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.   

               

The Benefits of Professional Dog Training

Professional dog training offers numerous benefits to the dog and the owner. When a pet is properly trained, it shows that the dog is an important part of the family and that good behavior is expected and rewarded positively.

Professional Dog Training Saves Lives

The most important benefit of training for the dog is that it may save its life. The top reason for dogs to be abandoned or dropped at a shelter is behavioral problems that become too overwhelming for an owner.

According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), the national statistics for companion animals entering shelters every year are approximately 5 to 7 million with approximately 3 to 4 million being euthanized. 

If puppies receive early training and socialization, there’s a better chance they will not be euthanized before the age of three. Not to mention that if a well-trained dog does end up at a shelter or rescue, it will be adopted quicker than one that is not trained. Obedience training can also save a life if a dog properly responds to commands, possibly avoiding a dash into vehicle traffic or safe during other emergency situations.

Sadie is a very good example of how training can resolve a challenging situation for an owner. Frustrated by her dog’s unruly behavior, a client recently brought her young German Shepard, Sadie, to Holiday House Pet Resort for lodging while she located another owner for the dog. Understanding the severity of the situation and confident that professional training would help match the dog with a new owner, the training team at Holiday House Pet Resort began a training session. Sadie lacked basic obedience skills and socialization with people and other dogs which resulted in leash aggression when near other pets. She needed structure and guidance to gain confidence and trust. Sadie responded immediately showing great improvement and was quickly adopted by the owner’s granddaughter. Sadie’s extended family is extremely pleased with her progress, and her new owner continues to reinforce the skills learned during training. 

Leader of the Pack

The biggest benefit of training to owners is that it teaches the dog who is in charge. You are the leader and the dog recognizes and respects your authority. Canines are pack animals: They follow a leader and want to please the leader. Training fulfills their need for leadership and provides structure and communication for a balanced life.   

A well-trained dog:

·         Reduces family stress

·         Reduces damage to your home and personal belongings

·         Increases a sense of safety and security

·         Creates a strong bond with the dog

·         Reduces costs associated with owning a dog

·         Improves overall quality of life in the home

From the Start

Training begins with the socializing. Providing your puppy with loving attention, regular feedings, house training, leadership and new people to meet will prepare him to begin formal training between the age of 8 and 12 weeks. Once the puppy receives its vaccinations, then puppy preschool and other social activities can take place too. Holiday House Pet Resort hosts a Free Puppy Social Hour every Thursday at 7pm. The objective is to offer pet parents an opportunity for their puppy to be around other people and puppies in a safe environment, as well as offer pet care tips, best practices, and information on training.   

Old dogs can learn new tricks. Successful training is possible if you adopt a full-grown dog.

“At Holiday House Pet Resort, we offer a full menu of training options. We start with a basic evaluation, garnering important information from the parents about their pet and its behaviors. Then we create a plan with a directed course of action. We are not here to make the decision on what behaviors are acceptable in your family. We are here to support the parents in giving the pet—and the entire family—an overall better quality of life,” said Fran Kealey, who works with clients on training evaluations.

From the Dog’s Perspective

Why is the dog behaving badly or out-of-control? Look at it from the dog’s point of view. Before a behavior can be changed, it should be understood. If the dog receives little or no attention unless its behavior elicits a reaction, then the dog will likely perform that behavior over and over to get attention it desires from the leader. The key, of course, is rewarding the good behaviors.  

A pet training program that rewards the dog with positive reinforcement is the most effective and will build a strong bond between the owner and dog that fosters trust and cooperation. The training program at Holiday House Pet Resort is unique because the dog is immersed in training and resort activities while part of a Lodge and Learn program. Working with multiple trainers over several daily sessions, keeps the dog focused on learning the commands and expected behaviors versus following one leader.

The ultimate benefit to the owner and the dog is happiness. A well-trained dog is a pleasure to have in the home and to be around in public. Proper training builds a strong bond between the owner and the pet which is the foundation for a healthy, long-lasting relationship. Call Holiday House Pet Resort at 215-345-6960 to learn more about our unique and successful training program, and to schedule your training evaluation.

Caring for Your Senior Pet

When our best friends come to us, often in the puppy or kitten stage, we shower them with extra attention and care—from initial vaccinations and special nutrition to lots of playtime and smaller toys. Caring for them during their senior years seems a long way off. However, pets can reach the senior and geriatric stages in as few as five or six years, depending on the breed. And each year that goes by considerably increases their age in human years.

Keeping your pet healthy throughout its lifetime helps improve longevity, quality of life and happiness. Understanding the different life stages and the type of care recommended for each is important. Here are four tips to remember when caring for your senior pet:


Veterinary Visits
Your veterinarian is your partner and the best person to discuss care from year to year. During the senior stage, care will include a greater focus on dental care, regular bloodwork, specific checks for potential problems and diseases, and maintaining required and recommended vaccinations.
During the senior and geriatric stages, at least two wellness visits a year are recommended by the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA). The increase in the number of visits provides the opportunity to address any health problems before they appear or reach an advanced stage. Older pets can experience the same health concerns as aging humans, including arthritis, cancer, diabetes and  heart disease to name a few.
Nutrition
As your pet ages, nutritional requirements can change. Just like food during the first life stage promotes growth and development, nutrition during the senior years is formulated for easier digestion, fewer calories, and may include special anti-aging nutrients. Proper weight management helps avoid or manage health concerns associated with obesity like arthritis, heart disease and diabetes.
Exercise
Maintaining a level of exercise appropriate to your pet’s age and abilities supports good physical and mental health. If your pet is experiencing pain or limited mobility, talk to your veterinarian about a diagnosis and treatment plan.  For example, an integrative medical approach could address problems caused by arthritis through food therapy for proper nutrition and weight management, acupuncture and laser therapy for improved mobility, and pharmaceuticals to ease immediate pain or inflammation.
Bedding & Special Needs
Aging often requires lifestyle changes to keep older pets safe and comfortable. When mobility and/or sight are an issue, then keeping your pet away from stairs and other hazards might be necessary. For pets with arthritis and stiff muscles, special bedding may be recommended.

At Holiday House Pet Resort, the comfort, activity level and happiness of all our guests—from puppy to senior years—are important. Older lodging guests often have special needs which our resort is prepared to manage.  The Resort TLC package for senior pets offers:
•    Orthopedic bedding – Dense foam bedding
•    Two stretch and mobility breaks daily – Simple and ability-appropriate outdoor strolls with a staff member
•    Unlimited administering of medications as needed – Veterinary staff available on site at AAHA-accredited Doylestown Veterinary Hospital
•    Special attention with a nightly bedtime story and gourmet treats

Call Holiday House Pet Resort & Doylestown Veterinary Hospital at 215-345-6960 for information and to set an appointment for lodging or veterinary care, including nutritional counseling, and acupuncture and cold laser therapy treatments.

Add Colorful Flair to Your Dog’s Grooming Style

Beyond bows and bandanas, adding a colorful flair to your dog's grooming service can express a unique personality and style. The latest trend in creative grooming services offers a range of temporary designs, including stenciling, feathering, chalking and free-hand airbrushing.

 

Creative grooming can range from a simple stencil design to an extreme expression of imagination and artistic style. A basic stencil design, such as a shamrock, can represent a holiday, heritage or mood. If you lean toward the extreme, there has been increasing attention to the head-turning, over-the-top full-body designs using specialized grooming techniques and color to turn animals into works of art.

The simple use of a color accent or the placement of natural feathers on an ear or tail to a stenciled design on the chest or hind leg adds a trendy, temporary flair to any grooming style. Holiday House Pet Resort Grooming is now offering a basic creative grooming service, Furtastic Designs, as a salon add-on. These finishing options are temporary and safe for pets. HolidayHouse Pet Resort is excited about launching Furtastic Designs to offer grooming clients something new and fun.

“We are currently using Espree Bark Art blow pens and stencils for dogs because it’s easy to apply, the design lasts for an appropriate amount of time on the fur and can be removed with water and shampoo. The products are non-toxic color pens designed for use on fur,” explained Stacy Showmaker, a member of the grooming team.

STENCILS

Kids love showing off temporary tattoos and so will your dog. Why limit your dog’s collar as the only statement piece being worn? The stencils include simple designs from paw prints or a flower to a skull & cross bones and super hero insignias. The blow pens produce a fine mist of color for pinpoint application. What design best matches your dog’s personality or expresses a more playful side?

FEATHERS

Retro fashions are always in style but nothing says The Big 80s like colorful feather accents. Natural feathers add a wild, colorful flair to celebrate any special occasion, or make a strong statement when your retriever or spaniel struts down the sidewalks in town.

CHALK

Chalk is great for free-hand designs like adding a pop of color to the ears, a tail or shading a larger area like the chest or an entire leg. Multiple colors can be used to create a custom look. So when the Eagles play in the big game, you and your dog can paint the town green with team spirit!

“We’ve been perfecting our designs on a variety of dog coats. Right now, stenciling and custom color pieces are working best on white and light colored fur. Stacy and I are still discovering which mists or chalks will work best on dark colored fur. Of course, feathers look great on any coat. We won’t be transforming your standard poodle into a tiger or your westie into a panda—that’s not what Furtastic Designs is about—but we can offer clients something special,” added groomer Erin Connelly.

Still want the bow or bandana? That’s no problem, but the creative grooming finishes are temporary so why not give it a try to generate a smile, add color to a wintery mood, or celebrate a special occasion. Furtastic Designs by Holiday House Pet Resort Grooming offers basic creative grooming art for an attractive finishing touch to any grooming style. Have an idea? Let us know when you book your grooming appointment or ask to speak with Erin or Stacy during check-in.