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Tips on Finding the Perfect Dog Groomer

Tips on Finding the Perfect Dog Groomer

dog, groomer, bow

You are in the market for a dog groomer. Maybe your old groomer retired or you just can’t seem to find one. Either way, it is important to find the right expert for the job.

Unfortunately, when it comes to our beloved canine family the task may seem quite daunting. If so, keep reading to learn some tips on how to make your groomer search a little easier.

1. Get Referrals

One of the easiest ways to find a good dog groomer is to speak with friends. Contact friends who have dogs and regularly visit a groomer and ask who they go to for their grooming needs. If you have a groomer but they are retiring, ask for a referral.

You can also ask the pet care professional you get your pup’s NuVet Plus wafers or powder from or another dog care professional in your pup’s life – such as your veterinarian, dog trainer or dog walker – for a suggestion. With their ample, day-to-day dog experience one of these resources is sure to have a recommendation or two.

2. Confirm Experience

Once you’ve received a few recommendations for reputable dog groomers, it is time to move on to the next step. Reaching out.

Don’t be afraid to give them a call and confirm their experience. Find out how many years they have spent working with and grooming dogs.

Also, don’t be afraid to ask for references. A dog groomer who has established their business and clientele may be open to sharing positive feedback from other clients.

3.Certifications

Currently, there are no states that require a dog groomer to be licensed. However, there are professional dog grooming organizations out there that many dog groomers choose to belong to. This not only helps establish their credibility but also shows that professionalism is a priority to them.

One such organization is the National Dog Groomers Association (NDGA). In order to become a member, groomers must pass a series of tests regarding hygiene, safety, proper handling and canine anatomy. If you can’t locate their certification hanging on the wall, don’t be afraid to ask to see it.

4. Take a Look at the Shop

Before your initial visit, stop by the shop during a normal business day and check it out. Observe how the dogs are being treated, as well as how the dogs are responding to the groomer.

Note cleanliness and any strange or unpleasant smells that might suggest a lack of hygiene. The shop should be well maintained, well lit and safe.

You can also take this time to bring your dog for an introductory visit to meet the groomer and become familiar with the shop.

Tip: Keep Goodbyes Quick

Once you have found a groomer and the time has come to drop Fido off, keep goodbyes quick. By doing this you help to keep your dog’s stress level low, which will ultimately make the visit run more smoothly. You don’t want your dog to think a trip to the groomer is negative in anyway, which could happen if he gets stressed out.

A Few Things to Keep in Mind…

• Vaccinations

Any dog groomer you allow to work on your dog should request proof of up-to-date vaccination records from you. Because many dogs pass through the doors of a grooming salon, their is potential for canine bacteria to be passed onto your pooch.

Also, if you suspect your pup may be under the weather, postpone your grooming visit. Feeding your furry friend a high quality diet and a nutritious supplement, like NuVet Plus, can help keep your pet feeling his best.

• Instincts

Never hesitate to trust your or your dog’s instincts. If something doesn’t sit well with you during your visit, or Fido seems particularly agitated, then maybe this isn’t the groomer for you. A pre-grooming visit can help you determine how things might go.

• Nutrition

Just like having a trusted and experienced groomer in your network of pet care professionals is important, so is good pet nutrition.

This is why we created NuVet Plus. Comprised of highest quality ingredients and manufactured in an FDA registered lab, dog owners everywhere are using NuVet Plus to help maintain good health in their dogs.

If you would like to discover how NuVet Plus has improved the quality of life for dogs everywhere, please visit NuVet reviews on Facebook.


Cool Cat Stuff: 5 Great Gift Ideas

Cool Cat Stuff: 5 Great Gift Ideas

cat stuff, cat products, cats

The best part of having a cat is being able to spoil her with affection and cat-centric products. Your pet’s best friend, NuVet Labs, listed just some of the cool cat stuff available for your cat this holiday season.

Everything from exercise, to feeding, to entertaining Fluffy from afar is covered below. Continue reading to learn more about 5 popular items that you can pick up for that special cat in your life.

1. Cat Exercise Wheel $200.00

If you’re worried your cat is bored or depressed while you are away from home then worry no more! With the Cat Exercise Wheel, you can be sure your cat is being mentally and physically exercised. A happy cat is a cat that gets into less mischief, which is why the Cat Exercise Wheel is a great gift this holiday season.

The cat exercise wheel is completely manual, allowing the cats momentum to move it forward. As a result, it helps our feline companions reduce stress and exert energy without destroying the house. Its only drawback may be its size, which is somewhat large. However, when you see how happy your cat is, that may not be a factor.

2. Kittyo $249.00

When away from home, do guilty thoughts of your bored cat waiting alone for you take over? Well fret no more with Kittyo. Finally, you can check in with your cat throughout the day with Kittyo’s camera feature. Download the free app, connect to Wifi, and watch your kitty go!

What makes Kittyo even more fun is that you can interact with your cat even if you are not physically there. If you see that your feline companion looks down, you can push a button to speak to your cat. You can go a step further and play with your kitty by using Kittyo’s built in laser pointer that you can control from your smart phone. You can even reward you kitty for a game well played with treats that are dispensed from the Kittyo device.

So the next time you’re worried Fluffy is feeling blue or is not getting enough mental or physical stimulation, use Kittyo to check in with some laser chase and a treat.

3. NuVet Plus Feline Formula $55.50

NuVet is dedicated to improving the quality-of-life for cat’s everywhere, which is why we developed NuVet Plus feline formula. Especially formulated to meet the unique needs of cats, NuVet Plus for cats is a natural, highest quality powder that supports the health of your cat AND tastes great.

As a result, we regularly receive testimonials from happy NuVet Plus families who share with us how NuVet Plus has drastically helped their cats feel and look better. If you would like to learn more about NuVet Plus, please visit https://nuvetonline.com/testimonials/.

4. Raindrop Drinking Fountain $44.99

If there is one thing cats adore, it is a fresh source of water, which is why this unique raindrop-shaped stainless steel water dish is sure to become your cat’s favorite. Keep kitty’s water fresh with the Raindrop Drinking Fountain as it circulates and filters your cat’s water.

This 60 oz. bowl is dishwasher safe, requires minimal care and uses a replaceable filter that can be found on the manufacturer’s web site. The stainless steel bowl helps protect your feline from bad bacteria while reducing the time you spend refilling Fluffy’s water.

5. Tiger Diner $11.99

The Tiger Diner, like the Raindrop Drinking Fountain, is also from Pioneer Pet. The great thing about the Tiger Diner is that it taps into a cat’s natural inclination to “catch their food”.

Now you can feed your cat while keeping her mentally and physically stimulated at the same time. Because Fluffy is working for her food, she is actually eating at a healthier speed. This easy to clean, dishwasher-safe food dispenser makes the perfect dish for any cat or kitten.

Whether you want to spoil your feline companion, or need a gift for Fluffy to put under the tree, keep these cat-centric products in mind to help your cat stay stimulated and happy.

 


DIY Organic Shampoo for Your Dog

DIY Organic Shampoo for Your Dog

DIY, dog shampoo, organic shampoo

There is a wide range of doggie shampoos available on the market these days, and choosing the right one to suit your four-legged family member’s needs can be extremely difficult. Imagine if you could formulate your dog’s own shampoo the way you want to, as much as you want and whenever you want. Fortunately for you, you can! Here is a DIY organic doggie shampoo recipe that you can easily follow at home!

Why Make Your Own Organic Doggie Shampoo?

There are several reasons that some people prefer to make their own doggie shampoo instead of buying commercially sold ones. For example, making your own organic shampoo can save time and money. The ingredients for the shampoo can be cheaply bought from the market and you can make as much as you want. Plus, you don’t have to take a trip to the pet store every time you run out.

Another benefit of DIY organic shampoo is that you know exactly what the ingredients are and where they’re from. You can even adjust the ingredients to fit your dog’s needs. By making your own doggie shampoo, it is almost as if you have an unlimited supply of tailor-made shampoo for your canine companion at home.

Ingredients and Materials

  • 1 empty squeeze bottle – 12-16 oz. (larger if you want to make 2x the amount)
  • 1/2 cup organic liquid castile soap – made from olive oil, this gentle substance will serve as the base for your doggie shampoo.
  • 1/4 cup organic apple cider vinegar – fights odor and repels fleas, keeping your pup smelling lovely. It also adds gleam to your dog’s fur.
  • 1 tbsp. organic olive oil – this essential oil is conditioning. It also helps prevent your dogs hair from drying out.
  • 2 tbsp. water – for mixing and diluting
  • Organic lavender essential oil – Lavender has a calming property, which could be beneficial during bath time. It is also a natural tick and flea repellant.
  • Organic eucalyptus oil – fights unwanted odor, fleas, ticks and can help soothe sensitive skin.

Procedure

  1. Using a funnel, pour 1/2 cup of organic liquid castile soap into the squeeze bottle.
  2. Add the apple cider vinegar to the castile soap.
  3. Put in a tablespoon of olive oil.
  4. Add 2 tablespoons of water.
  5. Put in 4 drops of lavender essential oil and 4 drops of eucalyptus essential oil to the mixture.
  6. Shake well. Make sure to shake before use because the ingredients tend to settle at the bottom of the bottle.

Note: You can adjust the amount of the essential oils you put in the shampoo. You can play around with the ratio, depending on how you want it. If you want to add other essential oils, just make sure that it is safe for your pet and not to use too much of it.

How to Use

  1. Wet your pup with lukewarm water and apply an ample amount of shampoo. This is not a tearless shampoo so avoid the eye area.
  2. Lather well.
  3. Rinse thoroughly and completely.
  4. Towel dry and groom Fido any way you want.
  5. Enjoy the rest of the day with a fresh-smelling and happier pup!

Canine Shampoo

It will be fun creating your own shampoo for your dog, especially if you can see how effective it is in keeping your pup’s coat beautiful and healthy looking. However, if you prefer to leave shampoo making to the professionals, Nuvet has various shampoo products.

Some of the NuVet shampoo products include a hypoallergenic conditioning shampoo for dry skin, tearless puppy and kitten shampoo, soothing tea tree shampoo, and odor control pet shampoo. All of NuVet’s shampoo products are soap and detergent free so they will not extract crucial oils from your pet’s skin.

Aside from keeping your pet’s fur in top condition, it is just as important to maintain their inner beauty. To do this, give them a nutritional pet supplement such as NuVet Plus. NuVet Plus helps keep your pet healthy from the inside out.

NuVet Plus is made from natural ingredients and is manufactured in a FDA registered lab which is why more and more dog parents are choosing NuVet Plus for their pets. See what dog lovers have to say about NuVet products on NuVet’s Facebook page.


4 Ways To Keep New Puppy Costs Low

4 Ways To Keep New Puppy Costs Low

puppy, dog, toy

In our continued efforts to help our readers, we are sharing 4 ways to keep new puppy costs low.

Inviting a new pup into your life is exciting, and you can get your home ready for your new furry friend with a budget. We’re confident that you will find these suggestions helpful while also bringing you closer to welcoming that new puppy into your home.

1. Add Puppy Items to Your List of Holiday Gift Requests

If you know that a puppy will be joining your home soon, why not add puppy items to your holiday gift list this year? So when grandma asks what you want for Christmas, instead of saying an iPad, why not ask for a dog crate or even a gift card to a pet supply store?

Also, instead of asking Uncle John for his annual Chanukah gift card to your favorite clothing store, request a bottle of NuVet Plus. You’ll be able to provide your pooch with high quality nutrients, with no cost to you. Visit NuVet Plus reviews to see what happy parents are saying these highest quality pet supplements..

2. Don’t Forget the Clearance Section and Goodwill

All types of stores, including pet supply stores, have sales. Some stores even have entire sections dedicated to products on clearance – take advantage! Don’t be afraid to visit this part of the store during your search for puppy items. Dishes, bedding, treats, grooming supplies – you name it – can be found at reduced prices.

Also, check out your local Goodwill or Salvation Army stores. Many times people donate new or barely used pet items. Purchasing doggie items at a local Goodwill or Salvation Army will allow you to get necessary items for a fraction of the cost. Garage sales and flea markets are also good places to check out.

3. Recruit Friends in Your Efforts

What are friends for if you can’t ask them for a little help? Let them know about your plans to bring a puppy into your life. Ask them to keep their eyes peeled for doggie deals.

See if any of your friends will be willing to puppy sit for you if necessary. If you are great at fixing computers and your best friend is a certified dog trainer, why not swap skills? It’s a win-win situation! Or if a pal insists on paying you for some home improvement help you supplied, why not ask them to pick up a couple bottles of your dog’s NuVet Plus instead?

4. Become Your Own Expert Dog Trainer

Don’t forget that you are going to need to train your pooch. Your local library, the Internet, and even your nearby pet supply store can provide you with the resources you need to make sure you have a well behaved pooch.

Many novice dog trainers have found a lot of help on YouTube where expert dog trainers share their techniques. The library has loads of books on dog behavior. Pet supply stores sometimes offer free classes to prospective long-term students. There are many options!

We hope that you find these tips helpful when it comes time to calculating your budget with your new canine family member. Just like excellent nutrition, we feel that owning a dog shouldn’t cost a fortune, which is why we created NuVet Plus.

Comprised of highest quality ingredients and produced in an FDA registered lab, you can feel confident that your pup is receiving the best when it comes to vitamins. Dog parents who already provide their beloved pooches with this excellent product have eagerly shared their thoughts and experiences with us on our testimonials page. If you would like to learn more about NuVet Labs and our products, please visit us here.


5 Ways To Show Your Dog You Love Them

5 Ways To Show Your Dog You Love Them

Love, Dog, Fido

Our canine companions benefit our lives tremendously. They help improve our quality of life through companionship and unconditional love. Our dogs express their love for us every day through an energetic wag of their tail, a slobbery kiss or an eager greeting at the door.

Therefore, why not do something a little extra special to show Fido how much you love him? You probably have a bunch of ideas on how to do this. However, if you are looking for some fresh suggestions, take a look at the following list. You might find something new to add to your toolbox of doggie affection tips.

1. Add an Extra Walk to Their Daily Routine

Nobody loves a good walk more than a dog. For your pooch, a walk around the neighborhood provides tons of sensory stimulation, as well as exercise for the both of you. It also gives your pup some time to stretch and burn off any pent-up energy he may have acquired. Take advantage of this extra walk by using the time to bond with your canine companion through a shared activity.

2. Pick Fido Up His Favorite Treat

Most dogs have a favorite treat that they enjoy above all others. If you know what that special treat is, why not pick up a few on your way home from work and surprise your pal. Not only will enjoying his favorite snack make Fido’s day, but it will add some good feelings to yours knowing how happy you made your four-legged friend.

3. Add a Nutritious Supplement to Their Diet

Providing your pooch with a nutritious high-quality diet is another way to show him how much you care. Go one step further and provide your pup with a pet vitamin supplement, like NuVet Plus, as well. Fido will love the taste, and the wafer can be given as a treat!

For more information about NuVet Plus and it’s nutritious highest quality ingredients, watch the videos on the NuVet Labs YouTube page. Your pooch will be thrilled with the delicious flavor, and you can be happy knowing you are providing your dog with optimal nutrition.

4. Buy Fido a New Doggie Bed

If your doggie bed is looking a bit old, or your pup is getting up there in years, why not splurge a little and pick up a fancy memory foam bed for him? Your local pet supply store should carry them. We are sure that seeing your dog comfy and curled up on his new bed will have everybody feeling and sleeping much better.

5. Learn Doggie Massage

Humans are not the only ones who love massages, so do pups! Help ease your pet’s anxiety, reduce stress and relieve tense muscles by learning the art of doggie massage. There are many books available on the topic that can be found at the library, online or at your local pet store.

A relaxed dog is a happy dog, and as the masseuse, you reap the benefits as well! Petting a dog has been shown to reduce stress, anxiety and lower blood pressure in humans. It’s a win-win situation!

6. The Little Things

Don’t forget the little things. Show your dog how much you love him every day by spending time with him. Fido is a part of the family, and wants to be treated as such. Remember to talk to Fido when you get home from work, give him hugs or affection, play fetch in the backyard, or give him a good brushing. These little things will not go unnoticed, and will go a long way in showing your pooch that you care.

Just like with love and appreciation it is easy to provide your dog with good nutrition, which is why we created NuVet Plus and NuJoint Plus. Made with high-quality ingredients and produced in an FDA registered lab, you can feel confident that your dog is receiving the best.


What To Do When Your Dog Meets A Skunk

What To Do When Your Dog Meets A Skunk

Skunk, dog

Like many dog owners, you probably have a fenced in yard. And like many dog owners you probably don’t give it a second thought when it comes to letting Fido out into the yard to do his business. Unfortunately, this fairly normal way of thinking can pose a problem if your pooch happens upon a skunk.

Your Pup and a Skunk

Chances are, your beloved pooch failed to recognize and retreat when Mr. Skunk gave his warning to back off, resulting in a dog that has been enveloped in the misery that is the distinctive, fetid smelling spray (mercaptan) of a skunk. Even if your dog was able to pick up on the warnings the skunk tried to communicate, the spray of a defensive skunk can travel a distance of up to 15 feet, which could mean even a pup with the instinct to stay away might still have been exposed.

If you were lucky, you made the stinky discovery before you let your pup back into the house. If not, as soon as you do realize Fido has acquired a new perfume, take him back outside immediately. Continue reading to learn how to help Fido in his post-skunked time of need.

What You Will Need:

  • Old cloth towels or paper towels
  • Rubber gloves
  • Eyewash – if your pup was sprayed in the eyes.
  • Garden hose or bucket of water

You may also want to invest in a skunk removal product like Nature’s Miracle Skunk Remover. You can also make your own skunk remover by following Chemist, Paul Krebaum’s recipe and mix the following ingredients together in an open bucket:

Skunk Removal Recipe

  • A quarter cup of baking soda
  • 1 tsp. of liquid soap
  • A quart (4 cups) of hydrogen peroxide

If you have a large dog, add an additional quart (4 cups) of water to the mixture.

Note: Use immediately, leaving this concoction sitting for too long can make it explode. Also, this recipe loses its effectiveness after awhile.

What To Do:

Read the following instructions thoroughly before beginning.

  1. DO NOT RINSE YOUR DOG WITH WATER FIRST!
  2.  Safely secure your dog with a leash or with the help of a friend or family member.
  3. Put on your rubber gloves to protect your hands from picking up skunk oil – make sure your helpers have gloves too.
  4. If using a store bought skunk remover, follow the directions on the bottle. If making your own proceed to step 6.
  5. Look for any scratches or bites. Note: If your dog has been bitten or scratched by the skunk, contact your veterinarian immediately.
  6. If you have made your own mixture: thoroughly work the mixture into your dog’s fur. Pay attention to where the skunk scent is the strongest on your dog. Note: Be careful of your dog’s eyes, skunk remover stings.
  7. Let mixture sit on dog for 5 minutes.
  8. Rinse your dog thoroughly and repeat if necessary.
  9. If your dog’s eyes (face) were skunked, use eyewash. Follow provided directions carefully on store bought eye wash.

Follow up with your veterinarian if your dog starts acting strangely and/or exhibits excessive squinting or vomiting.

Helpful Hints for Keeping your Dog Skunk-Free:

  • Skunks are more active at dawn and dusk so keeping dogs indoors during those times is a good idea.
  • Keep your dog on a leash with supervision.
  • Avoid high grass, as you never know where a skunk may be hiding out.

Discovering Fido has been skunked is never a pleasant experience. However, knowing how to handle the situation will definitely make it less traumatic for you and your pup.

Fortunately, providing your pup with a high quality vitamin supplement, like NuVet Plus canine, is far from traumatic. Comprised of highest quality ingredients and flavored in a way that your dog will love, you can make sure that Fido is receiving his daily dose of good nutrition with NuVet Plus. Dog parents everywhere are using NuVet Plus to help combat dietary deficiencies and other things in their dog’s environment that could be negatively impacting their health.

As a result, we regularly receive happy reports on how NuVet supplements have helped to improve the quality of life for many dogs. If you would like to see what people have to say about NuVet Plus, please visit NuVet testimonials.