proper grooming in a timely manner is at risk for illness, gingivitis, parasites and damage to both fur and skin.

Bathing is a health issue for dogs just as it is for people. The skin under the dog’s fur can be highly sensitive. Avoid aggressive scrubbing while bathing your dog or you can remove too much of the natural oils that protect both skin and hair follicles.

Adding powder or scents that aren’t formulated for use with dogs adds the potential for skin irritation or infection. If a product isn’t made for dogs or the type of fur on your dog breed, then make it a rule never to use it.

Be patient when grooming. Take time to talk gently to your pet, rub his head or tummy and lend a playful quality to the grooming session. If you’re rushed or impatient, then don’t even start the grooming. Your dog will pick up on your attitude and be fearful or difficult to manage.

Use the right tools. Don’t use your old hairbrush on your dog. Get special brushes and combs that are made for your dog’s fur. You don’t save money using your castoffs if you damage the dog’s skin and create a big vet bill.

Dog Groomers - What to Expect When Using a Pet Groomer

Executive summary about Dog Groomers by Max Suther

dog groomer

dog groomer

If you have never used a dog grooming service and you are considering the possibility of starting to use one, then read this article so that you know what to expect. Dog groomers basically have the same services but there are a few things you should look for when selecting the right pet grooming service for you dog or cat.

Most dog grooming services offer the same services and will customize their service to you depending on your needs. Most dog groomers will offer the following basic services:

  • Dog washing - Normally charging based on the size of the dog
  • Dog drying after the wash
  • Dog clipping and shaving
  • Ear cleaning services - Really important for maintaining dog health
  • Eye cleaning
  • Teeth cleaning - This varies from place to place but most facilities offer basic brushing of the dog’s teeth
  • Gland expression
  • Nail clipping
  • Body spray - To make your dog smell good after the wash
  • Conditioner after the wash
  • Medicated shampoo if your dog or cat needs it. This normally costs extra

The dog groomer you select should have facilities as clean as the place you get your hair styled and cut. Make sure your dog groomer is licensed to do business and look for various certifications on the wall.

Another interesting guide in Dog Harness

 

Pets Food

The Advantages of Homemade Dog Food

Executive summary about Pets Food by Melissa Simmonds

food for dogs

food for dogs

For some, it may be funny even to think of having “homemade dog food“. Perhaps most of us have been led to believe that our dogs cannot survive without those packaged commercial foods. Now, we might feel that giving our pets food that is made from scratch from our own kitchen can be harmful to them. Funny…Since when are the organic materials found in our own kitchen harmful?

Homemade dog food is not harmful. Ingredients for this can be taken from our own kitchen so we can be sure that they are safe for the pet. You can make your own natural dog food recipes from these ingredients and you can be sure that the food is safe because you have made it yourself.

There are many advantages to feeding your pet with homemade dog food recipes. Here are some of them.

1. By feeding your dog homemade recipes, you can be sure that it is eating fresh food. You do not have to worry about the food being contaminated and you do not have to worry about it being expired.

2. Homemade food can be a lot more affordable than processed food.

3. You can give your pet a variety of recipes everyday without spending too much.

4. You can be sure that your pet is eating real healthy food.

5. You can make your own homemade pet food according to the nutrient requirement of your dog.

Prepare Your Own Pet’s Food

Executive summary about pets food by Dr. Mark Clayson

food pet

food pet

With all the worries about tainted pet food, you may ask yourself if there’s another option to give your cat or dog the nutrition it needs. A better option? Making food yourself for your pet.

Many cat and dog foods are not made for the pet’s requirements first, but expense first. This means using cheaper and poorer quality ingredients.

Although it is possible for dogs can go without real meat, cats can’t. Various specific nutrients are required by cats, and are most easily found in meat.

While pet food you buy now will be safe, cooking your own will result in better, fresher, food for your cat or dog. One disadvantage is that preparation will take more time than buying. As well, since the large companies preparing the food can make it cheaper in bulk, you may be forced to spend more for the food you make yourself. But the benefit is a much healthier meal for your dog or cat.

Roughly speaking, a cat’s diet should be about fifty-fifty for meat and carbohydrates (such as brown rice or vegetables). In contrast, a dog can do quite well on about 25% meat, and 75% carbohydrates.

A vital thing to be careful of is giving your dog or cat your food. For example, onions and garlic are actually poisonous to cats, and cause anemia. Tomatoes have a chemical that causes extreme stomach upset in cats. Chocolate of course has been shown to be dangerous to both dogs and cats. And as well, grapes and raisins are to be avoided by dogs.

You can browse the Internet for specific recipes. Always make sure the recipe makes sense, and the ingredients are good for your pet.

Please check out another guide in Fish Pets

 

Cat Care

Getting Started With Cat Care

Executive summary about Cat Care by Dr. R.J. Peters

cats care

cats care

It’s easy to think that cats don’t need much care because most people believe they are independent. While true to some extent, cats still need proper care from their owners.

It’s easy to set small items on a high shelf to keep toddlers from eating them, for example, but cats are great jumpers and even love high places, so you will need to put those things inside a drawer, cabinet or another room.

Learning about your cat’s personality goes a long way toward understanding her needs, too. Note any changes in behavior, appetite, or sleeping habits. Also watch for signs of dental problems. Providing a proper diet is critical to health and longevity. Be sure to buy appropriate food that it is formulated for your cat’s age and health. Some companies even make breed-specific foods, as some breeds may have unique needs.

Avoid feeding your cat dog food. It’s not balanced for feline nutritional requirements and will, over time, result in malnutrition. Use dog food (if you have some) only in an emergency.

Keep dangerous household items and chemicals completely out of reach.

Grooming is another critical need for cats. The short hair breeds usually don’t need much help from you, as they lick themselves often. But cats with longer hair will need daily brushing to prevent matting.

If you just got the cat, keep the previous owner’s number ready so you can ask questions or get help if needed. Other numbers to have ready are your vet’s, the poison control center for animals, and a friend, should you need some assistance with driving or holding the cat.

The ABC’s of Himalayan Cat Care

Executive summary about Cat Care by Mylar Skye

cat health care

cat health care

A is for annual check-ups.  Himalayan cat care must include an annual visit to the veterinarian.  This can be for a routine check-up, annual vaccinations, and a time to discuss any concerns or issues you may have.  If your Himalayan is still a kitten, make sure that you discuss spaying or neutering.

B is for brushing, and a lot of it.  For your Himalayan cat care regimen to be complete, your cat will have to be groomed on a daily basis.  This includes a good brushing to keep this long-haired breed’s fur from tangling.  You should also schedule a bath at least once per week, if you start bathing your cat when it is a kitten it should get used to this ritual in time (but may never like it).

C is for culinary needs.  A brief Himalayan cat care tutorial would not be complete without mentioning dietary requirements.  You should not be feeding your cat scraps from the table, people food is meant for people - instead invests in a premium brand dry food (as recommended by your breeder).  In addition, pay attention to the different stages that are available for the brand of food you choose and progress as your kitten grows into an adult cat.

Please check out also our guide in Dog Crates