Blog For Dog Lovers

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.

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?

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:

1. Egg: The egg cycle begins with minuscule flea eggs. These are most likely in indoor or in warm, shady, and moist outdoor environments.
2. Larva: The eggs hatch into larva, grow, and molt.
3. 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).
4. 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.

Puppies are a delightful addition to any family, so it's best to avoid life-threatening situations like baths for the first few weeks of your puppy's life. 

Yes, you read that correctly, bathing your puppy too early could have fatal consequences. The reason for this is that newborn pups can't regulate their own body temperature well at all.

Their internal temperature is very delicate and any kind of sudden change could end in tragedy. So read this guide carefully to find out when your puppy's first bath should be.

Dog agility courses are a great way to train a dog, but how can you make one? This guide explains how to make a dog agility course.

Did you know that the only continent that doesn't partake in dog agility training is Antarctica, where dogs aren't allowed?

We're just as incredulous. But we'll take pleasure in the fact that dogs are very much allowed on all other continents, giving us the ability to enjoy dog agility competitions.

If you love dog agility competitions and are looking to create a course of your own, you've come to the right place.

Keep reading to learn how to put together your dog agility course.

The Benefits of Dog Agility Courses

Dog agility courses are extremely beneficial for smart and active dogs. By introducing your dog to an agility course, whether it be for fun or sport, you and your dog will both be entertained and exercised.

There are several great benefits to dog agility courses. These include mental stimulation, building physical health, and bonding time.

Mental and Physical Stimulation

We all know that a tired dog is a happy dog. By using dog agility courses, your dog can run wild and free, off the leash and on the grass.

The combination of mental and physical stimulation helps your dog exercise their abilities and build confidence. Whether your dog agility course is being used to train for a competition or just for fun, your dog will improve their speed and accuracy.

By activating your dog's mental and physical abilities, you'll encourage them to build stamina and improve their listening capabilities.

Cultivates Health and Happiness

Because your pet will get exercise doing what they love, involving them in a dog agility course will cultivate happiness and satisfaction.

By working with your dog to get them trained and used to a dog agility course, you'll help enhance their health and well-being as they get accustomed to a new way of life.

Bonding Time Between You and Your Pet

While improving your dog's abilities, you'll also be improving your own through learning how to communicate with your pet.

By training your dog to use a dog agility course, you will bond with each other while engaging in a productive exercise. By watching your beloved dog weave happily around your course, you'll feel a sense of pride and joy.

Bonding with your pet is an experience everyone desires. By introducing yourself and your dog to an agility course, you'll begin a unique bonding process.

The benefits of using a dog agility course are great and apply to both you and your dog.

What Breeds Excel in Dog Agility Courses?

Several factors determine what makes a good agility partner. These include intelligence, trainability, focus, and body structure.

Keeping these specific traits and abilities in mind, several top breeds work well with dog agility training:

• Border Collies
• Australian Shepherds
• Shetland Sheepdogs
• Golden Retrievers
• Jack Russel Terriers
• Cocker Spaniels
• Papillons
• Whippits
• Poodles

Because all of these dog breeds already include the right factors, you won't find yourself having to train specific traits. It might be easier to build their confidence, but can be difficult to teach a dog traits like drive and focus.

When working with your dog on an agility course, make sure they're able to do what you're asking of them.

Be careful with a breed that isn't as reputable for agility, as this might be due to their bone structure and stability.

How to Make a Dog Agility Course Using the Right Equipment

To successfully build your own DIY dog agility course, you'll need several supplies to bring a great dog agility course to your backyard.

When considering different objects to use for your course, take into account your dog's ability. You'll need to make sure that obstacles are size-appropriate, as a hoop made for an Australian Shepherd will be too big for a Papillon. 

Make sure you're not buying dog agility equipment that is difficult for your dog, especially if they have other agility issues like back problems or other physical limitations.

That being said, there are several common pieces of equipment and supplies you'll want to make a great dog agility course.

Contact Objects

Contact objects are typically built from wood or aluminum, usually in an A-frame shape. You can buy ready-made contact objects or make your own.

These are great for having your dog run up one side and down the other.

PVC Pipe Weaves and Jumps

PVC pipes are your key to a great DIY dog agility course. Buy these along with pipe tees and elbows, as this will help you construct obstacles.

These pipes can be great weaving objects for your dog to practice weaving through or even for DIY dog agility jumps. Piecing together PVC pipes to create weaves or jumps can be easy and effective.

Teeter-Totters

Buying or making a teeter-totter and installing it will add to your dog agility course. Your pet will be able to show off their skills using a teeter-totter in their backyard course.

You can make a teeter-totter out of PVC pipes and a plank of wood, as this is often a cheap and easy DIY project.

Tunnels

One of the most common parts of a dog agility course is the tunnel.

You can find appropriately-sized collapsible tunnels in the children's aisle of most toy or department stores. Adding this obstacle to your dog agility course will enhance its level of challenge.

Making the Course

Once you've bought or made the right equipment for your dog agility course, it's time to put it all together.

Prepare the area for your course by clearing away sticks, rocks, and other distracting or harmful objects. Make sure your desired spot for a dog agility course is mostly level, as a flat surface is ideal.

Space all your obstacles throughout your dog agility course, checking each object twice to ensure its safety.

Now you're ready to start training your pet to use their new agility course.

Using a Dog Agility Course With Your Pet

Before you start training your pet to use their new course, let them sniff and explore everything first.

Familiarizing themselves with the equipment around them will help your dog become comfortable with the course. After they've become aware of each object, slowly start encouraging your dog to use each object.

After you've taken them on a walkthrough and they get active, your dog might get hot. Make sure you give them water and a quick cool-down with The Absorber® Dog Lover's Towel.

Cooling Down Together

Once you and your dog have gotten comfortable with your new dog agility course, you'll be ready to pick up the intensity. Take care to respond to your dog's needs and to listen to them as much as they listen to you.

If you enjoyed this article on how to make a dog agility course, take a look at our blog post on more summer activities to enjoy with your dog.

CBD For Dogs

The cannabidiol (or CBD) dogs take is typically derived from industrial hemp rather than marijuana. It’s used because of its widely-discussed potential health benefits. This active plant compound has been studied to relieve seizures in dogs as well as believed to alleviate or eliminate:

• Arthritis Pain
• Anxiety
• Lack of Appetite
• Inflammation
• Excessive Barking
• Aggression
• Nausea
• Loss of Energy
• Cardiovascular Issues
• Carcinogens
• Surgery and Illness Recovery

Is CBD Safe for Dogs?

Although testing is still being done, many studies so far have not shown any serious or harmful side effects for canines taking CBD: it’s considered generally safe to use! However, some pet owners have found it to cause dry mouth, lightheadedness, and sleepiness in pets. This can usually be corrected by adjusting the dosage according to your pet’s size and needs.

You should also understand that your dog won’t “get high” from CBD. The CBD dogs are given is typically sourced from hemp, which contains plenty of the desirable CBD compound while still having virtually no THC. THC is the marijuana component that is famous for its psychotropic properties. This is also toxic to dogs, so ensure that your dog’s CBD product only has a maximum of 0.3% THC and they should be fine. 

How to Shop CBD Dogs Can Safely Eat

You need to be mindful of what could be going into your dog’s body when shopping for CBD. You can mitigate some of the risks by purchasing organic CBD, or even products that contain no pesticides, heavy metals, fungicides, or solvents. It’s always cleaner when the CBD extraction process uses carbon dioxide (CO2) instead of other harsh chemical solvents. Remember, higher-quality CBD dog products will be the ones that skip out on using strong ingredients and chemicals. To keep your pet safe, be willing to spend more instead of just opting for the cheapest product on the shelf.

It’s important that you only buy CBD products that list their Certificate of Analysis (COA). This specifies how the product is made so you can trust it by knowing exactly what’s in it. If you’re still worried about getting the right product for your dog, you may want to consider just buying CBD oil instead of CBD dog treats so you have more control over how much your puppy is getting in a dosage. If you want to use this as a long-term solution, it can end up being more cost-effective to use oil too.

How Does CBD Affect My Pet’s Arthritis?

Your pup experiences pain relief from CBD because it directly interacts with their brain’s nerve receptors. Not only does it help them feel more comfortable, but CBD’s anti-inflammatory characteristics can actually treat the cause of pain in certain cases.

How Does CBD Affect a Pet’s Anxiety?

The CBD dogs ingest are a great natural alternative to help them better relax and get through:

• Travel Jitters
• PTSD
• Separation Anxiety
• Fireworks
• Vacuums
• New People, Places, and Dogs
• Vet and Groomer Visits

Discuss its usage with your veterinarian if your pooch is currently on medication or if you’ve been considering it for them due to their stress levels.

Dog Lover’s Towel

Now that you know what CBD dogs use and the answer to “how does CBD affect a pet’s anxiety?”, you can start thinking about what other products your furry friend could benefit from. We suggest getting The Absorber® Dog Lover's Towel. Whether your pup was playing fetch, taking a bath, or walking through rain and mud—trust nothing less than the best to help them dry off and get cleaned up. This towel is super-absorbent, convenient, and easy to wring out and shake hair off of. You’ll love its machine-washer-friendliness, and your dog will adore its soft texture and quick drying time so you can go back to spending quality time together.

List of Animal and Dog Shelter Supplies Needed Wherever You Go

Animal and dog shelters take on the generous responsibility of housing stray, lost, abandoned, and surrendered pets to help man’s best friend find their hew family. It’s a big one—which is why they need your help to see it through. 

With all the different pets these establishments have and will continue to help over the years, donated animal shelter supplies and/or dog shelter supplies are always appreciated. Have a look around your home or make a small purchase if you have a little extra to spend, consider helping them out. It’s a good idea to call ahead and find out what they’re lacking so you can assist them with their biggest priority first before you take in any extra animal shelter supplies.

The Absorber Team has listed some dog shelter supplies that—no matter the place—are virtually always in demand. 

Food, Bowls, and Treats

Depending on the size of your local shelter, they may have a hundred or more mouths to feed. Based on a dog’s size, they may need anywhere from a quarter to 2 cups of kibble per day. Dog food is one of the most obvious dog shelter supplies needed, but with certain breeds’ or individuals ‘special diet needs (e.g. wet or gluten-free food), it’s also one you can never go wrong with gifting in abundance anyways. Find out from your shelter if there are any particular brands or types they’re running low on.

You may even be able to donate peanut butter, canned tuna, hot dogs, fresh produce, or other options like CBD dog treats. CBD oil and treats have become really popular products for dogs; they’ve been hailed for their ability to help manage and relieve arthritis, anxiety, digestive issues, neurological and blood disorders, and even some tumors and cancers.

CBD for dogs is still relatively new, so more testing is being done, but people seem to like the results so far.  Cannabidiol dog products should contain no more than 0.3% THC, so rest assured, the shelter animals will not be experiencing any psychoactive effects.

After calling to verify these dog shelter supplies are okay to bring in, make sure the donated food items are unopened and still fresh for animal health and safety reasons. Providing the pups a clean, sturdy bowl to eat out of certainly doesn’t hurt either, but see if your shelter only takes metal ones first.

Leashes and Harnesses

Just like any happy-go-lucky pup you’ve gotten to know, shelter dogs both want and require lots of exercise! Help them stay in shape and have fun by providing dog shelter supplies/equipment such as collars, leashes, and harnesses. As long as they are in good shape to use on shelter dogs, they will definitely come in handy during walks with potential families and exciting outdoor activities. This is especially true when considering all the different shapes and sizes dogs come in!

Toys

Dog shelter supplies like toys go by fast. Our canine companions love to rough around with them because they’re stimulating, comforting, and entertaining. Most animal shelters will want sturdy toys that will stand wear and tear because dinky or low-quality products can break apart and hazardously be ingested by the animals. Your safest bet is dropping off ropes, balls, and toys from dependable brands such as Kong. Don’t2 forget to disinfect any donated toys that were gently used beforehand!

Cleaning Supplies

Unfortunately, it’s not uncommon for the animals that are placed into shelters to be suffering from poor health, malnutrition, anxiety, and trauma—and these places don’t get pets’ medical records as often as they’d like either. Coupled with the fact that “accidents” happen regularly while these pooches are potty-training, it’s safe to say that cleaning supplies are also dog shelter supplies.

Equip a shelter with anything from paper towels, garbage bags, rubber gloves, spray bottles, storage bins, Ziploc bags, and disinfectants like vinegar or chlorine bleach. You’ll be a huge help in stopping the spread of germs and diseases amongst the animals.

Towels and Blankets

Other dog shelter supplies needed in a pound’s crates and cages are blankets, towels, newspaper, for comforting warmth in these animals’ safe space while awaiting their new homes. In particular, shelters love to receive towels because they can be used for bedding and cleaning purposes. They don’t have to be in perfect condition, but by providing these shelters a high-quality towel, they will gain a resource that can stand the test of time to help many pups get through their stay.

The Absorber® is made from a super-absorbent PVA material that will dry the shelter dogs after a bath, swim, or rainy walk in record time. Soft, convenient, and machine-washable: your shelter is going to notice the difference with our doggy towel!

Crates and Carriers

Animal rescue centers aim to minimize their costs without losing their quality of care, so your gifted animal shelter supplies/equipment make a difference! Crates and cages have some of the highest costs per unit, so if you have an old one that you can spare, it would easily serve as a long-lasting solution. Even during the transporting of pets, they don’t get as roughed up as much as toys do.

Find out whether your shelter takes plastic carriers or if they are only looking for metal ones. Check to make sure nothing is broken, falling off, or sticking out of your cage before turning it in so it’s not a choking or physical hazard to any dog!

Furniture

If you’re going to get information about any of the in-demand dog shelter supplies listed by CleanTools, make sure it’s this one. Some shelters furnish playrooms with armchairs, cots, cushions, and footrests to get the dogs and possible owners used to one another in a familiar home setting. They may even want your old generic folding chairs for outdoor or adoption events. If they will take your good-standing furniture piece, plan in advance how you will have it safely delivered or picked up.

Grooming Supplies

Not only does the grooming of shelter animals keep them clean, healthy, and happy: it also makes them look absolutely huggable when potential adopters come in for their visits! Some arrivals come from difficult situations, so they could have thick, long, and matted fur, unruly nails, and uncomfortable skin conditions that need to be washed up and treated. Donate hygienic supplies such as shampoos, combs, brushes, nail clippers, haircutting scissors, The Absorber®, and other related products for a rewarding giving experience.