Spring and Summer Grooming Tips for Dogs
As you start to consider dragging up your window unit and putting it back in place, you probably start noticing that your dog has been shedding more than usual, too. If the constant shedding is starting to drive you crazy, you’ll love these helpful tips for managing spring and summertime grooming. Keeping a dog comfortable during shedding season is relatively easy, provided you know how to keep up with the excess hair. One of the best tools for lessening the burden of excess shedding is the Furminator—particularly if you’ve got a dog with a double coat. This brush and ones like it help remove vast amounts of hair and fur, and can greatly reduce the amount of overall shedding. It’s important to start up a grooming routine to keep your dog as healthy and clean as possible. First Step: Wash Part of any successful grooming routine is bathing. Give your dog a bath at the start of shedding season, using a dog-safe shampoo to ensure it won’t irritate the dog’s skin. If your dog has naturally dry skin, you can use oatmeal shampoo for dogs, and you can also use dog conditioner as well for extra moisture. During the bath, check your dog’s paws for dryness or cracks, and use paw ointment if necessary. Second Step: Brush After your dog is clean and dry, it’s time to brush them. There are a variety of brushes on the market, and each is geared toward a different type of dog or different purpose. For instance, a boar bristle brush is good for all fur types; these brushes help circulate the hair or fur’s natural oils throughout the coat. A shedding blade can work well for the undercoat, as can the aforementioned Furminator. The shedding blade can be too pointy/sharp for some dogs, so it’s important to exercise caution. Slicker brushes are best for getting rid of mats and tangles, but again, exercise caution and don’t pull too hard. Rubber curry brushes are good for shorthaired dogs and are good for undercoats as well as stimulating circulation in the dog’s skin. Finally, wire pin brushes are best for dogs with longer coats or dogs with thick, several layer coats (Golden Retrievers and Sheepdogs or Collies, respectively). Brushing not only helps remove dead skin and loose hair while stimulating circulation, but it is also a good way to check for fleas and ticks. When you brush your dog, you can check to see if there are any fleas hopping around on the dog’s coat or buried underneath layers of fur/hair. Third Step: Teeth and Nails Finally, to finish the grooming routine, brush the dog’s teeth and clip or file its nails. Both of these are tasks that sometimes can’t be done at home, but groomers or vet offices typically offer these services for dogs that are a bit more fidgety. What are some of your favorite grooming tips? Let us know in the comments!
Are Dog Beaches Safe?
With the temperatures soaring over the summer, it’s not surprising that many dog owners look to local beaches for some relief—and not just beaches where they can enjoy the water, but beaches specifically for dogs. These beaches are often roped off from regular beaches, so that only dogs swim there, and they’re a great change of pace for a dog who usually only gets walks with their owner or a dog walker and the occasional trip to the dog park. But are dog beaches safe? Here are some tips and things to remember before you pack the sunscreen and head to the shore. Follow the Rules Similar to dog parks, dog beaches have rules that owners need to follow. Things like not bringing aggressive dogs to the beach, making sure your dog has ID and tags and is up-to-date on vaccinations, and following leash rules are all smart choices to make when bringing your dog to the beach. Practicing good etiquette will inspire others to follow and can also preserve peace of mind at the beach among other dog owners. Cleaning up after your dog is also imperative. Prior to your trip to the beach, you may want to make sure your pup will be in good physical shape—hiring dog walkers in Ukranian Village to take your dog on a midday walk will help them build up endurance so they can get the most out of running around on a sandy beach. Protect Your Dog Against Heat and Sun Like people, dogs can sunburn, and overheating a serious issue for dogs since they don’t sweat like we do. Short coated dogs, ones with short summer haircuts, and dogs with pink noses can all burn more easily than other dogs. You can find sunscreen specifically made for pets that is non-toxic and not oily. As for overheating, pay close attention to your dog’s behavior and breathing—excessive panting and drooling are signs that a dog is overheating, and you’ll need to get your dog out of the heat if you notice this. Avoid Beach Hazards Other tips to remember include knowing how your dog handles swimming. Life jackets for dogs are available, and can be very helpful for short-muzzled dogs like bulldogs, Boston terriers, and pugs, as well as short-legged breeds like dachshunds. Remember to rinse your dog off before heading home, as the water may irritate their skin.
How to Keep Your Dog Safe and Cool in the Summer
Summertime is tough on dogs. While they might have access to a pool here and there, taking long walks can be difficult, especially if it’s a breed prone to breathing problems. Dog owners have to take extra care in the summer months to ensure their pup stays cool and healthy, while also making sure they get enough exercise in. Here are some summertime tips to make sure your best (canine) friend stays happy, even when it’s hot out. Beat the Heat Dogs should never be left in your car if you’re out and about. If you must bring them with you on your errands, make sure that you have someone stay with them in the car (with the air conditioning on). Leaving a dog in a car in the heat for even a brief period of time can be extremely dangerous or even cause death. Be careful about how long your dog stays outside on especially warm days. Make sure they have enough shade and cool water, and remember that their paws can get burned on hot pavement (just like our feet!). Try to take your dogs for walks in the early morning or evening, or add a quick mid-day walk so that they get enough exercise, and schedule a dog walking service. In Ravenswood, pet owners enjoy being close to Lake Michigan, since they can bring their dogs to Montrose dog beach for a cool-down. Dodge Boredom Dogs can get bored if they’re stuck inside or they don’t get their usual long walks in the summer like they do in cooler months. Fight off doggie boredom by playing games like tug of war with them, teaching them new tricks, or taking them on more frequent, shorter walks. If you live on the north side of the city, and you work long hours during the day, a dog walking service in Ravenswood can help out with those shorter walks. Making sure your dog gets enough exercise and playtime in the summer can be tricky, but playing more games and making sure they stay cool when they are outside isn’t too difficult.