Cat Neglected For Years Finally Gets A Haircut That Uncovers His Real Identity

Most of us had that moment growing up when we wanted to be a veterinarian. Animals operate on the very edge of “fun” and “dangerous,” which makes a profession dealing with them seem seriously cool. But as anyone who truly works with animals knows, it’s not all cuddly cats and puppies.

Shelter employees especially understand the darker side of working with animals that many people don’t know about. Day in and day out, they see heartbreaking cases — and in 2018, Douglas County Animal Care & Services in Nevada saw one of the worst situations they'd ever seen.  

To read more on this story, click here: Cat Neglected For Years Finally Gets A Haircut That Uncovers His Real Identity

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Veterinarians Reveal 10 Of The Most Common Mistakes Pet Owners Make

Veterinarians told Insider about some common pet-care mistakes many owners make. 

Giving your cat or dog medication that's meant for humans could be fatal.

Letting your dog meet new dogs face-first may not always be appropriate.

Visit Insider's homepage for more stories. 

Helping your pet live their best life isn't always easy. 

But there are a few ways you could unknowingly be making their life a bit more difficult or even be missing out key warning signs related to their health. 

Here are common mistakes pet owners make and how to fix them, according to veterinarians. 

You should never try to cut matted fur out of a pet's ear.

If long-haired dogs and cats aren't regularly groomed the fur on their ears can become thickly matted — but that doesn't mean you should grab your scissors and chop it off. 

"Matts are difficult to brush or comb out, so sometimes pet owners decide to take matters into their own hands and cut them out with scissors," Christie Long, veterinarian and head of veterinary medicine at Modern Animal, told Insider. "This is a mistake. Because it can be difficult to determine where the matt ends and the ear itself begins, it's easy to cut the ear."

The best way to deal with matted fur is to use a soft-bristled brush to gently comb out the matt. If this isn't possible — or you have an uncooperative pet — a trip a professional groomer may be in order. 

Socializing your new puppy early is vital.

To read more on this story, click here: Veterinarians Reveal 10 Of The Most Common Mistakes Pet Owners Make 

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The Most Common Dog Grooming Mistakes That Pet Owners Make

These are 5 of the most common dog grooming mistakes that pet owners make when grooming their pet at home.

1. Lack of training

Grooming is simply another aspect of training -- and improper training can create unhappy grooming sessions for everyone involved.

If you have a new puppy, it’s important to get them used to brushing, bathing and having their feet, faces and ears handled from day one.

Early, grooming is especially important for breeds who will need haircuts throughout their lifetime.

For rescues or dogs acquired later in their life, it’s important to approach grooming with a calm manner and lots of praise, making every experience positive, even dogs who are predisposed to having a bad reaction to grooming can be turned around with the right encouragement.

Approach a new dog’s grooming in a calm, firm and patient manner, and include lots of positive reinforcement like praise and treats for the dog’s calm cooperative behavior.

If you aren't able to be calm and anxiety-free when teaching your pet about grooming, you should continue to use a professional groomer until you get used to it.

2. Long hair + water = mats

A common problem that groomers deal frequently is matted fur in longer-haired dogs, but the cause of the mats isn’t always obvious to owners.

Most pet owners don’t know that when a dog with long or thick fur gets wet, they have a higher likelihood of getting painfully tight tangles and mats. Brushing as much dead or tangled hair out of the coat before a bath, swim or walk in the rain or snow is recommended.

A quick brush to check for tangles before getting wet can prevent a lot of uncomfortable brushing or a shave later on.

Always do a quick brush after the dog has dried off, just to make sure any dead hair loosened up by the water comes out. If mats are discovered during a bath, use a  conditioner and a comb to loosen them as much as possible, and blow drying will help break the tangles apart.

3. Incomplete grooming

Be thorough, many owners concentrate their brushing efforts on their dog’s back, missing other areas that need grooming just as much.

It’s important not to forget about those trickier areas like faces, ears, tails, bellies, bums and legs when grooming at home. For shorter-haired dogs, it’s still important to brush all areas to promote healthy skin, oil production and fur growth.

Your groomer can tell you which at-home tools are best for your pet, as different coats need different brushes and tools.

A part of a thorough groom includes checking the inside of ears and mouths. Ask your vet or groomer what the most appropriate cleaning schedule is for your dog.

Expensive and painful dental and ear issues can be easily prevented with regular maintenance.

4. Creating bad grooming habits through improper play

It seems cute when your pet snaps frantically at the garden hose, shakes her head when you blow on her ears or plays chase with the hair dryer or vacuum, but this type of teasing can make grooming really difficult for you, or your groomer, and scary for your pet.

A professional groom involves equipment that vibrates, shakes, sprays, and blows air at the dog. You need to make sure that they’re not teaching the dog to bite or run when a groomer turns a tool on.

According to the professional groomer, “playing shake a paw, or gently grabbing their tails, jowls or ears while giving lots of praise,” makes grooming safer, as the dog won’t overreact to being touched in those areas.

5. Make grooming a year-round priority

When the weather starts to get colder, owners understandably want to make sure that their dog has enough fur to keep them warm, but neglecting grooming actually does more harm than good when it comes to protecting that insulating coat.

When grooming is neglected for cooler months, matting often occurs before the weather warms up in springtime.

The only cure for that kind of severe matting is a short shave, the exact opposite of what dogs and owners want in the middle of winter. Regular maintenance throughout cold wet, months can prevent a bald dog in February.

Regular maintenance and appropriate training seem to be the keys to grooming success.


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How Often Should You Bathe Your Dog? Groomers Weigh In

For a lot of new dog owners, it can be difficult to determine how often you should wash your dog. The truth is, the answer depends on a lot of things.

“How frequently a pet needs a bath greatly varies based upon their breed, lifestyle, length of coat, and how much homework a pet owner is willing to do,” says Beth Cristiano, owner of Pretty Paws LLC, headquartered in Harrison, N.Y.

The type of coat your dog has is a big factor in how often he requires baths. However, it’s not as simple as the shorter the hair, the less bathing required. Hairless breeds, such as the Chinese Crested and the Xoloitzcuintli, are actually quite care intensive, according to Cristiano, who says these breeds require weekly baths.

At the other end of the spectrum are the long-coated breeds, such as the Maltese and the Collie. “Obviously, the more hair a dog has, the more work is involved, including the frequency of the bath,” says Jorge Bendersky, a celebrity dog groomer, pet expert, and best-selling author of “DIY Dog Grooming, From Puppy Cuts to Best in Show: Everything You Need to Know.” He adds, “For dogs with medium-to-large coats, a bath could be needed from weekly to every 4-to-6 weeks, as long as the coat is properly maintained in-between baths.”

To read more on this story, click here: How Often Should You Bathe Your Dog? Groomers Weigh In

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A Pet Groomer in Thailand Posted a Video to YouTube of a Cat Shaved to Look Like a Dinosaur

A pet groomer in Thailand posted a video to YouTube of a cat shaved to look like a dinosaur, claiming that this is currently their most popular kitty hair-do. This isn’t the first cat on the internet groomed to look like a prehistoric beast. In fact, it’s become a bit of a trend. Dinosaur cats can be found all over Instagram and social media. It may look a bit silly and cute, but there are some problems that can arise from grooming a cat this way.

Before you pull out the clippers and start giving your cat the stegosaurus treatment, here are a few things to consider. A cat’s fur coat serves as an insulator that helps them regulate their body temperature, keeping them warm in cold environments, but also protecting them from heat and sunburns. Removing that fur reduces their protection from the elements.

Clipping can also be stressful for cats, so doing it without a need might unnecessarily cause anxiety. Also, the skin underneath a cat’s fur can be delicate and tear more easily without a protective coat, leaving kitties open to injury. The lack of fur can cause dryness and irritation, and the itchiness as the fur grows back can lead to excessive licking and scratching, causing abrasions.

It looks like most of the dino-cats in pictures and videos online aren’t shaved all the way to the skin, so at least they are left with some fur to protect them. Still, it probably feels unusual for the cats that can feel odd patches in their fur that weren’t there before, and it’s really only for the humans’ benefit to see a cat groomed in a silly way.

While having a dino-cat may look cute and sound like fun, it’s best to avoid unnecessary shaving and grooming. There are certain medical needs that require a cat to be shaved, but your vet should be able to advise you on when it is appropriate. Some long-haired breeds also require more grooming to remove matted fur and so they can stay a bit cooler. Again, these are grooming needs, not something that should be done for no good reason.

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Puppy Starts Calling for Mom While Being Groomed

Oreo is hooked into her grooming harness when she begins making the cutest noise. It sounds like a mix between a baby crying and a young child calling for her mama.

The veterinary assistant holds the puppy and laughs hysterically at the puppy’s sounds. Oreo continues her high-pitched calls for mama.

“You’re so funny!” she says. “Are you mad at me because I’m laughing at you?” Oreo just keeps calling for mama.

No doubt this is one puppy that this groomer will never forget. Hopefully, her momma came back soon to get her and take her home.




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The Latest Trend Among Dog Owners in Taiwan, Looks Just as Funny as it Sounds – Square and Round Dog Haircuts

It may look absurd, but a bizarre new dog grooming trend is beginning to take shape in Taiwan.

The craze involves having your pet pooch shaped into a sphere or a square - with the desired effect being a more eye-grabbing and clean-cut look.

The latest trend among dog owners in Taiwan looks just as funny as it sounds – square and round dog haircuts! Dogs, typically Poodles, are having the fur on their heads sculpted into perfect circles or squares, and the results are posted online in what might be the first “my dog has a rounder head than yours” competition ever.

The first records of dog grooming in the West are from the Elizabethan era (16th c.), but the French were the first to really embrace it. The Poodle was the official dog of the French court in the 1700’s, where dog-only salons also sculpted their fur in wild and extreme ways.

In a method reminiscent of Edward Scissorhands's trimming of a hedge, canine hairdressers in the Taiwanese capital Taipei are giving particularly furry customers outlandish makeovers.

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Considering Adopting a Second Dog? Does Your Dog Really Need a Friend?

If you already own a dog and are thinking about getting a second one to provide your pup with some companionship, it may seem like an easy decision. After all, you’re an experienced pet owner. How different could it be? But adding another dog to your family dynamic comes with its own pros and cons, so it’s important to know what you’re getting into before making the leap.

Things to consider before you decide to adopt a second dog

Ask yourself if your dog needs a buddy

“If you leave your dog home alone for 10 hours a day [while you’re at work], they’re a candidate [for getting another dog] to keep them company,” Joseph Kinnarney, veterinarian and president-elect of the American Veterinary Medical Association, tells Yahoo Health. That may not necessarily be the case for, say, a retired couple who bring their dog with them to most places and spend all their time with their pup. In that case, the dog likely has all of the companionship it needs — namely, you. “Bringing in another dog may or may not hurt, but in general, that’s [already] a really happy family,” he says. “That dog is never alone.”




Consider sticking with the same breed

It’s true that dogs, including ones of the same breed, have their own unique personalities, so getting the same type of dog doesn’t guarantee they’ll be best friends for life. But in general, Kinnarney recommends choosing a second dog that’s the same breed since there’s a greater chance they’ll get along. “If you’re a Maltese person, then I would get another Maltese,” he says. “It will keep a closeness with them and those two dogs are more compatible.” Plus, as the owner, you already have experience with the breed. “You know what to expect by getting the same breed of dog,” notes Kinnarney. “The advantages of knowing your breed is more predictability and it fits in with what you want.”

Have a mutt? They tend to be more flexible and get along with a variety of dogs. So you can either choose a dog that complements your mutt’s disposition, or find a dog that matches the breed of one of the mutt’s parents.






Keep in mind that gender matters

Some experts say that mixing genders is best to prevent dogs from fighting for dominance, which is a higher risk when you have two female dogs together than two males. However, Kinnarney says that having a dog that’s neutered or spayed is more important than whether the dog is male or female.






Assess your budget

Doubling down on dogs also means doubling the cost when it comes to dog food, veterinary bills, grooming, and boarding. So make sure there’s room in your budget to care for a second furry companion.






Take into account your dog’s temperament

Above all, “know your dog,” says Kinnarney. If your pet doesn’t get along with other dogs and truly prefers humans, then bringing in a fellow furry companion may be more like having an unwelcome guest forced upon him or her. But if your dog is friendly and gets along with most other dogs at the dog run or when you’re taking walks, but seems a little lonely at home, a companion just might perk up your pup — and you.




Check animal shelters first

If you’re sure you want to add another dog to your brood, skip the pet stores, which often receive dogs from puppy mills, according to the Humane Society. Go to an animal shelter first, even if you’re looking for a purebred. One in every four dogs at animal shelters in the U.S. is a purebred, according to the Humane Society, and choosing a shelter dog often helps save the dog’s life. If you don’t find what you’re looking for at a shelter, then visit a responsible dog breeder in person. FOLLOW US!

A Couple Took Their Dog to PetSmart to Get His Nails Clipped and He Died Shortly Afterwards

Niles, Michigan  - A couple took their dog to PetSmart to get his nails clipped and he died shortly afterwards.

Terry Archer and Sheri Mills took their four year old English Bulldog Bubba to the PetSmart in Mishawaka for the nail clipping.

"We were looking forward to a good day together. We were going to go buy him some new toys, take him to get his nails clipped, and go for a walk on the beach later," said Archer.

When Archer and Bubba got to the store, they walked around the store while Archer picked out new toys for his dog.

Then he decided he would go by the salon before he and Bubba left.

"It all happened within a matter of about five minutes, at least that's the way it seemed in my mind," Archer said.

He recalls there being about five to seven dogs in the grooming salon when Bubba was taken in by the groomer.

Archer stood and watched through the window.

"I'm watching the girl in the back and she says, 'Hey I need some help, can somebody please hold the dog?' So another girl walks back there and I see her lay over the top of Bubba, Bubba's laying on the table, arm around my neck and lays around the top of him,” Archer added.

The next thing he knew he was carrying Bubba's lifeless body out of the store and riding in the car with the groomers on the way to the emergency vet clinic where he was pronounced dead.

“I had his lifeless body in my arms and he was just limp and hanging over," he said.

Archer and Mills said they have never had a dog like Bubba before and see him as just another member of the family.

"We've never fallen in love with an animal like we did with him. I've never hurt so bad about losing an animal than we do with him. We loved our dog, he was a family member," said Mills.

The couple said that PetSmart expressed condolences to them for their loss a few days after it happened.

PetSmart also released a statement, that said: "At PetSmart, the health and safety of the pets in our care is our top priority, and we are truly saddened by the loss of Bubba. An investigation is underway, but our initial review indicates that our associates acted appropriately by helping the pet parent find the nearest open pet emergency center. We require all of our pet groomers to complete an extensive training program and an annual safety certification. We believe that a continued focus on high standards is an effective way to hold groomers accountable and promote safety in our salons."

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'She's The Daughter I Never Had': Meet Bella Mia The Trust Fund Dog Who Has A $100,000 A Year Allowance for Paw-dicures And Designer Shopping Sprees

Forget give the dog a bone, this pampered pooch would likely dine on filet mignon and lobster given half the chance.

Bella Mia, a three-year-old full-breed Maltese from Great Neck, New York, is said to be one of the richest dogs in the world with a six-figure trust fund under her collar.

Last year, her owner Rose Ann Bolasny gave her a $100,000-a-year allowance to play with towards weekly paw-dicures, haircuts and designer shopping sprees.

The 60-year-old accountant, who has two adult sons, says Bella Mia is the 'daughter she never had' and likes to refer to her as a child instead of an animal.

To read more on this story, click here: 'She's The Daughter I Never Had': Meet Bella Mia The Trust Fund Dog

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Central Park Drinking Fountain Doubles As Dog Bidet

Why pay a fortune to have a professional dog groomer shampoo your four-legged beast when Central Park is already filled with dozens of little sinks, perfectly adapted for scrubbing your pet's anus? Like petite puppy bidets, the push of a button sends a cool burst of water arcing upward—you may have seen other park goers use the stream for their mouths to quench their thirst on a hot day! But you will use them to scrape fecal matter from your dog's matted butt fur.


To read more on this story, click here: Central Park Drinking Fountain Doubles As Dog Bidet

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