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Pet Hack Of The Week: Grooming Pet Nails With Ease

Christina Raymond
by Christina Raymond
Published:  September 28th, 2016
As pet parents, we can all agree that it can be a real struggle grooming pet nails at home using traditional clippers or scissors. Repurposing a Dremel rotary tool may just be the trick to grooming pet nails you’ve been looking for.


The pressure that traditional grooming tools apply to your pet’s nail can be uncomfortable. It’s no wonder your dog or cat will fight with you as you’re trying to trim — seriously, the whole ordeal is like nails on a blackboard. The alternatives to trimming your pet nails at home can be both costly and painful. Whether it’s constant appointments with the vet or groomers to have their nails clipped, or ignoring the problem and getting covered in scratches, or the irritation caused by endless clicking on the floor — one thing’s for certain, you need to maintain your pet’s nails.


A traditional Dremel rotary tool has a plethora of uses around the home and office. With a variety of available attachments, Dremels can be used for engraving, cutting, etching, routing, grinding, polishing, and sanding. So why not take its smooth and quick sanding abilities and apply them to grooming pet nails for a mani and pedi that’s pressure free and comfortable for your pet?


Dremel has even caught on to the use of its traditional tool for pet nail grooming, and now offers its own pet specific model. If you already have a Dremel rotary tool at home, we suggest giving that a try with a sanding band and following the simple instructions provided in the video below for fast and easy at home nail grooming.

In our pet parent community, we occasionally share products we think you might find useful. Some of these items are available to purchase through affiliate partnerships, so we may earn revenue from products you buy. But don’t feel pressured to buy anything – we’re still cool.

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Christina Raymond
Christina Raymond

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SuperZoo 2018: HandsOn’s SoftGloves Wave Good-Bye To Shedding

Looking for a pair of grooming gloves that takes care of shed like a dream? Look no further, as we’ve found them in HandsOn Gloves here at SuperZoo. One of the neatest things about product expos is just walking around and checking stuff out. It’s awesome to be able to really see and touch the products we learn about and learn to love, and we admit–we’re suckers for soft things. Which is why HandsOn Soft Gloves caught our eye! They are a super bright purple and they just look totally touchable. That’s because they have these super soft nodules on the fingers and palms that are just calling for you to put to your pet’s (or your!) skin. The thing is though, soft as they are, they are made out of a tough nitrile and nylon fabric of durable PVC like HandsOn’s original gloves but these babies are lighter weight with the soft and comfy nubs. Related: Recent Deaths Spur New Jersey Lawmakers To Regulate Pet Grooming Industry They’re the perfect gloves for grooming, getting rid of excess fur on the coat of cats, dogs and horses and even using as bathing mitts. Too many think the only way to effectively groom is to use curry combs or metal brushes, and frankly, those can be painful and stress your pet (and you!) out. The SoftGloves line will join other award-winning HandsOn Gloves as the newest and most comfortable grooming gloves on the market. They will be perfect for pets who have sensitive skin, as the materials they are made of are completely hypoallergenic. They’ll join the original black line of HandsOn Gloves that launched in 2015 and the Green gloves which launched in 2017 and will come in Junior, Small, Medium, Large and Extra Large Sizes. Related: Pet Hack Of The Week: Grooming Pet Nails With Ease Mostly, they’ll help your pet enjoy getting a good de-shedding or rub down, and if you’re like me, with tumbleweeds all over from hair, you’ll love how these babies help make that less an issue and more a situation your dog begs you for. Yes, your dog may love them so much she’ll bring them to you for a rub-down. Go get them, and get ready!

Jennifer Aniston Launches Fund to Help Animal Rescues

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Scientists Record Cat Brain Activity with Crocheted Hats

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Meet Finn, the Giant Cat Who is The Size of a 9-Year-Old Child!

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New York State Bans Sale of Dogs, Cats, and Rabbits

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Can Dogs Get Harvest Mites?

Harvest mites, also known as chiggers or red bugs, are tiny parasitic mites that feed on the skin of various animals - including dogs. That’s right - dogs can get harvest mites too. These tiny pests are common in warm and dry climates and are active during the late summer and early fall. It is because of this that they are called “harvest” mites. But don’t be fooled by their tiny size – these mites can cause significant discomfort to dogs, mostly due to the irritation that their bites can cause.What Are Harvest Mites? Are They Dangerous for Dogs?Belonging to the Trombiculidae family, harvest mites are this subclade’s larvae. They are almost microscopic, measuring only about 0.2 mm in size. These mites are bright orange or red, which makes them slightly easier to spot on a dog’s skin, though their small size still makes them difficult to detect. They tend to live in grassy or wooded areas and attach themselves to dogs, humans, or other animals when they come into contact with the vegetation where the mites live.Now, once a harvest mite attaches itself to a dog’s skin, they will inject saliva into it in order to break down the cells which they consume. Unlike fleas or ticks, which feed on blood, these mites feed on skin cells. It is this process that causes an intense allergic reaction in dogs, leading to inflammation and itching. The dog may develop red, raised bumps or welts at the bite sites, typically in areas where the skin is thinner, such as the paws, belly, ears, or armpits.Your furry friend might scratch or bite the affected area, in hopes of easing the irritation. But this can potentially cause further skin damage or further infections. While harvest mites do not burrow into the skin, their bites can remain itchy and uncomfortable for several days, even after the mites are detached and gone.Symptoms of Harvest Mites in DogsIt is important to note that intense itching and irritation are not the only symptoms of harvest mite bites. If a dog is repeatedly scratching or licking at a particular area, this could indicate the presence of harvest mites, so know what signs to look out for.Red bumps and welts will often appear on the dog’s paws, belly, ears, or between their toes.Itching that is caused by harvest mites can be intense, and if your pet is vigorously scratching this is a classic indicator.In some cases, dogs may lose fur around the affected area due to excessive scratching.Constant scratching or biting may lead to crusty patches or open wounds. This is one of the more advanced signs.Of course, you need to make sure that harvest mite infestation is treated as soon as possible. This typically involves relieving the itching and removing any remaining mites. Of course, you need to seek the help of a vet, who will prescribe the proper treatment for your pet's unique case.

New Research Claims That You Can “Connect” Your Brain With Your Pet’s

A team of Chinese researchers is coming forward with some really exciting claims in the field of biology. Even though it might sound unreal, their latest study suggests that when you look at your dog – or into their eyes – you can actually synchronize your brains. This complex research was undertaken in China, where they say that “neural coupling” between two different species was witnessed for the first time in history. This process happens when the brain activity of two or more individuals aligns during an interaction. In some ways, amongst humans, this is often the response to a gripping story in a conversation.Before this, neural coupling had only been seen in two members of the same species. Most commonly it was observed in humans and other primates, but also in mice and bats. Scientists agree that this “linking of brains” is likely important for shaping responses during social encounters. It is said that such behavior cannot occur in isolation and is thus essential for enhancing same-species cooperation.So, with these new surprising results, many questions pop up. For one, is the relationship between dogs and humans as simple as we previously thought? Or can we coexist on a much deeper level?After all, one of the very first animals that humans domesticated in history was the dog. That counts for a whole lot of shared history, numbering in hundreds of thousands of years. This means that dogs are much more than pet companions. Instead, they have a shared place in our society and history, and many uses that are vital to our existence, even today. All of this means that dogs have developed a set of intriguing skills throughout those centuries, including the ability to accurately understand our emotions. Using special equipment and processes, such as non-invasive electroencephalography (EEG), researchers in China were able to observe the neural signals transmitted from a beagle dog and a human, in a shared interaction. Much to their surprise, when dogs and humans would gaze into each other’s eyes, and when dogs were stroked in the process, their brain signals would synchronize. And the brain patterns associated with attention were suddenly matched in both human and dog.And as the participants got to know each other, the brain patterns only got stronger and more accurate. This means that the depth of the relationship between man and dog is very important for synchronization. Of course, it is well known that dogs are able to form strong relationships, especially with humans. This could be just one of the many ways that they do this – that we know of, that is!

Some NY Hospitals Permit ESAs to Visit Their Owners After They Give

Some hospitals in New York are allowing patients’ dogs to be present and offer support to their owners after they give birth. The Northwell Health hospitals, which are the largest health system in New York, allow pregnant women to bring their emotional support dogs to the postpartum unit. Lisa Schavrein, the nurse navigator in OBGYN at Northwell Lenox Hill Hospital who helps arrange these visits, told the People: “We have a 40-week lead time before our patients walk through the door. So there should be nothing about you that we’re not prepared for. Anything that requires an extra level of care comes through me.”This gives pregnant women with anxiety or depression an opportunity to have their emotional support dog present for one of the most important moments in their lives. “Having a baby at baseline causes anxiety with or without a pre-existing condition, so if you use an emotional support animal to calm you and you want them to help, to me it’s a no-brainer,” said Schavrein. Patients interested in bringing their emotional support dog into a postpartum unit must follow some rules, though. Women planning to give birth at the Lenox Hill Hospital must provide their dog’s emotional support paperwork before their due date so the nurse navigator can arrange everything. This usually involves notifying the hospital’s security team and staff in advance so that they are prepared for the arrival of the emotional support animal.Additionally, to come into the hospital, the emotional support dog must be hypoallergenic so it won’t affect other patients. A patient’s family member or a friend must be present while the dog is staying in the hospital, so there is someone to take the pup out for bathroom breaks. Emotional support animals aren’t allowed in the hospital labor and delivery units to ensure the safety of all patients and the staff. Instead, the dog is taken straight to visit their owner in the postpartum unit. “It’s a huge comfort to them,” said Schavrein. “Some people don’t even end up having their animals come. They are just comforted to know that they can bring their emotional support animal if they need it.”Natalie Reyes Bursky and her husband, Ryan Bursky, experienced first-hand how much comfort an emotional support dog can offer in this situation. Natalie gave birth at the Lenox Hill Hospital in 2023 and had her emotional support dog Magita, visit her at the postpartum unit shortly after delivery.Natalie had Magita long before she got married and became pregnant. The two crossed paths in 2011 in Chile, while Magita was just a puppy. Three years later Magita become Natali’s emotional support animal. Natalie, who struggled with depression and anxiety for years, finds Magita’s calm demeanor soothing and that’s one of the reasons she brings her pooch with her everywhere. So, when Natalie and Ryan learned that Magita could visit them at the Lenox Hill Hospital postpartum unit, they jumped at the opportunity to arrange their dog’s visit with Schavrein.The couple was sure that Magita’s presence would provide comfort and stability to Natalie in the hours after birth, especially since Magita was trained to be a hospital therapy dog. However, they couldn’t imagine how vital the dog’s presence would be.After experiencing a very sudden and intense labor, Natalie was extremely grateful for Magia’s ability to bring a sense of serenity and comfort. “I didn’t have my baby at that point. He was in the NICU. I couldn’t move or get up, but my dog was there and she provided comfort,” said Natalie. “It was incredible. She got to lie on a blanket right next to me.” “I would recommend this for somebody who has struggled with their mental health, especially as it's becoming less stigmatized to talk openly about mental health. It meant the world to me to be able to have Magita there,” added Natalie. Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

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How to Train a Dog To Wear a Halloween Costume?

Spooky season is upon us, and that means trick-or-treating, creepy decorations, cozy vibes, and, of course, scary Halloween costumes. Now, if you are a dog owner, you would naturally want your pet to wear a costume as well – ideally a one to match your own. And while this sounds quite fun, it can be difficult to get your furry friend to actually wear one. There are some dogs who are comfortable with getting dressed up, but many simply dread that idea. So how exactly can you train your dog to wear Halloween costumes if they’re not too keen on it? Here are a few tips to make trick or treating a stress-free and easy experience.How to Train a Dog To Wear a Halloween CostumeNaturally, the first and foremost step is choosing the costume. But keep in mind - it has to be the right costume. You need to consider your pet’s size, breed, and mobility before you make a choice. Tight and uncomfortable costumes simply won’t do and will cause more trouble than needed. If your pet is not a fan of dressing up, go for lightweight and simple Halloween costumes that are made from breathable and safe materials. Any unnecessary parts and tidbits that could irritate and confuse your pet need to be avoided. Of course, this also means that you need to get the right size. It is good to take some measurements of your dog before you make the purchase. 

Can Dogs Get Hiccups?

Nobody likes hiccups, least of all dogs! That’s right – dogs can get hiccups just like humans. Those pesky little rhythmic contractions of the diaphragm can go on forever, producing that classic “hic” sound and annoying everyone, starting with the one who is hiccuping, even when it’s your pooch. If you are surprised to learn that dogs can get hiccups, read on to find out what causes it and how to stop it.Why Do Dogs Get Hiccups?Hiccups are not a serious issue and they occur in dogs for the same reasons they appear in humans. They are brought about by an involuntary spasm of the diaphragm muscle. This is immediately followed by a sudden closure of the vocal cords, resulting in the classic hiccup sound. But still, there are several reasons why these spasms might occur. Here are just a few:Eating too quickly:If your pet consumes water or food very quickly, they might swallow air as well. The excess air can irritate the diaphragm and result in hiccups.Too much excitement or stress:When a dog is nervous, too excited, or in a stressful situation, they can also hiccup. This most often occurs in puppies, who are generally much more excitable than adult dogs. Digestive upset:Dogs are voracious eaters and won’t be picky about their food. Sometimes, however, they can have digestive issues such as indigestion and gas. This then irritates the diaphragm, leading to hiccups. This is the most common occurrence, and results from the dog eating something that doesn’t really agree with their stomach – if you have an indiscriminate eater in your household, it pays to have activated charcoal on hand to ease their tummy troubles.

World's Tallest Dog, Kevin, Dies Unexpectedly at Age Three

The world’s tallest male dog, Kevin, has died unexpectedly just days after his record-breaking accomplishment was announced to the world. According to a statement issued by the Guinness World Records, the gentle giant, who was only three years old, passed away after falling ill and undergoing an unexpected surgery. In March, Guinness World Records officially recognized Kevin as the world’s tallest living male dog.“Our whole family is devastated about Kevin. He was just the best giant boy,” said Kevin’s owner, Tracy Wolfe, in a statement. “We are so glad that he was able to break the record and have that light on him. He absolutely adored the attention. I wish these giant breeds, and all dogs, could live longer than they do. It’s never enough time.” Kevin secured his record after measuring 3ft 2in (0.97 meters) tall from his feet to his withers, or the ridge between the shoulder blades. However, when he stood up on his hind legs, Kevin was around 7ft tall, which is a foot taller than the average American man.The gentle giant got the title of the world’s tallest living male dog after the crown remained unclaimed for six months following the death of another American Great Dane. The previous record holder, Zeus, was 3ft 5.18in (1.046 meters) tall. Zeus had his right front leg amputated while battling bone cancer. Like Kevin, Zeus was only three years old when he suddenly died after developing a severe case of pneumonia. Just a few weeks ago, Guinness World Records published an interview with Kevin’s family, about how their pooch would act like he was clueless about his size. Wolfes described Kevin as a “gentle giant” who loved nothing more than snoozing on the sofa.“Kevin’s favorite activity is probably taking naps. Holding the couch down is his favorite pastime, I think,” said Tracy Wolfe. “Kevin is funny, and he is super duper friendly. In fact, overly friendly. You don’t want to keep your mouth open too much when he’s around,” she added. Named after the leading character in the Home Alone film series, Kevin was petrified of the vacuum cleaner. “He won’t let it come within six feet of him,” said Tracy adding that he would jump and run away from it. Many cats and dogs are terrified of vacuum cleaners because of the loud noises they produce. But Kevin’s fear of the vacuum cleaner was comical, considering how he towered over most things around him and was often mistaken for a small horse. The Wolfes welcomed Kevin into their family when he was just a puppy and couldn’t imagine that he would grow so big as to claim the title of the world’s tallest dog. The pooch was close to all members of the family but had developed a special bond with the Wolfes’ son Alexander, who took him to training classes.Despite his imposing size, Kevin was a scaredy cat. The first time Alexandar took Kevin to a training class at a youth development and monitoring organization, the pooch got so afraid that he soiled himself in the middle of the class. Kevin attracted attention wherever he went and he enjoyed every second of it. Sadly his stint as the world’s tallest living male dog was unexpectedly cut short. A spokesperson for the Guinness World Records said: “We are deeply saddened to learn that Kevin suddenly passed away after unexpected health complications. Tracy and the team at the vet clinic she works in did everything they could to save Kevin after he became ill. Our thoughts and support are with the Wolfe family as they navigate this difficult time.”Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

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What Do I Do if My Cat Ingests Marijuana?

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Do Dogs Need Fiber in Their Diet?

Fiber is an integral part of a balanced diet for your dog, just like it is for humans. It helps ensure their digestive system runs smoothly and can also play an essential role in weight management (or weight loss if that’s what you’re working toward).But how much fiber does a dog actually need, and what is the best way to add fiber to their diet?In this guide, I’ll discuss why fiber is important for your dog's health and well-being, the different types of fiber, and the best options to boost fiber content in their diet. Let’s get started…How Much Fiber Does a Dog Need?While I would love to say the answer to this question is easy, it’s not as simple as giving a specific amount that will work for every dog’s ideal diet. Instead, the amount of fiber needed will vary considerably based on several factors, including your dog’s age, weight, digestive health, or any conditions they currently live with relating to their digestive system.For example, a senior dog usually needs more fiber than a young, healthy adult dog as their bodies in these later years have a more challenging time with different stages of the digestive process. Our golden oldies often suffer from conditions like constipation that, while not life-threatening, do have an impact on their overall quality of life. Making changes to the fiber they are consuming can offer relief.That being said, experts use some general guidelines to create a foundation for these decisions. Depending on who you ask, fiber recommendations for a healthy adult dog range from 1.5% to 4% of a complete diet.How Can Fiber Help My Dog?As already mentioned, fiber can help support a healthy digestive system. But what exactly does this nutrient do to help keep your dog happy and healthy? Let’s look at some of the benefits of fiber for dogs:Encourage Healthy Bowel MovementsIf you have a dog that suffers occasionally (or regularly) from constipation, you may be searching for a solution to help regulate their system, soften waste, and make doing their business easier. After all, no one wants to live with that discomfort, including our dog! Including the right amount of fiber in your dog’s diet can help move waste through the intestines more quickly, softening stool and allowing it to pass on a more frequent schedule.But be careful – too much fiber can also be hazardous. You don’t want your dog to deal with constipation, but diarrhea can also be upsetting and uncomfortable. The goal is to find a happy medium for healthy bowel movements.Prevent Anal Gland ProblemsThe anal glands are an element of a dog’s health that is sometimes overlooked simply because we don’t understand their function or don’t want to discuss that general area. However, ignoring your dog’s anal gland health can lead to severe complications.These little pouches serve an essential role in communication. When your dog does their business, they release a strongly scented fluid that will share key information with other dogs that discover it, including their age, sex, and overall health. However, if that fluid isn’t released with your dog’s bowel movements, it can lead to pain, swelling, infection, and abscesses.One way to promote better anal gland release is to ensure your dog is passing healthy stools, which can be accomplished with the help of fiber.Regulate Blood Sugar Levels If your dog is a diabetic and has been prescribed a medical approach to manage their blood sugar levels, don’t consider this a reliable alternative. However, for healthy dogs, having their blood sugar suddenly spike can actually lead to diabetes and other health problems. Therefore, one of the best ways to prevent these conditions is by keeping their blood sugar balanced and regular. Fiber works by slowing some stages of the digestive process, which also slows the amount of sugar released into your dog’s bloodstream. This isn’t to say it magically eliminates sugars from your dog’s diet, but it spreads out when they are absorbed into the bloodstream, preventing a sudden sugar spike.

Unique CT Café Offers Cats, Coffee, and A Passion for Social Justice!

Having long demonstrated its commitment to the feline members of society, a well-known and loved coffee shop in Connecticut has recently taken a big step forward in its mission to foster social justice, inclusion, and reproductive freedom.The Two Wrasslin’ Cats Coffee House in East Haddam, Connecticut, has long stood out. From their bold cobalt blue walls and neon green trim to the 6-ft-tall cats standing over their front door – it’s clear you’re entering a one-of-a-kind establishment.Owner Mark Thiede first opened the café in May 2013. Shortly after choosing the color palette and décor for the property, one of the subcontractors warned him about the image he was creating and recommended reconsidering his color choices, stating that it would discourage people like contractors from visiting the business as they would see it as “a gay house.”Rather than allowing the warning to discourage him, Thiede took the warning and used it to inspire him to make a difference. From that moment on, the café would be a place where everyone is welcome.In addition to creating a place for people to feel safe and accepted, Thiede also set his sights on embracing his love of cats to raise money for pet-related causes within his community.There are no live cats in the café itself, out of respect for those that are allergic. However, the entire space is cat-inspired. From the cat-themed decorations to the menu with items like the “Catprese.” If that has you feeling a little disappointed, don’t worry…Next door to the coffeehouse, the Wrasslin’ Cat Lounge will allow you to enjoy playtime with six adorable kitties (all brothers and sisters). The entry cost is $5 for adults and $3 for children. This money is donated to fund local trap and release efforts and cat wellness programs. In fact, Thiede and his six furry ambassadors raised over $8000 for charity in just the last two months!What could honestly make people love the place more?Thiede is now taking his dedication to making a difference to the next level. After 11 years operating as Two Wrasslin’ Cats Coffee House, LLC, the operations have now been transformed into a beautiful and welcoming nonprofit called Two Wrasslin’ Cats Accord Corp. Given all that Thiede has accomplished, we’re fascinated to see what kind of difference he can make as a 501(c)3 charitable corporation.Why TNR?Whether this is your first time hearing about trap and release (TNR) programs, you may wonder how they work and why Thiede feels so passionately about their impact on feral cat colonies in his community.TNR programs work to reduce the number of feral cats by preventing new cats from being born into the colony. At the same time, when the cats are in their care, volunteers can assess the health of the cats they have trapped to ensure they are healthy enough to be returned.The work recognizes that cats born feral or have lived their whole lives outdoors may be unable to adapt to domesticated life. But this doesn’t mean they don’t deserve a happy, healthy existence.Caring for these cats reduces the strain on local shelters and rescue organizations, helps prevent the spread of infections and contagious diseases, reduces behavioral problems (like spraying and fighting), and makes it possible for people to live harmoniously with the feral colonies in their area.If you’re in the East Haddam, CT area, swing by for a cat-themed bite to eat and a little extra snuggle time in the lounge. After all, it’s for charity!Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter  here.

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