Sassy Styles Pet Grooming by Melissa

11/26/2024

Things to research and consider before getting a dog.

First, you’re absolutely right about the literal definition of the word “hypoallergenic.” The prefix “hypo” means below normal, but in this context it refers to the human’s allergenic response; it does NOT refer to any dog of any breed or mix.
Thus, your usage is significantly distorted.

Let’s examine this further:

According to the AKC: “The truth is, there are no 100% hypoallergenic dogs, dog breeds, or mixed-breeds, but there are many dog breeds that are less allergenic for people with dog allergies.”

Dogs produce four proteins which cause approximately 30% of the population to have an allergic reaction: hair/fur, urine, dander, and saliva.

However, any particular person can have significantly different reactions to different dogs. A person who is allergic to dogs may have a reduced reaction to a particular dog’s allergenic proteins vs. another dog’s proteins.

It’s got NOTHING to do with a particular kind of dog breed or type.

Thus, it’s important to reiterate that it’s the degree of a particular HUMAN’S allergenic response to a particular animal’s four allergenic proteins that determines how the word hypoallergenic should be used—it’s about the people—NOT the dogs.

The Cleveland Clinic’s prolific studies on the subject indicate that, “Some people believe that certain breeds of furry pets are hypoallergenic (won’t cause allergic reactions) because they shed less fur. However, [STUDIES SHOW THAT THERE AREN’T ANY HYPOALLERGENIC FURRY ANIMALS], especially since pet allergens are more than fur alone.

Your body is unique. If you have pet allergies, certain breeds of furry pets may cause minor symptoms or no symptoms. However, healthcare providers and researchers can’t accurately predict which breeds will be the least irritating.”

Now that you have this knowledge, you have no excuse to further spread misinformation.

Have a Fantastic, Sunshiny Day!

References:
https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/hypoallergenic-dogs/

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17702-pet-allergies

Pet allergies cause your immune system to overreact. Symptoms include nasal passage inflammation. An allergist can help you treat and prevent pet allergies.

11/01/2024

10/05/2024

08/09/2024

Please do your research. Sending your pet to unlicensed uneducated backyard groomer is dangerous!!!

Did you know that pet grooming is a completely unregulated industry? There is no requirement for formal education, no required continuing education, and no required testing or certification?

Anyone and everyone can just pick up a pair of clippers and start advertising themselves as a groomer and charge people for a service they aren’t trained to perform.

It’s completely up to you, the owner, to do your research and make sure the person you are trusting with the health and safety of your pet is qualified to care for them.

Every groomer should be trained, and that very basic training takes months.

It takes years to truly master the ins and outs of grooming and everything that goes along with it.

Pet grooming is so much more than just a hair style.

*It’s knowing dog behavior and how to safely handle all the different personalities and quirks.

*It’s recognizing health conditions that would be better suited seeing a vet such as skin or ear infections.

*It’s being prepared for any and all emergencies that can happen, from seizures to allergic reactions, to nicks and cuts and quicked toenails without panicking.

*It’s knowing how to best deal with a variety of coat types properly.

*It’s being able to know when to stop a service on a particular dog due to behavior or health.

*It’s having the knowledge and patience to handle a different species while holding razor sharp clippers or 8 inch long scissors.

At the very least, the groomer you use should seek out continuing education to make sure they are current on the changes in the industry, from upgrades in products to tools that make the process easier for the pet and them.

They should be current on their pet cpr/first aid certification which needs repeated every couple of years.

They should be able to answer your grooming related questions with knowledge and confidence and if they don’t know the answer they should know where to find it.

They should have an emergency plan in place with a local veterinarian in case anything happens, because when working with animals it’s not a matter of if something happens, but when.

They should come recommended by other pet owners and pet professionals.

And it’s worth noting that there is nothing wrong with using a groomer that is still in training, but they should be working alongside an experienced groomer and under their direct supervision.

Ask the questions, after all you are paying them for a service. A groomer who has spent time and money to be as educated as possible is excited to share their knowledge!

07/19/2024

Sweet Molly