Benefits of Grooming your Dog

Many dog owners work hard to make sure that their pets enjoy a treat at a professional groomers’ salon.

Some even prefer to do this at home by investing heavily in the best shears for dog grooming as well as other tools that help to do the job in the proper manner.

For many people, grooming is just a process that makes their canine glow. What you may not know is that there are numerous other perks that come with the process as outlined below.

Health Check

Your furry friend gets a good health check when it goes through the grooming process. As you are brushing its coat, you can notice any suspicious lumps or bumps that may be hidden by the fur. This will also help you to identify any mats that may be making the mutt feel pain or great discomfort.

The crucial process can prevent the infestations of ticks and flees. As soon as you spot them remove them safely from the pet as you take further action to make sure they do not become a nuisance anymore.

As you brush the dogs’ teeth regularly, it becomes easier to note if there are any bleeding or sore gums as well as bad breathe that may be as a result of health issues. Trimming nails can assist the groomer to know if there is anything that is caught in between the paw pads or whether there are any sensitive spots.

From today, you can think of grooming as a regular health check as well. Discovering health issues sooner can save your furry friend from a lot of agony as the vet will be able to quickly take care of it.

Socialization

Grooming your canine can help the pup or the adult dog to get used to being touched. You and your four-legged buddy will get more acquitted as you lavish it with lots of love and attention going through the grooming process.

Photo by Александр Гросс on Unsplash 

This works whether you opt for DIY or taking it to the expert groomer. At the groomers, you can also help to keep your companion calm as the professional does the magic. This is something that is bound to strengthen the bond between you and your pet to enjoy a more fulfilling relationship.

Keep Your House and Surroundings Clean

When your pet is well-groomed, it will also contribute to the general cleanliness of your abode. Your pet will not have a chance to spread dirt and debris all over the house because it will always be clean.

Grooming well helps to control shedding, so that you do not have to keep dealing with annoying hairs all the time.

Prevents Costly Procedures

Everyone is looking to save a coin in different aspects of their lives. Should you embark on the journey of making sure that you groom your dog often, you can end up saving loads of cash.

When you notice that there is something wrong with your pet, alerting the vet as soon as possible. This can help to solve the issue fast as you do not have to spend a lot of money on the problem. For instance, if you neglect the anal glands of your pet, they may fill up and end up bursting. This causes unnecessary pain and demands costly surgery procedures to treat.

Allows the Pet to Cool Off Well

Dogs typically cool off by panting as well as air circulation through and around their pads. Extra-long hairs can impair this ability. When you trim the hairs every now and then it can also prevent the pet from slipping on wood or tile floors injuring themselves.

Relaxation

The same way you crave and enjoy spa days is the same way your pet will enjoy a relaxing grooming experience. The pets get to kick back and bask in the pampering they deserve.

You cannot fault your pet for loving you a little bit more should you decide to allow them to experience this often. You can even find that they will try and remind you it is grooming time.

Dog treats, endless cuddles, bones, and runs across the parks are just some of the ways you can keep your canine pal happy and healthy. Throw in frequent grooming sessions and you will easily earn the award of best mum/dad or friend.

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3 Tips for Dog Owners Looking to Groom Their Pet at Home (Guest Post)

Visiting professional groomers is a luxury. Although we love spoiling our canine friends and they do deserve certain indulgences, regular visits to professional grooming studios can be quite expensive. By grooming your dog at home you can increase the period between two professional grooming treatments. Or you can even skip going to salons and do everything yourself.

Oreo doesn't look happy at all...

Remember that dogs of all breeds need regular grooming. The only difference between different breeds is the time that needs to spent on doing so – from once every few weeks to a few hours a week.

To make things easier, we have compiled a list of 3 simple tips for DIY dog grooming. If you follow these simple steps, grooming your dog at home can be quite an easy process but it will still take a little bit of practice and patience.

1. Educate yourself and your dog

It is advisable to research your dog’s breed and its coat type in order to learn what to expect of the grooming session and which tools you will need.

Different coat types require different tools. If you feel confused, it might be a good idea to schedule an appointment at a professional groomer for a one-time consultation. During the consultation, the professional groomer can teach you how to keep the grooming sessions short and pleasant.

You can read every blog and article available online and even purchase the best grooming equipment available on the market, but if your dog does not want to be handled, the grooming session is doomed.

To avoid such situations, train your dog to enjoy grooming during its puppyhood. Use positive reinforcement techniques, like treats and praises, to associate the grooming session with positive experience.

2. Brushing and bathing

It is not advised to bath your dog without brushing it first. Brushing or combing, helps mechanically remove the dirt from your dog’s coat and it also unclogs tangled hairs. If you find a mat that cannot be untangled do not hesitate to cut it out.

When brushing your dog at home, make sure to brush your entire dog. It is true that certain areas like faces, tails and legs can be trickier, but they need to be groomed too.

Even in short haired breeds it is important to brush all areas, because brushing increases the blood circulation in the skin, thus promoting healthy skin, for growth and proper skin oil production.

Once properly brushed, you can proceed to bathing your dog. Start by wetting the coat thoroughly all the way to the skin with lukewarm water.

When the dog is wet enough, apply the shampoo and let it stay for a while. Then rinse your dog thoroughly and remove the excess water with towel. You can either leave your dog to dry naturally or you can use hair dryer. When bathing your dog, never forget to clean its eyes, ears and teeth and clip its nails.

Since frequent bathing disrupts the natural balance of the microorganisms on your dog’s skin and leads to skin and coat issues, try to minimize the number of baths and bath your dog only when it is too dirty and before trimming its coat.

3. Always use appropriate tools

The first rule to DIY dog grooming is to never use human clippers. Human clippers have only one length of blade and since that length is often too short for dogs, it can cause skin burns.

Human clippers also produce much more heat and are less powerful when compared to dog clippers. If you plan on grooming your dog at home on a regular basis, it is of paramount importance to obtain a good dog clipper. High quality dog clippers cost around $100 and above, but at the end you get what you pay for. Dog clippers are an investment that pays off.

It is important to remember that certain areas of your dog’s body are thinner and those areas should be clipped with extra care and caution.

These areas include the face, eyes, ear flaps and edges, armpits, belly, underside of the neck, sanitary areas, toes and tendons on legs. Improper handling of these areas causes the skin to pull up quickly and catches into the grooming tools, thus causing bruising and cutting.

The second most important tool is the scissors. There are many types of scissors and they all serve different purpose. For example thinning scissors are used for extremely thick coats that need to be thinned out; curved scissors are used to trim and shape the fur around the contour of the dog’s body; rounded tipped safety scissors are used for cutting the hairs in delicate areas. The straight scissors are the most universal tool and can be used on most coat types.

Last but not least, think about getting a dog grooming table. Placing your dog on a table makes it easier to restrain it and it is also easier on your back.

Chooey's Note: The pack would like to thank a Miss Jenny for this guest post contribution because Haopee is currently "preoccupied" and too busy to tend for the blog.

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'Coz You're Beautiful, No Matter What They Say!

 Summer time calls for summer cuts. All the Shih Tzus (and Peke) are ready for the heat.

Before Grooming: Fluffy Shih Tzu

After Grooming: Hairless Mole Rat!

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Is it just me? Or, is it Wordless Wednesday?

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I'm a Crazy Dog-Lover, Buying My Dogs Crazy Stuff

From dog toys to new vitamins to try. If there's a kind of shopping I go crazy on, it's definitely for the dogs.

Even I believe I've spoiled them too much on these dog treats and toys I buy. Take Walkies, for instance. Walkies cost about $5 or 199 ph. It may not sound much, but that's equivalent to a two fastfood meals for a single person enjoying a day out.

Nutri-vet Brewer's Yeast (418 php) & Walkies Tiny Bites (199 php).

And then, there's the occasional toy splurge.

Some toys don't get to see the next day. These types of toys last about 15 minutes before they're totally devoured. LOL. Sure Buy Pet Toys (89 php or $2.23)

Shoe squeaker (30 php or $0.75), Muffy Ball Squeaker (99.75 php or $2.5), & Just Play! Round Dog Squeaker (90 php)

Pawsize dog squeakers, Kong AirDog medium-sized tennis balls (210 php or $5.25), dog hand brush, the occasional leash (about 120 php or $3) and collar (50 php or $1.25), and Bayer Advantix (1500 php/ box or $37.50)

Of course, instead of bringing me gifts, some people have taken it upon themselves to buy my dogs toys instead. Bless their souls. ^__^

All for Paws Mallard Duck Squeaker for  $3.99 and Petstages Doggy Chew Pack

And here's my favorite combs and dog fur paraphernalia brand. I have two Doggyman scissors and a brush. Maybe next time, I'll add to my arsenal once they go on sale again.

This pet comb has a little ring at the back to retract the yellow portion of the comb. It's like a Petzoom brush. I got it on sale for 360 php or $9.

In the health department, there are just some things I can't do without. For instance, I always have Drontal's puppy dewormer in my stash. I also have Gold Medal's Clean Eyes eye drops (to cleanse Buchi's eyes twice a day) and their wound cream.

Drontal Oral Suspension for Puppies

So there you have it... me and my crazy buying tendencies.

P.S.  No, this post wasn't paid or sponsored. I just thought it would be a great way to finally delete some of the pictures taking up space.

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4 Tips in Caring for Long-Haired Dog Breeds

Before we start with our local program, let me just share this amazing person whose technique in dog grooming I truly admire.

This Youtuber is an amazing groomer. I like his approach with scared dogs.

There's a downside in caring for a long-haired dog. Shih Tzus and Pekingeses need constant grooming. Some owners take it to themselves to do the grooming. And it's fine. Just remember, it's not just the normal bathing and clipping that they need. 

Asti, the majestic, white lion! Just see how floofy she is.

Most long-haired dog breeds require... 

1. Daily brushing. If you don't have the time to brush your dog's hair daily, you should at least spend 30 minutes a week to ensure that all matted fur is removed.

See how thick her fur is. We have to brush her hair everyday to keep it from forming lumps.

2. Nail clipping. Forget about the challenge of clipping dogs with black nails. Now, you also have to deal with nails surrounded by fur.

This is what groomer's call the Puppy Cut. It's cropped short, about half an inch thick.

3. Clipping/cutting of fur in sensitive areas. Scared of holding your dog's muzzle while placing the scissors in front of his face? Scared nicking your dog's skin or scratching his eye with your scissors? This is just one of the many things you will have to deal with long-haired dogs.

Dogs with long hair need to have the fur between their toes and paw pads trimmed on a weekly or monthly basis. This goes for the hair/fur on their butts and on their abdomens.

Semi-bald cut. We had to cut Asti's hair this short so that treating her fungal infection would be easier.

4. Longer bathing and grooming time. Because of their long fur, breeds like Yorkies, Shih Tzus, and Pekes require more than just a towel to dry off. They need a blower to ensure that their double coats are completely dry.

Our new groomer is amazing. The dogs love him. His grooming skills are superb, and he's very tidy. 

*Pekingeses don't have double coats. They just have a really thick one.

Update: Haopee is a little under the weather. She's wallowing in bed like a sick pig. BOL!

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Doggy Grooming for Valentines Day?

I think my second attempt in grooming Buchi is worse than my previous one.

Sorry you had to face the flashy beast, my sweet Buchi.

After lasting 10 minutes in the bathroom with a sprinkler in one hand and a Bay-O-Pet Tick and Flea Soap in the other, I bathed, lathered and praised my cooperative little Shih Tzu into a bath.

Shih Tzu with towel, anyone?

Then Buchi was toweled and blown dry courtesy of my sister's hair dryer and the dog's white fluffy towel.

The blower is so sexy.

Finally, I made use of the clippers (but more of the scissors) which made the experience easier for Buchi and harder for me.

Yet another work in progress in the free Shih Tzu grooming parlor.

P.S. Happy Valentines Day. Have a great day at the Valentines Day Ball.

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My First Attempt in Grooming a Shih Tzu at Home

Finally, a new Shih Tzu hairdo! Of course, please be gentle in criticizing my novice grooming skills. Apparently, Buchi loves his dirt... and rain... and wallowing like a tiny carabao in the mud.

Super Duper Dirty Shih Tzu!

It seems that living the outdoor life with Rin and the others has freed this Shih Tzu's inner dog nature. This Christmas, we finally decided to buy...

A Wahl U-Clip Dog Clipper Kit from Pet Express SM MOA orignally costing 4,249.75 php. We got it discounted at 20%.

This is what I used to clip the newly bathed (YEAH! Smells good...) Shih Tzu's (e.g. sounded a lot better than Buchi) chrysanthemum and the occipital area (dog's back).  Jargon-y!

Viola! Better looking but still subject for improvement!

So Buchi isn't the most cooperative grooming model YET... Neither am I the a good groomer at the moment... but I do hope I'll eventually get it right in due time. By the way, Buchi doesn't like treats or toys (he just wants to hump so I'm still trying to figure out what could motivate him for good grooming behavior).

I'd like to thank the Furries of Whisppy's Mom for inspiring me to get my own dog clippers and groom the two most adorable Shih Tzus of my life.

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Mischief Monday: Evuhl Evuhl Human!

Dog grooming can come in different styles. Shih Tzus, for example, often have topknots on their head.  Others have their long shih tzu beards tied on. If it were up to me, I'd just leave it alone. But it weren't... 

What the hell, human?!?

My sister decided to comb Chooey's beardie. And no, that wasn't enough for her!

I SAID, WHAT THE HELL, HUMAN?!?

 Poor Chooey's getting her beardie pony-tailed.

Injustice! My life in this beautiful home is HORRIBLE. Help me, anyone!

My sister thought she looked cute with ponytails on her beardie. Poor Chooey doesn't look happy at all -_-.

Now, we're even! Justice has prevailed.

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Family Friday: Bald Shih Tzu Hairstyle

Today's Family Friday post, I would like to share to you Buchi's handsomely dashing new look. 

Note: Kindly refrain from laughing as Buchi can be pretty sensitive (aggressive) to loud gestures and insults. Perhaps you can drop by our blast from the past postings entitled 4 Tips on Handling Dog Aggression.

Car Ride

PLUS

Marikina Veterinary Clinic Grooming Station

EQUALS

HAHAHA! Funny Cartoon!

Oooopsie!

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Wordless Wednesday: Shih Tzu Hairstyles

Chooey

Buchi (as of October 18, 2009)

Just in case you're wondering how my first grooming attempt was, feel free to drop by my "My First Attempt in Grooming a Shih Tzu at Home" post.

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Wordless Wednesday: It's Not You, It's Me!

Have you ever had this feeling that your dog was no longer interested in you? Here's Buchi representing MyDogsLoveMe for the time being.

By the way, we got tagged by meowmeowmans. As much as I want to write a new post for the tagging, I am not among my pack so I wouldn't be able to convince/impose/bribe Coal and Ginger to participate. And if you're thinking Buchi sounds like an interesting specimen, it's pretty obvious that he just broke up with me.

Meowmeowmans, I hope you could accept the link to my tagged post and re-posting my number 10 answer here for you.

Animal Shelter Volunteer Life is a blog where you can get your fill of adoptable and adorable cats. Looking for a forever cat to love you? This is the blog to visit. Meowmeowmans is one of those bipeds whose heart is set on rescuing kitties and making a difference by putting them into wonderful homes.

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Two Hours of Grooming...

And this is the result. An unfinished cut with emphasis on the "booted" paw. This is Buchi, by the way. I'm pretty sure I've mentioned him in some of my comments and posts.

Buchi, my Shih-Tzu... Errr, we broke up. He's no longer mine but my nieces'.

He's the Shih-Tzu living with my sister and her family. He's currently 2... turning 3. LOL, I was never so good at keeping tabs on dates, even when it came to biped birthdays.

I decided to bathe him a couple of days ago. I've been a bit busy here, which is why I haven't responded much to comments or bloghopping. Anyway, hoping to get myself up and running through your blogs once I'm done with fixing those computers (for now). 

Thank you for bearing with me.

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Deworming: Have you done it recently?

WARNING: Graphically gross pictures. Please do not look at them if you're the squeamish type.

A couple of days ago, we've noticed that Peanuts was dragging her butt all over the floor and whimpering about it. At first, I was thinking, maybe it was because of the mange since she's been playing with Coal and Ginger.

Since our vaccination date was coming to a close, I told myself that what better time but now, to ask the vet about her behavior. He told us it may possibly come from worms since we haven't had her "purged" ever since we got her. This was because the person we got her from told us that she had been dewormed recently already.

So I've decided to have her dewormed immediately after her shot. It's been 2 days and the vet was right on the money. I was amazed on the sheer number of worms Peanuts let out of her system.

Immediately after getting home: Small Segments

1st Day: Diarrhea and mucoidal poop with no worms accounted for.

2nd Day: First hour, tape worms!!! Long and many in a cluster! And 1 live roundworm wondering further from the litter spot.

Or what's left of them. Apparently, ants just love a wormy meal.

2nd Attempt to Poop on the 2nd Day: Nothing comes out except two more roundworms stuck in her bottom! Since my beau is a nurse, he pulled them out himself. They were even trying to get back in- THE NERVE!

If the wormies don't get , pull it out gently because there's a tendency that they'll break. 

3rd Attempt to Poop on the 2nd Day: More roundworms in a cluster.

I don't want to know what's inside that black poop. 

Now, to get to the nitty gritty part of talking about Deworming...

Are humans susceptible to their pet's worms?

Yes. Children especially, who have not normally developed their immune systems are prone to catching worms. Toxocara canis are roundworms from dogs.

If humans come into contact with contaminated feces, there is a possibility to contract a disease called Toxocara. Although, it's very rare.

For cats, these worms are called Toxicara cata.

What pet worms can humans contract? 1. Roundworms 2. Hookworms 3. Ringworm (which isn't actually a worm but a fungus) 4. Tapeworms Lastly, people cannot contract heartworms because the moment the carrier (usually a mosquito) injects it in our blood stream, it usually gets attacked by our oh-so-awesome immune system. How can I help prevent these worms from infesting Fido's system? Simple, regular deworming! One more thing, use dog medicine for dogs. Some people try to save money by buying Mebendazole for children. Antihelmintic medicine will never be as effective as Dewormers for dogs. Boost your dogs immune system by feeding him correctly and providing the proper vitamins. Yes, it will be a little expensive than not spending on supplements, but (as the age old saying goes) remember "PREVENTION IS BETTER THAN CURE".

Lastly, dogs who are happy and mentally stimulated daily are less prone to stress. So, don't forget that playing with your dogs for 15-30 minutes a day and walking them can dramatically help improve a dog's health.

Observe proper hygiene.

Peanuts has been licking the floors starting 2 weeks ago. So one more thing, try to prevent your dog from licking floors and stray animals.

How often should I deworm my dog?

Adult dogs- Once every 3 months Puppies starting 2 weeks to 12 weeks of age- once in every two weeks Pregnant and Lactating Bitches- before mating, after 6 weeks into her pregnancy, after giving birth and while feeding her puppies with her milk.

It's always best to ask the vet for advice when it comes to the frequency and dosage for your dog.

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Buchi the Shih-Tzu has Grown

I'd mentioned earlier that I was going to my sister's. Their house is currently under construction. The moment I arrived, I immediately found Buchi trotting on their unfinished balcony doing his guard dog duties. He's been great at it, barking at anybody who he sees entering the gate.  Most Shih-Tzus have big barking voices, by the way.

I was lucky I caught him in a good mood. Now, I have  an oh-so-cute picture of  the doggy that growls at the clipper when it's turned on. He's supposed to be a princess type shih-tzu but I doubt with his size he's still considered one. Opening introductions aside, meet Buchi.

Featured Goggy Number 2 is Buchi

Name: Buchi

Age: More than 2 years of age

Birthday: March 1, 2009 ( according to his little immunization book)

Special Skills/ Traits/ Talents: Monstrous Barker, Cute and Cuddly, Over Protective of Territory, Not yet Neutered, a Humper!!!

RFA (Reason for Adopting): I was set to own my first dog. There were two of them to select from. I chose him because he was the quiet type. Little did I know he was already weakening because of the mange and stress (probably). He also got me and my niece itching for weeks because we didn't know what he had.

Previous Illnesses: Sarcoptic Mange, Corneal Ulcer due to the scratching

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So Tired... Long Walk

So my master finally decided to take me out this early morning. We went inside the subdivisions oval walk (Golden Valley) and went around it for one and a half times. It felt like an olympic size race course.


I even met a gray poodle who became my friend because it kept on following. Of course, I felt hostile because it kept on following me wherever I went.


"Seriously, get your own master to walk you, Mr. Poodle!" Too bad I wasn't able to take a picture of him (I overheard his female master call him Popoy.). This is how I look as of this moment with my signature pose because my bigger master decided to wet the entire floor.

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Tiny Demon Dog

WARNING: Tiny Demon Dog on the Loose!!!

Deformed Cream Puff... Two Candles Atop...

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