Tag Archives: dog grooming

Dog Care, General Care

Small Dog Care Tips

Dogs come in all shapes and sizes. We love all of our canine patients, from big, goofy St. Bernards to small, feisty Chihuahuas. While most pooches share some common traits—such as a love for snacks and belly rubs—little dogs do have some different care needs from their larger counterparts. Here, a local Georgetown, IN vet discusses caring for small dogs.

Training

Just because Fido is small, don’t assume that he doesn’t need training. Small dogs shouldn’t be allowed to get away with bad petiquette any more than bigger ones. In fact, many small dogs can get rather bossy. Some are even quite aggressive! Teach your canine buddy basic commands, like Sit, Stay, Come, Heel, and Lay Down. This is also important for safety reasons, so you can call your pet to you, or keep him from approaching dangerous areas or other animals.

Exercise

Making sure your pooch is getting enough activity is an important part of any good dog care routine. This is much easier with small breeds. Fido will still need the activity and stimulation of daily walks, but he also gets quite a workout in just running around the house on those little legs. Be careful not to over-exert your tiny pal. These guys get tired out quickly!

Products

When choosing toys and treats for your canine friend, make sure to always pick things that were made specifically for small dogs. Products made for bigger pooches are not safe or suitable for little pups. We also recommend using a harness, rather than a leash.

Grooming

Your furry pal’s grooming needs will depend on the type and length of his coat, so you’ll want to ask your vet for specific advice. That said, it’s worth noting that many little dogs often get tearstains. This may be because they are so close to the ground that they get a lot of dust in their eyes. Use a clean, wet washcloth or cotton ball to gently clean Fido’s face.

Safety

While some small dogs seem to see themselves as much bigger than they actually are, others are very timid, and are easily scared. You may want to teach Fido that you will pick him up if he puts a paw on your leg.

Please contact us, your local Georgetown, IN vet clinic, for your little dog’s veterinary care needs. We are always happy to help!

Dog Care, General Care

Clipping Your Dog’s Claws

Do your dog’s paws make a clicking noise when he walks? If so, Fido may need a peticure. While, as we all know, cats rather enjoy taking care of their nails, dogs need some help in this area. (Actually, Fluffy may be a bit too enthusiastic about her manicures, but that’s another topic.) Here, a Floyds Knob, IN vet discusses clipping your dog’s claws.

Dangers of Overgrown Claws

Keeping your dog’s nails clipped is very important! If Fido’s nails get too long, they’ll become quite uncomfortable for him, just as overgrown toenails are for people. Your pet may change his stride to lessen the discomfort, which will put additional stress on his bones and joints. Overgrown claws also make it more difficult for your pup to get good traction, especially on slippery surfaces.

Pawdicure Procedure

As you may know, if you cut Fido’s nails too close, you could cut the quick, which is where your pup’s nerves and blood vessels end. This can cause some bleeding, and is a bit painful. That said, while you do need to proceed with caution, giving your pup a pawdicure may be easier than you think. One good option is to get some clippers with sensors. These will indicate exactly where to cut. Regular clippers also work. If you’re using these, start by making thin cuts and checking the clippings. When you see a pale oval appear, stop cutting.

Precautions

We always advise our clients to err on the side of caution when it comes to pet care. Keep a styptic pen or styptic powder on hand when cutting Fido’s claws. If you do cut too close, this will stop any bleeding. You can also just call us to set up a quick nail trim!

Tips

Does Fido run and hide when he realizes it’s time for a pawdicure? Work on desensitizing your canine buddy, and getting him used to having his paws handled. Teach Fido that when he offers you his paw, he gets a yummy treat. Once your pooch has this figured out, start holding his paw for a moment. Handle his toes, and run the clippers over them. Then, give him a treat and let go. Your pup may soon decide he likes getting his nails done!

Do you need to schedule a nail trim for your dog? Contact us, your Floyds Knob, IN pet clinic, today!

Dog Care, General Care, General Health

The Benefits of Grooming Your Pooch

Grooming your dog is important, and not just for appearance’s sake (although it works well for that, too!). Here, your Floyds Knob, IN veterinarian tells you about five great benefits of regular grooming sessions with your canine companion.

Skin and Fur Health

Skin and fur health is as important a part of your dog’s well-being as any other aspect of his care. Regular brushing smooths tangles, removes grime from the skin surface, and keeps the fur and skin healthy. The occasional bath—using a canine-formulated shampoo recommended by your veterinarian, of course—is also helpful for great coat health.

Reduced Shedding

Brushing will do wonders for reducing your dog’s shedding. If you think your pooch is leaving an excessive amount of fur all over your home, daily brushing may the answer! Brushing traps loose and dead fur in the implement itself, removing it before it can get stuck in your carpets and furniture. Plus, the brush helps to spread natural skin oils throughout the coat, moisturizing it naturally and reducing shedding initially.

Allergy Control

Do you or members of your family suffer from allergies to pet hair or pet dander? A regular grooming routine may be a big part of the solution. Work closely with your veterinarian and doctor to see what works for you. Many allergy sufferers find success by having their pet groomed so that hair and dander aren’t as prevalent in the home.

Cleanliness

Of course, grooming works well to keep your pet grime-free and clean. Bathing is especially helpful in the event that your dog gets into something sticky or smelly. Both brushing and bathing work to combat pesky pet odors as well—if your home is starting to smell a little too much like Fido, regular brushing sessions and the occasional bath will go a long way toward restoring freshness.

Quality Bonding Time

As a dog owner, you’re well aware of the powerful relationship you share with your canine companion. Grooming sessions at home are a great way to strengthen and solidify that bond! Many dogs come to look forward to daily grooming simply because of the time it affords them with their owners.

Would you like a recommendation on a pet brush or a canine shampoo for your dog? Wondering about the specifics of your dog’s fur- and skin-health requirements? Make an appointment today at your Floyds Knob, IN animal hospital for professional 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.