The International Association of Professional Esthetic Groomers - the IAPEG

01/19/2025

Yep, today is National Popcorn Day! As much as most of us love some good popcorn, the question is, can cats and dogs have popcorn as a snack? The answer is yes...and no. Let's expand on that.

1. Popcorn itself is not toxic to felines and canines in small amounts. Large amounts can lead to fiber overdose causing serious intestinal issues.
2. Just because it isn't toxic doesn't mean it's healthy. It has no nutritional value for our pets.
3. The key is to give plain, air popped ONLY. Giving pets popcorn with butter, salt, or other seasonings changes things. Popcorn with these ingredients are not safe for our pets to consume.
4. Butter contains fats that are not healthy for cats and dogs. Consumption can lead to stomach upset or worse, pancreatitis, particularly in felines and small dogs.
5. You may think butter is the only culprit, but salt is also a concern. Canines and felines can easily become dehydrated and consumption can lead to salt poisoning.
6. Absolutely no microwavable popcorn. It has an additive called perfluorooctanoic acid on the bag that has been found to cause cancer in people so we must assume the same holds true for our pets.
7. Remember that popcorn can be a choking hazard as well. Hard kernels can lodge between the teeth of large dogs or pose a serious choking hazard for felines and small canine breeds.
8. Popcorn isn't the best option as a treat for your pet. However, if you are eating air popped, plain popcorn, a few bites won't hurt

01/18/2025

Don't forget to register for next week's free live webinar, Perfect Paws. Founder and president of the IAPEG Bullet Brown, will have you seeing paws in a whole new light. Basic anatomy, proper care of pads and claws, when to recognize that veterinary treatment is needed, the differences in the canine/feline paws and claws, and more. Don't miss this information packed opportunity!
Just register below, then join us January 25th @ 6:00 p.m. CST.
https://bit.ly/IAPEGperfectpaws

01/17/2025

As professional groomers, what's the top question you believe pet owners should ask when searching for a groomer?

01/15/2025

We seriously can't make this stuff up, lol. But use that gift card to get your membership with the IAPEG.. We have exciting plans for 2025!
https://www.theiapeg.com/membership-1

01/14/2025

At what ages are our pets considered geriatrics? It varies, but medically speaking, small/medium dogs and cats are considered geriatric between the ages of 7-10 years. This may surprise you, but for felines this is equivalent to 54-63 in human years. For small/medium dogs, this is considered 47-60 human years. While these are certainly not ages we consider ourselves "old", we do realize that time is getting shorter and we need to take good care of our bodies. The same holds true for our pets.

Large and giant breeds age more rapidly and are therefore considered geriatric at a younger age, usually around 6 years of age. A 7 year old large or giant breed is already considered 56 human years and by ten they are equivalent to a 78 year old human.

By 15 years, cats and small/medium breeds are equivalent to 76-83 human years. Large and giant breeds are considered 93-115 in human years.

As our pets age, it becomes more important to make 6 month or annual check ups depending on the pets age. Many times geriatrics begin to have health problems that we may not catch quickly enough. Having your pet's checkup more often, means any treatment needed begins as soon as possible. It's also beneficial to your professional groomer to know this information. There may be symptoms to watch for, areas to use extra caution, and/or the need to hold your pet in a particular way for comfort during grooming. Communication is key to ensuring your pet is always safe and handled in the proper way!

01/13/2025

Join us on January 25th @ 6:00 CST for a free live webinar! IAPEG president, Bullet Brown, will discuss aspects of caring for both canine and feline paws, recognizing when veterinary referrals are needed, and learning the best ways to trim and file 'claws'....pets don't have nails, lol.
Just use the link below to register, then join us on the 25th!
https://bit.ly/IAPEGperfectpaws

01/12/2025

Time is running out and there won't be another class until spring. The sooner you take that step, the sooner you begin to grow as a professional. Being a MTPAe means you have achieved rigorous science based biweekly classes and test on your knowledge. It is THE highest level a professional groomer can achieve and the ONLY esthetician diploma program recognized by the department of education on a federal level. Invest in yourself, you won't regret it!

You may be asking yourself, "How can I pay for such a course?" The WPGA offers many options for payment plans. You may be eligible for financial aid from your state as this is a diploma program. Business loans are always an option as well. Contact Jennifer @ [email protected]

01/11/2025

Congratulations to our newest ICPE, the only ICPE in the state of Ohio, Jennifer Wilson! Jennifer has worked tirelessly, and has become a new groomer along the way!
You can enroll here and start your own journey to a new you!
https://www.theiapeg.com/aesthetician-certification

01/10/2025

So how do you spend the weekends as a professional groomer? Do you work every weekend? Every other weekend? No weekends at all? We're doing a little survey and would love your input!

01/09/2025

What you see here is not snow. It is sidewalk salt and can be one of the most dangerous things for canine/feline paws.

Sidewalk salt is also known as rock salt due to it's tough density. It is used to melt snow and give traction to sidewalks and roadways. For those living in urban cities this prevents slips and falls.

However, these sharp crystals can cut your pet’s paw pads resulting in pain and potentially infection. If left in contact for long periods of time, chemical burns are highly likely. They also draw moisture from the pads leading to soreness and cracking. Lastly, ingestion of these salts is a very real risk since your pet is likely to lick their paws clean after walking outside. This can lead to vomiting, diarrhea, tremors, and even seizures. If you think your pet has ingested rock salt, contact your veterinarian immediately.

So what can you do to eliminate this risk? The simplest answer is boots. They not only protect pads, but also prevent ice build up on the fur of the paws. For those pets who refuse to wear boots, there are specially formulated paw waxes that also protects pads by creating a barrier. Try to limit time spent walking on de-iced sidewalks and wash/rinse your pets paws after each trip outdoors.

01/07/2025

There is still time to enroll in the Master Therapeutic Pet Aesthetician which offers you a diploma through WPGA recognized on all state and federal levels of the department of education. You also earn certification as an International Certified Pet Esthetician through the IAPEG. Why would you invest in such a long and expensive course?

1. Top answer - to better yourself and help your clientele in ways you can't imagine.
2. Holistic treatments, which are a part of this program, are invaluable for particular problems, and you'll know how to make the perfect choice.
3. Earning a diploma is not something that can be achieved in a short time frame. Human Aestheticians attend 2 years, our industry standards should be as high as others. The time you invest will help you grow into a new professional with a new passion.
4. All money invested in continuing education is tax deductible. Who doesn't need a tax deduction?
5. Your tuition can be made in payments. Just contact Jennifer @ [email protected] and she will give you options.
6. You will ultimately raise your prices accordingly with the new found skin care being added to each client.
7. Your knowledge will allow you to expand your services thereby recuperating your investment and leading to extra income in the future.
8. You. You are worth investing in. You are worth being the best you can be. We are revolving in an unregulated industry and we must take the initiative for raising the bar and pursuing continuing education that offers more than a haircut.

Enroll now, and start your path to a new future!
https://bit.ly/MTPAe2025

Advance your grooming career with IAPEG's Master Therapeutic Pet Aesthetician certification. Learn specialized techniques for skin and coat health, therapeutic grooming practices, and holistic care tailored for pets with unique needs. Join a top-tier program that sets the standard in pet esthetic th

01/06/2025

A huge congratulations to Suzie Ougel for completing our 14 week program and passing her salon creative practical exam to earn the title of Master Professional Creative Groomer!
It's Gracie...the Maltese Tiger!

01/05/2025

There's a big scam that most professional groomers are aware of, but many owners seeking to own a poodle do not.

There are only THREE sizes of poodles recognized in the US. The standard poodle, who came first and was bred as a working retriever, should stand 18-24 inches tall at the withers (the top of the shoulder near the base of the neck).
Next comes the miniature poodle bred down in size as a truffle hunter. Miniatures stand 11-15 inches tall at the withers.
Lastly, there is the toy poodle bred down to be a companion animal. Toy poodles should stand 9.5-11 inches tall at the withers.
In the UK four sizes are recognized for those between miniatures and standards.

What there is not, and where the scam comes in, are 'king' standards or 'teacup' toys. These terms should be an immediate red flag. Reputable breeders do not use these terms to describe extra large standards or the runt of a toy poodle litter. They do not tout these terms to charge you more for a poodle that doesn't meet standards. In fact, these pups are usually sold for less with spay/neuter contracts because they do not meet the standards of the breed.

Don't hand your money to a greeder who sells pups to make money and you end up with a poodle with all kinds of health issues. Get in contact with a breeder who puts everything into bettering the breed and creating healthier dogs. You and your new pup deserve a lot of years together!

01/04/2025

Do you know what the ungual process is? Do you realize how important this is for groomers to understand?
Without using google or any other resource, answer below and we will choose a winner for a free one year membership!

01/02/2025

Today is National Motivation & Inspiration Day!
Here's some real inspiration for professional groomers. We want to congratulate Shannon Duggan for achieving her certification title of International Certified Pet Esthetician! Shannon has incorporated studies, working, raising a child, and everything else that comes with life. But she persevered and she achieved her goal.
Let this be an inspiration to those professionals seeking a higher level of education in a rapidly changing industry.
To find out more about achieving your ICPE certification AND MTPAe diploma simultaneously with the same program just click below.
https://bit.ly/MTPAe2025

01/01/2025

Don't miss our latest Q & A....sit back, relax, and have a listen. Topic? Why the grooming industry isn't recognized as a real trade and how we can make changes for the future.

Join us for an exclusive interview with the Whole Pet Grooming Academy admin team as we discuss why pet grooming is not recognized as a formal trade, the challenges…

12/31/2024

Who came to your house? Santa or Krampus? Read our latest blog post!

Ah, the holidays. The time of year when we’re surrounded by twinkling lights, festive cheer, and a faint sense of panic as we realize that—no—we probably aren’t getting everything we asked for this year. (Looking at you, Santa. I was mostly good, I swear!) And while some of us might feel mor...

12/14/2024

Just some quick groomer advice and pet owner tips we shared with members for the holidays hosted by IAPEG founder/president Bullet Brown, Canine trainer, groomer, and Alumni Educator for WPGA, and Dara Forleo, founder and president of WPGA.
Be kind to the pets we love, each other, and don't forget to be kind to yourself.

This is "Holiday Tips from IAPEG December 2024" by WPGA on Vimeo, the home for high quality videos and the people who love them.