Keep your dog and other pets safe during the holidays with these food, decorations and party safety tips.
‘Tis the season for twinkling lights and holiday festivities. We’re already in the spirit at the Good Dog Hotel & Spa in Broad Ripple, and we can’t wait to spread some cheer. As you plan your family gatherings and get out all those decorations, we wanted to share some important information for pet parents.
2. If you like to get your pooch spruced up for the holidays and visitors, our professional groomers have you covered. But again, act fast to schedule an appointment.
3. If possible, keep your pet’s routine as normal as possible.
We also wanted to pass on some excellent holiday safety advice from the folks at the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA). They’ve outlined pet safety tips for seasonal plants and decorations, food, and all those parties and gatherings. Gear up, friends, and get ready to celebrate!
Be Careful with Seasonal Plants and Decorations
• Oh, Christmas Tree: Securely anchor your Christmas tree so it doesn’t tip and fall, causing possible injury to your pet. This will also prevent the tree water—which may contain fertilizers that can cause stomach upset—from spilling. Stagnant tree water is a breeding ground for bacteria, and your pet could end up with nausea or diarrhea should he imbibe.
• Avoid Mistletoe & Holly: Holly, when ingested, can cause pets to suffer nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Mistletoe can cause gastrointestinal upset and cardiovascular problems. And many varieties of lilies can cause kidney failure in cats if ingested. Opt for just-as-jolly artificial plants made from silk or plastic, or choose a pet-safe bouquet.
• Tinsel-less Town: Kitties love this sparkly, light-catching “toy” that’s easy to bat around and carry in their mouths. But a nibble can lead to a swallow, which can lead to an obstructed digestive tract, severe vomiting, dehydration and possible surgery. It’s best to brighten your boughs with something other than tinsel.
• That Holiday Glow: Don’t leave lighted candles unattended. Pets may burn themselves or cause a fire if they knock candles over. Be sure to use appropriate candle holders, placed on a stable surface. And if you leave the room, put the candle out!
• Wired Up: Keep wires, batteries and glass or plastic ornaments out of paws’ reach. A wire can deliver a potentially lethal electrical shock and a punctured battery can cause burns to the mouth and esophagus, while shards of breakable ornaments can damage your pet’s mouth and digestive tract.
Avoid Holiday Food Dangers
• Skip the Sweets: By now you know not to feed your pets chocolate and anything sweetened with xylitol, but do you know the lengths to which an enterprising pet will go to chomp on something yummy? Make sure to keep your pets away from the table and unattended plates of food, and be sure to secure the lids on garbage cans.
• Leave the Leftovers: Fatty, spicy and no-no human foods, as well as bones, should not be fed to your furry friends. Pets can join the festivities in other fun ways that won’t lead to costly medical bills.
• Careful with Cocktails: If your celebration includes adult holiday beverages, be sure to place your unattended alcoholic drinks where pets cannot get to them. If ingested, your pet could become weak, ill and may even go into a coma, possibly resulting in death from respiratory failure.
• Selecting Special Treats: Looking to stuff your pet’s stockings? Stick with chew toys that are basically indestructible, Kongs that can be stuffed with healthy foods or chew treats that are designed to be safely digestible. Long, stringy things are a feline’s dream, but the most risky toys for cats involve ribbon, yarn and loose little parts that can get stuck in the intestines, often necessitating surgery. Surprise kitty with a new ball that’s too big to swallow, a stuffed catnip toy or the interactive cat dancer.
Plan a Pet-Safe Holiday Gathering
• House Rules: If your animal-loving guests would like to give your pets a little extra attention and exercise while you’re busy tending to the party, ask them to feel free to start a nice play or petting session.
• Put the Meds Away: Make sure all of your medications are locked behind secure doors, and be sure to tell your guests to keep their meds zipped up and packed away, too.
• A Room of Their Own: Give your pet his own quiet space to retreat to—complete with fresh water and a place to snuggle. Shy pups and cats might want to hide out under a piece of furniture, in their carrying case or in a separate room away from the hubbub.
• New Year’s Noise: As you count down to the new year, please keep in mind that strings of thrown confetti can get lodged in a cat’s intestines, if ingested, perhaps necessitating surgery. Noisy poppers can terrify pets and cause possible damage to sensitive ears. And remember that many pets are also scared of fireworks, so be sure to secure them in a safe, escape-proof area as midnight approaches.
How often should you bathe your dog? And does it matter what kind of shampoo you use? Check out our top tips for giving your dog a bath.
While giving your dog a bath might not seem like a big deal, you’d be surprised how fast it can get complicated. For instance, how often should you bathe your dog? Does it really matter how you do it, and should you worry about suds getting in his or her eyes?
Our Good Dog Hotel & Spa professional groomers in Broad Ripple have some answers to some of the most common dog-bathing questions. And remember, not only do we offer a wide range of professional grooming services, we also have self-serve bathing, as seen in this video! It’s a great way to spend quality time with your dog without the mess (see details below*)!
How often should I bathe my dog?
According to the ASPCA, your dog should be bathed at least once every three months. However, they also acknowledge that some dogs may require more frequent baths if they spend a lot of time outdoors or have skin problems. Thanks to a wide variety of gentler shampoos on the market specifically made for dogs, you can bathe your dog more frequently if needed without drying out his or her coat.
What are the steps for giving my dog a bath?
Start by giving your dog a good brushing. This helps remove dead hair and mats.
Fill a sink or tub with about three to four inches of lukewarm water.
Place your dog in the sink or tub, and get him completely wet by using a large plastic pitcher, an unbreakable cup, or an attachable spray hose.
Avoid spraying or pouring water directly in his ears, eyes or nose.
Working from head to tail, gently massage in shampoo (see shampoo tips below), rinse and repeat as needed.
Make sure to rinse thoroughly until there are no more suds. Some shampoo can cause skin issues if they are not rinsed out completely.
Dry him thoroughly by rubbing with a large towel.
Do any breeds need special attention?
Some dogs with loose facial skin or wrinkles, like Shar Peis and Pugs, will need a little extra care. To prevent dirt and bacteria from causing irritation and infection, clean the folds regularly with damp cotton. And remember to dry the areas thoroughly between the folds.
Should I bathe my puppy any differently?
Puppies present their own set of challenges when it comes to bath time. They wiggle and squirm, jump and bounce, and make it hard to accomplish the task at hand. Not to mention their tendency to nip at your hands! One solution is to use floating toys as distractions. If possible, recruit a friend or family member to help hold your pup so you can get the job done quickly and thoroughly.
What shampoo should I use?
It’s always best to use shampoos that are formulated especially for dogs. Why? Because even though human shampoos aren’t toxic to pets, they might contain ingredients (like fragrances) that can irritate your dog’s skin and generally have a different pH balance. It’s always a good idea to consult with your veterinarian to make sure you’re selecting a shampoo that will meet your dog’s specific needs.
How do I protect my dog’s eyes and ears?
One way to protect your dog’s eyes from shampoo (any type of cleanser has the potential to be irritating), is by asking your vet for a sterile eye lubricant to use during bathing. You might find it’s not necessary, but always know it’s an option. Also, using a sprayer with a long hose will help you control the water flow and avoid sensitive areas during rinsing. And what about the ears? Try placing a large cotton ball in each ear until the bath is over.
*Good Dog Hotel & Spa Self-Serve Bathing makes it easy to give your dog a bath. We feature organic shampoos and conditioners, plus towels, brushes, aprons, and for the finishing touch … a bandana! Rates are $15 for the first dog, and $12 for any additional pup.
Does your dog need a new look? Check out the names and descriptions of the top seven most popular dog grooming styles.
Is your dog ready for a trim, but you’re not sure what style you want? Or does your pooch need a fresh makeover and you want its cut to reflect its personality? No matter what your dog grooming goals are, the Good Dog Hotel & Spa in Indianapolis has you covered.
Sometimes at-home haircuts don’t quite go as planned. Cornelius here needed a little reshaping.
Our professional groomers offer a full array of services, and they always provide them with a loving and gentle touch. Their knowledge of grooming styles and techniques is exceptional, and so we asked them to describe some of the most commonly requested grooming styles. We also asked them to address a common question about haircuts and summer heat. Check out what they had to say.
SHORTER DOESN’T ALWAYS MEAN BETTER
During the summer, owners often ask if they should give their dogs a special “summer cut.” The general belief is that when it’s hot outside, a closely trimmed – or even shaved – fur will help keep them cool. “A dog’s fur helps regulate its body temperature,” says Misty Young, Good Dog Hotel & Spa Groomer. “So, a shorter haircut doesn’t necessarily make hot weather more tolerable for the dog.”
Here’s Cornelius after his haircut by one of our professional groomers. What a cutie!
In fact, if a dog is outside for multiple hours throughout the day, a shorter haircut can mean a higher risk for sunburn. “Your pet’s coat is designed to keep it cool during the summer and warm in the winter,” says Misty. “Shaving your pet can interfere with its built-in temperature regulation.”
Remember that dogs (and cats) feel the heat differently than humans. Sweating is the way our bodies naturally cool down and regulate temperature. For dogs, it’s panting. The best way to keep them cool and calm on blistery days it to provide a steady supply of fresh water and shade. For more details, check out our recent blog about summer safety tips for dogs.
MOST POPULAR HAIRCUTS FOR DOGS
Our groomers do everything from breed-specific cuts and special requests to styles that are one length all over. Here are some of the most popular dog grooming styles.
Neaten. This is the style most often requested. We trim the feet, sanitary areas, and featherings such as the back of the legs, belly lines or the neck and chest. This is most common for double-coated breeds like golden retrievers, Australian shepherds, and great Pyrenees.
The Lamb Cut. To achieve this style, the hair on the body and neck is clipped short, leaving the hair longer on the head and legs. This is not a breed-specific haircut, but it’s often seen on poodles.
The Lion Cut. Just like it sounds, this is when the hair cut resembles a lion’s mane. Body hair is cut short, while the hair on the neck and head is left much longer in comparison.
The Puppy Cut. This is really another name for what we call a Neaten without the feathering, where the hair is cut to a uniform length all over the body. Usually, 1-2 inches of fur is left behind. Because it’s short all over, there isn’t the need for much grooming once you get home.
The Schnauzer Cut. Contrary to its name, this cut isn’t just for Schnauzers. Appropriate for large and small dogs alike, it leaves longer hair on the dog’s legs while trimming the back and sides very short. Its distinguishing characteristic is the light fringe of hair left on the lower side of the dog’s body, and a little ‘mustache’ cut around the dog’s face.
The Teddy Bear Cut. This is basically the opposite of the Lion Cut, where we trim the hair on the head shorter, but leave the hair on the rest of the body longer – it can be clipped to any length, as per the pet parent’s preference. The end-result resembles a Teddy Bear.
The Practical Top-Knot. This style is usually seen in long-haired dogs such as Lhasa Apso, Maltese or Shih Tzu. In the Top-Knot, some of the hair on the head is gathered and secured with a band or clip, making a sort of a ponytail. Hair on the rest of the body can be clipped to any length.
WHAT DOG HAIRCUTS ARE YOUR FAVORITE?
While these are the most common types of haircuts for dogs, we also have some pretty creative pet-owners who like to specify custom details or unique styles. Which styles have worked for your pet, and do you know of any special cuts that we haven’t mentioned here? We’d love to have your feedback – please leave your comments below.
