A Dog's Good Outlook on Life

Sometimes, we like to pamper ourselves. Whether it’s a regular appointment or a weekend away at a spa, we like to get our hair and nails done. It helps us feel relaxed and gives us a good outlook on life.

We look and feel better when we care for ourselves, and the same goes for our dogs.

Our pets need regular grooming in order to not only keep them looking good, but to keep them healthy too.

Some of the common, regular grooming that dogs should have are: trimmed toenails, taking care of matted fur, cleaning their ears, regular bathing and teeth brushing.

Because our pets can’t talk to us to communicate, keeping them groomed well can help us to identify any problems they may have and prevent problems as well. For example, ear cleaning can help prevent ear infections, and a good blow dry can prevent matted fur, which helps more air get to the dog’s skin. You’ll also be able to be aware of any skin abnormalities if your dog’s fur is groomed well. Regular teeth brushing can not only help with bad breath, but can help to prevent future problems with a dog’s heart and kidneys that can occur if infections are not found and treated.

While these are just a few of the ways grooming can be beneficial to a dog’s health, it’s important to learn more about how to keep your dog healthy. Ask your vet or pet groomer if there’s anything specific to your breed or size of dog that you should consider.

At Morris Animal Inn, we can assist with your regular grooming needs for your dog. Reach out to us so we could help maintain your dog's good outlook on life. 

Itch They Can't Scratch? Itchy Pets May Have Seasonal Allergies

Spring is finally in the air, which means flowers, green trees, and… allergies. Many humans suffer from itchy noses and watery eyes this time of year, but did you know your pet can experience seasonal allergies, too? As much as they love getting to play outside, your dog or cat could be reacting to all this pollen just as badly as you are.

 

The trick is, you won’t know if your furry friend is suffering this time of year just from a typical cough or sneeze. As Dr. Karen Becker, Blogger at Healthy Pets, explains, pet allergy symptoms can be observed through skin irritation, unlike the human respiratory response. This condition, called allergic dermatitis, causes dogs and cats to have itchy skin that they literally cannot scratch enough. Their ears may bother them more than usual, due to inflammation in the ear canals. You may notice your pet not only scratching, but biting at their skin and feet or rubbing up against walls, furniture, the carpet or something else. There are also few human-like symptoms to watch for, such as puffiness around the eyes or redness of the eyes, mouth, or paws.

If you notice these symptoms, which could be followed by tender inflamed skin and even hair loss or scabbing, there are numerous steps you can take towards giving your pet relief. A veterinarian can test for specific allergies, but you can provide immediate relief through regular foot soaks and baths.

Think about it; your doctor tells you to shower morning and night to help remove the allergens, right? The same goes for your pet. Soaking their feet can help reduce the amount of allergens that your pet tracks around the house, and baths with a grain free shampoo will wash away the pollen that is stuck to your pet’s skin.

At Morris Animal Inn’s Grooming Salon and Spa, we offer Berry Clean Tropiclean shampoo baths which can help relieve pets of their seasonal symptoms. This soothing, all-natural dog and cat shampoo helps to replenish skin’s moisture and will leave your pet squeaky clean and itch-free. We also offer paw soaks which helps to moisturize their paws as well. Call to book your pet’s refreshing bath today: 973-539-0377!