Daily Paws

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Archive for the ‘Pet Cleaning’ Category

Pet Training Pads: Making a Good Thing Better

Monday, August 6th, 2012

If you’ve ever experienced the ordeal of house training your dog, pet training pads have to be part of your training tools. These are absorbent pads that are chemically treated to entice puppies and dogs to use them instead of peeing on the floor. They are an excellent alternative to using newspaper because they absorb the liquid, and the waterproof backs on the pads protect your floor from unwanted moisture and odor. They are even treated to entice your dog to use them.

Pet Training Pads Get Even Better

Believe it or not, there are ways to improve on this innovative dog house training tool. For those who are a little squeamish about the idea of adding to a landfill by tossing the training pad every time their dog urinates, there are washable reusable pet training pads. These are much like the pads used in hospitals or sold at medical supply stores for patients suffering from incontinence. They are made from layers of absorbent cloth with a water resistant back, so these pee pads are just as effective as their disposable counterparts.

The difference is that these pads can be washed and used again and again In fact; they are designed to continue to work effectively for up to 300 washings. Purchase a few of these in the appropriate size for your dog, and rotate them so that you always have one or two clean. In fact, you can even purchase pads that have attractive designs, like paw prints or plaids, or you may choose to purchase solid colors. This is a nice feature since pee pads will become a part of your general decor during your dog house training time.

Play it Safe with a Pee Pad Holder

Pee pads are great at keeping the wetness of the floor, but sometimes your puppy gets too close to the edge, and the moisture may leak off or get trapped beneath the pad. A pee pad holder will stop this from occurring. This is a flat pan that comes in a variety of sizes to go with whatever pet training pads you buy. You secure the pad to the pan and around the outside lip of the holder. If your puppy gets too close to the edge, the urine will flow back into the pan, and there is no risk of the wetness getting caught between the floor and the fabric.

Choose the Right Pet Training Pads for Your Dog

A pee pad holder comes in different sizes because the pads come in different sizes. Obviously, a mastiff puppy will need a larger pad than a Chihuahua will, so there are small, medium, large, and extra-large pads. Be sure to choose the pad that is right for your dog, and you will have a better chance for success. It is because of these intuitive enhancements and options that these pads are such useful tools. You and your dog will experience far less stress as you go through this training period with the help of these innovative pee pads.

Pet Grooming is good for your health (and your pet’s health too)

Friday, July 27th, 2012

 When you look at a dirty pet, what do you see?

Dirt, germs, bugs, stinkiness, things that can make you sick.

Feeling queasy?  Me too.

While your pets do not normally affect your health in a bad way (unless, of course you have a pet allergy), there is a chance that a dirty pet can introduce something unpleasant into your household that you’d rather not meet.

So having a cleaned up pet, aka pet grooming, is good for your health.  See how that is?

And it is also good for your pet’s health too!

Here is a recent article by Dr. Dave Altman of  Animal Hospital of Onslow County in Florida:

“Pet owners who view grooming merely as a way of making their animals look and smell nice may not understand the veterinary necessity of such procedures. “Pet grooming is more than just a vanity measure — it’s an essential part of preventative care,” says Dr. Altman. “Grooming at a veterinary facility can prove invaluable for early detection and prevention of many health problems.”

A typical grooming session at the animal clinic may include bathing, trimming of hair and nails, dental cleanings and anal gland expression, accompanied by a careful evaluation of the pet’s skin, eyes and ears. “Bathing and hair care procedures allow us to learn a lot about the current state of a pet’s health,” explains the vet. “We examine the skin for any signs of trouble such as hot spots, lumps or obvious infections. We can also determine whether the pet suffers from flea, tick or mite infestations.” The vet adds that any such problems can be promptly treated with hypo-allergenic medicated shampoos or other products. “The mere act of bathing can do wonders for the skin by removing pests and cleansing the skin surfaces of oils that serve as bacteria.”

Nail trimming also plays an important role in pet care, according to Dr. Altman. “Most pet owners trim their animals’ nails to preserve furniture and flooring, but this kind of grooming can also preserve a pet’s health,” he says. “Indoor pets in particular do not wear their nails down the way a wild animal would. So the nails get longer and longer until they eventually catch on something and tear away from the paw. This is not only painful, but it also gives bacteria a chance to enter, especially if the pet licks the wound.” Regular nail trimming, the doctor explains, can help prevent this type of injury. “You can trim your pet’s nails yourself, but a veterinarian or professional groomer can do the job more efficiently — and without accidentally causing harm.” The veterinarian adds that anal gland expression is another task many pet owners prefer to leave to the pet grooming professional.

Some Jacksonville pet owners might not associate dental cleanings with grooming, but Dr. Altman notes that the inside of your pet’s mouth benefits from cleanliness just as his skin and fur do. “Proper dental care helps prevent tooth decay and dangerous gum infections. All of these procedures work together to keep your pet healthier and more comfortable,” says Dr. Altman.”

Grooming your dog or cat at home (between trips to the veterinary groomer) is a good way to do your own observations of how your pet is doing, and also to increase the bond you share with them.

Many pets see getting brushed as an petting, other form source of petting.  It feels GOOD!

As you brush, pay attention to any tender areas, bumps, cuts or other things about their skin or body that might be concerning.  Of course, keep an eye open for fleas and ticks, and get those critters removed right away when you spot time.

Brush or comb the whole body, including the ears, collar area and belly.  If you can, brush daily.  If not once a week or more is good.

Check ears and wipe clean if they are dirty.

Check teeth.  Some people brush their pet’s teeth and you can find lots of products at any large pet store as well as purchasing them from your veterinarian or groomer so that you can do this at home between professional teeth cleaning visits.

Your veterinarian or groomer will also have tips for grooming your particular pets that with help you between visits.

As you do these cleaning and bonding activities, keep a notepad nearby to remind you of any questions you want to ask next time you take your pet in for a check- up.  And it goes without saying, if you find something that concerns you, get your pet in to see the vet right away.

Looks good, smells good, stays healthier and loves you even more….what’s not to like about grooming????

Plus, pet grooming is good for YOUR health too!!

To find a local or specialty veterinarian who offers grooming services, just check our directory at http://www.vetlocator.com