Hello September!

Is it possible that fall is approaching? How did we get here so fast? However, we did, hoping that these 9 months of 2021, have been filled with positivity. Enjoy September and maybe some cooler weather!!??

P.U. - Why Does My Pet Smell?

Most of us love to snuggle with our pets, but once in a while, we'll lean in for a kiss - and YUCK! What is that smell!? If you find yourself avoiding your pet, read on!

Actually, there are many reasons your pet may smell bad. We'll start with the most obvious - did your buddy roll in something? The first thing to do is examine him for anything gross. Was it a skunk encounter, a roll in a dead animal, or some stuck on poopie? If so, a serious bath is in order (don't forget to check his tootsies).

But if you can't find debris on your best friend, take a close look at his coat and skin. Is there a rash, injury, or hot spot? Any of these can change how Fido or Fluffy smells. If you find an infection or yeasty smell, head to the vet's office!

Ears are often the culprit of unpleasant pet smells. Be sure if your dog goes swimming to dry his ears when he gets out of the water. Allergies can also cause ear infections. Take a sniff in his ears. Smelly ears mean a sure trip to the vet.

If the smell is coming from your dog or cat's mouth, it could mean a dental problem. If he will let you, take a look in his mouth and see if it is something obvious. If it isn't his teeth bad breath can also be caused by kidney disease and diabetes - you may smell a metallic odor, or in the case of diabetes either a sweet smell or one like nail polish remover. In any of the cases above, it's time to see the vet.

Is the smell coming from his rear end? Both cats and dogs can have anal gland problems and this issue has a very distinctive smell. If it doesn't go away in a day or so, or if your pet is "scooting" their rear on the ground, you guessed it, time to see your vet.

Another rear-end problem is gas. If Fido or Fluffy is gassy it could be due to a change in diet or he may have eaten something unusual. Gas can be a one-time thing. If your pet is frequently farty it could be caused by food intolerance, so you may want to try switching up his diet. If that doesn't clear up the gas, see the vet.

Figure out where the stinky smell is coming from and head to the vet if you need to. It's better and cheaper to catch a problem early on so your best friend can start snuggling with you again!

Do I Need To Groom My Cat Daily?

You're thinking... "huh, my cat grooms herself all day long, why does she need to be brushed?" That's a good question, and we've got a great answer!

If your feline is long-haired, you should brush her at least a few times a week. If you have a short-haired kitty, then once a week should be enough. But with all the grooming most self-respecting cats do, why do we even have to groom them?

Here are some benefits of regular grooming.

First of all, even avid with grooming cats can't get all of the loose fur off with their tiny tongues! And when they groom themselves without their human helping, they get far more fur in their tummies. That means hairballs! Hairballs can turn into intestinal blockages and cause other health issues. If you brush your cat, you'll be taking most of the loose fur off so it won't be swallowed. Not to mention that regular brushing will cut down on shedding!

Cats have a hard time untangling matted fur, so try working the mats out carefully with your fingers or a wide-toothed comb. Mats hurt our pets; they pull at the skin and cause irritation, rash, or even hotspots. If your cat has serious mats that you can't easily untangle, you may need to visit a groomer and have them clipped off.

When you brush your kitty, you can check for fleas, ticks, or skin issues. Cats can get hotspots, so it will help you catch those early before they can become a big problem. Regular brushing not only makes Fluffy look good but you'll also be spending time together bonding. In households with multiple cats, you'll see that they often groom each other; this is a way for them to bond and trust each other. The same thing happens when you groom your cat!

So, what tools do you need? A dual-sided brush with bristles on one side and a pin brush on the other works well for most cats. It will feel better on your kitty's skin if the pin brush has rounded tips on the ends. A grooming mitt is good for removing excess fur on short-haired cats. Lastly, if your cat is long-haired or has mats, you will probably need a wide-toothed metal comb.

Start your grooming session slowly and gently. Make it fun, use some treats, have a playtime after, and brush in the direction your feline's fur grows, not against it. It will turn into a time you'll both enjoy!

Are You Wasting Your Money At The Vet?

We all know veterinary care is expensive but did you know that you may be sabotaging your vet visits?

Here are some tips to get the most from your veterinary visits.

Number one tip is don't make your appointment on a Monday or Friday if you can help it; those are usually the busiest times at any vet's office.

Be sure to get the story straight before you go. What is going on with your buddy may entail a lot of information; jot down some notes so you don't forget anything. Think about these things:

• When did the illness or injury happen?
• Has it happened before?
• What exactly happened?
• How has her behavior been since the injury/illness?
• Did you travel or have something change in your routine?
• Are other pets in the home having similar issues?
• Has your buddy gotten into anything or had any new foods (including treats)?
• Any other changes or symptoms?

Once you finish the "what happened" part, stop and listen to that important, expensive advice from your vet. We know your head may be spinning with all the information and instructions; once your vet is finished, ask them anything you're not sure of. Request that your vet writes down any essential instructions or hard-to-spell diagnoses.

If you get home and can't remember all of the instructions, call your vet back! We often think of things we should have asked once we are on the way home. If that sounds familiar, definitely call and ask for clarification. Your vet wants you to understand and follow the instructions, so he would rather you call and verify something than guess at it.

Don't improvise or resort to social media. Going to your pet-related Facebook group and asking strangers for advice and blindly following it - isn't a good idea. But reading up and talking to people who have experienced the same problem may give you strategies, but you need to discuss them with your vet before you change anything

Find a vet you trust and has a good rapport with you and your pet. Give them all the pertinent information, listen, and follow through with the instructions. Hopefully, your pet will be feeling better soon!

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