Dog Care Tips for All Dog Owners

As pet owners, we all want our furry companions to be healthy, happy, and comfortable. While diet, exercise, and regular vet visits are the most common aspects of canine wellness plans, grooming is also an essential, yet often overlooked component. This year, prioritizing your dog’s grooming routine can do more than keep them looking great—it’s a vital part of their overall health and well-being. Why Grooming is More Than Just a Beauty Routine Some dog owners think of grooming as purely cosmetic, but it’s much more than that. Grooming helps maintain your dog’s skin health, coat cleanliness, and even their mental well-being. Regular grooming sessions provide an opportunity to check for health issues, such as lumps, rashes, or unusual bumps, before they escalate into serious problems. Grooming also ensures that parasites like fleas and ticks are identified and addressed promptly. Additionally, the process can be soothing for dogs when done correctly. Many pups find comfort in the gentle brushing, washing, and trimming that come with a thorough grooming session. This not only enhances their physical comfort but also strengthens the bond between you and your pet. The Health Benefits of Regular Grooming 1. Skin and Coat Care Regular brushing removes dirt, dead skin cells, and debris from your dog’s coat, allowing their skin to breathe and reducing the risk of matting. Matting can lead to skin infections and discomfort, especially in breeds with long or curly hair. Grooming also helps distribute natural oils, keeping your dog’s coat shiny and healthy. 2. Nail Trimming Overgrown nails aren’t just unsightly; they can cause pain, affect your dog’s posture, and lead to joint problems over time. Trimming your dog’s nails regularly ensures their comfort and prevents potential injuries caused by snagging or splitting. 3. Ear Cleaning Dogs with floppy ears or those prone to ear infections benefit greatly from regular ear cleaning. Grooming professionals can remove excess wax and debris, reducing the risk of infections that can cause discomfort and hearing issues. 4. Parasite Prevention Grooming is an effective way to detect and prevent flea and tick infestations. Early detection during a grooming session can save your dog from the discomfort and health risks associated with parasites. How to Make Grooming a Wellness Habit in 2025 1. Choose Professional Grooming Services As a professional grooming service provider, The Pooch Mobile can tailor our services to meet your dog’s specific needs. We offer mobile grooming services that bring expert care directly to your doorstep. This convenient option ensures your dog receives the best grooming without the stress of traveling to a salon. 2. Create a Grooming Schedule Set up a regular grooming schedule based on your dog’s breed, coat type, and lifestyle. Dogs with longer coats may need grooming every 4-6 weeks, while short-haired breeds can go a bit longer. Regularity is key to maintaining the health benefits of grooming, and we can help you create an annual schedule that is most convenient for you. 3. Practice At-Home Maintenance Between professional grooming sessions, maintain your dog’s wellness with at-home care. Brush their coat weekly, clean their ears, and check their nails. These small steps can keep your dog looking and feeling great. 4. Monitor Your Dog’s Comfort Pay attention to your dog’s behavior during grooming. If they seem anxious or uncomfortable, work with a professional to find ways to make the process more enjoyable. Positive reinforcement and patience go a long way in helping your dog associate grooming with positive experiences. A Groomed Dog is a Happy Dog Incorporating regular grooming into your dog’s wellness plan ensures their comfort, happiness, and overall health. With our grooming services, keeping up with your dog’s needs has never been easier. By making grooming a priority in 2025, you’re not just giving your dog a shiny coat and trimmed nails—you’re investing in their long-term well-being. So, as you plan your dog’s wellness routine for the year ahead, remember to include grooming as a cornerstone of their care. Your furry friend will thank you with wagging tails, wet-nosed kisses, and a lifetime of unconditional love. To get started, contact us today !

It’s true that dogs will be dogs; when we allow them to be their unique selves, they get dirty. As members of your home, more often than not, you prefer them to be clean. Taking care of your dog’s hygiene is more than regular bathing.

When you bring a new puppy home, it's important to introduce regular grooming into their routine as soon as possible. Grooming should be as important as any other obedience training you will provide, like potty training, how to walk on a leash properly, and answering your command of “come” when given.

As the summer heat rolls in, many dog owners wonder whether they should shave their furry companions to help them stay cool. It’s important to understand that not all dogs benefit from a shaved coat. In fact, shaving a double-coated breed can have unintended consequences and may even be detrimental to their well-being.

For many dog owners, thunderstorms can be a challenging time as their furry companions often exhibit signs of distress and anxiety. From trembling and whining to seeking refuge in hidden corners, dogs’ fear of thunderstorms is a common occurrence, and there are ways you can support them before, during, and after.

Dogs are often referred to as man’s best friend, and for a good reason. They are loyal, loving, enjoy giving kisses and are always eager to be by our side. But have you ever wondered why our pups seem to love us as much as they do? Whether you accept all forms of love from your pup without question or you’ve wondered the real reasons behind it, we’re here to give you a little science lesson on why dogs love us so much.

A dog running around and nipping at flies is always entertaining to watch! It’s all fun and games until it’s not a fly, but a bee. During the warm weather while bees are out and about, it’s important to know what to do if your dog gets stung. A bee sting can potentially cause a significant reaction, which will require knowledge and quick thinking on your part. Read on so you can be prepared for any future bee stings! Symptoms and Signs of a Bee Sting A bee sting releases toxins into the body that can cause swelling and pain. Just like people, dogs will differ in their reactions to a sting. Some dogs may experience minor swelling and discomfort while others might have a strong reaction–perhaps even an allergic reaction. Here are possible symptoms your dog might have: Swelling at the sting site (it might also feel firm) Whining Limping Biting/nibbling at the sting site Itchy skin If your dog swallowed the bee they might experience: Coughing or gagging Head shaking Repeated lip-licking Drooling Rapid breathing or wheezing Vomiting or diarrhea Signs of an allergic reaction include: Difficulty breathing A large amount of swelling that goes beyond the sting site Hives around the face or anywhere on the body Weakness Collapsing What to Do After a Bee Sting A bee sting can be painful and scary for a dog–it’s important as their owner to know what to do if it does happen! Follow these steps: Remain calm! Carefully remove the stinger (if it’s still attached) with tweezers, a credit card or anything else that’s stiff. Do not squeeze the stinger out as this could release more of the poison into your dog’s body. Apply a paste of baking soda and water to the sting site. Use an ice pack to help soothe the sting and reduce swelling. Watch your dog for signs of an allergic reaction. According to American Kennel Club, an allergic reaction usually happens within 20 minutes, but in rare situations is delayed for hours. Ask your vet about giving your dog a dose of oral antihistamine . In most cases, the sting will cause some pain and irritation but likely won’t need any vet treatment. Above all, the most important thing you can do if your dog gets stung by a bee is watch for signs of an allergic reaction. Keep a close eye on them throughout the day! What to Do for a Mouth, Head or Nose Sting The biggest concern for a mouth, head or nose sting is making sure that swelling doesn’t interfere with their breathing. In this case, you must be extra attentive to your dog’s symptoms. See a vet immediately if the site starts to swell excessively after a few minutes. Wheezing, difficulty breathing, coughing or drooling are also symptoms that might require vet care. Anaphylactic Bee Reactions in Dogs An anaphylactic reaction in your dog is severe and life threatening. Fortunately, this is rare for dogs. If your dog does go into anaphylactic shock, the extreme amounts of histamines in their body lead to decreased blood pressure, muscle contraction, and excessive swelling. Consider this an emergency and contact your closest emergency vet office. Unfortunately, it’s impossible to know if a bee sting will result in a severe, allergic reaction unless it has happened previously. If your dog does get stung, stay calm and watch closely for signs and symptoms. Trust your intuition and take your dog to the vet immediately if you see any worrying symptoms. Remember, you know your dog best!

Your dog, no doubt, licks and chews their paws occasionally! This is how dogs self-groom, especially after they’ve come inside from a dirty or sandy ground. However, there is cause for concern if your dog is intensely and frequently licking their paws. There are multiple reasons why this could be happening, and you’ll need to assess the situation to know if your dog requires veterinary attention. Skin Issues Dogs can experience a lot of the same issues as humans! If there is repeated licking and biting going on, this could be an indication of a skin issue. Problems like dermatitis (bacterial problems, allergies, or food sensitivities ), blisters, cysts, insect bites or dandruff are all skin issues that can encourage your dog to lick their paws over and over. Injury Your dog, of course, won’t be able to tell you if he or she is injured. If there is an injury on their paws, they might be licking and chewing to try and relieve the pain or dislodge a stuck object. Here are common injuries your dog could have: Burns from a hot sidewalk Overgrown nails A bee sting (check for a stinger!) A cracked, chipped, or broken toenail An object such as a thorn, glass or stone stuck in their paw Behavioral Issues Excessive licking can be linked to behavioral issues. Anxiety and boredom could be at play here and your dog is using their paws as a source of stress relief. This can be hard to diagnose, but there are some steps you can take to help your dog. If you believe your dog is bored, try going on more walks and playing games for more physical and mental exercise. Or try a new chew toy to divert their attention away from their paws. Other behavioral issues like separation anxiety or fear of noises might require professional help from an animal behaviorist . Bacterial or Yeast Infection It’s important to understand that an infection is always secondary to the underlying problem. Infections can develop when there is a cut on the paw and bacteria makes its way in under the skin. Inflammation and lots of itching can also cause an upset to the skin and encourage infection. Apple cider vinegar is known to have antifungal and antimicrobial properties, if used topically. Talk to your veterinarian about using this as a topical protection! Itchiness Your dog might lick or bite their paws because they’re itchy! The itchiness can stem from some of the reasons above, like skin issues or an infection. If you find your dog itching the same spot on their paws over and over, this could be what’s known as a “hot spot.” Sometimes a dog has an intense itch and over-itches that spot. It can lead to hair loss and a moist, red spot on your dog’s paws. This is important to take care of quickly as it can lead to more serious problems! How to Assess Your Dog's Condition If your dog is suddenly licking their paws an excessive amount, the first step to take is to thoroughly check your dog’s paws for the potential cause. Check for redness or swelling–is there an injury or some kind of skin issue like a blister? Check in between toes and under their paws for things like thorns, dried blood, splinters, or glass. Be on the lookout for other behavior that could suggest an injury like limping or lack of movement. Remember, occasional licking and gentle chewing is a normal self-grooming activity for your dog. If you find any true cause for concern for this repeated behavior or simply need some reassurance, your veterinarian is just a call away!

Coconut oil has become very popular for humans in the last decade–both for consumption and topical applications. This naturally led to people wondering about the benefits coconut oil could possibly have for dogs, and there is research to support both sides of the argument. This article will touch on both sides and you can decide what you feel is best for your dog. What is coconut oil? Coconut oil is an edible oil created by pressing the meat inside coconuts. It is solid at room temperature and turns to liquid when heated. There are two types of coconut oil–virgin and refined. The difference is that virgin coconut oil uses fresh meat while refined uses dried coconut meat. This liquid that is squeezed out helps form coconut oil, which is high in fatty acids and saturated fats. The science behind coconut oil This plant-based oil does have some nutrients, but in very small amounts. The most important being medium-chain triglycerides or MCTs. They are one of the main reasons coconut oil has been thought to be good for dogs. MCT is a supplement made from a type of fat called “medium-chain triglycerides.” MCTs are found mainly in dairy products, palm and coconut oil. These molecules are smaller than those in most of the fats you eat (long-chain triglycerides or LCTs). This makes them easier to digest and much less likely to be stored as fat. They absorb into your bloodstream quickly, which is turned into energy you can use. MCTs can also help with weight loss, lower blood sugar levels, and reduce inflammation. As a result, MCTs are a great addition for dogs. They receive the benefits without the extra calories. Since many dogs are considered obese today, that’s a significant advantage. What are the benefits of coconut oil for dogs? For consumption purposes, the MCTs in coconut oil are what bring the benefits. Some of the things that coconut oil can potentially do for your dog are: Ease inflammation Fight harmful fungi and bacteria Help digestion Lower blood sugar levels Help with weight loss Balance insulin Increase energy Topically, coconut oil can: Help skin and hair Make their coat glossy Eliminate odor Fight off pests Soothe hot spots Keep in mind, there are no studies that officially reveal benefits in feeding dogs coconut oil. However, using it on your dog’s skin may help with certain skin conditions. How to use coconut oil on dogs Generally, coconut oil is considered safe for dogs to eat in very small amounts or have applied to their skin or fur. As far as selecting which brand, virgin coconut oil is best since most of the benefits have been observed with this type. The amount of coconut oil you give your dog will depend on its size. Rather than feeding your dog coconut oil alone, mix it with their food. A small dog might have ¼ tsp of coconut oil, whereas a large dog might have 1 tablespoon. Monitor your dog for weight gain, diarrhea, and other symptoms that may signify intolerance and consult with your veterinarian regarding dosage. For dry skin or some added moisture to their coat, apply a small amount of coconut oil to your dog’s coat about once a week. Depending on your preference, you can either rinse your dog with water, which won’t fully remove the oil, or do a full shampoo rinse. If you don’t want to apply straight coconut oil to your dog, you might consider a shampoo that contains coconut oil. Even better, consult with your local Pooch Mobile operator to help choose the best shampoo for any skin conditions! For a hot spot or a section with irritated skin, apply a small amount of coconut oil to the affected area. To keep your dog from licking the oil off, cover the irritated spot with a bandage. If you don’t see improvement in the next day or two, it’s time to call your veterinarian! Are there any risks? Yes, there are risks associated with coconut oil! Even though coconut oil is advertised as high in MCTs (which have many health benefits), half of them are lauric acid. Lauric acid is officially considered an MCT, but doesn’t behave like one. Most of it will end up being dumped into fat stores instead of into the bloodstream. As a result, your dog might end up gaining weight instead of receiving the MCT health benefits. Coconut oil is at least 80% saturated fat, which can also potentially lead to weight gain for your dog. In addition, there are studies that have connected coconut oil to high cholesterol in dogs. In extreme cases, this can cause fatty plaques to develop in the arteries. There’s always a risk for an allergic reaction when introducing something new to your dog’s diet or grooming regimen. In the end, you know your dog better than anyone! Use your judgment and experience in deciding what is best. We highly recommend talking to a veterinarian who knows your dog well and can give you individual advice on whether or not coconut oil is a good idea for your pup!