How to keep your pet parasite free
The warm months have come and with the dog days of summer come parasites that can keep your pet from enjoying them. Many pet parents now use topical treatments such as K9 Advantix and Frontline to protect their pets from these pests, but recent studies show that most pet parents are not applying these products properly. This means that their pets are not being properly protected, and it’s an issue that can be easily fixed. Dr. Greg McDonald from Expert Village has a great instructional video showing how to properly apply topical flea and tick preventative that can be viewed below:
These same studies also show that some pet parents are applying topical treatments directly after their pet has been groomed, which also renders the product in effective. Why is this? When a pet is bathed the natural oils in its coat are somewhat removed (quality products, like the ones we use at D’tails, do not fully strip the coat of oils). These oils are how the topical flea and tick preventative moves from the application site to cover your entire pet, protecting them completely. If applied when your pet’s natural oils are lower than normal the preventative may not be as effective. If you wish to apply topical preventative after your pet has been groomed, the best course of action is to apply 48 hours after their grooming appointment.
Filed under: Fleas & Ticks, Grooming Basics, Home Mainteniance Grooming | 1 Comment
Tags: bath, dog, flea, groomer, grooming, health, home, pet, puppy, tick, vet
This is Doodles a 15 year old Schnoodle (that’s a Schnauzer poodle mix), but don’t tell her how old she is ’cause she won’t believe you!
Before:
After:
Doodles is done with a #5F a/o (1/4″ an inch) with poodle feet and a shaved face.
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Tags: bath, brush, dog, groomer, grooming, home, pet, poodle
Client of the Week: Emily Rose
Emily Rose is a light cream colored Miniature Poodle available for adoption through the Rosholt Small Dog Rescue. She is about 2 years old and is a total sweetheart. She has lots of energy and would do best in a home with another dog to play with. Her neck and back-end were very matted due to lack of care from her previous owner so we decided to give her a stylish Modified Dutch trim with a mink collar. The rest of the hair on her body was left about 3/8 of an inch long to be easy to care for while still fluffy.
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Tags: adopt, dog, groomer, grooming, home, pet, poodle, rescue
Client of the Week
This is Peanut a handsome Bichon Frise in a lamb cut.
Filed under: Client of the Week | 2 Comments
Tags: bath, Bichon, brush, dog, groomer, grooming, home, puppy, salon
Which one to choose?
In a previous article we discussed how to find a good groomer, but how do you choose which kind of shop would work best for you and your pet? Below I’ve outlined some of the commonly cited pros and cons of several types of grooming salons so that you can determine which works best for both of you!
Commercial Salon
Pros:
- Open more hours than most other salons
- Multiple groomers to try-out
- Someone to groom your dog if you groomer becomes ill
Cons:
- Many dogs there at once
- Possible wait time for your dog in a kennel
- Less one on one time with your pet and the groomer
- Have to drop off and pick up your pet
- Pet spends more time away from home
Home-based Salon
Pros:
- Homey atmosphere
- Usually single person operations so your pet always has the same groomer
- Often one on one appointments
- No large amount of dogs in one area
- Groom usually takes less time
- Low stress environment
Cons:
- Have to drop off and pick up your pet
Mobile Salon
Pros:
- Groomer comes to you
- One on one appointments
- Groom takes less time
- Grooming done in your home
- Low stress environment
Cons:
- More expensive than Home or Commercial Salons
- Usually less flexibility with scheduling
Have something to add from your experiences? Leave me a comment and I’d be happy to add it!
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Tags: brush, dog, groomer, grooming, home, mobile, pet, puppy, salon
National Pet Dental Health Month
Since this month is National Pet Dental Health Month I thought I would share with you some information the American Veterinary Medical Association has on regular dental care for your dog. From the AVMA’s dental health website they site three easy steps to taking care of your pet’s dental health.
” STEP 1: Take your pet to the veterinarian for a dental exam. Don’t wait for his annual checkup if you suspect a problem.
STEP 2: Begin a dental care regimen at home. Your veterinarian can suggest steps that may include brushing your pet’s teeth. One of the most convenient and effective ways to combat oral disease is feeding specially formulated foods proven effective in combating plaque and tartar buildup. The Seal of Acceptance from the Veterinary Oral Health Council, an organization initiated by the American Veterinary Dental Society to guide consumers, appears on products that meet defined standards for plaque and tartar control in dogs and cats. For further information on the VOHC or their product standards, visit www.vohc.org.
STEP 3: Schedule regular veterinary checkups. These are essential in helping your veterinarian monitor the progress of your pet’s dental health routine. Your veterinary health care team can help you schedule the appropriate visits.”
Here is a video from the AVMA about how to properly brush your pet’s teeth:
So where do you buy the supplies to start brushing your dog’s teeth regularly?
You can purchase them at your local pet store or online at places like PetEdge. The main thing to focus on is getting an enzymatic tooth paste, this works with the natural enzymes in your pet’s mouth to better clean their teeth. Also make sure that you get a soft toothbrush or finger brush specially designed for your pet’s teeth (animals’ gums are much more sensitive than humans so this is essential).
Hopefully we can all take these simple steps to help our pets live healthier happier lives. Post links of your pet’s stunning smile in the comments section so we can raise awareness on this serious, and overlooked, health care issue.
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Tags: dental, dog, groomer, grooming, health, pet, puppy, toothbrush, vet
Client of the Week
I thought I would share with you one of my clients per week, so you might have ideas for hairstyles for your own dogs! This week’s client is Emma Daisy.
Emma Daisy is a 10 month old Cockapoo.
I used a 3/4″ comb all over, and hand scissored everything else. Mom really likes her with a large beveled foot.
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Tags: dog, groomer, puppy
Paw Balm Recipe
As we discussed before winter can be especially harsh on your dog’s paws. I wanted to share with you a recipe for all natural paw balm, along with a great foot soak for your pet prior to applying the balm (this also works great for people too!).
Natural Paw Balm
1 part beeswax
1 part olive oil or avocado oil
1 pinch borax
Purchase cosmetic grade beeswax and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for melting (this is often sold at craft stores for making homemade lip balm). Once the wax is melted, slowly add the olive oil or other edible oil, mix this until it is of a whipped consistency and add the pinch of borax. Remember that the dog will lick its feet after the balm is applied, so all of the ingredients must be edible and of current non-spoilage date. Store the balm in an airtight container to avoid spoilage or discoloration. Just a few smudges of this on each pad will go a long way. Rub it is well, and be sure not to make a mess of the hair around the pads.
Soak your pet’s paws in Epsom salt with purified water (1-2 tbs pet gallon of water) for 5-10 minutes before applying the paw balm for best results.
Thanks to Chris Sertzel for this great recipe!
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Choosing a Good Groomer
One of the most important things you can do in caring for your dog’s grooming needs is choosing a good groomer for both you and your dog. You need to be able to trust your groomer to not only do their job well and with compassion, but let you know when they notice things out of the norm with your dog. So how do you pick a groomer that’s great for both of you? There are some easy steps to follow to make your search a bit easier.
Listen to your friends that have dogs. If they have a groomer that they love, go check them out! Referrals are the easiest way to find a groomer that you know if trustworthy and going to value you and your pet first. But what if you don’t have any friends who get their dogs groomed?
Look online, in the yellow pages, and at FindAGroomer.com to find local groomers. Call them up and ask to visit their shop, and if they have time to meet your dog. Many people try to choose salons based on how their pet first reacts when entering them. This is not always the best way to judge because pets often become uncomfortable in new places, especially those with a lot of activity. Here are some key things to look at and discuss when meeting a perspective groomer:
1. Is the salon clean?
This doesn’t mean that the salon has no hair on the floor etc, but does it look well-maintained and with minimal amounts of hair on the floor.
2. Do dogs existing the salon smell and look clean?
3. Does the groomer take time to get to know you and your dog?
4. Do they discuss your dog’s potential grooming needs and are they upfront with the price?
5. How long is the wait to get an appointment with the groomer?
6. Are you comfortable with the groomer? Do they seem inviting and knowledgable?
Kim Walker of Poochie’s Parlor also wrote a great article on the subject. If you have any questions feel free to write comments below, or if you feel there are other important things to look for when choosing a groomer, add them in the comments!
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Tags: dog, groomer, grooming, pet, puppy
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Recent Entries
- Tis the Season for Fleas and Ticks
- Client of the Week: Doodles the Schnoodle
- Client of the Week: Emily Rose
- Client of the Week
- The Pros and Cons: Mobile, Commercial or Home-based Salons
- National Pet Dental Health Month
- Client of the Week
- New Website and Twitter!
- Paw Balm Recipe
- Choosing a Good Groomer
- Dry Skin in Winter
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- Fleas & Ticks (1)
- Grooming Basics (7)
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