Health

Holistically Restrained

A very serious question was asked of me this week that had to do with what I thought, holistically, about […]
Clean Cat Grooming: Preventing Cross-Contamination

While attending a cat show, the first thing many newcomers observe is how often surfaces are sprayed and wiped down. […]
The Matted Pet Matter

It happens all too often. A pet comes in to be groomed. And whether it is a Shih Tzu, a […]
Separation Anxiety: Not Just for Pets!

I took my sweet Flat Coated Retriever, Lil Abner, to be neutered today. I had complete confidence in his veterinarian and her staff. After all, she has cared for all my animals for close to thirty years and I have never had a problem of any kind.

Understanding Pododermatitis and Interdigital Furuncles

I admit I have a foot fetish. Really, a paw fetish. Ok, I love dog feet. I love to watch the pads squish out when they walk and am very aware of the individual mannerisms of each pet I see; how they hold their paws and how they use them in a conversation.

The Most Important Grooming Tool: You!

If someone asks you what your most important tool is, what will you answer? Do you say that it is your favorite ‘go–to’ scissors, your clipper vacuum system, HV dryer or specialty brush?

Yeast Dermatitis: What Groomers Should Know

When then skin is disrupted by disease, hormonal upsets, and sometimes injury, M. pachydermatis can become overgrown on the skin and cause itching, discomfort, hair loss and, in many cases, secondary infections.

Fat Free Felines & Fidos

Cats have long been maligned and misunderstood by not only groomers, but the general public as well.
A majority of early pet groomers were misled by the horror stories from unprepared groomers that had been bitten by frightened cats.

Choosing Cat Safe Grooming Products

When it comes to choosing products to use when grooming cats, proceed with caution.
Groomers are at a disadvantage when it comes to knowing what products are truly safe for cats because there are currently no laws regarding labeling for pet care products.

There Is No Worm in Ringworm

Dermatophytosis, or Ringworm as this condition is referred to, is caused by forty or so different keratin–loving fungi dermatophytes with Trichophyton and Microsporum being the most commonly diagnosed.

Spring: The Season for Self-Care

Spring (aka Mud Season) can be a busy time for us. And wouldn’t it be nice if we weren’t so exhausted and could enjoy the warmer weather and flowering gardens? Does it seem like that’s out of reach? Are we doomed to never stop and smell the roses?

All About Sebaceous Adenitis

Sebaceous Adenitis, or SA, is a skin condition that can be found among all dog breeds and is not considered common.

The Dangers of Compassion Fatigue

Groomers have had a tough year. We are called to work with pets. We try and help them feel better and look good, sometimes in spite of the condition they come to us in. We battle owners who don’t tell us any health concerns that could impact grooming and get mad if we can’t salvage a pelted coat.

Pet Dental Health: Something to Smile About

Adult dogs have forty two permanent teeth and cats have thirty. Those teeth are meant to last a lifetime. However, just like people, pets can develop dental problems. What does pet dental health have to do with grooming? Actually, more than you may think.

When a Pet Bites: Prevention, Care & Causes

Show of hands: How many of you have been bitten by the pets in your care? I bet most of you, myself included, have raised your hands. But does it have to be that way?

Treating Skin Infections in the Salon Environment

Many of us have seen “bad skin” come through our shop at one time or another and have been frustrated by the lack of improvement. I interviewed seven veterinarians and asked them about the most common skin issues they see.

Stud Tail in Felines Not Just for Studs

Cats love their tails! Tails convey a cat’s personality and are used for communication and balance. Most cats are very particular when it comes to human intervention with their tails. As groomers, we want to get those tails fluffy and clean for the humans who love them.

Hot Spots: What They Are & How to Help Them Heal

Hot spots, also known as pyotraumatic dermatitis, are surface skin infections caused when populations of normal skin bacteria grow and overwhelm normal resistance.

Solving Grooming Problems with Good Pet Nutrition

You might think that pet nutrition has little or no correlation to the grooming industry—but in reality, it does. We have all heard the phrase, “You are what you eat.” And that statement really rings true for our furry friends.

Coughing Conundrum

Belle, a two–year–old Shih Tzu, started coughing a few days after her grooming appointment. At first, her owners were not worried, but soon the occasional cough became persistent and then she started sneezing and had a runny nose.

Pre-Groom Pet Assessments: A Necessary Step for a Safe Groom

Lilly was a fairly new client. I had only been grooming her and her brother for about six months. Both brother and sister were elderly and it’s my policy to do a full body pet assessment before grooming.

Seborrhea: Is It Just a Symptom?

We all have our weekly clients; those with the “special” skin pets who come in with a bag of “special” products that keep their smelly, flaky and oily pets tolerable.

3 Simple Ways to Bring Well-Being into Your Work Space

You know the routine well…busy day grooming, dealing with cranky people and crankier pets, and all day your energy level is being sucked dry and drug down until you feel completely devoid of anything positive.