Petsmart Grooming Coupon 10 OFF & Petsmart Coupons 2015: August 2016

Friday, August 26, 2016

Cutting Pet Care Costs

As responsible pet parents, we have an obligation to care for our furry friends in sickness and in health. But as pet care costs rise, how do we do what’s best for our pet? Here are a few tips to help you save money on your pet’s health care.

Schedule Regular Check-Ups
Don’t skip your pet’s yearly exam. It’s much more expensive—and risky—to treat illnesses than to protect against them. It’s also a good idea to shop veterinary practices by comparing fees for preventative care.

Personalize Your Pet’s Vaccines
Some vaccines are optional, while others are essential in preventing serious diseases. Never skip any shots required by local laws or mandatory for your pet’s protection, but do talk to your vet about personalizing your pet’s vaccine protocol.

Spay or Neuter Your Pet
Spaying or neutering your pet can save a lot of money by preventing serious health problems, including uterine, ovarian and testicular cancers. Many local shelters provide resources for low- or no-cost spay/neuter surgeries.Visit our online database to find a low-cost program in your area. If you live in New York City, check out our mobile clinics serving the five boroughs.

Brush Your Pet’s Teeth
Dental disease can lead to heart and kidney problems and expensive procedures. Start a dental routine to keep your pet’s teeth and gums healthy. Ask your veterinarian what products to use and how often. Don’t use toothpaste made for people, which contains fluoride and may irritate your pet's stomach. Visit our Dog Grooming Tips page to learn more.

Protect Your Pet from Parasites
Flea and tick infestations can cause a host of costly medical problems from minor skin irritations to life-threatening blood loss. Stick with a topical flea and tick solution to keep the critters at bay. Make sure to only use products as directed. Never use a product intended for a dog on a cat. Visit our Fleas and Ticks page to learn more.

Toss the Cigarettes
Secondhand smoke is no joke for pets—it can cause asthma, bronchitis, lymphoma and oral, nasal and lung cancers. Quit now and you’ll save money on vet bills. At the very least, avoid smoking around your pet.

Consider Pet Health Insurance
If the cost of an emergency veterinary visit or serious illness would be a financial strain, consider investing in pet health insurance while your pet is healthy. Be sure to read the fine print, though—not all plans are created equal.

Buy High-Quality Pet Food
A good quality pet food—formulated under the guidelines of the American Association of Feed Control Officials—is often more cost-effective than a homemade diet. Avoid overfeeding your pet, which can lead to obesity and other health problems. Visit Dog Nutrition Tips and Cat Nutrition Tips pages to learn more. Get FREE Shipping on orders of $49 or more. Valid within the contiguous 48 U.S. states and to military APO/FPO addresses! Offer Ends Soon! Click here

Groom Your Pets at Home
Save the price of a visit to your groomer with regular nail-trimmings and brushings. It’s good for your pet, it will reduce the amount of hair floating around your home, and your cats will have fewer hairballs.

Autumn Safety Tips & The latest Petsmart Grooming Coupon

There’s nothing like the crisp, cool air and luscious foliage to get you excited for the changing seasons. Your pet, too, is probably welcoming a break from summer's hot, sticky weather. But fall is also a time of lurking dangers for our furry friends. From household poisons to cold weather hazards, there are important safety issues to consider.

Below are some tips to keep your pet happy and healthy during the autumn months.

Be Cautious of Rodenticides and Cold Weather Poisons
The use of rat and mouse poisons increase in the fall as rodents seek shelter from the cooler temperatures by attempting to move indoors. Rodenticides are highly toxic to pets and, if ingested, the results could be fatal. If you must use these products, please do so with extreme caution and put them in places inaccessible to your pets.

Many people choose fall as the time to change their car's engine coolant. Ethylene glycol-based coolants are highly toxic, so spills should be cleaned up immediately. Consider switching to propylene glycol-based coolants—though they aren't completely nontoxic, they are much less toxic than other engine coolants.

Keep School Supplies Out of Paws’ Reach
Fall is back-to-school time, and those of you with young children know that means stocking up on items like glue sticks, pencils and magic markers. Although these items are considered low toxicity to pets, gastrointestinal upset and blockages can occur if ingested. Be sure your children keep their school supplies out of your pet’s reach.

Steer Clear of Mushrooms
Fall and spring are mushroom seasons. While 99% of mushrooms have little or no toxicity, the 1% that are highly toxic can cause life-threatening problems in pets. Since most toxic mushrooms are difficult to distinguish from nontoxic ones, the best way to prevent pets from ingesting these poisonous plants is to keep them away from areas where any mushrooms are growing. Please visit our Poisonous Plants page for more information.Contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 immediately if you witness your pet eating a wild mushroom.

Watch Out for Wildlife
Autumn is the season when snakes are preparing for hibernation, increasing the possibility of bites to those unlucky pets who find themselves in the wrong place at the wrong time. Pet parents should know what kinds of venomous snakes may be lurking in their environment—and where those snakes are most likely to be found—so pets can be kept out of those areas.

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3 Tips to Protect Your Dog This Holiday Season

Well, here we are again. While it seems we were just preparing for summer vacation, it’s the holiday season already. The holidays bring much with them, including celebrations, decorations and unfortunately, potential hazards for our pets. Make sure this holiday season is all of the fun it should be, and none of the pain it could be for you and your dog by checking out these holiday safety tips.

1. Keep decorations out of reach
Let’s start with a tip that for many of us is already relevant. Decorating for the holidays might mean trees, lots of candles orornamental, seasonal plants. However you celebrate, if you use decorations, it means lots of new sights, smells and unfortunately tastes that dogs and cats can be drawn to out of curiosity. This might mean damage to the decorations or harm to your dogs.

2. Block decorations that can’t be placed out of reach
Dogs, and in particular puppies, tend to investigate with their mouth as well as their eyes and nose. Many decorations have interesting and chewy textures and tastes. While dogs might not particularly like evergreen trees or peppermint candles, they will only naturally be curious. Chewing on an electrical cord, a glass ornament, a tree or a plant can result in an otherwise avoidable trip to the veterinarian.

Make sure to pet proof decorations by unplugging them when not at home (always a good idea!). And make sure that dangerous items are blocked off where the temptation to chew might be too great. This is particularly important when dealing with seasonal plants and electrical cords.

3. Beware holiday sweets
One of my personal favorite parts of the season is snacks and treats that I really don’t need, but do so enjoy. Dogs, in particular, are pretty undiscerning about what they eat, and holiday cookies and candies hold a lot of appeal.

Chocolates are potentially toxic to dogs, particularly in the case of very dark, rich cocoas like we often use at the holidays. While all things in moderation may be fine for us, dogs seem not to understand the meaning of moderation. It is best to totally avoid holiday treats and candies, and never use them as a reward. Always keep these delights out of your dog’s reach.

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Top Pet Health Tips for Autumn

#3. There is a fungus amongus!
In some regions of the country, fall is just as wet as spring. That means that more mushrooms dot backyards and forest floors. While most mushrooms are perfectly safe, there’s a small percentage that are highly toxic to our furry friends (and to us!). Check out this handy guide from the ASPCA to stay informed about toxic mushrooms, and if you think your pet has gobbled up a toxic mushroom, contact the ASCPA Animal Poison Control Center immediately!

#4. Feed your pet right
It’s getting colder out there, and cool temperatures mean more energy is needed to stay warm. You’ll probably need to feed your pet a bit more food – food generates body heat, so pets who spend a lot of time exercising outdoors need to eat more than in the summer. However, don’t start dishing out more food just yet – make sure you talk to your veterinarian first, as every pet’s needs are different.

#5. Watch out for antifreeze toxicity
In preparing for the winter months ahead, people tend to use fall to winterize their cars. This often involves changing fluids such as antifreeze, which can be deadly for pets. Consider this: one to two teaspoons of the stuff can kill a 10-pound dog! Less can kill a 10-pound cat.¹

Part of the problem is ethylene glycol, a substance in antifreeze that has a sickly-sweet smell that entices pets to lap it up. That’s why it’s important to clean up spills immediately and make sure your pets steer clear of the garage while you’re working on your vehicle. Read our in-depth article to learn more about the dangers of antifreeze and other automotive fluids.

#6. Beware chocolate and hearty foods
The fall and winter parallel our holiday seasons, when we ramp up our intake of hearty, heavy foods and sweets. It’s important to make sure your pets don’t get into any foods that can make them sick; for dogs, this means chocolate, grapes, and raisins are off limits because they are toxic.

Just because some foods aren’t technically considered toxic to pets doesn’t mean they’re safe. Rich, high-fat foods can cause stomach problems such as diarrhea and gastroenteritis and even more serious conditions like pancreatitis. Also, think about small food items that can be choking hazards, like turkey bones around Thanksgiving. Talk to your veterinarian to make sure you know what’s safe and what’s not.

#7. Be careful with decorations
Holidays mean decorations! But be careful about leaving irregularly shaped objects and trinkets around the house. While you might like to get into the seasonal spirit, dogs and cats do too – in the form of sampling, say, decorative gourds or other fall props. Eating strange objects can be dangerous and lead to foreign body obstruction. Learn what to watch for, including symptoms, in our in-depth article about foreign body ingestion.

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Our Top Pet Health Tips for Autumn ( P1)

Ahhh, Fall! This time of year means football, crisp air, colorful foliage and even, depending on where you live, a little bit of snow. It’s a great time to get outside with your pet; for a dog, there’s nothing like a romp in the leaves, while for cats, midday sunbeams have never felt better as the days get shorter and the nights get colder. When it comes to keeping your pet healthy and helping him enjoy fall to the fullest, there are some things to keep in mind. Read on for our top fall pet tips.

#1. Watch out for ticks in fall
Just because fall is here doesn’t mean that ticks aren’t still lurking. In fact, according to the University of Rhode Island, many species of ticks are active even into the winter and can survive the first frost. Here are some tips to keep your pet tick-free this fall:

Don’t let ticks cozy up. Eliminate their favorite environments, such as leaf and garden litter, where ticks can sometimes survive even into winter.
Check for ticks frequently.
Continue using tick control and repellent products, especially if you spend a lot of time outdoors with your pet enjoying activities like hiking, camping, or hunting.
Ask your veterinarian about regular screening for tick-borne infections. (The Companion Animal Parasite Council recommends screening annually for tick-borne infections.)

#2. Beware rat poison and other rodenticides
Fall is the time of year when mice, rats, and other rodents start to scurry for warmth. And where do they find it? You guessed it – your home!

Be careful when it comes to mouse traps and rodenticides like rat and mouse poison. Nobody wants an infestation of mice, but many poisons that are currently on the market can be very harmful to dogs and cats. Direct ingestion can be deadly. Make sure you talk to your veterinarian about methods of pest control that are safe for your pets.

Even if you don’t have a rodent problem or choose to deal with mice and rats humanely using live traps, you never know what methods your neighbors are using. The carcasses of rodents that have been killed by rodenticides can also be dangerous, so if you see the telltale tail dangling from your pet’s mouth, make sure he drops it and keep an eye on him.

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Friday, August 19, 2016

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3 Things Veterinary Professionals Want You to Know About Pet Care

It can be difficult to stay on top of what's best for your own health and well-being, so knowing what's good for your pet may seem a little confusing.

Keep your feline friends and canine companions healthy and happy by following these 3 pet care tips the pros want you to know.

1. Regular Exams are Vital

Just like you, your pet can get heart problems, develop arthritis, or have a toothache. The best way to prevent such problems or catch them early is to see your veterinarian every year.

Regular exams are "the single most important way to keep pets healthy," says Kara M. Burns, MS, Med, LVT, president of the Academy of Veterinary Nutrition Technicians.

Annual vet visits should touch on nutrition and weight control, says Oregon veterinarian Marla J. McGeorge, DVM, as well as cover recommended vaccinations, parasite control, dental exam, and health screenings.

2. Spay and Neuter Your Pets

Eight million to 10 million pets end up in U.S. shelters every year. Some are lost, some have been abandoned, and some are homeless.

Here's an easy way to avoid adding to that number -- spay and neuter your cats and dogs. It's a procedure that can be performed as early as six to eight weeks of age.

Spaying and neutering doesn't just cut down on the number of unwanted pets; it has other substantial benefits for your pet. Studies show it also lowers the risk of certain cancers, Burns tells WebMD, and reduces a pet's risk of getting lost by decreasing the tendency to roam.

3. Prevent Parasites

Fleas are the most common external parasite that can plague pets, and they can lead to irritated skin, hair loss, hot spots, and infection. Fleas can also introduce other parasites into your cat or dog. All it takes is for your pet to swallow one flea, and it can to end up with tapeworms, the most common internal parasite affecting dogs and cats.

Year-round prevention is key, says McGeorge, who suggests regular flea and intestinal parasite control, as well as heartworm prevention in endemic areas.

Saturday, August 13, 2016

Using Shampoos and Conditioners to Wash Your Dog

We explore what to look for when choosing a shampoo and conditioner to wash your dog.

Dogs have very sensitive skin that is half the thickness of human skin and has a very different pH balance. So to ensure you don’t irritate the skin, avoid using human products or soaps on your dog and instead use products that have been specifically designed with your dog’s coat and skin in mind.

WHAT NOT TO USE

There are many home-made remedies for various skin maladies and parasites. And while some may be perfectly safe, often they are based on human skin needs. Generally if something is safe for humans, that does not necessarily mean it is safe for our pets. Humans don’t tend to lick themselves when grooming, while dogs do, so we must be aware that some things can be toxic when ingested.

In particular, avoid tea tree products. Tea tree is antibacterial and antiseptic, but if the tea tree in a product is in sufficient concentration to have all the purported benefits, it will be toxic if consumed.

ITCHY SKIN

If your dog has itchy skin, consider a medicated shampoo, perhaps even an oatmeal shampoo such as Aloveen. Shampoos with aloe vera and oatmeal are particularly soothing.

FREQUENT SKIN INFECTIONS

If your dog is prone to dermatitis and bacterial or fungal flare-ups using a medicated shampoos that contains miconazole or chlorhexidine may be recommended by your Veterinarian. These shampoos can be drying, so should only be used on medical recommendation.

GREASY SKIN

If your dog is quite smelly or greasy a shampoos such as sebolyse may help. This shampoo is also antibacterial and antifungal, two other sources of smelly skin. Medicated shampoos really need a long contact time of 5-10 minutes, so read the label to work out how long you must leave the shampoo on for.

FLAKY SKIN

Dogs that have dry, flaky skin will do well with Aloveen or a very gentle shampoo and a good brush to redistribute the natural oils through the coat, They may also benefit from fish oils, particularly in the form of Dermoscent, with the correct ratio of omega 3s and omega 6s. Shampooing can actually dry the skin, so backing off with the baths might also help for dogs with dry skin.

NORMAL SKIN

If your dog has fairly normal skin, with no flakes, grease or excessive smell, using a natural pet shampoo is fine. Aim for a good quality shampoo. Aloveen is also a great shampoo to use for normal skin.

DO I NEED A CONDITIONER?

If you have a nice gentle shampoo, a conditioner is not necessary. Conditioners can help with a dry coat, and are often left in. Conditioners can also be applied in between baths if your dog is getting a little smelly and you don’t have time for the full bath. They can help to mask that doggy smell.

DO I NEED TO BATH MY DOG?

If your dog is not smelly, doesn’t tend to roll in things at the park and doesn’t swim, there may be no need to bath your pet at all. A good brush can do a great job of redistributing the oils in the coat and gives a nice healthy shine. For some hints on what sort of brush to choose for your pet take a look out our article on grooming tools.

Check out our dog washing guide for a step-by-step process on how to give your dog the ultimate wash and leave their coat in tip top condition.

There is a dazzling array of shampoos and conditioners available and while many are suitable for normal skin, many pets have skin problems that may respond to a specialised shampoo. For further advice and information on what shampoo is best for your pet, visit your Veterinarian.

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The No Fear Way To Trim Your Dog’s Nails

Unless your pet is a very active outdoor dog his nails will need to be trimmed on a regular basis – anywhere from once a week to once a month.

Nail trimming and grooming are activities that are often feared by both dogs and owners. The best way to calm your fears is to ask your Vet or a professional groomer to train you in the proper techniques for nail trimming. The best way to calm your dog’s fears is to train it from a very young age to be comfortable with the process.

If you don’t feel comfortable trimming your dog’s nails your vet or groomer will be happy to do this regularly. And often dogs do not need their nails trimmed if they go for frequent walks on footpaths or concrete. Just watch those dew claws (thumbs)

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TYPES OF NAIL TRIMMERS

There are many different types of nail trimmers. Buy good quality trimmers that are sharp and designed for the correct size dog. They should be concave at the cutting edge, to avoid crushing the nail. Blunt or poor quality trimmers will split the nail. If the nails aren’t that long but are sharp you can simply file them or use a pumice stone to take off the tips. In the US it is common to use a dremel to slowly burr down the nails and this can be more gradual and safer than clipping.

The four core types of nail trimmers for dogs. Source: www.amitywoods.com

HOW TO TRIM THE NAILS

The first step is to get some treats, make the whole experience positive and don’t feel like you need to be a hero and trim all the nails at once. Start with one, reward and come back later if you or your pet is nervous. One technique that helps is to hold the handle of the nail trimmers flat against the toe pad and cut straight across the nail, so that the nail will sit just above the ground. This technique makes it extremely unlikely you will cut the nails too short.

To get a shorter cut than the previous method, aim to cut at a 45° angle, after visualising the quick. The quick is the pink area within the nail where the nerves and blood vessels are, similar to the area underneath our nails.

A basic guide to trimming your dog’s nails

WORKING WITH BLACK NAILS

If your dog has black nails, look at the underside of the nail and you will notice that towards the tip the nail separates out into a triangular shape with two outer ‘walls’. At this point, there is no quick and it is safe to cut the tip off. Otherwise use the technique of simply cutting straight across from the pad, rather than attempting to cut up at a 45° angle. Another trick of the trade is to apply gentle pressure with the nail trimmers without actually cutting where you think you need to cut. If your dog reacts to the pressure, most likely you are too close to the quick and you will need to more the clippers further down the nail.

NAIL TRIMMING – THE BASICS

WHAT IF I MAKE THE NAILS BLEED?

If you accidentally cut the nails too short you can use styptic powder, or simply use a clean bar of soap and run it under the damaged nail. The soap will plug the vessel and stop the bleeding. Usually if you have made your dog bleed, they will be a bit nervous next time, so make sure you have lots of treats at the ready and take it slow. If you pet is nervous about nail trimming, view this video on how to counter condition your dog and get him used to nail trims.

OLD DOGS OR DEFORMED NAILS

Older dogs tend to end up with long quicks, elongated nails and often extremely hard nails. Nails can also grow back a bit deformed if there has been some sort of trauma to the nail bed, such as when the dew claw has been caught in something and torn.

Older dogs tend to end up with longer nails, making trimming more tricky

Clipping after bathing can help with the hardness issue, as they nails will be softer. Ensuring you just take the tips off the nails or cut them so they sit just above the floor when your dog is standing can help to ensure you don’t cut deformed nails too short.

Alternatively, if you gradually take the tips off, you can often make the quick recede a little over time, but you will need to be patient. So long as your dog’s nails are not touching the ground, getting caught in anything and causing the toes to splay out or bend, there is no need to worry too much about keeping them extremely short.

Whenever you trim your dog’s nails remember to make the whole experience rewarding by having treats at the ready and always take a little bit at a time if you can’t clearly see the quick beneath the nail. And if you have a very patient dog, why not paint those nails!

Hand painting your dogs nails can give them a new sense of style

Brushing your Cat’s Teeth: Dental Care for your Pet

Does your cat have smelly breath? A bit of prevention can go a long way towards keeping your pet’s teeth healthy and ultimately save you money.

WHAT IS PERIODONTAL DISEASE?

While humans tend to get caries or holes in our teeth, cats are more at risk of periodontal disease, which is disease around the base of the tooth near the gum line. The accumulation of sticky plaque, made up of bacteria, proteins and food, hardens to form calculus on the teeth.

This hard calculus causes inflamed and bleeding gums (gingivitis) and as the condition progresses, there is loss of attachment between the gum and the tooth. As the gum separates from the tooth, little pockets of infection develop around the tooth. The bacteria around damaged teeth leads to the foul smelling breath and illness associated with dental disease.

Cats that have daily brushing of their teeth will have much fresher smelling breath and be less inclined to need costly dental treatment. Getting into the habit when your kitten is young is the best way to start, but any cat can be trained with enough patience and lots of food rewards.

WHAT DO I NEED?

Pet toothpastes are flavoured like meat pastes, so they become part of the reward for allowing brushing. You can get various flavours like chicken or even cheese. Human toothpaste is not meant to be swallowed and pets will hate that minty foaming stuff that we like, so a pet toothpaste is a very worthwhile investment.

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There are various different styles of toothbrush. You can use a soft baby’s toothbrush or a finger-brush. Just make sure the brush is soft to avoid damaging the gums.

TEACHING YOUR CAT TO TOLERATE BRUSHING

To teach your cat to accept brushing, first start out with some toothpaste on your finger and touch the teeth, allowing your pet to lick the paste. If this is tolerated, get a face washer or the edge of a towel and dip it in water and rub it in the paste, then onto your cat’s teeth. Gradually increase the contact time as your cat’s tolerance increases. Use lots of treats to reward your cat every step of the way. After the washer is accepted, switch to a soft toothbrush or finger brush.

TECHNIQUE TIPS

Aim for 5 seconds on each tooth and brush once daily.
Pay particular attention to the base of the tooth, aiming for a 45° angle with the gum-line.
Avoid a vigorous side-to-side action that will damage the gums, gently use a circular, flicking motion along the gum-line.
Brush only the outside of the teeth, the tongue will take care of the inside.
If your cat has bleeding gums after brushing, take him to the vet for a check-up before doing more brushing.

WHAT IF MY PET HAS LOTS OF DISCOLOURATION, PLAQUE OR CALCULUS?

If your cat’s breath is smelly, there is discolouration, recession of the gums and a large amount of calculus you will need a professional dental clean. No amount of brushing will get hard calculus off the teeth.

A scale and polish using an ultrasonic scaler like your dentist uses needs to be performed under anaesthesia to do the job right. Once the teeth are nice and smooth and white, preventative brushing will slow down the build-up. It only takes 3 days for plaque to start reforming, so ideally start your training with tooth-brushing before the dental, so that you know you can effectively brush all the teeth once your pet has recovered from the procedure. If the teeth are too painful, this may not be possible, but you may be able to at least train your pet to allow touching around the face, mouth and get him used to the toothbrush and paste.

Most Vets will suggest waiting 2-3 days after a dental clean before brushing, so you want to be sure you can effectively brush your pet’s teeth from the start.

Cat Grooming Basics

When it comes to keeping clean and tangle free your cat will need a helping hand from you. We share our top grooming tips and advice with you.

But as gung-ho as your cat is about keeping itself groomed and clean, the truth is that it could still use a bit of help from you.

Grooming is about more than just keeping your cat looking good. Grooming your cat on a regular basis will also help you to keep an eye on its health. And grooming your cat can even help to prevent feline health issues such as digestive problems caused by hairballs. Regular grooming can also help to improve the health of your cat’s skin and coat.

GETTING STARTED

If you’re already a cat owner, this probably goes without saying: Don’t just snatch up your cat one day and commence to grooming if you’ve never groomed the cat before. The outcome is likely to be unpleasant for the both of you.

Instead, slowly accustom the cat to the process of grooming.

Pick a time when the cat is relaxed and content – after eating, perhaps. Then start with short grooming sessions of maybe 5 to 10 minutes. Pet and praise the cat as you’re grooming, and maybe even offer a treat at the end of the session. And if the cat begins to show signs that it’s none too happy about what’s happening, stop for now. You can try it again later.

With time, the cat will become accustomed to the process, and will likely come to enjoy it.

BRUSHING BASICS

Regular brushing offers benefits such as dead hair and dirt, and removing or preventing mats and tangles. But do it right, or you’ll end up with a cantankerous kitty on your hands!

Always brush in the direction that the hair naturally lays, never against the ‘grain.’ And be extra gentle around the belly and chest.

For shorthaired cats:

Start with a fine-toothed metal comb. Run it through the cat’s fur from head to tail tip. Watch for small pepper-like specks that could indicate the presence of cat fleas.
Use a bristle or soft rubber brush next to remove loose hair.

For longhaired cats:

Start with a wide-toothed comb to remove debris that may be caught in the cat’s coat. Carefully untangle any knots.
Next use a wire brush or a bristle brush to remove loose hair.
Consider using a toothbrush to brush around the cat’s face.

And if you encounter matting in the cat’s fur, don’t try to cut it out; one or both of you may end up getting hurt.

Brushing twice a week should be plenty for most shorthaired cats, while a longhaired cat may need brushing every day.

BATH TIME (SAY IT ISN’T SO)

Does the idea of giving your cat a bath send shivers of fear down your spine? Understandable! It’s well known that most cats aren’t particularly fond of water. You may even have been witness to a vivid demonstration of this fact in times past.

Luckily, cats don’t often need the help of a full-blown bath.

But on occasion, your cat’s coat might become sticky or dirty to a degree that the old tongue-bath just isn’t going to cut it. So you’ll have to get involved. Fortunately, though, bath time doesn’t have to be a time of terror for the both of you – if you do it right:

Start by making the water temperature pleasant. It should be warm – not hot, and not cold.
Use a shampoo that’s made specifically for use with cats, and labeled accordingly.
Use a sink or tub in which you’ve placed a rubber bath mat, filled to a depth of just 3 or 4 inches.
Gently wet the cat down using a spray hose, but DO NOT spray or pour water directly on the cat’s head – you don’t want to spray or pour into the cat’s eyes, ears or nose. If you don’t have a spray hose, use an unbreakable pitcher.
Start at the cat’s head, and gently work in the shampoo from head to tail.
Rinse gently but thoroughly, making sure that all the shampoo is rinsed out. Again, be sure to avoid spraying or pouring water directly on the cat’s head.
Gently pat dry with a large towel.

And one last tip: If your cat’s nails need clipping, do it BEFORE bath time!

PEDICURE, PLEASE

Getting your cat to accept having it’s claws trimmed by you really shouldn’t be too difficult, IF you approach it properly.

Start out by spending some time just training your cat to be comfortable and accepting of having her feet handled. Begin to massage its feet on a daily basis. Do that by running your hand along its leg, and then very gently pressing with your thumb on the pad of each toe, causing the claw to extend. After a week or two the cat will likely become comfortable with its daily foot massage.

Once the cat is comfortable with the massaging, it’s OK to clip. Use a quality, sharp clipper or nail scissors specifically designed for use on cats. Cut parallel to the flat of the claw, and clip off only the white tip. Be VERY careful to avoid the quick, which usually appears as a pinkish area that you can see through the translucent claw.

IT’S NICE TO BE NEEDED

Compared to certain other pets, cats are relatively low maintenance – a nice perk for cat lovers. But like all of us, your cat could use a helping hand now and then. Independent creature though your cat may be, it still needs your help in remaining happy and healthy.

And that’s kind of a perk, too, wouldn’t you agree?

Friday, August 5, 2016