The pet world is full of rumors and “common sense” advice that gets passed around for years. Some of it sounds believable, some of it feels obvious, but a lot of it is actually misleading when you look at real veterinary science. Below, we break down ten widely discussed pet myths and explain what is actually true in a clear and easy-to-understand way. Dogs Are Not Fully Color Blind Many people believe dogs only see black and white, but that is not correct. Dogs are not completely color blind—they have limited color vision , also known as dichromatic vision. They can see colors like blue and yellow quite clearly, while red and green are harder for them to distinguish. Instead of seeing bright, full-spectrum colors like humans, dogs see a simpler and more muted version of the world, where some colors appear darker or lighter rather than completely different. Chocolate Is Not Always Instantly Fatal for Dogs It is true that chocolate can be dangerous for dogs, but it is not alw...

It’s said that summer is the off-season for pet grooming because many dogs opt for a shave to stay cool. This reminds me that many cat owners also have the habit of shaving their cats to a short length when summer hits. So, here’s the question! For those of you working in pet grooming stores, do you often get requests for shaving cats in the summer—not due to skin conditions but because they are “too hot” or “shedding too much”? Do you ever try to convince owners that “cats don’t shed heat through their skin, so they don’t need to be shaved”? What’s the strangest shaving request you’ve encountered? Pet Store B's Approach: If we have time, we’ll educate the customers in advance about the professional knowledge regarding shaving cats. If it's simply shedding, we may suggest using a longer blade to trim the fur or recommend regular visits to the pet store for shedding removal treatments. If it's a skin condition that requires shaving, we evaluate the situation. For full-bo...

What are the most commonly used tools in pet grooming, and what toolbox secrets do experienced groomers know?  Today, let's share some insights that both beginners and seasoned professionals care about. As a pet groomer, the most frequently used tools are combs and scissors. Groomers face various pets every day, so it's crucial to choose the right grooming tools based on the breed, purpose, and grooming scenario. Understanding how to select the right tools for each situation is key to providing the best care for pets. Electric clippers are one of the most commonly used grooming tools in pet care. For beginners, choosing the right electric clipper is an excellent start. Learning the correct technique for using clippers allows groomers to choose and switch clipper blades flexibly according to the needs of the task, while also preventing injuries to the pet caused by improper handling.  Regular maintenance can extend the life of clippers for years of use. The use of a drying...

As a pet owner, it's important not only to ensure your pet has a good diet but also to provide them with the right accessories for their well-being. We've previously discussed choosing the right grooming tools for your dog, and today, let's talk about what to consider when purchasing a retractable leash or a regular dog leash .   1. Choose a Leash That Matches Your Pet's Weight Most leashes come in small, medium, and large sizes, so it's crucial to select the correct leash based on your pet's weight. This ensures that the leash is comfortable and well-suited to your pet. An improper match can lead to dangerous situations, such as a collar that is too loose, which may allow a cat to escape, or a leash that is too weak, which could break under the strength of a dog. 2. Comfort for Personal Use The leash is not only an accessory for your pet but also something you will be using regularly. If the handle is uncomfortable to hold, it can make long walks difficult ...

As dog owners, we all know that regularly brushing our dogs' fur is extremely beneficial for their health. We’ve all used brushes to groom our pets, but do you know how to choose the right one? Pet brushes on the market are generally categorized by their firmness: soft, medium, and hard. When should each type of brush be used? Today, let's discuss how to choose the right grooming tool for your dog. First, I recommend using a stainless steel brush. Dogs naturally carry some bacteria, but stainless steel brushes are bacteria-free, so there’s no risk of spreading germs. Additionally, stainless steel brushes don’t generate static electricity while grooming, which reduces the risk of hair flying around and tangling again. Next, when choosing a pin brush, it's essential to pick the right level of firmness. There are many types of pin brushes available on the market today. If your dog has tangled fur, you'll need a de-shedding brush, while softer brushes are ideal for dog...

With the ongoing epidemic prevention efforts, the weather in Suzhou has heated up like a fire, seemingly trying to burn away any potential germs. The temperature has risen from a mild 17°C with a gentle breeze to a scorching 33°C with blinding sunshine, and even dogs are now entering their annual "excessive drooling" phase. During this time, dog owners need to be particularly careful when grooming their pets, ensuring they avoid heatstroke, parvovirus, skin diseases, and other health issues due to the high temperatures. Heatstroke Heatstroke is one of the most common diseases dogs face during hot weather, but it is often overlooked. Dogs do not have well-developed sweat glands, and apart from panting and drooling, you can usually only notice the sweat they release through moisture on the pads of their paws.  Often, dog owners might take their dogs into air-conditioned rooms or give them cold treats, which can obscure the symptoms of heatstroke. The large temperature differen...

As someone who has long struggled with hair thinning, I can't help but feel a little envious when I see my cats—whether short-haired or long-haired—walking towards me with their shiny, luxurious fur. Especially when a proud cat struts by, flaunting its perfectly groomed coat. However, while brushing my cats, I noticed something surprising—many of them have "bald spots" around their eyebrows! There are several reasons why a cat might lose its eyebrows, and it doesn’t necessarily mean there’s a health issue at hand. 1. Normal Hair Loss Due to Scent Glands or Aging First off, thinning hair around the eyebrows isn’t unusual. Many adult cats have sparse fur around their ears and eyebrows, a condition often referred to as “pre-auricular hair loss” (or hair loss in front of the ears). This is a natural shedding phenomenon. Experts suggest that it could be linked to the presence of scent glands around the eyebrow area, commonly known as periorbital glands. The hair around t...

What does it look like when your cat and dog get along harmoniously? They might nap together, eat together, wait for you while you groom them, or play together. Perhaps the cat takes the lead, leading the dog on little adventures, discovering fun things along the way. It's also possible that the lively, energetic dog starts "adopting" some cat-like behavior... When you grab the pet comb to groom your cat, you'll notice it’s always in the most peculiar spots, especially on high surfaces like the fridge or the bar counter. But have you ever seen the dog also claim these high spots?  On the stove, bar counter, piano, or even the fridge! The dog's agility in jumping allows it to conquer various highlands, and it starts to adopt habits similar to a cat's. As the pet owner, you can't help but laugh and feel a bit proud. Such harmonious cat-dog partnerships, where the dog "turns into a cat," are quite common in everyday life. The key to this peace...

Although it's already past the start of autumn, the summer heat still lingers, spreading its warmth. Air conditioning, cold drinks, ice cream, and a refreshing swim seem to be the perfect way to cool off during the summer. Many dog owners, in addition to regularly grooming their pets, take their dogs swimming during the summer. While we all know about the unique “dog paddle” swimming style and how many dogs are great swimmers, the question remains: are dogs born knowing how to swim? The answer is—no, not all dogs are born knowing how to swim. Take the French Bulldog as an example. As one of the iconic short-legged breeds in the pet world, it doesn't perform well when it comes to swimming. This is because breeds like the French Bulldog, Corgis, and Dachshunds have large heads in proportion to their bodies, which naturally puts more strain on them in the water. This means that their short legs, combined with their large heads, make it difficult for them to maintain balance in...

Life can be bustling and exciting, or it can be simple and relaxing, it can be the joy of one person and one dog. And it can also be— The bittersweet, sour, sweet, bitter, spicy, salty journey of a clumsy person turning into a versatile poop-scooper! It’s often said that the bond between a pet owner and their dog sparks magical moments, and experience has proven this to be true. After all, it only takes a few bags of dog food to go from being a "pet supply illiterate" to a " pet grooming expert." Here are three cute little skills— don’t say you can’t do them! 01. Stylist — Doing hairstyles, a pet comb is just not enough Fluffy fur, smooth texture, de-tangling comb, shedding tool, fine-tooth comb, flea comb… From fumbling to smooth operation, all the difference between a poop-scooper and a stylist is just a set of pet combs. The shedding comb removes the floating and dead hair from the dog’s fur, the de-tangling comb gets rid of small matted hair ...

At the beginning of the new year, many pet owners not only prepare festive items for themselves but also give their dogs a full-body cleanse. Whether it's using a pet brush to remove deep fur, giving them a refreshing bath to wash off the dirt, or even creating a stylish look with the help of a pet brush and scissors, dogs' new year appearances are often planned in advance by their owners. At this time, many pet owners often choose to take their dogs directly to the pet store for cleaning, letting the groomers handle the brushing and grooming while freeing up their hands. So, why do dogs tend to seem more well-behaved in pet stores?  Although we often see videos on social media of dogs howling and even resisting the groomers brushing them in pet stores, in daily life, most dogs behave quietly while getting cleaned in the store. On one hand, professional groomers in pet stores are generally better at controlling the rhythm and pressure of brushing or cleaning the dog with tool...

Have you ever witnessed a concert like this one? The musicians play beautiful melodies with various instruments, each one fully immersed in the charm of music. As the atmosphere of the concert reaches its peak, a stray dog leisurely walks up to the orchestra, lying down and enjoying the music. The audience doesn't seem surprised, and the dog appears completely at ease. This harmonious scene is a common sight in Turkey. However, not every place is as accepting of stray dogs. Back in the late 20th century, Turkey's attitude toward stray dogs was very harsh, almost to the point of "poisoning them." But this approach not only lacked humanitarian care for stray animals, but it also sparked strong opposition from many citizens. Eventually, the Turkish government passed legislation to protect the legal rights of stray animals, including dogs and other creatures. One of Turkey's major cities, Istanbul, has particularly embraced this trend, introducing veterinary buses...

Previously, we shared with pet owners several reasons for abnormal shedding in pets, including neglecting regular grooming, health issues, frequent bathing, and more. However, in the everyday life of grooming our pets, we can also observe that cats and other pets naturally shed their fur at certain stages. Using cats as an example, let’s explore the natural shedding changes that occur at different stages. 1. Seasonal Shedding Period Pets with fur experience seasonal shedding at different times of the year. This is most evident during seasonal transitions when pets shed a large amount of hair frequently.  Pet owners should pay attention to the specific stage, timing, and extent of shedding during their daily grooming sessions. The seasonal shedding in cats differs from the everyday grooming where we remove dead or floating hairs. Cats adjust the amount of their fur to cope with seasonal changes in temperature and humidity, especially in spring and autumn.  During these t...

The temperature changes during the autumn and winter seasons can easily cause shifts in the body, making both pet owners and dogs susceptible to colds or discomfort.  Particularly in colder weather, owners may instinctively reduce the opportunities for taking their dogs outside on a leash. However, staying indoors with air conditioning can lead to a significant temperature difference between indoors and outdoors.  So, what noticeable physical traits can help us determine if our dog is healthy? 1. Dog’s Lethargy or Lack of Energy A dog’s energy level is a clear sign of its health or illness. A healthy dog typically wags its tail, is lively and playful, whether it’s going outside with its owner on a leash or playing indoors. But if a dog suddenly becomes unusually sleepy, with drooping ears and lacks the energy to follow its owner on walks or play, this indicates that the dog is not feeling well. Sometimes, dogs might be low-energy due to mood changes, but more often, it’s a ...

Hair issues in dogs are a common concern for many pet owners. When we groom our pets and notice that they are shedding frequently or that their hair appears dry and lackluster, it can be quite frustrating. A dog's hair health not only affects their external appearance but can also reflect their overall physical condition. Regular grooming can help pet owners detect any potential skin or health issues in their pets early on.   So, what are the reasons that cause a dog's hair to become dry, dull, and even shed excessively? Unbalanced Nutrition from Monotonous Dog Food As a responsible pet owner, it’s important to provide a balanced diet for your dog in addition to regular grooming and walks. If a dog is fed the same kind of food repeatedly, it can lead to nutritional imbalances in the dog’s body, which in turn affects the quality of their coat.  A poor diet may result in hair loss or poor fur condition and can even lead to the development of picky eating habits. Dry Living En...

What Does Sweetness Mean? Sweetness is often associated with happiness. When we're at home grooming our dog, we might occasionally add a little honey to their water, and then continue brushing their fur, enjoying a leisurely afternoon.  However, compared to dogs, cats rarely show interest in sweet foods. Apart from everyday activities like grooming, playing, or cuddling, we rarely see cats indulging in sweet treats. So, can cats eat sweet food or even taste sweetness? The answer is—no.   1. Lack of Natural Genes While humans can naturally taste a variety of flavors like "sour, sweet, bitter, spicy, salty," cats, tigers, lions, and other feline species lack the ability to taste sweetness due to their genetic makeup. In other words, cats may be sensitive to scents, grooming, and other stimuli, but they are naturally incapable of tasting sweet flavors.   This is because the receptors for sweetness in animals are made up of two different genes—Taslr2 and Taslr3, ...

As pet owners, we’ve all heard various rumors and myths during the process of raising our pets. Some of these myths have subtly influenced the way people perceive their pets and their care. Let’s take a look at some of the common myths in the pet world.   1. Pet Hair Will Be Sucked into Human Lungs and Cause Serious Illness Pets like cats and dogs often shed a lot of fur, especially during shedding seasons. Even though pet owners regularly use combs to groom their pets, it can still feel frustrating. However, the idea that pet hair could be inhaled and cause illness during grooming is pure exaggeration. The human body's defense mechanisms are layered and complex. The respiratory system's defenses are more than just nose hair; the nasal conchae also generate air vortices when foreign particles approach.  Additionally, the many fine branches in a pet’s trachea act as natural defenses. Only particles that are too small to be seen by the naked eye might enter the human body, bu...

During seasonal transitions, in addition to dealing with excessive shedding that requires regular grooming, it’s also important to prevent illnesses like colds in cats. A healthy kitten should exhibit the following characteristics: The cat’s eyes should be clear and bright, with no excessive discharge. The ears should also be clean, without foreign objects, odors, or signs of redness or swelling. The cat’s breath should be fresh, and the gums should appear healthy and pink. There should be no tartar, plaque, ulcers, or lumps inside the mouth. The cat’s fur should be fluffy, clean, and have a natural shine, with no signs of redness or swelling on the skin. Additionally, daily habits such as how often your cat uses the litter box, its sleep patterns, and general behavior can indicate its overall health.   So, what are some common symptoms that can help you determine if your cat is healthy?  1. The Cat’s Eyes Become Dull or Lackluster The eyes are the windows to the soul,...

In our previous article, we discussed some common mistakes pet owners make when bathing their cats. Many pet owners are curious about how to properly bathe their cats using tools like pet combs. So, besides using a pet comb for grooming , what is the correct way to bathe your cat? 1. Preparation Before the Bath Before bathing your cat, you should prepare the necessary tools: a pet comb, pet nail clippers, a bathing tub, warm water at 38°C (100°F), a cat-specific shampoo, a towel, and a blow dryer. In addition to the essential grooming tools, it's a good idea to use the pet comb to detangle and remove excess fur before the bath. This will help eliminate matting and loose fur, and also make your cat feel more comfortable by giving it a soothing grooming experience. If possible, you can also use the nail clippers to trim your cat’s claws beforehand, reducing the risk of injury to yourself during the bath.   2. Be Gentle and Patient Since cats are generally afraid of water, yo...

Cats are well-known for being clean creatures. Aside from daily grooming by their owners, they often lick their fur to keep themselves tidy. However, to ensure a deeper clean and check their overall health, owners need to regularly bathe their cats using grooming tools. But because of their natural aversion to water, bathing a cat is no easy task. To get their cats to take a bath, many owners have tried all kinds of tricks, but some of these methods can backfire. Here are a few common mistakes to avoid when giving your cat a bath:   1. The "Magic" of Cat Washing Bags Isn't So Magical For a while, the “cat washing bag” was a popular product, claiming to help owners easily trim nails, groom, bathe, and even clean their cat's ears all at once. It seemed like a dream for pet owners . In reality, however, instead of soothing your cat with gentle grooming, the bag tends to restrict its movements. While smaller cats might escape from the bag, most cats don’t enjoy being c...