Sneak Peek of Bark To The Park 2012

If you were not in attendance at Bark To The Park this Saturday then you missed out! It was not only an amazing turn out and time with my SERVPRO colleagues, but I learned about many types of mixtures of dogs that I never knew existed! Although Pawmetto Lifeline did not achieve their goal to raise $100,000, they still raised an outstanding $91,241.62 for shelters across the Midlands.
A sneak peek from the event–

Many more photos to come!
-Denea Duran

$ave Money On Grooming

Although I am not a pet owner, I have experienced that many pet owners have been able to lower professional grooming costs by practicing routine pet hygiene. If you would like to know how to keep your pooch or feline squeaky clean, here are a few common questions and answers that may prove to be helpful:

How often should a dog be bathed?   
Only bathe a dog when they need it – once a month is fine for most dogs. Schedule it so that you bathe them at the same time you are due to put on their flea protectant.
How do you keep a dog calm in a bath? What is the easiest way to bathe a dog? A lot of dogs that enjoy water activities like swimming don’t like baths. If your dog enjoys swimming, try bathing him outside if it isn’t cold.
For indoors, put non-slip mats down in the bathtub and use the shower head instead of the faucet. A hand-held shower head is best. I recommend putting cotton balls in their ears to absorb water. As with other grooming activities, make it fun for your dog. Talk to them and praise them while you bathing.
Moisturizing, Odor-control, Medicated … there are so many different types of pet shampoo on the market now. What types of shampoo do you recommend for a healthy dog? Ask a professional, “What shampoo should I be using?” Your vet can tell you if your dog needs a special shampoo. Never use dog shampoo on cats; read the label on pet shampoo beforehand to make sure it’s for the correct species and age of pet you’re bathing.
Can I use regular human shampoo on my dog?
Never use human shampoo. It is a different pH level, and the chemicals are too harsh for pets.
What is the best method for drying a dog?                            
Towel drying is probably best, but if you do use a blow-dryer, make sure to use it on the lowest setting. Your dog’s skin can burn easily. I also recommend using a blow-dryer (again, on the lowest setting) for puppies or kittens, because they will get cold much faster than an adult dog or cat.
Is it true that you can’t bathe cats?                 It is true that cats don’t like water and they are self-grooming, so you don’t need to bathe a cat unless there is a need – if the coat looks unhealthy, or the cat has fleas or a skin condition. But it is a fallacy that you can’t bathe a cat. You could bathe your cat once a year during high-shedding season, but as long as cats don’t smell they are OK. Below are the steps I recommend for bathing a cat:

Trim their nails first and brush their coat, removing any knots or mats. Have cat shampoo and big, absorbent towels within your reach. Using the kitchen sink, fill one side with lukewarm water. Make sure the other side is empty and clean.
Pick the cat up, holding it by the scruff (between the shoulder blades and behind the neck), and lower it into the water Next, move the cat into the side of the sink with no water. Lather up with shampoo – let it sit for 10 minutes. Allow the cat to hold on to something, like the edge of the sink. Talk calmly and rub the cat as the shampoo works. After 10 minutes, lower the cat back into the water to rinse. Then towel-dry really good. Cats do not like blow-drying.

How often should a dog be professionally groomed? If you aren’t properly maintaining your dog’s ears, nails and coat, you should take him to a professional groomer every six to eight weeks. You should always ask your groomer to do the following:
1. cut hair out of ears 2. clean ears 3. express anal glands 4. cut nails

-Denea Duran
Content Credit: http://animal.discovery.com/tv/groomer-has-it/grooming-tips/dog-baths.html
Photo Credit: Google Image

Pet Tips

Our animals are very important to us,–they are like family! Here are a few tips for keeping them warm this winter.

 

 

Just for fun:

 

-Denea Duran

Disaster Supplies Kit Checklist for Pets

Particularly during September, National Preparedness Month, we hit on topics such as how you can be prepared for an emergency, what you need in your home emergency kit, what to do in quarantine situations, etc. What rarely gets covered, though, is how to keep your pets healthy and happy. Take a look at what you’ll need to get the whole family through an emergency situation.

[ ] Food and water for at least three days for each pet, food and water bowls and a manual can opener.
[ ] Depending on the pet, litter and litter box or newspapers, paper towels, plastic trash bags, grooming items, and household bleach.
[ ] Medications and medical records stored in a waterproof container, a first aid kit and a pet first aid book.
[ ] Sturdy leashes, harnesses and carriers to transport pets safely and to ensure that your pets cannot escape. A carrier should be large enough for the animal to stand comfortably, turn around, and lie down. Your pet may have to stay in the carrier for hours. Be sure to have a secure cage with no loose objects inside it to accommodate smaller pets. These may require blankets or towels for bedding and warmth and other special items.
[ ] Pet toys and the pet’s bed, if you can easily take it, to reduce stress.
[ ] Current photos and descriptions of your pets to help others identify them in case you and your pets become separated, and to prove that they are yours.
[ ] Information on feeding schedules, medical conditions, behavior problems and the name and telephone number of your veterinarian in case you have to board your pets or place them in foster care.

Content Credit: http://emergency.cdc.gov/preparedness/kit/disasters/

Photo Credit: http://browndresswithwhitedots.tumblr.com/post/9702231083

Sandy Hayden