Grooming for Specific Breeds or Coat Types

Posted on March 20, 2023 by Kory Vagos

Grooming is an important part of caring for your dog. It not only keeps them looking their best but also helps to maintain their health and well-being. Different breeds or coat types require different grooming techniques and tools to keep them looking and feeling their best. This will review brushing, bathing, and grooming needs of several popular breeds based on their coat type.

Short-haired Dog Breeds

Examples of short-haired breeds

Short, smooth coats that are easy to maintain

Boxers
Beagles
Dobermans

Grooming Tips for short-haired breeds

Though they have shorter hair, they still require regular grooming to keep their coats shiny and healthy.

Brush at least once each week
Use soft-bristled brush to remove loose hair and dirt
Rubber grooming mitt helps distribute natural oils throughout their coat, giving it a healthy shine

Bathing Recommendations for short-haired breeds

Don’t require frequent bathing as their short coats don’t accumulate a lot of dirt or oil
When they get dirty, bathe with a gentle dog shampoo

Medium-haired Dog Breeds

Examples of medium-haired breeds

Medium-length coats that require a bit more attention than short-haired breeds

Cocker Spaniels
Australian Shepherds
Huskies

Grooming Tips for medium-haired breeds

This breed and coat type requires more attention and a different technique

Brush at least twice each week
Use pin brush to remove any tangles and mats
Slicker brush can be used to remove loose hair and to smooth out the coat

Bathing Recommendations for medium-haired breeds

Should be bathed every 4-6 weeks
Use a mild dog shampoo
Apply a conditioner to help detangle the coat and make it easier to brush
Brush before and after bathing

Long-haired Dog Breeds

Examples of long-haired breeds

Long-haired breeds require the most attention when it comes to grooming

Shih Tzus
Maltese
Afghan Hounds

Grooming Tips for long-haired breeds

This breed requires daily attention for grooming and brushing

Brush daily
Use slicker brush and comb to prevent tangles and matting
De-matting tool can also be used to gently remove any mats or knots in the coat

Bathing Recommendations for long-haired breeds

Should be bathed every 3-4 weeks
Use a gentle dog shampoo and conditioner
After a bath, a leave-in conditioner can be applied to keep the coat silky and smooth

Wire-haired Breeds

Examples of wire-haired breeds

A wiry, textured coat the requires special attention

Terriers
Schnauzers
Wirehaired Dachshunds

Grooming Tips for wire-haired breeds

This breed and coat type requires more attention and a different technique

Brush at least twice each week
Use slicker brush to remove any loose hair and to prevent matting
Stripping comb can also be used to remove dead hair and to keep the coat looking neat and tidy

Bathing Recommendations for wire-haired breeds

Should be bathed every 4-6 weeks
Use a dog shampoo specially formulated for their coat type
After a bath, a leave-in conditioner can be applied to soften the coat and make it easier to brush

Curly-haired Breeds

Examples of curly-haired breeds

Curly, wavy coats that require regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling

Poodles
Bichon Frises
Portuguese Water Dogs

Grooming Tips for curly-haired breeds

Regular grooming is necessary for this coat type

Brush at least once a week
Use slicker brush and a comb to remove any tangles and mats
A de-matting tool can also be used to gently remove any knots in the coat

Bathing Recommendations for curly-haired breeds

Should be bathed every 2-3 weeks
Use a dog shampoo designed for their coat type
After a bath, a leave-in conditioner can be applied to keep the curls defined and moisturized

Conclusion on Grooming for Dog Breed and Coat Type

In conclusion, grooming is an important part of caring for your dog, regardless of their breed or coat type. Regular brushing, bathing, and grooming not only keep them looking their best but also helps to maintain their health and well-being. By understanding the unique needs of your dog’s coat, you can ensure that they receive the proper care they need to look and feel their best. Find a professional dog groomer who can help you navigate the care that your pet needs and ensure they are getting what they need as often as they need it.

Tips for Dealing with Shedding

Posted on March 20, 2023 by Kory Vagos

As pet owners, we all know that shedding is a natural phenomenon that comes with the territory. However, it can be frustrating to deal with all the fur that ends up on our floors, furniture and clothing. Shedding is a common problem for most animals, including cats and dogs. Understanding why shedding occurs and how to deal with it can make a big difference in keeping your home clean and your pet healthy.

Why animals shed

Shedding is a natural process of hair growth that happens to all animals. Just like humans, animals have hair follicles that produce new hair cells. As the new hair cells grow, the old ones die and fall out, which is what we refer to as shedding. Shedding tends to be more pronounced during seasonal changes, when an animal’s coat adapts to the changing weather. This is why you might notice your pet shedding more in the fall and spring months.

Understanding the causes of shedding

There are several factors that influence how much an animal sheds. Genetics play a big role in determining the thickness and length of your pet’s coat. Some breeds are naturally heavy shedders, while others have short, fine hair that doesn’t shed very much. The environment also plays a role in shedding. Poor nutrition, stress, and health problems can all contribute to excessive shedding. Regular grooming and proper nutrition can help alleviate these factors.

Tips for dealing with shedding

1. Grooming

Regular grooming is the best way to control shedding. Brushing your pet’s coat once or twice a week will help remove loose hair before it falls off around your home. Use the appropriate brush for your pet’s coat type, as some brushes are designed to be more effective on longer hair. Additionally, bathing your pet once a month can help reduce shedding and keep their coat clean.

2. Vacuum regularly

Vacuuming is essential to keeping your home free of pet hair. Make sure to vacuum floors, carpets, and furniture regularly, especially if your pet sheds excessively. A high-quality vacuum with a HEPA filter is ideal for removing pet hair embedded deep in carpets and upholstery.

3. Diet

A healthy diet is essential for your pet’s overall health and can help reduce shedding. A good quality pet food provides the necessary nutrients for healthy skin and fur. Consult with a veterinarian to determine the best diet for your pet.

4. Supplements

Supplements like omega-3 fatty acids, biotin, and vitamins can help support healthy skin and coat, which can reduce shedding. Consult with a veterinarian before giving your pet any supplements, as they can interact with other medications.

In conclusion, shedding is a natural occurrence that all animals go through. Regular grooming, proper nutrition, and a clean environment can help reduce shedding and keep your pet healthy. By understanding why shedding occurs and how to manage it, you can help keep your home free of pet hair and your pets healthy and happy!

All About Doodles

Posted on March 20, 2023 by Kory Vagos

Doodles are quite the rage in the canine world nowadays. They are a mixture of two purebred dogs, and this combination has brought together some of the most adorable and intelligent beings on earth. Doodle dogs are typically a hybrid between a Poodle and any other dog breed, resulting in an amazing breed of dogs with unique characteristics. We will take an in-depth look at this breed to include their history, appearance, personality, behavior, training, care, and health issues.

History of Doodles

Doodle dogs did not originate from a single breed of dogs; instead, they were created from crossbreeding between two different breeds. The first Doodle dog appeared in the USA in the 1980s, which was a mix between a Poodle and a Golden Retriever. They were initially bred to create hypoallergenic dogs that could be used by people with allergies. Because Poodles possess a non-shedding coat, breeders would mate them with other breeds with the hope of producing puppies that have a low shedding rate.

Appearance of Doodles

Doodle dogs come in different shapes, sizes, and colors. The appearance of a Doodle dog depends on the type of Poodle that’s crossed with the other breed. There are three types of Poodles: Standard, Miniature, and Toy. Most Doodle breeds are a cross between a Poodle and a Golden Retriever or a Labrador Retriever. These dogs generally range in size from small to large.

Here is an overview of some different types of Doodle dogs and their appearances:

Personality and Behavior of Doodles

Doodle dogs possess excellent personalities that make them famous across the world. This breed is generally known for its affectionate nature towards humans, making them suitable family pets. Doodles are also intelligent, calm, and gentle dogs that get along well with children and other animals.

These dogs require a lot of socialization to ensure they develop excellent behavior since they can become anxious and shy if they are not adequately socialized during their early life. It is therefore necessary to introduce them to as many different people, places, and things as possible.

Training Doodles

Doodle dogs are highly trainable due to their intelligence and eagerness to please their owners. Since Doodles have Poodle genes, they are considered one of the smartest dog breeds, and this makes them easy to train. If trained properly, Doodles can learn basic obedience commands quickly.

Positive reinforcement techniques such as treats and praise work best when training Doodle dogs. Punishment-based techniques like shouting, hitting, or using shock collars should be avoided as they are harmful and counterproductive. Doodles also have a high energy level, and it is essential to provide them with enough exercises daily. Long walks, trips to the park, and playing fetch are excellent ways to burn off their excess energy.

Caring for Doodles

Grooming Doodles

Doodle dogs have curly, woolly, or wavy coats that require regular grooming. Grooming helps to prevent matting, shedding, and skin problems. Brush your doodle dog’s coat daily or at least twice a week with a slicker brush and a metal comb. Ensure that you brush all the way down to the skin to prevent matting. Remember to check their ears regularly for wax buildup, and clean them gently with a damp cloth. Also, trim their nails once every two weeks to prevent overgrowth and cracking. Grooming is an important part of your doodle’s well-being, working with an experienced pet groomer will ensure you are meeting his needs.

Exercise for Doodles

Doodle dogs are active and energetic dogs that require ample exercise to stay healthy and happy. Aim to give your doodle dog at least 30 minutes of exercise per day, such as a brisk walk, a hike, or a game of fetch in a fenced-in yard. Regular exercise not only helps to keep your doodle dog fit but also improves their mental health by reducing anxiety and stress. Dog daycare programs are a great way to help your doodle exert energy while providing socialization with other pups.

Doodle Nutrition

Feeding your doodle dog a balanced and nutritious diet is critical to their overall health and wellbeing. Choose high-quality dog food that contains essential nutrients such as protein, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Avoid foods that contain fillers, artificial preservatives, and flavors. Also, avoid overfeeding your doodle dog, as they can quickly become overweight, which can lead to health issues such as joint problems, heart disease, and diabetes.

Healthcare Considerations for Doodles

Regular veterinary care is essential to maintain your doodle dog’s overall health and detect any health issues early. Take your doodle dog to the veterinarian for annual wellness exams, vaccinations, and preventive care such as flea and tick control. Also, keep your doodle dog up to date on heartworm prevention medication to prevent heartworm disease.

Doodle dogs are a popular breed of crossbred dogs between different breeds of poodles and other dog breeds like golden retrievers, Labradors, Bernese mountain dogs, and others. These breeds are known for their adorable looks and loving temperament, making them one of the most appealing dog breeds to own. However, despite their popularity, doodle dogs are prone to several health issues that potential owners should know before bringing them home.

In conclusion, doodles are wonderful pets that come in different shapes, sizes, colors and types. They are popular dogs with great personalities; intelligent, calm and gentle. This type of dog requires specific care including extensive grooming and exercise to enable them to thrive. This proper care will extend their life and ideally prevent them from encountering potential health conditions that doodles are prone to. Overall, a doodle can be a perfect fit for a pet parent!

New Transportation Service at Disney Best Friends Pet Hotel

Posted on March 8, 2023 by Kory Vagos

New Service Offering

Disney Best Friends Pet Hotel is expanding their services in March 2023. In addition to the top-notch boarding, day camp, and grooming services offered under one roof at Best Friends Pet Hotel, they will now be offering a transportation service. Any guest staying at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground and Disney’s Yacht Club Resort can take advantage of this service. They can reserve a spot on the transportation van for a seamless ride to and from Best Friends Pet Hotel in Disney. This transportation service is offered for any grooming appointment or daycare/overnight boarding stay.

Transportation Schedule

Transportation to and from the locations below will occur Monday through Sunday:

Pick Up

Yacht Club: 7 AM – 7:30 AM
Fort Wilderness: 8:30 AM – 9 AM

Drop Off

Yacht Club: 6 PM – 6:30 PM
Fort Wilderness: 7:30 PM – 8 PM

If you would like to add this service to an existing or new reservation then call (407) 209-3126 to add it on for only $25 Round Trip!! There is limited space so call now!

Questions & Answers

Here is a compiled list of questions and answers that explain this transportation service in more detail.

How do I reserve transportation for my pup?

Please call us at 407-209-3126 to add this services to an existing or new reservation. Space is limited so call now!

When do I pay for the transportation service and how much does it cost?

Full payment for the transportation service will be taken upon making the reservation. The cost is $25 for roundtrip transportation.

Where will my dog be picked up?

We will pick up and drop off at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground in front of the cabins check-in building by the Airport Shuttle Departure sign. We will also pick up and drop off at the Disney’s Yacht Club Resort at the porte-cochere located at the main entrance to the lobby.

Are there any special requirements for dogs traveling with you?

Yes, your dog must be up to date on our vaccination requirements. They must be at the pick-up location before the specific pick up time and have a leash & collar/harness. For now, we are only able to accommodate pups under 50 lbs. and other types of animals will not be accommodated until further notice.

What happens after my dog gets picked up?

Once your pup gets picked up, we will check him into our system via mobile tablet. We will arrive at Best Friends Pet Hotel and your pup will be transported either to his room/kennel, group play or grooming – depending on what the reservation indicates.

Can I cancel this service if my plans change?

Yes, once you make your reservation you will have 48 hours to cancel and receive your full payment back for the transportation service.

How does my dog get transported back to me?

Your dog will be taken back to either Fort Wilderness or the Yacht Club Resort on the specific time listed above. Owners must be at the location no later than the designated time. Once your dog is picked up, he will be checked out of the system via mobile tablet.

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