Category: At Home Tips

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At Home Tips Buddy Knows

Buddy Knows: Dog Days of Summer

Summer is arguably the best season of the year, between vacations and a break from school for the kids, plus tons of opportunities to get out and enjoy some fresh air. If our pets could talk, they would probably agree, since they too enjoy getting out when the weather is nice. One thing about summer that isn’t so great, though, is the sticky, humid heat waves that our area is prone to (say hello to triple digits on your weather app). All of a sudden, that itch to get out is dulled into a desire to hide away where there’s A/C and shade.

Some pets might be content to stay inside with you until the heat passes, but others might still want to be outside even though opening the front door feels like opening an oven. It is times like these where, as responsible pet parents, we have to monitor our pets to keep them safe. Heatstroke is a very common condition in dogs and cats that sends too many of our furry friends to the emergency veterinarian every summer. With heatstroke, a dog or cat’s core body temperature is raised to levels that can ultimately put them at risk for organ failure and death. Fortunately, heatstroke is also easily preventable when certain precautions are taken.

  1. Limit outdoor time. Even if your dog or cat is begging to go outside and roam around the yard, it is important to make sure they do not stay outside for extended periods of time, particularly during midday when the sun is strongest. Supervise all outings and look for signs of overheating, such as excessive panting or lethargy. If you leave your pet unattended at any point, make sure they have access to shady spots away from direct sun and plenty of cool, clean drinking water. Encourage them to go outside in the early morning and late evening when temperatures are more favorable.
  2. Don’t overdo it with exercise. Your pup might be more than happy to go outside and play fetch with you regardless of temperature, but exertion in the heat puts your pet at greater risk of heatstroke. Once again, early morning and late evening are great opportunities for outdoor fun or walks around the block.
  3. Water, water, water. All pets should have continuous access to fresh drinking water no matter the season, but this is especially important when temperatures rise. Even when your pet is indoors, keep an eye on their water supply, as they might need to drink more than usual. If their water source is outside, you might need to change out the water frequently to keep it cool – and it is best to avoid placing their drinking water in direct sun.
  4. Know your pet. Some of our furry friends might have factors that make them more susceptible to heatstroke than other pets, such as medical conditions or extremely thick coats. What works for your neighbor’s pet might not work for your own, so pay attention to your pet’s signals and, if in doubt, check with your vet about what is safe for your little buddy.

Summer days are upon us and we hope this post helps you and your four-legged family members get out, keep cool, and have fun!

The Yappie Cuttery Team

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At Home Tips Grooming

Ear Cleaning Dos and Don’ts

Ear cleaning is a routine step taken by groomers during the grooming process to keep your pet comfortable and healthy. Dirty ears not only smell bad, but they can develop into ear infections if left untreated. If you would like to keep up with your pet’s ear health in between groomings and vet visits, here are some helpful tips to get you started.

First, there are certain things that are best left to the professionals, meaning you should NOT attempt them on your own. Ear plucking, for example, is best left to your groomer. Many breeds have hair that grows inside the ear, and this hair is removed to better allow air circulation inside the ear, and to promote the ears’ natural drainage process. Improper plucking puts your pet at risk for painful irritation and infection.

Also, make sure you are using the proper tools. Q tips are not recommended because it is easy to inadvertently pack dirt and wax deeper into the ear canal, causing buildup and infection. Furthermore, as with human ear cleaning, it is very tempting to go “digging for gold” with a Q tip, and if you have ever hurt yourself by going into your own ear too deep with one, you will understand why it is best to avoid putting your pet at risk for the same problem.

Instead, simply use a regular cotton ball moistened with your preferred brand of over-the-counter pet ear cleaner. Do not saturate the cotton ball, as the excess liquid will drip into your pet’s ears and pool at the bottom of the ear canal. Not only is the added moisture just begging for an infection, but it will cause your pet to shake his/her head to relieve the discomfort. The shaking, if done too much and too hard, can actually damage the outer flap of your pet’s ear!

As far as what part of the ear to clean, stick with the parts that you can readily see. The key is not shoving the cotton ball into the ear canal; wipe away dirt and wax on the ear flap and the outer opening of the canal, but do not try pushing into the canal itself.

Most pets don’t mind getting their ears cleaned. However, if you find that it is too much for you at home and your pet doesn’t need to be groomed very often, ask your groomer if you can come in just for an ear cleaning so they can take care of it for you.

The Yappie Cuttery Team

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At Home Tips Buddy Knows

Buddy Knows: Winter Tips for Your Pet

Well, it is that time of year! December is upon us and cold, snowy weather is soon to come. While lower temperatures mean cozy hot-chocolate-by-the-fire days and snow ball fights, it also means that, as pet owners, we have to start taking precautions to protect our pets from the harsh climate. Below are some tips for creating a comfortable winter environment for your pets.

Tip #1: Keep them hydrated. Winter air is dry, and so is the heated interior air of your home. Dryer air means your pets might get dehydrated more easily, so make sure they have constant access to plenty of water (which they should have anyway no matter what time of year). You can also try using a humidifier to add moisture back into the air.

Tip #2: Do not overdress them. We all love seeing pets strutting around in adorable sweaters, botties, and hats – but clothing might not be in their best interest. A dog’s body temperature is usually between 101 – 102 degrees Fahrenheit. If your pets are in heavy layers, especially during exercise, it is very easy for them to overheat. If you do dress them up, make sure you are monitoring their body temperature. Remember, they are born with a built in coat!

Tip #3: Add some fat to their diets. Like we mentioned earlier, the dry winter air causes dehydration, which can manifest as itchy, flaky skin. Try giving them 1-2 tablespoons (depending on their size) per day of bacon fat drizzled on top of their regular food to stimulate oil production in their skin. Stop adding the fat once their skin and coat looks back to normal – too much can make them greasy!

Tip #4: Keep walking! A lot of people get concerned about their pets being outside in the frigid temperatures, and it is a good thing to not let them stay out for prolonged periods. However, it is important to make sure your pets are still being walked adequately enough to have healthy bowel movements and to urinate. Pets that are rushed inside or given fewer opportunities throughout the day to go outside might end up constipated or with a urinary tract infection from holding everything in too long. Housetrained pets might start breaking their housetraining, or might start their business outside but finish inside.

Tip #5: Wipe their feet. Salt is great to prevent us all from slipping around like clumsy penguins, but on a dog’s bare feet, it can cause irritation and chemical burns. When your pets come inside from a winter romp, take a minute to wipe their feet off to remove the salt.

Following these tips should help you and your pets enjoy the winter season in comfort.

The Yappie Cuttery Team

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At Home Tips Buddy Knows

Buddy Knows: Holiday Pet Safety

The holidays are bound to be a little different for all of us this year, given the COVID-19 situation. But, in the end, most of us will probably still cook special foods and decorate our homes like we do every year because… tradition! So, just because the family gatherings might be smaller, don’t let your guard down about keeping your pet safe during Thanksgiving and Christmas.

We absolutely believe your pet should be a part of the festivities, but common foods and objects can be hazardous to his or her health. Make sure your garbage cans are sealed and your countertops are never left unattended so your pet doesn’t get a hold of things like chicken or turkey bones, corn cobs, raisins, chocolate, macadamia nuts, and garlic. Meat bones are a serious concern because they can splinter inside your pet’s intestines and cause lacerations or blockages. Corn cobs can similarly block up the intestines. The other items in our list are either toxic or can cause severe intestinal upset for your pet. There are many other foods not mentioned here that can be a problem for your pet, so it is best practice to avoid giving your pet any table scraps, and if you do, make sure you know beforehand that the food is not harmful.

Pets might also be tempted to munch on things we would not consider appetizing, such as mistletoe, lilies, holly, and poinsettias. When you deck the halls for Christmas, make sure your live plants are well out of reach of curious mouths, or better yet – swap live plants out for fake ones. Fake plants are not only safer for your pet, but they last longer and can be reused for many years to come.

For both Thanksgiving and Christmas, you might have a slew of cute ornaments, wreaths, and doodads around your home. A lot of holiday decorations have small pieces that can present a choking hazard for your pet, so pay close attention to what you put where. Tuck electrical wires away, and be careful with wire hooks used for tree ornaments. Glass ornaments might shatter and cut your pet’s feet if they fall off the tree because someone (ahem, cats) knocks them off. Also, it might be best to skip the tinsel, as too much of that being ingested can present yet another intestinal blockage hazard.

Lastly, if you are having guests over, make sure all of them are on the same page with your house rules regarding your pet. Lots of people give in to those puppy eyes and cute begging strategies, so make it clear that your pet is not to receive any table scraps. Also ensure that any children coming over are attended at all times so food and/or shiny, colorful decorations don’t end up in their curious hands and, from there, in your pet’s mouth.

Have a wonderful and safe holiday season with your family.

The Yappie Cuttery Team

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At Home Tips Buddy Knows

Buddy Knows: Fall Pet Allergies

Fall is arguably the best season of the year, for people and pets alike. The crisp, cool weather is perfect for taking long walks, and you might notice that your pet has more energy than usual as he/she takes in all the fresh earthy smells. And of course there is Halloween, which gives us all the opportunity to make our pets look absolutely adorable in creative costumes (keep them away from the candy!).

Just make sure that while you are enjoying the season, you continue to monitor your pet’s health for concerns that are frequently brought on by the weather change. Remember those long walks we mentioned earlier? Your dog is going to have his/her nose to the ground almost constantly to get a whiff of those delightful fall fragrances. Most of what he/she will be snuffling is decomposing leaves and other plant matter that harbor mold and mildew. Mold and mildew, in turn, lead to allergies. To make matters worse, on a blustery day the mold and other allergens get picked up and and blown around, making it easier for your dog to come in contact with them.

Many symptoms of pet allergies are similar to allergy symptoms in humans. Your pet might sound “stuffed up” or have sneezing fits. He/she might cough or experience nasal discharge. Almost without exception, though, your pet will be itchy and have some skin irritation. Dogs with allergies will scratch constantly, often chewing at their feet and legs. The skin might even appear visibly irritated, especially as too much scratching leads to red, inflamed hot spots.

If you think your pet has allergies, don’t panic. There are some home remedies you can try to alleviate your pet’s symptoms. Just remember that if symptoms persist or get worse, consult your veterinarian for treatment options. Do not medicate your pet with Benadryl unless directed by a vet, as it is often difficult to determine the correct dosage on your own.

For itchy, irritated skin, nothing is better than an oatmeal bath. There are a slew of product options out there, so pick a brand you like and suds it up. Oatmeal shampoos are famous for their soothing properties, and your pet will be grateful for the relief it provides.

If your pet has developed hot spots, you might need a little bit more than an oatmeal shampoo bath to ease symptoms. The issue with hot spots is that not only are they itchy, but they are also a spot your pet frequently targets with chewing. So not only do you need to stop the itching, you mainly need to convince your pet to leave the area alone to heal. Try applying aloe vera or Bactine spray to the hot spot – these products soothe and reduce pain, and also taste rather unpleasant, so your pet will not want to chew the area anymore.

Don’t let allergies stop your pet from having fun this fall. Get out there and enjoy the weather while it lasts – winter is just around the corner!

The Yappie Cuttery Team