 The seasons change, pumpkins spice up, and there's a pep to your pawsteps. What could this be, but National Dog Week! Always in the last full week of September, National Dog Week began in 1928 with founder and WWI veteran, Captain William Lewis Judy. Captain Judy aimed to teach the responsibilities of dog ownership. He published Dog World Magazine and promoted humane living spaces for dogs to run and play. Today's celebration includes responsible pet ownership within our community and the unconditional love of man's best friend. We included our own checklist to spend time with your dog this holiday!  # 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.  # 3: Include your pet in back to school festivities. Create a project involving your furry best friend, or simply find the time to relax and take a break together.  # 4: One everlasting truth is dogs get dirty! Pamper your pup with a brush, nail trim, or we'll come to you for an Autumn makeover.  # 5: Donate to local shelters and support our community! Links: Marshfield Animal Shelter, Scituate Animal Shelter, Animal Rescue League of Boston. Dogs are family, so naturally we choose to celebrate them all year round. National Dog Week gives us the chance to reflect on how we can enrich our pup's lives at home and within our neighborhoods. Let's celebrate the happy tails!
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 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! 
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!  We are all familiar with 'Spring Cleaning', but what does that mean for pet grooming? Spring has officially sprung, whether or not the snow keeps falling! Someday soon the cold will pass, the ice will melt, and the sun will brighten our days. Zoomin Groomin is looking forward to a fun and glamorous Spring and Summer season. We will be ready to welcome fur and fluff as Spring Grooming time arrives. To prepare for your pup's next spa day, here are our Spring tips:
 If your pup is looking for some playtime, chances are they're familiar with the local dog park. Dog parks provide an essential environment for pets in urban and suburban neighborhoods. They offer great opportunities for your dog to socialize and release their energy. While every dog enjoys their free time, there is an etiquette to be followed when sharing space with others. By monitoring your dog's social activity, you can help keep our parks safe. Dog Park Etiquette Tips:
Respecting all pets and park-goers will allow you and your dog to make the most out of your park experience. A friendly, healthy, and trained pup means a happier dog park. Check out the video below for more dog park etiquette, and above all else, have fun with your pets!  In the spirit of coming together this November, we ask the question, can cats and dogs be friends? 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.  Behavior and personality also affect the balance between both species. A cat will hold their tail up high in a curious, friendly approach, while a dog will hold up their tail in a challenge. Dogs will wag their tails if they're feeling playful, and cat swish their tails in warning. A submissive pup will roll over to show their belly, but for a cat rolling over signals a defensive position. These different types of behavioral cues can make or break a first meeting between the two. So what do cats and dogs have in common? A friendly match-up depends on the individuality of each pet, along with shared social habits such as grooming and playing. Knowing your pets' personalities best will assure the right decisions when allowing them to interact. Cats enjoy high spaces and some time to themselves, so the use of cat perches in their environment allows them the chance to relax, observe, and feel secure instead of overly defensive. Certain breeds of dogs also have less of a prey drive and are therefore less likely to chase cats in their home. Just like with people, different personalities and circumstances will cause your pets to feel either like miserable roommates, or a happy family.  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.  Commitment: Fostering a pet requires responsibility, including an appropriate amount of space, security, patience, and traveling. Permission from a landlord is usually necessary if you live in an apartment or rental, or proof of ownership if you are a homeowner. Some programs will request fosters live within a certain distance to ensure efficient travel for orientations, events, and emergencies. Rescues may also perform home visits to guarantee your home is established as a secure environment for potential foster pets. Publicity: Volunteering as a foster includes both housing a pet and promoting the adoption process. Often times potential adopters will have direct contact with fosters or meet face-to-face at adoption events. Fosters know their pets best, and therefore play an active role in finding them forever homes. Social PR and ambassador work will be necessary to give your foster pet the life they deserve! Time: A common question is "How long will I have to foster a pet?". Foster periods generally last until a pet is adopted. Animals placed in foster care often come from backgrounds where they were homeless, abandoned, and do not take well to shelter environments. They may need specific medical care or rehabilitation. Each pet is an individual and will heal and adjust differently. The type of pet, breed, gender, or age may also influence the adoption process. The shelter or rescue group will work with you to match a pet that will best adapt and benefit from your home environment.  Cost:
Many shelter and rescue foster programs provide all supplies such as food, bowls, leashes, collars, litters, and medications. Beds and toys may also be included, many of which are provided by donations. Healthcare treatment and costs are also usually provided by these organizations. Beyond working with your shelter or rescue, fosters benefit from a tight-knit community of volunteers and pet lovers. Sharing these experiences means that other fosters, trainers, groomers, and animal aficionados are willing to offer support. The costs of fostership are minimal when you strengthen relationships in your community and save the lives of animals in need. Opportunities: Sometimes the first step appears the hardest of all! Whether you are referred to a foster program or still researching local rescues to partner with, keep in mind what kind of animal or specific breed you want to bring into your home. Here is a list of some shelters seeking fosters on the South Shore in MA, as well as specific rescues nearby: Scituate Animal Shelter Marshfield Animal Shelter Massachusetts Humane Society Great Dog Rescue New England Last Hope K9 Rescue Or visit https://www.petfinder.com/animal-shelters-and-rescues/search/?location=02066&shelter_name= Remember to evaluate applications and have all necessary information ready for the organization you choose. We thank you for choosing to foster, encouraging our community, and spreading the love!  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.
What size breed will suit my lifestyle?
While temperament, training, grooming maintenance, and athletic ability differs across all shapes and sizes of dogs, there are certain times when you must take size into account. Do you live in a house with a yard, or an apartment or condo complex? Most larger breeds will not be able to adapt to small living spaces if not exercised properly. They need the extra wiggle room to keep them happy and healthy (both mentally and physically), but depending on your activity level, high-energy breeds can live the city life if exercised appropriately everyday. Life expectancy and medical conditions are also correlated differently depending on breed and size, for further insight please read PetMD's article, How Long Do Dogs Live?, and Cesar's Way article Dog size and life span: When bigger isn't better. What are the nutritional differences for small and large breeds? While we covered that there are more than just two size classes for dogs, you may have noticed that many dog food brands will label their products either 'small breed' or 'large breed'. What then? And what is the difference? First, smaller dogs have a higher metabolic rate than larger dogs, and they burn through calories much quicker. Small breed puppies should especially be fed a calorie-dense food to prevent hypoglycemia, lethargy, and even more serious health conditions. Large breed dogs can be similar to small breeds, but have different requirements. Large breeds puppies require diets with lower levels of calcium and phosphorus to reduce the rate of developmental diseases such as hip dysplasia. High levels of dietary antioxidants are also necessary for small breeds that live a long time, compared to large breeds who are more apt to suffer from arthritis in old age and require ingredients like glucosamine. Learn more on how to choose the best food for your pet with sites like DogFoodAdvisor, or watch the documentary Pet Fooled on Netflix. How does size affect grooming? While coat maintenance is based on breed and not necessarily size, the amount of dog being groomed will definitely affect the time spent in the grooming room! A Toy Poodle may need less time for a trim compared to a Standard Poodle, and both need different preparation, tools, and materials used to conduct a good grooming. Here at Buddies it is important that we schedule our appointments ahead of time so that we may adapt our schedule to different size dogs. This allows time for our groomers to prep the right tools and products for the breed. We make the most out of every minute spent with your buddy, no matter big or small! Whether you are deciding to bring a new pet into your home, or searching for the best brand of food, recognize that research is the best way to empower your best buddy's health and happiness. Reach out to other pet parents, groomers, or veterinarians to discuss health and nutritional options. We encourage everyone to go beyond the basics, and respect the differences of every breed!  So long as the rain stays away, we'll be here to soak up the rays! B) June has officially arrived, Cape traffic begins, and the beaches are soon to start buzzing. Summer is here, and need we say more? No dilly dallying this time (we've already waited a whole winter, after all), so without further ado, here are our tips for getting the most out of some Summer waggin', lickin', and lovin'!
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