Pet Care Tips
As a caring dog owner, you know that your dog's comfort and happiness is a top priority. Our groomers are experts in ensuring your pet's coat is clean and sleek, nails are maintained, and tails are wagging.
Tips for Keeping Your Pup Primped Between Spa Days
Regular Brushing
Daily and weekly brushing is crucial to keep your dog's coat clean and reduce matting and shedding. Plus, it's a great time to bond with your furry friend.
Depending on your dog's coat type, adjust the frequency—short haired dogs may need weekly brushing, while long haired dogs may benefit from daily brushing. Did you know that brushing also stimulates natural oil production, promoting a healthy coat?
Read our full brushing guide belowNutritious Diet
Did you know that your dog's diet plays a significant role in their coat's health? A well-balanced diet with essential nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids help maintain shiny hair and healthy skin.
Consult your vet for dietary recommendations and consider natural supplements like omega-3 fish oils and coconut oil for added benefits.
Spot Cleaning
Every pet owner with a pup that loves the outdoors knows that a freshly cleaned coat never lasts too long. For quick spot cleaning after outdoor adventures, invest in waterless shampoo.
It's a convenient way to remove dirt and grime without the hassle of a full bath. All you have to do is rub it into your dog's fur or use a damp cloth for gentle cleaning.
Collar-Free Time Indoors
Give your dog some collar-free time indoors if your home is secure. This helps prevent skin irritation and matting under the collar, especially while they sleep.
It's also important to wash your dog's collar now and then to remove dirt and germs.
Washable Dog Beds
Save yourself from the hassle, and the smell, by investing in a dog bed that's easy to wash. Freshly washed bedding is as important to your dog as it is to you, and it'll prevent odours in the house.
If your current dog bed isn't washable, you can place a towel or blanket on top that you can clean and replace.
Seek Expert Advice
Our professional dog groomers are always ready to help! Feel free to consult us for advice tailored to your dog's breed and specific needs. We are experts in pet care and can provide valuable insights into maintaining your dog's appearance and hygiene between appointments.
Contact UsLearning to Brush Your Pet
While burrs, foxtails, fleas and ticks are the bane of the country dog, over bathing, coat dryness and neglect of a pet's coat befall the city pet. But good news! Both can benefit from a regimen of brushing and combing.
Good Equipment is the Key
Poor equipment is often the reason pet owners fail to give their pet's once or twice weekly brushings. For success in coat maintenance, throw out your worn brush with bent or missing needles.
A gentle slicker brush is needed for basic grooming. These brushes contain hundreds of short bent wires mounted in a firm rubber backing. A good quality brush won't hurt your pet. Another essential piece of equipment is the comb—a solid metal comb with combination coarse and medium teeth will do nicely.
Brushing for Your Pet's Health
Brushing is essential to a healthy glowing coat. It eliminates mats and tangles, removes dead hair, dirt and burrs, and distributes the natural oils, producing a healthy skin tone.
The Right Work Surface
Where should you work on your pet? The floor is your pet's playground and should be used as a last resort. An old table or the top of your washer or dryer will offer a solid surface and a comfortable working height for you. An old rubber bath mat provides a non-slip surface for your pet.
Working on a surface like this teaches your pet that you are serious about its care. Plus, it resembles the conditions that your pet encounters in the grooming shop.
Controlling Your Pet
You must have a serious attitude while working on your pet. A firm "NO" should suffice when your pet bites at the brush or comb, or tries to charm you with playful antics.
Begin by working in one area. Don't allow your pet to twist and turn as you "hit or miss" in your brushing attempts. Your pet will definitely win at the game. And you'll exhaust yourself while vowing to never "brush" again. Firmness counts.
Mats, Tangles and Burrs
Mats, tangles and burrs should be worked in small sections and separated with your fingers if necessary. Begin with the coarse teeth of the comb. After the coarse teeth slide through an area of fur, then use the medium teeth to finish.
Anti-static grooming sprays, coat conditioners and powders can reduce coat breakage; however, use these items with caution around the eyes. Serious mats are best left to the groomer's expertise.
The Brushing Process
Take your pet's head in your hand and begin by gently, but thoroughly, combing the whiskers, ears, and head. Look your pet in the eye and say a firm "NO" if it begins to misbehave. Through this exchange you can gain rapport with your pet that will last through the brushing session.
Now, move to the legs. The legs are probably the most neglected part of the home grooming process. Alternate the comb and brush operation so you can locate the little snarls that quickly turn into big ones.
Brush up or down, but work in small sections and work down to the skin. A serious fault of pet owner grooming is overworking the top coat and neglecting the hair nearest the skin. Lift the leg towards you to get at the inner leg. Proceed to the tail and back.
Finishing
Terriers and long-coated breeds should be finished by combing in the direction of hair growth. A fuller appearance can be achieved on the Poodle, Bichon and Bedlington by brushing against the hair growth.
What's The Alternative?
Poor coat condition usually results in a shorter clip on your pet and a larger grooming bill. If you find that you just don't have the time or desire to brush your pet, more frequent professional grooming is recommended to prevent matting and tangling. A shorter, more manageable clip on your pet may be another alternative. Our professional groomers will be able to assist you in making the best decision for you and your pet.
How Often Should My Pet Be Groomed?
The duration of time between professional grooming can vary greatly between dogs of the same breed. Coat condition, hair type, density, and climate are just some of the variables. A lot depends on how much home grooming you are willing to offer to your pet. Here are some guidelines—if you don't brush and comb regularly, choose the earlier time frame.
Don't see your breed? Contact us and we'll be happy to advise you on the ideal grooming schedule for your pup.
Help! My Dog Has Fleas
Except for a few provinces lucky enough to escape, fleas are a problem for most pets. In some western provinces, fleas are battled year round. However, for most of Canada, fleas really begin to torment pets in the late summer and fall.
Sensing their demise with the first killing frost, fleas begin seeking a warm body on which to exist. Your pet may become one of their unlucky candidates.
Does My Pet Have Fleas?
If you suspect fleas, roll your pet over and search through the hair slowly on the belly and inner thigh areas. Another favourite spot is the back near the base of the tail.
There are at least 2000 species of fleas. The common pet flea is a tiny, dark, fast moving insect with a shiny hard body. You don't have to actually see a flea to know it's on your pet. Black specks that look like pepper are proof positive. These specks are flea dirt or feces—not flea eggs.
A Flea's Life
Adult fleas lay their eggs in floor, bedding and carpeting. With favourable weather conditions, new fleas break out every ten to fourteen days. Interrupting this cycle is the key.
Fleas begin their lives as a pearl-white oval egg about the size of an adult flea's head. The egg can take up to a week to hatch into a larva. This stage takes from nine to 200 days. The larva then spins a cocoon in which it rests for seven days to a year. The flea is a hungry adult when it emerges from the cocoon. This is the time when the flea enjoys the hospitality of your pet.
Flea Dermatitis
Fleas are not only a nuisance, but can pose a threat to the health of your pet. Fleas can carry tapeworm larvae from an infected animal to another. Untreated, tapeworm infestation sucks the reserves of a healthy animal leaving its prey vulnerable to numerous diseases.
Allergy to the flea bite is another real problem. When a flea takes its ration of blood it leaves behind saliva containing itch-causing enzymes and other compounds which causes a hypersensitive reaction in some pets. This reaction exhibits itself by red, sore itchy skin and mild to severe hair loss.
Extermination Program
Your extermination program should begin with a professional grooming, including a flea shampoo. Be sure to notify your groomer if your pet is on oral systemic flea protection. Insecticide intoxication can result with pets taking this prescription medication. Extreme caution must be exercised.
Extermination is a three-fold process. You must treat the pet, the yard and your home to be really successful.
Long Term Success
For long term success, you may want to treat your yard with insect control formulas sold in most garden department stores. To get maximum benefit from your efforts, quality products are essential. Your pet care professional is one of your best sources for product information in your area.
The first killing frost should take care of the problem outside, but those that remain on your pet will probably take up housekeeping quite nicely inside your home.
Questions About Your Pet's Care?
"Every snip, brush, and bath is done with care, because your pup deserves the best."
Book Onlineor call (705) 641-8986