09/04/2020
Hey all! How is everyone holding up?!? I'm going a little crazy over here and missing all of your pups so badly! 🐾 I'm sure they are all looking a little homeless at this point and in need of some tidying up 😆, so I put together some tips and resources for you. Please feel free to reach out with any questions! I'm here for you! Ok, here we go...
I suggest using CBD oil with your pups about 30 min or so before trying any difficult task, like nails or anything that brings them anxiety, like a car ride. Doggie specific CBD oil can be very beneficial especially with regular use. Your CBD Store in Cranberry is taking orders (and I use their products)!
https://cbdrx4u.com/find-us/pennsylvania/cranberry-twp
BRUSHING:
--Brush mats out before bath if possible
--There are several types of brushes that you can use, depending on your dogs coat and tolerance level. The one that I use and recommend for most coats is the Artero flexible double sided slicker brush. The black side has tougher bristles for removing mats, and the gray side has softer bristles for regular brushing once mats are removed.
https://www.amazon.com/Artero-Double-Flexible-Slicker/dp/B00Q78R7G4/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1KYYW52XBJ803&dchild=1&keywords=artero+double+flexible+slicker+brush&qid=1586471148&sprefix=artero+double%2Caps%2C191&sr=8-1
--Contact me if you're not sure what type of brush, rake, or dematting tool to use.
--How to brush: Line brushing is the technique that we use, and it is much like brushing our own hair when it gets tangled, knotty, or wet. Starting from the layers closest to the skin at the bottom of the legs, while holding/pinching hair near skin to minimize pain, brush while pulling brush away from the skin, to release tangles. Continue releasing more hair as you move up the leg and through the coat. Here is a video to help visualize! :)
https://youtu.be/vY-Vzc-1nU0
**ALWAYS check your brushing work with a comb!!!! If you can't get the comb through, there are still mats!! Keep brushing! Here is a link for a greyhound comb that has wide teeth on one side and fine on the other.
https://www.amazon.com/Paws-Pamper-Professional-Anti-Corrosion-Stainless/dp/B074XM8RSF/ref=sr_1_11?dchild=1&keywords=greyhound+comb&qid=1586472156&sr=8-11
--Also, here is a link for "The Stuff," which is an amazing de-matting spray for tough mats that you can work into the area and gently brush out...
https://www.amazon.com/The-Stuff-16oz-Conditioner-Detangler/dp/B0002H3RLU/ref=sr_1_5?dchild=1&keywords=the+stuff&qid=1586472380&sr=8-5
BATHING:
--Use a doggie approved shampoo for your pup as their skin pH is different than ours. In a pinch, you can use Johnsons baby shampoo, or blue Dawn dish soap (yes, you read that right!). **Be careful around their eyes if not using a tearless shampoo!!
--You can use a rubber curry such as a Zoom Groom to help stimulate the skin, make sure you get deep into the coat, and this also helps de-shed short hair dogs when they are shampooed up!
https://www.amazon.com/Groom-Rubber-Brush-Puppies-Choose/dp/B01J7OTK32/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=zoom+groom&qid=1586473196&s=pet-supplies&sr=1-1
--Water temperature should be warm and comfortable to the touch.
--Condition if possible!
--**Rinse thoroughly to prevent itching and hot spots**
DRYING:
--For any dog prone to matting, PLEASE follow up with a blow dryer!! Nothing mats faster than wet fur and tangles!
--Use low heat setting as they cannot tolerate high temps
--Brush while drying if possible to help dry faster
--If dog has long coat, hold blow dryer far away so hair does not whipknot
--Finish with good brush out and comb out
EARS:
--Put alcohol on a cotton ball and wipe ears out
NAILS:
--If you have doggie nail clippers or a CORDLESS Dremel and you feel comfortable, you can try to clip their nails.
https://www.amazon.com/Millers-Forge-Stainless-Steel-Clipper/dp/B0002ARUKQ/ref=sr_1_18?crid=20JE7M7UZ5DJE&dchild=1&keywords=nail+clippers+for+dogs&qid=1586473651&s=pet--supplies&sprefix=nail+clippers%2Cpets%2C188&sr=1-18
--Secure your pet safely in a contained area, either on the floor, a table, or have a helper hold as they will squirm. Safety is key! Make sure your surface is sturdy and slip-free.
--Have flour, corn starch, or styptic powder ready in case you hit the quick. The quick is the blood vessel in the nail.
--Keep your pups foot/leg in a natural position being careful not to pull the leg forward, back, or out to the side causing them pain.
--If nails are white, just clip the white part, not the pink part, that is the quick.
--If nails are black, go slowly and stop when you see a black dot in the center of the nail, that is the quick.
--If you are using a Dremel, use a CORDLESS ONLY and a low setting to take off length until you see the quick. Video and Pic below
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sisprxhsc6I
EYES:
--For "eye boogers," use a warm washcloth and tearless baby shampoo (If you have some) to gently loosen. This may be painful at first if they are really stuck, so you can place the warm washcloth several times a day until you see/feel them loosen, then try and wipe away.
BUTTS:
--If your pup has a tendency to have "di*********es," use baby wipes or dog wipes to clean often! Who doesn't like a dog with a fresh b***y?
I think that about covers it...please feel free to reach out with any questions or if you need me to walk you through anything! Call/Text me at 724-609-3642 or email to [email protected]
I miss you all and your pups so much and I can't wait to get back to it! Stay safe and healthy! 🐶🐾❤️
Amy