Archive for the Category ◊ Dog Grooming ◊

Author: admin
• Sunday, October 19th, 2008

It is important that when you are grooming your dog that not only do you give them a nice bath and brushing, but that you take care of their nails as well.  This is especially true if your dog spends time outdoors, has contact with gravel, concrete or paved surfaces as nails can become rough, cracked, chipped, or splintered.  If your dog is of the inside the house variety, it is equally important to make sure that their nails are not too long where they can get caught on carpeting or interfere with their normal walking gait.  Nail care is a topic that vets and professional groomers emphasize as one of the things to pay attention to in order to keep your pet healthy and happy.  There are various clippers on the market, from the conventional style clippers to new products like a peticure dog nail clipper that actually files the nails rather than cutting them.

Some vets and professional groomers have actually turned to nail filing systems in order to avoid the risk of cutting into the quick of the nail which could cause bleeding.  Not only does it make it harder for you to trim their nails the next time you want to, but it can be a painful experience for your dog.  Pedipaws, a peticure dog nail clipper, is a tool that uses a filing wheel, similar to that of an emery board, which gently removes layers of the nail and leaves smooth edges without the worry of splitting or splintering the nail.  It is battery operated and clean up is almost non-existent as nail filings are collected in a protective cap for easy disposal.  This type of nail trimmer has become very popular and has made nail care for pets easier, safer, and less stressful for your pet.

With the higher cost of everything these days, including pet care, more people are grooming their pets at home themselves.  Not only does it save a trip to the vet or professional groomer and the expenses involved, but it also allows owner and pet to spend more time together.  Your furry friend craves all the love and attention you can give them and home grooming gives you the opportunity to thank your pet for all the unconditional love and loyalty they give you.  They will appreciate the extra time you take to make them feel special.  With a bit of patience and training, both you and your pet can look forward to the grooming sessions and enjoy each others company in a more relaxed and stress-free atmosphere in the comfort of your home.

Author: admin
• Friday, October 17th, 2008

Just as our pets give us all of the love and attention we need, they crave the companionship and extra time that we can spend with them.  These days with the cost of living on the rise, including pet care, we can meet the needs of our pets as well as save some money all at the same time.  By grooming our pets at home, we give them special attention that they will enjoy and avoid the appointments at the professional groomers.  Home grooming is easier than you think and can be a relaxing and fun experience for both of you.  Basic steps include a nice bath, gentle brushing, and nail care.  Bathing and brushing your pet may be the easiest part of grooming but with a bit of patience and practice it wonít be long before your pet will become accustomed to you doing a peticure dog nail routine.

Start with a nice warm bath using a gentle pet shampoo and creating a lather that not only cleans their coat but massages their skin to loosen dander and release loose hair from the undercoat.  Keep shampoos away from the eyes and ears and be sure to completely rinse the soap from the coat and skin.  Avoid using human cleansers on your pet as they may be too harsh for them and cause skin or allergic reactions.  After their bath, give them a firm but gentle brushing with a good quality pet brush to remove loose hair from the undercoat and leave the topcoat sleek and shiny.  The last step is one of great importance.  It may take a little coercing and a few pet treats before your pet may allow you to introduce a peticure dog nail session.  Often pets will pull their paws away when their nails are being trimmed but with patience on your part, they will gradually relax and allow this to be accomplished.  Nails that are neglected become chipped and rough and can lead to health problems for your pet.  This may include split nails that could become infected as well as hip problems that could develop because they are not walking properly if the nails are too long.   Many groomers and vets are using a filing system instead of conventional nail clippers to safely trim their clientís nails.  One such product, Pedipaws, allows you to trim the nail using a filing wheel, similar to an emery board, that gently removes layers of the nail leaving smooth edges.  The worry of cutting the nails too short and entering the quick of the nail, which can cause pain or bleeding, are eliminated.  Cleanup is almost non-existent as the nail filings are collected in a protective cap for easy disposal.  New products like this have made home grooming easier and less stressful for your pet.

It doesnít take much to please your furry friends and the extra time and attention you lavish on them will make them healthier and happier.  They will quickly adapt to a grooming routine, especially if treats are involved, and both of you can benefit from the experience of grooming your pet yourself.

Author: admin
• Tuesday, October 14th, 2008

A professional dog grooming service is now affordable, fairly simple to find and a necessity for some of us. My “baby” is a 150 pounds of lovable, fur-covered angel. He just cannot wait to go for a walk and he will dance while he’s waiting for me to get ready to walk. He is waiting for me to come home when all I did was go to the post office and he greets me with excitement. The darn thing is just lovable beyond belief, until its bath time. Bath time brings out the demon in my “baby.”

A simple attempt at a bath brings up both stress, a fight, bruises on my part and fear on his. My finding a professional dog grooming service was a relief for both of us. I love my dog, but when he’s dirty, he stinks. That smells just permeates the house but fights of bath time made me decide the smell was the less of two evils. The professional dog grooming service I found got in contact with the veterinary service that they maintain close ties with and spoke with the vet about my “baby” and received advice and a prescription for me. Now my unsmelly, clean dog and I no longer walk around each other in avoidance for a few days after bath time.

While I keep my dog with the necessary medications, I don’t want the fleas and ticks that abound in our area to come into my home. My choices used to be, a treatment that didn’t seem to cover his whole body, or an ongoing search for ticks after each trip outside. The professional dog grooming service made this a thing of the past. The dog dip covers his entire, huge body with the necessary repellent, and he doesn’t object to a dip like he objects to the sprays and other treatments.

While pet grooming used to be something I thought was really only for those silly accessory dogs that some women carry around, a professional dog grooming service has become invaluable to me. However, a professional dog grooming service has been a amazing benefit to myself and my “baby” in caring for him without the huge trauma it used to entail. Not to mention that a bath time was an all day Saturday event, and the time savings for me are another nice benefit.

The Costs Of Professional Dog Grooming Service Is Not What You Think

One reason that I avoided a professional dog grooming service was the cost, but in saving a full Saturday and trauma, the costs were not bad. In fact, they were down right reasonable, usually around $100.00 for my 150 pounds “baby”.

Author: admin
• Sunday, October 12th, 2008

If you have a dog, you are already aware of the need to keep your dog clean and well-groomed. There are generally only three ways to do this, use a dog grooming service, a self service dog grooming facility or the family hose and a bucket. While the family hose and a bucket may work during the beautiful summer months, if you live in a climate with winter, you cannot use this method all year round. The other two choices depend on a few items such as the amount of time you have to spend and your dogs response to a bath.

The first is time, and no matter what we like, we cannot make more time, we can only use what we have the best way possible for us. Caring for a family, a home and a dog are all time consuming, and using a dog grooming service can save you time for other things you have to get done. In fact, if you don’t have the equipment of time to completely dry your dog after a bath, it can become a problem during winter. During winter their coat is thicker and its takes a good deal longer to dry. A dog grooming service has dryers that are designed to keep the coat free of shed hair and dry them after a bath.

Some dogs will fight a bath with everything in them. If you avoid grooming your dog to avoid a fight, a dog grooming service may be just what you need. The dog grooming service is trained to deal with dogs and are often in close contact with your pets veterinary service that can provide some type of medication to calm your pet for the necessary grooming. If your dog is fighting you when you trim his claws you can damage their claws by cutting to deeply. This will only increase your dog’s fear of grooming.

Dog Grooming Service Pest Dip Can Provide Benefits

Often when you treat your dog with repellents to keep away pests such a fleas, ticks, mosquitoes, chiggers and the like, you can miss areas which these pests love. One such spot is between the toes of your dog. This area is a common one in which pests love to hide as there is little hair to keep them from the skin and protection for them from being forced off. A dog grooming service can provide a pest dip which gets all over your dog with the repellent products, even in those places the pests love.

Author: admin
• Tuesday, October 07th, 2008

If you’re a dog owner who has decided to set up their own grooming program at home versus using a professional service for your dog and you don’t know what is involved in terms of supplies and expense or you’re a new dog owner and have no idea of where to start and what is needed, finding free dog grooming tips is a good place to begin.

Online Free Dog Grooming Tips

If you have access to a computer, then you have access to an abundance of free dog grooming tips. These tips come from professionals who groom dogs for a living along with pet grooming information from individuals who have learned on their own by trial and error. There are many websites set up that are dedicated to individual breeds or are set up for general information purposes concerning dog grooming. Many of these sites offer free dog grooming tips and instructions, free do-it-your-guides, videos and free catalogs on grooming that can be downloaded, ordered or printed.

Free Dog Grooming Tips from Pet Supply Stores

Another source for free dog grooming tips is at your local pet supply store. Not only do they have the supplies needed such as shampoos, conditioners, brushes, combs, clippers, ear wipes, teeth cleaners and flea repellents they also have knowledgeable staff that can provide you with basic instructions on how to use the products safely and effectively.

Free Dog Grooming Tips from the Veterinarian

When you take your dog in for a check-up or visit, free dog grooming tips are readily available from your veterinarian. Since the doctor is familiar with your dog and its history, they can suggest what specific types of grooming your dog might need in case your pet has sensitive skin and might have allergic reactions to over the counter brands of shampoo, for example. Your veterinarian can also take care of trimming and clipping your dogs nails versus you doing it yourself and they can prescribe any medicinal shampoo or ear treatment medicine that is needed.

Free Dog Grooming Tips at the Library

The local library is a great source for free dog grooming tips. Check the pet section for books with detailed instructions and pictures and ask about available video sources on DVD or on tape to see how grooming should be done. Most libraries have computers available for public use and if you don’t have a computer at home, sign up to use one at the library to tap into additional free dog grooming tips from online websites.

Author: admin
• Sunday, October 05th, 2008

When it comes to friendship, loyalty and being loved no matter what, man’s best friend is at the top of the list. And because of that special bond, dog owners pay special attention to their pet’s wants and needs. One of their primary needs is responsible grooming by the owner. Whether the dog is an inside or outside pet, the need for regular grooming is necessary and a good dog grooming tip is to have a standard regimen of grooming and stick to it.

Health Advantages of Good Grooming

A specific dog grooming tip to address is skin issues. Some dogs suffer from allergies ranging from pollen to flea bites and it’s necessary for them to be bathed and treated with medicinal shampoo and medicine. A proper grooming regimen will help keep a dog that suffers from allergies much more comfortable.

Long haired dogs that are not regularly brushed and combed can have their fur become matted and tangled in a short period of time. This becomes uncomfortable as the knotted mats pull at the dogs skin. If the dog is an outside pet, thorns and burrs become matted along with the fur. A dog grooming tip to follow if the matting is extensive and requires a lengthy grooming session is to have a professional groom the dog which may include the need to clip and shave the dog.

Short haired dogs won’t have the matting issues of a long haired dog but they do shed and another dog grooming tip that will help with excess shedding hair is to brush the dog regularly. Not only does the dog enjoy it but it removes the shedding fur buildup.

An important dog grooming tip is to regularly check their teeth. Dogs suffer from dental problems which can range from a broken tooth caused by gnawing on items to a tooth that is deteriorating due to the age of the pet. Not only are deteriorating teeth painful for your pet, but the cost of dental surgery for you dog can be expensive making this dog grooming tip one that should be incorporated into your pets everyday program.

A final dog grooming tip to follow is to be sure to include having your dogs nails trimmed regularly and to also check their ears for any dirt that can cause a buildup and infection. If your dog is continually scratching at their ears, there is a possibility they have ear mites or there could be an underlying condition or infection. Take your dog to your veterinarian for a professional diagnosis and any necessary treatment.

There are several grooming techniques along with numerous supplies to use with a good grooming program and if you’re a new dog owner and not sure about how to get started, free dog grooming tips can be found online, at your local pet supply store, from your veterinarian and at your local library.

Establishing a daily program of exercise for you dog is a very good dog grooming tip to follow especially as your pet gets older and starts to slow down. Providing quality food that has the vitamins and nutrients your dog requires along with plenty of exercise and a good grooming regimen will help to ensure your dog has a shiny coat, healthy skin and ears along with strong teeth and nails. A healthy dog is a happy dog.

Author: admin
• Friday, October 03rd, 2008

If you are thinking about owning a pet, or if you already have a pet and are thinking about grooming him yourself, you’re going to need to stock up on supplies. It may also be that you are planning to start a dog grooming business of your own. In any case, it could mean spending a considerable amount of money unless you know where to find good discount dog grooming supplies. Below we will take a look at the best places to find discount dog grooming supplies.

Why?

There are several advantages to discount suppliers over shopping at your local pet store. Obviously, you are going to save a lot of money on the supplies that you buy, but you are also limited in your choices at the pet store. Places that offer discount dog grooming supplies offer a much larger selection than the pet store, especially if they are one of the many online providers. This is probably the best place to find discount dog grooming supplies.

Many of the supplies you will need can be found through these sources, including clippers, brushes, nail clippers, scissors, and others. You can also find many informative materials through these sources, such as pet grooming tips.

In larger cities, you can also find discount stores that carry many of the items that you will need. The selection may not be as good, but the prices will be. The important thing is to know how to identify quality products, so that you are not getting taken. Some of these suppliers are not interested in providing quality products as much as they are in making a quick buck. When looking for discount dog grooming supplies, try to stick with the trusted name brands if possible.

If you take your time and don’t rush into buying the first products that you find, you chances of success will be much greater. Good quality discount dog grooming supplies are out there, you just have to look for them. If you follow these tips, you’ll find everything you need to get the job done and ensure the good health of your pet for years to come.

The alternative could be risking your dog’s health on poor quality equipment as well as having to spend even more money replacing the poor quality equipment you are using. Your pet and your wallet will thank you in the end.

Author: admin
• Wednesday, October 01st, 2008

If you are thinking about getting into dog grooming, whether for yourself or as a profession, there are several thing you will need to consider. The first of which is probably going to be your equipment. There are several items you will need just to get started. In this article, we will take a brief look at some of the things you will need and how to avoid cheap dog grooming supplies.

What To Look For

First of all, don’t get cheap dog grooming supplies confused with discount dog grooming supplies. Discount supplies are good quality products that you get at lower prices. Cheap dog grooming supplies are cheap in every sense of the word. They are cheap in price and of poor quality as well. There are plenty of both out there, so be careful.

You will need a few good brushes, depending on the different types of coats you will be dealing with. Pay attention to the labeling on any dog brush that you purchase. A good brush will clearly indicate what types of coats it is designed for. Cheap dog grooming supplies will simply be labeled dog brush. Take a few minutes to examine the construction of the brush. You can tell a lot about the quality of a product by just looking at it.

Nail clippers and scissors are also key pieces of dog grooming equipment. The key to avoiding cheap dog grooming supplies in this case is making sure you get some that are rust proof. The last thing you want to do is trim your dog’s nails with a rusty set of clippers.

The same holds true for any grooming supplies that you need. Try to stick with trusted name brands, even if it means spending a few more dollars. It is well worth the initial investment to have products that are going to last you a lifetime in some cases. You can find quality dog grooming supplies in a number of places. Good pet stores should have many of the things that you will need. You can also find many quality suppliers online.

Ask around to people that have experience in this area. They can save you a lot of time and effort, and they can save you money as well. It’s always nice when you can learn from someone else’s mistakes instead of making them yourself.

Author: admin
• Sunday, September 28th, 2008

Are you tired of paying to have some else groom your dog? Is dog grooming something you always thought about getting involved in? If you’ve answered yes to these questions, this article is for you. Whether you are thinking of starting your own pet grooming business or you just want to start grooming your own pets, you are going to need to know how and where to purchase professional dog grooming supplies.

Getting Started

The first thing you are going to need to do is sit down and figure out exactly what your plans are. This will determine the type of professional pet grooming supplies that you will need. You need to decide if you are going to groom your own pets or if you are going to do it for a living. You will also need to consider how much space you have and if you can fit everything in it. If you are going to start a business you will require more professional dog grooming supplies because you will be working on a variety of dogs rather than your own.

Once you’ve decided what type of groomer you are going to be, you’ll need to decide which professional dog grooming supplies to get and where to get them. You may want to begin by speaking to someone who has been in the business or knows something about it. There is a lot more involved in dog grooming than bathing and brushing. Some breeds require precise clippings and cuts to make them look their best. In many cases, these are things you can learn only through formal training. This is another thing you will have to consider. If you are not willing to take the time to learn about these things, you may want to just stick with grooming your own animals.

If you do want to commit to making a profession out of it and acquiring all of the professional dog grooming supplies that are necessary, there are a number of ways you can do this. You can attend training that will teach you all of the techniques that you will need to know. They will also instruct you in the type off professional dog grooming supplies you will need.

You can also find training courses online that are just as good as attending in person. In any case, you should not attempt dog grooming for anyone other than yourself without the proper training. People value their pets as members of the family and they expect the best care possible.

Author: admin
• Friday, September 26th, 2008

Have you ever taken your dog to a professional groomer? Have you ever been surprised by the price you ended up paying? Have you ever considered doing it yourself next time to save some money? If you have answered yes to these questions, this article will give you some helpful information about dog grooming supply items to get you started.

Getting Started

If you’ve never really gotten into dog grooming before, you may begin to feel overwhelmed when you think about how to get started. Every dog grooming supply list should start with carefully considering the type of dog you are going to be dealing with. This doesn’t mean just thinking about the physical traits of your dog. You should also take into consideration the type of personality and temperament you pet has. This could result in the need for additional or specialized dog grooming supply items.

The first thing you probably think about when you consider grooming is your pet’s hair. For this reason, the first dog grooming supply to consider is going to be a brush. Contrary to what many people believe, all dogs need to be brushed from time to time, regardless of how long or thick their coat is. A good brush should even be added to your cat grooming supply list. Even if your pet has short hair, a good brushing will keep the coat and skin free from vermin such as fleas, ticks, and other parasites.

You will also want to look into a good set of mail clippers for your dog grooming supply needs. If your dog’s nails aren’t trimmed occasionally, they could curl into your dog’s feet or break off too short causing a painful condition for your pet.

Another area to give attention to is your dog’s ears. They can easily become a home for various parasites and infections. Cotton balls are excellent tools for cleaning the ears. Some people use Q-tips, but you do run the risk of injuring your dog if he should decide to flinch or jerk unexpectedly.

Your dog grooming supply list should also include a toothbrush for maintaining good dental hygiene. This will not only keep your dog’s teeth and gums healthy, it will also help too prevent unpleasant dog breath. Dogs can experience many of the dental problems that people deal with. Brushing their teeth occasionally will help to maintain their overall health and wellness.

In addition to the supplies needed for dog grooming, you should also consider whether or not you have the time to devote to it. Even though you can save some money grooming at home, it can be quite time consuming.