The International Association of Professional Esthetic Groomers - the IAPEG

07/10/2024

Did you miss it? Good news if you are an IAPEG member! Your webinar recording has been uploaded to our free member continuing education course.
If you're not a member, become one today and gain access to ALL 2024 webinars free with your membership! https://bit.ly/IAPEGmembership

07/04/2024

Happy Fourth of July!
While we humans may enjoy the evening's fireworks, the same cannot be said for many of our pets. Every year thousands of pets go missing due to fear and confusion. Both canines and felines can have an innate fear when it comes to fireworks. If your pet is one of the many who will struggle to get through the night, here are some simple tips to remember.

1. Keep your pet indoors. This is easy enough for our indoor pets, but outdoor pets should also be brought indoors. Being kenneled in a pet's "safe space" can also offer comfort.

2. Use music or television to help drown out the noise. Even a fan operating in the same room can help to soften the noise.

3. If your pet has a prescription for a calming aid, be sure to give it 30 minutes to an hour before fireworks are expected. Most medications need to to dissolve and metabolize before effects can be beneficial. This holds true for natural aids as well.

4. Comfort your pet. Contrary to past beliefs, comforting your pet does not "reinforce their fears". In fact the opposite is true. Comforting your pet will calm their fears and help them realize these things aren't so scary after all.
One of the easiest ways to calm your pet quickly is to gently massage the vagus nerve which lies just below the ear.

Please have a very SAFE fourth of July!

07/03/2024

Enrollment is now open for the Master Therapeutic Pet Aesthetician diploma program!
This course is like nothing you have ever experienced before. A 12 month collegiate level program that covers every aspect of being a MTPAe.
From skin/coat anatomy/physiology/pathology to shampoo and conditioner chemistry. From holistic treatments to a diet that keeps skin healthy from the inside.
Use this link to find out more and see about your finance options including potential grants!

Enroll in the 12-month Master Therapeutic Pet Aesthetician diploma to specialize in advanced skin & coat health for pets. Elevate your grooming career today.

06/29/2024

Don't forget to register for Monday night's FREE webinar, Understanding Post Clipping Alopecia with host Bullet Brown.
Register here...it's free! https://bit.ly/IAPEGpcaWebinar

06/26/2024

The weather outside has been scorching in so many areas of the country. Please remember that if it is too hot for you, it's too hot for your pets. If you cannot bring them indoors, it's best to have a temperature controlled kennel to house them in this heat.

What you see above is not acceptable! You may think a doghouse will provide shelter when the opposite is true. They actually become a 'hotbox' with temperatures being even higher. This is a similar mechanism as leaving them in a car with windows cracked.

There are still ways to enjoy being outdoors with your pet! Shallow swimming pools for those who like to splash, swimming with owner supervision, in pools, even romping in the sprinkler can allow your pet to get outdoors and have some fun without the risk of overheating. Play outdoors in small bursts. Active pets, brachycephalic breeds, geriatrics, and thick coated pets can still overheat, so supervision is a must.

Provide plenty of fresh, clean water with constant access. Just like you, hydration is important in this heat!

06/23/2024

Unconditional love. They make our lives complete.

06/19/2024

Join us for our free webinar July 1st. @ 6:00 p.m. CST, Understanding Post Clipping Alopecia. Get science based facts on the latest information and research regarding post clipping alopecia. Find out who is at the highest risk, the latest information on why pca happens, things we can do to encourage correction of the coat, and more.
Register now...it's free!
https://bit.ly/IAPEGpcaWebinar

06/15/2024

Pets are forever...and if they need to be rehomed, it should be done properly....

FORGIVE ME, MOMMY 😢
I was there where you left me for two whole days. Sleeping right on the side of the road. I was terrified of the noise from the cars but I did not move.

Last night one of those cars stopped and she got out. She invited me to lunch but I said no. She invited me to come sleep at her house and I also said no. I tried to explain to her that I was waiting for you but she wouldn’t listen. She pulled out a leash and said I couldn’t stay there any longer. I bit her several times and ended up peeing on myself as I growled and cried! She didn’t understand that she was separating me from you! She took me against my will and we drove off! I was so sad because I knew you were going to be worried. We ended up at her house.

I kept screaming hoping you would hear me but you never came. I vomited because of my nerves, feeling so sick. I kept telling her I had to go back because you were going to think I abandoned you when you saw I wasn’t there! I, who love you with all my heart and soul have not stopped crying since we separated a few days ago. I want you to know, I would never do that to you.

I don’t know where you are now or why you stopped the car and left me there. Surely you had something very important to do. Can you come find me now, mommy?

Today I ate because my tummy was hurting. I also slept on a very soft bed. And by accident I also wiggled my tail a bit. I’m so sorry, please forgive me. She’s just being really nice to me. She said I could stay forever. She’s calling me Savannah, but I already have a name. When you pick me up you can tell it to her. You’ll see how surprised she’ll be when you explain to her that this was a big mistake.
Because mommy, you’re coming back for me, right 😢?
Author unknown

06/12/2024

As class is filling for the Master Groomer Nutritional Consultant certification program, we realize that some of you have doubts. That’s okay! We often have doubts when delving into a program that has never been done before.

The problem with pilot courses is that because it is a “first run” there isn’t usually a testimony of any kind. However, even with a pilot course, we can help ease your worry.

A portion of the MGNC content is included in the 12 month ICPE/MTPAe course and we have students who can truly attest to the knowledge, insight, and educational level you will receive through this program.

Here’s what one of our graduates had to say:

“I want to add that I have completed one of the other courses (master therapeutic pet esthetician) and it had a module on nutrition that blew my mind even though I have pursued this type of knowledge for 20+ years.

I have taken various raw and such courses, I have owned a retail store and sold all types of pet food through at least 18 of those years. This one taught me stuff I didn't know, and I finally could understand the WHY of things I have been talking about forever.... If it didn't overlap with my tradeshow I would have signed up!” J. Parker

Let us help you help your clients (or your own pets) with the most important thing to their immune system, diet and nutrition. We have 6 seats still available and this pilot price will never be offered again!
Enroll here >

06/08/2024

Wishing our fans and members a happy Pride Month!

06/06/2024

We are SO proud to announce Utah's first ICPE, Rachel Asher! Sydney Asher Ncmg
Rachel spent 12 months pursuing her education as a pet esthetician and we couldn't be more proud of her!

06/03/2024

If you are a member of the IAPEG, your new webinar recording has been uploaded to your free IAPEG Member course along with all webinar recordings for this year.
Head over to your free course here > https://bit.ly/IAPEGMembers

If you are not a member and would like to join us, just click here > https://www.icpeprogram.net/membership-1

05/31/2024

Another HUGE congratulations to another Canadian student, Sharron Williams! Sharron completed a 12 month collegiate level course to earn the title of International Certified Pet Aesthetician. We are so proud of her!

05/30/2024

We would like to extend a HUGE congratulations to Joanne Parker of ItzaClip! Doggy Day Spa pet grooming for completing the 12 month collegiate level course and earning the title of International Certified Pet Esthetician!

05/27/2024

Regardless of the temperature outside, it’s never ok to leave a dog inside a car. Why? Deaths happen fast in cars as temperatures rise. In fact, it takes just six minutes, at most, for an animal to suffer severe heat exhaustion. This can lead to death.

Also keep in mind that the most common way dogs to cool themselves down is by panting making it extra hard for them to beat the heat.

The research speaks for itself. Pets die quickly in hot cars, even with the windows cracked slightly open. In fact, it’s questionable whether open windows even help the situation, with 80% of the final temperature increase happening in the last 30 minutes.

Cracking your window will not help this, the damage is already done. Internally, the temperature can reach double that outside, even on milder days. On hotter days, it can exceed 120 degrees Fahrenheit (49 degrees Celsius) inside a car, even if you are parked in the shade or it's a cloudy day.

Heatstroke can occur any time throughout the year, despite many believing pets can only succumb to the condition in summer. Even in the winter the sun causes a 'greenhouse effect'.

Heat Stroke is a type of hypothermia that can cause injury to the body’s tissues as the internal temperature rises above the normal range.

Despite people often brushing the condition off as minor and something that can be bounced back from, heatstroke is a very serious and at times, life-threatening condition. Symptoms of heatstroke include:

Panting (a dog’s natural way to cool themselves down. However this can actually increase heatstroke progress).
Drooling
Agitation
Very red or very pale gums
Bright red tongue
Breathing distress
Increased heart rate
Vomiting
Signs of mental confusion
Dizziness or staggering
Lethargy or weakness
Collapsing and lying down
Seizures or muscle tremors

Another important thing to remember is that breeds react to heat differently. Breeds with flat faces, otherwise known as brachycephalic skul, are predisposed to heatstroke. Dogs such as Pugs, English Bulldogs, and French Bulldogs among others are most susceptible. Also, dogs with thick or long hair coats tend to suffer more than others.

In addition to the breed, dogs diagnosed with specific pre-existing conditions such as heart or breathing problems or neurological disease, can be more prone to suffering from heatstroke.

Despite the constant messaging on not leaving pets in parked cars, animal advocacy groups still receives thousands of calls about distressed animals left alone in vehicles.

If you think you may have to leave your dog in the car, don’t take them at all. Leave them in the comfort and safety of their own home. For dogs, playing at home, even when left alone, is much better than being stuck in a car, even for a minute.

What to do for a Heat Stroke > https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/heatstroke-in-dogs/

05/22/2024

Class size is limited and is now half full!

Professional groomers are in a unique position when it comes to diet. Pet owners often ask if we could recommend a better food for their pet. This could mean a better quality brand or ut could mean a change of food type.

The MGNC certification program is designed to help educate groomers so they may better educate their clients. You'll learn how each system of the canine and feline bodies is affected by diet. You will cover different types of diet including kibble, canned, freeze dried, home cooked, and raw. Learn how to better communicate with your clients regarding diet, and more.

The MGNC program is a 20 week collegiate level course. Everything is taught online using videos, written content, quizzes, activities, and more. Tests for each module are also completed online through Zoom.

Class starts June 24th and enrollment is open for a steeply discounted price. Enrollment ends June 20th or when class meets fill capacity, which we expect to happen soon. If you have any questions, please reach out to developer/instructor Bullet Brown at BulletBrown891@gmail,com

05/19/2024

There's not much time left to enroll!

Enrollment in the Science of Creative Grooming is quickly drawing to an end. There will only be one other class for 2024.

If you use coloring products or are thinking of adding creative coloring as a service for your clients, you need this course!
In an unregulated industry, coloring products can be very dangerous even if they are pet labeled. Understanding the science behind these products and how they interact with the skin and coat is not only the way to get the best results but is paramount to protecting the pets in your care.

There are still seats available, but enrollment closes in just over a week! This is a 14 week online course taught through videos, written content, live weekly meetings, and more. Both theory exams and your practical can be performed online.

Enroll now and get the knowledge you need to safely use coloring products AND get the best results. Complete the course with a passing grade and achieve your title of Master Professional Creative Groomer. Find out more here > https://bit.ly/SOCG2024Summer

05/15/2024

You know you’ve seen it. You’ve also felt it and smelled it. Unhealthy skin. Not dirty skin that just needs bathing with the proper products, but skin that as an organ is unhealthy.

Sure, as professional groomers we can help with symptoms, but without addressing the root problem we’re just spinning wheels in the mud.

Clients like this should be referred to the veterinarian to search for any underlying health issue(s). However many times these visits don’t turn up any medical condition at all.

What if you had the knowledge to confidently talk to your clients about the one of the top three allergies in pets…diet.

A change to better nutrition means a healthier pet with vigorous skin and coat that performs it’s job.

Right now you have the opportunity to participate in our pilot enrollment for the Master Groomer Nutrition Consultant.

What’s a pilot course? It’s the first launch of any new certification program. You may find errors or mistakes that need correcting which is why your commitment and input are invaluable. You will help to tweak the course for future students.

Enrollment for our pilot run is less than half the price it will be later on. This price will never be offered again. Space is limited and class is almost half full!

Have Questions? Want to see the basic curriculum? Reach out to our developer and instructor here- > [email protected]
Enroll here >

05/12/2024

As the temperature rises owners of fur bearing breeds begin to realize their pets are hot. Mistakenly, many think that clipping these breeds down will help them be cooler. Nothing could be farther from the truth.
This time of year it's common to see these breeds 'blowing coat', meaning that massive amounts of undercoat are shed out at once. However, clipping is not the answer. Instead your professional groomer can remove that crazy amount of undercoat and help keep it in check year round.
This allows the coat to properly perform it's job of keeping the body cooler. The attached undercoat works like insulation keeping cooler air near the body while the guard coat reflects heat away. But when loose undercoat is not properly removed it impedes the coat from doing it's task.
Professional groomers provide so much more than a haircut. Talk to your groomer about booking an appointment for your fur bearing breed to keep them comfortable year round!

05/06/2024

Don't forget to register for tonight's free webinar!

Before you use any coloring products, you should know what's safe and what absolutely is not. Even if you've been using coloring products for some time, it's still pertinent that you understand how to protect the safety of the pets involved.
Join us Monday, May 6 @ 6:30 p.m. CST for a FREE webinar, Salon Creative; Choosing Safe Products, and make safety your top priority!
Register here > https://bit.ly/SCSafeProducts

05/03/2024

Don't forget to register for Monday night's FREE webinar, Salon Creative: Choosing Safe Products, @ 6:30 p.m. CST.
This webinar is all about choosing safe products for use in your salon. This may sound simple, but it's a bit more complicated if you want to be sure you are protecting the safety of the pets involved.
Register here, it's FREE > https://bit.ly/SCSafeProducts

05/02/2024

Message from IAPEG president, Bullet Brown :

The IAPEG is yet again leading the industry in paramount continuing education. We are introducing our newest certification program, Master Groomer Nutrition Consultant. YOU MUST BE A MEMBER OF THE IAPEG TO PARTICIPATE.

This 20 week course covers the various systems of the canine/feline bodies, how they differ and how they are the same. Laying this foundation is how we comprehend how diet affects each organ of the body. Kibble, canned, home cooked, and raw are each thoroughly covered in this program.

What's more, you'll learn diet for various life stages as well as specialty diets, supplements, and more!

This is a PILOT COURSE. What is a pilot course? A pilot course means that not everything is perfected. As a pilot student, you will help me to tweak things for future students. This does NOT mean you are not getting the full course. It means you may find errors I need to correct or that we decide to change the order of a module.

What's in it for you? You get to enroll for HALF the price this course will be after this pilot run. What's in it for me? I need you to commit to the course and giving me feedback.

This course will be VERY limited! If you have questions or want to see the bare bones layout shoot me an e-mail at [email protected]
Enroll here >

05/01/2024

As the weather warms and spring arrives, bees, hornets, and wasps are out and about.
This is the elusive Stevie Bee. Fortunately, he does not have a stinger!

But what about those insects who do have stingers and our pets often encounter? If you believe your pet has been stung or bitten by a spider, first try to identify the culprit. If you can't that's okay, but having this information could help with any future stings.

Insect venom causes problems ranging from mild irritation to life- threatening shock. Observant pet owners can minimize the reaction by taking prompt action. Keep in mind that even with first aid started at home, severe cases require prompt medical care.

What can you do at home?
1. If the culprit was a bee, look for the stinger which remains in the skin and scrape it off.
2. Make a thick paste of baking soda and water and apply it to the sting site. If your pet has multiple stings or bites, a soothing oatmeal bath may be the way to go.
3. Apply an ice pack to the affected area for 10 minutes to reduce swelling.
4. Give a dose of oral anti-histamine, such as diphenhydramine (brand names: Benadryl®, Vetadryl®) to minimize the reaction and decrease itching. Consult your veterinarian first for proper dosing.
5. Do not allow the pet to lick or scratch at the wound site. This could cause trauma that leads to infection.

Just like humans, some pets are allergic to stings or bites. The degree of reaction varies with the dog’s immune system and the type of insect. Allergic reactions usually occur within 20 minutes of the bite, but may be delayed for hours, so close monitoring is critical. Severe reactions (anaphylaxis) can be fatal so quick action is vital. If you notice any of the symptoms below seek emergency veterinary treatment.

1. Severe swelling around the head and neck that could compromise respiration. Swelling in these areas may occur even if the bite occurred elsewhere.
2. Hives on any part of the body. Hives appear as bumps under the skin that raise the hair, or as red bumps on hairless areas like the belly.
3. Difficulty breathing or wheezing. Some dogs pant more than usual because they have swelling in the respiratory passages'
4. Excessive drooling. If there is swelling in the throat, the pet has difficulty swallowing his own saliva and drools a lot.
5. Vomiting or diarrhea. Even mild vomiting and soft stool can indicate trouble, so do not disregard this sign especially for felines.
6. Dizziness or disorientation. If your pet is not alert or stumbles, he is having more than the normal reaction.
7. Seizures. Call your veterinarian immediately.

04/28/2024

Before you use any coloring products, you should know what's safe and what absolutely is not. Even if you've been using coloring products for some time, it's still pertinent that you understand how to protect the safety of the pets involved.
Join us Monday, May 6 @ 6:30 p.m. CST for a FREE webinar, Salon Creative; Choosing Safe Products, and make safety your top priority!
Register here > https://bit.ly/SCSafeProducts

04/27/2024

If you are an IAPEG member you can now view your recording of our last webinar, Case in Point; The Wire Coat, in your IAPEG continuing education course.
If you are not a member enroll now to not only view webinar recordings but also pertinent articles, videos, and downloads for your business.
Enroll now and start your membership to continuing education on your own time! > https://www.icpeprogram.net/membership-1