Clean-Up Hacks to Keep Your Dog's Best Face Forward

(photo credit: wedmoments.com / shutterstock.com)I have Schnoodles, and for those with bearded dogs, ‘nuff said, right?I mean those iconic little beards are adorable but they’re also a catch-all for errant bits of kibble, drying chunks of once-wet food, burrs, twigs… you get the picture.And while my furry threesome doesn’t always require a full body bath, those faces most definitely need a little extra care. And we’re talking daily extra care. From runny eyes that stain and crust to stinky ears, burred chins, the aforementioned beards and of course everyone’s favorite maintenance issue – teeth.Taking a few minutes each day to tackle the Big 5 – ears, face, beard, eyes and teeth – not only keeps your pet looking their best but allows you to spot any problem areas and stave off heavy matting and staining early on in the game. Now, we’re not talking about grooming or cutting your pet’s overgrowth of fur, just cleaning it up. And if you live with a Yorkie, Schnauzer, Poodle, Maltese, Bichon Frise, or any other breed with longer facial hair, read on.

Hurricane Katrina Became the Catalyst for Better Emergency Planning

The resistance of residents to leave their pets behind created a whirlwind of acts designed to help pets and their parents weather these types of natural disasters.

Does it Ever Make Sense to Shave Your Cat?

(photo credit: Santi Nanta / shutterstock.com)While pet groomers abound and grooming cats is not uncommon these days, actually shaving a feline right down to its bare skin is not considered the way to go when trying to rid wee FiFi of matting fur or an overly thick coat. Only if absolutely necessary – such as when treating skin ailments or after a surgery – should it be done. And at that time, only a professional groomer /veterinarian should be present, and shaving should only happen in the area immediately surrounding the incision or affected skin.Why is Shaving Your Cat a Big “No”?I mean, relieving your long-haired feline of that heavy fur coat during a summer heat wave has to be something she’ll appreciate, right? Actually, no, she won’t. Even though we may consider it a kindness to shave cats down to a soft, fuzzy peach finish during particularly hot weather, doing so has the opposite effect of helping her stay cool. A feline’s fur helps to not only regulate her body temperature but also protects her from sunburn as well as the elements – such as bug bites, thorns or burrs, and other animals who may try to bite or scratch. And for finicky felines who don’t always appreciate being touched without permission, the loss of her protective coat can result in anxiety, outbursts, and mood swings.Now, you might be wondering how it’s okay for a Sphynx cat to go without fur when yours cannot, and the truth is, owners of those breeds of hairless cat already accept that their pet cannot go outside. It leaves the cat vulnerable to sunburn, skin cancer, and injury. Therefore, staying indoors is this feline’s way of life or exploring the outdoors in very short timeframes while on a leash with the owner in tow, and proper sun protection. No backyard excursions for this kitty!What You Can Do in Place of Shaving

7-7-7 Rule for Puppies is a Sleep Saver for Pet Parents

Want to know how to get your little guy to sleep through the night? Use this quick guideline to help familiarize him with his new surroundings.

Are Agility Competitions in Your Dog's Future?

Think your little buddy has what it takes to compete with the best? Here's how you get started.

Adding a Degu to the Family? Let's Get You Properly Set Up!

Top Veterinary Schools Teach Students How to Spot and Report Abuse

Universities in Ontario and Florida focus on animal forensics, identifying the signs of abuse and how to provide expert legal testimony when the time comes.

Pet Passports Are a Real Thing!

If you plan to travel outside of North America with your best buddy, this super-convenient travel document eliminates any roadbumps.

Is a Degu a Good Pet for Children?

Furry, cuddly, fun... and you don't have to walk them. What could be easier?

Gassy Dogs Go Viral on Social Media... But No So Funny to Live With

(photo credit: kukurund / shutterstock.com)Okay, I agree those gassy dog videos on sites like Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok can be pretty funny to watch. And clearly, the pet owner finds their dog’s flatulence to have a certain entertainment value, hence their determination to wait, watch, record and then post the big event. Viewers love it… so what’s the problem?While those noisy outbursts are to be expected from time to time with any pooch, it should be a bit more of a concern if your dog’s gassiness can empty a room on a regular basis. In fact, it might require you to consider changing up his lifestyle. While he will no longer be that frequent-tooting media sensation, he may be healthier and a heck of a lot more comfortable.Identify the Cause / Eliminate the GassinessNow, you may be surprised to learn that a dog will typically pass gas between 15 and 20 times a day. For the most part, it’s silent and odorless, with only the odd one actually making it to Insta-worthy status. But if you find his flatulence is chronic and more “pronounced,” it may be time to explore potential causes and solutions, particularly if this is a new behavior that’s taking place more frequently versus just once or twice every few days.Potential causes of heavy flatulence (meaning it’s frequent, audible and seriously smelly) can include any or all of the following:

Dog with Grapefruit-Sized Tumour Gets Help From UK Rescue

Charity urges other pet owners to seek out treatment and financial support rather than ignoring medical issues.

Dog Lost in the Woods? Here's How to Find Him Quickly!

(photo credit: StockPhotoArt / shutterstock.com)Don’t you love the heartwarming stories of dogs that are found after being lost for days, weeks, months and even years? Or the ones that travel hundreds of miles to make it home to their families? While they’re definitely upbeat, feel-good stories, make no mistake, I’m determined to avoid ever having to experience the anxious waiting and worry that those pet parents would have had to endure. And unlike losing a dog in a populated, urban area, having them go missing when away from home or worse, in the wild, takes on a whole new sense of urgency.My guess is that many pet owners would be hard-pressed to say their pooch had the survival instincts needed to get through more than a few days without food, water, shelter, and warmth. Not to mention having the innate skills needed to evade predatory wildlife.So, when you’re in the great outdoors, keeping your dog visible and/or within calling range is important, but equally so is knowing how to quickly track him down when he takes off and isn’t responding to your calls.PreventionAccording to the American Kennel Club (AKC), the first step in safeguarding your pet from becoming lost is to prevent it from ever happening, and that includes:- microchipping- using GPS collars- training- leashing or securingWhile micro-chipping is a no-brainer in an urban environment where a good Samaritan can find your little buddy and take them to a local vet or animal services for scanning, it’s not an option when you’re in a heavily rural or wilderness area.