A relationship with a companion animal can be one of the most rewarding experiences we encounter in our lifetimes. If you are a pet parent for the first time, or if you just want to do more to improve your pet kid’s quality of life, this month’s episode of Pet Talk was made just for you.

In this video, Dr. Sarah reveals the top five do-it-yourself tasks to ensure the health, longevity and happiness of dogs and cats. Our staff veterinarian covers record-keeping, grooming, dental care, nail trimming and even evidence collection (you’ll see). Given that dogs and cats are living longer than ever before, these are definitely things you should add to your regular routine. Plus, you’ll be setting a fantastic example for your pet-friendly friends!

Be sure to check out the two tutorials referenced in this month’s episode …

Maintaining Your Dog’s Dental Health
http://blog.lifesabundance.com/post/2013/03/26/Oral-Health.aspx

Tips for Better Nail Care
http://blog.lifesabundance.com/post/2010/06/17/Tips-for-Better-Nail-Care.aspx

Also, be sure to submit your comments below. We want to know if you have something to add to our top five list!

Thank you so much for watching and check back next month for a new episode of Pet Talk with Dr. Sarah.

Think back to when you chose which dog to share your life with … did grooming requirements weigh heavily on your decision-making? Chances are, probably not. It’s important that you have some understanding of your dog’s grooming needs from the get-go. You don’t want to wait until she’s uncomfortable or you are frustrated before acting. Some pet parents postpone grooming duties until the coat builds up foul odors, or when shedding is so prevalent that dog-hair tumbleweeds are rolling across the floor. But, with the helpful information provided in this short video, that’s all about to change. With assistance from her beautiful, blond assistant, Alma, Dr. Sarah offers a concise review of the basics of home grooming.

No one likes a bad hair day … and that includes your dog. Just like with humans, the skin is the largest organ of a dog’s body. Every day, their skin and coats are exposed to UV rays, pollution, infectious agents, drying heat or wind. Because it can contribute to a dog’s overall health, grooming should be an essential part of companion animal care. However, despite your best intentions, it’s not unusual for grooming habits to hit a glitch. Or two. Or three! While bathing a dog, I think all of us have experienced getting wetter than your dog, being interrupted by phone calls, or, worst of all, a sudsy canine tearing off, leaving a wet, sudsy trail behind him. As a veterinarian with a good deal of grooming experience, I can tell you that planning ahead can reduce unwanted problems and stress, so here are a handful of my best tips. BEFORE THE GROOMING SESSION Unfortunately, bathing can be stressful for some dogs, as some just tolerate it better than others. For those pups who are particularly skiddish, consider brewing some chamomile tea to calm your dog. Thirty minutes before you bathe, give your dog a cooled cup of chamomile tea with honey, followed by a dog treat that’s rich in carbohydrates, like our Antioxidant Health Bars. The carbohydrates will help deliver the calming tea straight to your dog’s brain. Better yet, you can both sit down with some tea and play soothing music, to set a calming tone for your upcoming grooming session. You can also give your dog tea during the grooming session. As we’ve already mentioned, just make sure the tea has cooled off (no hotter than room temperature). More...