Posts tagged "grooming"

Ask Curry! - February 15, 2010

by Rob Shuter (Subscribe to Rob Shuter's posts): Feb 15th 2010 10:00AM Filed Under: Dogs, Pet Grooming

Kate Lacey

Meet jet-setting show dog Curry, Paw Nation's newest advice columnist. In between competing at the top dog shows, Curry finds time to answer the questions all dogs long to ask. From grooming advice (Curry's competing at Westminster, so she knows a thing or two about looking gorgeous) to tips on getting along with the craziest of canines (she lives in Manhattan so she has to make friends with the many other dogs on the block), this 3-year-old Glen of Imaal terrier has all the answers to your crucial canine queries.

You are so glamorous that I have to ask: what should a single, slightly overweight fox terrier like me do to look great? Do you have any beauty secrets from your showgirl friends?
Liza from Georgia

A girl should always put her best paw forward, and that's the very place where I start with my beauty routine. It's all about the nails, darling. Make sure you get them trimmed regularly. I recommend grinding them instead of cutting because that can sometime hurt. Being a city girl myself, I like to keep mine as short as possible to cut down on the clickety-clack noise I make when running up and down on my gorgeous wooden floors. (Madge, the rottweiler in the apartment downstairs, is very noise sensitive.) A good manicure will make you feel like a million bucks.

Next, treat yourself to a bath. The water should be warm, not hot. A genius trick to remember is to brush or clip out any mats before you jump in. Wet matty hair is scarier than getting adopted by Paris Hilton!

Now we come to the most important part: The haircut. The right trim can hide a multitude of figure flaws and give the illusion that you are any shape you want to be. I wear mine a little longer on my legs and head, and shorter on my back. I recommend you do the same if you are a plus-size girl

Finally, remember to have fun with your look. Try different hairstyles; it always grows back. Well, for most pooches. I do know a poodle that wears a hairpiece!

Ask Curry your questions by e-mailing her at curry@pawnation.com.

Cold Weather Coat and Skin Care

by Gabrielle Linzer (Subscribe to Gabrielle Linzer's posts): Nov 20th 2009 11:00AM Filed Under: Dogs, Pet Grooming

Flickr/Martina Rathgens

Winter can be a magical time for dogs. Squirrel visibility rises when the ground is white, and cuddling by the fireplace can be undeniably cozy; but winter's whipping winds and dry indoor heating can take its toll on fur and skin.

For advice on how to care for your canine companion's grooming needs when the temperature drops, Paw Nation caught up with professional groomer Cassandra Reed, a Season 2 contestant on Animal Planet's "Groomer Has It" and owner of Mutley Dooz in Akron, Ohio.

1. A little extra hair helps
It's never a bad idea to ask your groomer to leave your dog's coat longer than usual during the winter. "As a groomer, when I groom dogs in the winter, I leave a little extra hair between the toes," says Reed. "I'd like to think that it helps keep them a little bit warmer."

2. Keep skin moisturized
An easy way to keep your dog's skin hydrated is bathing them at home with ultra-moisturizing oatmeal or shea-butter shampoo or conditioner. Reed stresses that you should always use all-natural shampoos that don't contain any artificial dyes, as these may trigger an allergic reaction or worsen itchy, dry skin.

How to Groom A Dog

by Rose Martelli (Subscribe to Rose Martelli's posts): Nov 2nd 2009 4:00PM Filed Under: Dogs, Pet Health, Pet Grooming

Flickr/charmsd

Learning how to groom a dog is one of the easiest ways to trim money from your dog-care budget. Here's how to get your dog clean and shiny!

Brush Your Dog's Coat
Dogs with different types of fur require different types of brushes. Longhairs require what's called an undercoat rake and should be brushed for at least five minutes, while shorthairs require what's called a slicker brush and can just be given a quick once over.

Give Your Dog a Wet Wash
As most dog owners know, the trickiest part of a bath can be just getting your dog to stay in the tub or under the shower. For larger dogs, you might want to try getting into the shower with your dog and keeping it still between your legs. (Of course, this means you're taking a shower, too!) Also, some self-service grooming parlors have tubs with collars attached to the tub wall by a short cord to prevent the dog from escaping.

If your dog will tolerate it, gently insert cotton balls into its ears beforehand to prevent suds from entering the ear canal. Any gentle pet shampoo should do; dogs who have dry skin should also be given a conditioner. Always rinse very well to prevent itching later on. Towel-dry your dog and brush its coat again. For longhairs, wait until the fur has completely dried before brushing to prevent follicle breakage.

Funny Cat Video: Cat Gets a Wash in the Dog-O-Matic

by Evan Jacobs (Subscribe to Evan Jacobs's posts): Aug 27th 2009 9:00AM Filed Under: Cats, Pet Grooming, Funny Animal Videos

When we first heard about the Dog-o-Matic, we thought its inventor was insane (and maybe a little cruel). But when we read cats could also be put into, well, we just had to see it.

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Camouflage Animals

Madagascar Day Gecko
The green Madagascar Day Gecko lives in the dry regions of forests in Madagascar and neighboring islands. They usually grow to be between four to six inches long. Their tail makes up almost half of their length.

Getty Images

Camouflage Animals

Argentine Horned Frog Reptiles
The Argentine Horned Frog, also known as the Horned Frog or Pacman Frog, originated in South America. The green and black amphibian, which can grow up to six inches long, is a popular pets and can live for as long as 10 years.

Camouflage Animals

Walkingstick
The Walkingstick takes its camouflage abilities to the next level by creating the appearance of a stick or twig to hide from predators. While they normally stand still, these insects are able to walk around as though they were a twig caught in the wind. They can be found in tropical forests or woodlands all across the world.

Camouflage Animals

Dwarf Puff Adder
Found in Nambia, the venomous Dwarf Puff Adder hides from the hot desert sun by burying itself in the sand, where only its eyes show.

Camouflage Animals

Stonefish
Often resembling a rock, the brown colored Stonefish camouflages itself perfectly in the ocean. With 13 venomous dorsal spines on its back, the Stonefish can cause tissue damage and respiratory distress, which can lead to cardiovascular shock if left untreated.

Camouflage Animals

Chameleons
Chameleons, the quintessential color-changers, can transform their skin color when their mood, temperature or the amount of light around them is altered. Their hue, which can vary from yellow and pink to brown and black, is also altered when they communicate.

Camouflage Animals

Green Anole
Often confused with chameleons, Green Anoles turn brown when they're stressed or sick. Found in the trees and shrubs of the Southeastern United States, these lizards are popular pets.

Camouflage Animals

The Eastern Wood Frog
The Eastern Wood Frog tricks competitors by changing colors to match its surroundings. Found in North American woodlands, the frog also has a dark black patch from its eye to the base of its front limb that can change colors.

Camouflage Animals