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.