As the days and nights get colder, some people like to let their dog's hair/fur grow longer for warmth. Other people like to put a sweater or jacket on the dog to keep him/her warm. Both are great options, as long as you remember to brush the dog's hair/fur. If the dog has long hair/fur, it can get tangled from wearing a collar, a harness, a bandana, clothes, or even from every day activities like walking and rolling on the ground. These tangles will become mats. When you brush your dog make sure you get all the way to the skin. People will often brush the top of the coat, neglecting to get underneath where the mats are closer to the skin. If you aren't sure how to do this, or you would rather not do it, that is absolutely fine as long as you're bringing your dog to a professional groomer on a regular basis. Do you have a short haired dog like a Labrador? You're off the brushing hook!
Tip of the Month
Have you checked lately to make sure that your dog is up to date on all of his/her shots? By law, all dogs need to have an up-to-date rabies shot. Their first rabies shot is good for a year and all rabies shots after that last for three years. It's a good idea to also get your dog the DHLPP shot which includes Distemper, Hepatitis, Leptospirosis, Parvo, and Parainfluenza. Some vets do a different version of this shot, but the Distemper is always included. Finally, if you're planning to bring your dog to a doggy daycare, boarding facility, to a dog park, or even out in public, you should make sure he/she has a Bordatella shot. This will help protect against kennel cough. It's still possible for the dog to get kennel cough, but he/she will recover quicker. So check those vaccinations to make sure your canine pal is safe!
Quote of the Month
"Don't give up on the hard dogs. They will give you something you never knew you needed." Anonymous