Blog For Dog Lovers

Dogs need regular physical exercise and mental stimulation to be healthy and happy — and to be a welcome companion. Bored, restless dogs are the ones likely to dig up the garden, chew the sofa and piddle on the rug. Off-leash puppy training is a fun way to achieve well-behaved companionship status.

"Should I shave my dog?" That is the question that many dog owners ask themselves during the summer months. This is an especially vexing question for owners of dogs with thick, double coats such as Siberian huskies, chows and Old English sheepdogs.

Surely, those breeds would be more comfortable without that fluffy coat during the dog days of summer, right? Then, there's the subject of shedding. Is it possible that shaving your dog may reduce the number of furry tumbleweeds that you find around your home?

Should You Shave Your Dog in the Summer: Yay or Nay?

The answer to that question depends on numerous factors. For instance, dogs that don't shed, such as poodles, require regular clipping. Since they don't shed, their hair continues to grow and will get long and matted if they are not regularly clipped and brushed.

Hard-coated terriers are also clipped — though they can be hand-stripped, as well — to remove old and dying hair. Groomers will also shave a dog completely if an owner has allowed its hair to become hopelessly matted. As for other breeds, most experts strongly recommend that you never shave your dog for the summer.

My Dog Has Such a Fluffy Coat, Though!

While it may look like your canine is suffering under all that fur when it's hot, nature has built your pooch with an undercoat that is designed to insulate its skin and regulate its temperature. That means, your dog's undercoat will keep it warm in the winter and cool in the summer. One caveat — this only works if your dog is properly groomed and not matted.

Other reasons why you should not shave your dog in the summer:

• Shaving a dog's coat exposes its skin to the sun, which could result in sunburns and even skin cancer.
• Once shaved, a dog's double coat may grow back with a different texture and could appear faded.
• Shaving the undercoat will also cause it to regrow thicker and warmer than before, which will make your pup even more uncomfortable.

Will Shaving My Dog Help With Shedding?

Some owners believe that if they shave their dogs before summer, they won't have to contend with it shedding all over their homes. Shaving, however, won't change the number of hairs that will fall off your dog. It just means that your canine will shed shorter hairs.

Clipper Do's and Don'ts

Do you have a dog, such as a schnauzer or Welsh terrier, that requires hand-stripping or clipping? These grooming sessions can be quite costly, so you may have wondered, "Can I shave my dog myself?" You can, but it's not easy without the proper equipment, such as a grooming table and dog clippers.

Can you shave a dog with human clippers? You could try, but human clippers have different teeth than those built to work on dogs. It's very likely that your human clippers will jam if you try to use them to clip your pup.

Keep Them Cool

While it's not advisable to shave a dog for the summer, you can help it stay cool with the following suggestions:

• Brush and wash your dog frequently during the summer months. According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, clean fur that is free of mats allows for better air circulation. It's also important to dry your dog thoroughly, as wet fur can lead to skin infections. Since drying a dog can take a long time, make sure to have a towel designed specifically for this purpose, such as The Absorber.
• The Absorber is also a great towel for regulating your dog’s temperature during extreme heat. Run it under cool water and have your dog lay on it if you are spending time outdoors. (Or wordsmith it however you want)
• Never leave your dog in a car.
• Keep your canine indoors, in a climate-controlled condition, during the heat of the day.
• Exercise your pup early in the morning or in the evening.

While it may be hard to imagine going through the summer wearing a fur coat, it's perfectly fine for your dog. Its coat has been designed by nature to help it cope with fluctuating temperatures.

The days are getting longer, the flowers are beginning to bloom, and you and your pup are ready to take advantage of all that spring has to offer. Before you hit the trails or the doggy parks, make sure to take the following steps to prepare your dog for spring.

Update Your Dog's Shots and Preventives

Now that the weather is getting warmer, you'll probably be taking your pooch out for more walks and maybe a few yappy hours and visits to the dog park. If so, take your dog to the vet to ensure that it is up to date on all its vaccinations. Don't forget to let your veterinarian know if you'll be walking your dog in areas frequented by wildlife or where ticks are common. Your vet may suggest that your dog receive the leptospirosis and/or Lyme disease vaccines.

Spring is also the time to make sure that your dog is current on its pest preventives. While you should be practicing flea and tick prevention for dogs year-round, some owners let their guard down in winter. If you were one of these owners, it's time to get your dog back on its preventives. If you have a puppy, though, make sure to consult with a veterinarian before giving it any medications. According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), you should not start flea and tick prevention for puppies until they're at least seven to eight months old.

Stay Ahead of Dog Shedding in Spring

Many breeds develop thick coats during winter that they will shed in spring. This is especially true of double-coated dogs, such as Samoyeds and Akitas. These breeds will "blow" out their undercoats in large clumps of fur twice a year, including spring. That's why springtime dog grooming is especially important. Spend at least 15 minutes a day brushing and removing the dead fur. This will help minimize the number of fur tumbleweeds you'll find around your house.

Be Ready to Deal With Mud

April showers bring May flowers ... and a whole lot of mud. Don't be surprised if bath times for your pup become more frequent during the spring months. Spring is also when a lot of homeowners fertilize and use weedkillers on their lawns. Wash your pup's paws off if you suspect they may have come in contact with these dangerous chemicals. To make bath time easier on both you and your pup, keep the following items in a handy location:

• Dog shampoo: According to the AKC, human skin has a different pH balance than dog skin. That's why using a human shampoo on a dog can dry its skin, which could lead to rashes, itching and even infections. For your dog's well-being, the AKC recommends that you invest in a shampoo that has been formulated specifically for canines.
• Brush or comb: Use these tools to remove any mats or tangles in your pet's fur.
• Dog towel: Yes, you could use an old bath towel to dry your pup, but once wet, it becomes cumbersome and hard to handle. A better idea is to invest in the lightweight towels upon which many groomers rely. These super-absorbent towels will reduce your pup's drying time, wring out easily and won't tangle long fur.

Get Rid of Mosquito Breeding Grounds

Spring is also the beginning of mosquito season. These little pests breed and lay their eggs in stagnant water. This season is a good time to take a stroll around your yard and get rid of anything that could hold water. Mosquito control is essential. These nasty insects can transmit several dangerous diseases and parasites to your pooch, including heartworms and West Nile virus.

Keep Your Dog Safe During Spring Cleaning

Spring is the traditional time to give your home a thorough cleaning. Unfortunately, many cleaning products can be harmful to your pooch. Look for pet-friendly versions of your cleaners and, if that's not possible, secure your pet in another room while you're using cleaning products. Then, when you're done with the products, store them well out of reach of a curious canine.

Of course, the most important tip for spring is to take advantage of the usually mild and pleasant weather with your pup. It's probably one of the best seasons of the year to explore your local trails or engage in other outdoor sports with your furry best friend.

Wouldn't it be great if you never had to wash your dog in the winter? If you could somehow encase your pup in until spring to keep it looking pristine and smelling fresh, you probably would. Alas, winter can be a messy time of year. With rain and melting snow creating puddles and mud, it's reasonable to assume that your pup will need at least one bath before spring arrives. Unfortunately, cleaning dogs during the winter isn't as simple as it is in the summer when you can just rinse them with a hose.

To make wintertime baths a little easier, we have compiled these 5 simple tips:

1. Take Your Pooch for a Potty Break Before Its Bath

Exposing a wet dog to cold temperatures can put it at risk of hypothermia. Take your dog for a bathroom break before washing it. Another reason to take your pup out before its bath: It's not uncommon for a dog to suddenly get seemingly boundless energy and run like a shot out of a cannon (known as “the zoomies”) after it's washed. As you're probably aware, when a dog runs on a full bladder or stomach, it's likely to have an accident.

2. Create a Toasty Environment

Before bathing dogs in winter, turn up the heat in your house by a degree or two. That way, your dog won't get chilled after its bath. Be sure that the water used for your dog's bath is nice and warm, as well.

3. Use the Right Type of Towel

While you may be tempted to use a regular bath towel to dry your pup, it's not a good idea. Those large towels can tangle your pet's hair and will get heavy and be hard to handle when wet. Instead, use a lightweight towel that has been created specifically for drying dogs and is preferred by many professional groomers. 

The Absorber has a sponge-like construction that will draw water away from your pet's fur, which will allow it to dry quicker than if you were to use an old bath towel. The Absorber also has a smooth surface, so it won't tangle your pet's fur. In addition, you can run The Absorber under warm water to create a heated towel for your pup.

4. Don't Use Human Shampoo

Can you bathe a dog in the winter using human shampoo? Probably not a good idea. Human shampoo is too acidic for dogs and can irritate their skin. If your pooch has sensitive skin, try using a moisturizing shampoo or just plain water to bathe your dog during the winter months.

5. Go to a Self-Serve Dog Wash

Winter dog grooming is not easy. For example, it can be just about impossible to get a large dog, such as a Great Dane, in and out of a bathtub or to fit comfortably inside a conventional shower stall. If you own a large dog, your best bet is to take it to a self-serve wash facility.

Most facilities have step-in baths, so your dog can get in and out by itself. Many of these also have tubs that are set at waist level. You won't have to bend over and strain your back while washing your pup. Even better, you won't have to mess up your tub or worry about dog hair clogging your drains.

Want another bonus to washing your dogs during the winter? Your house is bound to smell less like a dog to visitors if you keep your pets clean. Remember, bathing your dog doesn’t have to be cumbersome, follow the tips above and you can make it through winter with a clean and happy pup.

Do you ever wonder if you've adopted a Tasmanian devil instead of a puppy? Have you returned home and found that your dog has destroyed your couch or dug a hole in your carpet? If the answer to these questions is yes, try not to get discouraged. Your fur child is probably not a bad dog. More than likely, it is just a bored canine that needs more mental stimulation and/or physical activity. It's especially important for young dogs and certain working breeds, such as border collies and hunting dogs, to burn off their excess energy and keep their minds engaged.

If your dog is exhibiting "bad" behavior, we suggest you do the following:

Walk and Run With Your Pup

A tired dog will spend most of its time sleeping rather than destroying your home, so try to begin each day with a good long walk or run. Although that might mean you'll have to set your alarm a half-hour to an hour earlier than you normally would, it will be worth it when returning home to a destruction-free zone.

Some more-active dogs will also require a midday walk. If your job is too far away for you to return home at lunch, consider hiring a service that can take your pet for an afternoon stroll.

Finally, try to end each day with another long walk. One caveat: If your pup's daily walk includes a splash through a pond or a lake, make sure to bathe your dog when returning home. Some bodies of water can contain blue-green algae, which can be toxic to dogs. It's also important to thoroughly towel-dry your dog if it gets wet or rained on during your walk. Damp fur can lead to skin infections and hot spots.

If you own a water-loving dog, such as a Labrador, you should invest in a towel designed specifically to dry canines, such as a Labrador, you should invest in a towel designed specifically to dry canines, such as The Absorber. This towel can take in more water than a standard bath towel, which will speed your dog's drying time. Reach out to Dog Lover’s Towel for more information.

Provide Your Pet With Interactive Toys

The pet toy industry has been working hard to address the needs of your bored canine. Some of the interactive products it has created for dogs include puzzles that force a pup to paw and lift pegs to access hidden treats and rubber Kongs, which can be filled with treats and frozen. There are even pet cameras on the market that will allow you to talk with and dispense treats to your dog.

Doggy Daycare

Imagine being a young child locked alone in a room day after day. You probably would go a little stir crazy, as well. If you have a job that requires you to spend long hours away from your home, consider taking your pet to a doggy daycare where it can run and play with other pups. The upfront cost for doggy daycare may be a bit higher than other options. That said, think of the money you'll save if your pup is too tired to chew your shoes or gnaw on the legs of your expensive dining room table.

Become a Regular at the Dog Park

Some active breeds may require more than an on-leash hike around the block. For these dogs, only a wild and crazy high-speed romp will do. Though as any pet owner knows, allowing a dog to run free can be a hazard to its health. A safer option is to take your high-energy pup to a dog park for regular exercise and socialization. Your dog is bound to be exhausted after rough-housing with its fellow canines.

Remember, most canines are eager to please their owners and would rather not be considered a "bad dog." These activities will give your fur baby the chance to succeed.

You've given your pup a good shampoo and scrub down, and now it's time to get fluffy — well, fluffy and dry. Did you know that there is an art to drying your furry friend? For example, some dogs with thick or double coats can develop nasty skin conditions if the fur near their skin remains damp for a lengthy period.

The following are the pros and cons of the four most popular ways to dry a dog after a bath:

My Jack Russell Terrier smells, even after a bath. We're talking destined-to-be-picked-on-by-the-classroom-bully stink. I bathe my dog every week and he still smells (although it's now a combination of "da funk" and lavender. Why does my dog stink after a bath? Is there a special stink-removing dog soap I should be using? It just keeps getting worse!
~Jake in Buffalo, New York

Oh, Jake…we feel for ya!

Few things are as frustrating as persistent dog odors that just won't go away. Imagine how ol' "J.R." feels hanging out at the dog park with his friends!

Luckily, we have a bad news/good news situation. The cause of your freshly bathed dog's persistent smell is likely…wait for it…the bathing.

When we bathe (humans and dogs alike), we strip natural oils from our skins. Those constant baths you're giving your dog are removing natural oils from her skin and coat, which signals her glands to secrete even more oils, and those oils are magnets for dirt, grime, and odor-inducing bacteria.

There's a simple fix: Cut down on doggy baths.

Most dogs can get by with just a few baths a year. You might want to try a different dog shampoo, too. Look for gentler, more natural dog shampoos…something less harsh and less likely to strip the skin's oils away. Some pet owners favor oatmeal dog shampoos. Ask a groomer for a recommendation.

One last suggestion, and it's important:

Make sure you dry your dog after bath time. Wet fur attracts dirt and grime, just like oily skin. Drying your pup with The Absorber towel will help keep odors at bay.

Buying your dog groomer a gift is such a thoughtful idea! We're big fans of taking care of the ones who take care of our pets.

We asked around with a few of the groomers we know and got a lot of great ideas. Here are some of our favorites:

My dogs are getting antsy now that winter is here. It's dark and cold outside, so our doggie playdates have been put on hold until Spring. I take my pups outside for walks, but I'm afraid that's not enough to keep them from going stir crazy. Any ideas for cold-weather pet fun to keep my dogs from getting bored in winter?
- Angela in Memphis, Tennessee

Keeping a dog from getting bored during the winter is no small feat. Cold weather can dampen your spirits for going outside, and those early sunsets make a night of Netflix on the couch really appealing.

Luckily, we've come up with five ideas to keep your dogs from going stir crazy until the Spring thaw arrives.

1. "Play Games, All Sorts"

That's more than just a line from Mary Poppins…games are a good way to entertain dogs during the cold, dark days of winter. A rousing round of hide-and-seek or fetch is sure to cure those doggy doldrums. Bonus: It's a chance to practice training your pooch to sit and stay.

2. Visit a Dog Park

Even when it's cold and gray outside, your dogs can enjoy a playful run at the dog park. While some dog parks close after dark, others remain open in the evening. Your dogs can still enjoy some outdoor play, no matter how much daylight we get.

3. Tricky Treats

Those treat-dispensing dog toys are a great way to keep your dog entertained for hours winter, spring, summer or fall. Simply insert your pup's favorite treat or dry food into the treat ball and watch as your furry friends try to solve the puzzle. You can find these at most neighborhood pet stores or online.

4. Hire a Dog Walker

Pets need love and exercise all year, regardless of the weather. If your work schedule keeps you away from the house for long periods of time, hire a dog walker to help your pets get exercise and TLC during the day. They'll love the attention, and you'll feel better knowing they're getting some playtime while you're at work. Just remember to show them a little love when you get home!

5. Schedule an Indoor Puppy Play Date

Okay, hear us out on this one. While the idea of a gaggle of dogs in your house may sound like a carpet-cleaning bill waiting to happen, inviting your doggie friends over gives your pups a chance to socialize and gives you an excuse for a game night with friends. What's not to love about that?

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It gets pretty cold during winter up here in Michigan…does my dog need a winter coat? I know some buy sweaters for dogs, which I’ve always thought was a little silly. Is it safe to take my dog outside in winter without a coat? She’s a Shih Tzu, for what it’s worth.

- Christy in Ann Arbor, Michigan

Brrrr…those Michigan winters are no joke! We give you props for thinking about your dog’s safety in cold weather.

Here’s the skinny: There’s no easy-peasy answer to this one.

It depends on the temperature, it depends on the breed, it depends on the duration, it depends on the…you get the idea.

For most dogs, Mother Nature gives them the coat they need for winter weather. In fact, by buying a winter coat for a dog, you might be conditioning her body to rely too much on the jacket. Dogs’ bodies, like ours, respond to stimuli in our environment – including cold. Cold signals to a dog’s body that it’s time to grow that fur a little thicker.

There are caveats, of course. Shaved breeds have less natural protection against the cold. And even a thick, furry winter coat isn’t enough to safeguard against prolonged exposure to brutally cold temperatures. Never leave a dog outdoors in winter for a prolonged time without shelter.

Just because your dog can go outside in winter without a coat doesn’t mean she will go outside. Anybody who has stood on a snowy porch trying to coax and cajole a dog to step outside and go potty knows that all too well. Dogs are like us…most would rather be curled up with a snuggly down comforter than standing belly-deep in snow amid a swirling wind.

Here’s a pro tip: Don’t forget a towel to dry your dog when she comes in from the snow. A dry dog is a happy dog…and a healthy dog!