The more you know!

Here is some information about interesting stuff that most people do not know. I believe it is incredibly important educate my clients on some of the issues that can affect their babies.  Some issues are more of a vet issue rather than a groomer issue….anal glands being the first….ear plucking being at the bottom with links to a very informative grooming blog, Grooming Smarter by Debbi Hilley.

This is why I will not do anal glands…unless a vet says it is needed. I am not going to intentionally cause harm and a lifetime of problems for a healthy dog. Very good video.

Why diet is so important!

Yeasty dogs (ears, skin, itchy ect)

Hot spots

Here is why I do not pluck ears.  I do not want to cause more damage to your pup.  Several of my return clients are seeing improved ears! It is so exciting for me when I can make a difference in a client dog and make them feel better!

http://groomwise.typepad.com/grooming_smarter/2012/04/ear-care-101.html

http://groomwise.typepad.com/grooming_smarter/2010/10/cleaning-ears-in-the-tub.html

http://www.petgroomerforums.com/chat/showthread.php?56286-No-More-Ear-Plucking!-BBird-Article

I hear this all the time…cotton in the ears…water doesn’t cause the infection.  Dogs need regular ear cleaning just like people….so of course they will have ear trouble if they only get cleaned once or twice a year.  My personal dogs have NEVER had ear trouble (knock on wood) and, guess what, I have never plucked their ears nor have I used cotton in their ears.  It is all about a nutritious diet and proper doggie-maintenance.  Granted, some doggies can have chronic ear issues just like humans, but again that is a vet issue, not a groomer issue.  Bottom line is our dogs depend on us, the owner, to be responsible and maintain and do our very best to take care of them, just like a child.  We clean our kids ears, we brush their hair and give them a bath and haircut more than once or twice a year.  We wouldn’t let a child walk around with an ear infection without trying to fix it and make them feel better?  So why should it be different for our furry kids?  Proper cleaning and care at home, in between grooms is essential to maintain a healthy ear and a healthy pup.  It will save you vet bills in the future as well as pain and suffering for your doggie.