But what happens next?

Here are some considerations you definitely should take into account before you decide to adopt.

How Old Are The Members Of Your Family?

If you have children in your household that are under the age of seven, unless they are very calm, even-keeled children, they may not be old enough for puppies. Puppies have very sharp “milk teeth” and they are known to want to teethe on hands. This can result in an unintentional injury to your child and end up making your puppy someone your child fears rather than loves. 

Instead, consider a medium to a large-sized dog that is over 5 months old. At this size and age, a dog such as this tends to be a much safer choice for small children. While this may be the case, it is important to point out that when your small children interact with your dog, you always need to keep an eye on their interactions. If you cannot stay close by to keep a watchful eye, it may be best for you to consider temporarily separating them until such a time that you can observe them.

On the flip side, if you have an elderly person living in your household. It is best to avoid adopting large dogs that still have a lot of “puppy” behaviors in them as this presents the risk of a broken hip or arm should the dog get excited and knock your elderly family member over. In this case, you want to pick a breed and size of dog that your family member would be able to easily handle.

Who Is Going To Take Care Of Your Dog?

With many families having two working parents, this is a very important question to ask. If you live in a household where both parents work and the kids are in school all day, this leads to the potential of your dog being neglected. Because of this, even if you have to go to work every day, it is important that one parent take responsibility to ensure the dog’s basic needs are always being met and never forgotten. 

While it might be easy to delegate dog caregiving duties to your children, the truth is that even though they may swear on everything sacred that they will always take care of their new furry buddy, over time there’s a good change that they are going to start to “slide” on these responsibilities. The truth is you just can’t saddle your child with total responsibility for your new dog. So if there isn’t an adult that is willing to step in and be the primary caregiver of your new dog, you may not be ready to adopt a family pet yet.

How Are You Going To Make Your Dog Comfortable In Its New Home?

Just as having a dog join your family is a big transition for you and your family members, it’s equally as big, if not bigger, for your dog. Because of this, you have to take extra steps to ensure your dog is as comfortable as possible.

One important thing to consider is where your dog’s “personal space” is going to be. Just like every person in your family has their bedroom, your dog also needs a space they can go to for a break from the commotion in your house, to sleep overnight or to just snuggle up and feel comfortable. Choosing an area where you will put a crate, or a playpen could be a great option for your dog.

Additionally, it’s important to remember that every dog has a different personality and likes different things. There truly is no “one size fits all” solution when it comes to how to care for a dog. As a result, you need to avoid the temptation to buy your dog tons of toys and treats right in the beginning, until you figure out what they prefer. Start slowly with the basics. For instance, you may realize that your dog doesn’t like a particular type of treat, or destroys plush toys instantly. Take your time and get to know your dog so you can make informed decisions.

Taking the time to do the research and giving consideration to the tips in this article will ensure you and your family make the right choice about whether to adopt a new member. 

If you do choose to adopt (congratulations!), petschoicesupply.com can provide some great equipment to help you welcome your new pet. Check out some of our collections here on the site!

By petschoicesupply.com Featured Groomer,
Sasha Riess

One of the most misunderstood tasks when it comes to any dog’s grooming care is brushing the coat. In seeking to frequently give our dog that nice “groomed” look, it’s common to overbrush the coat. Not only can it be extremely damaging to the coat itself, it also causes great discomfort to the dog if you overbrush a dry coat.

The bath routine I suggest below is not only simple and easy to follow, but it will improve and repair any current damage to the coat.

First: stop brushing the dog between baths!

Bathe your dog once a week at most, using only a mild hypoallergenic shampoo free of all synthetic dyes, perfumes, detergents, and volume boosting agents. Follow up with a conditioner which has these same natural qualities as the shampoo. Natural ingredients work better because they more naturally sync with your dog’s natural body chemistry.

Second: after towel drying the excess water, wrap the dog in a comforting warm towel. Don’t forget another essential step: give him or her tender love and affection for about 5-10 minutes! Sasha Riess – wrap your dog in a warm towel and give him or her 5-10 minutes of love!

Third: Now the coat should be about 80% dry. Using a blow dryer and brush, brush out all the excess coat which has shed. Brush using long and gentle strokes, working your way from top to bottom.

You are all done!

Incorporate this routine once a week and you will begin to see immediate results as the coast begins to return to its natural healthy state.

This approach takes into account one of the biggest lessons I have learned working with dogs: humans cannot out perform nature. We must take a step back and let nature express herself – your dog was simply not made to be bathed in unnatural chemicals or to endure excessive, frequent brushing (especially of a dry coat). A properly loved and cared for dog’s body will naturally heal its coat over time.

But, don’t take my word for it: try it out yourself! This highly effective method works on all dog coats and is sure to make bath time the most bonding and pleasurable experience for both. With Love, Sasha

About Sasha:

Sasha Riess is one of the world’s foremost experts on dog grooming and, more broadly, the human-dog relationship. Sasha has been a groomer for over 25 years and today trains more than 3,000 groomers each year around the world. Check out Sasha’s site at SashaRiess.com for more tips and product recommendations.

• Have a dog that could stand to lose a few pounds, 
• Have a dog that is full of life and never out of energy,
• Live in a place with constant bad weather,
• Just can’t get your dog out to the park to run around regularly.

Treadmills and treadwheels offer a great solution. 

The question is, though…

Treadwheels vs. Treadwheels. Which Is Better?

When considering which type of exercise device is right for your dog, there are some key considerations you need to take into account to ensure you are making the right decision. Let’s break down the pros and cons of each.

Treadwheels

Treadwheels are essentially a sized-up hamster wheel for dogs. 

There are many advantages to a treadwheel compared to a treadmill, especially allowing your dog to exercise while you’re not home. After all, for an electric treadmill, you often need to be home to turn it on and you should be nearby (or monitoring him or her) just in case.

One main drawback, however, is that owners often report that their dog is just unwilling to use it. It’s also often much larger than a treadmill.

PROS:

• Because the treadwheel doesn’t require electricity to be turned on, your dog can use it to get exercise anytime, even if you are not home
• Treadwheels, with their vertical layout, take up less floor space in your home
• Many veterinarians believe treadwheels are safer for your dog than treadmills

CONS:

• Some dogs simply cannot be trained to use them and you end up with something your dog will never use
• Even if you do train your dog to use it, there is no guarantee your dog will use it while you are away
• Some dogs fatigue of the treadwheel, get bored and stop using it altogether

Treadmills

These are just like the treadmills at the gym. 

Note also that there is a misconception that treadmills can only support small dogs. That’s not the case

PROS:

• Unlike treadwheels, treadmills are very easy to get your dog to use

• They have adjustable speeds ranging from a slow walk to up to 7 miles per hour

• Adjust to different inclines, which gives your dog different experiences and different intensity of workouts; this also helps in keeping them engaged and not bored

• They are especially helpful for dogs approaching older age, who may have joint issues

CONS:

• Treadmills take up more floor space in your home than their treadwheel counterpart
• Many treadmills have a harness bar you can use to leash your dog into the treadmill. This means you need to supervise your dog when they use the treadmill, for safety

Conclusion

Quite often dogs need more vigorous exercise than you can provide. If you have a high-energy breed or an overweight dog of almost any breed, that dog needs more than a casual stroll. Regular vigorous exercise is key for weight loss and for satisfying a breed with a lot of energy. The key is finding the right type of device for your specific dog and their needs – regular use is key!

petschoicesupply.com carries both Treadmills and Treadwheels by GoPet and DogPacer, two of the most well-known brands in this space. Take a look at our collection. Also, if you have any questions about our products, please make sure to get in touch with us, via e-mail a cs@petschoicesupply.com or by phone at 1-855-PET-PRO1.

Treadmills and treadwheels at petschoicesupply.com

Our beloved pets are more than just animals; they are cherished members of our families. We want to provide them with the best care possible, and that includes keeping their fur clean and healthy. Just like humans, our furry companions require regular bathing to maintain their hygiene and overall well-being. However, not all shampoos are created equal, and selecting the right one for your pet can make a significant difference in their skin health and coat appearance. In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through the essential factors to consider when choosing the perfect shampoo for your furry friends.

1. Know Your Pet’s Skin and Coat Type:

Every pet has a unique skin type and coat texture, and it’s crucial to take these individual characteristics into account when selecting a shampoo. Is your pet’s skin sensitive or prone to allergies? Do they have a thick, double coat or a fine, single coat? Identifying these traits will help you narrow down your options and find a shampoo that is tailored to meet their specific needs.

2. Avoid Harsh Chemicals:

Just like with human shampoos, it’s essential to steer clear of shampoos that contain harsh chemicals, artificial fragrances, and sulfates. These ingredients can be harsh on your pet’s delicate skin, causing irritation and dryness. Instead, opt for natural and organic shampoos that use gentle cleansing agents derived from plant-based sources.

3. Look for Hypoallergenic Formulas:

If your pet has sensitive skin or allergies, it’s best to choose a hypoallergenic shampoo. Hypoallergenic shampoos are specifically designed to minimize the risk of triggering allergic reactions and skin irritations. They are often free from common allergens, making them a safe choice for pets with sensitivities.

4. Consider Flea and Tick Control:

If your pet spends a lot of time outdoors or is prone to flea and tick infestations, consider using a shampoo that offers flea and tick control properties. These shampoos contain natural repellents that help deter these pesky parasites, keeping your furry friend protected and itch-free.

5. Opt for Tear-Free Shampoos:

When bathing your pet, it’s essential to be cautious around their face and eyes. Using a tear-free shampoo will ensure that accidental splashes or contact with their eyes won’t cause discomfort. This is especially crucial for pets that are nervous or anxious during bath time.

6. Moisturizing Formulas for Dry Skin:

Pets with dry skin can benefit from shampoos that have moisturizing properties. Look for ingredients like oatmeal, aloe vera, and coconut oil, as they can soothe dry and itchy skin, leaving your pet feeling more comfortable and relaxed.

7. Avoid Human Shampoos:

While it might be tempting to use your own shampoo in a pinch, it’s essential to remember that human shampoos are not suitable for pets. The pH levels in human skin are different from that of animals, and using human shampoos on pets can disrupt the natural balance of their skin, leading to skin problems.

8. Consult Your Veterinarian:

If you are uncertain about which shampoo is best for your pet, don’t hesitate to consult your veterinarian. They can provide valuable guidance and recommend a shampoo that is tailored to your pet’s specific needs and health conditions.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, choosing the right shampoo for your pet goes beyond simply grabbing the first bottle off the shelf. It involves understanding your pet’s unique characteristics and needs, opting for gentle and natural ingredients, and considering any specific health concerns they may have. By investing time and effort in selecting the perfect shampoo, you can ensure that your fur baby’s bathing experience is enjoyable and beneficial for their skin and coat health. Remember, a clean and happy pet is a healthy pet!

Whether you are doing a routine cleaning or washing up after an accident, you should make sure that you are using the safest method possible when cleaning your dog’s crate. This not only ensures you are getting it as clean as possible but also in a way that is healthy for your dog.

You should clean your dog’s crate every two to four weeks or immediately after you discover there has been an accident in the crate.

How To Safely Clean A Dog Crate

Step 1: Remove toys, blankets, beds, and other objects from the crate.

First, you need to clear out the crate. You should wipe down your dog’s toys and clean them with disinfectant if they have any urine or feces on them. Set the toys aside so you can focus on your dog’s bedding.

Step 2: Wash the dog’s bedding

It is a good idea to routinely wash your dog’s bedding or blankets (and especially if they had an accident in the crate). Usually, you will be able to wash the bedding in your washing machine in warm or cold water, with a mild detergent. If you want to remove really tough odors, you can add baking soda to your wash load. 

If the bedding cannot be machine-washed, you may need to hand wash it in the

sink or tub. Using cold water, simply spot treat the bedding with mild detergent, hitting all the affected areas.

Step 3: Take the crate outside or to a well-ventilated room

Washing a crate can be messy. The best place to wash the crate is outside, with a hose. If you are unable to go outside, though, choose a room with tile floors, such as a kitchen or bathroom. It should be well-ventilated so that the cage can dry without mildewing. Make sure that the dog is nowhere near the crate as you clean it. Keep them in a separate room.

Step 4: Choose your cleaning solution

Believe it or not, dogs are not harmed from exposure to most cleaning solutions. The important thing is that you don’t want them to come into contact with the crate until it is dry. 

Also, not all solutions are OK to use. You should definitely avoid cleaning the crate with ammonia. Ammonia sometimes smells like urine to dogs and this could actually encourage them to urinate in the crate.

Here are a couple of great cleaning solutions that you can actually mix up at your own home and put in a spray bottle to make cleaning easier:

• Half a cup of bleach to a gallon of water
• One part dish detergent to ten parts of water
• Half a cup white vinegar to one-gallon water

Sometimes a crate is just too old or soiled and you need a new one. When that’s the case, check out our great collection of dog crates!

To keep your business clean and looking its best, a top-of-the-line vacuum system is absolutely crucial.. At PetPro we carry a wide range of vacuums to serve any groomer’s needs and budgets. Here are three of our favorites:

Double K Challengair 2000PV Animal Vacuum & Dryer

This dryer plus vacuum from Double K is known for being extremely quiet. It has a large, heavy-duty bag for your  convenience, as you can wait longer to need to empty it. The unit vacuums away loose hair, dirt, and dust as you brush.

The vac also quickly converts to shop vac, auto vac, or a powerful blower to clean areas all around the shop or mobile grooming vehicle. It also comes with eight versatile attachments.

Metrovac Vac N Blo Large Animal Dryer & Vacuum

Portable and lightweight, the Vac N Blo is a large animal dryer and vacuum that will help you cut your grooming time in half. Using the included shoulder strap, this vacuum system is fantastic for groomers that do house calls or offer mobile grooming.

No other vacuum-blower combo is as portable and versatile. You can use it as a blower to blow off the dust on animals or to dry animal coats. You can also use it as a vacuum to suck up dirt, dandruff, and loose hair. It’s great for cleaning debris on and around your animals too. Its super suction gets down deep to remove unwanted dirt and even parasites.

Metrovac Vac N Blo On Wheels Large Animal Dryer & Vacuum

Like the Metro Vac N Blo, but want something that is a little more portable for your grooming salon? You need to check out this version of the vac that includes an attached dolly with wheels. Use the dolly to wheel the vac around your salon with ease.

It also comes with a large capacity cloth bag and a multitude of accessories, including an air concentrator, air flare, groomer rake, and 3 comb attachments to choose from.

This Large Animal Vac N Blo is solidly built for continuous heavy-duty operation.

The Right Vacuum Makes All The Difference

Grooming vacuums are not cheap; we know they are a meaningful investment for your business and we know that picking the right vacuum is an important decision.

If you have questions about our vacuums and want to discuss your needs in more detail, please contact our customer service department. We have been serving groomers for years and are happy to answer any questions you may have!

When it comes to clippers – do you need something handy and portable for mobile grooming, or do you need something more robust with extra options to use in your salon? Increasing the number of grooms you can get done each day enhances your bottom line and grows your business.

One great way to increase your productivity is to consider a new clipper system. At petschoicesupply.com we’ve got a great selection of professional clipping systems to help you do more business and groom better, no matter what type of grooming business you have.

Double K 401 Portable Animal Power Clipper

Are you a mobile grooming professional that wants a clipper system with an extra boost? Or, just need to be able to move freely around your salon?

The Double K 401 Power Clipper is a great and well-known solution for you. It cuts easily through thick, dense or dirty hair while operating very quietly, in virtual silence at low speeds! 

With five times the power of conventional clippers, the 1/8 horsepower Power Clipper cuts faster and smoother than any other clipper. The variable speed control offers speed adjustments from 100 to 4500 RPMs. With 9000 blade strokes per minute and the greatest range of blade motion in its class, the Power Clipper is unsurpassed in fine clipping capability.

Double K 401 Belt Mounted Power Clipper

For higher power (but wired) grooming, the Double K 401 Belt Mounted Power Clipper is just what you need. Like its portable counterpart above, it’s also virtually silent as it operates, making the comfort of the animals you are grooming unmatched. As every groomer knows, a calm animal is way easier to groom!

Boasting 9,000 blade strokes per minute, this clipper system has five times the power of conventional clippers. Its unique cable drive system transfers power from the motor to the handpiece allowing the handpiece itself to remain cool during clipping. The Double K Groomer’s Edge power clipper handpiece works with all “snap-on” style blades.

Depending on the size of your salon and the area where you are going to station your clipper, you can choose from different cable lengths, starting at 6 feet and going as long as 20 feet.

A Clipper Solution For Every Need

If you have questions about our clipping systems and want more information, please contact our customer service department. We have been helping groomers for years and are happy to answer any questions you may have.

The Center for Pet Safety (CPS) testing is flawed. Click here to find out why.

Like most pet parents, chances are this isn’t the first time you’ve seen a dog stick their head out of the window during a car ride. Unfortunately, most pet parents are completely unaware of the risk and the dangers, to both animals and people that come with riding with their pets unrestrained in the car.

What pet parents really need is the same level of vehicle crash safety protection for their pets that they expect for their children and other members of the family. While seat belts and child car seats must be crash tested to government auto safety standards, sadly there are currently no similar requirements in North America for dog harnesses and dog crates used to transport pets.

Unfortunately, it’s easy to become overwhelmed with the number of safety products that claim to be crash or safety rated for travel. Unfortunately, the vast majority of pet safety products are not tested, and relying on the performance of a product that was not designed to meet stringent crash safety standards can actually increase the risk of serious or fatal injury to both people and pets.

At petschoicesupply.com, Pet Safety is of the utmost importance to us. We have done to research and work to cut through the often misleading marketing ploys in order to make sure that the products we offer are genuinely crash-tested and properly rated to deliver on the safety claims being made. We want to make sure that all of our customers are well educated before selecting the equipment they will use with their pets. Lives of both people and animals can be saved when the best and highest quality products are chosen and used correctly.

Have you ever noticed your cat sitting in a window and gazing off into the outdoors? Because they spend most of their lives inside, the outdoors is an amazing space of wonder and curiosity to them. Any conscientious cat owner will tell you that it’s not a good idea to let your indoor cat explore the outdoors, as there is a lot of danger there: running away and getting lost, conflict with other animals, climbing up on things and not being able to get down, and the list goes on.

Nonetheless, cat enclosures will let your cat experience the sights, sounds, and smells of the outdoors without risking their safety. 

petschoicesupply.com carries two high-quality enclosures from KittyWalk:

KITTYWALK GAZEBO YARD AND GARDEN OUTDOOR CAT ENCLOSURE

The Kittywalk Gazebo is a snap to set up. The Gazebo can be used by itself or the doors can be removed so that it can easily be connected to other Kittywalk outdoor enclosures.

The Gazebo is fully enclosed and it can sit on any flat surface. You can move it easily from place to place, so you don’t have to worry about it being in the way if you are entertaining in your yard or need to use the space for something else.

A zipper on the top of the enclosure makes it easy to place your pet inside and to reach in and remove your pet. Kittwalk thought of everything, including safety, too: a safety clasp will prevent your pet from opening and escaping.

KITTYWALK – OUTDOOR CAT ENCLOSURE (CATIO, CAT TUBE); TOWN & COUNTRY COLLECTION

If you are looking for something that could be a little more fun for your cat, and is more easily expandable with multiple units, Kittywalk’s Town & Country outdoor cat enclosure is just what you (and your cat) need. This enclosure can be connected together to form different configurations so your indoor cat can have plenty of outside room in which to roam and many activities to keep them entertained.

The Town & Country Collection features a “catio” (patio) for your cat, a cat tube, and a multi-level cabana that has a shade awning and hammock your cat can use to relax. Over six feet in length and five feet tall, this enclosure gives your cat tons of space to have fun.

This easily collapsible cat enclosure comes with an included travel bag, so it’s perfect for any time you need to travel with your cat and want to ensure that they are safe wherever you travel to.

An Outdoor Enclosure For Every Need

Whether you want to set up an entire outdoor playground for your cat or you just need a small enclosure that you can use when you travel, petschoicesupply.com has everything you need to make your cat happy, healthy, safe and comfortable outdoors. For help figuring out the perfect outdoor enclosure for your cat, contact our customer service team anytime!