Tag Archive for: Fort Collins Pets

Top 5 Places for Dog Grooming in Fort Collins

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Now that the weather is warming up, we’ve all been a little more focused on sprucing up for spring and summer. From the time at the gym to hair and nail appointments, it’s definitely the time of year to refresh grooming routines after the cold winter months. That should also be the same for your precious pets as well. It’s time to trim up those winter coats and pretty up those paws.

Need helping picking a dog groomer in Fort Collins? Check out our Top 5 places for grooming:

1.) Michi’s Grooming

2.) Animal House

3.) The Dog Pawlour

4.) Spa 5 paws

5.) Wagz Pet Market

How to Pick the Perfect Groomer:

If you’re new to getting your dog or cat groomed, don’t hesitate to give your local groomer a call. They’ll be happy to answer any questions you have and help put your mind to ease.

Here are some basic tips for making sure you’re picking the right groomer for you:

  • Visit the shop to make an appointment in person
  • Does the staff appear knowledgeable, caring, and gentle?
  • Is the facility well lit and clean?
  • Do the animals have enough room in their cages (they should be able to stand and turn around comfortably)
  • Are dogs and cats caged in separate areas?
  • Does the groomer keep complete pet records (including grooming, medical, vaccination and emergency contact information)?

Ask your friends and neighbors their experiences as well. You can never do too much research when it comes to someone handling your fur-baby. Don’t feel bad about asking questions or for a tour. A great groomer won’t hesitate to show you around and assuage any anxiety you or your pet feels about the process.

Do you have a favorite groomer in Fort Collins? Let us know your recommendations in the comments below or on our Facebook page!

Fleas, Ticks, and Mosquitoes – How to Protect Your Pet

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Spring is in full swing and the gorgeous weather has us loving the great outdoors. But that also means that fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes are out and about too. If you haven’t gotten your pet’s prevention medicine on them yet this year, then the time to do it is now.

  • Why is it so important?

Mosquitoes, ticks and fleas are pests. There’s no doubt about that. But even more than being a nuisance of itchy red bites, they carry real health risks.

Mosquitoes are the carriers of heartworms. It only takes one infected mosquito to give your dog or cat heartworm disease. While most pets show no symptoms in the early stages, if left untreated, heartworm disease causes heart failure in dogs and lung damage in cats.

Fleas & Ticks are also transmitters of a host of deadly diseases. Fleas transmit very scary illnesses such as the plague, typhus, and parasitic worms, just to name a few. Ticks can cause Lyme Disease, anemia, and paralysis. All of these are very serious.

  • Methods of prevention:

It is far easier to prevent these conditions than to treat them. That is, if you can treat them. There are heartworm treatments for dogs, but is expensive and can have serious side effects. There is no treatment available for feline heartworm disease, so prevention for both species is key. Most commonly you will find oral and topical medications.

Flea, Tick and Heartworm Preventatives  (Source) 
Product Chemical(s) Administration Fleas Ticks Heartworm
Capstar Nitenpyram Oral as needed Yes No No
Advantage Imidacloprid Topical monthly Yes No No
K9 Advantix Imidacloprid/Permethrin Topical monthly Yes Yes No
Frontline Plus Fipronil/Methoprene Topical monthly Yes Yes No
Revolution Selamectin Topical monthly Yes Yes Yes
Sentinel Lufenuron/Melbemycin/Oxime Oral Monthly Yes No Yes

Bathing and grooming also play an important part of keeping heartworms, fleas and ticks at bay. Also, frequently vacuuming your pet’s beds as well as areas they play and lounge in helps to prevent these pests.        

As always, talk to your vet for advice regarding heartworm and flea prevention. All of our pets have different needs and daily lives. Depending on their age, activity level and environment, your vet will help you determine which type of prevention is best for you.

What type of prevention do you use on your pets? Let us know in the comments!

6 Places to Go With Your Dog in Fort Collins

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Fort Collins is a very dog friendly town and there are plenty of places to explore with your pooch. Keep in mind that Fort Collins recently changed its health code rule. That means, often times pet dogs are not allowed inside outdoor patios any longer, but can be right outside the fence.

Sierra Trading Post

Who doesn’t love Sierra Trading Post, the discount outdoor wares store? Now fido can love it with you too. Sierra Trading Post is extremely dog friendly and loves to see pups in their store. You and your dog can check out their awesome pet section and maybe even pick out a new harness.

Bath Garden Center

Does your doggy love picking out new plants (or better yet, picking out new things to pee on)? Then head on over to Bath Garden Center. This store is very dog friendly inside and out and even has their own store foster dog. Just be sure to keep an eye on your dog, you don’t want him peeing on a plant that isn’t yours yet!

Home Depot

This large warehouse store is friendly to dogs. Many dogs love perusing the isles and getting to greet the friendly people who work there.

Jax

This outdoor recreation store is extremely dog friendly. Your dog will love getting to say “Hi!” to the friendly employees and plan for your next adventure with you.

Walrus Ice Cream

While this beloved ice cream shop does not allow dogs inside, they do have a special treat for canine companions. Every Sunday is dog day! Where Fido can get a bit of doggy ice cream to enjoy with you. Busy on Sunday? That’s okay, you can ask for a doggy scoop of vanilla ice cream to share with your dog.

Gryphon Games and Comics and the Purple Cup Cafe

Even though dogs are not allowed inside the coffee area, they are welcome to go into the store and hang out in the game area. Dogs love to go shopping with their folks and enjoy the sunshine!

General Guidelines for Taking Your Pet With You:

  • Always keep your dog leashed, on a hand held (non-retractable) leash
  • Always be under your control
  • Should be potty trained
  • Have all his shots and be healthy (for his and other dogs protection)
  • And be friendly to other dogs and strangers

It’s always fun to bring your pet with you with you’re out an about. Just make sure your pet is comfortable and follow the above guidelines for a good time. Also, brush up on the newest leash laws too.

Do you have a favorite place to take your pet? Let us know in the comments below or on our Facebook page!

Find the best Fort collins dog trails!
Contact Us to Schedule Your Dog Walks

What to Know About Owning A House Rabbit in Fort Collins

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This is the season of the rabbit. It’s spring and the Easter Bunny is everywhere you look. And what’s not to love about fluffy little bunnies? With their adorable twitching noses, soft fluffy ears and gentle disposition. There is just so much to love! That’s why this is the busiest season for house rabbit adoption. And having a rabbit is very rewarding, but there are some things you should know before adopting one of your own. After all, adopting a new pet shouldn’t be an impulse buy for the season, you should be ready to give them a forever home.

Things to Consider:

  • Housing
  • Litter Training
  • Children & Other Pets
  • Spay & Neutering

Housing & Exercise :

First you need to to consider is where your rabbit is going to live. They are pretty social animals, so make sure to pick a place that will give them space, but still allow them to be near the family. Setting them up with a puppy pen, a bunny condo, or a large area to call their own is essential. If they are going to have a free reign area of their own, make sure to bunny-proof that room. Rabbits are natural chewers and will chomp on furniture, rugs, drapes and worst of all, electrical cords. Make sure all cords are tucked away far from Bunny’s reach. Check out these ideas for rabbit housing from MyHouseRabbit.com Bunnies are social and need lots of exercise. They can’t just sit in a cage all day. There are tons of fun chew toys to get them and make sure to spend time with them every day.

Litter Training:

If you’re getting a rescue rabbit, chances are that they have already started the process of litter training. However, they can easily forget their training when the environment changes, but with persistence you can help reinforce their good habits. It is often best to start with them in a cage or enclosure. Then, to make cage time a time for learning, put a litter box in the corner for when your rabbit chooses for a “bathroom.” As they use box consistently and get used to the home, give them a little more freedom.

Children & Other Pets:

Rabbits are great around children. They are patient and mild mannered. But they can live for 10+ years. If you’re buying the pet for you child make sure to think about the future, like going to college, having after school activities or sports. Also, rabbits can get along pretty well with other pets as well. As long as you have another affable pet, then it shouldn’t be a problem.

Spay & Neutering

As it is with our cats and dogs, it is important to pay and neuter your rabbits as well. I mean, the saying about them did happened for a reason, right? Check out this list for all the places in Fort Collins where you can get your rabbit spayed or neutered.

For more information make sure to check out My House Rabbit. They have all the information you need about owning a rabbit.

Do you have a house rabbit in your family? Share you stories and pictures on our Facebook page!