How Does A Wheat-Based Cat Litter Work?

A common misconception cat owners have of natural litter is that is is not as effective at
eliminating odors as clay litters.  Clay litters are just masking the odor while natural litters like Swheat Scoop
completely eliminate the odor.

Swheat Scoop is made from ground wheat, which contains two natural properties (a starch and an enzyme)
that make it a great option for you and your cats.  The manufacturing process exposes the starch of the
grain from the inside of the kernel which makes the product clump, and also exposes enzymes in the kernel,
which react with the enzymes in the cat waste to neutralize each other.

That is how you end up with no odor the natural way.

For anyone wishing to keep a chemical free environment at home.  Swheat Scoop is a brand you can trust to not only keep it chemical free, but odor free as well.  And you can also be assured that it will not
compromise the health of your family and other pets in the house.

10 Reasons We Love Our Pets

Instant stress reliever.   Petting a dog or cat reduces stress. 
 If you are feeling a little anxious, sit with Sophie and share some love. 
 Plus, they always know when you need a hug.

No alarm clock needed.  You do not have to worry about over sleeping.  A paw
in your face or consistent bedroom pacing will ensure you will enjoy sun rises
together.

Exercise buddy.  If you ever to near the leash they are there, tails wagging and 
excitement growing every second.

The best conversation partner.  Pet's do not talk back.Had a bad day? You
can share your troubles with your pets and they will not judge you, try to fix it or interfere/  They will just let you share while they listen.

You do not have to get dressed up.  Your pets do not require your best  clothes, 
full makeup and a trip o the hair stylist.  They love you in your ratty sweater and
that sweater with the hold in it.

Stay present.  pets do not worry about yesterday, or tomorrow, they live in the 
moment.. It is a skill us humans could all benefit from practicing.

Simple needs.  Aside from wanting to eat lots of tasty healthy food, cats and
dogs do not require expensive gadgets to keep them happy.  An empty box or
old toy will do.

Keep you entertain.  There is a reason.  The internet is populated with 
photos of cats and dogs.  They are always doing something adorable and fun.  Whether  your cat chases his or her tail while running through the house or your do stops  you in your tracks with that guilty look like it is hard to resist their charm.

Do not require Taxi Service.  They do not miss the bus and don't need  a ride
to soccer practice. Instead you two go on rides for fun.

Unconditional love.  The final reason we love our pets.  We know we can count
on them to love us without question.

Keep Your Dog Safe & Happy During The Winter

Sure most dogs have their own coat, but you would not want to go out in a blizzard in a light spring jacket.

Make sure small delicate and short haired dogs, even large ones like Greyhounds have an appropriate winter wardrobe.  

Dogs can suffer from frostbite, especially on delicate ear flaps and tail tips. 
In extreme cold it is a good idea to keep dogs inside, with the exception of the heavy coated northern breed that thrive in low temperature. if it is not possible to keep the dog indoors.

Be aware of the major signs of frostbite, which include skin that appears white or blue.. 

As little as a teaspoon of antifreeze can cause kidney failure.

Be alert to the signs that your dog has swallowed some of it, which include drooling, vomiting, seizures, excessive thirst and a drunken appearance. 

If you think your dog has ingested antifreeze, it is important to get your dog to a vet as soon as possible.  Even if you keep your antifreeze safely tucked away there i still a danger from residue on the streets. 

Most antifreeze is green ethylene glycol, but it comes in several different colors.  So watch where your dog is sniffing.

Avoid thin ice.  It might look like fun to slide across that frozen pond, but ice can easily crack and your dog and you could fall in.  

Slipping on ice can also lead to muscle strains and other injuries.

Protect Those Paws

For dogs who wear them, booties may be the best solution for winter foot protection.  For dogs who will not wear shoes, use paw wax such as Musher's Secret,

Hair on the feet of long haired dogs can from ice balls between pads and toes.  Keep them well trimmed, cutting the hair so that it is even with the surface of the foot.

City streets are coated with such de-icing substances as sodium-chloride (rock salt) and calcium, chloride, which makes sidewalks safe for pedestrians, but can damage paw pads.  
Make sure you wash them off.  

Keep a bucket next to the door to rinse the dog's feet as soon as the dog comes in from the cold.

Use warm water and make sure to reach spots between the toes and pads. 
Some dogs will also need a moisturizer for dry skin.

On those chilly and blustery winter days it is hard to get out of the house with your dogs for more than a quick poop n scoop.

There are ways to keep your pet exercised and entertained when it is just no fun to be outside.

Throw a tennis ball up to the top of the staircase of you your home, it is a great exercise for an active dog on a snow day.

If you have a small to toy dog that loves nothing more than a little lat time.
That is the perfect opportunity for you to sneak in a good brushing and nail trim.

Brush Massage For Cats

Brush Massage is stroking and caressing a cat with a brush instead of your had.  A brush allows you to make a connection without hand contact.  Use a long handled brush.  The brush offers a texture different from your hands.

The cat enjoys the brush, you are connected with the brush and you become likeable.

Please do not underestimate the Brush Massage - it generates amazing responses.

Position your brush near the cat's head and allow him or her a chance to sniff and accept the scent of a new item.  Slowly brush from the base of the whiskers back to the cheek area.  Notice the cat's response, and hopefully their interest.  Repeat the caress a few times for familiarity.  Next slowly caress around the cheek area, being careful to not rub the whiskers backwards.  Keep your motions slow and consistent and follow your cat's response your cat will guide you in what he or she likes.
Adjust to their movements and they may even rub against the brush in appreciation.

If the cat is cooperative, brush their chest fur in a downward motion and caress his or her entire chest area.  Rub up and  down or create a few circles and always remember to keep your speed slow.

Foot Care

Caring for your pet's feet is crucial in the winter.  
Your pets need fresh air and exercise, but when they are outside, they may be exposed to sidewalk de-icing chemicals that can be very irritating to their paws.  

It is a good idea to clean their feet with a wet wipe after every walk.  

Just using a dry towel is not very effective for removing the chemical residue on your pet's feet. 
If it is not remove, this residue could irritate the pads and if your pet licks his/her feet they may ingest these toxic substances.

Additionally, the hair between your pet's toes and in their pads should be trimmed short. 
This is always done during their grooming appointments at Stinky's Kittens & Doggies Too. 
This helps keep the snow and ice from getting packed in the pads and causing problems.

Nail care is very important in the winter. 
Many pets are less active in the cold weather and their nails do not wear down as much as they normally would in the warmer months.

Nails that are too long can easily get caught in carpeting or other fabrics and can tear or break off and then they will bleed - sometimes profusely and require immediate veterinary attention.

To be sure that your pet's nails are always the correct  length and have no rough edges, call our salon and schedule a "paw" dicure for them.  

We will be happy to do this between your pet's regular schedule grooming appointments.

Although you might not expect it, you need to continue checking your pet for fleas and ticks during the winter months.

Protecting them from these nasty little critters is a year round necessity.
That is another reason that brushing your pet daily and inspecting his/her skin for abnormalities really contributes to your pet's overall well being and happiness.