Below:
Sammy loves playing at day care. Sophie and Lance (goldens) take 5 from free play.
Maya enjoys a sunny spot in outdoor yard. Zelda beats Buddy and Tuba for the ball.
Fez and Buddy take a rest together on a rainy day.

******Doggie Day Care--Photo's******

Shave-Downs of Fur-Bearing Dogs

It is a well-known fact within the animal medical community and experienced grooming salons that shave-downs of fur-bearing dogs may lead to alopecia (hair loss) and skin disease. These dogs fall under the category of "Coat Funk" that is caused by or triggered by the shave down of the fur-bearing dog. Examples are: the Black Skin Disease, Alopecia X, Sebaceous Adentis and Post Shaving or Post Clipping Alopecia to mention a few.

Shave-downs of fur-bearing dogs should only be done for medical reasons and with written directions from the veterinarian. Cosmetic choices such as owner wants to reduce shedding or make the pet feel more comfortable in summer heat are unacceptable reasons to have the pets hair shaved down.

If a dog is shaved for cosmetic purposes and develops "Coat Funk" it is assumed that the groomer caused the disease. This is why it is important to have a written request from the veterinarian before performing any shave-down of fur-bearing dogs. Groomers should also have the owners sign a waiver exempting the groomer from any skin and/or coat damage post shave down.

Experienced groomers should and would instead suggest the regular bathing and brush outs of the pet will help with the shedding and the pet being hot during the summer weather. This helps to keep out packing of hair and dirt which do not allow the skin to breath.

see article on Shave-Down of Fur-Bearing Dogs Triggering skin disease and lawsuits by Animal Medical Center of Bradenton Florida.

******Doggie Day Care--Photo's******

Tuba and Maya take a needed rest from free play. While Sophie and Greta keep on playing their game of tug-of-war. While Cosmo was have a great time on his birthday. Jackson says "there is so much to every day I don't know where to start, I am just happy to be a part of it all."

Heat Stroke

Dogs do not sweat through their skin like humans. They sweat through the pads of their feet and their nose. Once a dogs temperature reaches 106 degrees damage to the cellular system and organs may be irreversible.

Signs:
*Increased temperature over 104 degrees, 106 degrees dire emergency
*Dark red gums
*Tacky or dry mucus membranes, specially gums
*Lying down and unwilling and/or unable to get up
*Collapses or loss of consciousness
*Thick saliva
*Dizziness and/or disorientation


Normal Dog Temp: 100.5 degrees to 102 degrees
Normal Respiration: 10 to 30 per minute
Normal Pulse: 50 to 130 per minute

(see 2011 the center for integrative veterinary care)

We all agree with Remi. After free play time nap time is definitely needed by all. (Large dog room: Sophie, Lilly, Greta and Jett. Small dog room: Molly, Coco, Toto and Zelda).

******Doggie Day Care--Photo's******

Remi says: "Playing at Day Care with my friends is so much Fun. That Nap Time is always needed."

Frequently Asked Questions: Nails

Owners have a lot of questions regarding their pets nails. Such as: my dogs nails look long, were they cut? My dogs nails are so sharp, did you forget to cut them? As you can see by the photo above dogs nails have a blood line inside. Your groomer or vet can only cut to just before this blood line. When the line get's crossed the nails can bleed (which both professionals carry a styptic powder to help clot and stop the bleeding) and this can be painful to your pet. Also you can see by above that cutting creates a clean square edge. This edge is very sharp when first cut and becomes smoother over time. Ways that you can help you dog to smooth out these edges are by taking them for regular walks on hard surfaces (like pavement or concrete). You can also file them with an emery board at home. When first introducing this you can start by working on one nail at time slowly and over time you can help you dog become accustom to the filing. It can become part of your regular routine and bonding time with just a little practice.

see article on Review-Reports.com/Blog: Dog Nail Grooming/How to Trim Dog Nails 3/30/11

Your Pet Can Have Allergies Too!

Pet Allergies

Your pet is susceptible to allergies just like you are. Unfortunately your pet is not able to tell you. Pets manifest their allergies through their skin, while humans may sneeze and get runny eyes. Dogs can get ear infections, itchy skin that they scratch and/or lick obsessively. Pets allergies to the environment have atopic dermatitis caused by molds, house dust mites, house dust, human dander, feathers and pollens from trees, grass and weeds. Which can lead to bacterial skin infections and yeast infections. Bathing offers immediate anti-itch relief and is a very important part of maintaining comfort for our allergic animals. Shampoo's with oatmeal and essential fatty acids have anti-itch/soothing effects. Having your dog groomed on a regular basis is a good way to help increase owners chances of recognizing these signs and maintaining a comfortable and happy pet.


For more information on allergies see article in Groomer to Groomer "Pet Allergies" May 2011