Dog Grooming Tools

If you didn't already know, dogs go through shedding cycles according to changes in environmental temperature as well as exposure to sunlight. Indoor dogs tend to shed pretty much all year, though, because they're not really exposed to drastic temperature changes. Brushing can help in two ways: It decreases the amount of hair that ends up on your clothes or furniture, and it can also prevent skin parasites. (And let's be honest, both of these potential outcomes are pretty gross.) Admittedly, I didn't use to be very good at regularly brushing my dog, but my vet has since reprimanded me. So, I thought I'd include some of my favorite pet grooming tools below in case you're in the market for a new brush.

Image via The Barking Lot

For Long-Haired Dogs:

Bamboo Furbuster comb
Jeffers Pet
$15.99-33.99
This brush has interchangeable stainless steel blades that remove loose hair and undercoat, which will reduce shedding overall.

FURminator
Amazon
$34.99-$59.99
The FURminator has a cult following, for what seems to be good reason: The company claims the product reduces shedding by up to 90 percent. Apparently, it can also reduce "the amount of airborne elements that cause allergic reactions in many people."

For Medium- and Short-Haired Dogs:

GripSoft Pin/Bristle Brush
Doctors Foster and Smith
$9.99
This two-in-one brush helps remove excess/loose hair, minimizes shedding, and is also great for dogs that tend to get matted fur (eg Wheaten terriers, Maltese, Shi Tzus). The pin side helps to stimulate the skin, and the bristle side is gentle for dogs with shorter coats.

Four Paws Love Glove
Petstore.com
$7.19
A one-size-fits-all mitt, this tool removes excess and loose hair while gently massaging your dog. (Riley loves this one, naturally.) Even better, it can also be used to remove hair from furniture.

What's your favorite dog brush?

Finding Pet-Friendly Hotels

A few days ago, I posted a site that could help you find pet-friendly apartments in New York. But you should also check out the site Luxury Paw for luxury, pet-friendly accommodations for when you'll be traveling. All you have to do is type in your destination and the size of your pet, and it lists every hotel in the area that allows dogs.

Image via hotelsoftherichandfamous.com

I don't know if you've ever tried to find a hotel where dogs are welcome at the last minute, but it can be a total disaster. And oftentimes, it seems that the only hotels that accept dogs are ones where...well, let's just say they're ones where you'd feel less-than-safe—from both intruders and germs.

Definitely take a look at http://www.luxurypaw.com/ the next time you're thinking of traveling with your pet.

CPR With Your Dog? New Pet Poll Results

Earlier this month, the Associated Press and Petside.com conducted a poll of pet owners, and it had some kind of interesting results. It found that many pet owners would consider giving their dog mouth-to-mouth, while many others don't have an animal first aid kit at home. (Luckily for me, I've never had to swap spit with my dog.) The most shocking? Only 30 percent of people have given their dogs table scraps. I mean, come on! I know it's not healthy, but a few people out there seriously had to have been lying.

Robin Loznak/AP

USA Today's Paw Print Post broke the results down as follows:

• 63 percent of dog owners would be at least somewhat likely to perform CPR on their pet.
• 54 percent don't have a fire evacuation plan.
• 41 percent have had at least one incident requiring an emergency trip to the vet.
• 30 percent of dog owners at least sometimes give their pets bones from table scraps.
• 20 percent have a pet first aid kit at home.
• 16 percent have pets who've had allergic reactions.
• 7 percent have pets that have eaten something poisonous.

To read more of the AP/Petside poll topline results, click here.

What do you guys think?

Warm Dog Coats for Winter

Red Riley reader Devon sent in a comment asking whether I knew of a place that sells warm dog coats that "don't look ridiculous or take 20 minutes to get on." I totally agree. There are countless styles out there that are just hideous (ie, embarrassing for both you and your dog), or they take an instruction manual to put on. Below, my absolute favorites in dog outerwear at a variety of price points. Almost all come lined with fleece or Polartec, and they're all available for every size of dog. (Click on the links to view.)

The Horse Blanket Quilted Coat
Canine Styles
$60-$100
(Riley has this one in hunter green. I can vouch that it's super warm and easy to get on.)

Polartec Puffy Parka OR All-Weather Metro Vest
Trixie & Peanut
$55-$69

Kodiak Coat
Doctors Foster and Smith
$19.99-$44.99

Zoomies Tec Coat
Zoomies
$70.00

K-9 Overcoat
Ruffwear
$59.95

Polar Bear Shawl Sweater
Ralph Lauren
$95

Just a quick note: If your dog is low to the ground, I'd recommend a coat with some belly coverage. And if you have a favorite from above or one of your own, please comment below!

An Amazing Pet Artist: Update!

In August, I wrote about a pet artist named Rory Mackay. His work is now on exhibit at the Grey Dog Cafe in the Village, and his new site is up and running, so please check it out! http://www.rorymackay.co.uk/