Posts tagged "pet grooming"

My uncle bought my aunt a kitten for Christmas, and when I stayed at their house recently, I had my cat with me. The two got along famously, and soon my cat was giving the kitten a bath. That's not unusual for cats, of course. Cat tongues were made for cleaning.

Dog tongues, on the other hand, were made for slobbering. That why it's impressive how patient this feline is while French bulldog Chai practically devours her ear with his kisses in this video.


More Funny Dog Videos

For those who love pets, it seems natural that you'd want to make a living from working with them. After all, what could be more fun than washing and grooming cute, furry dogs all day? Well Jan Nieman did just that -- for 21 years. And she has quite the story to tell about it in her recent book Going to the Dogs: Confessions of a Mobile Pet Groomer.

All from the comfort of a mobile pet-grooming van cruising around the Baltimore area, Nieman groomed just about everything -- dogs, cats, you name it! Many times, hilarity ensued. Such a case was when she groomed Spaz, a large springer spaniel, who more than lived up to his name, she says.

"With all legs scrambling in four different directions, he knocked over my super-sized drink and soaked my beige smock," Nieman recounts in her book. "Fortunately, it was a clear Sprite and although drenched, I was not Coke brown. At the end of Spaz's grooming, we were both worn out. He had nipped at the brush and wound up with bristles in his nose. When I sprayed him, he snapped at the water. In the past he'd gone berserk with the blow dryer and attempted to eat it. I didn't mind. That allowed me to towel dry him and save some time. He was a good old boy, just a bit of a 'Spaz.'"

Whether your canine is a pampered lap dog or a rough-and-tumble outdoor lover, its fur can quickly pick up dirt, tangles and knots. (And your furniture and carpet can quickly pick up loose hairs!)

With the wide variety of tools on the market, you can easily maintain your dog's coat and control everyday shedding without hitting the grooming parlor. Our friends at Zootoo rounded up five of their favorite dog brushes to keep your pooch's coat salon-style pristine.

The rounded bristles of the Zoom Groom Brush by Kong are effective at grooming both long and short coats, making the product ideal for multibreed households. The durable, easy-to-grip rubber brush helps rid coats of loose hair, especially during bath time. Also, the soft design makes pets feel like they're getting a massage instead of a brushing -- a plus for skittish pets.


Though curry brushes are useful for tackling all types of dog hair, the Currie Brush by Martha Stewart Pets is specifically designed for short and medium-length coats. Our tester dog's fur showed marked improvement in luster and cleanliness after only a few runs, and the gentle nubs kept him calm and content during grooming. Owners will also appreciate the easy-to-use Velcro handle.

What animal lover hasn't daydreamed about ditching their desk job and applying for a job at the zoo? Or at a doggy daycare? Or tracking gorillas in Africa? We sure have, but since most of us may never actually get to work with the animals we love, we thought we'd introduce you to a few people who do.

Name: Michele Zinser
Age: 53
Job Title: Owner and operator of Sudz 'n Style Mobile Grooming

What kind of training do you need to enter the pet grooming business?
There are two ways to enter the profession. You can start out at the bottom as a bather and learn the trade over time. Or the second way, which is what I did, is to go to a grooming school. I was a full time student at Canine Clippers in Dumfries, Va. for fifteen weeks.

What made you open your own business when you moved to Arizona?
After I graduated, I worked for three years at Annandale Pet Spa in Virginia. That experience and the support of many people made me confident in my knowledge of the grooming business. I liked the idea of working for myself, and working as a mobile groomer gives me a huge amount of flexibility. I like that I get the chance to go into homes and really get to know my clients. Starting my own business was the perfect way to jump into a new environment here in Arizona.

Dog Breed: Boston Terrier

Personality: Though also known as the "Boston bull," this breed is described by Dog Breed Info Center as "gentle, alert, very intelligent, well-mannered and enthusiastic." The American Kennel Club praises Bostons as "truly an all-American dog... lively and highly intelligent... with an excellent disposition."

Grooming: Only a "minimum amount" is needed for this short-haired breed, according to the AKC.

Common Health Issues: BostonTerrierHub.com notes that Boston terriers "are generally healthy, long-lived dogs," and that their most common health issues are those that are common to many breeds: patellar luxation, eye problems, distemper, parvovirus, etc.

Training Tips: As Bostons terriers"like to learn" and "are very sensitive to the tone of one's voice," they're not hard to train, according to Dog Breed Info Center. Seconds the AKC, "The breed is easy to train and they are easy keepers, preferring to remain by their owner's sides." As with many small breeds, Boston terriers need owners who exude consistent confidence like pack leaders; otherwise the dreaded Small Dog Syndrome might set in.

Dog Breed: Bichon Frise

Personality: "A cheerful, happy dog," says the American Kennel Club, which goes so far as to label the bichon frise "merry." Originally bred as a companion dog, the bichon enjoys nothing more than basking in the nearness of you. "It has an independent spirit, is intelligent, affectionate, bold and lively," notes Dog Breed Info Center, Also, "it has a self-assured, happy temperament that is easy to live with."

Grooming: While this dog is considered a non-shedding breed, it still requires daily grooming and some experts recommend a professional grooming once a month. The AKC's website explains, "Hair grows continually and does not shed, so extensive grooming is a must to prevent mats." The Bichon Frise Club of America strongly recommends taking precautions to prevent flea infestations, as bichons are highly allergic to flea bites.

Common Health Issues: There is a wealth of information available -- much of it conflicting -- as to how disease-prone the bichon frise breed is. The Bichon Frise Club of America, Inc. Health Web Site states that "bichons are considered to be a healthy breed if purchased from reputable breeders. For example, the top five diseases afflicting bichons (as noted in a recent health survey) are not life threatening. "Others claim that bichons are especially prone to liver shunts, particularly runts and smaller-than-normal bichons. If detected early in life, these can be managed through a low-protein diet, medications, and sometimes surgery. However, shunts are often undetected until later in life, when the chances of survival drop dramatically. Overall, though, the bichon frise is a hardy breed that enjoys a longer-than-average lifespan into teenage years. Old age and cancer are the most common causes of death.

Dog Breed: Great Dane

Personality: Great Danes are "known for being strong yet elegant, with a friendly, energetic personality," according to the American Kennel Club's breed standard. The Great Dane Club of America describes the Great Dane's ideal temperament as "spirited, courageous, always friendly and dependable, and never timid or aggressive. Jeanette Coval of Great Dane Rescue, Inc. agrees that the breed is generally very affectionate and loyal, describing Great Danes as "very owner-oriented dogs."

Grooming: Despite the Great Dane's enormous size, the AKC states that "Their short coats require minimal grooming." The breed standard calls for a coat that's "short, thick and clean with a smooth glossy appearance." According to the GDCA, "The coat lies flat. Trimming of stray hairs is acceptable," should you plan to show your Dane.

Common Health Issues: Health issues for Great Danes include: "Bloat, osteosarcoma, Wobbler's Disease, heart issues, autoimmune issues, cherry eye and HOD (hypertrophic osteodystrophy or swollen joints)," Coval tells Paw Nation. In addition, the GDCA lists cataracts, hip dysplasia, and hypothyroidism as other common Great Dane ailments.

As loyal readers of Paw Nation know, we've covered extensively the controversial creative-dog-grooming competitions in the U.S. (featuring the gallery of elaborately groomed dogs that brought out your awe and ire). We've been following the trend in China as well, where the craze has moved beyond the show room to everyday dogs.

That's why when we saw this new video at the Washington Post, exploring the Chinese canine fashion, we knew we had to share it.

The video features an upscale Beijing pet spa that's making a name for itself clipping and dyeing in an effort to transform English sheepdogs into fairly convincing pandas, and bichons into miniature Spider-Men. The cost for such fancy canine coifs ranges from $7 for a simple ear dye to $300 for a full-coat coloring. And anything is possible, like giving your poodle a pink bikini for summer!

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.

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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!

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

The condition of your pet's fur may be less than flattering due to their affinity for romping in mud and sifting through garbage cans, but what can you do if your mangy-looking friend is terrified of the grooming tools needed to clean up their act? The razor-toothed hairbrush and loud, scary blowdryer may send many pets bolting to the nearest hiding place, but there are ways to help your pet become accustomed to, and possibly even comfortable with, these grooming necessities.

The Hairbrush
Once you're ready to combat your pet's tangles, put them into proper grooming stance. "While you are brushing your pet, it is often best if it's in a standing position," says Jen Quick, Director of the Fur Institute, a grooming school located in Alberta, Canada. "You can keep them standing by placing one hand between their back legs and resting it on their belly."

Another crucial step in maintaining your pet's patience with grooming is to give them frequent breathers. "You may want to give your pet a little bit of a break if it is taking more than a half hour to remove all tangles from their fur," suggested Quick.

Some animals may become agitated while you're brushing their tangles out, and could wiggle or even try to snap at you. In this situation, "place your hand around the animal's muzzle to keep their mouth closed, and in a stern voice, tell them 'no,'" advised Quick. If your pet continues to bite or growl, you must regain control over the situation. "You can flip them on their back, make eye contact, and tell them 'no,'" said Quick. "Do not break eye contact until they look away first." If all else fails, you may need to muzzle your pet to avoid getting hurt.

It may seem easier to forgo brushing between visits to the groomer, but the benefits outweigh the difficulty of struggling for your furry friend's compliance. If you neglect your pet's fur, it may become matted which "can restrict blood flow and air reaching that area of the skin, and there can be serious health issues," according to Quick.

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.

Do you like your kitty extra pretty? How about a little poof on your pooch? For all our readers out there who like to groom their pets, Paw Nation asked four of the nation's top pet groomers our burning questions -- what to look for in a good pet groomer, how pet owners can save money, and of course, which celebrity pup they'd love to groom! Meet our panel:

Joey Villani is a judge on Animal Planet's "Groomer Has It" with decades of experience as a professional groomer and former owner of a pet grooming school. Shirlee Kalstone is an author of numerous books on the subject and an internationally recognized pet expert. Jorge Bendersky is a celebrity groomer based at the New York Dog Spa who has appeared on the "Today Show" and "Nightline". Manhattan-based celebrity groomer Jonathan David was the first runner-up during the first season of "Groomer Has It".

All four pet groomers will be showing off their skills this October in New York at Meet the Breeds, hosted by the American Kennel Club and the Cat Fanciers' Association.


WHAT CELEBRITY DOGS HAVE YOU GROOMED?

Jorge: Gisele Bundchen's dog Vida, Tatum O'Neal's Lena, John Leguizamo's Chulo, P. Diddy's dogs Sophi and Chacha, Alan Cumming's Honey. I've been grooming dogs in New York City for 16 years, so the list continues...

Shirlee: I groomed Grace Kelly's (Princess Grace of Monaco) brown toy poodle, Oliver, when I worked at a salon called Poodletown in New York years ago. Elizabeth Taylor was also a customer there, and I groomed her dog.

Jonathan: I've had the pleasure of grooming the dogs of some of my favorite celebrities, including Mariah Carey, Ivana Trump, Kevin Kline and Pheobe Cates, Julie Andrews, Louise Lasser, John O'Hurley, Debi Mazar and Betsy Johnson. But when it comes down to it, they're just owners that love their pets like anyone else.


WHAT DO YOU THINK OF DYEING DOGS IN BRIGHT COLORS -- FUN OR TRAGIC?

Jorge: Most dogs love getting attention, so adding color will do nothing but increase the amount of attention your fancy pooch gets everywhere! So as long as you use dog-safe products, I don't see anything wrong with it.

Shirlee: Aside from competing in a creative styling class, or participating in Pet Fashion Week or other runway show, I think it's a little sad that people would do this for no special reason. Even if they use color that's safe, it's impossible to remove in one shampoo and it takes months for the hair to grow out. For special occasions, it's better to use a little spray glitter that can be washed out with one shampoo.

Jonathan: The colors I don't mind so much; it's kind of fun. I used to color my Maltese when she was getting on in years and I swear the attention she got brought out the puppy in her again!


WHY GO TO A PROFESSIONAL GROOMER? CAN'T WE JUST BATHE OUR DOGS AND CUT THEIR NAILS AT HOME?

Read our groomers' responses on the next page.