Dogs

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Grooming is part of basic pet care, and doing it regularly not only keeps your best four-legged friend looking good, but will keep him in good health too. Regular grooming will familiarize you with your pet’s body and alert you to any changes or abnormalities immediately—and help you both strengthen your bond for life. Taking your pet to a professional groomer is certainly the easiest way to keep your pal’s coat and skin in great shape. But professional groomers can also be expensive and if your pet is not entirely comfortable with strangers, he may prefer your personal touch anyway. With our expert tips below, and guidance on which tools and products are worth your hard-earned money, you can feel confident about taking care of your pet in the comfort of your own home.

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Whether your pooch has their own bed or they tend to take up residence next to you at night, there’s a good chance you’ve seen them digging around or walking in a circle before plunking down. This is a natural instinct our furry friends have to nest and find comfort before catching those Z’s. It might look or sound strange, but humans do the same thing when you think about it! “Just as a human may want to fluff their pillows and blankets before getting into bed, your dog also wants to make a comfortable spot for itself,” explains dog training expert Sally Grottini. “It is also an instinct to check the ground or nesting area for things like rocks, sticks and dangerous animals.”,Q: My dog digs in his bed every night before he settles down to sleep. Why do dogs dig in bed? Is this normal? A: Dogs digging in bed is an instinctual behavior that usually signals they’re getting comfortable and preparing to settle in for a good sleep. It’s completely normal behavior—and pretty adorable, too!

You’ve got a full schedule ahead of you and a dog who’s begging for your attention. While it might be tempting to go for a quick walk and call it a day, playing games with dogs is a better way to take the edge off pent-up energy. Dog games that tap into your pup’s natural drive, and incorporate the body and brain (mental stimulation FTW!), are great for keeping your pup entertained and can even strengthen your bond. The following easy and quick dog activities take just 15 minutes—and your dog will thank you for the good time.

Walk or run? Swim or jump? What type of exercise is right for your dog depends on many factors – from his breed to his size to his age. Some breeds love to exercise for hours on end by nature, while others need—and want—a little less. “High-energy sporting dogs like Vizslas and German Shorthaired Pointers were bred to work very closely with their handlers, and they’re just getting started after an hour-long romp,” says AKC judge, dog expert and owner of Revodana Publishing, Denise Flaim. “On the other hand, though they might look like they need a lot of exercise, hounds like Greyhounds can be happy with a nice neighborhood walk.” Here are some tips to help you choose the right amount and type of exercise for your dog:

What to Do About It: Dry skin that’s caused by everyday environmental irritants like harsh soaps or shampoos, cold weather or dry air, or lack of proper nutrition can be easily remedied by changing up your routine. If you’ve consulted your vet and know there isn’t a more serious root problem, try a limited ingredient diet dog food or cat food, purchase a humidifier to combat dry air in your home, or swap your current dog shampoo for a gentler, hypoallergenic shampoo. Just be cautious of changing too many things at once; try making one change at a time, then waiting a week or two to see if you notice a difference before mixing up anything else in your pet’s usual regimen. Your vet should be able to advise on the best approach.,Just like people, pets can develop a whole range of skin problems. Many common issues are easily resolved, but can be uncomfortable for your pet or progress into more serious problems if not identified and treated. Some dog breeds are just more prone to skin issues than others. If your pet is one of the following breeds, you may want to consult a veterinarian to determine if your dog has a breed-specific problem: Siberian Huskies, Alaskan Malamutes, and other fast-growing, large and hairless dogs—such as the Xoloitzuintli and Chinese Crested.

Not only are the polka dots on the jar cute, they’ll let you see if you’re running low on treats for your pet.

If you feel guilty leaving your precious pup at home, there are plenty of places where she can tag along. Whether you’re going about your daily routine or traveling somewhere new, you can take your canine along for the ride with a bit of etiquette training. Today, pets are considered four-legged members of the family. More retailers, hotels and restaurants are becoming dog-friendly places that want to accommodate their pet-owning clientele.