Posts Tagged ‘puppy’

• Springtime Allergies and Your Pet

  It’s almost that time—winter’s cold will begin thawing and be replaced by blossoming flowers and warmer weather. However, for many of us, the beauty of spring is often complicated by the onslaught of spring allergies. While you reach for the nearest antihistamine to keep your symptoms at bay, don’t forget about your furry babies. 

  

  Regular trips outdoors can make dogs susceptible to aggravating allergy symptoms from exposure to weed, tree, and grass pollens. According to VetStreet.com, an estimated 10 percent of dogs are affected by environmental allergies. Just like humans, spring allergies symptoms can cause discomfort to your dogs.

  Below are some of the most common symptoms:   

  • Itching and scratching: One of the most common signs of allergies in dogs is constant scratching. 
  • Skin infections: Often the result of excessive scratching, your pet’s skin can become infected.
  • Excessive paw licking: On walks and during outdoor exercise, pets paws come in contact with pollen and other irritants, leading them to groom their paws more often to try to relieve the irritation. 
  • Scooting on rear: The presence of increased histamines can cause your dog’s rear to become itchy. 
  • Ear infections: Especially common in dogs with large or floppy ears, chronic ear infections can be a sign of an allergic reaction. If you notice that your dog’s ears are really red and waxy or that she’s shaking her head more often, she may have achy ears. 
  • Extra shedding: Dry, flaky skin and increased scratching can lead to more hair loss than normal in dogs experiencing allergy symptoms. 

  To help your pet enjoy spring and reduce allergy symptoms, here are a few tips: 

  • Bathe regularly. Use a mild shampoo to wash your dog once or twice a week during allergy season. This soothes itchy skin and helps remove tree, grass, or pollen irritants. 
  • Wipe your pet’s paws and coat. After walks or other outdoor activities, make sure to wipe your best buddy’s paws and coat to reduce the presence of allergens in between baths. For seriously irritated paws, Dogtopia suggests soaking paws in an apple cider vinegar solution (2 parts water with 1 part vinegar) for more effective all-natural removal. 
  • Wash Bedding. Allergy-causing particles can collect in areas where your pet sleeps or relaxes. Washing their bedding weekly is an effective way to remove pollen, dirt, and other irritating debris. 
  • Replace air filters. Your air conditioner can circulate allergens throughout your home. Regularly changing air filters can reduce the presence of these irritants, making your home’s air safer not just for Fido but for the rest of the family as well. 
  • Contact your veterinarian. If your pet’s allergy symptoms do not seem to be improving or possibly getting worse, talk to your veterinarian about treatment options. From medications to allergy shots, a wide range of treatments are available to help your best pal stay comfortable. 

  Even with all of this in mind, we want you to enjoy the Springtime outdoors with your favorite fur babies.

   

• DIY Grooming Best Practices and Tips

  

  Grooming is essential for dogs. Beyond looking good, proper grooming helps maintain your furry baby’s health. Whether due to time or finances, it’s not always possible to get your dog to the groomer as often as you’d like. 

  In this blog, we’ll outline some tips and guidelines to help you keep your best pal looking and feeling great between trips to the groomer. 

  Have the Right Tools

  Before you begin, make sure that you have everything you need to create a great home grooming experience for you and your pet. One essential item in your home grooming kit is a brush. 

  Regularly brushing Fido’s fur not only keeps it looking its best, but it also helps avoid and eliminate matted hair, massages your pet’s skin to activate natural oils that keep it moisturized, and reduces unwanted hair on clothes and furniture. Choosing the right brush for your pet’s coat helps maximize these benefits. Below is a quick rundown of the most common types of dog brushes.   

  • Slicker Brush: These brushes have short wires close together on a flat surface. Ideal for removing tangles and mats, breeds with medium to long hair or curly hair, such as golden retrievers, Yorkshire terriers, and cocker spaniels, benefit the most from slicker brushes.  
  • Bristle Brush: Characterized by tightly packed natural bristles, these brushes are best for dogs with smooth, short hair, like Boston terriers, Jack Russell terriers, and pugs. The bristles help remove excess fur and debris, leaving behind a shiny, healthy coat. 
  • Rake: These brushes are designed to penetrate thick coats on breeds like German shepherds, Chow Chows, and malamutes. Shaped like a razor, these brushes use slight pressure to remove dead undercoat and tangles. Hartz points out that you should choose a rake with bristles approximately the same length as your dog’s hair. Rakes that are too short can miss the inner layer of undercoat, and those that are too long can irritate the skin.   
  • Pin Brush: This brush looks similar to those typically used on human hair with thick, plastic-capped bristles. These common brushes are most effective when used as a finishing brush to remove any remaining fur before it sheds and fluffs a freshly groomed coat. 

  Below are some additional grooming essentials: 

  • Shedding blade
  • Grooming table with a grooming arm for your pup’s safety and security
  • No. 10 grooming clippers
  • Nail clippers or a grinder
  • Styptic powder (for nail bleeds)
  • Pet-safe shampoo

  Preparing Your Dog for Grooming

  Grooming shouldn’t be a stressful experience for you or your pup. To ensure the best possible results, start slowly. Gradually get your dog used to being touched in sensitive areas, like feet, nails, or ears, and with behaviors like brushing or nail clipping. As your dog gets used to your grooming ritual, offer snacks and rewards for positive behavior. In addition, work on keeping your calm. For example, if you are nervous about clipping your dog’s nails, she can sense it and may try to get away. 

  A full grooming session probably won’t be possible immediately with your dog. It will require patient, incremental and consistent work to reach a point of comfort and trust with your at-home grooming routine for you and your dog. As Dr. Neil Marrinan of Old Lyme Veterinary Hospital points out, “90 percent of the work will be before, and away from, the actual 10 percent of grooming.” 

  Grooming Basics

  • Brushing: As mentioned above, brushing is the central component of any healthy grooming routine. Brush your dog a few times a week for a few minutes each session to remove dirt, debris, and excess hair. Check out this article from Preventive Vet for brushing tips and best practices. 
  • Bathing: Although your dog doesn’t require daily bathing, regular baths are necessary. How often to bathe your pup is largely determined by their coat type, activity level, and health needs. This article from the AKC can help you determine how often your dog should make a splash in the bath.  
  • Cutting and Shaving: If your dog has mats, needs hair trimmed around their pads, or requires a shave for comfort during warm weather, these can both be safely done at home. Start with a clean, DRY hair. Place the grooming table in a quiet area, secure your dog on the grooming table, and then carefully cut or shave your dog. 

  When shaving your dog, remember that the blade can get hot and potentially burn your dog’s sensitive skin. If you’re unsure about cutting or shaving your dog’s coat, consult your veterinarian or a professional groomer for lessons and guidance. 

  • Nail Trimming: Many pet owners choose nail grinders over clippers. While these may be less nerve-wracking in the long-run, you still have to get your pup used to the sound of the grinder before you can engage in a full nail-clipping session. 

  Regardless of using clippers or a grinder, you still need to use safe clipping techniques to avoid cutting nails too short, splitting, or chipping. With clear nails, clip until you see the pink (“quick”) of the nail. With dark nails, remove a little at a time until you see a small black dot. If you do accidentally cut the nails too short, have styptic powder on hand to quickly stop the bleeding. When using clippers, use quick clips rather than slow movements to avoid chips and splitting.

  When done properly, at-home grooming can help maintain your dog’s coat between professional grooming sessions, save money, and even be a bonding opportunity.     

   

• It’s Deaf Dog Awareness Week

  

  National Deaf Dog Awareness Week is the last full week of September. According to the AKC, as many as 5 to 10 percents of dogs have some degree of hearing loss, either in both ears (bilateral) or in one ear (unilateral). However, this doesn’t mean that you and your dog can’t enjoy a happy, active and fulfilling life together. In this blog, we’ll cover some of the causes, symptoms, and tips for living with a dog with hearing loss. 

  Causes of Deafness In Dogs

  Deafness in dogs can have multiple causes. Some dogs are genetically predisposed to deafness. Dogs with white, merle, or piebald color patterns, as well as blue eyes, may be at higher risk for deafness.

  Hearing loss in dogs can also be acquired. Some of the most common causes are from wax or debris buildup, untreated ear infections, medicine toxicity, injury and old age. 

  Signs & Symptoms of Deaf Dogs

  Dogs can exhibit signs of deafness as young as one week old. Some of the most common signs include: 

  • Changes inattentiveness and obedience, such as failure to respond to familiar commands
  • Difficult to wake when sleeping
  • Not acknowledging every day sounds like doorbells/door knocks, vacuums or your voice 
  • Excessive barking
  • Shaking or tilting their head

  If your dog exhibits any of these signs, please see your veterinarian immediately. They will perform a series of tests to determine not whether or not your dog has hearing loss, as well as the degree of the potential loss. 

  Living with a Deaf Dog

  Despite their disability, hard-of-hearing dogs are very trainable. However, there are some basics to keep in mind to make sure that your dog feels safe and comfortable. 

  • Approach your dog carefully. Dogs with hearing loss can be easily startled. To avoid this, stomp your foot when you get near them so that your dog can feel the vibration. Then, touch or pet them gently on the back to let them know you’re near.
  • Sleeping dogs can be startled especially easy. To wake your dog, gently place your hand in front of your dog’s nose so that they can smell you. Then, pet them on the back as they wake up.
  • Monitor their activity. With their hearing limitations, it’s important that deaf dogs are never left unattended when outdoors unless they’re in a fenced-in area. Since they can’t hear traffic or horns, keeping your dog on a leash in open areas is best. 
  • Alert others that your dog is deaf. To avoid strange touches or overwhelming situations, purchase a collar, harness or vest that indicates that your dog is deaf. 
  • Train your dog with hand signals. That’s right! Your dog can learn to recognize sign language. Animal Wellness Magazine offers this guide to help you learn more.   
  • Visual cues from flashlights or by turning the lights off and on can also grab a dog’s attention. 
  • Add a bell to their collar. If your dog is missing or gets lost in the house, a bell will help you find them. 

   

  Having a deaf dog can be extremely rewarding and offer unparalleled bonding experiences! Take time this week to celebrate the resiliency of these remarkable dogs (because deaf dogs rock), along with their pet parents. 

   

• 3 Things to Think about Before You Buy a Puppy

  Are you thinking about adding a puppy to your household? 

  This is an important decision and we want you to take a few things into consideration before you make this big leap. There are more positive reasons than not to add a pet to your household. However, there are certain things to consider before committing to taking care of a precious dog. A puppy can be a lot of work to take care of and need a home that is sure to give them the love and affection they need. Here are a few questions to consider before buying a dog.

  

  1. Does a new dog fit into your family’s lifestyle?

  In order for a puppy to grow and thrive, mentally and physically, they will need to have a healthy home. We implore you to think about your current lifestyle, which includes your leisure time and your work obligations. Will your new pup be home alone for long periods of time? Does everyone in your family want a dog? These are some things that you must discuss.

  2. Do you or anyone in your family have allergies?

  One of the most common allergies are to pet hair but this does not mean that you can’t buy a dog. Consider looking at hypoallergenic dogs so you can enjoy having a special friend, like the rest of the population that owns a dog.

  3. Do you have a sedentary lifestyle?

  Are you okay with walking your dog several times a day? Puppies grow up and if you do not have a backyard, walking your dog can be quite the commitment. We want you to be sure of what you’re dedicating yourself and your family to, some dogs need daily and rigorous exercise and some don’t. Either way, this is something important to consider when you buy a dog.

   

  So what do you think? Are you ready? At Furry Babies, we can help you make this decision. Give us a call today!

• Pembroke Welsh Corgi Puppies are Furrrever!

  Doggone it, we have to tell our readers something, especially if you’ve been searching for “Corgi puppies for sale near me.”

  

  This means that you’re serious and really interested in owning Corgi puppies. Congratulations on this choice! We want you to be well informed on what you’ve got in store, besides tons of fun and love. These sweet babies shed like nobody’s business! If you want to learn how to handle one of the top shedding breeds, continue reading for these tips we’ve put together.

  1. Your New BFF is a Furminator!

  You can’t have this dog without this essential item. It’s a life saver and we suggest this brand in particular. This is a tool that every owner of Corgi puppies should have, maybe even two of them. It’ll take some time for your puppy to get comfortable with this new tool. You should introduce this to your puppy slowly, but certainly as soon as possible. Build up to using it on a weekly basis, during shedding seasons. On the off-shedding season, you can use it every 3 to 4 weeks, or as visibly needed.

  2. Pick Up a Vacuum Cleaner

  This is another essential item that will make your home hair-free. This will be your second best friend! We’re just trying to let you know that if you’re searching “Corgi puppies for sale near me,” you have to be ready to make this important purchase! We recommend that you get a vacuum cleaner that specifically addresses pet hairs. You’ll need one that can easily pick up animal hairs. Also related and significantly cheaper…get a lint brush or two!

  3. Use a Greyhound Comb

  During the off-shedding season, use a greyhound comb in conjunction with the Furminator. It’s perfect for brushing out the fine hairs stuck under your pup’s fur. Used together is a winning hair-fighting combination!

  4. Don’t Skimp on Shampoos and Conditioners

  See number five for professional grooming, but in between that time, you’ll need to bathe your Corgi puppies at home. When that time comes, make sure that you have the best of the best shampoos and conditioners. Trust us, it will go a long way if you do. You’ll want something that addresses shedding but is as natural as possible. When bathing your Corgi puppies at home, make sure that it’s not done too often. Frequent baths will strip the natural oils from your pup’s skin and hair and guess what…cause even more shedding.

  5. Get Professional Grooming at Least Twice A Year

  As we mentioned above, if you really want to keep a firm handle on the “Corgi puppies for sale near me” that you found, then take them to professional groomers. You can schedule appointments with groomers just to de-shed your Corgi puppies! Visit your groomer during the winter and summer seasonal sheds.

   

• Oodles & Doodles of Sweet Teacup Poodles

  

  Finding a teacup Poodle for sale may be a challenging feat but at Furry Babies, we can make your search for these precious puppies is a lot easier because they’re here! These tiny little dogs are an anomaly – the cutest ones! You’ve certainly seen them and they’ve been popularized by celebrities the world over. Allow us to shed some light on teacup Poodles.

  What are teacup Poodles anyway?  

  The term teacup is the unofficial name associated with extremely small dogs. These dogs can actually fit in a teacup! Sometimes people call them toy dogs or micro dogs. In any case, they’re really talking about the teeny tiny size of a teacup Poodle for sale. Sometimes teacup poodles are intentionally bred and other times it’s accidental unintentional breeding and in some cases, teacup Poodles are simply the runts of the litter. The teacup puppy is not a breed. The term simply references and describes the teeny size of the dog. There’s no more to it – that’s it!   

  Just how small or large will teacups grow?

  If a dog is considered a teacup, this means their size will typically range from 3 to 4 pounds, at its full grown weight. The teacup puppy measures at roughly 17 inches or less. If the dog is considered micro, they will usually weigh between 2 to 3 pounds at its full grown weight and age. There is no universal or mandatory size since teacups are not an official breed and are not regulated. Other times, teacup puppies are the result of breeding two very small dogs of a certain breed.  

  Any health concerns regarding teacup Poodles?

  If the teacup Poodle for sale has been bred from a healthy line, like the ones at Furry Babies, and from a line that specifically breeds dogs to be small, then they can most assuredly be equally as healthy as any other size dog. They can lead healthy lives, although they have some common concerns.  Most revolve around their extra small organs and subsequent birth complications. Their tiny bladders will make potty training almost nonexistent, but at least they’ll leave drops and not puddles!

   

  If you have more questions, we have more answers! Contact us at Furry Babies for more information.

   

• Don’t Give Up… We’ve Got Frenchie Pups!

  Have you fallen in love with French Bulldogs?

  Well, you’re in luck, because we always have French Bulldogs at Furry Babies. Wanna know more about Frenchies, besides how cute they are? Let us tell you a few wondrous, but uncommonly known things about this sweet breed you’ve decided to own.

  

  Center of Attention

  Besides becoming part of an elite breed owner club, you may also become a local celebrity of sorts. Get accustomed to enjoying the attention garnered towards your French Bulldog because it will be the norm for you. Though they are a popular breed, they are still kinda rare to see so you’ll get a lot of questions and request for posing in pictures.

  Wait for the Water

  Frenchies are not good swimmers. If you’re a beach lover, we recommend letting them sunbathe instead of joining you in the water! Should you want to take them, make sure you use a life vest on your pup. Even if they aren’t getting in the water with you, keep a close eye on your puppy at all times.

  Terrific Temperament

  One of the most endearing characteristics of Frenchie pups is that they are such well-rounded little fellas. They are known to be quiet, easy to train, yet silly and humorous dogs!  They are well-behaved with family, friends, and strangers. They crave attention and you better believe they get it! They don’t require much space, thus they’re perfect as an apartment puppy.  They can be little stubborn at times, if not trained properly, but overall Frenchie pups are affectionate and friendly dogs.

  Quick Tidbits about Frenchie Pups

  • French Bulldogs do not handle heat very well and need to be monitored on hot days to ensure that they don’t overexert themselves.
  • These babies are prone to drooling, flatulence, and snoring.
  • French Bulldogs can be a quiet breed, with the exception of the above bullet!
  • The French Bulldog does very well with children.
  • French Bulldogs make wonderful watchdogs.

   

  There are so many wonderful qualities about French Bulldogs and guess what, we can share even more information with you. All you’ve gotta do is contact us or visit our website, we can’t wait to hear from you soon!

• Bouncing Bichon Puppies

  My, my, my…those Bichon Frise dog breeds are lovely on the eyes!

  What with their fluffy, bright white coats, they’re such remarkable dogs. We always have Bichon Frise puppies at Furry Babies and we’re featuring them in this post. Continue reading to learn more about Bichons.

  Love Visions of White!

  We just talked about their bright white coats, but briefly but we’re going to keep on talking about them a bit more. For starters, let’s discuss how Bichon Frise dog breeds are considered hypoallergenic. What’s that? This means people who suffer from dog allergies can take home any of our Bichon Frise puppies, because they produce very little dander and barely shed. Not only are their coats shielding allergy sufferers, but they are also strikingly beautiful.

  

  The American Kennel Club has a standard description calling them “a white powder puff of a dog whose merry temperament is evidenced by his plumed tail carried jauntily over the back and his dark-eyed inquisitive expression.” As their hair grows, it gets curlier and curlier making them even more adorable. To keep them looking beautiful, professional and regular grooming is necessary to maintain their powdery white coats.

  Training Them is Easy-Peasy!

  Okay, so there’s one thing we can say for sure about Bichon Frise dog breeds and it’s that they are easy to train. Whether it’s tricks and commands – they can master whatever you put in front of them. Reading that is like music to your ears…we know! Kind words, lots of praise, and treats will get the job done. Oh, and in terms of housebreaking them, they’re just as advanced in this area. Crate training is one of the best and most effective ways for them.

  Low Physical Activity

  Though Bichon Frise puppies are rather hyper, you needn’t worry that they’ll need a lot of physical activity. Bichon Frise dog breeds don’t really require a lot of exercise. As with any dog, we think some sort of exercise certainly helps, so don’t hesitate to take your pup on a stroll. If you have kids at home, you’ll find that Bichons get along well with them and other pets. They can live in an apartment or large home, as long as they’re loved and treated well, they’ll be fine in any living environment.

   

  If you’re interested in purchasing one of our Bichon Frise puppies, contact us today for more information. We know you’ll enjoy these bundles of joy!

   

• The Furry Babies Experience

  Have you been searching “puppy stores near me” online and come across our page?

  We hope so because we’ve got some information to share with you! Continue reading to learn more about what you’ll get when you come into Furry Babies to purchase our adorable and charming little puppies.

  What kind of puppies can you expect?

  When looking for “puppy stores near me” you should know that at Furry Babies we will always have a purebred pup who will put a smile on your face. We take the utmost care of our puppies, from the moment they come to us, until the very day they go home with you. While we pride ourselves on having a large selection of puppies, we also pride ourselves on ensuring each animal gets the best care. Before coming to our store, each furry friend receives a health check twice to make sure they are feeling their best.

  

  We offer a superb puppy package!

  • All puppies are microchipped.
  • All puppies are checked by a veterinarian twice.
  • All puppies get three canine health exams by our trusted veterinarian partners.
  • All puppies receive all first-year routine puppy vaccinations.
  • All puppies get fecal examinations to ensure they are free of intestinal parasites.
  • All puppies can be spayed or neutered at your request.
  • All puppies receive flea, tick and heartworm medicine for the first month.
  • All puppies get their first rabies vaccination.

  We also have an excellent puppy warranty.

  Your puppy comes with a one year warranty against hereditary or congenital disease. We also provide you with a behavior and nutrition plan — just like bringing a baby home from the hospital! Ask yourself, “are the other puppy stores near me anything like Furry Babies?” We can answer that – nope!

  We offer financing options for your puppy!

  We know that getting a puppy may not be in your immediate budget which is why we offer financing options so that you don’t go home empty-handed!. Our process is extremely simple and quick. The financing forms take soft looks on your credit. We want you to know that we will never pressure you into using financing or pet loans, but use it as an opportunity for those who need it.

   

  Now that you’re armed with more information about us and you no longer need to search online for “puppy stores near me,” come into our store today!

   

• Taking Care of Your Pug Puppies

  At Furry Babies, we know exactly what it’s like to be head over heels in love with a Pug puppy!

  They are some of the most precious puppies and thankfully we have Pugs for sale in Chicago right here in our store. When you purchase one of our Pugs for sale in Chicago, you will also be armed with tons of information about how to care for them, starting right here with this blog! Take a look at some tips we’ve gathered to help you and your Pug puppies settle into each other’s lives comfortably.

  

  Feed them a proper diet.

  Just like with humans, dogs have digestive systems that don’t always absorb or digest nutrients from their meals, especially when they’re fed poor diets. Because these babies are prone to obesity, you must always keep them on a strict diet and feed them food that is breed-specific, preferably, or something of high quality.

  Show them some love!

  When you decided you wanted to find Pugs for sale in Chicago, you must have done so out of your love for Pug puppies. Perfect, because Pugs crave constant love and praise. They’re just sweet and adorable little guys and they are uberly affectionate and they quite frankly thrive from giving and receiving attention.

  Protect their pearly whites.

  Pay special attention to your Pug puppies’ teeth. Pugs with healthy teeth digest their food better and reduce the chances of intestinal blockages and stomach related illnesses. To properly care for their teeth, give them healthy foods and treats. They need hard but chewable bones to keep their teeth clean. They reduce plaque and tartar.

  Keep regular vet appointments.

  We urge you to make and keep up with appointments with your pup’s vet. Pugs for sale in Chicago are little treasures and they should be treated as such! With the spring season looming around the corner, that also means pests! Use repellants like Frontline or those administered by your vet. You also want to keep your Pug protected from worms, by cleaning up their poop immediately after he’s relieved himself. Hookworms, for example, can easily be found in a pup’s stool and lay eggs in the grass for up to a year! Close contact with that poop can affect your Pug. Mosquitos are also pesky pests, so preventatively protect your Pug from them, too.

   

  If you have any questions contact us or if you need a referral for a veterinarian for Pugs for sale in Chicago let us know!