Dog Training and Grooming Tips

05/05/2024

Shoprite South Africa Shoprite Nigeria

10/12/2021

Good Morning once again. I trust you had a great week. I want to share an incident that occurred last week with you.

A random customer had seen an advert that we ran on a WhatsApp TV channel and contacted me personally. He was interested in the tea for men. He was above 45 and was having serious issues. It started with depression from stress of work and life.

His doctor placed him on anti-depressants and one month later, he realized a huge drop in his libido. The Low libido and lack of sexual desire led to issues with his wife because she started to suspect that he was seeing someone else.

He started taking aphrodisiacs to help him meet up with his spouses demands and reduce the stress from the home front but this in turn shot up his blood pressure. If “Wahala be like bicycle” was human, it would be this man.

It was this vicious cycle that he found himself that led him to reach out to us to try out the tea for men.

We had conversations for a couple of days and agreed that since he lived in Abuja, we would send one pack to him when our stock got to the Abuja warehouse. This happened like 4 days later and we reached out to him again but he didn’t respond so we moved on.

I called and him to follow up and he was very rude to me. He practically called me a thief and scam. He asked me not to call his number again that we were all the same. I was sure he was mixing me up with some one else but he refused to listen and dropped the phone on me.

About one week later, I put up a post on my whatsapp status on the tea and he responded. He wanted to try 1 pack and will only pay on delivery. I called him again to be sure it was the same person. It turns out that he had ordered for and paid for a p***s enlargement solution Online and had received a magnifying glass instead from the seller.

It was the anger from this incident that led him to lash out at me. When I thought about it carefully, I really didn’t see why he should be angry though, a magnifying glass enlarges anything that you put in front of it but I kept my opinion to myself and agreed that he could pay on delivery when he had confirmed that what he ordered was what he was getting.
I passed his details to our Abuja sales rep to close out.

The next day, she called to report the customer. She was almost crying on the phone. He was so rude to her. He changed delivery address twice, refused to pay for shipping and called her names. I apologized on his behalf and wrote him off as a bad customer. We moved on.

That was 3 days ago. This morning, the customer called me. When I saw his call, I froze bracing myself for a fight. I know these types of customers. They complain about everything and are ready to tear you apart. I was going to listen patiently and then apologize and if need arises, refund his money.

Customer: (In a pleasant voice): Good morning,
Me: Good morning, sir. How are you today?
Customer: Fine oh. Thanks a lot. Please I am sorry to be calling this early. But I need 4 packs of the tea delivered to me this morning. I don’t have your reps number. Please can you tell her to bring it very quickly?
Me: (Taken aback): O..K. .. I was too shocked to ask for feedback. “I will tell her now. She should have your address.
Customer: Just ask her to call me, I will tell her where to bring it to. Send me your account details let me do the transfer. Please I need her to come quickly, someone is taking them to Kaduna.
Me: OK sir. Thanks for the patronage. God bless you.

I saw his alert 2 minutes later. It was 20k. I had asked the rep to drop the delivery charges. It felt so good. It wasn’t about the amount but the fact that the product had solved a problem so well that even a difficult customer came back for a repeat purchase.

Entrepreneurs go through a lot. The only way to succeed is to show up and keep doing what you know how to do best. A lot of times, things don’t really make sense. And this was one of such times.

The feeling you get when you see that your product solves your customers problem and satisfies their need so well that they are willing to come back and not just make a repeat purchase but to even buy more. That feeling is priceless.

If you are receiving this message, it means that you are male and most likely above 40. If you place an order for the tea for men (by replying this whatsapp message) before Wednesday October 13, 2021 and you live in Lagos, Abuja or Port Harcourt, we will drop the delivery charges for you.
Whatsapp >> https://wa.me/message/TO6O4HIRN5YYM1

02/28/2021

Who doesn’t like pets? Dogs are a popular choice for pets because they help us in so many ways. Some breeds and types give us a good idea of ​​what you want in pets and what kind of pet is right for your family and lifestyle. Here is a fun trivia quiz on identifying selected specie breed of some dogs with pictures.

https://ehealthissues.com/2021/02/27/how-well-do-you-know-dogs-identify-these-beautiful-dogs-trivia-quiz/

02/25/2021

Find Out The Real Truth Concerning Mending Your Broken Relationship.

We’ve come up with a list of questions that will diagnose his/her true intentions toward you, which we will reveal at the end of the quiz (along with some advice about what you should do about it.)

If you’re tired of wondering what he/she’s thinking, please take this quiz immediately!

https://ehealthissues.com/2021/02/25/find-out-the-real-truth-concerning-mending-your-broken-relationship/

02/23/2021

When searching for true love, you come across different people and personalities. This quiz will help you determine what kind of dater you are, and might even assist you in recognizing the type of dater sitting in front of you in your next date.
https://ehealthissues.com/2021/02/23/find-out-the-type-of-dater-you-are-when-searching-for-true-love/

10/22/2020

😁💥🐕🐩 I love this 😍🔥

10/14/2020

🦮🐕✅ 30 Awesome Dog Grooming Styles 🐕‍🦺

Are you really interested in learning various types of dog grooming styles? Oh! You are ultimately at the right place.

Motivation is the only thing that you should grow first and we are here to grow that. So that’s great to hear that you are really thinking deeply about grooming your dog.
Remember that it is very essential to learn the right techniques of grooming as otherwise it will turn into a very pathetic process.

And above all your dog will be the only sufferer. So your only aim should be learning some really good grooming techniques which you can try out at home.

🐕‍🦺Different Dog Grooming Styles: 🦮💋
Actually there are lots of professional pet groomers that you will find in your town, but the fact is that going to them will result in an expense of a big amount of money and of course some hours here out of the day.

But what you will be getting at the end?

Yes your pet will be looking like an over groomed circus dog.

We don’t think that any pet lover will be happy with that.

So you all dog owners should try your hand in grooming your own pet at home as that will save your money and also will save some of your time.

10/10/2020

✅Do I Really Need To Brush My Dogs Teeth? Get your answer 🦮

Brushing your dog’s teeth is one of the most important parts of dog ownership. Maintaining good dental hygiene is crucial both for the dog’s health and overall well-being. I certainly didn’t realize the importance, until becoming a veterinary technician last year and seeing the health effects first-hand. So, to answer the question, “Do I Really Need To Brush My Dog’s Teeth?”

Do I Really Need To Brush My Dog’s Teeth? The short answer is yes, it is important to keep your dog’s teeth clean. Either you as the owner need to brush your dog’s teeth regularly or have your veterinarian brush your dog’s teeth annually, it is critical to their overall health.

We all love our doggies and for most of us, they are more than just a pet. They are a member of the family! As a member of the family, we want to make sure we are giving them the best possible care. As a pet parent myself, I felt it necessary for me to delve deeper into this particular topic to ensure I was providing the best care for my doggie.

Our domesticated doggies do not have access to the same materials as their rugged ancestors did, to keep their pearly whites clean and plaque-free. This leaves us with two options as pet parents, either do it ourselves at home with the proper materials or have our veterinarian do it.

I, erring on the side of caution and for fear of losing my fingers, have often opted for my veterinarian to handle all of my dogs’ dental needs. But I wanted more information on why it is so important in the first place. I was also curious about the health risks associated with dental disease and care especially for those of us who have never even thought about our K9’s canines.

✅Can You Brush a Dog’s Teeth?
We have two options when it comes to brushing our dog’s teeth, you can do it at home or you can have your veterinarian do it for you.

It is possible to brush your dog’s teeth at home. However, it often requires a well-behaved dog that doesn’t mind having your hands or a tooth-brush in its mouth for a small amount of time. This tends to be difficult to find. It also requires a small toothbrush or doggy dental cleaning kit, and toothpaste specially made for dogs (or at least safe for dogs).

This “do it yourself” at home method requires frequent, if not daily brushing to prevent tartar and plaque build-up. If you don’t start out brushing your pup’s teeth from birth then they may require a veterinarian to do the first cleaning, then at home maintenance is much easier.

😵Having a veterinarian do your dog’s dental cleaning can be costly ranging anywhere from $200 to $800 depending on the severity of dental disease and decay or size of the dog.🤯
The cost for an annual dental visit is much more affordable than the cost of an emergency oral surgery due to a lack of proper dental care and maintenance. Some may think this seems like a huge price tag for such a “simple task.”

Dog dental work is not as easy as someone holding your pup still while the vet brushes your dog’s teeth like you can do at home with a toothbrush and toothpaste. Most vets will put the dog under using anesthesia or another drug to make your pet sleep.

They then intubate the dog to help with breathing and monitoring. This ensures that your dog does not get stressed out and the veterinarian can get their teeth sparkling clean and ensure there are no other health concerns.

Once your doggie is asleep the veterinarian will then use a scale, and just like your dentist, the scale is used to scrape off all of the tarter and plaque build-up off the teeth. They will also take this time to remove any dead or rotten teeth that could be causing your dog discomfort or other health issues.

Once this is completed, they will go back through with doggy toothpaste and polish the teeth and do another thorough check to ensure everything looks good. Here is a video of an actual dental procedure, done by a vet if you have further questions regarding this procedure:

How To Brush Your Dog’s Teeth At Home
The first step is to get the proper equipment, any type of pet dental kit from your local pet store will work. Then, find a quiet calm area where you can sit on the floor with your dog in your lap and hold him or her.

Begin by rubbing your finger or cloth across the dog’s gums to get them used to the feeling and sensation. It’s important to take these steps slow and stop if your dog becomes distressed or aggressive.

If your dog really hates having their teeth brushed then check out my post: How to Brush a Dog’s Teeth That Hates Being Brushed (click to open in a new tab).

After a few of these sessions, if your dog is progressing and becoming more comfortable with your finger or the cloth. You can begin to put some toothpaste on your finger and continue rubbing the gums and progressively more towards the teeth.

Once your dog is completely comfortable with rubbing his or her gums and teeth you can progress to the toothbrush. Repeat the same steps taking things slow and being very patient.

It is also very important to make this a positive experience, reward and praise your dog throughout the session to encourage positive reinforcement. Stay patient as this could be a long process.

It is important to note that some dogs may never warm up to having their teeth brushed. If this is the case, you may have to resort to yearly dental cleanings by the vet. There are also a plethora of dental chews and treats that can help maintain good dental hygiene until the next dental cleaning.

When Should I Start Brushing My Dog’s Teeth?

12 to 18 weeks is the optimal time to begin routine brushing at home. This will not only make things easier in the long run by getting your dog used to the sensations but also help to prevent plaque and tartar build-up from occurring.

Early intervention will also help to avoid health problems later on. It is said that a whopping 80% of dogs have periodontal disease by the age of two. This can only get worse if left untreated and ultimately leads to tooth decay and loss. It also creates a much higher risk of endocarditis (heart disease), six times higher to be exact if left untreated. It is crucial to begin early preventative dental care to avoid issues later on that could cost you and your pet.

What Are The Health Concerns Associated With NOT Brushing My Dog’s Teeth?
Bad Breath
Gingivitis
Gum Disease
Tooth Decay
Periodontal Disease
Infection/Abscess
Tooth Loss
Increased risk of heart disease
To Brush a Dog’s Teeth Or Not To Brush?

Should I brush my dog’s teeth or is it not a big deal? Yes, you should either brush your dog’s teeth at home frequently or have a veterinarian do an annual dental cleaning. If you have further questions about your dog’s overall health or the dental procedure, contact your local veterinarian. The health of your dog depends on you as the owner.

It is important to do frequent oral checks at home and be quick to have any unusual findings further checked by your dog’s vet. It is ultimately your responsibility that your doggie has all of their pearly whites in great condition. After all, dogs can’t talk or take themselves to the dentist. This will ensure a happy, long, and pain-free life!

Having a canine on your property is a great way to deter burglars and to safeguard your family and home. If you are looking for the right dog for protection, you must know that some breeds are...

Who can resist that charming comical face and deep wrinkles of a pug? They are cute, compact, and bred to be lap dogs. Pugs are simply charming with a playful and mischievous personality....

10/09/2020

💥 Grooming a Newfoundland Dog 🦮🐕
There’s a standard that you go by but it ultimately comes down to what works best for you and what is in your budget.

However, since Newfoundlands require daily grooming and some people who get a Newfie are never given a guide as to what grooming tools are best. TAG A FRIEND WHO MIGHT LIKE THE VIDEO 😍💋

10/09/2020

🦮 How to Protect Your Pup During Tick Season 🐕‍🦺

🥰Tick season is upon us and it’s important to make sure you and your pup stay safe as you spend more time out in the great outdoors. After months of a cold hard winter, your pup is ready to spend time rolling in the grass and soaking up the sunshine.

Tick-borne diseases have become an epidemic thanks to milder winters due to climate change. It’s enabled ticks to survive and expand at a dramatic rate. Lyme disease is the most well-known, but we’re seeing significantly higher rates of all tick-related illnesses—from Rocky Mountain spotted fever to Anaplasmosis—all across the country. While ticks are most commonly found in wooded areas and marshy spots near lakes and oceans, you can even find them in the middle of New York City.
According to a report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), tickborne illnesses went from approximately 22,000 to 48,000 in just over 10 years. Lyme disease is the most common disease transmitted by ticks and accounts for 75% of tickborne diseases in 2016.

🐕Step 1: Scan for Ticks
Check your dog for ticks every day. It would be even better to check them every time they come into the house! You can make checking for ticks a nice special bonding time for you and your furry friend. Get down on the floor with them and run your fingers all over their fur and use a flea comb to ensure you don’t miss anything. Be sure to check between his toes, under his armpits, the insides of his ears, and around his face, chin and underbelly—and don’t forget to do some massage while you are at it! Your dog will come to look forward to this time with you every night.

🥰Step 2: Is it a Tick?
Take a closer look if you feel a little bump. If you find one, don’t panic. If you stay calm, your dog will stay calm. Ticks can be black, brown or tan and they have eight legs. They can also be tiny: some species are only as large as the head of a pin.

👉Step 3: Safe Removal
To ensure safe removal of the tick, wear gloves while handling tick to avoid contact with your skin. You’ll need gloves, clean tweezers/tick remover, disinfectant or antiseptic cream and isopropyl alcohol. Using tweezers or a tick remover, grasp tick as close to your dog’s skin as possible (without pinching your pet). Pull it out in a straight, steady motion. Anything left behind could lead to an infection.

💥Step 4: Cleanup and After-Care
Drop the tick into isopropyl alcohol and note the date you found the tick. If your pet begins displaying symptoms of a tick-borne illness, your veterinarian may want to identify or test it. Some symptoms include arthritis or lameness that lasts for three to four days, reluctance to move, swollen joints, fever, fatigue, swollen lymph nodes, loss of appetite and neurological problems.
Wash your hands, clean your pet’s wound with antiseptic and make sure to clean your tweezers with isopropyl alcohol.
Keep an eye on the area where the tick was to see if an infection surfaces. If the skin remains irritated or infected, make an appointment with your veterinarian.

✅Step 5: Prevent Future Bites
If your pet spends time outdoors, you should routinely check for ticks. Ticks transfer between hosts, so it is important to check all family members after outdoor activities in wooded, leafy or grassy areas. Talk to your vet about vaccinations, pills, sprays, and collars that can help to prevent bites. If you want to go the natural route, contact me for more information on all natural internal tick powders and sprays.

Corgi Puppy. Thinking about giving your corgi puppy toys, be sure to check our corgi husky mix about which ones are safe and appropriate for your dog.

10/08/2020

🐩🐹 Blue and Cloudy Eyes In Dogs: Find Out What It Means 🦮😍

👉🤓 Are your dog’s eyes turning cloudy or blue? While visual changes are common in aging pups, it’s important to monitor, track, and report these changes to your veterinarian. Below, I’ve outlined five common conditions that can cause blue or cloudy eyes — while some are benign, others are very serious and can lead to total blindness.

🐕‍🦺 Nuclear Sclerosis 🤓 😻
Nuclear Sclerosis is a hardening of the eyes’ lenses and is common in older dogs. It usually develops in both eyes at the same time and the eyes gradually take on a cloudy, bluish-grey appearance. Nuclear Sclerosis isn’t painful and veterinarians say dogs should be able to adapt to any minor vision changes, meaning they should still be able to see. No treatment is necessary for Nuclear Sclerosis, but a vet check is imperative for an accurate diagnosis.

👉Corneal Dystrophy 🦮
Corneal Dystrophy is another relatively common condition that will give your pooch’s eyes a bluish appearance but typically doesn’t result in vision loss. This is an inherited, progressive condition that typically affects both eyes, causing the most damage to the cornea. There are three types of corneal dystrophy:

✅Epithelial corneal dystrophy
✅Stromal corneal dystrophy
✅Endothelial corneal dystrophy
✅Cataracts
Dogs who suffer from cataracts will typically develop a cloudy, whitish, or crackly appearance in their eye/s. This clouding of the eye lens prevents light from passing through, ultimately causing a loss of vision. Cataracts can appear in one or both eyes and it can progress at varying rates. In some cases, cataracts progress slowly over a few years, while, other times, blindness can occur within just a few days or weeks. It’s crucial to get an accurate diagnosis and discuss an appropriate treatment plan with your vet.

It’s also important to note that there are different types of cataracts and it’s possible for dogs to develop them at an early age.

🐕Glaucoma🦮
Glaucoma is a condition where the aqueous humor (the eye’s fluid) doesn’t drain properly. Since the eyes will continue to produce fluid, failure of proper drainage leads to an increased pressure within the eyes. This increase in pressure causes damage to the internal structures of the eyes, leading to visual changes and can eventually cause blindness. This is a very serious condition and must be treated by the vet.

🥰Anterior Uveitis💥💥
This is another serious condition that threatens your canine kid’s vision. Anterior Uveitis is inflammation of the iris and ciliary body within the uvea of the eye. This condition is known to be painful and often leaves dogs squinting and pawing at their eyes. Some other common symptoms include:

✅Excessive tearing
✅Discharge
✅Cloudy eyes
✅Redness
✅Changes to the shape and/or color of the iris
✅Swelling
It’s important to schedule a vet appointment and seek treatment immediately to prevent further damage. Your vet will likely prescribe eye drops, ointments, and medications.

✅In Summary 🐕‍🦺🦮🐕💥🥰
If you notice any changes to your dog’s eyes, contact your vet immediately for a proper diagnosis and, if needed, treatment. While some changes may be painless and benign, others can lead to permanent eye damage and blindness.

10/06/2020

🐕🐶 How To Cut Your Dog’s Nails (Without Being Afraid) 🐹💥

Tap, tap, tap. Are those your puppy’s nails tapping on the floor? If so, it’s time to trim those babies! Unlike our trips to the salon for a fresh coat of polish, pawdicures aren’t cosmetic. When a dog’s nails tap on hard surfaces, it pushes their nails up into their nail beds, which can be painful. Not only does it put pressure on the toe joints, but it can also force the toes to twist to the side, resulting in soreness or even arthritis.

Before you grab the clippers and start trimming, let’s chat about basic nail anatomy. I know that doesn’t sound too fun, but it’s important.

👉 What’s Inside Your Dog’s Nails? 🐩
The hard, outer part of your puppy’s nails is called the shell, and inside is a pink nerve called the quick. The quick supplies blood to the nail and, during trims, your goal is to leave the quick fully intact. If you cut this part, you’ll immediately hear your dog shriek in pain and you’ll see blood.

If your dog has white nails then it’s pretty easy to spot the quick (as you can see in the photo below). Over time, you’ll notice regular nail trims cause the quick to recede (short quicks are ideal). If your dog has black nails, though, you won’t see the quick through the shell. This certainly makes trims a bit more complicated, but not impossible.

😻 Tools 🐕
If your dog regularly walks and plays on rough surfaces—like concrete—you may not have to cut his nails often, since the hard surface will wear them down naturally. With that said, most dogs need a nail trim every two to four weeks.

👉To trim your dog’s nails you’ll need:

Good High-Quality Set of Dog Nail Clippers or a Dremel – A high-quality set of dog nail clippers can make a huge difference. Cheap clippers can leave your dog’s nails cracked and crooked. When looking for a quality clipper, you’ll notice two different styles: scissor-style (which works like a pair of scissors) and guillotine-style (where a blade lowers and slices off the nail). I personally prefer the scissor-style clippers.

If you and/or your dog is extremely afraid of the clippers, you may prefer using a Dremel, which is a tool that grinds your dog’s nail. For my Chihuahua, I use regular scissor-style clippers, but my Poodle is way more cooperative with the Dremel. She just prefers the feeling.

Styptic Powder/ Cornstarch – If you accidentally cut too far, this will help clot the quick and stop the bleeding. This is the one I keep on hand:

Nail File – If you use a traditional clipper versus a Dremel, you may feel some sharp edges leftover on your dog’s nails. Use a nail file to smooth them.

😻 Getting Your Dog Comfortable 🐕
I know “hate” is a strong word, but a lot of dogs hate having their paws touched. So, if you have a young puppy on your hands, this is the perfect time to desensitize. Here are some tips to get your dog more comfortable with you handling his paws, and ultimately clipping his nails.

From the first day you bring your puppy home, frequently touch and hold their paws. If your pup seems relaxed, give him a treat.
Before clipping your puppy’s nails, show him the clipper or grinder. Let him sniff and explore, and give him a treat and praise for doing so.
Next, gently touch the clipper or grinder (turned off) to each paw. Give a treat and praise. Repeat this step several times.
Once your dog seems comfortable with the last step, place the clippers around their nail, but don’t actually clip. Remove and give a treat and praise. If you’re using a grinder instead of clippers, turn it on quickly so your pup can hear its sound. Only keep it on for a few seconds and don’t actually touch it to your dog’s nails. Give a treat and praise.
Try trimming one nail, clipping off just a small piece to get your dog used to the feeling. Give a treat and praise. Don’t rush this process and work your way up to a full nail trim!

🐹 Cutting White Nails 🐩
Hold your dog’s paw firmly, but gently.
Place clippers around the tip of your dog’s nail – below the quick at a 45º angle.
Double-check that the clippers aren’t on top of the quick. If you’re in the clear, snip off the tip of the nail.
If your dog’s nail starts bleeding that means you hit the quick. If this happens, immediately press your dog’s nail into a bottle of styptic powder to clot the cut.
Don’t forget to cut the dewclaws (if your dog has them).
Lightly file your puppy’s nails to eliminate any sharp edges.
Reward your pooch with treats and affection.

😍 Cutting Black Nails 🐕

While cutting white nails is typically done with one cut per nail, that’s not the case for black nails. The trick is to make several very shallow cuts, pausing between each one to check the cut surface. If the cut surface appears whitish, it’s safe to trim a little bit more. When you’re about to approach the quick, the nail’s center will appear black. So, once you see black at the cut surface, stop!

Since it’s easier to see a visual aid, I have included a great video that highlights cutting black nails. *Note: I am not in this video, nor did I create this video. I just think it has some great tips:
Remember: Always finish up your nail cutting session with plenty of treats and praise!

🦮 Grinding Nails 🐕‍🦺
Hold your dog’s nail firmly, but gently.
Turn the grinder on and place it on the bottom of your dog’s nail. Lightly apply pressure.
Remain mindful of any sensitivity and frequently remove the grinder to check your progress.

TAG YOUR FRIENDS THAT MIGHT LIKE THIS POST
https://atomsales.com/product/dog-nail-cutter-clipper/

10/05/2020

🐶 7 Dog Grooming Tips to Keep them Looking Good In-Between Grooming 🐶😍

1) BRUSH THEIR COATS TO KEEP THEIR FUR AND SKIN HEALTHY AND CLEAN
Brushing your dog will remove dirt, debris, dead hair and unpleasant odors from the coat and the skin. It distributes the natural oils, making your dog’s coat shiny and healthy. Proper brushing will eliminate matting and tangling, which will make your next grooming appointment go more smoothly (and your Groomer very happy!).

Your longer-haired pooch needs more than just a brushing to keep his coat matt free. Follow-up the brushing by using a metal comb to get down to the skin and locate any matts that may be starting to form. Proceed gently with a metal comb, especially if your pup’s skin is particularly sensitive.

2) BRUSH THEIR TEETH ATLEAST ONCE A DAY
We have guests who only get their teeth brushed when they visit our salon, but that’s not nearly enough. Ideally, you should brush your dog’s teeth daily, but even 2 – 3 times a week makes a big difference. Use only toothpaste made especially for dogs. Dogs can’t spit, and human toothpaste contains unsafe ingredients which could make him sick if he were to swallow it. I use a child’s toothbrush so it’s softer on my dog’s gums, but a lot of people have good luck with the rubber finger brush. If you still find it difficult to brush your dog’s teeth, dental sprays and specially designed chew treats can be helpful.

3) TRIM THEIR NAILS
Just like humans, some dog’s nails grow more quickly than others. Some may require trimming every 2 weeks, and some can wait a full 6 weeks. Nail trimming is everyone’s least favorite task. Since you are diligent about your 6 – 8 week grooming visits, you can most-likely get by with just “tipping” the end of the nail to avoiding the doggie drama that often accompanies at-home nail trims. If the tap, tap, tap of nails on your hardwood floors is driving you crazy, you can always stop by and we will be happy to trim your dog’s nails for you while you wait.

4) CLEAN THEIR EARS TO PREVENT INFECTION
All dogs need their ears cleaned at least monthly. But if you have a dog with longer or heavier ears that flop over the ear canal, more frequent ear cleaning is a must. A buildup of bacteria or wax in the ears can lead to infection. If you don’t have doggie ear cleaner at home, there are plenty of ear cleaner “recipes” online… with ingredients generally on-hand like vinegar, hydrogen peroxide, etc.. Wet a cotton ball with your cleansing solution and clean the outside area first, gradually working your way towards the inner area. It is not recommended to use cotton swabs deep inside the ear canal, but you can use them to gently clean inside the ear folds on the outer ear flaps. If your dog is a frequent swimmer, it is advisable to clean and dry their ears each time after swimming.

5) WASH THEIR FACE TO ELIMINATE BACTERIA
Some breeds like bulldogs and shar peis have wrinkles or skin folds on their face. Moisture can accumulate within those folds to set-up the perfect environment for yucky bacteria. Bacteria can then lead to dermatitis or worse, infection. It is important to keep these folds clean and dry. A warm washcloth or even baby wipes will do the trick. If redness, bumps or odor becomes a problem, see your vet. A more stringent cleaning schedule or solution may be in-order.

6) CLEAN AROUND THEIR EYES TO REMOVE EYE GOOP
Some dogs are prone to accumulating excessive eye “goop”. Yeah, I know… kind-of gross. Excessing tearing or discharge collects in the corners of the eyes and can get crusty. My last dog was terribly prone to eye goop and I would carefully use a flea comb to remove it. I recommend loosening the goop with a warm wash cloth first, and then using the flea comb to remove it. Light colored dogs may have the accompanying red stain that comes with excess tearing to which you can use a dog Tear Stain removal from your local pet supply store. Keep an eye on this area. Excess discharge can be a symptom of a more serious conjunctivitis. If you see signs of irritation, redness, or a funky smell, we recommend having your vet take a look at it.

7) GIVE THEM A BATH TO KEEP THEM SMELLING GREAT
If your pup looks great, but she doesn’t smell all that great, there are a number of doggie towelettes and dry shampoos on the market. Some even contain moisturizers and conditioners to further enhance the health and appearance of your dog’s coat. I use doggie towelettes whenever my dog comes in from outside. It removes outside allergens, dirt, and p*e and p**p residue. By using these daily, Rex never has an odor. You may find these to be very helpful in-between Grooming appointments.