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šŸ• 6 ways to groom your pup at home

Tuesday, 9/17: Sponsored by Good Chop and NativePath - grooming, bum wipe, funny video

šŸ¾ Start your day on the right pawā€¦

Dogs Stripping GIF by Artero Professional Line

ā€¦ and see the world through your dogā€™s eyes šŸ¾

  • šŸ¶ 6 ways to groom your pup at home

  • šŸ„° Do you really need to wipe your dogā€™s bum?

  • šŸ¾ An easy way to transform your meals

  • šŸ¦“ Watch Skye switch from big bark to puppy whimpers

  • šŸ¾ How to restore your youth

  • ā¤ļø A special word from our pups

ā

My fashion philosophy is, if you're not covered in dog hair, your life is empty.ā€

Elayne Boosler

True or False?

Hypoallergenic dogs exist.

(scroll to the bottom to find the answer!)

6 Ways to Groom Your Pup at Home

Letā€™s face it: grooming isnā€™t always the highlight of being a dog parent, especially if your pup isnā€™t a fan. If youā€™re lucky enough to have a dog who loves being cleaned up, congratulations! For the rest of us, grooming is just part of the territory. Regular grooming not only keeps your dog looking and smelling fresh but also supports their overall health. Here are six ways to groom your dog at home.

  1. Brush Them

Brushing your dog isn't just about keeping them pretty ā€“ it's a must for their health. It removes dirt, debris, and dead skin cells while preventing tangles and mats. Ideally, you should brush your dog at least once a week, but some breeds benefit from daily brushing. And remember, short-haired dogs need it too ā€“ those tiny hairs can sneak into every nook and cranny of your house! Tip: Use the right brush for your dog's coat type and always brush in the direction of hair growth. Not only will this help control shedding, but it also stimulates blood circulation, creating a shiny, healthy coat.

  1. Bath Time

Nothing beats the smell of a freshly bathed pupā€¦ after the wet dog smell fades away. Bathing helps remove excess hair, dirt, and any not-so-pleasant doggy odors (though, Iā€™ll admit, I love how my pups smell no matter what). But donā€™t overdo it ā€“ too-frequent baths can strip away natural oils, leaving their coat dry. When your pup is ready for a bath, use a mild shampoo made for dogs. Lather them up from the neck down, give them a good scrub, and rinse thoroughly. Be ready for that classic post-bath shake!

  1. Nail Trimming

Long nails can make walking uncomfortable for your dog and might even lead to painful breaks. If you hear those little ā€œclick-clicksā€ on the floor, itā€™s time for a trim. Use dog-specific nail clippers with a safety guard to avoid cutting too close to the quick ā€“ a blood vessel inside the nail. And if your pup has dark nails (hello, black-nail struggles!), take it slow and steady. My black dog runs for cover when the nail trimmers come out ā€“ we might have clipped her quickly onceā€¦ 11 years ago. Oops! Make nail trimming a positive experience by starting small and rewarding them with treats.

  1. Ear Cleaning

Did you know itā€™s recommended to clean your dogā€™s ear at least once a month? Thereā€™s a lot going on in there and their ears can be a breeding ground for infections if not properly cleaned. Trim any excess hair inside the ear (a groomer or vet can help with this), and clean only the outer part of the ear using a damp cloth. Be sure to dry your dogā€™s ears thoroughly after a bath or swim to prevent moisture buildup. Keep an eye (or nose) out for redness, swelling, or a funky smell ā€“ these could be signs of an ear infection.

My deaf dogā€™s ears are a bit of a running joke in my house. Heā€™s prone to ear infections, and we often laugh that his ears are totally uselessā€”they donā€™t hear a thing but still manage to give us endless trouble with infections!

  1. Brush Those Teeth

Dental hygiene is just as important for dogs as it is for us. Plaque buildup can lead to serious health issues down the line, so aim to brush your dog's teeth daily or at least a few times a week. Use a toothbrush and toothpaste made specifically for dogs. If your pupā€™s not a fan, ease them into it by letting them sniff and lick the toothpaste before trying the brush. For pups that refuse to cooperate (we all know one!), dental treats and chew toys are great alternatives to help maintain those pearly whites.

  1. Eye Care

Your dog's eyes need a little TLC too. Gently wipe away any discharge (aka doggy eye boogers) from the corners with a soft cloth or cotton ball dipped in warm water. Be sure to avoid rubbing directly on the eye, and stick to products specifically designed for dogs.

How does your pup handle grooming time? Do they see it as an opportunity for extra bonding, or is it more of a chase-and-catch situation?

Do You Need to Wipe Your Pupā€™s Bum?

This is a topic only dog parents would spend time pondering and discussing with fellow dog lovers: Do you need to wipe your dogā€™s bum? Some people might find it odd, while others see it as a necessity. Letā€™s set the record straight once and for all.

To Wipe, Or Not to Wipe?

Generally, healthy pups donā€™t need extra help with cleaning their bums. Their bodies are pretty amazing and self-sufficient in this area. Theyā€™re also experts at grooming themselves with their tongues (this feels like a TMI, but weā€™re all well aware of this and somehow it doesnā€™t stop us from giving them kisses!).

However, itā€™s wise to keep an eye on your pupā€™s bum after they do their business, as there are situations where you might need to lend a helping hand. Some situations include:

  • Fluffy, long-haired dogs: Those gorgeous, flowing locks can sometimes get matted or curled around their bum, trapping poop. If it gets stuck, a clean-up will be necessary.

  • Dogs with tummy troubles: Diarrhea can make a mess of their bottom area. You may need to wipe, clean, and dry the area each time they have an episode until theyā€™re back to normal.

  • Pups experiencing constipation: If your pup is having trouble with constipation, they might need some help with cleaning up after passing those stubborn poop nuggets.

  • Dogs with a corkscrew tail: Breeds like English Bulldogs, French Bulldogs, Pugs, and Boston Terriers can have an ingrown or inverted tail (a corkscrew tail). This tail fold can trap poo, leading to infections if not cleaned regularly.

  • Senior dogs: Sweet, older pups might struggle with grooming themselves and pushing out what they need to. They may need a bit of extra help to stay clean.

Making sure your pupā€™s adorable bum is clean will help them stay comfortable and prevent irritation, health issues, andā€”letā€™s be honestā€”keep ahem poo stamps off your couch or bed. If youā€™re ever unsure whether a wipe is needed, your dog will probably let you know by butt-scooting across your carpets!

If you need to wipe your pupā€™s bum, always use either a cloth with warm water or non-irritant wipes made specifically for dogs with gentle ingredients. Lastly, be sure to dry them afterward.

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Thank you to Good Chop for sponsoring Daily Dig.

Skyeā€™s Fierce Bark Turns to Puppy Whimpers in Seconds

Skye is a Cane Corso whoā€™s the definition of a gentle giant. In this adorable video, Skye puts on her big girl bark in case thereā€™s an intruder. But as soon as she realizes itā€™s just her nanny, her tough act quickly melts into sweet puppy whimpers. Itā€™s hilarious to hear the instant switchā€”safe to say, sheā€™s definitely a grandmaā€™s girl!

Restore Your Youth

Collagen loss as you age results in weaker joints, wrinkles, and a decline in overall vitality. Replenishing collagen can restore your vibrancy and power, and the journey starts now. With the power of NativePathā€™s Grass-Fed Collagen Powder, their premium formula absorbs rapidly, rebuilding strength and enhancing beauty from within. Simply add 2 scoops to your daily routine and witness the transformative effects.

What are the other benefits?

  • Support Bone Density: Say goodbye to fractures and hello to strong bones.

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  • Revive Skin Elasticity: Reduce wrinkles, welcome youthful skin

Don't miss out on this game-changing chance to embrace the power of collagen today. You deserve to feel and look your best, and now it's within reach with NativePath.

Thank you to NativePath for sponsoring Daily Dig.

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A Special Message From Our Best Buddies

Daily Dig is inspired and brought to you by our wonderful dogs. Our dogs, and all the other pups out there, make the world a happier, brighter place. ā¤ļø

With lots of love,

Stitcher, Minnie, & Finnegan šŸ¾

šŸ¦“ A Little Treat

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