Brushing Your Pet's Teeth in 4 Easy Steps

Steps Courtesy of Hill’s Pet Nutrition

Daily dental care for your pet is an important step in preventing periodontal disease. Brushing your dog or cat’s teeth can be done in 4 easy steps. Consult with your veterinarian about an annual dental exam and cleaning or if you have questions about brushing technique.

Alert: Never use human toothpaste; only use toothpaste approved for use with pets. 

Step One

Brushing your pet’s teeth is going to feel awkward at first, and your pet is likely to find it uncomfortable too. It’s important to stay relaxed, remain patient, and provide your pet with lots of positive praise.

Practice lifting their lip to see their teeth and reward with praise.

Step Two

You can wrap your index finger in gauze or use a finger toothbrush. Available at most pet stores.

After your dog or cat is comfortable, lift the lip and gently rub the pet toothpaste over the teeth and gums.

Step Three

Introduce the toothbrush after the pet becomes comfortable with you using your finger and gauze.

Place a small amount of pet toothpaste on the brush and gently start brushing. (A bit of chicken broth or tuna juice may make the job easier with a cat.)

Step Four

Brush teeth and gums gently and finish with the bottom front teeth.

Focus on the outside of the teeth—the surface facing the cheek is most prone to plaque and tartar buildup.

When finished, offer praise and plenty of love—make brushing a positive experience.

Watch Now: The importance of regular dental care and steps for successful brushing

That’s it—congratulations on giving your pet a healthy mouth and bright smile!

The Holiday House Pet Resort Grooming Spa offers a tooth brushing service, which can also be added to any grooming or bathing option. Regular dental care and professional grooming promote overall wellness for a healthy, happy pet. To schedule a spa appointment, call 215-345-6960.

Professional Dog Grooming for Wellness

Professional dog grooming is more than a day at the salon. A clean, fresh-smelling dog is a pleasure to have around, but professional grooming is also essential to your dog’s wellness.

Health Check

        An appointment with a grooming professional is another opportunity for your pet to be examined for problems which can lead to more serious health conditions. During the grooming process, the coat and skin are inspected for fleas and ticks, scratches and cuts, sores and abnormal growths which can lead to prompt medical attention. Removal of an imbedded tick in a timely fashion could prevent a more serious problem like Lyme disease; a cancerous tumor found early could save a life.  

Experience and Safety

A small dog may be easy to bathe in your own sink or bathroom but a pet salon is designed for the convenience and safety of all pets. Professional groomers are skilled at working with different breeds, sizes and personalities and have the right tools to make your dog look stylish without injury. Lifting a dog into a tub could be dangerous for you and your dog and trimming the hair around the eyes or paws could lead to injury if the dog moves unexpectedly.

Your Pampered Pooch

Regular bathing keeps your dog’s coat and skin healthy by removing dirt, debris and excessive hair. For dogs with a skin condition, especially due to allergies, grooming with the proper products like a medicated shampoo can provide significant relief from itching. Removal of excessive hair through bathing, de-shedding treatments and a thorough blow out can reduce matting and knotting. Brushing the coat also removes dead hair and distributes natural oils over the skin making the coat shiny and healthy. 

The right haircut for your dog, based on breed and lifestyle, is not only attractive but functional—and frequency of a grooming appointment also depends on both factors as well as need. In cold or wet climates, the right cut will protect your dog from the harsh elements. Depending on your lifestyle, you may want a cut for your dog which makes coat care between appointments easier.      

        Grooming services usually include ear care and nail trimming. Ears are cleaned and excess hair, which can cause bacteria to be trapped, is removed to reduce the chance of an ear infection. Attention to the ears can also detect ear mites. Manicures and pedicures may be relaxing for people but that’s not usually the case for pets. Walking with long nails can contribute to joint problems. The nails should be trimmed monthly and if not done correctly, the experience can be painful. Professionals have the right tools and know exactly where to cut to avoid injury. 

        Massage is another healthy benefit of grooming for the modern pet.  It’s used to relieve anxiety and muscle soreness as well as improve circulation. Professional groomers know the musculoskeletal system and apply the right touch in order to help your dog relax and enjoy the experience.

        Grooming is part of overall wellness for your pet. There are many health benefits to professional grooming services besides convenience and a clean pet. The coat and skin are your dog’s first line of protection. Routine grooming is an opportunity for early prevention and treatment of medical problems between yearly veterinary exams. A healthy dog is a happy dog!

        The Holiday House Pet Resort Grooming Spa offers a full range of grooming and bathing options plus additional services like tooth brushing, blueberry facial, Furtastic Designs, and various coat sprays. Call 215-345-6960 today to schedule a spa appointment.   

               

Does Massage Benefit Pets?

The practice of holistic and integrative veterinary medicine has increased over the years as more veterinarians and pet owners shift their focus from the treatment of disease to overall health and wellness.
 
The benefits of massage to humans has been studied and documented, but do those benefits apply to cats and dogs? For people, the benefits include: stress reduction, increased circulation and mobility, better digestion, lower blood pressure, and a boost in immunity. There have been few clinical studies including animals, and the medical evidence, so far, is not conclusive. However, that has not deterred an increasing population of veterinarians, pet care professionals, and pet owners from offering alternative therapies as part of pet wellness—massage being a popular form of therapy.
 
The American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) classifies massage as a rehabilitation therapy, which also includes acupuncture, chiropractic and therapeutic exercise, and defines these therapies as “being used to return a patient to normal function following surgery or trauma, or as part of a long-term strategy to manage pain.
 
Comprehensive pet wellness has long been a primary objective of the medical team at Doylestown Veterinary Hospital with special interest in pet nutrition and a veterinarian certified in acupuncture on staff. When the focus is lifelong wellness, pets tend to happily live longer, healthier lives.
 
Pet wellness is important at Holiday House Pet Resort with blueberry facials offered as a spa service and daycare clients participating in various wellness events, such as fitness camp and occasional massage sessions complete with soothing music and aromatherapy.

For animals, the power of touch provides physical and emotional benefits. Although the medical benefits in small animals are not well documented, massage certainly showers the pet with lavish attention and affection. The special time spent relaxing with your pet can also help strengthen the bond between you both.

Holiday House Pet Resort Announces Charity Dog Wash

Marley, Claire, Nate & Gigi are helping raise money for the Bekos Family.

Holiday House Pet Resort is inviting all dirty dogs to clean up for a good cause during its Hope for Hails Dog Wash now through March 15, 2014. The promotion will help raise funds for Hailey Bekos and her family while the local teen battles a rare illness.

Dog owners may purchase a Premium Bath at the luxury grooming salon for a reduced price and half of the proceeds will benefit the Bekos Family Trust, a fund established to support the Doylestown family. Dog Washes are being reduced by 75% to $30 and include: bubble bath, brush out and blow dry, nail clipping, ear cleaning; plus a choice of dog massage, blueberry facial, nose and pad conditioning treatment or de-shedding treatment. 

Holiday House Pet Resort, located at 380 North Shady Retreat Road in Doylestown, has already raised $750 for the Bekos Family Trust since the Dog Wash promotion began in January. For more information about Hailey and the Bekos Family trust, visit: www.hopeforhails.com .

“It is heartening to see the community rally around Hailey and her family and we wanted to help as well,” said veterinarian Laura Weis, co-owner of Holiday House Pet Resort and Doylestown Veterinary Hospital.

Dr. Weis explained that the idea for the Dog Wash Fundraiser came from 9-year-old local student Claire McDonnell who attends Doyle Elementary. McDonnell has been joined by Dr. Weis’ son Nate to help promote the Fundraiser to their respective schools and the community. 

“Lots of people have dogs and I thought a Dog Wash would be a good way to raise money for Hailey,” said McDonnell. “I love my dog, Marley, and knew this would be the perfect way for us to help, too.”

Nate Weis, an eighth-grader at the River Valley Waldorf School, agreed:  “Hailey should be playing and having fun with her friends, going to school and loving her family. I hope that the Dog Wash will reach many people and their pets who want to help Hailey as well.”

Anyone without a dog who is interested in supporting Hailey may purchase a Dog Wash as a gift or donate the pampering experience to a homeless foster dog with Lulu's Rescue, an animal rescue group where Hailey volunteered. Hailey’s work with Lulu’s earned her a community service award in sixth grade. For more information about scheduling or purchasing a Dog Wash, visit http://www.holidayhousepetresort.com/hope4hails/ or call 215-345-6960. 

Professional Dog Grooming for Wellness

Professional dog grooming is more than a day at the salon. A clean, fresh-smelling dog is a pleasure to have around but professional grooming is also essential to your dog’s wellness. Proper grooming during the winter months helps your dog stay warm under a healthy coat, and during allergy season grooming helps reduce pet allergens in the home which benefits the entire family, dog included.

Health Check

        An appointment with a grooming professional is another opportunity for your pet to be examined for problems which can lead to more serious health conditions. During the grooming process, the coat and skin are inspected for fleas and ticks, scratches and cuts, sores and abnormal growths which can lead to prompt medical attention. Removal of an imbedded tick in a timely fashion could prevent a more serious problem like Lyme disease; a cancerous tumor found early could save a life.  

Experience and Safety

A small dog may be easy to bathe in your own sink or bathroom but a pet salon is designed for the convenience and safety of all pets. Professional groomers are skilled at working with different breeds, sizes and personalities and have the right tools to make your dog look stylish without injury. Lifting a dog into a tub could be dangerous for you and your dog and trimming the hair around the eyes or paws could lead to injury if the dog moves unexpectedly.

Your Pampered Pooch

Regular bathing keeps your dog’s coat and skin healthy by removing dirt, debris and excessive hair. For dogs with a skin condition, especially due to allergies, grooming with the proper products like a medicated shampoo can provide significant relief from itching. Removal of excessive hair through bathing, de-shedding treatments and a thorough blow out can reduce matting and knotting. Brushing the coat also removes dead hair and distributes natural oils over the skin making the coat shiny and healthy. 

The right haircut for your dog, based on breed and lifestyle, is not only attractive but functional—and frequency of a grooming appointment also depends on both factors as well as need. In cold or wet climates, the right cut will protect your dog from the harsh elements. Depending on your lifestyle, you may want a cut for your dog which makes coat care between appointments easier.      

        Grooming services usually include ear care and nail trimming. Ears are cleaned and excess hair, which can cause bacteria to be trapped, is removed to reduce the chance of an ear infection. Attention to the ears can also detect ear mites. Manicures and pedicures may be relaxing for people but that’s not usually the case for pets. Walking with long nails can contribute to joint problems. The nails should be trimmed monthly and if not done correctly, the experience can be painful. Professionals have the right tools and know exactly where to cut to avoid injury. 

        Massage is another healthy benefit of grooming for the modern pet.  It’s used to relieve anxiety and muscle soreness as well as improve circulation. Professional groomers know the musculoskeletal system and apply the right touch in order to help your dog relax and enjoy the experience.

        Grooming is part of overall wellness for your pet. There are many health benefits to professional grooming services besides convenience and a clean pet. The coat and skin are your dog’s first line of protection. Routine grooming is an opportunity for early prevention and treatment of medical problems between yearly veterinary exams. A healthy dog is a happy dog! 

  

Call Holiday House Pet Resort at 215-345-6960 to schedule an appointment for a premium bath or full grooming service.