Tag: EquiGroomer Products

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Thousands of years ago, humans domesticated horses to share their life and work. Today there are more than 300 unique equine breeds with even more variations in sizes, coats, and personalities!

How well do you know horses? In today’s blog, we’re going to test your knowledge and see if you know these 8 amazing equine facts!

Click here to learn about 10 unique horse breeds.

How Do Horses Sleep?

Horse Laying on the Ground
Horse Laying on the Ground

Let’s start with an easy one! Did you know that horses sleep standing up?! They also lay down to achieve a full, restorative sleep cycle. Several factors influence a horse to lay down to sleep including:

  • Weather.
  • Available space.
  • Comfortable bedding; or
  • Physical ailments.

A Horse’s Life Span

Horses have one of the longest life spans among pets. Today, domestic horses are known to live more than 30 years (wild horses only to 20). A lot of this is due to an increase in knowledge about horse care, nutrition, and vet medicine.

Horses: The Most Popular Breed!

Among dogs, the Labrador Retriever has held the top spot of Most Popular Dog Breed since 1991.

For horses, the top spot is held by the American Quarter Horse! This breed is appreciated and ridden by beginner riders and professional horse people.

Quarter Horses Running in a Field
Two Quarter Horses Running

The Equine Diet

Horse Eating Green Grass
Horse Eating Green Grass

Here’s another easy one … which term below describes horses?

  • Omnivores?
  • Carnivores?
  • Herbivores?

Hopefully, you guessed herbivores!

From their grinding teeth to the position of their eyes (to look out for predators with the largest eyes among land mammals and their wide range of side vision) and their digestive system, horses are a prime example of herbivores!

The Horse’s Distant Relative?

If you don’t already know this, don’t feel bad; this writer didn’t have a clue either! While a distant relative, the rhino is in the same group or “order” as the domesticated horse! Both are similarly hooved and known as odd-toed ungulates or hoofed mammals. Other relatives also include the zebra, ass, and donkey.

Horse’s Teeth Tell a Tale

Open Horse Mouth with tongue and teeth
Horse’s Open Mouth Showing Tongue and Teeth

Did you know that you can tell a horse’s gender through its teeth? It’s true! This is because:

  • Males have 44 teeth.
  • Females have 36-44 teeth.

A horse’s teeth will also help you estimate his age! By observing the permanent teeth, the indents in each tooth, the shape of the teeth surfaces, and the angle where the top and bottom teeth meet, an experienced horse person can estimate the horse’s age.

The Highly Intelligent Horse

Studies have shown that horses use sensory input to identify and remember people in two entirely different ways!

  • Horses can distinguish different people just by their voice alone.
  • Conversely, horses can also distinguish different people with just sight and smell.

Hey! No Laughing!

Finally, here’s a fun one. What usually comes to mind when you see a horse doing this? He’s a comedian trying to make you laugh? Not quite!

Horse With Open Mouth Showing Teeth
Horse Sniffing the Air with the Flehmen Response

This horse behavior is called the “flehmen response” and it has nothing to do with being funny. Instead, the horse is trying to get a better whiff of an interesting scent!

By curling his upper lip and raising his head into the air, the horse can direct pheromones and other scents to the olfactory sense organ in the soft tissue of the nasal cavity (called the VMO) which signals the brain to trigger physiologic and behavioral reactions.

It’s common to see stallions using this behavior when mares come into season. Mares will also use this behavior to recognize their foals. But this behavior can also be used to identify potential predators and even sources of water.

Click here to learn 30 other interesting horse facts!

The EquiGroomer Tools

The EquiGroomer Grooming Tool
The Perfect Grooming Tool for Your Horse!

We guarantee your horse, dog, other pets or livestock,
will LOVE the EquiGroomer Grooming Tools!

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

Posted on by equigroomerllc

Welcome to our third – and final – post in the series about 7 common cat traits!

If you missed the earlier posts of our “7 Common Cat Traits” series, here they are:

Part One: December 30 Covering:

  • The 7 Common Cat Traits & their Importance
  • How Traits Define a Cat’s Needs
  • The Feline’s 2 Behavioral Traits: Excessive Grooming & Litterbox Issues

Part Two: January 10 Covering the Cat Traits of:

  • Activity & Playfulness
  • Fearfulness
  • Aggression Towards Humans

Next, let’s look at the remaining 2 feline personality traits:

  • Sociability towards humans,
  • Sociability towards cats, and

discuss which specific cat breeds are most prone to these two traits.

1. Cat Traits: Sociability towards Humans

The Maine Coon has a social cat trait
Courtesy: ClaudiaWollesen / Pixabay

While many cats act standoffish with humans, 10 feline breeds are known to be the friendliest!

According to Pumpkin Pet Insurance, these social feline breeds are the:

  • Maine Coon
    Nicknamed “America’s Cat” and the gentle giants of the felines. They love other cats, people, children and dogs.
  • Siamese
    Known as the “people’s cat” according to the Cat Fanciers’ Association. Inquisitive and loving.
  • Abyssinian
    Sometimes called The Aby, loves family, social and loyal although they don’t like to be lap cats.
  • Ragdoll
    Loves small spaces, adults and children and other cats and dogs.
  • Sphynx
    Outgoing with adults, children, pets and dogs. Love to be the center of attention!

(Click on the link above for the other five breeds with social cat traits!)

The Sphynx has a very social cat trait
Courtesy: Dehogman / Pixabay

While these feline breeds are known to be friendly and social, remember, each cat is different with its own unique preferences!

Talk to an expert about a specific cat before adoption to make sure they are a good match when it comes to their social tendencies!

“Male cats are often more friendly than female cats,” says Susan Saffron, Founder of the National Association of Pet Rescue Professionals.

2. Cat Traits: Sociability towards Cats

Finally, let’s look at the best breeds that get along with other cats!

Courtesy: Dmitry Tsapenko / Pixabay

CAUTION: Not all cats will socialize with other cats.

If you have your heart set on a multi-feline household, look for breeds that are social, even-tempered, non-territorial and adaptable.

According to Vicki Jo Harrison, the president of the International Cat Association, the best breeds for a multi-cat home include 20 breeds:

  • Abyssinian.
  • Bengal.
  • Birman.
  • Bombay.
  • British Shorthair.

(Click on the link above for the other 15 best cats for a multi-cat home!)

Read the entire research paper from the University of Helsinki here!
“Reliability and Validity of Seven Feline Behavior and Personality Traits.”

We hope you’ve enjoyed this in-depth look at the common cat traits!

Courtesy: Cornelazar / Pixabay

A Final Reminder about Cat Traits!

Remember, before adopting a new kitten or cat, consider the feline’s breed and associated traits (breed-related genetics). Make sure you are truly willing to live with those traits throughout your cat’s life.

“For a happy relationship with your cat, go beyond the looks and make your pick based on demonstrated breed behavior.”

Benjamin & Lynette Hart, Experts in Animal Communication & Behavior

A tabby cat being brushed with an EquiGroomer tool
Courtesy: EquiGroomer.com

Enhance your bond and quality time
with your favorite feline with the
EquiGroomer EasyGroomer Tools!

Cats LOVE the EasyGroomer because the blade mimics a cat’s tongue!

Whether you want the individual cat grooming tool or the fun Cat Gift Bag, you can enhance quality one-on-one grooming time with your favorite feline!

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

Posted on by equigroomerllc

Felines can be known to be stand-offish and nowhere as “needy” as their canine counterparts. But do cats get lonely?

Do Cats Get Lonely?

Cat with Blue Eyes
Courtesy: Gundula Vogel/Pixabay

Unfortunately, there doesn’t appear to be a definitive yes or no whether cats get lonely. Instead, there seem to be as many answers as there are “experts” and kitties are remaining tight-lipped with the truth!

A quick search reveals a wide array of answers on whether our felines get lonely.

Dr. Liz Bales: Veterinarian and Feline Specialist and PennVet Alumni
“Cats are naturally solitary survivors. “Lonely” is not really an emotion that they exhibit.”

Dr. Marci L. Koski, Certified Feline Behavior Consultant & Founder, Feline Behavior Solutions
“Cats can and often do get lonely when their guardians are gone for varying lengths of time. Cats aren’t nearly as independent as people have historically thought them to be.”

Dr. Leticia M.S. Dantas, Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists
“The answer to “Do Cats get lonely?” is likely yes – if they are kittens before their territorial nature kicks in at adulthood.”

So, the simple answer is we don’t know and probably won’t until felines decide to let us in on this secret!

What Can a Cat Guardian Do If Their Cat Gets Lonely?

There is some good news, there may be signs and symptoms which may indicate your indoor cat is lonely and needs more companionship, interaction and human love. Below we explore the helpful tips to proactively keep your domestic cat from being lonely!

Possible Signs Your Cat May be Lonely

Cat Meowing Outside
Courtesy: Pixabay

While felines are not pack animals like canines, cats are still social animals to differing degrees. So which potential signs may mean your cat is lonely?

  • Frequent and loud meowing and other vocalizations
  • Excessive shedding
  • Depression and separation anxiety
  • Sudden clinginess
  • Changes in eating and sleeping patterns
  • Sudden problems with using the litter box
  • Changes in your cat’s aggressive behavior

How to Keep Your Cat Happy and Engaged: 6 Tips

Courtesy: Adina Voicu/Pixabay
  1. Just like our dogs, cats thrive on a consistent routine. If your routine suddenly changes, your cat may begin to exhibit symptoms of separation anxiety or loneliness. Do everything you can to maintain your pet’s regular schedule. If necessary, hire a pet sitter to avoid the development of negative and even destructive cat behaviors as well as feline loneliness.
  2. Like most living beings, cats need quality interaction and play with their humans and/or other pets for their best emotional health.
  3. Keep in mind, any environmental change may also lead to feline stress and negative behaviors. Going on vacation? Keep your cat in their home with a pet sitter they know.
  4. Consider adopting another cat for regular companionship and socialization.
  5. Rotate a variety of interactive cat toys to keep your feline from getting bored and lonely.
  6. Create a cozy spot near a window so your cat can stay entertained with birds, and wildlife.

Remember, not all cats have the same needs.
You know your cat best and what they need.

If you’re not sure, find a local cat behaviorist to make sure
your cat does not get lonely and is happy and engaged!

Tabby cat cleaning his fur
Courtesy: IRCat/Pixabay
Courtesy: EquiGroomer

Strengthen Your Bond with Your Cat with the BEST Grooming Tool and More!

Purchase the EquiGroomer Cat Gift Bag and spend quality, one-on-one time with your feline!

Easily remove dead hair, dust and dander from your cat’s coat with the Cat Shedding Brush, and afterward, engage your cat in play with the Laser Pointer and adorable Cat Toy!

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

Posted on by equigroomerllc

With freezing temperatures and dry winter air, the air inside our homes becomes even drier and that means winter challenges for our pets.

The Grooming Tools YOU Can’t Live Without this Winter!

With our pets spending more time inside during the winter months, you may begin noticing more sinus problems from built-up dander, dead hair and pet allergens!

The EquiGroomer Grooming Tools along with bathing can really help cut down on accumulating dead hair, pet dander and allergens inside your closed-up house!

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

If there’s one thing we can commiserate with our pets, it’s dry winter air! With seasonally low humidity and constant heating, even humans are challenged with dry, flaky skin, respiratory problems like bronchitis, dried out, achy sinuses and sudden nosebleeds.

Imagine how your pet feels!

Winter Issues for Our Pets

Dry winter air and even drier air inside cause real challenges to our pet’s overall health. Issues like:Cats Suffer from Dry Winter Skin

  • Dry skin;
  • Dandruff;
  • Itching; and
  • Static electricity.

To help address the challenges from dry winter air, use a humidifier to put moisture (humidity) back into your home.

Want to avoid buying an expensive humidifier? Try water-filled vases on windowsills exposed to sunlight, boil a tea kettle on the stovetop and place metal or ceramic bowls of water on heat radiators or registers.

Reduce static electricity by dusting with a non-static dryer sheet – wipe down furniture too.

Keep reading to learn other effective remedies to help keep your pets comfortable despite the dry winter air.

Dry Winter Air: Canines

Even with the extra protection of their fur coat, canines are still challenged by dry winter air and the effects on their skin can be exacerbated by regularly going in and outdoors.

 “Excessively dry skin on your dog will manifest itself in ways you might expect, such as dandruff-like flaking and brittle hair. But excessive scaling … could be a sign of a bacterial skin infection, which requires veterinary attention for treatment.”

(Dr. Nicole A. Heinrich, Veterinarian, McKeever Dermatology Clinics)

Remedies:

  1. Dog-friendly topical moisturizers (weekly or every other week; ask your vet)
  2. Increased brushing to stimulate and distribute the skin’s natural oils
  3. Vitamin E oil for dry noses
  4. Limited bathing with a dog shampoo/rinse with soothing moisturizers like oatmeal and aloe vera
  5. Increased Essential Fatty Acids (note: always speak with your vet first):Raw Eggs Can Help Your Dog's Dry Skin
    • For conditioned skin:
      • Zinc & Vitamin A
      • Raw eggs
      • Sardines & Herrings
    • For mild, seasonal allergies like dust mites, human dander, cotton, wool and mold. Antihistamines can be sparingly used (like Benadryl), but the natural alternative, Quercetin or Quercetin Bromelain, is much safer for dogs. Quercetin is part of a group of natural, water-soluble plant pigments called flavonoids. (Long-term use of OTC products like Benadryl (specifically the ingredient diphenhydramine) may cause dementia in dogs and humans.)
Quercetin is Nature's Form of Benadryl
Courtesy: Rodney Habib, Pet Nutrition Blogger

Dry Winter Air: Felines

Good Nutrition and Hydration Help Cat's Dry SkinJust like their canine friends, our felines are just as susceptible to winter dryness. But excessive itchiness and scratching can lead to unwanted infections and wounds for your cat. Below are some remedies to keep your cat’s skin well-conditioned.

“Good nutrition is essential for your cat’s healthy skin and coat … along with good hydration for the optimal function of every feline organ including her skin.” (iheartcats.com)

Remedies:

  1. Increased brushing to stimulate and distribute the skin’s natural oils. Avoid bathing your cat in winter.
  2. Increased Omega-3 Fatty Acids (note: always speak with your vet first).
  3. Vitamin E.
  4. Feed a high-quality cat food with a high content of water.
  5. Add olive, fish, krill and mussel and coconut oils to food (coconut oil can also be massaged into the fur). Do not use grapeseed or flaxseed oil, cats cannot properly process these oils.
  6. Cats can also suffer from seasonal allergies. Like dogs, cats can be given an OTC antihistamine. But the natural alternative, Quercetin or Quercetin Bromelain, is much safer.

With some proactive care and remedies along with your vet’s advice, you and your pets can comfortably enjoy the winter season!

 

Additional Reading:

6 Tips for Treating Your Dog’s Dry Winter Skin

6 Tips for Your Cat’s Dry Winter Skin

6 Tips for Keeping Your Dog’s Skin and Coat Healthy during the Winter Months

Nature’s Benadryl: Quercetin

Cats with Dry Skin – Best Natural Remedies for Dry Skin in Cats

Image Credits:

Image by JacLou DL from Pixabay 

Photo by Buenosia Carol from Pexels

Image by Nicholas Demetriades from Pixabay 

Image by Rodney Habib, Pet Nutrition Blogger

Photo by Tatiana Azatskaya from Pexels

Product Image: Courtesy of EquiGroomer

Posted on by equigroomerllc
The wellness of the animals in our lives depends upon us. Every October is National Pet Wellness Month, but pet wellness lasts long beyond the month of October!

Happy pets enjoy optimal well-being, health and comfort. Throughout all the stages of their lives, our pets depend upon us to ensure not only their best daily care but proactive care as well.

 

The Stages of Aging

By the age of seven, dogs are considered seniors.Each stage of your pet’s life has its own requirements for well-being. The needs of a puppy, kitten or foal will be different from an adult or senior. So, it’s important to focus on the specific wellness needs and effective preventative care for their age, breed, health history and potential aging challenges.

“By the age of two, most dogs and cats have already reached adulthood.

By the time they reach age four, they’re considered middle-aged.

At the age of seven, many dogs have already started their senior years.

— American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA)

Horses enjoy a much longer life span reaching adulthood around 5, middle-age by the age of 13 and are considered seniors around the age of 20. (Source: Equine Resources International)

Annual Proactive Pet Wellness

Your pet’s overall well-being and preventative care should regularly include the following 3 areas with your veterinarian’s support.

 Wellness Exams

  • Annual: Wellness exams every year for younger dogs and cats.
  • Bi-Annual: Six-month wellness exams for senior pets: Equines need bi-annual wellness exams.
    • Cats: Around 8-10 years old
    • Dogs: Around 6-8 years of life (larger breed K9s age faster)
    • Horses: Along with routine vaccinations in the spring and fall
  • Your pet’s healthy weight helps ward off serious health conditions like:
    • Diabetes;
    • Osteoarthritis;
    • Chronic inflammation; and
    • Other potential issues and diseases.
  • Vaccinations including core (yearly) and non-core inoculations.
  • Parasite Prevention (external and internal):
    • Ticks & Fleas
    • Heartworms
    • Worms
  • Spaying and Neutering

Dental Exams

Chronic dental disease can create and spread inflammation throughout your pet’s body creating other health challenges. Maintaining good oral hygiene minimizes the formation of tartar, plaque and gingivitis and in turn, additional inflammation in the body. While 1 in 3 pet owners assume bad breath is “normal” for their pet, the reality is it’s a sign of potentially painful and harmful oral disease. (Source: YourHomeTownVet.com)

Blood and Lab Work Baselines help monitor your pet's health.

Blood and lab work done on younger pets helps establish a baseline or “normal” for your pet. Later changes in their health or potential disease can then be easily detected and proactively addressed.

Daily Wellness Care Practices

Between the recommended annual and bi-annual pet wellness needs, daily pet wellness includes:

  • Regular exercise (appropriate for the age, breed and health history);
  • High-quality nutrition (based on the breed, age and level of activity);
  • Consistent grooming (including teeth brushing);
  • Effective pet identification (tags, microchips and tattoos); and
  • Quality, one-on-one time.Always work with your vet for your pet's best well-being.

Regular and proactive wellness care helps ensure a healthier and longer lifespan for your pet while ensuring their best quality of life and comfort. But it also helps you, the owner, better manage healthcare costs by proactively addressing and preventing potential and costly health issues.

If you’re unsure about:

  • How much daily exercise your pet needs;
  • The nutritional needs for your pet; or
  • Any other aspect of their regular well-being;

talk to your veterinarian to set up an appropriate well-being plan to address your pet’s needs for a happy and healthy life throughout the entire year! 

 

EquiGroomer Products

Remember, regular grooming is important for your pet’s optimum wellness!

Finding and using the right tool, like the EquiGroomer products, will help make the experience easier, gentler and stress-free for both you and your pet!

 Try our EquiGroomer for easy brushing with NO pulling, discomfort or damage to your pet’s topcoat or skin.

Also, add our WaterWisk Pet Squeegee and Sweat Scraper to your

pet’s bathing routine!

EquiGroomer Products

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

Additional Reading:

October is National Pet Wellness Month (AVMA)

October is National Pet Wellness Month

Annual Wellness Exams for Horses

Image Credits:

Image by EquiGroomer

Image by Gabriela Neumeier from Pixabay 

Image Courtesy of Pexels.com

Image by skeeze from Pixabay 

Photo by Charles from Pexels

Product Images are Courtesy of EquiGroomer

Posted on by equigroomerllc

Regular pet grooming is a wonderful and natural experience that not only cares for their coat but also serves as a powerful bonding experience between you and your pet.

Grooming is so much more than a show-worthy coat.

Brush Your Horse With EquiGroomer

Our canines, felines, equines, rabbits (and other pets) depend upon us for their best possible life. A vital part of caring for their overall health includes regular pet grooming to maintain their overall comfort with healthy skin, a shiny and soft coat and new hair growth between bathing.


The Essentials of Grooming: Brushing

“One of the first indications that all is not well inside is a change of hair coat and skin. Also check for lumps, bumps, and overall body condition.” (Bernadine Cruz, DVM)

Brushing your pet’s coat several times a week or more offers many physical and mental benefits.

  1. Proper and consistent brushing helps cut down on Rabbits Need Regular Brushinghairballs for cats (as well as rabbits and yes, even some dogs!).
  2. Did you know that a kitty’s skin is much thinner and more sensitive to tangles and mats? In fact, out-of-control mats can hinder your cat from properly resting or even lying down in some positions without discomfort and pain. (A rabbit’s skin is also quite sensitive and fragile.)
  3. Brushing removes loose hair, dust, mud, dirt and dander.
  4. Brushing helps reduce shedding.
  5. Brushing helps distribute essential natural skin oils throughout the pet’s coat.
  6. Brushing your horse before riding will remove any grit that could cause saddle or girth sores.
  7. Brushing offers the opportunity to catch potential health issues early which may help save on costly vet visits for:
    • Skin issues including infections, irritations and/or inflammationsEven Cats Love the EquiGroomer
    • Lumps and bumps
    • Injuries
    • Matted and/or tangled hair
    • Burrs
    • Ticks, Mites, Fleas and “flea dirt” (aka flea poop)
  8. Removing old hair keeps your dog cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter with a new insulating undercoat.
  9. Brushing helps reduce human allergies to dander.
  10. Brushing relaxes both you and your pet with this wonderful bonding routine. It also helps reduce stress (yours and theirs).


Brushing Different Types of Coats

Double-Coats:

  • Breeds:  Akita, Alaskan and Siberian Husky, Malamute, American Eskimo, Chow, Collies, Keeshonden, Beagles, Korean Jindo,Groom Your K9 With EquiGroomer Pomeranian, Corgi, Puli, Leonberger, Golden Retriever and Shiba Inu
  • Beneath the top layer of long hair is a soft downy undercoat that acts as insulation in cold and hot months.
  • The down undercoat can mat and tangle if not regularly maintained. An unmanaged undercoat can also cause your dog to overheat.

Silky-Coats:

  • Breeds: Afghan Hounds, Yorkies, Setters, Cockers, Pekingese and Maltese
  • Tangles and mats in these breeds are common without constant brushing.

Curly & Wiry Coats:

  • Breeds: Schnauzer, Dachshund, Poodle, Bichon and Terrier
  • These coats require regular brushing to stop mats from developing.
  • Coats need to be hand-stripped twice a year or regularly clipped.

Shorthaired Coats:

  • Breeds: American Foxhound, Australian Cattle Dog, Australian Terrier, Basset Hound, Basenji, Coonhound, Bloodhound, Lab and Pug
  • Coats require weekly grooming to keep the skin and coat in its optimum condition.

Dogs Love Being Groomed by the EquiGroomerRegular brushing is essential to your pet’s overall hygiene, health, comfort and happiness.

Also, finding and using the right tool, like the EquiGroomer products, will help make the experience easier, gentler and stress-free for both you and your pet!

EquiGroomer, A Grooming Tool for Horses, Dogs, Cats, Other Pets and Livestock!

EquiGroomer Products

 More than a shedding blade, it gently grabs dead, loose & shedding hair by the ends.

Which means NO pulling, discomfort or damage to your pet’s topcoat or skin!

Try These Grooming Tools:

EquiGroomer Groomer's 10-piece kit

EquiGroomer (In 5-inch and 9-inch sizes)

WaterWisk Pet Squeegee/Sweat Scraper (In 5-inch and 7-inch sizes)

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

Additional Reading:

Pet Care: Why Grooming is Important

Why Grooming Your Dog Is Great for His Health

7 Reasons Why You Should Brush Your Dog’s Coat on a Regular Basis

How to Groom a Rabbit (Complete Brushing Guide)

How to Groom Your Horse

5 Ways to Save on Vet Costs

 

Image Credits:

All images are the courtesy of EquiGroomer.

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