Be Careful With That "Kiss"

Be Careful With That "Kiss"

pets.webmd.com- There are a lot of dog owners that kiss their fur babies and there is nothing wrong with that. We love our pets like our own children, they're a part of our family. But our pets are animals and there are times when our pets I've heard from several people over the years say, “a dog’s mouth is cleaner than ours (humans).” That statement has never sat well with me. Think about all the random stuff they chew on, gross food, or animal carcasses, and let’s not forget the licking of their posteriors! Now I’m not saying I don’t “kiss” my dog, but I let her lick my checks. The truth is, those bacteria aren’t significant health risks for most people. Having a healthy awareness of what could be in your dog’s mouth, says Clark Fobian, DVM, president of the American Veterinary Medical Association. Here are a few things t consider before you smooch your pooch.

Think About This

What was your dog doing before you kissed him? “You have to think of where their nose has been,” Fobian says. “Has it been inside a dead opossum on the side of the road, or the posterior of another dog, or in the litter box?” Just because you kissing your dog on his snout or the top of his head does not mean you are in the clear. When a dog has an infection -- say, in his ear -- germs can end up all over his body through scratching, Fobian says. And there’s a good chance that whatever infection is in his mouth will end up on his coat through slobber and licking.

Could you make each other sick? Human and dog mouths have “a large number and a wide variety of bacteria,” Fobian says. Parasites like hookworm, roundworm, and giardia can be passed from dog to human through licking. Salmonella, too, can be passed from your dog to you, or vice versa. Bet you did not think you could get your dog sick.

If you’re sick, think twice. If you have a weak immune system, you should avoid kissing your pets. That includes those with HIV/AIDS, those who have had an organ transplant, and those who are on medicines for cancer that limits the body’s ability to fight off infection.

Get the message from your dog! I know I’m guilty of this one. Some dog’s, like mine, do not want to be kissed or have your face close to theirs. A dog who doesn’t want to be kissed will show his stress by leaning away, looking away, pursing and licking his lips.

“A lot of people miss those signs, and when they try to kiss the dog, the dog snaps at them,” says Melissa Bain, DVM, assistant professor at UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine. It’s not much different from trying to kiss a human who doesn’t want to be kissed. “We respect people who are like that; we should also respect dogs who are like that,” Bain says.

Diamonds in the Ruff

We, as humans, want to show our love for our pets by hugging and kissing on them, and some enjoy it. But I think it’s just as important to respect your dog’s cues. You can trust that our staff will show love and respect for your pets. We will also provide quality service whether it be in our grooming department or boarding facility. Come by and see us or visit our website at www.diamondsintheruffpetboarding.com if you are in need of professional pet grooming in Abilene.

Schedule an Amazing Dog Grooming Experience for Your Pet

 

Did Your Dog Have a Bad Experience at the Groomer?

So many doggy parents have had a bad experience at the groomers. This experience can turn them off from ever wanting to seek any dog groomer services. The sad thing about that is it's their dog that suffers due to that one experience. There are many reasons someone may have had a bad experience when taking their dog to the groomer. A typical experience is an awful haircut. This may not seem like a big deal to some people, but it really is to the dog owner. Not only are you paying for a service that you are unsatisfied with, but you also have to be reminded of the experience every time you look at your dog, or at least until their hair grows out.

How to Make It a Better Experience

Make an appointment with the groomer for a simple walkthrough. During this time, check out the facility, see if it's clean and organized, ask all the questions you want, and observe them (if allowed) grooming another dog. They may encourage you to bring your dog during this appointment to get them comfortable with the surroundings. Check out how they react, make sure you and your pet are comfortable with the groomer and facility.

Make sure the groomer or groomers are friendly. It's important that they are patient, knowledgeable in specific cuts depending on the dog breed, and have experience in grooming. You don't want to put your dog in the hands of a rude or impatient groomer. It is highly likely that is the way they will treat your dog. This makes for a horrible experience for your dog.

Observe how the groomer listens to what it is you want to be done with your dog and make sure they provided the cut that you wanted. During pick-up time, observe your dog’s behavior when you pick them up. Of course, they will be happy to see you, but they should not act as if they can’t wait to get away from the grooming place. They should not shy away from the groomer or feel uncomfortable around them. If they do, then they may be being abused or handled too rough while no one is around.

Dog Grooming in Abilene

If you are looking for a good, friendly, and professional groomer, then come see us at Diamonds in the Ruff. We are confident that you will be pleased with any one of our professional groomers and we are sure that your dog will absolutely love them too. They take great pride in their jobs. We also offer pet boarding for both cats and dogs. Consider us if you need to leave your pet for a weekend or a week. We have plenty of room and staff that will care for your pets while you are gone. Visit us at www.diamondsintheruffpetboarding.com for more information about our dog groomers in Abilene.

Protect Your Dog's Paws During the Cold

 

Winter Protection

Ways to Protect Their Paws

Winter is coming, and just like we humans, our pets need some special care to protect them from the harsh winter. It’s obvious their paws are the main part of their body that needs the most protection and daily care. Their paws are constantly exposed to the elements and toxic chemicals, which leaves them at risk for drying, cracking, and even chemical burns. Cesar’s Way has a few tips to follow that will help keep your dog’s paws healthy and enjoy the winter outdoors just as much as you do.

Some Tips

I don’t know about you, but growing up, my grandma always told me to on lotion during the winter so my skin wouldn’t itch. Of course, I didn’t listen, and now as an adult, I understand why, dealing with cracked hands, and dry legs are no fun. Well, the same goes for your dog’s paws. I’m sure you have noticed how dry your pet's paws are throughout the day; they tend to get worse than that in the winter, especially after taking walks in the cold and snow. Applying a balm before going out for a walk will help keep their paws protected during the winter walk. 

If your dog has long hair, use a clipper to keep the hair between the paw pads short so that it is even with the pad. This will help prevent ice balls from forming between and around the paw pads, which can be painful and result in trauma. Also, keep your pet’s nails trimmed. Long nails force the paw to splay out and make it more likely that snow and ice will accumulate between the paw pads.

Be sure to wipe their paws with warm water to remove any snow build-up and reapply another layer of balm.

Dog boots are another way to protect your dog’s paws. They might take some time to get used to, but it will keep them dry and prevent exposure to salt and de-icers used by cities. These boots are sock-like with a Velcro strap to help keep them in place.

Now, salt and most de-icers can be toxic to our canine friends. Try to keep your dog from roads and sidewalks that are treated with salt and chemical de-icers. Don’t let them eat slush or drink from puddles near heavily treated streets and sidewalks. Immediately after a walk, wash your dog’s paws with warm water as described earlier to help prevent them from ingesting any salt or chemicals that may be on their paws.

Remember, dogs are susceptible to frostbite and hypothermia just as people are, so use common sense as to how long your walks can be. Keep an eye out for how your dog is acting, shivering, or walking slowly. Put a doggie sweater on them before their walk, might not seem like much, but every bit will help them stay warm and safe during the winter.

Needing a Professional Groomer

It’s fun watching your pet enjoy their time in the snow, but it can quickly change if you don’t use common sense. There are several products available to help you protect your pet. Our staff at Diamonds in the Ruff understand that it can be time-consuming to groom your pet on your own. We have a team of professional groomers that will be happy to take care of your dog and get them ready for winter.

We offer a variety of professional grooming services based on the type of dog you have. Come by today or visit our website at www.diamondsintheruffpetboarding.com and browse all of the services we provide. You can also set up appointments on our Facebook page not only for grooming but for boarding as well.

Could Your Dog be Happier?

 

Raising a Happy Dog

You've heard the term, “If mama ain't happy, ain’t no one happy.” the same can go when owning a dog. Let’s face it if your pup or dog isn’t in a good place they can wreak havoc in your household. Raising a happy pooch isn’t always easy and can take time, but it is worth it. There’s a lot that goes into including a dog in your family, but the benefits that you and your new dog get back can improve both your lives for the better. Listed below are This Dog’s Life useful tips that can lead to a thriving and successful life with your new pet.

BEFORE YOU BRING A DOG INTO YOUR HOUSEHOLD

This Dog’s Life recommends you do these first steps before bringing your new addition into your home. Bring in a new pet is almost like bringing home a new baby. There are a few things you need to get in order to make them safe, comfortable, and things easy on you.

• Research breeds and consider your lifestyle.
• Read lots of books. 
• Consider changing your schedule in the beginning. 
• Dog-proof your home. 

WHAT DOES YOUR DOG NEED TO BE HAPPY?

Having a happy dog makes your day brighter and fulfilling. But it takes work to make it happen, just like any relationship. I can vouch for a few of these suggestions. I had an unhappy dog for a little while until I made the time to play with her, changed her food, and was consistent with my time with her. These tips are right on the money and can work, you just need to put in the time.

• Be consistent with training. 
• Do not punish your dog in an aggressive way.
• Be realistic in your expectations.
• Socialize your dog. 
• Exercise your dog on a regular basis.
• Feed your dog healthy food. 
• Be your dog’s advocate. 

While caring for dogs can take work, they can be great companions and add so much to our lives. Caring for them also includes making sure they are regularly groomed. A simple bath can make any dog feel like a million bucks. And when it is done by a professional groomer, there is a guarantee they will receive the best care and treatment. Diamonds in the Ruff has a staff with years of experience that care about every client. Contact us by calling 325-695-2931 or visit www.diamondsintheruffpetboarding.com to learn more about the services we offer.