Tag Archives: bathing your dog

Behavior, Dog Care, General Care

Fido’s Pet Peeves

Fido’s cute face, adorable antics, love, and loyalty have earned him a special place in our hearts, and made him part of the family. While every dog is different, there are some things that our canine pals have in common, including some very specific pet peeves. Below, a Floyds Knob, IN vet lists some things your furry buddy doesn’t like.

Hugs

Fido may not mind hugs from his owners: in fact, many of our furry friends love to cuddle with their human friends. However, dogs often become uneasy when strangers hug them. This is because hugs translate into a sign of dominance in doggy body language.

Shouting

We really can’t blame Fido for this one: after all, no one likes getting yelled at. Never shout at your pet, even if you’re reprimanding him. Dogs don’t understand the concept of punishment, so your furry pal won’t understand why you’re angry. Use positive reinforcement instead, and focus on rewarding your pup for doing well. If your pooch has a specific behavioral problem, ask your vet or a professional dog behaviorist for advice.

Being Lonely

Dogs are pack animals by nature. In the wild, Fido would rarely be alone. Our canine buddies can feel sad, lonely, and depressed if they are left alone too much. Spend plenty of time with your four-legged friend: it will be good for both of you!

Staring

We know, Fido likes to look you right in the eye, especially when he’s hoping that you’ll share your cheeseburger. But you should never stare a strange pooch in the eye; dogs see this as a signal of aggression.

Baths

No surprises here: many of our canine friends run and hide when they hear the dreaded B-word. But even if Fido hates being bathed, proper grooming is important to his health and well-being!

Change

Dogs thrive in a stable environment, with a consistent schedule. While Fido may love going for adventures, an afternoon in the park is a far cry from a major life change. Getting a new roommate (human or furry); moving; changing owners; or losing a friend can be very traumatic for Man’s Best Friend! If you and your pup are experiencing a big change, pay extra attention to your four-legged pal.

Is your canine buddy due for a trip to the vet? Contact us! As your Floyds Knob, IN animal clinic, we’re here to help.

Dog Care, General Care, General Health

Is Your Dog’s Shedding Becoming Excessive?

Shedding is a natural part of life for most dogs, but an excessive degree of shedding isn’t normal. If you’ve noticed an increase in the amount of dog hair on your furniture and in your carpets, use these tips from your Floyds Knob, IN veterinarian to address the issue.

See Your Veterinarian

Before doing anything, make an appointment to see your veterinarian. Various medical issues could be linked to your dog’s excessive shedding, including parasites, allergies, infection, and many more. This is especially likely if it seems as though your dog’s shedding amount has increased dramatically in the course of a few days or weeks. Your vet can tell you if anything is amiss; even if it isn’t, you can move on to other options without worrying about your dog’s health.

Provide a Great Diet

What goes into your dog is very important for how he or she looks on the outside. A proper diet is essential for great skin and fur health; ensure that you’re feeding your canine companion a nutritionally balanced, high-quality dog food that is appropriate for his or her age, breed, weight, and overall body condition. A senior dog, for instance, needs quite different food than a puppy. If you’d like a recommendation on what to feed your pooch, call your vet’s office.

Brush

Daily brushing sessions can do wonders to cut down on the amount of fur that your dog sheds, thereby preventing it from winding up on your carpets and living room chairs. Use a dog-specific brush and run it through your dog’s coat every day. This will remove loose and dead fur, smooth out tangles, and moisturize the fur with essential skin oils. Of course, it will also keep your dog looking and feeling like a million bucks!

Bathe

The occasional bath can also be useful to remove loose fur, keep your dog smelling fresh, and have them look their best. Use a canine-formulated shampoo—available at vets’ offices, pet supply shops, and some retail outlets—as human shampoo may be too strong for your pooch’s sensitive skin. Be careful not to over-bathe, though, as bathing too frequently can actually backfire and dry out the skin, leading to more shedding instead of less.

Would you like recommendations on a great pet brush or dog shampoo for your canine companion? Want more advice on reducing your dog’s shedding? Contact your Floyds Knob, IN vet.