Ahhh, the aroma of a fresh, mouthwatering, roasting turkey in the oven, Mom's cornbread stuffing cooling on the counter, sweet spicy pumpkin pie tempting your passions. But don't forget the happy, little furry feet, following your every move. Yep, its Thanksgiving! A time to be thankful for all we have, for those around us we love, including our k-9 friends. Many people share the family feast with their dog in an offering of thanks and love. While this is an innocent and seemingly gracious and loving gesture, the truth is , it's more loving not to share your holiday meals with your dog. While it may seem that a little bit of turkey skin here and a little bit of stuffing there wouldn't hurt, we know how quickly the pounds can add up over the holiday season. The same rules that apply to us apply to our pets. A diet high in fat and being overweight is very unhealthy for them. Make sure your pet has no access to any food left on the counters or tables when no one is around. After you're done cleaning up the kitchen, make sure you take the garbage out, and dispose of it in a secure place where no pets can get to it. Even the best behaved, well trained pets may be too tempted with turkey bones, the string that tied the turkey legs together, and what little of what was left of Mom's stuffing in the trash. Besides table scraps being dangerous to your pets because of high-fat in some of them, there are still other reasons to not share your holiday feast with pets. Cooked turkey, duck, geese, and other bird bones are dangerous to your pet. They are hallow and break and splinter easily. Also, because they are so easily breakable, dogs usually won't chew them thoroughly. Yet another danger is chocolate. It contains a xanthine compound called theobromine. Theobromine is the highest in dark chocolate, but even milk chocolate contains theobromine. Chocolate can be fatal to your dog so keep bowls of candy and the like out of dogs reach. Be careful with your pets this holiday season, and be truly thankful for them by keeping them safe and healthy! |
| Thanksgiving Safety Tips |
| What you should know about your Dog's Grooming Just prior to your grooming appointment it would be very helpful if you took your best friend for a walk. The exercise helps relieve their stress & they will have had the chance to relieve themselves which will result in a much more comfortable groom for them. Pets are like children in that they don't like to have their owners leave them. They might shake & show fear which is very stressful to some owners, however once you leave the shop they tend to relax to their new surroundings very quickly. When you instruct us regarding the type of cut you would like your pet to have, we interpret your instructions & hopefully the look is just as you described. If not, please let us know. Our goal is to provide the cut exactly as you requested with the exception of matted pets. Mats left on a pets coat only grow tighter, & can strangle their skin, and even eventually tear it open. We will honor your instructions but sometimes we may choose not to proceed, excessive de-matting a pet can be a very painful process, we all groom because we love animals and it is much more humane to cut their hair short and let the hair grow back in. Then, getting your pet groomed on a regular schedule will prevent that from happening again. Working with live animals requires a great deal of skill. Some pets are more skittish or wiggley than others and we are working with sharp instruments. Each dog and every breed is unique. For these reasons there is always a risk of nicking or cutting the animal accidentally, even when the greatest of care is used by a very experienced groomer. We attempt in every way to have your pet ready at the appointed time. Due to the special nature of working with live pets, things may not go as scheduled. If you arrive and we are still grooming your pet, please make every attempt not to let them hear or see you as it is very difficult and more importantly, dangerous grooming an excited pet. Your patients is greatly appreciated. We are in this business because we love and deeply care for dogs. Please be assured that here at K-9 Cottage the welfare of your very special pet is our biggest concern. Your trust and continued patronage is the very nicest compliment you can give. We will continue working hard to earn the trust you placed in our ability to care for your pet. If you have any questions or concerns, please never hesitate to call us at the Cottage 747-4626. |
