Did Your Kid Get a New Puppy for Christmas?

Puppy Daycare

Did Your Kid Get a New Puppy for Christmas

Was your kid one of the good boys or girls on Santa's list this year? Did they ask Santa for a new puppy? Did "Santa" deliver? There are so many great things about getting a new puppy and one of those great things is seeing your loved one's eyes light up when they see that cute puppy under the tree. Puppy kisses, cuddles, playtime, and just the overall cuteness of a little puppy, are a few others too.

Unfortunately, there are also some not so cute things that go along with getting a new puppy, such as, pee and poop on the floor, chewed up shoes, biting, or crying when they don’t get their way. All this is fine and good as long as you can be at home with the little guy, but like most of us, you probably can’t. Most jobs require at least 8 to 10 hours away from home five days a week. This is when a new attention-seeking puppy can cause problems.

Doggy Daycare

So, what is the solution for full time working doggy parents? It’s simple, doggy daycare. You can drop your puppy or dog off in the morning and come pick them up after you get off of work. It works much like a child daycare only much more affordable! The trained professionals give lots of attention to your pet and allow for a lot of playtime, especially with the puppies. Your dog will benefit from doggy daycare not only because someone will be there to interact physically with them but also because they will be able to socialize with other dogs. This is very important in helping build their character. They will make new friends every day!

And the best part is that if you have a new puppy that requires a strict schedule for eating and/or potty training, we will stick to it for you. No more coming home to play “Let’s find the pee and poop spot!” Also, doggy daycare is designed to help your dog expel most of their energy throughout the day so, by the time they get home they are just as tired which makes for a calm, relaxing night.

We Got You Covered

If you are looking for a really good doggy daycare where your pet will be treated as a part of our family, then come and see us at Diamonds in the Ruff. We would love to give you a tour of our facility and answer any questions you may have.

Call or visit www.diamondsintheruffpetboarding.com to view our services. Our skilled professionals are certified and genuinely love what they do. Your pup will look forward to coming to doggy daycare in Abilene every day!

Unsure About Boarding Your New Puppy?

Puppy Care

Unsure About Boarding Your New Puppy?

Sometimes our new puppies are our babies, and we have a hard time leaving them in the care of a boarding facility even though we need to. Puppies are highly demanding, destructive, sometimes frustrating like when they chew on your shoes, but they are hands down one of the cutest, most heartwarming pets we could possibly own. Who doesn’t love a puppy at first sight? We tend to form automatic attachments to puppies and are very protective of them. Puppies require more attention and patience than trained dogs. They need to be shaped and molded in a very caring way, so they become lovingly obedient. Because let’s face it, puppies need more than a bed and a bowl of food and water to thrive. When you establish good habits in the firsts weeks, it will lay the groundwork for a long life of happiness and health for you both.

Puppy Love

Our staff fully understands the time, patience, and care that goes into providing for a puppy. Our team puts forth a lot of effort in caring and providing the special needs puppies demand. They can often be seen rolling on the floor and playing games in the puppy daycare. Our staff is wonderful and patient, which makes them the perfect people for puppy sitting. We genuinely love every dog and cat that comes through our doors, but just like human babies, dog babies hold a special place in our hearts. Extra care, extra cuddles, and extra playtime is our specialty! We are here to make your family member feel at home with around the clock care, love, and playtime. We will also offer spa & grooming services for your dog. They'll be refreshed, rested, and ready to love on you when you pick them up!

We Can Put Your Mind At Ease

We strongly encourage first time boarding parents to visit our boarding facilities here at Diamonds in the Ruff and see for yourselves the love we pour into your pets while in our care. We fully understand that puppies require more attention, so they are allotted more potty breaks as a means to help you with housebreaking. They are also fed the recommended three times a day to help promote healthy growth. And of course, they are given plenty of playtimes to help them burn off some of the energy that puppies are notorious for. You do not have to worry about your puppy when he or she is in our care. We will love them as much as you do! So, stop by or visit our website at www.diamondsintheruffpetboarding.com to see the full services we offer, such as pet grooming in Abilene.

Pet Safety Tips for the Holiday

Holiday Pet Safety

Pet Safety Tips for the Holiday

We are here once again, the holiday season has crept upon us. And let’s be honest, the holidays are not only for us, but we also share these special days with our pets. We include them in most aspects of our life, we have doggie playdates, pet birthdays, even Pet Walks. I have a stocking for our dog and wrap gifts for her.

As much as we love our pets and want to include them in everything, we also want to keep them safe. Keeping them safe not only means keeping up with vet visits but being aware of safety issues when decorating for the holidays.

Our pets are naturally curious about their surroundings, so when you start to change what’s around them they are going to investigate. It’s important to try to keep your pets from eating and playing with the decorations. There are a few unhealthy treats, toxic plants, and fragile decorations that can seriously harm your pets.

Plants and Decorations

Here are a few Christmas safety tips to keep you from making a trip to the vet thanks to the ASPCA.

• Oh, Christmas Tree: Securely anchor your Christmas tree so it doesn't tip and fall, causing possible injury to your pet. This will also prevent the tree water—which may contain fertilizers that can cause stomach upset—from spilling. Stagnant tree water is a breeding ground for bacteria, and your pet could end up with nausea or diarrhea should he imbibe.
• Avoid Mistletoe & Holly: Holly, when ingested, can cause pets to suffer nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Mistletoe can cause gastrointestinal upset and cardiovascular problems. And many varieties of lilies can cause kidney failure in cats if ingested. Opt for just-as-jolly artificial plants made from silk or plastic, or choose a pet-safe bouquet.
• Tinsel-less Town: Kitties love this sparkly, light-catching "toy" that's easy to bat around and carry in their mouths. But a nibble can lead to a swallow, which can lead to an obstructed digestive tract, severe vomiting, dehydration, and possible surgery. It's best to brighten your boughs with something other than tinsel.
• That Holiday Glow: Don't leave lighted candles unattended. Pets may burn themselves or cause a fire if they knock candles over. Be sure to use appropriate candle holders, placed on a stable surface. And if you leave the room, put the candle out!
• Wired Up: Keep wires, batteries, and glass or plastic ornaments out of paws' reach. A wire can deliver a potentially lethal electrical shock and a punctured battery can cause burns to the mouth and esophagus, while shards of breakable ornaments can damage your pet's mouth and digestive tract.

Visit ASPCA for more information on holiday food dangers and how to have a pet-safe holiday gathering. If you think your pet might have gotten into something they shouldn’t have, contact your veterinarian immediately. Keep the numbers handy or call the 24-hour ASPCA emergency poison hotline at 1-888-426-4435 if you have any concerns about harmful substances ingested by your pet.

Pet Boarding in Abilene

Our pets are a huge part of our lives and family. Giving them the best and looking out for their health is a part of what we do as pet owners. Another thing we do for the love of our pets is finding a place that will care for our pets when we leave the house or go out of town. Diamonds in the Ruff is a pet boarding facility in Abilene that is here to care for your pets this holiday season. We offer a boarding experience your pets will love and can trust. Our staff is trained, the owners live on the premises, and we offer short and long-term stays. Contact us at 325-695-2931 or visit us at www.diamondsintheruffpetboarding.com to learn more. You can also book their stay on our Facebook page.

Why Dogs Bite

Why Dogs Bite

I don’t think there’s a single person I know who hasn’t been bitten by a dog. Statistics show that more than 4.5 million Americans are bitten by dogs each year, and most of those victims are children. Dog bites are typically done by familiar dogs and occur during everyday activities. There are several reasons why dogs bite, and it's essential to understand that the cutest, fluffiest, and nicest dogs can be provoked to bite anyone. And it’s not just sick or old dogs that bite. Dogs you have known for years, your own, big or small, male or female, dogs are still animals.

But Why Do Dogs Bite?

Have you ever been confused about why a dog has bitten you? I mean you were just playing around with her and tried to take her ball, and then before you know it, she bites your hand. Dogs have a tendency to protect their possessions like their toys, food and water dishes, or their dog bed. A better understanding of why dogs bite can help you avoid being injured.

Doggonesafe.com has a list of reasons why dogs bite. I know there are a few on this list that my kids have done to cause our dog to bite them.

• The child has hurt or startled it by stepping on it, poking it or pulling its fur, tail, or ears.
• The dog has not learned bite inhibition and bites hard by accident when the child offers food or a toy to the dog.
• The child and dog are engaging in rough play, and the dog gets overly excited.
• The dog views the child as a prey item because the child is running and/or screaming near the dog or riding a bicycle or otherwise moving past the dog.
• The dog is of a herding breed and nips while trying to "herd" the children.

A few other reasons not listed could be they are showing dominance. There’s always that one dog that thinks they're the ‘top-dog’ in the family. It could be maternal aggression for female dogs. Even well-trained mama dogs can be overly protective of there new litter, even from family members. Dogs usually give a warning before bitting. Dogs will growl or just nip people as a warning. It’s important to read these cues before a dogs aggression escalates. Injuries caused by a bit can be very serious and require hospitalization.

A Place to Socialize

There are ways to help prevent your dog from biting. One way is to socialize your dog at a young age. Diamonds in the Ruff offers doggie daycare in Abilene for those who are looking for a place where their pet can interact with other dogs and people. Socialization can be an excellent way to help your dog to feel more at ease and comfortable in different situations. Check us out at www.diamondsintheruffpetboarding.com or call us at 325-695-2931 to learn more about what we have to offer at our facility.

A Boy and His Special Friend

A Boy and His Special Friend

I came across a heartfelt story about a boy who was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy at the age of two and his service dog that helped him get back on his feet. Fourth-grader Hunter VanBrocklin had hip dysplasia surgery and Wendy the Great Dane has been there through his rehabilitation so he will be able to walk again.

Wendy entered Hunter’s life in 2013 and hasn't left his side since. She is there to help maintain his balance and be there when he falls. Before, Hunter’s parents, Kelly and Andrew, use to take him for walks after school in their hometown of Alfred, Maine. He stumbled with every step, but Wendy helps Hunter get stronger every day by staying by his side and helping him on his way. Hunter maintains balance while walking and is directed by a gentle leader that goes around Wendy’s nose and neck. Hunter holds onto her harness, and when he gives a command, he pulls the leader, which moves her head in the direction he wants to go. To step up onto curbs, Hunter places two hands on her, and they step up together.

Hunter says he cut down his falling to three times a day. He also dreams of climbing Mount Everest with Wendy by his side. His orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Benjamin Shore of Boston Children’s Hospital, says it’s a good thing Wendy is there to help him with his outdoor adventures. A walk wouldn't suit the boy. His mind is moving faster than his body, and he just won’t be held back. She also plays a part as his protector. When they are at doctor appointments, everyone who enters the room has to acknowledge Wendy before treating Hunter.

Great Pets Deserve the Best

What a sweet story. There is no better feeling than the love of a pet. They are there for the good times and the times when you just need a snuggle and nothing else. But just like us, they need a little “me” time. Treating your dog to a spa day can show them how much you love them. Diamonds in the Ruff offers a variety of treatments and cuts that will make your dog feeling amazing. Contact us at 325-695-2931 to schedule an appointment or check us out at www.diamondsintheruffpetboarding.com for more information about our dog grooming in Abilene.

Grooming Benefits

Grooming Benefits

According to vetstreet.com, pet grooming isn't just about expensive “prissy” grooming. It has become a necessity to provide better care for our pets. Not only does grooming keep your pet looking sharp, but it helps to spot health problems such as lumps, discolorations, injuries, tick or fleas, or mats. With detecting any serious problems right away, they can be treated by a vet before it gets worse. In some cases, you can detect cancer soon enough to save your pets life.

It's All in the Breed

Some breeds like Chows, Collies, and Keeshonden are "double coated" meaning they have a downy undercoat underneath a harsher layer of long hair. Matting or tangling can become a problem if regular grooming isn't scheduled or handled properly. Brushing can be done at home and helps to keep the long fur from building up on the floor and furniture and can help keep your pet cooler in the summer and allows new insulation to come in for the winter. Silky haired dogs such as Afghan Hounds, Cockers, and Maltese need constant care to keep the matting tamed, it's best that a groomer trims this breeds fur to a medium length. Poodles and Terriers have curly or wiry coats and need to be clipped every six weeks and wiry ones typically need to be trimmed two or three times a year.

A Groomed Pet is a Happy Pet

Our pets feel the benefits after being groomed just like we feel after being pampered; relaxed, clean, and comfortable. Regular grooming can also benefit the owner's health if they suffer from allergies and can ease the stress of your day. At Diamonds in the Ruff, we provide a grooming experience that your pet will enjoy. They will leave feeling fresh, clean, and relaxed. If you are looking for a professional pet groomer in Abilene contact us at 325-695-2931 or book an appointment on our Facebook page.

Dog-Friendly Garden

Dog-Friendly Garden

That wonderful season in Texas is coming up, and I couldn’t be any happier! We have sprung forward and can enjoy longer days outside grilling and spending time with family. The best part for me is enjoying my fruit, veggie, and flower gardens. Spring is officially my favorite season taking evening walks with my dog and making stops at the baseball field. One thing I have to think about is what type of food I want to plant this year to be sure my dog is safe if ingested. Last week we talked about houseplants that are dangerous to pets but not so much on fruits and vegetables. We’ll go over more about what foods you can plant in your garden that is safe and healthy for your little pooch to enjoy.

Safe Fruits and Vegetables 

Dogs like to romp around the garden and are naturally curious. So when they see you digging in the dirt, their snout is right in the middle of it. There is nothing special you have to do when planting a dog-friendly garden other than what not to plant. Here is a list of non-toxic plants that are good to grow in an area your dog has access to:

Vegetables:

• Broccoli (limit consumption)
• Carrots
• Green Beans
• Potatoes
• Sweet Potatoes
• Cauliflower
• Brussel Sprouts 

Fruits:

• Cantaloupe
• Pumpkin
• Strawberries
• Squash
• Watermelon (no seeds or rinds)
• Zucchini
• Blueberries

Growing and caring for a pet-friendly garden can be both rewarding and challenging. There are many great fruits and vegetables that you, your family, and fur-baby can benefit from. It’s okay for your dog to enjoy these fruits and vegetables, they make for a great treat that are low in calories and promote healthy digestion.

Keeping Your Dog Happy and Healthy

Our pets mean the world to us and we would do anything to keep them safe, happy, and healthy. This includes regular trips to the groomer. Diamonds in the Ruff offers a service that you and your dog will be proud of. Our groomers are professionally trained to provide breed-specific, quality haircuts, coat maintenance, & skin conditioning. Our high-quality shampoos & conditioners are safe to use as often as once a week without stripping essential oils from the skin while properly cleaning & conditioning the coat. You can trust that we will monitor your dog’s health and report any issues to you. Contact us today by calling 325-695-2931 or visit us at www.diamondsintheruffpetboarding.com to learn more about our dog grooming service in Abilene.

Pet Grooming as a Career

Pet Grooming as a Career

According to APPA, more than 84 million households own a pet, with a majority of them being dogs and cats. So it is no surprise that we spend thousands of dollars every year taking them to the veterinary, paying for surgical procedures, buying food, vitamins, toys, and kennel boarding. Another expense that has become popular over the years is pet grooming. In the beginning, it was your basic grooming of a bath, brush, and nail clipping. Now it has become more advanced with more people wanting their pet to enjoy a spa-like experience.
It is believed that the first dogs to be groomed were Curly-Coated Retrievers, clipped short by their 16th-century European hunter-owners to make them better hunters. Fast forward to today and you will see that it has become more sophisticated focusing on the latest fads and trends for all dog breeds. We can thank Blanche Saunders, who passed in 1964, for popularizing pet grooming in America.

What It Takes

While this industry is still thriving, more people are looking to becoming professional groomers or open doggie day spas/grooming salons. So what should you consider before taking your first step toward becoming a pet groomer? You should probably make sure you really love animals and have lots of patience. Not all dogs will stay still while you are clipping them. Make sure you don’t have any allergies you're unaware of. You will be working with different shampoos and conditioners, cleaners, and dyes. Remember you will be on your feet for hours at a time and is a physically demanding job. Know the trends for all breeds, including cut styles, colors, even nail color trends. Be sure to do your market research in the area you want to open your business at. Know your competition, make sure you have enough customers to sustain your business.

Decide which training course is right for you. You need to understand all the technical details on how to cut a dog and handle them. A good way to promote your business is to team up with a local veterinarian and to get some experience, you can intern at a pet grooming business.

There are no strict formal education requirements for becoming a dog groomer, however, most groomers acquire training through apprenticeship programs. Groomers can also be trained by one of 50 state-approved grooming schools which usually last 2-18 weeks. You could join the International Professional Groomers organization, and apply for the written and practical tests.

Diamonds in the Ruff in Abilene

Diamonds in the Ruff employes a trained staff and is a member of the International Professional Groomers Association and International Boarding and Pet Services Association. They also have considerable knowledge in pet care, boarding, and grooming. We will happily care for your dog while giving them the spa-like experience they deserve. Contact us at 325-695-2931 or visit us at www.diamondsintheruffpetboarding.com to learn more about what we have to offer. We love what we do and treat every pet like they were our own.

How to Make Your Indoor Cat Happy

How to Make Your Indoor Cat Happy

Everyone has this idea that cats are big jerks. They tend to look at you with unhappiness, bring you dead things, swat at you when you try to pet them or knock items off the table with attitude. Well, there is a reason why they do this and why you may think they are unhappy. Sure you could just let them spend their time outside thinking that will make them happy, but it might not. Letting your feline fella roam outdoors may do more harm than good. Spending time outdoors could put them in danger by exposing them to vehicles, predators, and diseases. Some cat owners also worry about the effects of outdoor cats and birds. If you are concerned but want to give your cat a little outside playtime think about adding a bell to their collar.

There is something you can do to keep your crabby indoor cat entertained and happy while you’re home or off at work. These tips are worth giving a try:

• Give them some space that will make them feel safe and secure. Vertical space is good too. An elevated perch will give them their own space to look down at you and judge you. 
• If you’re in to have your couches custom scratched great! But if not your best bet is investing in a couple of scratch posts. This will help them be engaged without ruining your furniture. 
• Before you leave your house, open the curtains to give your cat a view to observe the outdoors. They need visual stimulation to keep them going and from getting bored. 
• When you are home, spend some time with your little guy. This will make them, and you feel better. Who doesn’t like petting a cat and hearing them purr? 
• Having plenty of toys around can channel their inner huntsman. By nature that is what they are built for. It will also keep them interactive and moving, keeping them in good health. This also includes catnip. Fast moving toys and wands with feathers are a favorite in my household, but nothing tops the laser pointer. 

Cozy Cattery to Keep Your Cat Active

There are so many misconceptions about cats, one being that cats don’t need us as much as we need them. Cats are known to be antisocial animals which are not true. Cats form bonds to their humans like dogs, although they may not need as much attention like dogs, they still need social interaction. If you are worried that your cat is feeling left out or seems lonely, consider taking them to a cattery. Diamonds in the Ruff has the best cattery in Abilene that will treat your furry feline like it was one of our own. We have a professionally-trained staff that strives to provide our guest with the highest quality of care possible. Contact us by calling 325-695-2931 or visiting www.diamondsintheruffpetboarding.com. You can also book online through our Facebook page as well.

Dog Sniffers- How They are Trained

Sniffer dogs, also known as detection dogs, play a key role in society. They are the weapon that sniffs out everything from drugs to food and even illnesses. There is a long list of things these trained dogs can detect which include explosives, human remains, mold, invasive species, and wildlife scat. Prisons have jumped on board and use sniffer dogs to detect contraband to search visitors and inmates. These hard-working animals use their most powerful tool, their nose. Dogs sense of smell is strong and because of this, and their ability to be trained, dogs make the perfect animal to have. Dogs have been used as hunting guides and retrievers for hundreds of years, so why not expand their talent to other aspects of life.

Let the Training Begin

As fabulous as this is, I’ve always wondered how they train these dogs. My main thought was how they train police drug dogs. When most people hear the words ‘dog sniffer’ they think of law enforcement or drug dogs, that is pretty common. But how does it work? Some people think the dogs want the drugs because they're addicted to the drugs. But that’s not it, that would be horrible. It works in the way of the dog looking for their “favorite toy.” Police dogs are trained with a towel. It’s a popular item used by handlers. The handler plays tug-of-war with the dog using the towel. The important thing is the towel is carefully washed so that it has absolutely no scent the dog can pick up. Later, after playing with the towel for a while, a bag of drugs is rolled up inside it. Over time, the dog recognizes the smell of the drug, like marijuana, as their favorite toy. The dog in no way consumes the drugs or form a drug habit. The handler will hide the drug-filled towel in various places for the dog to sniff out, the dog will soon associate the finding of the towel to a reward of a game of tug-of-war. Over time, different drugs will be placed in the towel until the dog is able to sniff out a wide range of illegal substances.

But before any of this training can begin, you need to find the right dog. Any dog can be trained to be sniffer dog, whether it’s for drugs, cancer, or bed bugs, but some breeds have a better sense of smell than others. Some popular dogs are the beagle, Belgian Malinois, border collie, and bloodhound. After a suitable dog is chosen, the training begins.

Dog Grooming in Abilene

These handlers and canines work very hard and put their life on the line to serve the people of America. Dog sniffers work in a range of operations and assignments, and after all that hard work, they deserve to be pampered by a professional groomer. Our staff at Diamonds in the Ruff is here to give your partner a day of relaxation and a professional cut that is matched to their breed. Contact us at 325-695-2931 or visit us at www.diamondsintheruffpetboarding.com to schedule your appointment with a dog groomer in Abilene.

Polished Pups

Polished Pups

I’ve mentioned before, our pets are being as pampered as we are, maybe even better. They can receive more than just a simple wash. They can experience a luxurious bath with a shampoo made for their sensitive skin, a message, ear cleaning, dental scrub, and so much more depending on the groomer. What can be included with this spa-like treatment is a paw-dicure. These paw-dicures can include a dog safe polish that will jazz up any outfit they are wearing or match their personality.
There is a wide variety of polishes available. This makes it easy to touch up their nails between grooming. There are several polish brands that offer dozens of colors and now a polish pen. The pen makes controlling the product better and reduces spillage from a bottle. These pens can make easy to add designs or patterns to your dog's paws. Do you feel like giver your pooch a French manicure- boom, done!
These polishes are made safe for your dog. Regular polish can be toxic to your dog, they contain ingredients that can make your pooch sick, such as, formaldehyde, toluene, and dibutyl phthalate. When ingested, these chemicals can cause asthma, developmental problems, and other illnesses. Even when not ingested, inhaling the fumes can cause health problems.
These polishes are great to use on dogs because they are fast drying and are commonly made with seaweed, aloe, vitamin E, and green tea extracts. When looking for a safe polish, look for one that is non-toxic and odor-free. This also goes for purchasing a polish remover for your dog. Avoid using removers with acetone, the chemical will dry out their nails, making them more prone to breakage. Non-toxic removers are soy-based which keep the nails moisturized.

Dog Groomer in Abilene

Nowadays, sending your dog to the groomers to get the spa-treatment isn’t new, it's good to know there are safe paw-lishes for our furry babies to enjoy. If you’re looking to get your pooch washed and clipped, Diamonds in the Ruff offers grooming like no other. Not only that, but boarding and daycare are also available. If you are in need of a pet groomer in Abilene, come by today and check out our facility. You can call (325) 695-2931 or visit us at www.diamondsintheruffpetboarding.com for more information.