Rodney Habib Archives - EquiGroomer Horse and Pet Tools

It’s certainly a difficult and unusual time with the coronavirus. Especially for those with pets who require regular grooming. Even with groomers closed, you need to groom your pet regularly during coronavirus!

Despite the current state of the world, our pets need their overall well-being attended to on a regular, daily basis. In this unprecedented time, our pet’s health is equally as important as our own! Our pets rely upon us daily to protect them and ensure their best health and quality of life. Also, during all the uncertainty, we need our beloved pets even more for their infinite love, support and companionship while we all self-quarantine.

Since many groomers have been ordered to close as “non-essential” businesses, dogs, cats and even rabbits still need to be groomed on a regular, consistent basis for their overall comfort and health.

Consistent pet grooming involves 10 essential basics for ensuring physical and mental benefits. Click here to read/review our previous post.

No matter what is going on around us, regular brushing is an essential part of your pet’s overall hygiene, health, comfort and happiness. Our EquiGroomer grooming tools make the experience easier, comfortable and stress-free!

Regular Grooming Is Always Appropriate

By keeping up with your pet’s regular grooming, you can keep your pet’s coat in good shape, without painful matting, burrs and/or allergens. You can also address any potential health issues before they require a potentially stressful visit to your veterinarian during the shelter-in-place mandates.

Brushing Your Pet Benefits You Too!

With all the uncertainty and “unknowns,” many of us may be feeling additional stress along with the loss of control. Brushing your pet every day helps not only relax your pet, but it’s also priceless when it comes to naturally reducing your own stress. By grooming your pet regularly during coronavirus, you will strengthen the bond between you and your precious pet.

Can Your Pet Get or Transmit Coronavirus?

There’s been a lot of rumors and misinformation about the coronavirus and our domestic pets. So, we’d like to take a quick moment and address what you need to know.

While there IS a “coronavirus” for canines (called CCV or canine respiratory coronavirus) and felines (feline coronavirus), the current COVID-19 virus strain is not connected in any way.
The WHO, CDC, AVMA and AKC all agree there is no imminent threat from our pets for transmitting the Coronavirus. Please do not abandon your pet!
Even petting a dog’s fur is considered low risk according to the AVMA, because the virus survives best on smooth surfaces.
Your pet does not need a face mask for protection.
Groom your pet regularly during coronavirus to eliminate any chance of the virus being on your pet’s coat and to maintain the best possible hygiene in your home.

For further information, watch the “COVID-19 Update on Pets” video with Rodney Habib, Dr. Karen Becker and Dr. Sarah Caddy of the University of Cambridge.

DIY: Pet-Safe & Natural Sanitizers

With the ongoing shortages of commercial sanitizers, make your own pet-safe products with the video below from Dr. Andrew Jones!

Veterinarian Andrew Jones’ DIY Pet Safe Natural Soap, Hand Sanitizer & Disinfectant

As we all move through this uncertain time together, stay safe, healthy and positive!

The EquiGroomer tools offer easy and pain-free brushing with NO pulling or damage to your pet’s topcoat or skin.

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

Additional Reading:

DIY Tips for Grooming a Dog at Home

Cat Grooming

Rabbit Grooming

Your Pets Unlikely to Get or Give Coronavirus

Can Pets Get Coronavirus (COVID-19) from Humans? Here’s What Vets Know

Image Credits:

Image by KaraSuva from Pixabay

Image by Анна Дощечко from Pixabay

Image by AmandaCullingford from Pixabay

Photo by Steshka Willems from Pexels

Product Images are Courtesy of EquiGroomer

Protect Your Horse During Winter

Winter is approaching which means fewer daylight hours, colder temperatures and stormy weather.

Are you ready to protect your pets from the challenges of winter?

Every pet depends upon their owners to ensure their health, safety and wellness, especially during the winter!

Winter Poses Unique Challenges for Pet Wellness

Protect Your Cat in Winter By educating ourselves about the unique challenges of winter, including wet, stormy and freezing weather, pet owners can effectively keep their pet comfortable and safe while also preventing illness – or worse – for their beloved animal companion.

“It’s important to remember that, despite their fur coats, pets can suffer from the cold just like we do. So, it’s up to us to make sure we provide the extra care they need during colder weather.”

Nina Downing, Vet Nurse of the UK’s People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals (or PDSA)

Unfortunately, our pets cannot vocalize how they are feeling, whether they are sick or even suffering (and most pets will try to hide sickness or pain). Keep reading about how to best prevent your canine friend from the dangers of winter!

(Our next blog post, at the end of November, will cover protecting both felines and equines.)

The Rules of Winter: Dogs

Despite the appearance of an impressive winter coat on many dogs, they still get wet and chilled. All dogs should always have access to inside shelter for warmth, safety, well-being and protection.

NEVER Leave Dogs …

In cars, in the back of pickups or anywhere that is unheated in order to protect them from dangerous hypothermia.

Use Coats & Boots

Is your dog very young or old? Are they sick? Or do they have a very thin coat of hair?

- A well-fitted, waterproof coat can help protect dogs who are vulnerable.
- Properly fitted dog boots can also be helpful in protecting tender paws.

Maintain Regular Brushing

Maintain your dog’s regular brushing to help stimulate and distribute natural oils to combat your pet’s dry and itchy skin from winter’s cold and dry air.

Limit Time Outside

Dogs will still need daily walks but never keep them outside for long periods of time. Even the hardiest canine who loves the snow can Dog Paws Are Sensitive to Snow suffer negative effects from extended exposure to snow, ice and plummeting temperatures. It’s better to go out more often for shorter lengths of time. If your dog begins regularly lifting his paw(s), it’s time to go inside, warm up and check his paws.

After Being Outside

After coming inside, immediately:

- Towel-dry a wet dog (or cat).
- If they have longer hair, use a blow-dryer (on a LOW setting at a comfortable distance) to get them completely dry.
- Carefully check their paws (especially between the toes) and remove any:
  - Frozen snow/ice
  - Commercial ice melt products
  - Salt
  - Grit or dirt

These can cause unwanted friction and subsequent pain for your dog. You also do not want your dog licking/ingesting any of the causticitems.

- Gently massage paws (and between the toes) with a pet-friendly and food-grade wax or balm to heal – and protect – cracked pads and irritated skin. (You can also use this in hot weather.) Use on cracked noses for additional protection too!

Protect Dogs Paws and Noses this Winter