http://www.tommyspetstudio.com/blog/rss/feedsAt Tommy’s Pet Studio our mission to offer high quality Products with Purpose while remaining true to our community-minded values.Tue, 05 May 2026 01:01:09 -0700http://www.tommyspetstudio.com/blog/post/tips-for-washing-your-pethttp://www.tommyspetstudio.com/blog/post/tips-for-washing-your-pet No matter what type of pets you have – cats, dogs, hamsters, guinea pigs, turtles, etc. – regular baths can be a healthy part of their care, but baths should be given gently to be sure they aren't hurting pets more than helping them. Bath Frequency Not all pets need the same number of baths, and depending on the species and its living conditions, some pets may never need intense bathing. Pets with allergies or more delicate skin may do best with fewer baths, while pets that get dirtier more frequently may need more baths. Pet owners must recognize that every pet, however, will have its own distinct odor and may shed skin or fur regularly – these are not issues that can be "cured" with additional baths. No matter how often a pet needs bathing, however, the bath should be done carefully to prevent problems. Tips for Washing Pets No matter what type of pet you have or how often you need to wash them, the basic steps for a safe, healthy bath are the same. Brush First Before beginning the bath, brush your pet thoroughly or wipe away any accumulated dirt or debris from its fur, scales or skin so soap and shampoo can be more effective. Use the Right ProductsChoose the proper shampoos, soaps and conditioners for your type of pet and their grooming needs. Human products are too harsh and strongly scented for use with pets. Non-Slip SafetyIf you will be bathing your pet in a tub, be sure the surface is stable so they do not slip. Putting down a non-slip mat or towel before starting the bath can give them a good, safe surface. Proper Water TemperatureWater that is too hot can scald your pet, while water that is too cold will not clean as thoroughly. Ideally, the water should be just warm to the touch. Water AcclimationKeep the water shallow, and allow your pet to gently touch or sniff the water before beginning the bath so they know what to expect. Gently wet your pet, watching for signs of stress and going slow so they feel safe and comfortable. Use the Proper ToolsDepending on your type of pet and how dirty they are, you may need to use a soft cloth, a sponge, or a soft-bristled brush to work the soap thoroughly and remove all the dirt. Massage ThoroughlyApply the soap to your pet in small sections, massaging it in to their skin thoroughly but gently. The massage will also help stimulate their circulation and relax your pet. Protect Eyes and EarsWhen bathing your pet, take extra care to keep soap out of their eyes and ears, which can quickly become irritated. If necessary, use a clean, damp cloth to clean the face, but without soap. Rinse WellRinse your pet thoroughly with fresh, clean water to remove all traces of soaps or shampoos. Leftover soap can leave fur looking dull and will attract new dirt more quickly. Dry ThoroughlyDry your pet well to prevent chills. If it is impossible to dry them completely, keep them in a clean place until they are thoroughly dry to minimize rolling or rubbing in dirt. Offer PraiseTurn bath time into a positive training experience for your pet by always offering words of encouragement and praise during and after the bath. This will help keep them calm and reassure them, and a treat can help reinforce their good bath behavior. Bathing your pet is a necessary part of being a responsible pet owner, and no matter what type of pet you have, making bath time an easy, gentle process will help keep your pet not only clean but also relaxed and happy.Wed, 19 Oct 2016 14:26:00 -0700http://www.tommyspetstudio.com/blog/post/keep-your-pets-safe-while-trickortreating-this-halloweenhttp://www.tommyspetstudio.com/blog/post/keep-your-pets-safe-while-trickortreating-this-halloween Halloween can be an un-intentionally scary time for pets. In fact, veterinarians see many pet injuries that can be avoided this time of year. With all of the shrieks and howls coming our way, we thought it would be a good idea to make sure they are happy ones, in keeping with the fun atmosphere of the holiday. It’s always a good idea to keep aware that the festivities may not be as fun for our pets as it is for the kids, teens and adults. To keep this Halloween from being a real-life nightmare for you and your pet, consider the following things: Treats are for kidsThe number one danger for pets during Halloween is the treats. Explain to the entire household, especially the kids, the following risks: Chocolate in all forms is harmful to dogs and cats. Especially darker chocolates. The culprit is theobromine, which has a mild simulative effect on us, but an extreme one on dogs and cats --causing hyperactivity, seizures, increased heart rate, and possibly death. Diet candy and other treats containing Xylitol are extremely harmful to your pet. This artificial sweetener is known to induce hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) in dogs with even the smallest dosage. Symptoms include depression, loss of coordination, collapse and seizures. Larger amounts are known to cause liver failure, and can be fatal. Some dogs and cats have been known to suffer ill-effects from raisins, grapes and types of nuts. All pets run the risk of choking hazards and intestinal blockage from ingesting the various wrappers and foils associated with Halloween treats. Decorate safelyAs you decorate for the holiday, be sure to keep lights and wires out of reach of your pet. The colorful decorations and the change in your pet’s normal environment will cause some curiosity and you’ll want to keep them from getting shocked by chewing wires or hurt by breaking bulbs. Pumpkins also present a risk, especially those with lit candles inside. Keep aware of the risk that larger pets could knock them over or smaller ones could get too close to the flame and be singed. If you have a bird, be wary of using fake webbing around the house, as your pet may become either entangled or attempt to eat the material. Dress (up) for successNobody knows your pet better than you. If you think your pet will like (or tolerate) dressing up, be sure to try the costume on a few days prior and get them used to wearing it. Keep in mind that the costume should not be restrictive to your pet’s movement or senses. Like with children, make sure breathing is not impeded, and that there are no choking or tripping hazards. If your pet seems annoyed or if you have any concerns about having them wear it, then consider a simple themed bandana or bow instead. Knock, knockOne of the biggest parts of Halloween is answering the door. Again, if you know how your pets react to people coming to the door, plan accordingly. If you have any concerns of your pet reacting protectively or aggressively, then it may be best to find a quiet room as far from the front door as possible for them to relax. Give them a chance to settle in a little while before the trick-or-treaters begin arriving. Otherwise, just keep in mind that upon seeing the variety of costumes, any pet could become frightened and react naturally, by running. A pet gate across the front door is a good idea to prevent any escapes --or pursuits. If you decide to take your pet out with you, make sure you include all proper ID (collars, tags, ID chips) in the event that your pet runs off and becomes lost. However, as many pets may not be accustomed to all of the constant stimulation that may occur they may simply appreciate being left home rather than join in on the trick-or-treating. Sat, 15 Oct 2016 00:00:00 -0700http://www.tommyspetstudio.com/blog/post/keeping-your-pet-entertained-indoorshttp://www.tommyspetstudio.com/blog/post/keeping-your-pet-entertained-indoors As days grow shorter and colder, it may be necessary to keep pets indoors for their safety and comfort. A pet that is used to being outdoors, however, may become stressed and bored inside, which can lead to mood changes, destructive behavior, and poor health. Fortunately, there are great ways to keep dogs and cats happily entertained indoors. Entertaining Dogs IndoorsDogs can be rambunctious and energetic, but with the proper toys and activities, they can be easily entertained when they can't be outside. To keep an indoor dog happy and active… Opt for food-dispensing puzzle toys that require the dog to manipulate the toy and work out the puzzle before receiving the treat. Rotate indoor toys regularly and choose a wide variety of different toys to minimize boredom and keep the dog interested. Hide small treats or kibble around the house for the dog to use its natural tracking instincts to hunt down a snack. Use indoor time for new training or work to refresh a dog's training of basic commands and familiar activities. Arrange a doggie play date with another pet, or else consider getting a second dog so pets will always have companionship. Create a warm nap place the dog will know as its own, giving it a safe and comfortable place to retreat when it gets worn out. Entertaining Cats IndoorsCats are independent pets, but even their wily minds can lack stimulation if they are indoors all the time. To keep an indoor cat entertained… Plant a few pots with catnip or cat grass to bring a bit of the outdoors in no matter what the weather may be. Choose an elaborate scratching post or kitty condo that includes different levels, textures, and cubbies for cats to explore. Set up a place on a wide windowsill or near a large window for cats to watch outdoors, especially if there are bird feeders or other activity to see. Hide several treats around the house and allow the cat to sharpen their hunting instincts while they find the savory bits. Offer a range of toys for cats to play with, but rotate toys regularly for variety and ongoing interest. Play cat-friendly videos with nature settings, bird songs, rodent action, and other scenes that will interest cats. The Most Important Indoor ActivityThe most important thing any pet owner can do to keep their dog or cat entertained indoors is to spend plenty of one-one-one time playing with the pet. Grooming, games, or just petting and cuddles will all help strengthen the pet-owner bond and keep the animal happy and content, no matter how long it must be indoors.Sat, 01 Oct 2016 00:00:00 -0700http://www.tommyspetstudio.com/blog/post/tips-for-keeping-your-cat-relaxedhttp://www.tommyspetstudio.com/blog/post/tips-for-keeping-your-cat-relaxed If your cat is particularly ornery or you are bringing home a new kitten, here are a few tips for a stress free environment. First, there are plenty of ways to tell if your cat is stressed. A cat will puff out the fur on its tail when it is upset. This is to make it appear bigger and could be a sign of a presumptive attack. A quick flipping motion of the cats tail may also be a sign of anger and this means that the cat wants to be left alone. It would be best to give it space in these situations. Arching of the back with its hair pricked up or hissing is also a bad sign. An easy way to keep your cat happy is to clean its litter box regularly. Cats are very hygienic animals and they become unhappy when their space is unkempt. There are also aromatic options to calm your cat. Different cats do react differently to each kind of stress reliever, so make sure to try out a couple and see what works best. Moving to a new house is one of the most common sources of stress for a cat. The cat should be kept inside the new house for a minimum of two weeks so that it may adjust to its new setting. When bringing home a new kitten, it is important to make sure that the ride home is comfortable. Letting them loose or holding them tightly in your lap are not great options for traveling. It would be best to place the cat in a travel cage lined with either newspaper or washable towels. Soothing music will also help to calm the feline nerves. Make sure that once you are home, set up the litter box in a quiet room away from foot traffic. Also make sure that there are no screens or easy escape spots to the outside world. If this room is not where you want to keep the cat’s litter box permanently, after a few days you can let it roam freely around the house and put a second litter box somewhere else in the house to let your cat get acquainted. The most important part of a stress free cat is exercise. Lots of running and jumping is good for keeping your cat friendly. Also, a variety of toys is helpful for keeping felines stress free. The same toy every day may become boring and your cat will not be satisfied. Cats are usually very friendly; make sure not to confuse their playfulness with agitation. Cats react to emotions, so a happy atmosphere makes for a happy cat!Thu, 15 Sep 2016 00:00:00 -0700http://www.tommyspetstudio.com/blog/post/bird-feeding-tips-for-fallhttp://www.tommyspetstudio.com/blog/post/bird-feeding-tips-for-fall As the last heat wave of summer fades, bird feeders are disappearing from backyards. Most bird lovers assume that as the weather cools and mass migration sweeps in, their beloved winged friends don't need human assistance in finding food; they can forage for it themselves. Be a wise lover of birds this year; learn how to host diverse flocks at your backyard buffet right up until winter. Offer High-Calorie Foods As they prepare to migrate, birds need nutritious foods rich in fat to sustain their energy. Be the best bird feeder on the block by offering high-calorie nibblets for them to find. No, this does not mean you should splurge on a pizza. The best kind of send-off for birds includes the following: Nyjer Cracked corn. Nuts. Black oil sunflower seeds. Nectar. Keep an eye on the feed and adjust as necessary. Making a wide range of foods available ensures that each bird gets his fill and that you'll have a chance to see a broad variety of birds on your lawn. Consider a Specialized Feeder Whether you put out a homemade feeder or a store-bought one, chances are that it is designed primarily to accommodate birds in warmer weather. Prepare to accommodate beautiful birds well into the colder months as winter sets in. Offer them a place to rest for a while. Consider installing a bird bath that can be heated to ensure that the freezing temperatures don't affect it. Offer Extra Accommodations Your feathered friends need to rest a while as they migrate toward milder weather. Consider making your backyard into a bed and breakfast instead of just an all-you-can-eat buffet. Prepare for your guests by offering them irresistible incentives to stay a while longer. Ensure that an abundance of leaf litter gathers under your trees. Though this may make your yard look a bit unkept, it will allow the birds an opportunity to forage for tasty treats such as worms. It will also provide temporary shelter from the harsh temperatures. Growing plants that yield berries year-round also ensures that the visiting birds have more to eat at the start of winter. Offer Protection From Predators A bird's worst enemies are his predator and his competitor. This is especially true as cooler weather sets in and birds have fewer resources to rely upon. Help your visitors out by building them a make-shift enclosure at a safe height where they can rest and stay out of a cat's reach, for instance. This can be a wooden structure or even a manmade nest in a tree. The bird needs to get in and out of it quickly and independently though, so take care to create a basic structure rather than a complex contraption. In terms of protection from their competitors, ensure that your feeder is squirrel-proof. Squirrels will often beat birds to an abundance of food. This is significant since they mostly eat the same types of foods. Block access to your feeder from the sides and bottom to make it inaccessible to unwanted intruders. Make your home into a crash pad for a number of birds this fall using the above tips to your disposal. Helping out magnificent creatures is a natural mood booster, and setting up such a sanctuary will allow you to do some serious bird watching without having to leave your own home.Thu, 15 Sep 2016 00:00:00 -0700http://www.tommyspetstudio.com/blog/post/walking-your-dog-4-simple-ways-to-keep-it-interestinghttp://www.tommyspetstudio.com/blog/post/walking-your-dog-4-simple-ways-to-keep-it-interesting Walking your dog is an essential activity but that doesn't mean you can't keep it interesting for both you and your dog. These tips below can help you achieve this while keeping safe, too: Go to new placesAs I’m sure you’ve witnessed, your dog loves to experience new sights and smells. Taking a detour from your old walking route will give him an opportunity to mark a new tree. What’s more exciting than that? (For him anyway) Give your dog new experiencesTo spice up your dog-walking experience, why not bring along some treats? Use the time to train him and learn new tricks. Keeping the walking experience new will keep both you and your dog excited for the next outing. Meeting new peopleOften times your pooch will see another pet being walked. The other owner might even approach to meet both you and your dog. You won’t want to reinforce bad behavior by letting him jump up on someone – whether they mind it or not. Keep your dog up on his best behavior for meeting new people and pets. As these encounters happen for often, it will become easier. Being safeAlways keep an eye out for things that could be harmful to your dog while on your walk. You won’t want him digging into chemicals from someone’s lawn or getting too close to bugs and/or snakes. Usually, the best policy is to just keep to the sidewalk. Thu, 01 Sep 2016 00:00:00 -0700http://www.tommyspetstudio.com/blog/post/teaching-your-dog-to-sithttp://www.tommyspetstudio.com/blog/post/teaching-your-dog-to-sit Just as important as teaching your dog to come back to you, teaching your dog to sit is an essential skill for your dog to know. Here is how to teach your dog to sit: Training treatsMake sure that before you start you have some small treats that your pooch really enjoys. These will be very necessary for your training. Get your dog’s attentionCall your dog’s name and make sure that he has your full attention. Make sure that he is near you and looking right at you before continuing. Command and treatTell your dog the command “sit” and if you want, to bolster the command, point your finger at the ground. As soon as he plants his rump, give him the treat and some praise. Final thoughtsRepeat as necessary but don’t overdo it, otherwise your dog will get complacent and plump awfully fast. Also, never try to train your dog when he is tired because he will not respond the way you expect.Thu, 01 Sep 2016 00:00:00 -0700http://www.tommyspetstudio.com/blog/post/common-grooming-behavior-problems-and-how-to-fix-themhttp://www.tommyspetstudio.com/blog/post/common-grooming-behavior-problems-and-how-to-fix-them Whether you groom your dog or cat yourself or take them to a professional groomer, behavior problems can cause unpleasant conflicts and create difficult situations for you and your pet. Fortunately, there are several ways you can work to correct your pet's poor behavior and still keep them beautifully groomed. The Importance of Grooming If your pet doesn't like to be groomed, why should you bother? Grooming does more than just keep your pet pretty, and it can be an important part of a healthy lifestyle. Grooming removes loose fur, especially when your pet may be shedding a heavy winter coat. This keeps your pet more comfortable and minimizes shed hair. Grooming removes matting from long-coated breeds, which will help their fur stay more even against their skin and prevent sores or bare spots. Grooming helps remove fleas, flea eggs, ticks and other pests from your pet's coat. This keeps your pet more comfortable and reduces risks from illnesses those pests carry. Grooming can minimize any discomfort or deformities your pet may have in their claws if the claws are kept properly trimmed and evenly balanced. Grooming specific problem areas, such as around the rear, eyes and paws, can help keep your pet cleaner and prevent infections. With so many benefits from proper grooming, it is important to minimize your pet's behavior problems so the process is less stressful for both groomer and pet. Behavior Problems Groomers Face Groomers encounter all types of pet personalities, and while some pets are very easy to groom, there are a variety of problems that can occur. The most common types of grooming problems include… Aggression: Some pets may lash out at a groomer, and scratching or biting is a real possibility. Other pets may be unsociable when near unfamiliar animals at a groomer's, and fights could occur. Noise: Pets may show fear, stress or anger at a groomer by making noise. Barking, yowling, howling, whining or other noises could get extreme and may disrupt grooming or disturb other clients or animals. Movement: Many pets try to get away from groomers. They may wriggle or run, struggling against the groomer's actions. Extreme trembling or going limp can also make grooming much more difficult. All types of grooming behavior problems make the process more difficult, which in turn makes it even more stressful for the pet. In extreme cases, groomers may refuse to service a particular pet, or they may charge extra fees for difficult grooming sessions. Fixing Grooming Behavior Problems Fortunately, there are several steps pet owners can take to help their pet adjust to grooming more easily. Make sure your pet's needs are met before grooming. If an animal is hungry, tired or uncomfortable, they may behave poorly in a stressful situation like grooming. Be sure they are as comfortable as possible before any grooming, and avoid any grooming if your pet may be sick or injured. Be sure they have had a drink or light meal (unless the groomer requests otherwise), and take a bathroom break just before grooming begins. Meet with the groomer to learn their techniques. Different groomers use different tools and techniques. Visit with your groomer and discuss what their methods may be, including how they react to behavior problems. Be candid about your pet's personality and potential issues that may arise, and choose a groomer who will keep your pet's best interests, safety and comfort in mind. Socialize your pet to unusual situations and noises. Many pets react badly at the groomer's because they are not used to the setting, strange people or the loud noises of hoses, clippers and fans. If you socialize your pet more frequently, however, they will be accustomed to diversity and may not be as bothered or react as poorly. Visit pet parks or play areas, take your pet to more crowded locations and otherwise get them used to unusual situations so they can adjust better. Train your pet and familiarize your groomer with appropriate commands. Training helps your pet stay focused and gives them a sense of comfort and stability. Use commands like stop, wait or stay and teach your groomer the tone of voice, hand signals or other cues you use when training your pet. If they are able to use the same commands, your pet is more likely to respond well. Have small treats on hand to reward your pet for good behavior. Observe a grooming session to spot any bad behavior triggers. You know your pet best, and if you can watch a grooming session, you may notice things that are upsetting your pet and causing bad behavior. Reputable groomers should always have a way you can observe a session, and you can take notes about problems that occur and talk to a trainer or your veterinarian for possible solutions. Learn to do more grooming at home. You may be able to do many grooming tasks – trimming long fur, clipping nails, rinsing eyes, etc. – at home and spare your pet unnecessary trips to the groomer. As you groom your pet, you will also be familiarizing them with grooming in a more comfortable environment, which can help lessen their poor behavior. Grooming behavior problems are not uncommon, and you can easily take steps to make grooming as stress-free for your pet as possible.Mon, 15 Aug 2016 00:00:00 -0700http://www.tommyspetstudio.com/blog/post/all-about-pet-vaccinationshttp://www.tommyspetstudio.com/blog/post/all-about-pet-vaccinations Vaccinations are essential to protect your pet, but it can be confusing, even overwhelming, to decide which vaccinations are best for your pet and when they should be administered. The more you know about vaccinating your pet, however, the easier you will be able to take the best possible care of every furry family member. Why Vaccinate? Vaccines provide your pet with crucial immunity against deadly communicable diseases. While no vaccine is 100 percent effective, the proper vaccines can help your pet resist diseases or recover far more quickly and easily if they do become infected. Vaccines do much more than just protect your pet, however, and even if your pet rarely comes into contact with other animals, vaccinations are just as essential to their health and well-being, for a number of reasons. Licensing: Many cities and counties require proper pet licenses for cats and dogs, and it may be necessary to provide vaccination records to get that license. Some communities may even offer less expensive licensing options if pets are properly vaccinated. Boarding: If you board your pet for any reason, even just for doggie day care or similar pet-sitting services, proper vaccinations can protect your pet from other animals that may be in the facility, as well as prevent your pet from inadvertently spreading contagion to others. Travel: It can be fun to take your pet along on a family vacation, and you may also need to travel with your pet if you are relocating. Updated vaccinations may be necessary to bring your pet to pet-friendly hotels, and will also protect your pet from strange animals along the way. Breeding: If you plan to breed your pet, vaccinations are necessary to protect both parent animals as well as any resulting puppies or kittens. Reputable breeders will not consider working with animals that have not been properly vaccinated. Young puppies and kittens should also have their first vaccinations before being sold. Types of Vaccines There are many different types of vaccines to consider for your pet. Some are administered alone, others may be grouped into different combination doses. Most veterinarians would recommend beginning vaccinations for puppies and kittens at 5-6 weeks of age, as their natural immunities from mother's milk begin to fade but before they may be exposed to many contagions. There are different "core" vaccines recommended for different pets, as well as other vaccinations that should be considered depending on your pet's lifestyle and possible risks. Typical vaccines include… For dogs… Distemper Parvovirus Rabies Canine hepatitis Leptospira bacteria Bordetella Parainfluenza Lyme disease Corona virus Canine influenza For cats… Feline distemper Feline calcivirus Rhinotracheitis Rabies Feline leukemia Bordetella Chlamydophila felis Feline Immunodeficiency virus Feline infectious peritonitis In addition to vaccines, be sure to give your pet a healthy diet, proper exercise, a safe environment and the right veterinary care to keep them healthy. Best Vaccines for Your Pet Not every pet needs every single available vaccine. There are many factors that influence what vaccinations will be best for your pet, including… Age, gender and breed Environment and geography Family or genetic history Lifestyle and risk of exposure Overall health Local pet and animal laws Your veterinarian can help assess your pet's health and will recommend a proper schedule of vaccines to keep them healthy. Don't feel obliged to just take your vet's instant advice, however – study up on different vaccinations and risks, and even consider getting a second opinion to be sure you're choosing the very best option for your pet. Mon, 01 Aug 2016 00:00:00 -0700http://www.tommyspetstudio.com/blog/post/keeping-your-pets-cool-in-hot-weatherhttp://www.tommyspetstudio.com/blog/post/keeping-your-pets-cool-in-hot-weather Summer weather is one of the best times to get outside and be active with your furry friend. However, you should keep in mind that your pet reacts differently to heat than you do. Here are some things to keep an eye out for during hot weather: Pre-hot weather groomingBefore the hot summer days arrive, you may want to consider grooming your pet. Thought your pet does have the natural defense of shedding as the heat approaches, it never hurts to help things along by giving a quick brushing to get out all the loose hair. This can be true particularly for dogs. Also, if your dog has long hair, you might want to cut it down to an inch long or so. Be sure that you never cut down to your dog’s skin. Shade and waterIf your pet is outside a lot, make sure that it has a shady place to rest, with a supply of clean water. On the hottest days, putting a few ice cubes in the dish can help a lot.These are very simple but useful steps to help keep your pet cool. In the carIf it’s hot outside, you shouldn’t leave your pets unattended in your vehicle. Cars will heat up quickly in the sun and can far exceed the temperature outside. Even leaving the car running with the air conditioning isn’t a guarantee; since it is possible the car can stop running. Take it easy Keep the exorcise limited on hot days. If possible, try to keep it to early morning and evening hours on the hottest days. Also, keep in mind that asphalt can be very hot on your pet’s paws, so try to keep to the grass when the sun is bearing down. If you think your pet may be suffering from heatstroke, immediately move your pet to a shady area or indoors, preferably with air conditioning. Next, apply cold packs to his/her head, neck and chest. An alternative would be to run cool water over your pet (but not cold water). Also, allow your pet to drink water in small amounts or chew ice cubes if possible. Follow with a call to the veterinarian as soon as possible.Fri, 15 Jul 2016 00:00:00 -0700