Best blog posts regarding pet health. Keep your pet in good health by using these great tips.

Pet Health: Your Furry Family Member

Communicate About Your Furry Family Member

BY NICOLE IPSON

Our pets are our furry family members, for anyone in the animal industry this is true too. However, your family members are also our family members and that’s important to know. In the grooming industry, we tend to be the people outside of your family that see your loved one the most. We not only clean your pets, but we can also tell you when we think your little ones may be having an off day or not feeling so well. With that in mind, we always keep an eye on your furry family member’s health, sometimes catching things you may miss.

Often times people think that getting their loved one’s groom is a peaceful spa day. Although we do try to make their visit as stress-free as possible sometimes they just don’t enjoy it. Communication with your grooming can help with this problem. Informing your groomer of new circumstances around the home, or more importantly, new health issues can help your groomer to lower stress. This can be especially true with our older pets. Because of issues like arthritis or ligament injuries a groom can be stressful because of the need to position your pet. The need to lift your loved one’s legs can cause discomfort which upsets them.

Make Sure To Let Your Groomer Know About

Seizures
Heart Murmur
Ligament Injuries
Back Issues
Arthritis

Everyone knows that pets naturally age faster than humans. A few months for us takes a toll of years on them. So a 12-year-old Shih Tzu can be fine when it comes in for a groom in January but develop health issues 6 months later. Without your groomer being informed of new medical conditions they cannot perform your furry family member’s groom properly. Stress from a groom can trigger stress-related reactions in pets that have been groomed for years without problems. This is why it is so important to let your groomer know what’s going on in your loved one’s life each time you drop them off. It is also important that you take your pet’s age into consideration.

If you have a pet who’s age is 12+ your pet may need extra care. At a certain point, a traditional groomer may not be the best choice for your loved one. Although your groomer will always do their best to care for your pet sometimes a vet groomer may be the better choice. It can be hard for a groomer to express this as we hate to tell people that their furry family members are getting old. However, if you just aren’t sure what you should do, simply ask! A good groomer will help you make the best choice for your pet. Your pet’s health is our #1 priority no matter what. So help us help you and your loved ones and make sure to communicate with your groomers.

Article By- © 2018, Nicole Ipson, Images By- Nicole Ipson & Freepik.com

Anal Glands – Dog Health

The Stinky Truth About Anal Glands

BY NICOLE IPSON | September 19, 2017

How are your dog’s anal glands functioning? You’ve seen the “funny” carpet commercials and videos of dogs dragging their bottoms across the floor. Have you ever wondered what they were actually doing? For me as a groomer of over 10 years when I see those commercials my first instinct is to say “gross” or “that’s sad”. The reason being is because while most people think this is funny or their dog is being cute, they are actually trying to tell you something is wrong.

When your pet goes to the bathroom and their anal glands are functioning properly a secretion is passed along with their feces. This does two things, it marks the area with their sent, as well as lubricates their back-end so they can pass their number 2 easily. However, due to poor fibrous diets, these anal glands can become impacted. This causes the secretion becoming thicker and harder to pass. Along with this, it can cause your pet to strain. This is when your pet pushes for long periods of time to pass their feces. Straining alone can cause several other issues.

Now, remember how I mentioned your dog being funny and dragging their bottom across the floor? This in itself is a major sign that your pet needs its anal glands expressed. Usually, there are two sets of people that can do this for you if you are uncomfortable doing it yourself. You can call a groomer, they often offer this as a walk-in service. Or you can call your vet. Here are the differences between the two.

Anal Gland Expression at the Groomer

Can only do an external gland expression. Meaning, they will put pressure on the anal glands from the outside, releasing anything loose from the sacs that your pet can’t get. If your pet isn’t badly clogged usually this is enough to relieve the symptoms. They can also bathe the back end of your pet (maybe at an extra cost but well worth it) so that your pet doesn’t smell of anal glands afterward.

Anal Gland Expression at the Veterinarian

Can do internal gland expression. Meaning, they are trained to actually milk your pets gland from the inside allowing them to more completely empty the sacs. This method is usually what a groomer will suggest if they find that the secretion coming from your pet is rather thick and unwilling to completely release from the sacs. This will be suggested if the groomer feels that it is possible that they can rupture your pets anal glands.

It is important that you understand what you are watching for, and that is relatively easy. The anal glands are located to the left and right of your pets anus. If you notice your pet straining while going to the restroom or dragging their bottoms these are your first signs. You can also check your pet by feeling the sides of their anus. If you find that there is a bump on either or both sides of the anus your pet is becoming impacted. Usually, small dogs have to have help expressing their glands and most large dogs don’t.

The reason you need to know what to watch for though is simple. If your pets anal glands are ignored and they are unable to take care of the expression themselves they can rupture. Meaning the sacs can become so full that they will pop like a balloon. They usually pop outward causing a dime size hole on either or both sides of the anus. This will lead to major issues as well as large amounts of pain.

The topic of anal glands isn’t a fun one for anyone, this is fairly obvious. However, as a pet owner, it is important that you be aware of your pet’s health even the stinky parts. In doing so you will ensure that your pet stays as happy and healthy as possible. After all, they are a part of your family, they just can’t always tell you if something is wrong. So be aware of the signs, and help your pet in every way!

Dog Health – Shedding

Dog Health – Managing The Shedding

BY NICOLE IPSON | August 11, 2017

One of the main issues that owners have with their furry friends is the shedding. Let’s face it, no one likes hair all over their furniture or clean clothing! This issue comes whether you have a cat or a dog, long haired or short. Shockingly the pet with the most hair sometimes isn’t always the one responsible!

Most long-coated pets have a double coat, but some short-haired breeds also have double coats. Some of those breeds include Labrador Retrievers, Pugs, and Chihuahuas. Although not double-coated, some dogs such as Boxers also tend to shed quite a bit. Shedding dogs and cats can always benefit from a deep coat brush whether they are long haired or short.

The deep coat brush out process may require a few different sessions. This is based on how badly compacted your pet’s coat may be. There are other variables that play into being able to properly perform this process as well. One of these variables is how resilient is the skin? The tools used to pull the undercoat or excess fur can be harmful to your pet if used incorrectly. Such side effects such as blade burn or even open sores can happen. For these reasons, it is important to keep an eye on the pet’s skin while performing this process. The amount needed is dependent on the pet’s coat.

Consider This

How often is my pet Shedding? Once a year? Every other month? All year?
How often is your pet properly brushed out?
Does your pet seem hot even when it’s cool outside?

Although the types of coats and their shedding habits vary it important to get them properly brushed regularly. Salons often offer walk-in services for just brushing at reasonable rates. So the next time you take your pet in for their monthly nail trim, consider also asking for a quick brush out. Most salons are happy to oblige! Not only will they help keep hair out of your home but it will also help your pets to stay comfortable through the year.