Search Results for: blog grooming aids

How Do Ionic Brushes Work?

Have you seen ads for ionic brushes for pets? They don’t just brush the fur — they can also help reduce pet smells. So how do they work? Ionic brushes break down water molecules in your pet’s coat and release safe levels of ozone into the air. This helps neutralize pet smells. The advantages of an ionic brush: An ionic brush can be used instead of a full bath. Sure, sometimes a bath is necessary, but regular brushing with an ionic brush can help keep pet odors at a minimum. Brushing your pet is a great way to bond! You … Continue reading →

Another Shedding Season is Upon Us!

Although domestication has changed many automatic behaviors in pets, it hasn’t quite gotten rid of the hair problem. Spring and fall, many pet owners find themselves wading through a river of fur as old coats call out and new ones grow in. My parents joke that their long-haired chow mix Becca leaves tumbleweeds of shedded hair in the hallways. Shedding can be a much bigger hassle with a pet with long hair! But it’s no picnic with short haired dogs like Moose and Lally, either. Moose tends to shed all year… at least a little. It gets more noticeable in … Continue reading →

Hot Spots: Treatment and Prevention

If your dog has a circular, red, weeping sore — it may be a hot spot! Treating a hot spot isn’t just about dealing with the wound; you also have to take a look at the cause and work to prevent the hot spot from coming back. You can try to treat a hot spot at home without calling the vet, but an office visit and a course of antibiotics may be necessary to clear things up entirely. Try this at home: Trim the hair away from the sore to prevent matting, help stop the infection from spreading, and expose … Continue reading →

How to Keep Pup Smelling Fresh After the Bath

In How to Bathe a Dog That Hates Baths, I shared the ways I go about cleaning my anti-bath taking dog, Murphy. Now I’m going to share some ways that I’ve found to keep him smelling fresh afterwards. No Rolling in Stinky Stuff! Okay, this is more tongue-in-cheek than serious. Obviously, once clean who isn’t a little more vigilant about making sure pup doesn’t go rolling amuck once more? (Or rolling in muck, as the case may be.) Deodorants They’re not just for people anymore! Actually, I didn’t even know they made them for pets until a kennel owner shared … Continue reading →

Dog Breed: Akita

In Japan, seven breeds of dog are designated National Monuments. The Akita is one of them. At one time, only the Imperial family and ruling aristocracy could own an Akita; special leashes signified the rank and standing of the Akita’s owner. These days, the dog is an affectionate family member all around the world! The Akita comes from the mountains of northern Japan, and was bred to be intelligent and adaptable for hunting. This breed has a spiritual significance in Japan; they are regarded as loyal companions, protectors of the home, and a symbol of good health. When a child … Continue reading →

Dog Quirks: The Funny Little Things They Do

Murphy (with Mr. Meow’s help) digging in the snow… I got to thinking this morning what a funny dog Murphy has been when he started running all over the place like a wild maniac because he was so happy. (It was cold, something he loves, and he’d found a “treasure” on our walk to bring home, a stick, so he started his morning off right. That’s a lot to celebrate!) All of my dogs have exhibited this wild abandon where they race here and there at top speed in wild-eyed glee. I don’t know what it’s technically called, but I … Continue reading →