The benefits of pet grooming go well beyond an emotional pick me up for our furry friends. Regular grooming is essential to avoid certain health risks for your pets. Think of grooming your pet like a primary care visit to the doctor rather than a lavish trip to the beauty parlor. It goes well beyond a nice haircut and boost to the old self-esteem. Grooming can protect your pet from irritating and potentially dangerous conditions such as skin irritation, nail complications, flea and tick diseases, and ear infections. Sounds important right? That’s because it is! When you have your precious pooch or fluffy feline groomed professionally you are not only giving them the gift of an improved appearance but increasing their day to day quality of life and making them happier at home. Think of all the time they spend scratching or licking themselves due to hair or skin irritation. Doesn’t your fur baby deserve the reward of vitality for all the love and joy they bring to your life?
Benefits of Grooming
Improved hygiene & smell
Reduced shedding
Healthy coat
Better quality of comfort day to day
Full body flea and tick check
Less chance of ear infections
Enhanced appearance
Early detection of skin issues/physical irregularities
Nail Care: keeps pet comfortable and avoids bone deformities
Convinced to give professional grooming a try? Or maybe you have used a groomer in the past but need to find a new one because your location or type of pet has changed. We have compiled a list of local groomers for you right here in Plymouth. Developing a relationship with a groomer in your area is an investment for your pet that will pay great dividends, as the saying goes, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Much like a hair salon or primary care doctor, each client has specific needs and preferences. If you give one or two groomers a try and the services you receive are not exactly what you are looking for don’t be afraid to give another groomer an opportunity to nail it for you and your fur baby. We have come up with this exhaustive list of Plymouth groomers to create options for you as a consumer. As always, do your due diligence, read reviews, talk to folks with experience at certain establishments and don’t be afraid to be upfront with your pets’ needs.
Full cat grooming, plus dog nails, in your own home
Nail trims for cats and dogs
Mariah Callahan
508-776-7412
Whether you’re brand new to pet grooming or looking to give somewhere new a try there is a perfect groomer for you right here locally. What better way to support a local business and improve your pet’s vitality and overall wellbeing? Your pet will thank you. Remember to tell them JAC sent you!
Just Around the Corner offers pet care of all kinds, including daily Dog Walking , Dog Hiking, and Pet Sitting in Plymouth, MA. To learn more about how Just Around the Corner can help, check out our Services Page. You can also Contact Us for more information. Be sure to Like us on Facebook and Follow us on Instagram!
JAC Mascots Misha & Quinn say “Thanks for reading!”
JAC Mascot Cat, Tobey posing with his favorite sunflowers.
Keeping our precious kitties healthy is essential to us cat owners but it is not always cut and dry on how to do it. No matter their age, how long you have had them, gender, or breed, you can have a positive influence on your cat’s health starting TODAY. There are many things you can begin implementing now that will have a big impact on your feline’s health. Follow these 7 simple tips to give your cat the health they deserve.
1. Cat Friendly Vet
When it comes to a veterinarian for your cat, you can’t go wrong with a vet who specializes in feline care such as, the Cat Clinic in Plymouth, MA. Some clinics can be quite canine dominant which can be a little daunting for our kitties. If your vet of choice is not a Cat (only) Clinic, ask if you and your cat can wait to be seen in a separate waiting room or wait in the car until they are ready to see you. Limiting the amount of time they spend in a waiting room with noisy dogs and other animals will leave your cat more relaxed for the vet. Choose a vet clinic that actively works to make your kitty feel at ease.
2. Brush Daily
Our kitties do much of the work themselves but help them out by giving them a nice brushing once a day. Brushing daily helps to cut down on hairballs! Want a trick for making your cat fall in love with the brush? Do it during a “happy” time of day, for example after mealtime, or give treats before and after so they begin to associate brushing with a yummy snack. They will be far more agreeable when they have something to look forward to.
3. Litter Box Etiquette
Luckily there have been cat owners who have gone before us and discovered a few rules of thumb when it comes to litter box etiquette. If you are having trouble getting your cat to consistently use the litter box you provide it is possible that one of these faithful rules is being missed even if only by a hair, literally. Proper litter box etiquette is as follows.
One box per cat plus one. Ex. 1 cat = 2 boxes; 2 cats = 3 boxes; 3 cats = 4 boxes
Each box should be 1.5 times the length of your largest cat.
Scoop 2x/day and change litter fully once a week; clean the box thoroughly before adding the new litter.
In addition, just like you might have a preference in toilet paper, your cat may prefer one litter over another. For example, one of my cats will ONLY use a Breeze System litter box; my other three cats are very happy with their regular litter box with The World’s Best Cat Litter. Just like with a pet’s food, you can’t change a cat’s litter abruptly. Introduce any new litter slowly, mixing it in with their regular litter and slowly changing the ratio until they are comfortable with the new smell and feel. There are always exceptions to the rules but these three tips are an excellent starting point for any cat owner. Your kitty will thank you for the extra box, the spacious room, and clean litter.
4. Clean Dishes
Give your furry feline the gift of clean food and water dishes every day! Even if your cat bowls appear clean to the naked eye because kitty has licked everything up, bacteria is always growing. Wash with hot (150’F will kill 99% of bacteria) and soapy water at least once a day and preferably after every use. By keeping their dishes sparkling clean you can avoid the dreaded biofilm which can cause urinary tract infections, chronic kidney disease, cardiovascular diseases and more! Cleaning their dishes is one of the simplest ways to keep your kitty healthy and happy.
JAC client, Wade, ready to lap up his fresh water!
5. Regular Feeding Schedule & Limited Snacks
If you have had a cat for any amount of time you have probably noticed that they are creatures of habit. The number of times a day a cat should eat can vary but one thing you want to be sure of is that you are being consistent. A dependable feeding schedule will make your cat feel more comfortable and secure at home. Does your cat enjoy the occasional human food? Before giving your feline friend a table scrap snack double check that it is not a toxic food to cats. There are many human foods you may not expect that are extremely harmful to cats. Chocolate is a well-known one, but some not so obvious ones include dairy products (yes, that means cheese) and yeast dough (bread). Always double check toxic foods to cats.
6. ID Tags/Microchipping
Cats are excellent escape artists! Whether you have indoor or outdoor cats always keep a collar with an ID tag on them. If your cat will not wear a collar or you worry about it catching on something with their outgoing behavior a great alternative is having your cat micro chipped. A Microchip is a small electronic chip (about the size of a grain of rice) placed just under the skin of your pet. There is an ID number assigned to your cat/dog. If your pet goes missing the person checking the chip will have the animal’s name and owner’s contact information to get in touch and return your pet safely home. Of course, you can always use both an ID tag and a microchip to doubly ensure their safety.
7. Spay & Neuter
Getting your cat spayed or neutered, even for those indoor-only kitties, is necessary. Have your cat “fixed” to help control the homeless cat population. Cats who are spayed/neutered also tend to avoid certain types of cancers, such as breast cancer and testicular cancer, and even uterine infections decrease. After being “fixed” your cat will be less likely to escape/runaway as they will no longer go into heat. Cats who have been spayed or neutered behave better overall than those who have not, which makes a happier and healthier kitty.
JAC Client, Sigmund, enjoying a nice stretch.
Next stop: healthy and happy!
A healthy cat makes a happy home. Take the time to find a vet that will make your cat feel at ease and purchase a collar with ID tags and/or get them microchipped. Each day lend a hand to minimize hairballs, clean their dishes, feed according to their schedule, and follow proper litter box etiquette. Don’t forget, always spay/neuter your pet. Do these things and your cat will undoubtedly be the healthy feline they deserve to be!
It’s the most wonderful time of the year, National Dog Week! As canine lovers we hardly feel there is a week full of more love, fur, and slobbery kisses than this one. We have an entire week to celebrate the beloved pups that make our lives full, but what the heck IS National Dog Week? NDW is dedicated to celebrating dogs and generating awareness of causes that focus on improving the lives of all dogs. Human personal education and mindfulness as a dog owner, lover, or even an acquaintance is as much a part of this special week as celebrating the dogs themselves. Without further ado let’s jump into how to celebrate this glorious week, shall we?
Volunteer
Volunteer, Volunteer, Volunteer! Local dog shelters and dog adoption organizations always need volunteers especially those passionate about our furry friends! This is something we can do all year round but if you are looking to give it a try for the first time what better time to start? This is a great option for individuals and families with older children to make a big impact right in their own town. Becoming a foster home is also an excellent way to volunteer. Bringing a homeless pup into your life while they wait for their forever home is one of the most rewarding ways to help the dog community. As a starting point below is a list of a few local volunteer opportunities. Happy Volunteering!
Celebrate Dog Week by supporting the places your dog likes to shop. Head to your locally owned pet supply store for those special treats for Fido or that new rope toy for Gino. Stores like Papas Pet Project in Manomet, MA are non-profit organizations dedicated to improving the lives of animals. Supporting local businesses with a passion for helping the dog community is like donating and pleasing your pup at the same time, it’s a win-win! Local pet supply stores often have volunteer opportunities as well as strong ties to animal advocacy/adoption organizations. Get to know the locally owned pet shops near you and discover ways you can become involved. If you are in the Plymouth area check out Papas Pet Project & Pet Supplies Plus.
Donate
Donations are the life blood of local shelters, adoption agencies, and advocacy organizations, during National Dog Week and all year long. Whether you donate your time as a volunteer or your money these organizations can’t do what they do without you! Research organizations that interest you and find one that aligns with your beliefs when it comes to the dog community, such as adopting less adoptable dogs or groups with a mission for stopping animal cruelty. Wherever your dog passion lies there is a place to match for you to donate.
Education
Celebrate National Dog Week by giving yourself the gift of education. Read books, blogs and articles dedicated to awareness in the dog community. Discover how you can be an advocate for dogs in a sustainable way all year long. Take some time to understand your own dog or any dogs you encounter regularly. Get to know the breed/mix, learn how to be the best dog owner/friend you can be! Knowledge is power, as the saying goes, what you learn will translate into your daily dog loving life. From understanding the current needs of your local shelters to learning how you can socialize your own dog the list of things to learn is endless!
Break the mold
Okay, so we have talked a lot about how to help the dog community but what about the precious pup in your home? Branch out from your dog’s regular routine and explore new places, friends, and fun! Try a dog friendly trail that is new to you and your pooch (see Dog Friendly Trails in Plymouth, MA Part: 1 & Part 2 for local options). Eat out at a restaurant that loves when you bring your pup, like Stack Shack in Plymouth. Head to the dog park to meet new friends! Does your dog LOVE a special type of bone they only get on Christmas or their birthday? Treat them to one or two during a week devoted entirely to them! Break the mold of your dog’s normal routine and spice it up for them this week.
Time to Celebrate!
National Dog Week is here and it’s time to get out there and celebrate! Whether you volunteer your time, donate, support local, educate yourself, or get out there and experience new people, places and things with your fur baby there is no better time. During your newfound advocacy don’t forget to provide some special touches for the pup that loves you unconditionally at home. Fun new toys and tasty treats go a long way with our fur babies. Let us know how you are choosing to celebrate National Dog Week; we can’t wait to hear from you!
The sun is out, a light chill fills the air, and the tourists have all gone home. It is a perfect day to explore a dog friendly trail with your precious pooch right here in Plymouth. Summer has faded fast and fall is quickly approaching which means our furry friends are once again welcome to roam on most beaches and trails, yay! If you are looking to spice up your routine with Buster or get Lucy out for a nice run why not hit a wide, well maintained, trail that offers scenic views just minutes from home. On the surface our town is stunning, this we know, but hidden throughout its 100 square miles are trails you never knew Plymouth had to offer. Did you catch Part 1 of our Dog Friendly Trails in Plymouth series? Learn about 5 more totally PAWesome trails that you and your pup will love here.
What to pack?
Anytime we take our dog somewhere there are basics we want to have on hand, right? For example, we can all agree that it is never a good idea to leave home without poop bags. But what about when you are planning for a long-distance hike in a pretty remote location? When you are preparing for a venture to one of these trail locations the list of essentials is a bit more extensive. Being prepared is paramount to ensure the safety of you and your pup as you embark on your new adventures. Download our FREE list of Excursion Essentials for Your Pup and share with friends!
5 Plymouth Hiking/Walking Trails
ATTENTION: Check the Massachusetts Toxic Algae Pond Advisory list before you or your dog enter or drink the water of any pond listed in the following descriptions.
Little Pond Loop @ Morton Park
We could not resist starting the list off with Little Pond Loop at Morton Park. The towering forestry and beautiful blue water of Lout Pond and Billington Sea are unlike any other trail views in Plymouth! The wide, well worn paths make for easy use and keeps social distancing effortless. There are picnic tables and a recreational area near the parking lot at the main entrance. Your pup is sure to enjoy running the open trails and taking a dip before the car ride home. The trail itself is not clearly marked so if you are not interested in exploring a few paths that lead to nowhere we suggest downloading the All Trails app to ensure your 2.7 miles does not turn into 5+. Overall, the beauty, easy to use trails, and variety of activity options in Morton Park make this trail a must use!
Trail Length: 2.7 miles
Address: Morton Park Rd.
Route Type: Loop
Parking: Large lot just down from the main entrance
If you love observing nature this is the trail for you! The abundance of wildlife in their natural habitat all along this trail is well worth the low land sludge you may encounter. The trail is low lying land so depending on recent weather patterns it may be quite muddy. If you are looking for a lesser known trail to explore all to yourself, this is the way to go! Excellent option for dogs who do not prefer the company of other dogs or humans. Come prepared with your waterproof shoes and bug spray to make this trail a positive experience.
Rated the number 1 trail in all of Plymouth according to All Trails, East Head Pond Trail will not disappoint. This picturesque trail leads you around the full loop of East Head Pond. Stunning views of the water and blooming flowers are sure to keep your attention throughout the entire 2.6-mile loop. The flat terrain makes it an excellent choice for all skill levels and all size dogs. Its easy use and clearly marked signs will keep you on the right path without a second thought about it. Note that the trail is a bit narrow, but the light foot traffic makes social distancing easy. Wonderful choice for the whole family!
Trail Length: 2.6 miles
Address: 194 Cranberry Rd. (area of)
Route Type: Loop
Parking: Parking areas along the entrance of the State Park
Measuring in at just under 4 miles, Bentley’s Loop will get the blood pumping and lungs working for you and your pooch. Popular activities on this trail include mountain biking, horseback riding and of course hiking. Most importantly, dogs are more than welcome but must be kept on leash for this loop. Soak up the lovely seasonal flowers and foliage while catching a glimpse of the many varieties of birds who occupy this area. On a trail nearly 4 miles clearly marked navigation signs are a must and Bentley’s Loop does an excellent job of it. While there is no direct access for pond swimming there are a few access paths that lead to various small ponds for you and your pup to take a dip. Be sure to check the list of local Toxic Algae Ponds before letting your dog (or you) dive in.
Trail Length: 3.8 miles
Address: 194 Cranberry Rd (area of)
Route Type: Loop
Parking: Parking area near east entrance off Upper College Pond Rd..
Enjoy the gentle hills and impressive forestry while exploring 2 miles of well-kept trail. The hills increase in some areas of this trail making it ideal for larger dogs or fur babies not so low to the ground. Sneak peaks of Halfway Pond and benches at the most opportune times make Gramp’s Loop a wonderful spot for picnicking or an afternoon relaxing in the great outdoors. This is a lightly trafficked trail with clearly marked navigation signs to ensure you are never lost. Dogs are welcome here year-round, so don’t miss out on this hidden gem!
Trail Length: 2 miles
Address: Mast Rd. Plymouth, MA (area of)
Route Type: Loop
Parking: Parking area at entrance of the Conservation off Mast Rd.
Don’t forget to do a tick check on your pup as well as yourself after every trail adventure. No time of year is 100% free from ticks as they can survive in temperatures as low as freezing. Even if your pet is on a tick preventative you should still give them a once over after having been in wooded and thickly settled areas. Don’t let a splendid adventure turn into a pest nightmare for you or your furry friend. Need more information about ticks? Check out our Blogs 6 Tips to Keep Your Dog and Cat Flea- and Tick-Free and Ticks Trailside
We’d love to hear from you!
Have you been convinced to get out there with your pup and start exploring? Are you feeling reinvigorated to try a new trail in Plymouth? Comment below with your favorite trails, comments, or questions about the trails we talked about today, let us know if you visit one of them. Check back for more local trail info soon!
A happy cat means a happy cat mom or cat dad, right?! Keeping our furry felines happy is the top priority for us cat lovers. No matter the personality type, if they are indoor or outdoor cats, rescues or purebred, all cats deserve to be genuinely happy. Making our kitties leap for joy on a regular basis is important but what does it mean to have a cat who is truly happy? Knowing what to look for in your cat when gauging their happiness is a key component to keeping them delighted. As we focus on happiness here, we are excited to reveal the top ways to keep our kitties healthy coming soon! Stay tuned right here. Check out our free Signs of a Happy Cat infographic to share with your fellow cat lovers!
Signs of a Happy Cat
Vocal cues such as purring and talking.
Being playful with you or other pets in the home. Bringing you toys or their hunt is also a particularly good thing, according to them.
Grooming remains a top priority for happy cats giving them a healthy appearance.
Having a good appetite and eating well at each meal.
Snuggles, kneading, “making biscuits”, Star Paws, rubbing against your legs, and napping in your lap are all loving signs they are pleased.
Sleeping socially with people and other pets in your home.
Resting or sleeping with their paws tucked under their body is a relaxed posture for cats.
Are you seeing these signs in your cat? Maybe you are noticing only a few, or none at all. No matter where your cat falls on the happiness scale there is always room for improvement when it comes to our precious fur babies. These 6 tips will not only promote daily happiness in your kitty cat’s life but will also give you, their trusted servant, peace of mind knowing your cat is living a truly fulfilled life.
1. Spay and Neuter
Getting your cat spayed or neutered, even for those indoor-only kitties, is necessary. Have your cat “fixed” to help control the homeless cat population. You also avoid certain types of cancers in your kitty when you spay and neuter, such as breast cancer and testicular cancer, and even uterine infections decrease. Your cat will be less likely to escape/runaway as they will no longer go into heat after this procedure. Cats who have been spayed or neutered behave better overall than those who have not, which makes a happier and healthier kitty.
2. Tree Time (indoors)
Cats were made to climb. We don’t always love it when they climb our beautiful furniture so we must give them ways to exercise that part of their natural instinct. Cat trees give your cat an excellent way to scratch the invisible itch to climb, plus it doubles as an actual scratch pole. These trees come in a variety of sizes and shapes and can accommodate multiple cats. When possible place your tower near a window so they can enjoy the view and happenings of the great outdoors while getting their climb on.
3. Love & Play
Okay okay…if we must, right? Giving our cat love and positive attention is one of the simplest ways to keep your cat happy. Take time every day to play with them. Use toys that they can stalk, pounce and chase to really tucker them out. A tired cat is a happy cat. When you are not around, leave out safe toys for them to play with such as a cardboard box. Boy does this simple and free toy provide hours of entertainment for our feline friends! Switch up what you leave out every few days to keep it feeling fresh and new for your fur baby.
4. Catio
Yes, you read that right, catio. By definition, a catio is a safe outdoor enclosure for housecats. You can really get creative on this one and gear your catio design towards the things your kitty cat loves the most. For example, if your cat favors climbing you can create multiple levels and platforms within their catio to climb to their heart’s content. Being in the fresh air, with natural sights and sounds that they are intuitively drawn to is the highest form of positive stimulation our furry friends can have. A catio offers your feline the most closely related experience to their natural habitat while keeping them safe. Don’t have one? Get one!
5. Pets in Pairs
Consider getting more than one cat. Most cats are quite social and benefit greatly when they are not the only cat in the house. When introduced properly adding a second cat to the household can be a wonderful experience for everyone. Having a companion to play with, snuggle with, and enjoy the day to day festivities alongside provides a feeling of fulfillment for them. If you are considering getting a cat or already have one why not make it two?
6. Bird Viewing Station
Even well-fed domesticated cats have the natural attraction to small prey like birds. Indulge that attraction by creating a bird viewing station for them. Set up a birdfeeder or bird bath right outside the window of your choosing. Then sit back and relax while your ferocious kitty enjoys hours of tweety bird entertainment.
Increasing the happiness in your cat is simple. Get them spayed or neutered to set the tone for a happy life. Offer them your love, get creative with their window spaces and even the great outdoors. Consider a feline companion and always keep their natural instincts in mind when creating spaces for them. With these tips your cat’s happiness will be off the charts! Now that your cat will undoubtedly be living their happiest life stay tuned because you won’t want to miss our 5 Tips for a Healthy Cat.
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