# 1: Walk with your companion in the outdoors. National Dog Week leads up to the World's Largest Pet Walk on Saturday September 28th. If your adventures take you down the path less traveled, we'll be here to clean those dirty paws! ​

​# 2: Treat yo'self. Visit us at Buddies Pet Spa & Boutique in Marshfield, MA. Indulge in our  Carberry Kitchen treats, homemade locally and grain-free! Our pet's favorite flavors are Beef & Cheese, Salmon Sweet Potato, Banana Honey, and Pumpkin Peanut Butter.

Groomers hear a common phrase from pet parents at this time of the year, and that's "I want to keep my pet cool for the summer". Sometimes this means a haircut, sometimes, but more often than not pets rely on other significant factors to stay comfortable in the summer heat.

Double Coated breeds, whether dog or cat, have an undercoat which insulates them to stay cool in the summer or warm in the winter. Layers of fur also provide critical protection from the sun and other elements. Trimming or buzzing away a double coat is not recommended, unless in severe cases such as for medical reasons or if the pet lives in an extreme climate. 

Other breeds which may require regular grooming maintenance and receive haircuts year-round also do not necessarily benefit in the heat. For cooling purposes, most pets need...

Hydration.
When the weather is hot, dehydration can happen quickly. If your pet is active or traveling in the summer, remember to pack water for some slurping on the go. Pets at home should have their water bowls accessible throughout the day.

Shade.
Many pets enjoy snoozing in the shade or inside on the cool floors of their home. Providing protection away from the sun, either indoors or out, helps your pet relax in the heat. 

Circulation. 
A fresh breeze from an open window, a fan, or AC works to keep everyone refreshed in a home. Placing a fan at floor level, or raising your pet's bed is best to ensure they're able to feel the wind in their fur. If your pet has a particularly thick coat, brushing daily or weekly to remove dead hairs stimulates better air circulation from their coat down to the skin. 

Home.
Pets should stay at home when the temperature is rising. Walks and activities are best for cooler parts of the day, in mornings or evenings. Leaving a pet in a car on a hot day is also a recipe for distress and disaster, so let fido stay safe at home. 

Ice.
Ice cubes are a great way to encourage your pet to keep cool. Ice can be used in place of treats for puzzle toys, so your pet can still play even in the dog days of summer. If you're away all day, try supplying ice in water bowls before your leave the house.

If you suspect your pet is overheated, signs of heatstroke include excessive panting, lethargy, drooling, vomiting, and seizures. Please call a veterinarian to assist you if these symptoms arise. 

We hope all pets and pet parents stay happy, healthy, and cool this summer!

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​If you have a dog, chances are you've witnessed the zoomies. What are zoomies? Well, it's the equivalent to running around like a goofball as if you've never experienced running before. It's "release the hounds" in all its splendor, and one way our pups prefer to prompt us in play. There is nothing quite like the joy of witnessing the jowly expression of a dog in their element. The benefits of both mental and physical exercise equal a happy and healthy companion, and with the summer season soon upon us, there are possibilities abound!

1. Exercise
While it may seem the most simple, sometimes it's hard enough to fit in our own workout routines, and dogs need 30 minutes to 2 hours of exercise a day. Depending on size, age, and breed, activities should compliment your pet's energy level. Favorite pastimes include fetch or frisbee, but fun sports such as agility or canicross also allow pet parents to participate in the action. 

2. Training
Who says old dogs can't learn new tricks? Training is an ongoing process, and stimulating the mind is a great way to challenge your pup's natural abilities. Teaching new tricks, or simply going over the basics such as 'paw' or 'place' in a new setting, strengthens a dog's working instincts. Change up old routines to prevent boredom with interesting toys or treats, and encourage your dog to have fun with their interests. 

3. Dog Walkers / Daycare
Pet parents want to know their buddies are happy while at work or on vacation. Some dogs are content to sleep in, but other individuals will be ready to burn energy at the first crack of dawn. The saying 'It Takes a Village' applies when we are lucky enough to have a local pet-friendly community ready to help. Whether through a friend, neighbor, or professional, your dog can play, socialize, and fit in a few extra zoomies while you are away. 

4. Indoors / Outdoors
Dogs rely on routines just like we do, so making sure there's something to focus energy on no matter the environment is essential. For all seasons and weather, a healthy balance of activity inside and out will guide your pet to success. Use soft toys indoors to instigate play, or puzzle feeders to motivate your dog's mind. And when the weather is nice, spending a day hiking or at the beach is always great fun!

5. Socialize
Dogs teach and learn important behaviors from one another. Socialization is especially important for young puppies. Exposing dogs to new people, animals, sights, and sounds builds a foundation for your pet to enjoy interacting with the world around them. Scheduling play dates for dogs, or allowing your pup to accompany you on daily trips or outings means they can absorb new senses and keep their mind and body happy.

Without our pets, some of us may never have the inspiration to stay active or explore. We're thankful for each day we see a lolling tongue or bushy tail. From silly zoomies to talented tricks, active dogs are happy dogs!

​​Furry family members share more than just the love of their pet parents, they experience a place of play, nourishment, and sanctuary under one roof. But do they tolerate one another? 

Often in our culture we place cats and dogs opposite one another - a myth of natural-born enemies which has passed down generation to generation. Though as species of domesticated pets commonly and historically kept within the same vicinity of each other, conflicts are bound to occur. Dogs are relatively larger than cats, and have a tendency called a prey drive that leads them to chase smaller animals - especially if these smaller animals are running away from them. In turn, many cats will respond to a large, unfamiliar dog by choosing a flight response. ​

The key to a harmonious household may rely on first impressions! Raising a kitten and puppy together is one way to potentially allow your pets to build a bond, but when it comes to introducing a cat and dog, there are a few steps to follow. You can read on bestfriends.org an  in-depth discussion on introducing cats and dogs , the most important variable being patience!  Essentially,  taking things slowly allows your pets to feel more comfortable, and associate a sense of familiarity with each other. ​

While many cats and dogs prefer to amicably respect  the other, certainly there exists closely bonded friendships as well. So whether your cat and dog are well acquainted, or coming together for the first time, know that the potential for a furever friendship awaits! ​​​

According to the Humane Society of the United States (The HSUS) , each year we celebrate National Animal Shelter Appreciation Week during the first full week of November, as a way to honor animal shelters and the dedicated people who work to protect animals. Animal shelters are vital resources for their communities and safe havens for animals.  Shelters are also a great place to adopt a new family pet!

Shelters provide critical services such as investigating cruelty and neglect, reuniting lost pets with their families and teaching kids to care about animals. There are approximately 3,500 animal shelters across the United States, available to serve the estimated 6–8 million homeless animals that seek refuge each year, but only about half are adopted. While 63 percent of American households include pets, fewer than 20 percent of them were adopted from shelters. National Animal Shelter Appreciation Week is a perfect opportunity for you, your family, and your community to become acquainted with their local shelter and to help homeless pets.   Our Zoomin Groomin team is constantly involved in promoting, donating and fundraising for our local shelters - that is a FUN and rewarding part of our jobs!  Check out how you can get involved with your local shelter and community, click here >>

There are many reasons why opening your home to a foster pet enriches your life and saves the lives of shelter animals. Rescue organizations rely on fosters to provide homeless pets with a nourishing environment that they may otherwise not have a chance to receive due to limited shelter resources. Fostering is also a great way to learn if the lifestyle of a pet is right for you, or to help your community and local rescues. Becoming a great foster pet parent necessitates caring, compassion, and commitment.

While each individual shelter or rescue group may have their own unique set of requirements for fostership, here are a few steps to help you understand the world of fostering. ​

​What exactly is the difference between small and large breed dogs? And no, we're not just talking about size! Believe it or not, we calculate many separate factors for a dog based on their breed, lifestyle, and nutritional differences. To start, there are actually four classes of doggie size ranges: small, medium, large, and giant. ​