GROOMING
- January 06, 2025
You want to reduce your dog's exposure to "toxic goo" dog shampoo but you want to know what to expect when switching to a true organic dog shampoo. 4-Legger has helped thousands of pet parents through this transition so we can help set your expectations and offer a few tips!
Quality in - Quality Out
It is important to keep in mind that the health of your dog's skin and coat is affected by the food and treats you feed them. If you are feeding your dog high quality food, the transition will be less noticeable than if you are feeding lower quality food.
Concentrated but thinner consistency
Traditional synthetic thickeners in pet grooming products can't be used in certified organic dog shampoo as they are on the restricted list. These synthetic thickeners can have links to allergies, dry and itchy skin, hormone disruption and organ toxicity, and despite claims otherwise; they are not natural.
As a result, most organic dog shampoo is fairly thin but concentrated (meaning a little goes
- November 05, 2024
As the weather starts to get colder, it’s important that we remain aware of the potential hazards winter can bring. In this blog, we’re going to take a detailed look at pet paw care during the colder months, as many don’t realise just how harsh the winter environment can be on our pet’s sensitive paws.
Why is Winter So Harsh on Our Pet’s Paws?
So, what is it about winter that puts our pet’s precious paw pads at risk?
First of all, snow and debris can easily get caught in your pet’s paws, especially if they are a long-haired breed. This can cause balls of snow and ice to form in and around your pet’s paw pads, which can be incredibly painful. It can even result in trauma to the affected area.
Ice also brings plenty of hazards. Not only is there the risk of slips and falls, but the ice can also cause cracking of the paw pads. In extreme cases, even frostbite could be a possibility.
However, one of the biggest risks that winter presents isn’t from the ice or snow. Instead, it comes from
- November 04, 2024
The inclement winter weather coupled with central heating can be very damaging and drying to your dog and cat’s coat which can look dull and lifeless. See how your dog can survive the wintry weather!
Here we have some tips for winter dog grooming practices to ensure your pets are kept warm, dry and comfortable which is crucial for overall general good health.
Staying Warm and Dry:
Older dogs, puppies and short haired dogs may benefit from wearing a coat when out walking on cold days and any dog that becomes wet from rain or snow should be dried thoroughly on their return home. Dog’s skin can become dry and itchy if fur hasn’t been dried properly in combination with the dry heat from our homes. Look for a drying coat to make the job easier!
Bathing:
Try not to bath your dog unnecessarily during the winter months. If you can, wait until the mud has dried and brush it out. When you do bathe your dog, use a gentle, moisturising shampoo and rinse in warm water ensuring your dog has been
- November 04, 2024
Taking the dog for a walk through the glorious summer days is something we all adore. But when autumn comes along with its lashings of rain, it’s not always fun and games. Here are a few tips to help you embrace and even enjoy those soggy walks with your pooch.
For some people, walking in wet weather is the main downside of owning a dog and often becomes a dreaded chore. And while you could be lucky with a dog that prefers to stay indoors until the rain stops, others love a good romp around in puddles. Meaning you’re dragged outside in the cold, wind and rain whether you like it or not!
But your rainy dog walks don’t have to be a nightmare. Preparing yourself both mentally and physically will have a huge impact on how you view those rainy strolls. Here are a few tips to help you embrace and even enjoy those soggy walks with your pooch.
PREPARE THE AREA :
Before you leave, take a moment to place everything you need for your return just inside the front door. You don’t want messy paw
- November 01, 2024
Have You Considered Using a Paw Balm for its Soothing and Protective Effects?
Paw Balm, if used regularly, will keep your pet’s pads in the best possible condition. It will also leave them less susceptible to damage from hard as well as cold and hot surfaces.
Healthy dogs have spongy and hydrated paws. In the summer the hot pavement can be incredibly hard on dogs’ paw pads and in the winter paws come into contact with elements such as ice, grit and salt, which can result in rough, irritated and cracked pads, causing possible discomfort.
At Healthful Pets we sell a range of Paw Balms to ensure your dog’s paws are kept in the best possible condition and less susceptible to damage. The paw balms that we sell are all made with natural ingredients and are perfectly safe for those dog’s who may lick their paws.
The Natural Dog Company have released a series of Paw Balms, that will leave your dogs pads strong and stable. PawTection by The Natural Dog Company is a vegan, organic, all-natural
- September 03, 2024
As those chilly nights draw in, we know autumn is here. Autumn is a wonderful season to get outside and spend time with your dog. But there are a few potential risks dog owners should bear in mind. The health and happiness of our pups should always be a priority. So consider these safety precautions when caring for your dog this autumn.
Take care of your dog’s paws
When piles of leaves litter the streets, potentially harmful debris can lurk underneath. Broken glass and sharp objects hidden under the leaves could cut your dog’s paw pads, so it’s always a good idea to check your dog’s paws regularly.
Later in the season, salt used to de-ice the roads can irritate your dog’s paws. If you’ve been walking over road salt, be sure to wash your dog down afterwards.
Wetter autumn weather often means damp paws, which are the perfect breeding ground for yeast and bacteria. If you notice your dog’s paws have a yeasty smell or they seem red and irritated, be sure to see a vet.
View our range of paw
- September 01, 2024
What is the difference between the KG Pet Spray and Cedarcide Original Spray?
They are very different products, the Cedarcide Original Spray is an oil (Cedarcide & Silica oil) whereas the KG Pet Spray is a fruit enzymes spray, made from mostly pineapple, papaya, or kiwi fruits fermented for 6 months it is not a pesticide poison.The KG spray can be used to help eliminate Mange (all types), Fleas, Ticks, Mites and Itchy Skin Problems. It can also be used to eliminate odours. It can be used as an air freshener and is effective on smoke, cooking, waste and other undesirable odours. The enzymes in the KG Spray act and cause the insect to moult (shed its outer coating) prematurely. It dissolves the insect's skin and it dies. It will not harm mammals as they regrow skin cells daily, so making it very gentle and safe for owners.
The Cedarcide Original is ideal for pest control, which include moths, fleas, ticks, ants, and other insects. It dehydrates, disrupts pheromones, suffocates and
- May 23, 2024
As the happy pet parent of a new puppy, you may be pondering over a seemingly simple question: Is there a real difference between puppy shampoo and adult dog shampoo? The answer may surprise you and hopefully it will make you question some of the products marketed as puppy shampoo. By the end of this article you will be able to recognise what to look for in a natural dog shampoo that is safe for puppies.
WHAT MAKES PUPPY SHAMPOO DIFFERENT FROM ADULT DOG SHAMPOO?
The general idea behind puppy shampoo is that it would use more mild ingredients than shampoo made for adult dogs because a puppy's skin is more delicate, thin, and sensitive compared to an adult dog's skin (the same is true of humans too)! A puppy's skin is also less resistant to chemicals and harsh ingredients so it should never contain artificial fragrance, artificial colors, or harsh preservatives.
WHAT SHOULD YOU LOOK FOR IN A PUPPY SHAMPOO?
Finding a puppy shampoo isn't as easy as looking at the bottle, trusting the
- May 22, 2024
If you're a dog owner, chances are you've heard of anal gland issues. These small sacs located on either side of your dog's anus can cause discomfort and even pain if they become impacted or infected.
In this blog post, Proflax will provide some information about the causes and symptoms of anal gland problems together with information about Proflax Bottoms Up, a natural and effective supplement that will help to keep your dogs bottom healthy and happy!
Understanding Anal Glands: Causes and Symptoms
Anal glands secrete a smelly substance that is used for marking territory and communication with other dogs. Under normal circumstances, these little glands empty naturally when your dog goes for a poo. However, sometimes they can become blocked or infected, leading to discomfort and potential health issues. There also now appears to be an increased amount of cases of blocked anal glands, so we will investigate diet and some possible causes in relation to the food your dog eats.
Regular emptying
- April 28, 2024
Dogs sunburn just like you and I. Certain dogs are at a greater predisposition to sunburn, including white dogs, light-colored dogs, short-haired and hairless dogs. Regardless of colour, coat or breed, all dogs sunburn.
Dog sunburn is especially common in areas with little to no fur, such as their nose, belly, around the mouth, eyelids and ears. Dogs can also sunburn through their fur; especially white or light-colored dogs with fair skin.
A dog sunburn is nothing to ignore, as reoccurring or untreated burns, may lead to an increased risk for skin cancer. They can also be painful and irritating, just like sunburns for humans.
Dog Sunburn Symptoms
Dogs show signs of sunburn similar to humans. You will likely notice your dog is sunburned on his/her ears, nose or belly before anywhere else. Some signs your dog got too much sun include:
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Red skin that may also be sensitive to the touch
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Dry, cracked skin
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Curling at the edges of the ears
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Your dog may be scratching and possibly whimpering (as
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