Tender Touch Pet Salon

05/01/2025

SOME HEALTHY SNACKS TO SHARE WITH OUR DOGS AND CATS!

*Broccoli - Supports detoxification processes in your pet's body; contains healthy fiber to aid digestion; rich in beneficial nutrients like potassium, calcium, protein and vitamin C; has anti-inflammatory properties; supports eye health, helps repair skin damage; and supports heart health. Your pet may prefer broccoli steamed, although many dogs will eat raw with no problem. Don't forget to chop the stems as they make a good treat too.

*Carrots - Low in calories and high in fiber and vitamins. Many dogs enjoy snacking on a fresh crunchy carrot, and some will even eat the green tops.

*Chia - It is a source of plant-based omega-3 fatty acids and also antioxidants. They also provide fiber, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, manganese, copper, iron, molybdenum, niacin, and zinc. Unlike flax seeds, chia seeds don't need to be ground. Try sprinkling some seeds on your dog's meals or mix some with a little coconut oil for a super nutrient dense bedtime snack.

05/01/2025

MAY IS CHIP YOUR PET MONTH!

1 in 3 pets will go missing in their lifetime!

If your pet is not chipped and you are thinking about it, here is a link to the American Veterinary Medical Association's (AVMA) FAQ page that will provide answers to some common questions:

https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/pet-owners/petcare/microchips-reunite-pets-families/microchipping-faq?ref=fi

IMPORTANT REMINDER: IF YOUR PET IS REGISTERED WITH SAVE THIS LIFE, THEY ARE NO LONGER IN OPERATION YOU MUST REGISTER YOUR PET WITH ANOTHER PROVIDER.

05/01/2025

If you want a mixed breed dog, please consider a shelter or rescued dog. So many great dogs are dying while people pay thousands for a mutt with a doodle label.

04/20/2025

Every dog parent knows dogs can't eat chocolate 🍫 But do you know what to do if your dog sniffs out your Easter egg stash? Find out now in case of emergency🚨👇

Chocolate contains two stimulants - theobromine & caffeine. Dogs are highly sensitive to these substances & cannot process them like we can. Depending on the amount & type of chocolate eaten, it can cause vomiting, rapid breathing, heart arrythmias, seizures and even death. So act quickly! 🆘

✅ 1. Call the Pet Poison Helpline (855-764-7661) or your vet immediately

Tell them your dog's weight, how much chocolate they ate, and what type of chocolate it was to the best of your knowledge. They will assess the situation & tell your exactly what to do next.

The longer you leave it, the more time the chocolate will have to work its way into your dog's system. So don't wait for symptoms to show, act straight away.

Note that, the darker the chocolate, the more dangerous it is for your dog. Even a couple of ounces of dark chocolate could cause serious problems for large dogs. Whereas your dog would likely have to ingest several times their body weight in white chocolate to get enough theobromine to do harm.

Still, better to be safe than sorry!

✅ 2. Consider administering a binder to absorb toxins in your dog's stomach before they enter their bloodstream

This is especially useful if you've been advised to take your dog to the vet to induce vomiting & you have a long journey ahead of you. Binders can keep your dog safe while you're on your way to seek proper medical intervention.

We often advise keeping products like this at home in case of emergency - if you don't have any in, it might be a good idea to consider getting some now before you need it. An example of this is ReadyRESCUE 👍

✅ 3. Do NOT make your dog vomit

While vomiting may need to be induced, it should only be done under controlled conditions by a vet to ensure your pet doesn't choke or inhale vomit back into their lungs, causing even more problems.

Here's to a safe and very Happy Easter to all of you who celebrate it!

For a deeper dive into this topic, see our article: https://www.dogfoodadvisor.com/dog-health/what-to-do-dog-eats-toxic/

04/20/2025

It's the Easter Beagle, Charlie Brown
(1974)

04/16/2025

THIS WEEK WE ARE TALKING ABOUT GETTING THE MOST OF YOUR VETERINARY VISIT:

Ask your vet to provide you with a copy of any medical records - their physical examination findings, laboratory testing, etc. And even if you have to set up another visit or request a longer appointment time, have them explain physical exam findings, lab tests, recommended new medications, supplements, or diets. Again, you are the guardian of your furry children's health and wellbeing, so you need to understand any and all information that impacts you, as the pet parent, delivering the best care.

You need to be empowered with information. Take charge of your next vet visit by preparing ahead of time and getting your questions answered. Ask for websites, handouts, etc. to learn more. If after your visit you think of other questions, call the office and ask to talk to your vet, a nurse or would an email work better for them? It is important that YOU take charge of your little one's health care and that means preparation for vet visits and being sure all your questions and concerns are addressed.

04/12/2025

THIS WEEK WE ARE TALKING ABOUT MAKING THE MOST OF YOUR VETERINARY VISIT:

Remember your vet sees your child at one point in time. You live with them and only YOU can provide the little clues that help your vet to determine if your little one is healthy and happy. Your vet depends on your reports - remember they don't "talk" to vets as freely as they do with you every day. You know that woof that lets you know "it's time for my walk" or a long purrrrr that means "it's snuggle time". You know your child and if there are any small changes, let or vet know.

If your child is getting a bit older don't be afraid to ask about laboratory testing. Checking blood and urine is a great way to detect any internal organ changes. And if lab testing is normal, that is wonderful and now you have tests to compare to at your next visit or if there is any illness. Vets routinely do heartworm tests, f***l checks for parasites, but you certainly can request more testing to be sure you child is healthy inside and out.

04/09/2025

THIS WEEK WE ARE TALKING ABOUT MAKING THE MOST OF YOUR VETERINARY VISIT:

We continue with prep. Take pictures of pet diet or treats so your vet knows exactly what your child is consuming. Don't forget to write down any supplements - even if your vet has prescribed them. Again, pictures or bringing the medications, products, etc. to be sure your vet understands your current home care is important. Your vet can't help you if they don't have all this important information.

Now it is time to write down a list of you question that you want covered. Is his/her weight optimal? Body condition score? Do I need to make any changes in my current home program? Be sure to report any change you are noting at home. Does he/she seem to tire more easily, not cleaning up the food bowl, usual water intake, urine and stool normal? Is there any coughing, sneezing, vomiting, diarrhea that should be reported?

04/09/2025

TWO RECALLS IN ONE DAY TO LET YOU KNOW ABOUT:

PETDINE IS ECALLING DIFFERENT ZESTY PAWS SOFT CHEWS - SEE DETAILS
https://www.dogfoodadvisor.com/dog-food-recalls/petdine-issues-a-voluntary-recall-of-8-of-its-zesty-paws-soft-chew-supplements-due-to-potential-salmonella-contamination/

SUPERCAN IS RECALLING ONE LOT OF BULLY STICKS PIG EARS SLIVERS - THICK CUT PIGGY EAR SLICES - SEE DETAILS
https://www.dogfoodadvisor.com/dog-food-recalls/supercan-recalls-one-lot-of-its-pig-ears-slivers-due-to-salmonella-contamination/

04/08/2025

THIS WEEK WE ARE TALKING ABOUT MAKING THE MOST OF YOUR VETERINARY VISITS:

Do you have a checkup appointment coming up with your vet? Let's talk about how to make the most out of this visit. There is a term we call "health care literacy" which means the patient takes responsibility for their health care this describes what every pet parent needs to do for their furry child. Let's start ahead of a scheduled check up with some preparation.

You want to make a list of current medications, including flea/tick, heartworm medications, etc. And let's include exactly what diet you are feeding and how you are feeding it i.e. twice a day, leaving a bowl out, etc. Don't forget to include name of common treats you are using or any people food you routinely add to the food bowl. Be honest and provide your vet a complete picture of what you are feeding.

04/07/2025

THIS WEEK WE ARE GOING TO TALK ABOUT MAKING THE MOST OF YOUR VETERINARY VISITS. BE SURE TO CHECK BACK DAILY AND SHARE.

04/07/2025

APRIL IS PET FIRST AID AWARENESS MONTH

Check out the link for the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) on the topic. It includes a link for a handy brochure.

https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/pet-owners/emergencycare/first-aid-tips-pet-owners

03/30/2025

03/30/2025