Paw'ty Waggin

Don’t Shave Your Pet Just Yet: What Pet Parents Need To Know

Wed, 17 Jun 2026 14:44:25 GMT

Should You Shave Your Dog in the Summer? (Spoiler: Not Always!)

Ah, summer. The season of sunshine, barbecues, and fur—lots of fur. If your dog is leaving fluffy reminders of themselves on every surface, it can be tempting to grab the clippers and give them that “summertime shave.”

But before you turn your pup into a mini lion, it’s important to understand why not all dogs should be shaved—and how proper grooming can keep them comfortable, healthy, and looking great.

Not All Coats Are Created Equal

But It’s Hot—What Can I Do Instead?

Local Groomers That Know Their Stuff

Trust the Fluff

Just like we’ve got a closet full of clothing for every season, dogs come equipped with their own built-in wardrobe—it’s called a coat .

Some dogs have single coats (think Poodles, Maltese), while others wear a double coat (like Golden Retrievers, Border Collies, Huskies, and Shelties). That double coat is made up of a soft, insulating undercoat and a tougher outer layer that helps regulate body temperature year-round.

When you shave a double-coated dog, you’re not just giving them a new ‘do—you’re removing their natural defense system. That fur acts like a thermos: keeping them warm in winter and cool in summer by insulating against heat and helping protect their skin from sunburn (yes, dogs get sunburn too!).

After shaving, their coat may grow back patchy, coarse, or may not properly insulate again.

That’s a fair question. We want our dogs to stay comfortable too. That’s where regular grooming becomes your dog’s best friend (well… second-best friend after you).

Instead of shaving, here’s what can help:

De-shedding treatments
These remove excess undercoat without damaging the outer layer. Less shedding and a happier pup.

Regular brushing
Keeps the coat smooth and helps reduce shedding. Plus, it’s bonding time.

Trims (for certain breeds)
Dogs with hair instead of fur (like Havanese or Shih Tzus) benefit from a summer trim, but this is very different from a shave.

Baths with coat-safe shampoo
Helps loosen fur and keeps skin healthy. A cool rinse is even better.

And most importantly—talk to your groomer. They can guide you based on your dog’s breed and coat type.

Need help in Abbotsford? The ever-gentle Debbie and awesome team at Abbotsford Dog & Cat Grooming specialize in smaller breeds. Or check out Tracey Primrose of The Wagging Tail, Leslie and team at The Doggy Shop—all located in Abbotsford and they all know their way around a double coat (and a wiggly customer).

Abbotsford Dog & Cat Grooming – https://www.facebook.com/AbbotsfordDogCatGrooming
The Wagging Tail – https://www.facebook.com/p/The-Wagging-Tail-100057232428833/
The Doggy Shop – https://www.doggyshopgrooming.com/
Fresh Fido Grooming – https://www.facebook.com/freshfidogrooming/

At the end of the day, your dog’s coat is there for a reason. With a little extra TLC, it can keep them cool on summer walks, protect them on sunny days, and even reduce shedding in the house.

Still tempted to shave? Chat with your groomer first. Your pup will thank you—with tail wags, not sunburns.

Want to learn more about why shaving a double coat could be more risky than rewarding? Here’s a great resource: https://www.petmd.com/dog/grooming/evr_dg_summer_shave

Scoop Smarter, Not Harder: Pet Waste Responsibility in the Fraser Valley

Wed, 22 Apr 2026 11:27:09 GMT

Simple ways to stay on top of pet waste:

April brings two important reminders for pet owners: International Pooper Scooper Week and National Scoop the Poop Week. While they may sound lighthearted, the message behind them is serious. Responsible pet waste management plays a direct role in protecting our local environment, community spaces, and shared living environments across Abbotsford, Mission, and the Fraser Valley.

Pet waste isn’t just unpleasant—it’s a public health and environmental concern. Left behind, it can carry harmful bacteria and parasites that wash into storm drains and waterways, impacting local ecosystems and sensitive aquatic life. In a region like the Fraser Valley, where trails, farmland, and waterways intersect, this responsibility matters even more for today’s pet guardians.

For those living in strata or pet-friendly rental housing, waste management is also tied to compliance. Many strata corporations in British Columbia have bylaws requiring immediate cleanup and proper disposal. Failure to comply can result in fines or complaints. For dog owners and pet care clients alike, this is part of maintaining respectful, pet-friendly communities.

At Paw’ty Waggin, this standard is built into every service we offer—from professional dog walking in Abbotsford and Mission to in-home pet care visits and wedding pet chaperoning. Clean, safe environments aren’t an add-on; they’re part of responsible, professional pet care.

We also understand that consistency at home can be a challenge. For pet guardians looking for support with routine yard clean-up, there are reliable pooper scooper services in the Fraser Valley that can help.

We often recommend The Turd Wranglers , a trusted local service known for their reliability and strong presence in the community. We’ve crossed paths over the years and value the connection—they’re a go-to recommendation for many of our clients.

Another solid option is Doggy Detail , which also services Abbotsford, Mission, and surrounding areas. They offer a slightly different approach, and we’ve had clients use them with great feedback as well. These services can also support households with non-clay (organic) cat litter and small pet waste, making them a practical solution for a variety of pet care needs.

Simple ways to stay on top of pet waste:

Keep waste bags on hand for every walk
Dispose of waste in proper bins—never leave bags behind
Maintain a regular yard clean-up routine
Be mindful in shared strata and community spaces

For those navigating pet-friendly housing in BC, understanding both your responsibilities and your rights is key to avoiding issues and maintaining positive relationships with neighbours and property managers.

Helpful Resources:

Responsible pet care goes beyond the walk—it’s about consistency, awareness, and contributing to a cleaner, healthier Fraser Valley for everyone.

What It Means to Be a Responsible Pet Guardian

Wed, 22 Apr 2026 11:19:16 GMT

Beyond the Basics: Pet Care Done Right

May marks Responsible Animal Guardian Month—a time to reflect on what it truly means to care for the animals who depend on us. In communities like Abbotsford, Mission, and across the Fraser Valley , responsible guardianship goes beyond the basics. It’s about awareness, consistency, and showing up for your pet in ways that support their overall well-being.

Being a responsible animal guardian means understanding your pet’s physical and emotional needs while also considering the environments you share. Daily exercise, enrichment, and routine care are essential—but so is how we show up in public spaces, neighbourhoods, and pet-friendly housing. From busy sidewalks to quiet trails, each interaction shapes how pets are perceived within the community.

In British Columbia, many pet owners live in strata properties or rental housing, where specific pet bylaws and expectations apply. These rules are designed to support shared living, but they must also align with provincial regulations. This means pet guardians have both responsibilities and rights, including access to bylaws, proper notice of changes, and fair enforcement. Staying informed helps prevent misunderstandings and creates a more positive experience for everyone involved.

Responsible guardianship also includes being mindful of the Fraser Valley’s unique landscape. With access to rivers, farmland, and forested trails, pet owners play a role in protecting sensitive habitats and local wildlife. Keeping dogs leashed where required, cleaning up waste, and respecting posted signage all contribute to preserving these shared spaces.

At Paw’ty Waggin, responsible care is at the core of everything we do. Through professional dog walking in Abbotsford and Mission, in-home pet care, and wedding pet chaperoning services, we help maintain structure and consistency for pets—especially during busy schedules or major life events. Our approach is rooted in understanding behaviour, reading body language, and supporting pets based on their individual needs.

With experience handling a wide range of temperaments, we know that responsible guardianship also means recognizing when to seek additional support. Whether it’s regular dog walking, check-in visits, or ensuring your pet is safely included in milestone moments like weddings, having trusted care in place makes a measurable difference in both behaviour and overall well-being.

What responsible animal guardianship looks like in everyday life:

Keeping pets safely leashed and under control in public spaces
Respecting wildlife and sensitive habitats on local trails
Following strata and municipal pet bylaws
Ensuring pets are not left alone for extended periods without care
Providing mental enrichment and structured routines

For those navigating pet-friendly rentals or strata living in BC, understanding expectations on both sides is key to maintaining long-term success as both a pet owner and community member.

Helpful Resources (add links):

Responsible animal guardianship isn’t about perfection—it’s about intention. It’s choosing to stay informed, prepared, and consistent so pets—and the communities they’re part of—can thrive here in the Fraser Valley.

Daylight Savings Time and Its Effects on Our Pets

Thu, 05 Mar 2026 19:01:11 GMT

As humans, we love when spring Daylight Savings Time comes around. Our days stay brighter, get longer, and it means the glorious seasons of Spring and Summer are just around the corner. Feels like heaven, right?

Sadly, it doesn’t have all the same great benefits for our pets! They don’t live their days by the time on the clock like us. For some pets, even slight changes in their daily routines can leave them feeling hungry or confused.

Here are a few tips on helping your pet adjust to the adjustments that come with Daylight Savings Time.

Mealtime Changes

Our pets do everything based on their circadian rhythm. Like us, if our regular mealtime is pushed back an hour, they may feel hungry and confused. Or when they are fed too early, they may not eat it.

If your pet’s mealtimes are mostly regular right now, consider adjusting them by just 10 or 15 minutes every week until you’re at the new times. This more gradual change will be easier for them to keep up with.

Doggy-doo times

If you take your pet outside at specific times of the day or have a dog walker who always comes at 1 pm to take them outside, changing this schedule can again confuse them and they may be more prone to piddles in the house, and leaving you a “present” by the back door.

Be patient with their potty breaks. If you’ve arranged for the dog sitter to come by at at a particular time every day, consider working a variable schedule they can slightly flexuate slightly so your pup can get use to a slight fluctuation and gradually work back to the correct time over a couple of weeks.

They may start “acting out”

While they readjust their new rhythms for the time change, watch them for unusual behaviour. If they are hungry, for example, they may seek out their own source of sustenance, which may not be healthy for them. Just like when you’d child-proof your home, pet-proof it as well. March is Pet Poison Prevention Month, which seems like a good time to go over a few of the most common toxins our pets might find and ingest when in distress during the time change.

These are top toxins that have dangerous side effects for both dogs and cats:

Rodent poison
Antidepressant Medications
Stimulant Medications (like you might take for ADD/ADHD)
Anti-inflammatory Medications

These top 6 toxins can be dangerous or deadly for dogs:

Chocolate
Xylitol (found in many foods including some peanut butters)
Grapes and raisins
Acetaminophen
Vit D overdose
Fertilizers

These top 6 toxins are dangerous or deadly for cats:

Lilies
Spot-on flea/tick meds for dogs
Household cleaners
Essential oils
Onions and garlic
Vit D overdose

If you suspect your pet has ingested any of these toxins, call the Pet Poison Helpline 855-886-7965 any time of day or night to get the help you need.

What’s my best piece of advice?

During the transition into and out of Daylight Savings Time, consider giving your pet a little extra attention. They may be quite confused with all the changes, but they won’t complain too hard if they get extra cuddle time, or extra time tossing a toy in the yard with you.

I don’t imagine you’ll be complaining too much either when you can get extra snuggles at the end of a long day!

Wedding Pet Chaperoning Service

Thu, 05 Mar 2026 18:32:37 GMT

Make Every Moment Count: Let Your Pets Share Your Wedding Day

Why Your Wedding Day Deserves Professional Pet Care

Hey there, Fraser Valley couples! Dreaming of having your furry family member be part of your big day? Whether you’re planning a romantic vineyard ceremony at Singletree Winery in Abbotsford, a charming celebration at Chaberton Estate in Langley, or any of our beautiful Fraser Valley venues, we totally get that pets are family, and your wedding day should include everyone you love!

Picture this: You’re in the middle of your heartfelt vows at a stunning Chilliwack mountain venue when your beloved pup spots a squirrel, or Aunt Sarah misses the cake cutting because she’s driving your fur baby home. We’ve seen it all! These precious moments can’t be replayed, and nobody – especially not your closest friends and family – should have to miss out on celebrating with you.

That’s where Paw’ty Waggin steps in. We’re your local Fraser Valley pet chaperoning experts, serving love stories (and tail wags) throughout Abbotsford, Chilliwack, Mission, Aldergrove, and Langley. From intimate ceremonies at Mt. Lehman Winery to grand celebrations at Glass House Estate Winery, we make sure your four-legged family members are part of your special day – without the stress!

How We Keep Your Wedding Day Flowing Smoothly

Think of us as your pet’s personal wedding coordinator! We arrive when you need us, keep your furry friend comfortable and happy during photos and ceremonies, and then whisk them away to their overnight destination when it’s time for you to dance the night away. No interrupted celebrations, no stressed-out family members, just seamless pet care that lets everyone focus on the joy of your day.

Creating Paw-fect Wedding Memories

Whether you’re saying “I do” among the vines at Seaside Pearl Farmgate Winery, planning an elegant garden ceremony, or celebrating at one of our area’s stunning event venues from Chilliwack to Langley, we customize our service to fit your vision. Want your pup as your ring bearer? We’ll make sure they’re camera-ready and calm. Dreaming of wedding photos with your cat? We’ll help make it happen without the chaos.

Planning Makes Perfect

Just like you’re choosing flowers and tasting cakes, planning your pet’s role in your wedding takes time. Most couples in the

Fraser Valley starts their wedding planning journey about a year in advance, and we love being part of that excitement! We’ll work with you, your venue, and your other vendors to create a schedule that keeps everyone (human and furry!) happy and stress-free.

Your wedding day is about celebrating love with everyone who matters – including those who greet you with a wagging tail or purring welcome every day. From the rolling vineyards of Abbotsford and Langley to the mountain views of Chilliwack, and everywhere in between, we’re here to make sure your entire family can be part of your special day. Ready to chat about making your wedding day pet-perfect? Let’s talk! After all, the best weddings are the ones where every family member gets to share in the joy – even the four-legged ones!