Category: Grooming

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Anxiety & Nervousness Grooming

Grooming an Anxious Dog? Try These Tips

Grooming an anxious dog? Try these tips

Whether it’s trimming nails or trying to bathe a dog, if you’re a dog groomer then you probably see anxious dogs on a daily basis and if you have an anxious dog then you’ll know exactly what I’m talking about! No matter how experienced you are, how good at your job, and how much effort you put into keeping a dog calm, there are some dogs that simply don’t like to be groomed. Maybe they’ve had a bad experience. Or perhaps the sound of clippers makes them nervous. It could be a lot of things. Fortunately, there are some easy ways to help calm nervous dogs.

A little bribe never hurts

Bribery may be illegal with humans but, when it comes to dogs, a little bribery will often get you what you want and there are no laws against it. Many dogs are very food-motivated. If you’re grooming a dog who is only slightly anxious then you can frequently help him overcome his nervousness by giving him a treat reward for being a good boy (or girl). This is a great way to help a puppy when he’s getting his first “big boy” hair cut or having his nails trimmed. If he’s never had a bad experience and he’s simply a little uncertain you can ease him through the entire grooming process by giving him a treat at each step. Clip a nail — give a treat. Clip another nail — another treat. And so on. Many puppies can’t wait to jump up on the grooming table if you practice this method.

Music soothes the savage…

If you’re bathing a dog who is seriously afraid, such as a dog who freezes up as soon as the water hits him, singing and crooning to him can help. Playing music in the grooming salon is often relaxing to dogs. Some groomers find that dogs enjoy having a television with nature programming on in the shop. This may not take away all of their anxiousness but it can help relax some dogs. Grooming products with soothing natural scents, such as lavender, can also help calm a nervous dog. You may want to try something like a lavender between bath spritz. The pure essential oil will help to soothe your dog.

An all-natural solution

You may also wish to try an all-natural solution such as Sleepytime Tonic to help an anxious dog. Sleepytime Tonic is a relaxing tonic that is perfect to help calm a nervous dog. It’s a herbal and a Flower Essence-based formula that can ease your dog into a calmer more relaxed state. It contains valerian and scullcap, two herbs that have been used for centuries in Europe to encourage relaxation and sleep. If you’re using it for a dog that you’re going to groom you can put a couple of drops on a treat or place a few drops directly into the dog’s mouth. Sleepytime Tonic works in about 20 minutes so you can give a dog a treat with a few drops on it when he first arrives and he will be ready for a bath or grooming in just a few minutes.

Grooming can be very stressful for some dogs and Sleepytime Tonic can help relax the dog so he won’t be so distressed about the whole process. You will be able to trim the dog’s nails, clean his ears, bathe him and finish his grooming without causing him the kind of upset that disturbs some dogs so much. Sleepytime Tonic is perfectly safe and completely non-toxic. But of course, get permission from the dog’s owner first.

The finishing touch

Remember, too, that simple brushing is often relaxing for many dogs. Try to begin grooming with brushing and let the dog relax a little so he feels more comfortable before you spring something on him that could cause him to become anxious, such as trimming his nails. Finish up with treats and lots of petting. Don’t forget to tell your client dog what a good boy he’s been and how great he looks. He’ll be happy to see you next time.

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Grooming Shampoo

Save Money & Groom Your Own Dog!

by Carlotta Cooper
DIY Grooming
I have an online friend who is remodeling his home in Brentwood. He tells me about importing a marble fireplace and installing a remote control for his bathroom fixtures. I don’t quite have the heart to tell him that my home is decorated in Modern Dog. I have a crate that could house a family of three in my living room and a dog grooming table pushed against a window. I use the table a) for my potted plants; and b) when I groom my dogs.
With five big, long-haired dogs I do groom them myself. It’s not as hard as you might think and, with the economy the way it is right now this could be the perfect time for you to consider washing and grooming your own dog at home. At the very least, some of these ideas may help you stretch the time between visits to the grooming salon.
No More Bad Hair Days
You may not be able to duplicate the look that a dog groomer gives your dog, especially if you have a breed that requires some clipping, but there are many things that you can do to lengthen the time between visits to the grooming salon.
For dogs that need a little “boost” between baths, many people like to give a waterless bath. Dry Dog Instant Clean is a bath replacement spray, waterless shampoo and dry bath. All you have to do is spritz it on your dog and the spray cleans without using any water. Dry Dog contains ordenone which eliminates bad doggy odors. A waterless bath can help your dog go a few more weeks before getting a bath or seeing the dog groomer so it can help stretch your grooming dollars.
Rub A Dub Dub
If you decide to bathe your dog yourself and your dog hates it, you can help him feel better about the whole activity with an herbal elixir like Sleepytime Tonic . Sleepytime Tonic is great at calming a nervous or anxious dog whether your dog is afraid of fireworks, storms or just getting a bath.
There’s no one best way to bathe your dog. Some people like to take their dogs into the shower with them. Other people put their dog in the bathtub. If you have a small dog you may prefer to use the kitchen sink although I have found that I end up as wet us the dog! Do make sure you use warm water — test the water on yourself before using it on your dog. And, make sure that you rinse the lather thoroughly from your dog. Soap residue can be a skin irritant and cause your dog to itch and to scratch at his skin. It can even result in hot spots that make his skin break out. If you’re not sure how often you should wash your dog read this article.
Another thing to note is the type of shampoo you should use on your dog. Be sure to use one specially formulated for a dog’s skin and that addresses the particular problem your dog might face. For example, does your dog have itchy skin ? What about a dull coat ? There are shampoos for virtually every problem. One thing to note is you should not use your own shampoo on your dog.
100 Strokes!
Whether you have a short-haired or long-haired breed the most important part of grooming your dog is regular brushing. Contrary to popular opinion, many short-haired breeds are terrible shedders. Breeds like Labrador Retrievers and Beagles (and their mixes) can shed copious amount of hair on a daily basis. It takes regular brushing to keep that hair from spreading throughout your home. Long-haired breeds are more apt to shed hair in tumbleweed formation — the hair sticks together and is easily seen and swept up.
If your dog has a few tangles you can make brushing him much easier by using a product such as a detangler that you can spray on your dog while brushing to remove tangles and leave in his coat for added conditioning. I like a product called Calming Aromatherapy Spritzer . It conditions the hair and makes it easy to brush. And, the lavender scent is very soothing to your dog. When you’re brushing and combing your dog it’s best to spray the coat with something first. Brushing and combing a completely dry coat can cause the fur to break. Using a good detangler such as Calming Aromatherapy Spritze r can prevent tangles and mats from forming.
Do Your Ears Hang Low?
All dogs need to have their ears cleaned weekly. Otherwise they can develop ear infections which, left untreated, can lead to hearing loss. You also need to trim your dog’s nails weekly. Some people use nail clippers or scissors for this job. Other people prefer a rotary grinding tool which sands off a little nail at a time. Either kind of tool is fine. The important thing is to trim your dog’s nails regularly so they don’t get too long.
Don’t Cry For Me
Do you have a breed that gets tear stains? Some dogs, especially small dogs, tend to get tear stains. According to a veterinary ophthalmologist, around 20 percent of small dogs, such as Maltese, get tear stains on their faces. Tear stains can lead to yeast infections and other problems if they’re not cared for. The problem may be the water in your area, your dog’s diet, allergies, or other things. You may need to talk to your vet to find a solution.
If your dog has tear stains it’s very important to keep the area around his eyes wiped clean. You can do this by using products that help to clean the eyes externally and to clean the body of the bacteria that cause the tear stains internally. The Eye Pack is a two part program to solve the problem inside and outside without using antibiotics.
Remember to see a vet if your dog has a continuing problem with tear stains . There could be an infection involved.
Whether you decide to groom your dog at home or you just want to stretch the time between sessions at your dog’s grooming salon, there are some good alternatives available to dog owners. You may not feel like rushing out to get your own grooming table but you may enjoy brushing your dog and spending time with him. Grooming your dog can be a good way of bonding and spending quality time together. And isn’t that what it’s really all about?

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Dog Conditioner Grooming Shampoo

Do I Need To Use Conditioner on My Dog?

Do I Really Need To Use Conditioner on My Dog?

Most people dislike bathing their dog because, let’s admit it, it’s a pain in the rear end.  By the end of the process you’re wetter than your dog, and the bathroom is left in shambles.   So for most, the idea of prolonging the  bathing experience one minute longer is not even an option.  However, that one or two extra minutes to condition your dog can really improve the state of their coat.


The case for conditioners – As we all know, shampoos by design are used for removing unwanted grime from the skin and coat. But shampooing, without sealing the coat afterwords, leaves the hair shaft open where residue can enter and oils and hydration escape. But conditioning after shampooing will close the hair cuticle and restore hydration, moisture and elasticity.


Conditioners also fill in the damaged hair that drying, brushing, dematting and petting cause. Just normal wear and tear chips away at the hair cuticle which a conditioner will restore to a smooth state and one that gives a more lustrous appearance and feel.


The most amazing conditioner I’ve used is Hydrating Butter . It’s an oatmeal-based ultra rich conditioning treatment for dry, damaged and long coats. It’s very think and rich and leaves the dog super soft & silky.


So, in a nutshell it’s definitely better to condition your dog than not to condition. But some dogs benefit more than others. 

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To determine if your dog is a good candidate and if the extra two or three minutes conditioning your dog is worth your time, answer the following questions:


1. How long is your dog’s coat?
2. Does he/she have an under coat?
3. How often do you wash your dog?
4. Does your dog have itchy skin?
5. The cuddle factor (CF) you would like to achieve.
6. How adverse is your dog to bath time?


Long Coats
If your dog has a long coat,  then it may be prone to mattes and tangles (think Maltese, Yorkies, Afgans). Using a conditioner will not only make your dog’s coat healthier it will make your job a lot easier by helping to remove mattes and tangles and the after bath brush out will be a breeze.


Undercoat
Dog’s without undercoats will probably receive the most benefit from a conditioner. Because their hair most resembles human hair, it’s thin, easily tangles and gets dirty quickly. Dogs with undercoats usually have thicker coarser hair (like a lab) and therefore do not matte and the coat tends to repel dirt.


Wash Frequency
If you wash your dog often (more than 1x per month) you should definitely condition your dog to close that hair shaft so the coat retains moisture. To read more about how often to wash your dog, click here


Itchy Skin
If your dog has itchy skin , you may want to bathe your dog more often to get rid of allergens. And if you’re washing you dog frequently, conditioner is a good idea. Be sure to use one that has oatmeal which works wonders for itchy skin and other botanicals to help combat itchy skin. Look for herbs like aloe, burdock, comfrey and boswellia to help with inflammation.

The Cuddle Factor
Of course this is the most important thing to consider!  I have a maltese and nothing is better than slathering her with Hydrating Butter. Her coat is left so amazingly soft. It immediately makes the CF go from 10 to 1,000,000.

Bath Time adversity
If your dog really really hates the water and can’t hang around in the tub for one minute longer, there are still things you can do to condition your dog. For example, there are some great 2-in-1 Shampoos and Conditioners you can check out like Bubbles ‘n Beads. Not only does it smell amazing but it gets the job done fast.  Or, get a leave-in conditioner that you simply spray into the dog’s coat after a bath. This aids with the brush out process and adds moisture into the coat. Most of these can be used on a wet or dry coat.

So there is some science to this after all, it’s not all just fluff (not pun intended) Although for most of us it will come down to quantifiable things like the all important Fluff Factor and of course the already mentioned Cuddle Factor.
 

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Activities & Fun Grooming Shampoo

Proper Care and Grooming Tips for the Dog that loves to Swim (at the beach or pool)

by Xiomara Iraheta

Do you have a water loving dog? Perhaps you’ve wondered about the effects that sun, salt or chlorine water may have on your dog’s skin, coat and ears. But more likely you’ve experienced the ill-effects first hand.

You’ve probably mused about the power of your dog’s coat against the burning sun, is it enough protection? I’m covered with sun block but what about his ears and nose? Why is my dog so itchy after a dip at the pool or ocean? Why does my dog turn green after a swim in the pool? And why do my dog’s ears get infected so often? You are not alone in thinking about these problems. And you’ll be happy to note that it’s not all bad. Salt can actually be good for your dog’s skin, if properly washed off afterward.

Luckily there are simple grooming tips for your beach bum dog.

Sun Damage

  • Whether he’s laying poolside or making sand castles your dog needs to be protected from the sun with sunscreen, especially those breeds with no undercoat, like Malteses and Yorkies.
  • Apply an all natural sunblock like flea the scene that will soothe your dog’s skin and protect him from the sun.
  • Don’t forget the nose, ears and belly when applying sunscreen.
  • A cleaner coat works best to protect against the blazing sun.

Why the unbearable itch and how to help?

  • Always remember to rinse your dog with fresh water after every swim.
  • The combination of the sand and salt can also add to your dog’s itchy discomfort so shampoo working your fingers to the root of the hair.
  • The best shampoo to use on a sandy dog is Bubbles n Beads . It contains little micobeads that actually help condition your dog’s coat and dislodge sticky sand which can be otherwise difficult to remove.
  • If you find that after your visit to the beach your dog’s paw pads were a little roughed up from the hot sand and salty water then you may want to consider applying a healing balm like bowWOW Butter Balm to treat those cracked paws or irritated nose. Can also be useful in removing tar.

Green Dog?

  • So you may not have a neon green dog but that white coat is taking a green hue, interestingly the chemical changing the color is copper and not the chlorine.
  • Make sure the ph and chemical levels of your pool are in order.
  • Try an all natural brightening shampoo, Sparkle and Shine is made with yogurt and honey to restore the luster in your dog’s coat without harming or over drying the skin.

Ear ye Ear ye

  • When moisture is trapped in the ear canal it can lead to infection so dog’s who swim have a higher chance than other dogs to get nasty ear infections.
  • After your dog gets out of the pool (or lake) be sure to towel dry your dog’s ears.
  • Clean the ears gently, to remove any discharge in the canal. Clip the hair around the opening of the ear canal to allow air to circulate. Try all natural Ear Wipes to make the job easier.
  • Regularly use a product that dries out the canal. This helps prevent a moist environment which, as we’ve already seen, allows bacteria and fungi to multiply.
  • Chronic ear infections can really rack up the vet bills. In order to keep those infections at bay, try an all natural, over the counter solution like Ear Aid – a two step process that both cleans and deodorizes, heals and protects your dog’s ears. If it works on your dog, you’ll save fortunes!

Whether you simply rinse your dog after a swim or wash with shampoo depend on the type of coat your dog has and how often they swim. Lorna Paxton, owner of happytails Canine Spa Line, a company that manufactures grooming and wellness products for dogs, notes on personal account with her dogs and advises that “if your dog visits the beach every day then a good daily rinse with fresh water is fine to rid your dog of salty minerals and sand residue,” she also suggests a weekly bath with shampoo and conditioner to keep the skin clean and well moisturized.

As for dogs who visit the beach only now and then a “good lathered wash with shampoo and conditioner will help wash off the sand and salt as long as you remember to work your fingers to the root of the fur.” “You definitely don’t want to bring a sandbox back into your home after the beach,” jokes Paxton.

“The salt can actually be beneficial to a dog’s skin, Paxton adds. “Salt is very healing and can help with many common skin afflictions. But if you don’t wash off the salt, you’re going to have a very itchy dog!”

A couple of other things to keep in mind on your next beach or pool outing:

  • Pack large towels for lounging on the hot sand and the drive home
  • A large sun umbrella to give your pooch a shade option
  • Pack plenty of fresh water to offer your dog and prevent them from drinking pool or salty water
  • Make sure they have a collar with ID tag, preferably a worn-out collar
  • Look out for the following in the sand: oily or tar-like sand, broken glass, sharp or edgy rocks, pieces of seashells that may wound your pup’s paws
  • Be sure to bring poop bags!
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Dog Conditioner Grooming Shampoo

Is there really any difference between dog shampoo & human shampoos?

HappyTails2We hear this question all the time– “what’s the difference between my shampoo and my dog’s shampoo?”

You may be surprised to learn that a lot is different. Of course, if you run out of Fido’s shampoo and you use your own to wash your dog a couple of times, nothing will happen. Your dog’s hair won’t fall out and life will probably go on as normal.

But there are areas in which human and dog shampoos differ. You may not notice the ill effects of human shampoo if used only a couple of times, but after repeated use, you’ll start to see.

1. Ingredients. Dog’s have different problems that humans do. We usually don’t sit around and scratch our heads as much as dogs scratch. This is because dog’s eliminate toxins differently than we do. We can sweat them out. Since dogs really don’t sweat, their toxins are eliminated through their kidneys and bowels. Try an all natural herbal detoxifier that you add to your dog’s food. As a topical solution to relieve itchy skin and soothe skin inflammations try products with colloidal oatmeal , boswellia, burdock and comfrey. The best shampoo to help relieve itchy skin is Comfy Dog Oatmeal Shampoo for Dry & Itchy Skin.

2. Ph Balance. A dog’s skin is about 7.5 while human skin is about 5.5 (to put it in perspective, water is about 7.0). Therefore, a dog’s skin is more alkaline so ideally a dog’s shampoo should be between 6.5-7.5 or it could be irritating to the skin. Highly acidic shampoos may also diminish the hair’s protective qualities, removing valuable oil from the coat and skin. the result is dry, irritated skin and a dull coat. Of course it’s a vicious cycle because the dog will scratch which only makes the problem worse.

3. Dog’s have sensitive skin– A dog only has about 3-5 cell-layers thick while we have about 10-15 layers thick. So, harsh shampoos with lots of chemicals and those that aren’t PH balanced will be irritating.

The case for conditioners – Shampoos by design are used for cleaning- removing unwanted grime from the skin and coat. But shampooing, without sealing the coat afterwords, leaves the hair shaft open– at that point residue can enter and oils and hydration escapes.

What you can do is use a conditioner after shampooing to close the hair cuticle and restore hydration, moisture and elasticity.

Conditioners also fill in the damaged hair that drying, brushing, dematting and rubbing causes. Just normal wear and tear chips away at the hair cuticle. Conditioners can help to remove the cuticle to a smooth state and one that gives a more lustrous appearance and feel.

The best deep conditioner I’ve used is Fur Butter (or Fur Worse). It’s an oatmeal based ultra rich conditioning treatment for dry, damaged and long coats. It’s the richest conditioner I’ve used and leaves the dog very soft & silky.

So now you know the difference– there really is one!