3 Parts to Picking A Great Dog Boarding Kennel

How to Pick A Kennel For Your Dog's Vacation

HARD: Not feeling guilty leaving your furry family member behind while you're on vacation.
HARD: Finding a neighbor you trust enough to love Max unconditionally AND not raid the cookie jar.
NOT SO HARD: Finding the right place to care for your dog until you return.


1: Ask and you shall receive
Tap into friends, vets, animal shelters, pet shops, and even other dog-walking strangers for information. Ask:
A) what local kennel they've used, and if they were satisfied - why/why not?
B) if they've heard any good things about other places
C) if there are any places they think you should avoid


2: Check your facts
Call prospective kennels. Ask if:
A) they have a license or certificate showing that they meet state boarding standards (differs by state)
B) a vet is on-site, or distance to the nearest vet
C) proof of current vaccinations, including Bordetella, is required ("No" is a red-flag!)
D) dogs are monitored continuously, or if the building is locked at night and left unattended
E) each dog gets their own kennel area, and if you can bring your dog's own food (less stress for pup)
F) the dogs have scheduled times for walks or running to get exercise

3: Visit before you book
Visit (unannounced if possible) to check conditions of the animals there. Be sure to check:
A) cleanliness (including poop removal), ventilation, and odors - because your dog will come home smelling just like the facility
B) the dogs' attitudes. Are they relaxed? Excited? Stressed? Restless?
C) for the smell of cigarette smoke. Is anyone smoking near the dogs' crates?
D) for warning signs. Do you see anything that makes you nervous? Think it through carefully.

If you're nervous, do an overnight trial before the big trip. Dogs who are overly anxious or aggressive may be not do well when boarding. Leave enough time to test a new one if the kennel is the issue.

You and your dog will both be SO happy you used these 3 parts to find the perfect match!

How to Pick A Shampoo for Your Dog

Dog shampoos is readily available both online and in stores. The right shampoo for you depends on your pet's coat type, their specific needs, and your scent preferences.

Always avoid the eyes, ears, nose, and mouth with shampoo (even with a tearless formula). If necessary, use a washcloth to wipe the face with a small amount of shampoo and water.

Puppy's First Bath
With all of the attention your puppy gets, he'd better smell good! If your dog is 6 months old or less, check labels carefully to make sure they're tear-free and safe. Some have stronger cleaning formulas and specifically warn against use with younger dogs.

A puppy formula may also be preferred if your adult dog has a tendency to lick the shampoo as you bathe him.

Consider Fido First
Shampoos are made to match specific coat colors, textures, and even breeds. Read labels of "whitening" or "coat brightening" shampoos carefully, as some may contain harsh bleaching agents. Aromatherapy formulas with chamomile or lavender may help a nervous pet relax.

Itchy, Scratchy, Scaly?
Does your dog have allergies? Only consider fragrance-free, hypoallergenic, and maybe even "soap-free" formulas. Very gentle, but they can still be effective.

Medicated shampoos can soothe or numb irritated, painful, or itchy skin. Oatmeal and aloe are naturally soothing ingredients that can also help itchiness. Tar and sulfur shampoo will definitely reduce your pet's itching, but the smell it leaves behind is rarely appreciated.

A Softer Side
Moisturizing shampoos and creme rinses are best for dogs with long or dry hair, but can soften any coat. They are especially beneficial during the dry indoor-heating of winter months. Keep in mind that sometimes the added moisture means your dog will take longer to dry. Avoid these products if your dog's coat typically gets oily or greasy.

Waterless?!
This option is perfect for elderly dogs or those terrified by the idea of water. Please check the labels first, but waterless shampoo is usually designed to be applied directly to your pet's dry coat. Typically, it dries as it deodorizes. Some may require brushing or blow-drying to remove residue.

Does Deshedding Shampoo Work?
Groomers give mixed reviews of deshedding formulas. It is my personal opinion at this time that the best way to reduce shedding is with good brushing habits and a good diet. In my experience, deshedding shampoos are often more disappointing than effective.

So Cheap, So BIG!
Buying a concentrated groomer-sized bottle of shampoo (often sold by the gallon) is a great way to save money. It's extremely important, however, to dilute the concentrated formula as specified to avoid irritating your dog's skin. It may be best to buy the regular, small quantity first to make sure you like the scent and how well it cleans.

Smells Like Clean Spirit
If at the store, sometimes it's possible to flip open the tops of shampoo bottles to check the scent. Many formulas labeled "fresh scent" have an almost baby-powder-like smell that tends to last longer. Keep in mind, too, that your dog might be bothered by scents that are too strong or soothed by relaxing essential oil blends.


Go on! Put on your bathing suit and scrub down Scruffy with your new shampoo.

Happy hairdays, everyone!

Home Grooming Basics for Short-Haired Dogs

In this difficult economy, more pet owners are trying to learn grooming techniques at home for their lower-maintenance short-haired-dogs. The right tools and techniques can make it easy to keep your dog beautiful and healthy at very little cost.

With short-haired dogs, the most common complaints are of excessive shedding, and body odor. These breeds include the labrador retriever (lab), beagle, bulldog, pug, boxer, chihuahua, rottweiler, vizsla, and more. Luckily, these doggy dilemmas are some of the easier ones to fix.

The Right Brush
Brushing helps supply air to the dog's skin, distributes natural oils that condition the hair, and even reduces shedding. It can also build the bond between owner and pet. The wrong brush can have no effect or sometimes even hurt your dog.

Rubber-nubbed brushes are the best choice for these breeds. The massaging, soft rubber points will feel like a special treat to your dog while you easily brush out huge piles of dead hair. You'll notice a shinier coat, sometimes after the very first use!

Groomer's Pick: Zoom Groom by Kong

Brushing Technique
Brushing should be with the direction of the coat growth, from neck toward the tail. Reversed-direction brushing may be uncomfortable for some dogs, but others prefer it.

Start slowly with your dog, working up to firmer strokes. As long as your dog is comfortable, don't be afraid to brush vigorously with this tool. There are no sharp points and very little r isk of injury.

Groomer's At-Home Tip
Use this tool outside because quite a bit of dead hair will fall with each stroke. Brushing indoors is easy to clean up if your dog stands on a plastic tablecloth. When you're done, just pick up the plastic and shake the loose hairs right into the trash!

Stinky Dog
Short-haired dogs should be bathed whenever the coat gets greasy or dull, but generally once every two months. Odor relief in-between baths comes easily with the variety of pet colognes, powders, waterless bathing foam, and wipes available at your local pet supplier or online. Use hypo-allergenic only products if your dog has sensitive skin, but these gentler formulas are often less effective.

Excessive odor can also be caused by allergy or infection, especially if you notice any discoloration or painful areas on your smelly dog. Check with your vet if the problem persists.

If He Eats Garbage, He Might Look Like It, Too
A poor diet can cause more shedding and increased body odor. Food quality is judged not by price, but by the ingredients. Look for foods without by-products, or at least make sure "by-products" are not in the top 3 ingredients. Corn or corn meal provides only minor nutritional value, but will make your dog eat more and poop more often. Dry kibble also has many benefits over moist food, even reducing bad breath!

With these tips and tricks, home grooming for short-haired breeds can be easy and even enjoyable for you and your doggy.

Happy hairdays, everyone!