Blog For Dog Lovers

Inevitably, there will come a time when your dog gets water in its ears. It can be frustrating for your pup, you will notice that they will rub their paws on their ears or shake their heads in an attempt to remove the water themselves. But don’t worry, if this happens here are a few tips you should know!

How Often Does This Happen?

It is common that your dog gets water in their ears, and because their ear canal is quite long, it can be difficult for them to get the water out on their own. Naturally, your dog will try to shake their heads to get rid of the water in their ears. Typically, this will help get most of the water out, but depending on the dog breed and how much water got in it may be hard to totally dry the ears with just shaking.

Dogs are pack animals. They want nothing more than to be with their loved ones at all times. Summer is a great time to bring your pup along on some of your outings. Here are some ideas for fun-in-the-sun summer activities for dogs that you both can enjoy. Below are the 7 things to do with your dog in the summer:

• Take a hike — Exploring new trails is one of the best things to do with your dog in the summer. Not only is it great exercise, but it's also mentally stimulating for your pooch to take in new scents and sights.
• Go for a romp on a beach — Does your dog love the water? Then it's time to search out a pet-friendly beach where your pup can swim in the surf and romp on the sand with his fellow salty dogs.
• Dine al fresco— When the weather is nice, make sure to enjoy a yappy hour or a leisurely dinner at a restaurant with a dog-friendly patio.
• Enjoy a kayak, canoe or paddleboard ride — There's something so relaxing about floating on a peaceful river or lake with your pup. It's also fun to stop and explore any islands or sand bars you might encounter while kayaking with your dog.
• Get away from it all — Ever get bored of doing the same old thing all the time? Your dog probably does, too. This summer, why not plan a special vacation for the two of you? No matter what kind of trip you plan — whether it's camping in a tent or staying at a pet-friendly resort — your canine is going to be absolutely delighted just to be spending uninterrupted time by your side.
• Set up a kiddie pool — Purchasing a cheap plastic pool for your pooch is an excellent investment, especially if there aren't many places to take dogs swimming near your home. On a hot summer day, a kiddie pool can be a fast and easy way for your hot dog to cool down.
• Strike a pose — If you have an older dog or one who doesn't like to expend a lot of energy when the temperatures rise, you can still enjoy some fun in the sun. Find an interesting (preferably shady) location where you can take photos of your pup. For the best pictures, make sure to get down to your dog's eye level.

Below are some ideas for indoor activities for dogs on hot days;

• Teach your pooch some new tricks or make them brush their older ones. 
• You can also set up a puzzle and make them find their food through their strong sense of smell, like a tricky treat.  
• You can also give them some tasks, numerous active dog breeds love to do work for their owner.

Do's and Don'ts for Summer Dog Activities

Steamy summer weather can be hard on dogs, too. Here are some suggestions for keeping your precious pooch in good shape throughout the dog days. And also enjoy dog-friendly summer activities with your furry. 

• Don't allow your dog to overexert itself when the temperatures and dew points are high. Also, make sure to keep an eye out for signs of heat exhaustion, such as excessive panting or drooling, vomiting, diarrhea or lethargy.
• If you and your pup will be engaging in any water-related activities, remember to carry a towel. Bacteria or algae that can be harmful if a dog should lick its fur after swimming in a lake, and ocean sand and salt can cling to its coat. After taking your dog to the beach or lake make sure to wash and dry it as soon as possible. The Absorber is one of the best towels to tidy active canines because it’s lightweight, super absorbent and small enough to easily fit into a backpack.
• Your dog should always wear a life vest while swimming or on any type of watercraft. Even a dog who is a strong swimmer could tire if it were to get caught in a riptide or fall overboard.

By engaging in these fun summer dog activities, you're sure to strengthen the bond between you and your furry best friend and also create many fond memories that will last you a lifetime.

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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, but how to shave a dog? 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. On the other hand, old English sheepdog sheds regularly.

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.

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.