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So I thought that today, I would write about ways
to make your pet more beautiful than ever before
without expensive trips to the Doggie Spa.
Your Pet's Health
Like people, animals tend to look better when
they’re in good heath. Annual checkups at the vet
are important, and keeping nails trimmed helps
dogs and cats maintain the health of their feet
and pads. Especially with cats, trimming nails on
a regular basis is important not only to keep
nails from splitting and tearing, but because it
keeps your cat from forgetting what its like to
have a Pawdicure. If you clip your cat’s nails
once a month and make it part of a regular
routine, the cat will struggle less than if you
only do it once in awhile.
Inadequacies in diet can show up in your pet’s
fur. Healthy fur is glossy or fluffy, thick and
filled-in. When cats or dogs aren’t getting the
nutrition they need, their fur may get patchy,
rough or dull. Stress can also cause an animal’s
fur to fall out.
If you suspect that your pet’s diet may not be all
it should, you can try switching foods, or
supplement the regular food with vitamins. Don’t
rely on treats to provide added nutrition: many
treats are the canine-feline equivalent of a bag
of Cheetohs.
Anti-flea and tick medications as well as
heartworm prevention are necessary for keeping
pets healthy. Modern medicines like Advantage can
be administered once a month, making it easy to
keep your pet safe from parasites.
--Editor's Note --------------------------------------------------------------
How to Groom Your Pet on a Budget
 Did you know that taking your pet to a professional grooming service can cost you $50 to $100 each time? Not to mention the groomers can put a signifigant amount of stress on your furry friend. You can actually purchase the exact same products the groomer uses to beautify your pet at a fraction of the cost.
Sure, sure . . .grooming your pet yourself will take a little bit of elbow grease and time, but your pet will love spending the extra time with you. Plus you won't have to break your monthly budget, just so your dog doesn't smell when you have guests over.
See a selection of pet grooming products that are available to pet owners and used by professional pet groomers.
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Grooming and Pet Hair Care
Like hair-brushing for people, regular grooming
can help cats and dogs look their best. Brushing
distributes natural oils, removes knots and
tangles, and also gives your pet some additional,
loving contact. Ideally, brush your pets every
day, making sure to be on the lookout for ticks or
fleas. Even with one-weekly brushing, you’ll see a
difference in their coats. Additionally, brushing
cats and dogs helps keep the fur-shedding down,
resulting in a slightly cleaner house and a less
frumpy animal.
If you start bathing your puppy while he’s young,
you’ll have a better chance of teaching him that
bathing is fun, not torture. A few dogs never get
to enjoying a bath, but most dogs love water and
will tolerate a certain amount of shampoo. Some
dogs love to be bathed, which makes it an easy
chore. Outdoor dogs need bathing more often than
indoor dogs.
After bathing with a gentle pet shampoo, dry your
dog as well as you can with a fluffy towel, and,
for a more efficient drying, let him shake the
water off several times. If it’s cold outside,
keep him inside until he’s dry: dogs and cats can
get chilled and sick just like people do. Besides,
if he goes outside, he’s likely to roll in dirt to
get back that outdoors-doggie smell the bath
removed, and you may as well have never bathed him
in the first place.
Cats shouldn’t be bathed unless unusual
circumstances that result in a really, intolerably
filthy cat. Even then, expect to be scratched and
bitten, and for the bathing to last under ten
seconds.
I’ve had good luck sponge-bathing a cat. Wet a
sponge (don’t use any soap, or it’ll end up in the
cat’s mouth), wring it mostly dry, and rub the cat
down as if you’re just petting her. Some cats
really like this: maybe it reminds them of being
bathed by their mothers. The key is a mostly dry
sponge: if it’s too wet, the cat will clue in, and
run off. But it works pretty well: for a grubby
cat, just keep wringing out the sponge in clean
water. Also, it’s easier to follow the cat around
the house than it is to get her to stay still
while you rinse a sponge.
If Your Pet is Outdoors
Watch out for your outdoor pets’ paw pads in cold
or hot weather. Paws can become frostbitten or
burned just like feet can. In cold weather, your
short-haired dog may need a small wardrobe to keep
him warm. Dogs shiver when they’re cold, just like
people do. Cats tend to find the warmest pace they
can and curl up for warmth. You don’t have to buy
special doggie clothes: a sweatshirt can keep your
dog warm without diminishing his dignity too much.
In hot weather or cold, all animals need access to
water and shelter. When it’s really hot, I have a
friend who uses a cool-water sponge bath to cool
her cat. When the temperatures rise past 80
degrees, she sponges her Siamese down a couple of
times a day. She claims is has a definite effect
on his temperament: hot weather makes him cranky.
Maintaining Your Pet's Eyes, Ears and Nose
Keeping your pet good-looking may require a little
bit of nursemaiding. Wipe your cat’s or dog’s face
with his own washcloth or a damp paper towel
remove the little, crusty, nasty bits that
sometimes cling to your pet’s eyes or nose. Clean
the outside of his ears, but don’t ever poke
around on the inside: your pet can’t tell you
what’s going on and you might get (deservedly)
bitten.
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If you’re like most of us, you sleep in something along the lines of a comfortable t-shirt and a pair of sweats. Give yourself a little pick-me-up with cute and sexy nighties, and wear them around the house just for kicks. Try a baby-doll or a strappy silk confection that clearly wasn’t meant to be slept in. Silk pajamas are fun for lounging, and even an old-fashioned embroidered cotton nightgown can put you in a different frame of mind. As you’re getting into bed, swap your play-clothes for — you guessed it — that comfy T-shirt and those soft, old sweats.
