Does Your Dog have Bad Breath?

 

Dental Health and Your Dog

Our pet’s oral health is just as important as ours. Keeping up with your pet's oral health can go a long way. Gum disease can be seen in your dog by the time they turn four, not only can you tell visually, but your dog’s bad breath is also a smelly sign. There are a few helpful tips you should follow if you want to give your furry family member a head start to better oral health.

Tips to Guide You

Do a Breath Test- No one wants to do this voluntarily, but sniffing your dog’s breath is a good indicator if your dog needs to see the vet soon for a good cleaning. Chances are, you may already smell your pet's breath. Many factors can contribute to the foul odor emanating from your little buddy's mouth, ranging from relatively benign to serious conditions. Imbalanced microbiomes, diabetes, kidney or liver problems, and, of course, gum disease can all be root causes of bad breath. 
Check Out His Gums- Every now and then, lift your dog’s lips and check out their gum line and teeth. The gums should be pink in color and not swollen, and their teeth should not have any brownish tartar.
Some Signs of Oral Disease- Below is a list of signs that your dog may have a problem in his mouth or gastrointestinal system. Take them in if you are concerned about any of the following:

• Bad breath
• Excessive drooling
• Inflamed gums
• Tumors in the gums
• Cysts under the tongue
• Loose teeth

Know Your Mouth Disorders- Getting familiar with possible mouth problems, such as halitosis or gingivitis, will help you determine when it’s time to see a vet about treatment. 
Canine Tooth-Brushing Kit- Use a toothbrush designed for dogs or use a clean piece of soft gauze to wrap around your finger. You should ask your vet for a toothpaste made especially for canines or make a paste out of baking soda and water. Using human toothpaste can irritate your dog’s stomach. Special mouthwash for dogs is also available, just ask your vet.
Diet for Healthy Teeth- You can get specially formulated dry food from your vet that can slow down the formation of plaque and tartar. Another thing you can do is avoid feeding your dog table scraps, instead give him treats that are specially formulated to keep canine teeth healthy.

Caring for Your Furry Buddy

Our staff at Diamonds in the Ruff encourage regular oral health care and regular exercise to ensure a healthy life. You can expect that your pet will enjoy scheduled playtime and a healthy diet while staying with us. We offer an indoor, climate-controlled area and a designed outdoor play area so they can socialize with other visitors in a safe and healthy environment with plenty of space for exercise and fresh air. Come by or visit our website at www.diamondsintheruffpetboarding.com to check out everything we have to offer including doggie daycare in Abilene.

Pick the Right Groomer for your Dog

 

Choosing the Right Groomer for Your Dog

Choosing a dog groomer is a lot like choosing a hairstylist for ourselves. We not only want them to come out looking good, but we also want them to come out feeling good after a gripping experience. You will want a groomer that will treat our dogs the way we treat them home. The best sign of a good groomer is when our dogs leave happy and energetic. This is usually a sign that they enjoyed their experience and were probably treated very well.

This not only helps to ease our mind, but it also makes it much easier next time we have to drop them off with a groomer. It is heartbreaking to drop our dogs off somewhere and noticed that they are visibly in distress or anxious and do not want to be there. Now, this happens when we have to drop our pets off at the vet. This is, however, understandable, but we do not want the same reaction when we drop our pets off at the groomer.

What is the Best Way to Choose a Groomer?

Do your research. Pull up a few groomer's websites and look at their reviews. Make sure that the positive reviews outweigh the negatives. It is important to not be naïve and think that there is any groomer that will not have a negative review. This is simply because some people just cannot be pleased. Just make sure that the negative reviews do not say things like they thought their dog was abused or that their skin was cut. These are definitely signs that you should not go to this particular groomer. Look for reviews that talk about the experiences with the staff as being friendly and caring. Also, when you pick your dog up from a groomer, watch their behavior, and see how they act. They should be happy and energetic and excited to see you, but they should not shy away from the groomer when they tell them bye.

Take your research a step further and call the groomer you are interested in using. Have a list of questions ready to ask them.
They can be anything like Did you fo to grooming school? How long have you been a groomer? Are you a member of any type of professional grooming organization? Do you have experience with this specific breed?
You could even visit the facility to see if it is an excellent fit for you and your dog.

You should also ask around. If you see a dog with a clean-cut or style you like, ask the owner where the dog was groomed. You can also ask your veterinarian, kennel employee, or a random person at the coffee shop. Remember, well-groomed dogs are walking advertisements, so if you like what you see, don't hesitate to ask.

Remember to be patient. Dog groomers can be in high demand and have a tight schedule. The groomer may not be able to get back to you about your questions right away, and it may take time to get your dog scheduled for their appointment. Don't let this discourage you; finding the right fit is important to your pet, so be sure to take the time to find the right groomer.

Dog Groomers in Abilene

If you are looking for a great dog groomer in the Abilene area, then contact us at Diamonds in the Ruff. Our friendly staff will be more than happy to show you around our facility to help ease your mind. You can also meet many of our professionally trained and licensed dog groomers and see for yourself just how much they love and adore their job.

Just call and set up an appointment with us today at 325-695-2931 or visit us at www.diamondsintheruffpetboarding.com for more information about our facility and pet grooming in Abilene. We have a variety of breed-specific spa treatments to make your dog look and feel good. You can also schedule their appointment on our Facebook page.

Toxic Plants That Harm Your Pets

Toxic Plants That Harm Your Pets

Spring will soon make its appearance and with that comes an array of beautiful plants and flowers. So finally our pets can make there way outdoors to enjoy a day in the sun, and we can begin the process of starting a garden. One thing to keep in mind when planning out your garden or thinking about bringing plants into your home is are they harmful to our cat or dog. Several common plants are very toxic to animals, and it can be scary if you don't know what to do or who to call.

Household and Garden Plants

Listed below are some common plants to be aware of and who to call if your pet ever ingests any of these plants.

A very popular Spring flower to be aware of is the Easter lily. All parts of the lily are poisonous; the petals, leaves, stem, and even the pollen can be deadly to your pet. This includes Tiger lilies, Day lilies, and Asiatic lilies.
The same goes with the Sago Palm. Every part is harmful and can result in vomiting, diarrhea, liver failure and possibly death.
Oleander leaves can result in a very low heart rate and weakness.
My favorite is the household ivy plant. Luckily my dog hasn’t ingested any part of our ivy's. It could cause symptoms of vomiting and diarrhea but rarely leads to severe symptoms.
Tulips can cause oral irritation, excessive drooling, and nausea. The entire plant can cause problems, but the bulb is the most poisonous part.
The Sago Palm is another beautiful household plant that is extremely poisonous when ingested. It causes bloody vomiting and diarrhea, bleeding disorders, liver failure, and death.
A few garden plants that can put your pet in a terrible situation are garlic, onion, mushrooms, tomato leaves and stems, rhubarb leaves, potato leaves and stems, and grapes.

If ever you find yourself that your pet has ingested any of these plants described, do you know who to call? There is help out there to help you 24/7. The ASPCA has a hotline to call at (888) 426-4435 and Pet Poison Hotline at (800) 213-6680. Never hesitate if you think your pet is showing signs of distress.

Diamonds in the Ruff

We love and treat our pets like family. There is nothing that will get in the way of our pets health and safety. The staff at Diamonds in the Ruff has the same feeling about every client we see. We want to provide the best to your fur-baby, whether if its during their grooming appointment or while they are staying with us. You can expect the best from us and not have to worry while they are with us. Contact us if you are looking for a place to board your cat or dog, daycare, or grooming service. Visit us at www.diamondsintheruffpetboarding.com or call us at 325-695-2931. You can count on us to give your pet the best experience.

Benefits of Using a Pet Boarding Service

Benefits of Boarding Your Pet

Leaving your dog at doggie daycare may be beneficial to your furry family member. A lot of people leave their homes to work, and most don’t feel comfortable leaving their dogs alone at home all day.

They can become restless, make a mess, gain weight, or be overly excited once you are home. Boarding your dog while at work can provide the same activities and socialization they receive at home. Keep in mind, dogs are pack animals by nature and enjoy the company of their owners and other dogs.

Benefits

Doggie daycares provide many ways for your dog to socialize with other dogs. Sending your dog to daycare helps them relieve boredom and separation anxiety. When dogs are left alone, that's when they can become destructive, lonely, and anxious. Destructive behaviors can be anything from chewing on stuff they shouldn't, excessive barking or howling, and soiling your home.

Just like human children, our pets can benefit from a routine. Pet boarding and daycares can help maintain walk and playtime routines. They also get the attention and affection they need by caring professionals. During their time in daycare, dogs learn how to interact with other dogs and maybe better behaved in public.

Exercise is another benefit you and your dog will experience. A variety of activities will leave your dog feeling stronger and more fit. They can also be a calmer canine at home; less bored, and better behaved. No one wants to leave their dog in a crate at home for 8 hours. The inactivity can build up, and once you are home after a long day, they are ready to play, and you're not. And not being able to relieve themselves in a proper area can cause anxiety in your pet and leave a mess.

Sending them to a doggie daycare gives you the peace of mind you need to go about your day. You don't have to worry about your dog becoming destructive or trying to escape your yard or crate. They offer flexible times so you can take them for the day while you shop or long-term if you're heading out for a long trip.

Many people may think a doggie daycare is expensive and an extravagant expense they can't afford. Surprisingly, pet boarding and daycare can be affordable and well worth the expense.

Trusted Pet Boarding Facility

With a reliable doggie daycare facility available, you leave feeling comfortable and less guilty about leaving your dog alone all day. You know they are in good hands, receive a meal and treats, are able to live to their full potential in a safe environment.

At Diamonds in the Ruff, you can expect the same comfort that your fur baby is in the care of professionals. If you are in need of pet boarding in Abilene come by and check out our facility. You can also visit our website at www.diamondsintheruffpetboarding.com to view all that we have to offer your beloved pet.

Does Your Dog Need a Little Socialization?

Does Your Dog Need a Little Socialization?

Many dog breeds struggle with social issues. But many dogs struggle socially due to their own personality even though they may be of a very friendly breed. Many pet owners socialize their dogs by taking them to the dog park, on walks, outdoor activities, such as camping and hiking, or just having other pet owners bring their dogs over for playdates. Some of us, however, do not have the time or don’t do it as often as we’d like, but we still need a way for our dogs to have some sort of social interaction with other people and other dogs. This is essential to help them develop those skills that are necessary for them to overcome social barriers. So, what is a great solution?

Daily Social Interaction

We may not have the time or energy required to make our dogs socially inept, but this doesn’t mean we don’t want a kind, friendly, socially active dog. What is the solution? Doggy daycare. Now, this may seem silly to some people, but I assure you it is incredibly beneficial for dogs who struggle with social anxiety. At doggy daycare, they are actually introduced to the other dogs and staff at their own pace and at a level that is comfortable for them. There are games, indoor and outdoor activities, and toys that are all helpful in acclimating your socially awkward dog with potential canine friends.

Dogs are not forced into situations that make them uncomfortable, but rather are slowly integrated into the daily activities of the other dogs. This is very important because the team of trained professionals who work at the doggy daycare knows exactly how to handle dogs who suffer from social anxiety. They are kind, gentle, and patient when working with your dog because their ultimate goal is to progress your dog to the point of being comfortable in social situations with other dogs and humans.

A Trusted Doggy Daycare

If you are looking for a great place where your dog can receive social interaction every day in a safe, kind, patient environment, then contact us at Diamonds in the Ruff. Our dedicated team of professionals always has your pet’s best interest at heart, and we are sure that you and your dog will benefit from our doggy daycare in Abilene. Your dog will leave here every day, ready to come back. Come by and take a tour of our facility. Not only do we provide daycare, but we also have a staff dedicated to professional grooming. Visit us at www.diamondsintheruffpetboarding.com or call and schedule an appointment at 325-695-2931.

Summertime Is Almost Here

Summertime Is Almost Here

For those of us who own dogs, spring and summer are much awaited seasons. They are the perfect time to take our dogs to the park and let them exert some of their energy, or for those of us who do a lot of traveling, it’s the perfect time to take them on trips. Large dogs need a lot of exercise, and sometimes throughout the winter months, they experience a lack of activity because it’s too cold to go outside and play. This, of course, is not their fault, but by the time spring and summer arrive, they have been bottling up energy for several months and are ready to get out and release some of that energy.

Many dogs need more than just playtime in the backyard, they need to be turned loose out in the country to explore. It’s kind of like a mini-vacation for your dog. Not only does it help them physically, but it also helps them mentally and emotionally and can help get rid of the wintertime blues from being cooped up in the house.

A Downside to Summertime Play

There is, however, a downside to that summertime play. Many of our dogs that go exploring or hiking end up coming back dirty and stinky. This can occur, especially if you take your dog swimming in lakes, creeks, or ponds. Sometimes they tend to get into areas that they probably shouldn’t be and get all kinds of shrubbery and stickers stuck in their fur. This can be very problematic and an absolute nuisance to try to get out. It is a lengthy task that can take hours if you are not adequately equipped with the correct tools. Many of us just end up cutting the grass spurs out and then looking at our poor dogs regrettably as they look like they’ve just come in contact with Edward Scissorhands.

Finding the perfect grooming facility is essential for you and your dog. Maintaining your dog's fur makes them feel good, looks good, and is essential to their health. Most groomers not only maintain your dog's fur but also their nails and look out for any unusual bumps and skin conditions. They use pet-friendly shampoos and conditioners, give breed-specific haircuts, and so much more. But where do you find such a grooming facility?

Dog Grooming in Abilene

There is a solution if your dog is in need of grooming, check us out at Diamonds in the Ruff. Our dedicated and well-trained staff will make sure that your dog is groomed properly and comes out smelling much better than they did coming in. We feel all dogs deserve a nice spa day every now and then. Schedule an appointment today by calling 325-695-2931 or click here to visit our site and see what we have to offer in dog grooming in Abilene, www.diamondsintheruffpetboarding.com.

Going Away For A While And Need To Board Your Cat

Cattery

Going Away For A While And Need To Board Your Cat

Cats do tend to be able to somewhat care for themselves, so some cat owners are perfectly fine with leaving their cats home alone for a night or two and providing them with an automatic food dispenser and automatic water dispenser. The problem with this is that sometimes you may need to be gone longer than the automatic dispensers last. Not to mention, after a few days, the litter box needs to be cleaned as well. This is where we can help. We offer a cat boarding service that will allow you to put your mind at ease and know that your cat is well cared for.

Gentle Transitioning For Your Cat

It is no secret that cats often are less sociable than dogs and do not acclimate to new surroundings as easily. This is no surprise since cats are the only pet species to have never been domesticated by people. Really! They gradually moved into larger cities and were thought to be beneficial due to the rat problems many cities faced. People then began moving them into their homes to fight against rat infestations but never really considered them loveable pets. Crazy, right? Since people did not domesticate them and cats kind of domesticated themselves, it is no wonder they have such strong, independent, and sometimes anti-social personalities.

Of course, we do not think of cats the same way today. They are a much-loved pet for many of us. This is why we take the time and care to help your cat transition to his or her new surroundings and let them decide when they are comfortable enough to interact. Our dedicated staff contributes to providing a patient and caring atmosphere for your cat.

Cat Boarding In Abilene

You never have to worry about your cat when they are in the care of at Diamonds in the Ruff. We provide a quiet, safe atmosphere for your cat that will make them feel right at home. Upon arrival, we will evaluate the socialization level of your cat to determine what will best suit their needs. We also provide a living space that will help to curb their natural curiosity and keep them from being bored.

Every Cat Condo is cleverly designed and can accommodate small or large families. They will also get a lot of TLC and some playtime with other cats if they are comfortable with social interaction. They will get plenty of playtime in our specially designed playroom. Your cat will leave our boarding house ready to come back! Still not sure? Call ahead, and we would be happy to give you a tour and let you see for yourself! You can also visit our website at www.diamondsintheruffpetboarding.com to view all your options for cat boarding in Abilene.