Category: For Pet Owners

Posted on by equigroomerllc

Gardens are beautiful havens for humans but can also harbor toxic garden dangers to our pets. Many plants, mulch, fertilizer, and pesticides commonly found in gardens can be toxic to cats, dogs, and horses. Symptoms can range from vomiting, diarrhea, organ failure, depression, and worse.

Below are SIX common but toxic garden dangers for pets, including cats, dogs, and horses.

Oleander (Nerium oleander): Highly Toxic

Oleander is a popular ornamental shrub known for its beautiful flowers. Ingesting any part of the plant can cause severe gastrointestinal issues, colic, drooling, heart problems, and even death. The danger is significant for dogs, cats, and horses, making it essential to avoid planting oleander if you have pets.

Also known as Rose-Bay.

The Oleander Shrub is Toxic to Pets

Did you know there’s an ASPCA mobile app for 300+ everyday hazards for pets with information about the severity and critical next steps for both iOS and Android?

Sago Palm (Cycas revoluta): Extremely Toxic

Sago palms are another popular garden plant, especially in warmer climates. If any part of the plant is ingested by either a dog, cat, or horse (or just 1-2 seeds, which are even more toxic), it can affect the nervous system, cause gastrointestinal tract bleeding, liver failure, and even death. So, if you have pets, avoiding sago palms altogether is best.

Also known as Coontie Palm, Cardboard Plam, Cycads and Zamias.

A Toxic Sago Palm


Azaleas (Ohodedendron species)

These flowering shrubs are common due to their beautiful blooms. However, they contain substances called grayanotoxins, which can cause vomiting (not in horses), diarrhea, weakness, and severe cardiovascular issues in pets. Both dogs and cats are at risk, and horses can also suffer similar symptoms if they ingest this toxic garden danger.

Also known as Rosebay and Rhodeodendron.

A Beautiful but Toxic Azalea

Lily of the Valley (Convallaria majalis): Severe Risk

Lily of the Valley is a charming plant with delicate white flowers. Still, it contains cardiac glycosides, which can cause heart arrhythmias, digestive problems, low blood pressure, seizures, colic, and even death. Cats are particularly susceptible, but dogs and horses are also at high risk. If you have pets, you should avoid all kinds of lilies to protect your pets.

Immediately consult with your veterinarian or poison control if you suspect your pet has ingested something toxic!

Lily of the Valley is a Toxic Danger to Pets

Buttercups (Ranunculus species)

Buttercups may look innocent with their bright yellow flowers, but they contain an irritant compound called protoanemonin, which is toxic to pets. Ingesting buttercups can cause drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, and even skin irritation in dogs, cats, and horses. Monitor your pets to ensure they don’t munch on these seemingly harmless flowers.

Also known as Butter Cress and Figwort.

The Dangerous Buttercups

Another Common Garden Risk: Cocoa Mulch

Gardeners often use cocoa mulch for its attractive appearance and pleasant smell. However, it contains theobromine, a toxic substance to dogs, cats, and even horses. Ingesting cocoa mulch can lead to vomiting, diarrhea, muscle tremors, seizures, and even death. If you have pets, choosing a safer mulch option without cocoa beans (or dyes) is best.

ASPCA 24-Hour Emergency Poison Hotline: 888-426-4435.
(A consultation fee may apply.)

Conclusion

Gardening can be a joyful and therapeutic activity, but we should be aware of the potential toxic garden dangers to our pets. Keeping our gardens safe for our pets requires vigilance and knowledge. By being aware of these common toxic dangers, we can protect our beloved cats, dogs, and horses while enjoying the beauty of our outdoor spaces.

The one-of-a-kind sweat/water scraper that can be used on every part of a horse’s body!

ELEVATE your next grooming experience with your horse with these healthy, DIY Carrot Cookies. Your horse will WHINNY every time, courtesy of YoungRider.com!

Whether you need to scrape sweat or bath water, the 7” WaterWisk is the gentlest sweat scraper on the market today!

Homemade treats + comfortable grooming tools create a wonderful opportunity to bond with your equine!

Questions about our top-rated Grooming or Bathing Tools, Grooming Kits, Brush Sets or Starter Kits for your business?

Call us at 860-573-0604 or email us at EquiGroomer.com today!

Posted on by equigroomerllc

In the world of pet and horse grooming, the focus on sustainability and eco-friendly products is increasingly becoming an important option for consumers. Below, learn how EquiGroomer is committed to protecting the planet from plastic pollution and microplastics.

Sustainable Materials: Wood and Metal

Since its very first grooming tool, EquiGroomer committed to making its handles out of high-quality and sustainable wood. This reduces reliance on non-renewable resources and promotes the health of our forest ecosystems. Using wood also keeps the grooming tool lightweight, durable, and easy to handle.

In addition, recyclable metal blades are used to avoid contributing to microplastic pollution when plastic fibers are shed during use. The metal blades are fully recyclable and are not added to our burgeoning landfills.

The EasyGroomer with Wood Handles and a Metal Bladetion


But why are these choices so important? Keep reading to learn more about plastic pollution and “forever” microplastics.

“We’re a small company, and in our own way, we’re doing what we can to protect our planet!”

(Cheryl Dauphin, Founder, EquiGroomer LLC)

Microplastics: 101

Many grooming tools have plastic parts, which, despite efforts to recycle plastic, end up in landfills for many years.

According to National Geographic, a recent study revealed 91 percent of plastic waste is accumulating in landfills or littering the natural environment!

A Large Turtle Trying to Move Over Discarded Plastics on a Beach


This is creating a mind-boggling issue for generations to come. How? Depending on its molecular compounds, plastics can take 20 to 500 years to decompose through photodegradation from the sun’s UV rays.

But plastics never entirely disappear; they just become smaller. Worse, these plastic particles (known as “microplastics,” roughly the thickness of a pencil lead (~5 mm)) can absorb toxins and continue negatively affecting the environment, including the air, water, soil, wildlife, ecosystems, and even our bodies for generations! (Source: UnitedNations.org)


“It has been estimated that humans ingest a credit card
worth of plastic per week! (Source: UnitedNations.org)

Studies show people “are actually eating … about 70,000 microplastic particles every year!” (Source: ConsumerReports.org)


No wonder it’s been said that “plastic is forever.”

Gray and White Cat Licking Water from Faucet

July is National Pet Hydration Awareness Month!

With the higher summer temperatures and increased activity,
all pet owners must ensure their dogs, cats, horses, and other companion animals drink plenty of fresh, cool water!

Learn about pet hydration, how to keep your pet hydrated, the signs of dehydration and how to perform a simple skin test HERE!

Microplastics: Shocking Facts!

ZME Science reveals some shocking facts about these “forever” microplastics!

  • Millions of tons of plastic enter our ecosystems every year.
  • Creatures in our bodies of water easily ingest microplastics.
  • Every time we wash clothes, microplastics are released into the environment.
  • Microplastics have been found at the highest mountain peak, Mount Everest, and the deepest, coldest oceans.
  • If you drink coffee in a plastic cup, you ingest microplastics.
  • Plastic particles in the placentas were found in healthy, normal pregnancies.
  • Have allergies? It may be from ingested or inhaled microplastics!

We can no longer deny microplastics are invading our planet and our bodies! So how do we work toward a greener future?

Looking Ahead: A Greener Future

Protecting our planet from plastic pollution and forever microplastics requires a multi-faceted approach from everyone! We all can make a significant impact by:

  • Reducing plastic consumption.
  • Managing waste effectively.
  • Choosing natural fibers and materials.
  • Avoiding products with microbeads.
  • Supporting legislation.
  • Raising awareness and
  • Promoting scientific research.

Every step contributes to a healthier, cleaner, and more sustainable planet. Our choices today will shape the future of our environment, and together, we can combat the pervasive problem of plastic pollution and microplastics.

We proudly offer eco-friendly grooming products, including our EquiGroomer, EasyGroomer, and WaterWisk. By using only sustainable and recyclable materials, EquiGroomer has never been a contributor to harming the planet.

EquiGroomer’s WaterWisk, Pet Squeegee

Questions about our top-rated Grooming or Bathing Tools, Grooming Kits, Brush Sets or Starter Kits for your business?

Call us at 860-573-0604 or email us at EquiGroomer.com today!

Posted on by equigroomerllc

How to Make Flea Shampoo at Home for Your Pet

Fleas can be a common nuisance, especially for dogs and cats. But fleas are eager to exploit any opportunity, so they may also infest young foals and adult horses that are ungroomed, underweight or immunocompromised

With more than 2,200 identified types of fleas, it’s important to know how to protect our pets from these blood-sucking parasites! But first, how do you know if your animal/pet has fleas?

Fleas: The Symptoms They Cause

  • Extreme itching, biting, chewing and licking.
  • Secondary infections from scratching.
  • Red, swollen scabs, lesions, wounds, hot spots or skin infections.
  • Discomfort.
  • Fur loss.

Did You Know?

A flea does not “bite” according to Dr. William Miller Jr., professor of dermatology at Cornell University’s College of Veterinary Medicine! Instead, “it sticks its proboscis (nose) into the skin and sucks blood.”

While numerous commercial flea shampoos are available, many contain harsh chemicals for our pets. There are easy and effective ways to make flea shampoo at home using simple and gentle ingredients with natural flea-repellent properties!

Before we explore 3 DIY flea shampoo recipes, please review these important safety precautions below.

Flea Shampoo: Safety Precautions

  • Always avoid getting shampoo into the animal’s eyes and ears.
  • First, test any shampoo on a small patch of their skin to check for allergic reactions.
  • Thoroughly rinse your pet’s fur to remove all shampoo ingredients.
  • If your pet has a severe flea infestation or skin condition, consult your veterinarian before using homemade flea shampoo.

Now, let’s get busy!

Lemon Flea Shampoo

Lemon is well-known for its natural flea-repellent properties due to its acidic nature to kill fleas and bacteria while soothing itchiness and flakiness. For lemon flea shampoo, you’ll need:

  • 2 lemons
  • 2 cups of water

Instructions:

  • Thinly slice the lemons and place in a pot.
  • Add water to the pot and bring it to a boil.
  • Allow the lemons to simmer in the water for about 10 minutes.
  • Let the solution cool down completely.
  • Strain the liquid and pour it into a container.
Black Lab Ready for a Bath

To use:

  • Wet your pet’s fur thoroughly.
  • Pour the lemon solution over your pet, saturating the fur.
  • Massage the shampoo into your pet’s coat for a few minutes.
  • Rinse well with lukewarm water.

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Apple Cider Vinegar Flea Shampoo

Apple cider vinegar is another natural ingredient that helps repel and deter fleas while also soothing irritated skin. For this recipe, you’ll need:

  • 1 cup of organic apple cider vinegar
  • 1 quart of water

Instructions: Mix the apple cider vinegar and water in a large bowl.

To use:

  • Wet your pet’s coat thoroughly.
  • Pour the apple cider vinegar solution over your pet’s fur, avoiding the eyes and ears.
  • Massage the solution into the coat and let it sit for a few minutes.
  • Rinse your pet’s fur with lukewarm water.
Horse Getting Bathed

(NOTE: Apple Cider Vinegar baths are great for horses as they moisturize the skin while lowering the pH responsible for a dry, dull coat. In addition to repelling fleas, this recipe will help reduce irritation and itchiness with its antimicrobial properties. Source: HorseGrooms.com)

Herbal Flea Shampoo

Herbs like rosemary and lavender also have natural flea-repellent properties leaving your pet smelling fresh. Here’s how to make herbal flea shampoo (do not use essential oils and do not allow your pet to lick or ingest any liquid):

  • 2 tablespoons of dried rosemary
  • 2 tablespoons of dried lavender
  • 2 cups of water

Instructions:

  • Boil the water and add the dried rosemary and lavender.
  • Let the herbs steep in the water for at least 30 minutes.
  • Strain the liquid and allow it to cool.

To use:

  • Wet your pet’s coat thoroughly.
  • Pour the herbal solution over your pet’s fur, covering all areas of the body.
  • Massage the shampoo into the coat and let it sit for about 5 minutes.
  • Rinse well with lukewarm water.
Sphynx Cat Ready for a Bath

In Conclusion

Making flea shampoo at home is cost-effective and allows you to control the ingredients for your pet’s overall well-being. By opting for natural remedies, you can effectively combat fleas, minimize your pet’s exposure to harsh chemicals and keep your pet comfortable and flea-free!

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Our EquiGroomer Logo
The EquiGroomer Pet Grooming Tools Laid out
EquiGroomer Tools Come in Your Favorite Color! (Courtesy: EquiGroomer.com)

As mentioned at the beginning of today’s blog, ungroomed horses can attract unwanted fleas. So be sure to keep and use only the best grooming tools to help repel and deter fleas on your equine.

Questions about our EasyGroomer Tools?
Call us at 860-573-0604 or email us at EquiGroomer.com
to give your horses, dogs, or cats the BEST grooming experience!

Posted on by equigroomerllc

If you’re anything like me, animals in need pull at my heartstrings! But how can you help those animals without being scammed?

Scams Are All Too Common

According to CNBC in 2021, in the previous 12 months, almost 1 in 3 Americans (roughly 59.4 million Americans) have been victimized by a phone scam and 19% were victimized more than once!

In 2014, scams affected 17.6 million Americans rising
to a shocking 59.4 million Americans in 2021!

A dog in need looking through a wire fence
Shelter Dog Looking through Wire Fence

Sadly, scamming has also affected the most vulnerable including animals in need. Probably because scammers know their potential victims are easier to manipulate when it comes to heartbreaking stories and images of helpless animals.

Before you get swept up in a potentially fraudulent scam, use the 9 tips below to protect yourself, your heart and your bank account when supporting animals in need!

Read Susan’s cautionary tale about being scammed
for “shelter dogs!”

9 Tips to Avoid Being Scammed over Animals in Need

Woman doing research on a laptop
Woman Doing Research on a Laptop
  1. When thinking about donating to a cause, make sure you do your research before pulling out your checkbook or credit card! Never make a quick decision based solely on your heightened emotions; scammers expect you to do that!
  2. Be on high alert for “causes” that suddenly pop up in reference to a well-publicized crisis, disaster or emergency.
  3. Only give to registered public 501(c)(3) organizations. A legitimate non-profit will always be able to provide its EIN (Employer Identification Number). Ask for it and if they cannot provide it, keep your money!
  4. Remember, it’s easy to publish a website and it proves nothing! Make sure the EIN number is clearly noted on their website before making any donation.
  5. Always do your research instead of just being swayed by emotional pictures. Images do not prove a cause or organization is legitimate! Use independent evaluator platforms to ensure the charity you are considering is a lawful entity.
  6. Always donate through the non-profit’s official channels, not an individual.
  7. Non-profits will always offer various secure payment options. If payments are requested in cash, gift cards or wire transfers, run the other way!
  8. It is common practice to ask for an official receipt (with the printed name and address of the charity) for tax purposes. If the organization does not want to give you a receipt, put away your checkbook or card!
  9. Get recommendations from pet professionals for legitimate organizations that genuinely help animals in need.

Click here for additional charity evaluator resources online.

Finding Legitimate Animal Charities

Woman's hands holding cash
Woman Holding Out a Handful of Cash

It’s always wonderful to pay it forward and help those in need, including animals! But make sure you are also keeping yourself safe before donating. If you’re looking for a new non-profit to support, do some research online first.

These are some of the most well-known organizations dedicated to supporting animals in need: ASPCA, The Humane Society of the United States, The American Humane Society and Best Friends Animal Society.

But of course, there are other animal charities you can support! The resources below can help. But remember, no matter which resource you use do your research on the actual non-profit so you understand:

  • How much of your money is helping the animals (versus admin and overhead costs); and
  • Exactly where your donation is going.

Here are some current 2022 resources to also check out:

The EquiGroomer: It’s NOT Just for Horses!

Why Choose the EquiGroomer Tools
Why You Should Choose the EquiGroomer

Easy to Use and Painless!
Durable and Made in the USA!

For Dogs, Cats, Bunnies, Horses, other pets and livestock!

We guarantee your animal will
LOVE the EquiGroomer Grooming Tools!

For individual or bulk orders, call 860-573-0604
or send us an email.

Become a Reseller

Interested in becoming an EquiGroomer reseller? Contact us for more information and we’ll provide you all the details you need to get started.

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