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How To Introduce Your Dog to Your New Baby
You’ve read the books. You’ve made the lists. You’ve purchased the gear. Preparing for a new baby is an exciting time, but it’s also a lot of work—and it might cause some confusion for your dog. A new baby will unquestionably come with imminent changes, but there are a few steps you can take to make introducing your dog to your new baby a little easier.
Introducing Your Dog to Your Baby
Dogs are creatures of habit, so once routines start to change, your fur baby will start to notice. This is actually a great time to start implementing changes to your dog’s routine to get her used to a new schedule before your baby arrives. Here are a few tips you can follow before and after your delivery.
Two Weeks Before Your Baby’s Arrival
Your due date is fast approaching, and you’re probably starting to experience the pre-delivery jitters. The thing is, your dog can pick up on your emotions. According to recent research, studies have shown that dogs can recognize different emotions just by looking at their human’s facial expressions. So if you’re feeling anxious, stressed, and downright panicky, your dog may start acting out.
This is a great time to give your dog extra cuddles and attention. While you’re at it, you can start meal prepping your dog’s food into his correctly portioned servings for your designated dog sitter. Make sure all important information is written down in an easily accessible notepad.
The Day You Bring Your Baby Home
Here come the wiggles! Your dog missed you a lot, but what he doesn’t realize is that you are carrying precious cargo. Make sure you have your partner hold your baby while you greet your other “baby.” Wait until your dog has calmed down before letting your pooch sniff his new sibling.
Again, dogs read emotions, and now there is a tiny human in the mix of things. Let him get a feel for the new member of the family and reward him with a treat for being so kind and careful with the baby.
The Day After You Bring Your Baby Home…
…and the day after that, and so forth.
Yes, it will take some time for your dog to realize that this will be the new normal. And that’s okay. Your dog’s world has changed significantly, so don’t be surprised if it takes some time for your dog to get accustomed to its new life. Make sure you involve your dog in all baby-related activities and remember to separate the dog’s toys from your baby’s toys. Eventually, both of your babies will become the best of friends.
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Shop The Absorber® Dog Lover's Towel
If dogs and babies have one thing in common, it’s that they can be very, very messy. Whether you're cleaning up your baby’s spills or drying off your dog after bath time, The Absorber® is a necessary tool for your linen closet. Messes don’t have to be a hassle to clean up. The Absorber® is a super-absorbent towel that is versatile, convenient, and takes the dread out of drying.
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6 Tips For Leaving Your Puppy Home Alone
So you’re a new dog parent. You’ve done all the research, purchased the right food, and aced the potty training process (albeit, with a few accidents). Then before you know it, you’re hit with a new challenge—leaving your puppy home alone for the first time.
As a new dog parent, it’s natural to worry—but don’t worry too hard. Whether you’re headed to work or going out for a dinner date, we’ll walk you through our top six tips to ensure your puppy will be safe and sound while you’re away.
How Long Can I Leave My Puppy Alone?
Before we get into the tips, there’s one thing you should know—a puppy can’t be left alone for more than two hours at a time. Once your fur baby grows into an adult dog, he or she can stay home anywhere between four and six hours. Until then, you’ll want to make sure either you or someone else can stop by to check on your puppy.
The reason behind the two-hour time frame isn’t necessarily because of accidents, but rather because puppies can develop separation anxiety. Puppies are still growing, so prolonged time alone can result in anxiety issues. Try to put yourself in your puppy's paws—you are their whole world. So when you’re away for too long, it’s natural for them to get anxious. That being said, every dog is different and you must also consider his or her breed and health.
Now, let’s get into the tips.
1. Choose the Right Dog Breed
Some dog breeds are better at managing time alone than others. Surely you’ve done your research, but it is pertinent to understand your puppy’s characteristics.
Some breeds need more attention and socialization than others, which will directly affect the way your dog responds to time alone. A few dog breeds that best manage time alone include the French Bulldog, the Maltese, and the Basset Hound.
2. Training Your Puppy to Be Home Alone
You’ve been training your puppy since you brought him home—but the training doesn’t stop at potty breaks. From the moment you bring your new puppy home, you need to start teaching him that it’s okay to be home alone. That way, he’ll understand that he’s safe and secure and that you will always return.
One way to start training your puppy is by leaving the house and immediately coming back. This teaches him that being alone is normal. As time goes on, gradually increase your time outside—and don’t forget to give him a treat before you leave
3. Have a Routine
Just like humans, dogs are creatures of habit. Dogs need a consistent routine that they can rely on, such as when they can expect to be fed and exercised. Implementing a routine will not only help your dog feel more comfortable, but it will also give her the tools to handle any unexpected events that may come her way.
A routine can help your dog distribute her energy throughout the day. If your dog knows she’s going out for a run later, then she’ll be much less likely to be rambunctious while you’re away.
4. Exercise Is Key
A great way to regulate your dog’s at-home activity is to take him out for a walk before you go. If you’re leaving for work, make sure to get a good walk around the block in before you go. And if your puppy is still learning the ins and outs of proper waking etiquette, then this is an excellent time to practice.
As we’ve mentioned, every dog is different. You need to factor in your dog’s age, breed, and health to craft the right exercise schedule. However, it is agreed upon that dogs need exercise and mental stimulation to keep them from developing behavioral problems. Humans need regular exercise too, so walking your dog ensures that you and your pooch get your daily steps in
5. Get a Comfy Dog Bed
Who doesn’t love to lounge around in a soft, comfortable bed? Your dog certainly loves it. When you leave your dog home, the most important thing you can do is to create a safe and comfortable area to which she has unlimited access. This area should have food, water, toys, and an ultra-comfy doggie bed.
You should also dog-proof areas that are off-limits. As a new dog owner, you probably have a few baby gates already set up. These are perfect for blocking off any dog-free areas of your home. Consider covers for electrical outlets and power strips as well. You can also practice crate training, which acts as a safe, small place for your dog to go to during the day.
6. Keep Your Dog Entertained
A bored dog is an unhappy dog. Make sure you’re mentally stimulating your pup with fun toys to play with. Some great options include puzzles, food dispensers, and chew toys. Chew toys are excellent, especially if your puppy is still teething. The last thing you want to find is everything ripped to shreds the second you walk in the door.
Keeping the television on, playing classical music on repeat, and getting your dog a buddy can all help alleviate your dog’s boredom.
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What Happens if I Work Long Hours?
Many of us have nine-to-five jobs. So what do you do if you have to work eight hours a day? If you have a long lunch and home isn’t too far away, you should make a stop at home to check on your dog. Otherwise, you can seek extra help in the form of dog walkers, doggie daycare, and pet sitters.
Whatever route you choose, you can take comfort in knowing that there is an animal-lover out there willing to help you and your puppy along.
Shop The Absorber® Dog Lover’s Towel
As a puppy parent, you know how often messes happen. Maybe your puppy ended up getting into something he shouldn’t have while you were out and now it’s time for the dreaded bath. Whether or not your dog likes bath time, make sure you’re prepared with The Absorber®—a super-absorbent towel that allows you to dry your pup faster than ever, so he can get back to his tail-wagging adventures.
Take the dread out of drying and shop The Absorber® today.
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3 Steps To Take If Your Dog Gets Stung by a Bee
With spring right around the corner, you may spend more time outdoors to enjoy the new blooms and warm weather with your pup. That said, a fuzzy little mischief-maker is flying around that you need to watch out for.![woman hiking with dog](http://dogloverstowel.com/cdn/shop/articles/shutterstock_1049731634_{height}x{width}.jpg?v=1647890950)
5 Tips for Hiking With Your Dog
Taking your dog for a hike is a great way for both of you to get exercise, enjoy natural scenery, and have fun together. To ensure a safe, enjoyable experience, it’s important to be prepared before going on any trails. Take a few minutes to review The Dog Lover's Towel's top five dog hiking tips.
Choose a dog-friendly trail
Review any dog-specific rules for the trail(s) you plan to hike. Some trails require things like keeping your dog on a leash at all times or keeping them off certain parts of the trail. To protect your dog and show courtesy to fellow hikers, abide by these trail rules.
When you find a dog-friendly trail, make sure it’s safe for your pup. Avoid trails with rocky terrain or steep hills, as these can cause your dog unnecessary physical strain.
Assess your dog’s health
Before hopping on a trail with your furry friend, make sure he’s up for the task. Just because a trail is dog-friendly doesn’t mean it’s safe for your pup. Since every dog is different, consider these factors to determine your dog’s hiking abilities.
- Age: Puppies and senior dogs are more prone to injuries and heat exhaustion. Take them on trails that are relatively short and flat.
- Size: Smaller dogs take longer to cover the same distance as medium to large-sized dogs. Choose shorter trails for them so they don’t overexert themselves on a longer trail.
- Training level: Have you taken your dog on hiking trails before? Is your dog in good enough shape to hike a particular trail?
- Health conditions: Does your dog have any health conditions or breed-related hindrances that would adversely affect her ability to complete a trail hike safely?
If you’re not sure what trails your dog can handle, start small and gradually work your way up. This will protect you and your dog and help build endurance.
Check the forecast
To avoid poor weather conditions while hiking with your dog, check the weather forecast before heading out on the trails. This will protect you and your dog from potentially dangerous weather conditions and keep you from taking a muddy dog home.
Pack the essentials
Check out our beginner’s guide to know what to bring the next time you hike with your dog.
Must-Have Dog Hiking Gear
- Water and water bowl
- Food and snacks
- Poop bags
- Updated ID tags
- Dog first aid kit
Optional
- Cleaning supplies
- Toys
- Dog booties
- Insulated or cooling outerwear
- Extra leash
- Dog saddle
Leave no waste behind
Pick up after yourself and your dog. After hiking a trail, it should be as clean as—if not cleaner than—how you found it. This includes properly disposing of any trash and dog waste along the way.
Shop The Absorber® Dog Lover’s Towel
Bathing your dog is the first thing you should do after returning home from a hike. For an easy dog bathing experience, you need a super-absorbent, quick-drying dog towel. By picking up 50% more water on contact than competing products, The Absorber® is the market’s #1 dog drying towel. Take the dread out of drying with The Absorber® Dog Lover’s Towel.
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5 Ways How to Deal with Muddy Dog Paws
Table of Contents:
Whether you’re a new dog owner or a seasoned veteran, we all can benefit from tips and tricks about how to clean our furry friends paws after they’ve gotten into some mud outside. While you can’t control the elements, you can implement some basic techniques and know how to stop muddy dog paws on your belongings.
If you want to keep your dog clean while protecting your belongings from getting dirty, take a look at our 5 ways to clean dog paws guide below.
5 Ways To Keep Dog Paws Clean
We’ve put together a list of five ways you can keep your dog’s paws clean. One option might work better for your lifestyle, or maybe you’ll implement all five to cover your bases. Either way, check out this helpful guide to keep your pup and your stuff mud-free.
1. Avoid Muddy Areas
The easiest way to prevent your dog from getting muddy paws is to avoid muddy areas altogether. Whether it’s your backyard or a park down the street, keep your pup away after it has rained or you’ve had the sprinklers on. Now you don’t have to stress about your dog wreaking havoc in your home after playing outside.
2. Keep a Towel by the Door
If your dirty dogs with muddy paws only get a little bit dirty while playing outside, wiping off their paws with a towel might just do the trick. Have your dog sit on a towel or mat when they come inside, and make sure you’re thorough in cleaning their paws.
3. Set Up a Wash Station
Maybe your dog sneaked outside while you weren’t looking, or you had a YOLO moment and let them have fun playing in the rain for the heck of it. Whatever the case may be, setting up a wash station by the back door is a life-saver when facing muddy dog paws.
You can make it fancy with a grooming bath and blow dryer, or you can keep it simple with some soap, a floor drain, and towels for drying.
4. Stock Your Vehicle With Wipes
But what if you’re on the go when your dog gets dirty? It’s always a good idea to keep cleaning wipes on hand for when this (inevitably) happens. The last thing you want is dirty paw marks on your cloth or leather seats.
A potential second line of defense is to get protective rubber mats or car seat covers to catch any water, dirt, or mud left on your dog.
5. Train Your Pup
The best thing you can do to deal with muddy dog paws is to teach your pup some basic commands—like “sit,” “stay,” and “lie down.” It takes some time and energy, but training your dog to follow these commands will protect your belongings from getting messy.
Try The Absorber® from CleanTools
If you’re looking for a super-absorbent, machine washable dog-drying towel to clean up your messy pup, try The Absorber® from CleanTools. With its sponge-like pore structure that absorbs 50% more water than cotton or microfiber towels, this product outperforms every competitor on the market. It also comes in three different sizes, making it the perfect drying product for any sized dog. Get yourself The Absorber® and take the hassle out of drying.
Get The Absorber Now!
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How to Get Your Dog to Love Baths
Table of Contents:
Does your dog avoid baths at all costs? You’re not the only pet parent struggling with encouraging your dog in a bathtub. Fortunately, we’ve figured out the most effective ways to bathe your dog.
Listed below are three essential tips for mastering bath time with your canine. Let’s learn how to get your dog to like baths.
Why Do Dogs Hate Baths?
For starters who often asks “do dogs like baths?”, dogs don’t hate baths. Baths do, however, go against your pup’s wolf instinct to carry the scent of its surroundings for successful hunting. As much as it annoys their owners, dogs love rolling around in the dirt and mud.
Additionally, your dog’s reluctance to be bathed may originate from unfamiliarity. Most pet owners hate giving baths as much as their dogs like getting them. If your dog hasn’t had a bath in a while, he could be hesitant to revisit the activity.
3 Tips to Help Your Dog Enjoy Bathtime
To get your dog to like water, it’s highly recommended to follow the below steps.
Tip #1— Start Young
As early as possible, let your pup stand in a puddle of water. This will help expand their idea of water. Not only do you drink it, but you can also be in it!
You can do this with an adopted pup as well. As soon as you establish trust with your new companion, reintroduce him to water. Observe their comfort level in and around the water. Depending on their reaction, you may need to adjust your tactics or use their favorite snack as bribery.
" Tip: Take your dog for a walk when it’s raining, let him stand on the first step of a pool, or have playtime in the wet sand of a beach. Water is all around us. The sooner your dog recognizes it is nothing to fear, the smoother bathtime will be. "
Tip #2— Train in the Bathroom
After a nice long walk, take your canine to the bathroom and instruct him to sit. Reward the action with a treat and walk your dog back out of the bathroom. Repeat this action a few times, instructing your dog to do commands he’s familiar with.
Then walk your dog to the bathtub and instruct your dog to jump in. This might take a few tries, but be patient. Once your dog does it or attempts to, reward the action and walk him back out of the bathroom. Repeat this training until your dog is comfortable entering the empty bathtub. Training in the bathroom helps your dog relax in a place he once avoided.
" Tip: Treat the bathroom like any other room in your home. Allow your pup to walk in and out of the area and get comfortable. You can also turn the shower on during training to help your pup get used to the loud noise. "
Tip #3— Change Your Attitude
Dogs are very sensitive to changes in body language, energy, and mood. If you have a negative attitude when trying to introduce baths, they will immediately fight the activity. After all, why should your dog do something you don’t even want to do?
Take a deep breath and relax before giving your pup a bath. Keep your attitude upbeat and positive. You’d be surprised to know how impactful small changes can be.
Helpful Things to Keep in Mind:
Have patience: Nothing happens overnight. It may take a few weeks for your dog to get comfortable with the bathing process.
Find their motivation: Bribery goes a long way. Discover what your dog is motivated by and use that as a reward.
Don’t force it: Dragging your dog into the bathtub will solidify it as a negative space in the future.
Make it fun: Talk to your dog when giving him a bath. Tell him that he’s doing a good job and give him kisses.
Make Bathtime a Funtime
After your pup is thoroughly washed, dry him from head to tail with The Absorber® Dog Lover's Towel. This all-purpose doggy PVC cloth is more gentle and efficient than any other cotton towel on the market. Dry those hard-to-reach places in a sitch and get back to playtime with your furry companion.
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3 Holiday Tips For Pet Owners to Keep Your Dog Safe
Chestnuts roasting on an open fire, your dog putting his ice-cold nose on you! This season brings tons of interesting sights and smells that are sure to send your canine into overdrive. We know you love your fur baby more than anything, but visiting family and friends may not be aware of dog holiday food safety.
To ensure happy holidays for your two-legged and four-legged family, we’ve listed a few tips for pet owners to keep in mind.
Tip #1: Avoid Holiday Plants
Everyone loves mistletoe—except your dog. Along with holly and poinsettias, mistletoe can cause life-threatening health issues to your pets. Surprised? You’re not the only one. Unfortunately, lots of plant-loving pet owners learn this the hard way. If eaten, popular seasonal botanicals can impact your pup’s digestion and make him sick.
Tip: If guests do bring any plants into your home, hang them up or place them outside your front door to ensure pet safety.
Tip #2: Be Mindful of Holiday Decorations
From edible tree ornaments like candy canes to festive candles, holiday decorations can be dangerous to small and large pets. To minimize your chances of visiting an emergency room this season, keep all decor and edible ornaments away from your four-legged companions.
Tip: Place candy canes on higher surfaces, away from your furry friend’s curious nose. Also, try not to leave lit candles near the edge of a table— your dog’s wagging tail may accidentally bump it.
Wrapping paper, while not hazardous to your pet, can make quite a mess. Avoid unnecessary holiday cleanup by properly storing or discarding holiday paper immediately after unwrapping. To your furry friend, ribbons, bows, and boxes all look like new toys. If your dog or pet gets ahold of something he shouldn’t have. Pet owners should replace this with one of their chew toys.
Other helpful tips:
- Don’t let your dog or pet drink tree water
- Store excess extension cords
- Unplug lights when not in use
Tip #3: Don’t Leave Snacks & Treats
Under normal conditions, your dog knows not to take food from the table. But the holidays are full of so many mouthwatering snacks, can you really blame them for wanting a taste? Pet owners prevent your pet from ingesting something harmful to their body or health by removing them from the room before you begin eating.
In addition, lots of holiday sweets are made with chocolate, which can be extremely dangerous to dogs. Inform your guests not to leave food or drinks unattended, and not to feed your pet table food without your permission.
What Can My Dog Eat During the Holidays?
Dogs love the flavor and variety of people-food, but we suggest eliminating it during the holidays to prevent allergy-related accidents and unforeseen digestive issues. You can make dog holiday food and treats, but make sure your guests know table food is off-limits.
Tip: While you and your family are chowing down, make sure your pet can too! Top your dog’s normal food with delicious turkey broth. It’s a pet-friendly holiday treat your pup is sure to love.
Practice Holiday Pet Safety
This season’s celebrations are meant to be spent with friends and family (dogs too!). Your guests may not know these safety tips, so be sure to tell them when they arrive. Correct your canine when he begins to beg for food and keep him in a quiet room while you are eating and drinking. If any food or drink is spilled on the floor, keep The Absorber® Mini clothes nearby for a quick and easy cleanup. When you practice these holiday pet safety suggestions, your festive occasions will always be full of laughter, fun, and food.![5 Essential Dog Winter Safety Tips](http://dogloverstowel.com/cdn/shop/articles/shutterstock_559222303_{height}x{width}.jpg?v=1634745046)
5 Essential Dog Winter Safety Tips
Puffy coats, rain boots, and gloves, oh my! As the temperature shifts from sunny and 75 to 40 and freezing, make sure you’re taking the proper precautions for you and your best friend. To help make the transition to the winter months as smooth (and warm) as possible, we gathered a few tips every pet parent should practice. Check out our five essential dog winter safety tips.
1. Leash Your Pets
Most pet parents don’t realize the incredible risk cold weather poses to their fur babies. Dog safety in the winter can save you and your pet from stressful moments. Snowfall, for instance, can mask hazardous areas and create a dangerous situation for you and your pet. To minimize your risk, be sure to keep your pet leashed during walks. This is especially when in a familiar area. Snow covers scents and decreases visibility; if your pup gets spooked, she may run away.
Leashing your dog also prevents them from:
- Running into traffic
- Scaring a passerby
- Falling through ice
- Getting lost
2. Keep Pets Comfortable
Pets who are advanced in age or have medical issues should only be walked for short periods of time. Cold weather tends to aggravate or worsen joint issues. Prevent your dog from enduring extreme discomfort by limiting outdoor time to 15 or 20 minutes.
Other cold-weather safety recommendations that keep your pet comfortable include:
- Moving their bed away from drafty areas
- Using a space heater
- Limiting jumps, use of stairs
Although signs and symptoms will vary, most dogs with arthritis exhibit one or more of the following:
- Changes in behavior
- Limps when walking
- Stiff movements
- Licks joints constantly
- Avoids climbing
If you suspect our pet may have joint issues, contact your veterinarian.
3. Avoid Bathing Your Pet
Due to the dry and cool winter air, your pup’s skin needs oils more than any other time of year. Lack of these essential oils will cause your dog to have dry, flaky skin. If your must clean your dog, limit air drying after baths. Instead, use The Absorber® Dog Lover's Towel. This unique cloth dries dogs more efficiently than cotton and microfiber towels. It’s the best way to keep your pet comfortable, happy, and warm.
4. Know Your Pet’s Limits
You know your pet better than anyone. Be mindful of your breed, comfort level, and tolerance of certain environments.
Short hair dogs: Usually have a harder time adjusting to cold weather.
Long hair dogs: May be able to withstand cold temperatures, but that doesn’t mean they should.
Indoor dogs: Typically have soft paws and are more likely to react to ice and snow.
Outdoor dogs: Shouldn’t be left outside during the winter. Freezing temperatures can cause a series of physical issues.
Other cold winter safety tips include:
- Apply petroleum jelly to paw pads
- Use booties to prevent injury
- Don’t leave your pet outdoors or in a car
5. Beware of Chemicals
Snow and salt can erode your pet’s paws. Not to mention, antifreeze and other chemicals applied during the winter months are harmful to your dog’s health. After each trip outdoors, wipe down your dog’s legs and paws with a gentle but super-absorbent Dog Lover's Towel. You’ll be able to safely capture toxic chemicals before your dog licks them off her fur or paws.
Prioritize Your Pet’s Cold Weather Safety
Don’t let the winter months wreak havoc on your pets. Keep them warm and safe all season long with our five essential winter tips. Remember, your dogs are sensitive to changes in temperature like you. If you’re cold, so are they—which is why prioritizing dog safety in the winter is important. Use precaution when walking your pet and always wipe in between their paws with The Absorber®. We have a range of sizes to accommodate every dog in your life.
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What To Do if Your Dog Gets Sprayed by a Skunk
Has your four-legged friend had an unfriendly encounter with a skunk? Don’t worry. Aside from the foul smell, skunk spray causes virtually no harm to your pet. Minimize your furry friend’s discomfort by cleaning your dog right away.![Cute dog on leash rolling in green grass neat sunset making eye contact expressing emotion.](http://dogloverstowel.com/cdn/shop/articles/shutterstock_647159467_{height}x{width}.jpg?v=1629227332)
Why Does My Dog Roll In the Grass?
As a pet parent, there’s nothing better than watching your furry friend run through a grassy field. But have you ever wondered why do dogs roll in grass? From curious pups to experienced hounds, dogs of all ages happily roll their bodies in the grass—whether it’s freshly cut, dry, or mostly dirt. Do they enjoy how it feels? Does it scratch an itch? Are they just playing? We’ll answer these questions and more.
Let’s discuss the reasons why your dog rolls in the grass.
Why Do Dogs Rub Themselves on the Grass?
Ancestral Behavior
Turns out, your dog’s ancestral background may contribute to this grassy habit. Wolves and wild dogs often rub themselves on the ground before hunting. Rubbing their faces on the surrounding foliage is an effective way to assume the scent of their surroundings and increase the chances of finding a meal.
Mask Shampoo
To the dismay of their owners, most dogs make a beeline to the nearest grassy or dirty area after being washed and groomed. While you may enjoy the floral or crisp linen scent of dog shampoos, the harsh smell probably overpowers their hyper-sensitive noses. Rolling around in the grass will dull the smell of the cleanser used to bathe them. Unscented shampoos are dog-friendly and may resolve your pup’s dirty doggy behavior.
Mark Territory
The reason why dogs roll in the grass may be as simple as marking their territory. If your four-legged friend walks underneath your legs when you’re sitting or brushes against trees, they may be marking their scent. Similarly, canines that roll around in the same place on a grassy area are possibly leaving an indicator for other dogs who visit that space.
Itchy Skin
If your pup has seasonal allergies or an itch she can’t scratch, expect her to rub on the grass or carpet to alleviate the discomfort. Pet owners love to scratch behind their dog’s ears and rub their bellies, but your furry friend may also enjoy a long back scratch. Help your pet get those hard-to-reach places with a full-body rub-down.
Express Excitement
Dogs roll in the grass to show their mood and eliminate pent-up energy. Watch your pups the next time they exhibit this behavior. They should be relaxed and happy. If their behavior becomes obsessive, consider obedience or agility training as well as fetching. These are mentally stimulating activities that encourage healthy exercise.
Keep Dogs That Roll in the Grass Clean
Every dog has quirks that make the owners laugh or shake their heads in disbelief. Like it or not, a dog rubbing his face on the grass is considered normal behavior. Between washes, keep the dirt and grime to a minimum with The Absorber® Small. Ideal for small cleanups, this PVA towel is best used when on the go. Wipe down your pet after a good roll in the grass. When you’re done, throw it in the wash for next time.
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Relieve Your Dog’s Itchy Skin With THIS Household Item
Ask any dog mom or dog dad and they’ll tell you their pooch itches his or her skin from time to time. It’s usually nothing to be concerned about. However, if you notice your furry friend is aggressively and consistently scratching all over, you may want to take note. Although dry or irritated doggy skin can happen for a variety of reasons including seasonal allergies, bug bites, or fleas: we’ve got the perfect solution. Oats, while a delicious breakfast ingredient, are also a good product to use for your four-legged friends! Oatmeal baths for dogs with itchy skin are a perfect, all-natural remedy. Let’s learn more about oat baths.
How to Make an Oatmeal Bath for Dogs
Remember taking oatmeal baths to keep you from scratching your chickenpox? This is a very similar and effective solution for pups with allergies or very sensitive skin. Overall, there is nothing complex about making an oatmeal bath for dogs.
Step 1
Thoroughly blend one to three cups of uncooked oats in a food processor or blender and set aside. Store extra oats in an airtight container for your pup’s next bath.
*Keep in mind, the number of oats you use will depend on the size and coat of your pet.
Step 2
Run lukewarm bathwater to your pet’s comfort level and add the ground oats to the water. When you’re ready, walk your dog into the water and scoop the oat water and dampen his coat.
*If your dog licks at the oat water, don’t panic. Oats are considered a healthy treat for your four-legged friends.
Step 3
Then gently rub the warm oat water mixture on your dog’s body. Make sure you cover hard-to-reach places including the neck, back, belly, and underarms.
Step 4
After 5-10 minutes, gently rinse any lingering oats from your dog’s coat with lukewarm water and dry with The Absorber® Dog Lover's Towel. The Absorber® works more gently and efficiently than a traditional cotton towel.
An oatmeal bath for dogs with itchy skin is an ideal remedy because it’s chemical-free. Typically, it’s best to give your dog an oat bath at least once each month. However, in warmer months with the increase of skin-irritating insects and grass, we recommend increasing baths to every two weeks. The anti-inflammatory properties found in oatmeal should work to prevent your pooch’s sensitive or irritated skin from becoming dry and itchy.
For Dogs Who Don’t Like Baths
If you have a pet who is hesitant to enter a large tub, don’t force the issue. You can opt for a “dry” oat bath. Instead of adding blended oats to a large bathtub, you can incorporate the mix into a large bowl of lukewarm water. Then use a hand towel to rub the oatmeal into his coat. After the allotted time, take a bowl of clean, lukewarm water and rinse your dog’s coat, then thoroughly with The Absorber® Dog Lover's Towel. After each use, simply throw The Absorber® into your washing machine.
Have you ever given your dog an oat bath, or used oat-based products to soothe your dog’s irritated skin? Did you notice an improvement?
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How to Get Rid of Your Dog’s Fleas—and Keep Them Away!
Fleas. Just saying the word makes us itch. It’s no secret, these tiny insects can make your pet miserable. As if that wasn’t bad enough, once they attach themselves to your furry friend and make your house their new home, they’re hard to get rid of. Luckily, we’ve got information on how to get rid of fleas on dogs and avoid flea infestations in the future.
Where Do Fleas Come From?
After your pet does his/her daily activities (walks to the park, plays with other dogs, etc.) multiple flea eggs can roll onto your floor, couch, or on their dog bed. Not long after, the eggs hatch, and the fleas look for a host.
Fleas are persistent external parasites that thrive in warm, humid environments. Depending on your geographic location, you may even have flea concerns for your pup year-round. Throughout flea season, you’ll want to check your dog regularly. It’s also important to keep an eye out for potentially serious reactions to fleas from your pet. If you notice hair loss, scabs, and excessive itching, your pet may be having an allergic reaction to fleas.
If your pet has an allergic reaction to fleas, it should be treated by a veterinarian as soon as possible. If you’d like to establish a year-round preventative treatment plan, check with your vet to see what product is the most effective for your pet’s breed.
How Did My Indoor Dog Get Fleas?
If you’re living with an indoor-only pet, and you wonder why your home and dog are infested with fleas, it’s because the previous tenant or homeowner may have had pets with fleas. Or, if you recently received second-hand furniture, you might’ve inherited fleas from the previous owner. Other possibilities include stray animals in your yard or a change in the weather.
How Do I Know If My Dog Has Fleas?
For some dogs, the flea irritation is minor. If this is the case, you’ll want to pay more attention to your pet’s coat and periodically use a flea comb when grooming. Typically dogs with fleas will have the following:
- Red, irritated skin
- Tapeworms
- Scabs
- Hair loss
The Flea Life Cycle
To effectively eradicate these pests, you’ll need to understand all four flea stages of life:
- Egg: The egg cycle begins with minuscule flea eggs. These are most likely in indoor or in warm, shady, and moist outdoor environments.
- Larva: The eggs hatch into larva, grow, and molt.
- Pupa (cocoon): After molting, it forms a cocoon and develops into a pupa. It stays there until it detects the presence of heat, vibration, and carbon dioxide (usually produced by a panting, tail-wagging dog).
- Adult: When the adult flea emerges, it’ll jump onto the potential host and settle in. Or the adult flea will jump from host to host. Without a host, the adult flea will starve to death in about four days.
A flea’s life cycle varies from two weeks to a year depending on how long it remains dormant while waiting for a host. Under normal situations, fleas can live and multiply wildly in only 14 days.
What is Flea Dirt?
Flea dirt is composed of digested blood and resembles dark grains of sand or pepper. To easily spot flea dirt, place a light-colored blanket where your dog likes to sleep. If you’re not sure what you see is flea dirt, place some of flea dirt on paper towel which should be wet. If it turns into a bloodstain, your dog most likely has fleas.
Flea Treatment For Dogs
The best way to deal with fleas is prevention. There are several options, from flea collars and topical liquid applicants to pills and shampoos. It’s important to talk to your vet about flea preventatives that are right for your pup before beginning any treatment.
If your dog already has fleas, there are plenty of over-the-counter products available like flea shampoo, on-spot treatment, pills, flea collars. Again, it’s essential to ask your dog’s veterinarian for recommendations.
For mild or light infestations, wash the bedding thoroughly in hot, soapy water to kill fleas and destroy their eggs and larvae. Doing this once each week for the next three to five months will ensure the bedding is insect-free. If you have a heavy flea infestation, discard all pet bedding and implement a flea treatment for your dog.
Flea Treatment For Your Home
Please note, killing the fleas on your dog is just part of the problem. Fighting a flea infestation can easily extend to weeks or even months. Here's everything you need to know about how to get rid of fleas in your house:
- Bathe and groom your dog with a flea comb at least once a week.
- Wash everything (dog beds, blankets, your bedding, cushions, etc.) on your machine’s hot cycle. Dry on hot too.
- Vacuum/steam clean all carpet, floors, and furniture twice each month.
- If your dog rides in your car, be sure to vacuum the seats.
- Talk to your exterminator about pet-safe environmental flea control.
- Cut your lawn. Short grass makes your yard less inviting to fleas and ticks.
- Patch fences to discourage raccoons, rabbits, and other wildlife that carry fleas from coming into your yard.
- Continue to treat your dog and any other pets with a monthly vet-recommended preventative.
Eliminate Fleas With a Vet-Recommended Product
When in doubt, ask your veterinarian about the best ways to get rid of fleas on dogs. Your vet will likely recommend the top flea treatments and preventative products. If you opt for a cleansing shampoo, be sure to dry your pooch with The Absorber® Dog Lover's Towel. This mess-free towel is made with a PVA material that helps dry your pet more efficiently than an ordinary towel. And it wrings out excess pet hair too! To clean it, simply toss The Absorber® into your washing machine. Let’s work together to keep your best friend comfortable.