Latest news with #Bichons
Scottish Sun
17-05-2025
- Health
- Scottish Sun
From a cat who likes walkies to a horse being bitten – your pet queries answered
HE is on a mission to help our pets . . . and is here to answer YOUR questions. Sean, who is the head vet at tailored pet food firm has helped with owners' queries for ten years. 4 Sean McCormack, head vet at promises he can 'help keep pets happy and healthy' 4 Sean helps a reader whose cat like to go for walkies Credit: Getty Q) MY three-year-old cat Brian likes going for walkies. He follows me on my two-mile morning walk across fields just like a dog. I have tried to discourage him but he is stubborn, and locking him in doesn't seem fair. He insists on tagging along. Is that normal? Mikey Scott, Plymouth, Devon A) It is normal for some cats, yes, though I agree it's a bit more like dog behaviour. But every pet is different, with their own quirks and eccentricities. I don't see a big problem here as long as he is not being exposed to the danger of roads or being out in the open with nowhere to run if an aggressive off-lead dog caught sight of him for example. It's a wonderful way for you and Brian to bond. Q) WHAT can I do to prevent the discolouration on the fur of my white poodle Misty where her eyes run? I'm a property expert, here are the five key things when moving with a pet I've had her eyes checked and they are fine. Maggie Peters, Birmingham A) This is very common in white dogs and Poodles, Bichons, Maltese, as well as in breeds with shorter skulls or protruding eyes such as Pugs, Bulldogs, Boxers, Pekingese, Lhasa Apso, Shih Tzu and so on. The reddish-brown discoloration is caused by a compound in tears called porphyrin. It leaves a stain on the coat if there is an excess of tears or prolonged contact time. It is usually due to the tear duct not draining the eye of tears as efficiently as it could, resulting in tears spilling over the eyelids onto the face. Wipes and products can be used to clean the hair around the eyes regularly and dissolve the stains. Q) I DREAD summer as every year Molly, my horse, suffers with horse fly bites. I shield her head and body with a net or coverings, use fly deterrent and bring her in early in the evenings when they are most active. There is no dung nearby or stagnant water. But her grazing is near a river which I think doesn't help. Last year I tried citronella shampoo which helped a bit. Is there any other preventative treatment I can try? Sarah Steel, Lincoln A) I can feel your frustration and concern. If there is one creature in the entire world that gives me the heebie jeebies it is horse flies. You are doing virtually all the right things. Light-coloured rugs, nets and clothing are advised as the insects are attracted to large dark objects. I might look into changing her grazing to be far away from the river, as aquatic environments tend to attract more biting insects, and horse flies in particular need boggy, marshy ground and water courses to complete their lifecycle. Q) HOW often should ferrets be bathed? My husband has two — Pepper and Pickles — and he says brushing is more important than bathtime as it keeps them healthy and prevents hairballs. But I'm not so sure. Kim Greenwood, Carlisle A) There's no right or wrong answer here. Some owners bathe their ferrets regularly to tackle their distinctive odour, whereas some love the aroma and never bathe them. Your husband is correct in that brushing will probably do more to prevent them ingesting moulting hair and potentially developing hairballs, which can be very serious, even fatal. You can also get hairball reduction paste from your vet clinic which can be very useful in spring and autumn when ferrets heavily moult. Star of the week MANCHESTER puss Egg was dubbed 'grumpy cat', but has undergone a personality transplant after being rescued. Two-year-old Egg was known for her prickly demeanour, steely glare, and staunch refusal to tolerate cuddles, claw clipping, or any form of grooming. 4 Manchester puss Egg was dubbed 'grumpy cat' but has undergone a personality transplant after being rescued Credit: Supplied But now, thanks to the patience and love of her new owners and a new calming supplement she's purr-fectly content and loves pamper sessions. Owner marine biologist Jeni Sage, 35, of Manchester, said: 'She's gone from a cat who would hiss and hide at the first hint of affection, to one that curls up next to me on the sofa for a cuddle. 'It's been such a heartwarming journey.' WIN: Portable pet washing device THE award-winning Mud Daddy Portable Washing Device is perfect for cleaning your pets – even horses! The eco-friendly and efficient design uses water pressure instead of a motor. We have two Mud Daddy 8 Litre Portable Washing Device Bundles worth over £155 each to giveaway. To enter send an email headed MUD DADDY to sundaypets@ by June 1. Visit T&C's apply. BUSHY MOGGIES ARE MAINE ATTRACTION MAINE Coons are the country's favourite cat, Pets4Homes has revealed. The laidback moggies were the most searched for kitties of the past year, followed by Savannah, Oriental, Siberian and Siamese. 4 Maine Coons are the country's favourite cat, Pets4Homes has revealed Credit: Getty It comes after Goldendoodles were revealed to be the most popular dog for the third year in a row. Famous owners of Maine Coons include rapper Megan Thee Stallion and actors Jessica Alba and John Cleese. Axel Lagercrantz, CEO at Pets4 said: 'The popularity of exotic cats like the Maine Coon shows how we're thinking about pets as a way to make a statement. 'These breeds are more than just companions – they are unique, striking creatures that serve as conversation starters. 'The Maine Coon, with its majestic size and bushy tail, speaks to the growing trend of selecting pets that not only have personality but also stand out visually.' A number of Maine Coons have also gone viral on Instagram, due to their striking appearance including gentle giant Zeus, who has 423,000 followers and Mr ViVo, who has 477,000 followers. Axel added: 'Ultimately, our pets have become a reflection of our values, priorities and identities in a world that is increasingly interconnected.'
USA Today
10-05-2025
- Health
- USA Today
Rub a dub dub, put your pup in the tub! How to make shampoo for your dog: Video tutorial
Rub a dub dub, put your pup in the tub! How to make shampoo for your dog: Video tutorial Show Caption Hide Caption Natural dog shampoo you can DIY at home Create your own DIY dog shampoo using natural ingredients you already have at home. Problem Solved In between sleeping, eating and playing with toys, dogs get messy. If your precious pup decides to treat itself to a spa day and take an unauthorized dip in a mud bath, they'll need a regular bath to freshen their sake and yours! If you're out of your usual shampoo, it's easy to make some with ingredients you probably already have. Plus, it's a more cost-friendly alternative with fewer chemicals! So, grab your dirty pet, a clean towel and get ready to rub a dub dub, your pup in a tub! Watch this video for two easy DIY recipes for dog shampoo. How often does my dog need a bath The simplest answer is: your dog needs a bath when it's dirty or smells. However, some dogs need baths more regularly than others, depending on the type of fur they have. A good baseline is to bathe your pet at least once every three months. According to BeChewy: Soft coat and drop-coated breeds, like Poodles, Bichons, Yorkshire Terriers and Shih Tzus, need frequent bathing. Thick and double-coated breeds, like Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers and Huskies, need a bath anywhere from every 6 weeks to 3 months. If you're unsure of your pet's bathing needs, ask your veterinarian what they recommend. Shop top-rated related products: Dog shampoo Any time you're using a new product on your pet, homemade or store-bought, it's always a good idea to start with a patch test somewhere on them to make sure they don't react. Like humans, dogs can have allergies, too! Check that the ingredients are safe for your pet when you're making your own dog shampoo. Avoid soaps with heavy dyes or fragrances, though some essential oils, like lavender, are ok. To make a basic shampoo: Combine 2 cups of filtered or distilled water with 2 tablespoons of baking soda. Gently mix to dissolve the baking soda. Add 4 tablespoons castile soap. Add a squirt of aloe vera gel for extra moisture (optional). Shake to combine, and it's ready for bath time! Oats are great for dogs with itchy skin. To make an oat-based shampoo: Blend whole oats into a powder. Combine with warm water. Add 100% shea butter or 100% raw coconut oil for moisture. Optionally, it may need to be melted down for a couple of seconds before mixing you can opt not to add any shea butter or coconut oil and add a dash of apple cider vinegar instead. If you're making shampoo with shea butter and coconut oil, it is better to make it in small batches as they solidify. How to give your dog a bath at home The proper way to bathe your dog varies depending on the size and temperament of your pup. Smaller dogs can be bathed in a kitchen sink, while large dogs may need to use a bathtub or walk-in shower. You may even be able to find a self-service dog washing station in your area with facilities that make it easier to bathe your dog, regardless of size. Give your pup a pre-bath brush to get out any mats and tangles. Once they're in the sink or tub, secure your dog to keep them safely in place. You can use a leash or a grooming loop and secure it to your faucet or something sturdy nearby. Be mindful of where and how you're securing larger dogs to prevent any plumbing mishaps. Wet your dog with lukewarm water and then begin shampooing, working it into a lather. Depending on the size of your dog and the type of fur it has, working in sections might be the easiest approach. Wet and lather their head last, since it's often their least favorite part of the bathing process. Repeat this as needed. Finish off the bath with a very good rinse to ensure all of the shampoo and any other product you used have washed out of their fur. Dry your pup off with a towel or hairdryer (if they let you!) and then give them lots and lots of praise and treats for being such a good boy or girl.
