Smoochie Pooch Lowell

12/01/2023

Pets require grooming care year-round, regardless of what the flu season holds, and we want you to feel comfortable knowing that continuing your regular grooming appointments is a safe and responsible commitment as a pet owner.

Just like humans, pets are more vulnerable to getting sick this time of year. At Smoochie Pooch, we take precautions to ensure the safety of your pets while in our care.

-We minimize the number of pets in the salon at any given time.
-Every surface is disinfected with Kennelsol after each use.
-Pets do not come into contact with one another while at the salon.

Read this blog to learn about the “mysterious dog virus” going around and what our trusted sources have told us.

https://smoochie-pooch.com/2023-mysterious-dog-virus/

11/27/2023

Pet diabetes affects an estimated one in 300 dogs and is the second most commonly diagnosed endocrine disease in cats. A canine’s lifespan after a diabetic diagnosis is only two years, while a cat’s is three years.

Read this blog to learn how to navigate the signs, risk factors, diagnosis and the proper care required to support our furry friends facing this health challenge.

https://smoochie-pooch.com/pet-diabetes-causes-signs-treatment/

11/23/2023

We are so grateful for all of our customers- human, canine and feline alike! We hope everyone has a wonderful Thanksgiving!

11/06/2023

Approximately 7%-14% of dogs and 30% of cats are diagnosed with lymphoma each year. This disease causes tumors and other symptoms to occur within the pet’s body. Though there is no cure, knowing the signs and getting an early diagnosis can help a pet reach remission for a time.

Read this blog to learn what lymphoma is and what causes the disease. We’ll cover the types and symptoms of different kinds of lymphoma cats and dogs can develop, treatments and if it can be prevented.

https://smoochie-pooch.com/lymphoma-in-cats-dogs/

11/02/2023

Do dogs and cats only need flea and tick prevention during the warmer months? The answer to that question is no. Pets need year-round protection from these little critters. Though fleas and ticks may be less active during the colder months, there is still a risk of pest infestation for your pet and home.

Read this blog to learn how fleas and ticks survive the winter months, how to deter them from your yard and home even in cold weather, and how to protect your pets from fleas and ticks in winter.

Fleas and ticks die in winter right? Well actually no. Your pets are still at risk for a flea or tick latching onto them.

11/02/2023

Special thanks to Jess Adorno for judging our staff pumpkin carving contest! We are blown away at all of the talent and creativity of our pet groomers!

11/01/2023

We love our groomers! ❤️ !

10/27/2023

Do cats groom themselves? Many cat owners believe their cat self-grooms and there is no need for professional grooming. Though the feline is practicing coat maintenance, cats are not actually cleaning themselves. Not including cat grooming in the pet’s overall care puts the feline at risk for severe matting, digestion problems and housing unwelcome parasites.

This blog explains why cats don’t actually clean themselves and the reasons why they lick. Learn below why cat grooming is important, what to expect at the groomers and what you can do at home.

Do cat's groom themselves? The answer to that is no. They lick themselves and do coat maintenance, but are not exactly clean.

10/25/2023

Don't wait until the last minute to book grooming sessions before the holidays. Make your appointments now before we fill up!

10/23/2023

Allergies can take a major toll on a pet’s health and skin. Hypersensitivity can be caused by a number of different types of foods, environmental factors or bug bites. Catch the signs early by knowing what to look for so that you can go to the vet before the reaction becomes severe. Learn in this blog common allergies for pets, what tests diagnose certain allergies and important treatments to help heal and lessen allergy hypersensitivity.

Recognize the symptoms of allergies and know how to help your cat or dog. There are different kinds of allergies with different treatments.

10/19/2023

An astounding number of pet owners purchased insurance for their pets last year, with 4.8 million pets covered by pet insurance in 2022. With vet bills on the rise, purchasing pet medical coverage allows owners to choose the best treatments for their pets without worrying about their financial restrictions.

Click on the link below to continue reading to learn more about the basics of pet insurance, including how it works, what types are available, what they cover, and how to pick the right coverage plan for you and your pet.

Pet insurance is a relatively new thing for pet owners. Learn about different plans and coverage to make the right decision for your pet.

10/17/2023

October's Deal of the Month is a hot toddy facial, cologne and teeth brushing for only an additional $12! Add on this special spa treatment to elevate your pet's next grooming session. Call or email today to book an appointment!

10/16/2023

The Halloween holiday has been acknowledged on October 31st for over 2,000 years. The celebrations for this spooky day have evolved over the centuries, and now humans involve their furry friends in the scary fun. Pet costumes have become popular over the years, and many pets join in on the trick-or-treating. However, not all cats and dogs enjoy Halloween.

This blog covers how to pick the best Halloween costume for your pet, ways to help a pet if they are stressed out and how to keep them safe this Halloween.

Cute and easy costume ideas for your pet! Cat or dog not a fan? Here are tips on how to help them destress & keep them safe during Halloween.

10/12/2023

Winter is a time when everyone bundles up against the cold. Humans grab their hats and scarves while dogs transition into their winter coats. The colder months may seem like the perfect time to take a step back from consistent grooming, but maintaining your dog’s winter coat in winter is crucial. Learn more about winter coats and best grooming practices for them below.

Winter may seem like a good time to take a step back from your dog's grooming. However, this is the time of year when it is very important!

10/12/2023

Hubba Bubba!🤩 Bubba came in to see us with his sister Zelda today! Dad wanted to get him the mohawk after seeing a post of a dog who got one at another salon of ours!! Safe to say Bubba kills this look!

Call 219-286-3608 to get booked with Sydnie here at Lowell!🐾

10/11/2023

Look at this beautiful transformation Sydnie did on Cora! This was Cora’s very first groom with us and she did so good! Mom was so happy and pick up, and we were too! 🥰

Want your pup to get a spa day like Cora? Call us at 219-286-3608 and we will get you booked!🐾

10/10/2023

With those big ears and beautiful eyelashes, it’s hard not to fall in love! Mocha has come to see us since we opened our salon here in Lowell. She always leaves feeling her absolute best🥰

10/09/2023

An estimated 50 million dogs and 56 million cats are overweight or obese in the United States. This means that more than half the population of cats and dogs in America weigh significantly more than what is healthy. That added body fat can cause severe medical conditions, negatively impact their quality of life and shorten their lifespan.

This blog covers the causes of pet obesity and why it is so harmful to pets, offering a treatment plan for pet weight loss and tips for preventing obesity in your cat or dog.

Pet owners love to spoil their animals, but sometimes it is too much. Lots of food & little exercise can lead to the health crisis of obesity.

10/08/2023

Happy Birthday to Stephanie R.!! 🎂🥳🎈
She is one of our super talented groomers in our Chesterton salon! We are so happy to have you as part of our team and wish you the best year ever! 🐾🩷

10/06/2023

Happy Friday!🐾 Our buddy Winston came in for his second session with us today and although it may not look like it, he loved it! We got TONS of hair out with our deshed treatment! We can’t wait to see you again Winston!

10/05/2023

Walking a dog is universally seen as a core exercise a pet owner needs to provide to their furry friend. Walks can provide mental enrichment and be quality time for an animal owner and their dog. These outdoor excursions do not just involve these two individuals but affect everyone in the neighborhood. Where a dog goes to the bathroom, how well the animal is trained and interactions with others are just some ways a dog walk can impact the community.

This blog discusses the importance of training your dog to walk on a leash, dog walking etiquette everyone should follow and ways to bond with your dog on walks.

A dog walk is simple, but very important. How you walk your dog can have a positive or negative affect on your dog & your community.

10/02/2023

Pet lovers would love to bring their furry friends everywhere, but sometimes it is not possible. A pet owner may not have anyone who is willing or experienced enough to watch their dog or cat. That is when a pet owner needs to search for a reliable pet caregiver. The pet-sitting industry has grown 9.97% from 2022 to 2023 and is expected to continue to rise. There may not be a shortage of pet sitters available, but a dog or cat owner still needs to know how to find a good one that fits well with their beloved animals.

Click on the link below to read this blog. It explains where to look for a pet sitter, the right questions to ask a pet sitter and how to prepare your pet and the animal caregiver for their time together.

A trusted pet sitter can be a very important person in a pet owner's life. Learn where & how to find a reliable pet sitter.

09/28/2023

Rabies is a deadly disease for pets, and it is guaranteed to kill dogs and cats who contract it. The disease is also deadly when spread from animals to humans, with an estimated 59,000 human deaths globally each year. With no cure for pets with the rabies virus, it’s extremely important to learn how to prevent animals from contracting rabies.

This blog covers how animals contract rabies, how the virus spreads through the body, and the symptoms of a rabies infection in pets. Most importantly, we’ll go over how to prevent your pet from contracting the deadly disease through rabies vaccinations for both dogs and cats.

What is the rabies virus and how can you protect your pets? It is important to know the signs of infection & to take the steps of prevention.

09/25/2023

When someone hears that a dog is deaf the immediate reaction is to feel sorry for both the pet and the owner. Training and caring for a deaf animal can seem difficult and challenging. Both assumptions have been proven to not be entirely true. With specific training and the right knowledge, owning a deaf dog can be a rewarding experience.

This blog discusses the types of dogs prone to deafness, the signs that a dog is deaf, how to care for a deaf dog and how to train a deaf dog.

A deaf dog can seem like a lot of work, but with the right knowledge and specific training it can be just like having a full hearing dog.

09/21/2023

A shelter or rescue pet can display different kinds of behaviors, with some being positive and others being negative. Aggression and anxiety are two behaviors that make potential dog owners hesitant in adopting. Though these types of canines may be a bit more work, they can become the best dogs with a little help and guidance.

This blog provides important information in understanding the reasons behind these behavioral issues and lists the types, signs and treatments of aggression and anxiety in dogs.

Adopting a dog can come with issues such as aggression or anxiety. There are ways to help the dog cope with or change such behaviors

09/18/2023

A skinny and sick animal is often suffering from malnourishment. This condition is usually caused by neglect and mistreatment from the pet’s past owners. The road to recovery can take a while, but there are ways to help a deserving malnourished animal get back to top health.

This blog covers what malnourishment is, the signs, the causes, how to care for a malnourished pet and important support supplements to add to a malnourished pet’s daily nutrition.

A malnourished pet can be the result of neglect or an underlying health condition. Pay attention to the signs & find out how to help.

09/14/2023

Purchasing a puppy from a pet store or online may seem like the proper way to get a new dog. However, these establishments are a part of the puppy mill pipeline that encourages the mistreatment of dogs for profit. Though not illegal, puppy mills use inhumane methods of supplying pet stores and online spaces with puppies that are not in the best of health.

To ensure you are not adding to the demand, look for ethical breeders or go to your local shelter or rescue. This blog provides information on the problems with puppy mills, how to find ethical breeders and adopting from shelters and rescues.

Pet store puppies are part of the puppy mill pipeline that uses inhumane methods. Thankfully, there are much better options to get a puppy.

09/11/2023

September 13th is Pet Birth Defect Awareness Day. The observance day was established in 2014 by Davis Rogers. The goal is to bring awareness of pet birth defects caused often by inbreeding or over-breeding situations and to encourage responsible pet owners to accommodate animals that need a bit of extra help.

This blog discusses the causes of pet birth defects, the most common pet birth defects and the treatments for the common pet birth defects.

September 13th is recognized as Pet Birth Defect Awareness Day. Learn about the causes and the most common birth defects for pets.

09/08/2023

Emergency situations can happen unexpectedly. Different areas can be at risk for flooding, hurricanes, tornadoes, wildfires or earthquakes. Knowing what to do before the emergency happens is key to getting you and your pets to safety in time.

Our newest blog goes over how to make a plan, what needs to be in the pet emergency kit and how to help your pets to recover after experiencing an emergency situation.

Protect your pets & get them to safety quickly. Know how to make an evacuation plan & what items to put into a pet emergency kit.

09/04/2023

08/31/2023

A dog’s long or curly coat is a beautiful thing to admire. All that beauty comes with a lot of maintenance. Matted fur can be a complicated and consistent issue for a number of dog breeds like Shih-Tzu, Bichon and Cocker Spaniel. An understanding of matted fur is vital for any current or potential owner of a long or curly coated breed.

Our newest blog explains what matted fur is, how and where it forms, the negative side effects of matted dog hair and how to prevent matts from consistently forming on a dog.

Have a dog with long silky or curly hair? Matted fur can be a real issues with these dog coats, but there are solutions & preventions.

08/29/2023

Animals are of another species than human beings but the companionship that is between an owner and a pet makes them family. Pets often are a person’s best friend. They go through life, the ups and the downs, together. The worst thing about pets is that they do not live as long as humans. As a cat or dog ages, the owner becomes aware that a decision may need to be made. A pet crossing the rainbow bridge can be a crushing loss.

This blog discusses how to know when to let go of your pet, how to prepare to say goodbye, ways to memorialize your pet and the importance of waiting to get another pet.

A pet crossing the rainbow bridge is a sad event. Learn how to know when to let go, how to say goodbye and ways to memorialize your pet.

08/25/2023

Canine blindness is a scary thing for both owner and dog. This major change can make an owner feel helpless in providing a good and safe life for their beloved pet. There is hope though as blindness is not uncommon among the majority of dogs.

This blog lists the general causes of blindness, how to tell if your dog is blind, breeds most susceptible to blindness and how to care for a blind dog.

A dog turning blind can be a huge change for both the canine & the owner. Learn the causes, signs and how to care for your blind dog.

08/22/2023

Lots of changes come with aging. As dogs grow older, struggles may arise and it is important to know how to adjust and handle those problems. Being aware of what to expect from a senior dog helps to ensure your pet’s golden years are happy and healthy.

This blog discusses the complications that may come up as a dog transitions to their senior years with issues, such as graying hair, loss of energy and mobility, weight gain, dental problems, hearing loss and vision loss.

Aging pets come with new problems. Learn what to expect & how you can help them adjust to live their best life.

08/18/2023

Happy Birthday to Katherine! One of our amazing groomers in our Fort Wayne Southwest salon! Wishing you the best year ever!! 🥳🐾🩵

08/12/2023

Happy Birthday to Jen! 🎈 🎂
She's our amazing Marketing Specialist! We are so happy to have you as part of our team! Wishing you the best year ever!! 🐾🩷😊

08/10/2023

To stay stagnant is never to grow. At Smoochie Pooch, we embrace continuing education in this ever-evolving grooming industry. To better serve our clients, we seek out new training opportunities, like the All-American Grooming Show, to evolve our skills and expand our knowledge.

This blog discusses the importance of continuing education, what we do to continue education and why this benefits our customers.

Pet groomers continuing their education in the pet grooming industry improve their skills, knowledge and provide the best for their clients.

08/05/2023

Happy Birthday to Taylor S.! 🎂 🎈
She's one of our amazing groomers in our Carmel salon! We hope you have the absolute best day ever! 🐾🥳

08/03/2023

August is National Immunization Awareness Month. This annual observance highlights the importance of pet vaccination. In the last century, the practice of vaccination has significantly increased and has led to preventing disease and death in millions of cats and dogs.

This blog goes over what vaccines are, why vaccines for pets are necessary, core vaccinations for cats and dogs, the risks of vaccination and how often pets should get vaccinated.

August is National Immunization Awareness Month. Pet vaccination is important for cats and dogs for their overall health and safety.