Mobile vs. Salon Grooming: What’s Better for Stress-Free Pet care?
When it comes to grooming your pet, comfort and calmness are key. You might have a high-energy pup or a shy senior pup, choosing the right grooming environment can make all the difference. Two popular options—mobile grooming and salon grooming—each offer unique benefits. But which one is truly better for stress-free care?
Let’s break it down.
🐶 Mobile grooming: Personalized pampering at your doorstep
Mobile grooming is like a spa day on wheels. A professional groomer arrives in a fully equipped van, parks outside your home, and gives your pet one-on-one attention.
✅ Pros:
No Travel Stress: Pets stay close to home, avoiding car rides and unfamilir places
Quiet & Calm: No barking dogs or bustiling salon noise—just your pet and the groomer.
Time-Savings: No waiting in line or spending hours at a salon.
Ideal for Anxious Pets: Great for animals who dislike crowds or have special needs.
❌ Cons:
Higher Cost: Personalized service often comes with a premium price
Limited Avalability: Not all areas have mobile groomers, and appointments can fill up fast.
Space Constraints: Large breeds or complex grooming tasks may be ahrder to manage in a van
🐕 Salon Grooming: Professional Care in a Social Setting
Salon grooming takes place in a dedicated facility with multiple groomers, tools, and often other pets.
✅ Pros:
Fully Equipped: Salons can handle everything from basic trims to breed-specific styling.
Socialization: Some pets enjoy being around others and thrive in a busy environment.
Multiple Staff: More hands on deck can help with challenging grooming tasks
❌ Cons:
Sensory Overload: Loud noises, unfamiliar smells, and other pets can be overwhelming.
Crate Time: Pets may wait n crates before or after their grooming session.
Travel Required: Getting to and from the salon can be stressful for both pet and owner.
🧘♀️ Which Is Better for Stress-Free Care?
The answer depends on your pet’s personality and needs:
Choose Mobile Grooming if your pet is anxious, elderly, or easily overstimulated.
Choose Salon Grooming if your pet is social, adaptable, and enjoys new experiences.
🐾 Final Thoughts
Stress-free grooming isn’t just about the haircut—it’s about the experience. Whether you opt for the convenience of mobile grooming or the full-service approach of a salon, the goal is the same: a clean, happy, and relaxed pet.
Helpful Hints If You Got A Puppy For Christmas
Starting off on the right paw with a new puppy so he/she doesn’t end up in a shelter involves some key practices. Here are 13 hints to help.
Hint #1: Consistency is key. Establishing a routine helps the puppy feel secure and understand what’s expected.
Hint #2: Socialization. Exposing your puppy to different environments, people, and other dogs early on helps them grow into a well-adjusted adult dog.
Hint #3: Training should be a daily habit. Short, positive sessions work best. It helps build a strong bond and establishes good behavior.
Hint #4: Socialization is crucial. Exposing your puppy to different environments, people, and other dogs early on helps them grow into a well-adjusted adult dog.
Hint #5: Be patient with house training. Accidents will happen, but consistent reinforcement of where it's appropriate to go will do wonders over time.
Hint #6: Exercise is essential. Regular walks and playtime help burn off energy, which can prevent destructive behavior.
Hint #7: Provide plenty of chew toys. Puppies explore the world with their mouths, so having appropriate items for them to chew helps save your furniture and shoes.
Hint #8: Regular vet check-ups. Keeping up with vaccinations, deworming, and flea prevention ensures a healthy start for your puppy.
Hint #9: Start dental care early. Brushing your puppy's teeth and providing dental chews can prevent future problems.
Hint #10: Praise and rewards. Positive reinforcement for good behavior goes a long way in training. Dogs love to please, and knowing they've made you happy is a great motivator.
Hint #11: Make grooming a routine. Regular brushing, nail trimming, and baths keep your puppy looking and feeling good.
Hint #12: Provide a safe space. A comfortable bed or crate gives your puppy a place of their own to relax and feel secure.
Hint #13: Register with a local pet. It ensures they're legal and also helps in recovering them if they get lost. That's all thirteen hints!
Hoping these hints help you and most of all have fun with your new puppy!
Service Dogs VS Support (emotional) Dogs
Service dogs and support dogs serve different roles, even though they both provide essential assistance.
Service dogs are specially trained to perform tasks for individuals with disabilities, such as guiding visually impaired people or alerting those with hearing impairments.
On the other hand, support dogs, often called emotional support animals, provide comfort and emotional support through their presence. Unlike service dogs, they don't need specialized training but must be well-behaved in public.
Service dogs have legal access to most public places, whereas support dogs' access depends on local laws and specific policies, like those of airlines or housing.
Both types of dogs offer critical support but are distinguished by their training and the specific functions they fulfill.
Rainy Day Fun: Keeping Your Pup Entertained Indoors
Rainy days can be a challenge for dog owners, but they also present a wonderful opportunity to bond with your furry friend. At Fresh Paws Spa, we understand the importance of keeping your dog happy and engaged, even when the weather isn’t cooperating. Here are some fun and creative ways to entertain your dog on those dreary days.
1. Indoor Fetch and Tug-of-War
Transform your living room into a mini playground! Use soft toys to play fetch or tug-of-war. This not only provides physical exercise but also strengthens your bond.
2. Puzzle Toys and Treat Dispensers
Stimulate your dog’s mind with puzzle toys and treat dispensers. These toys challenge your dog to think and work for their treats, keeping them occupied and mentally sharp.
3. Hide and Seek
Play a game of hide and seek with your dog. Hide treats or toys around the house and encourage your dog to find them. This game taps into their natural hunting instincts and provides great mental stimulation.
4. Teach New Tricks
Rainy days are perfect for training sessions. Teach your dog new tricks or reinforce old ones. Positive reinforcement with treats and praise will make the learning process enjoyable for both of you.
5. DIY Agility Course
Set up a simple agility course using household items like chairs, broomsticks, and cushions. Guide your dog through the course, rewarding them for completing each obstacle. This is a fun way to keep them active indoors.
6. Interactive Playtime
Engage in interactive play with toys like laser pointers or feather wands. These toys can keep your dog entertained and provide a good workout.
7. Spa Day at Home
Why not pamper your pup with a spa day? Brush their coat, clean their ears, and give them a gentle massage. This not only keeps them clean but also helps them relax and feel loved.
8. Watch Dog TV
Believe it or not, some dogs enjoy watching TV! There are channels and videos specifically designed for dogs, featuring moving objects and animals. This can be a great way to keep them entertained while you relax.
9. Baking Dog Treats
Spend some time in the kitchen baking homemade dog treats. Your dog will love the delicious smells and the tasty rewards. Plus, it’s a fun activity for you too!
10. Cuddle Time
Sometimes, the best way to spend a rainy day is to cuddle up with your furry friend. Grab a blanket, some treats, and enjoy some quality time together.
At Fresh Paws Spa, we believe that every day can be a great day for your dog, rain or shine. Our mobile grooming services ensure that your pup stays clean and happy, no matter the weather. Contact us today to schedule a grooming session and keep your dog looking and feeling their best!
Bathing Your Dog at Home: Tips from Fresh Paws Spa
Bathing your dog at home can be a rewarding experience for both you and your furry friend. Here are some expert tips from Fresh Paws Spa to make the process smooth and enjoyable:
1. Gather Your Supplies
Before you start, make sure you have everything you need:
Dog shampoo (preferably biodegradable and gentle)
Towels
A non-slip mat
Cotton balls (to keep water out of their ears)
A brush
2. Prepare the Bathing Area
Use a bathtub or a large basin. Place a non-slip mat at the bottom to prevent your dog from slipping. Fill the tub with lukewarm water, ensuring it’s not too hot or too cold.
3. Brush Before Bathing
Brush your dog thoroughly before the bath to remove any loose fur and tangles. This helps the shampoo to penetrate better and makes rinsing easier.
4. Wet Your Dog Thoroughly
Start by wetting your dog from the neck down. Avoid getting water in their ears and eyes. Use a handheld showerhead or a cup to pour water gently over their body.
5. Apply Shampoo
Apply a small amount of dog shampoo and lather it well, starting from the neck and working your way down to the tail. Be sure to clean their paws, belly, and under the tail. If your dog has sensitive skin, consider using a medicated shampoo recommended by your vet.
6. Rinse Thoroughly
Rinse your dog thoroughly with lukewarm water, ensuring no shampoo residue is left. Residual shampoo can cause skin irritation.
7. Dry Your Dog
Use absorbent towels to dry your dog. Fresh Paws Spa recommends hand-drying with towels and then using a blow dryer on a low setting if your dog is comfortable with it. Always keep the dryer at a safe distance to avoid overheating.
8. Reward Your Dog
After the bath, reward your dog with treats and praise. This positive reinforcement will help them associate bath time with a pleasant experience.
9. Regular Grooming
Regular grooming, including brushing and bathing, keeps your dog’s coat healthy and shiny. Fresh Paws Spa suggests scheduling baths every 4-6 weeks, depending on your dog’s breed and activity level.
By following these tips from Fresh Paws Spa, you can ensure a stress-free and effective bath time for your dog. Happy bathing!
Hiking With Your Dogs: Tips Before You Go
Jill, owner and pet stylist at Fresh Paws Spa mobile dog grooming, with her furry sidekicks, Penny and Cutch in Shenandoah National park, Bentonville, VA at elevation 3,360 ft.
Going for hikes and being with nature just changes my view of life. Spending time outside just improves my mood, reduces any stress I might have and of course improves my physical health. All of those also would be for your dog too.
Safety When Hiking with Dogs
You are an advocate for the safety of your dog. Keeping them safe during a hike is top priority. For young and old dogs, you might want to check with your vet to make sure they can handle a hike. Some dog breeds make a little better hiking buddy than other breeds. With puppies, you do not want to go on long hikes, there might be some challenging areas for them to hike and they have a lot of growing bones. You must avoid hot weather hiking, as dogs are much more susceptible than humans to the dangers of excessive heat.
It’s essential that you take water for your dog. Dogs don’t sweat the way humans do. Panting is their main method for keeping cool, putting them at a higher risk of overheating than you when on the trail. Plus, if you don’t bring water for your dog to drink, you risk your dog drinking from ponds, streams, or standing pools of water, which can carry a high risk. Unknown water could be contaminated with parasites, bacteria like leptospirosis, or other pathogens that can make your dog very ill.
You and your dog may also be venturing into flea and tick territory on your hikes. Make sure you apply EPA-approved tick repellent to all exposed areas of skin, remembering to get spots like your face and the back of your neck. Common types of tick repellent include DEET and picaridin, and oil of lemon eucalyptus. Be sure to examine you dog for any ticks carefully when you get off the trail. Also check for burrs, foxtails, and other debris caught in your dog’s fur.
Hiking Equipment
The girl scout in me wants to make this an enjoyable hike, you should be prepared with appropriate four-legged hiking gear. Some suggested items to bring with you include:
Poop bags
Dog collar with ID tags and a sturdy 6 foot leash (at least 6ft)
Water supply and a portable water bowl
Dog treats, snacks for you, dog food (depending how long you are going)
Pet first-aid kit
Dog booties for hiking in rough terrain
Pet-safe insect repellent
Flea and Tick repellent preventative
Consider a dog pack for them to wear, also can carry your water for you.
Hiking is fantastic exercise and a perfect way to enjoy nature with your furry sidekick!
Jill, owner and pet stylist at Fresh Paws Spa mobile dog grooming, her furry sidekick Cutch at Buttermilk Falls State Park in Ithaca, New York.
Some information was found on the web:
American Kennel Club: Fun with your dog
REI Co-op Expert Advice: Hiking or backpacking with your dog
Helping Your Dog Cope When Kids Go Back to School
As the school year begins, many families notice their dogs feeling a bit down. This change in routine can lead to feelings of loneliness and even separation anxiety for some dogs. During the summer, dogs often get used to having their human companions around more frequently, enjoying extra playtime and attention. When the house suddenly becomes quieter, it can be a tough adjustment for them.
Here are a few signs that your dog might be feeling the back-to-school blues:
Destructive behavior: Chewing, digging, or scratching at things.
Vocalization: Excessive barking or howling.
Changes in bathroom habits: Having accidents inside the house.
General anxiety: Pacing, being on high alert, or showing signs of stress.
To help your dog adjust, you can:
Maintain a routine: Keep regular times for walks and meals.
Provide distractions: Leave toys and treats to keep them occupied.
Gradual separation: Practice leaving them alone for short periods to build their confidence.
Consider a dog walker or daycare: This can help break up their day and provide social interaction.
With a little patience and planning, you can help your furry friend adjust to the new school routine.
My Dog Has Short Hair, Doesn't Need Groomed!
Cutch, Owner of Fresh Paws Spa sidekick
Your Dog Has Short Hair and Doesn’t Need Groomed?
You think since your dog doesn’t have long hair it really doesn’t need to be groomed, maybe when you think their dirty. Your short haired dog does need to be professionally groomed every 6 weeks and we have all the professional tools to get it done.
Professional grooming can benefit short hair dogs in may ways including:
Health check: When you bring your dog into Fresh Paws Spa, we make sure your dog’s skin is healthy. Professional washing, brushing, and treating a short coat can remove dead hair, distribute natural oils, improve circulation, and keep skin healthy. This can lead to less itching and scratching, and more shining. Their fur will look shinier and refreshed.
Visual check: Professional dog grooming also means your pet will get a complete visual check at every appointment. This can allow for early detection of lumps, bumps, and skin irritations.
Included services are nail-clipping, ear-cleaning, and teeth-brushing, which you may find difficult to perform yourself. Grooming can also help your dog regulate their body temperature more effectively.
Time saving: Professional grooming can also save you time. We are always looking for ways to save us time, during our busy lives!
They also come out smelling and feeling fabulous! More time to cuddle with them!
Brain Games for Tiring the Mind Of your Dog
Jill, owner and pet stylist with Fresh Paws Spa mobile dog groomer, her furry sidekick , Yellow Labrador, Cutch looking stylish!
Did you know that when your dog is bored, they act out.
Bored dogs can develop bad habits, particularly when they are stressed or have a lot of energy. They will chew things you do not want them to, jump on you when they shouldn’t be, they are just trying to interact with you.
When we first got Cutch, our yellow Labrador, he had a lot of energy, and that is putting it mildly. We took him for lots and lots of walks and runs. But there were times we couldn’t run him, and we had to find another outlet to tire him.
Brain games are great for dogs who have energy to burn and are especially helpful for dogs with anxiety or high energy. These games are great, especially when the weather is not great outside. Brain games are puzzles, toys, and activities that encourage your dog to experiment, and problem solve. You are also bonding with your dog. Dogs are social creatures. They interact in all sorts of ways, including play. They want to play with you because they see you as a pack mate.
Brain games are important for dogs of every age:
Puppies-Brain games build self-confidence and teach them to play by themselves.
Adults- They encourage problem-solving and burn off energy.
Seniors-They keep their mind sharp and help prevent brain decline.
Dogs recovering from surgery or other medical treatments. These games can be boredom busters when your dog must rest and take it easy.
More than one-third of dogs over 8 years old start to lose some of their brain function. Signs of mental decline in dogs include personality changes, accidents in the house, restlessness at night, decreased activity, and memory loss. A dog might forget simple commands or tricks they knew before. We are starting to see the restlessness at night with Cutch. He gets up and wants out, then back in, then out, it’s just keeps happening till he finally is tired.
Here are some brain games we play with Cutch.
Hiding his favorite toy, The Chicken, and he must look for it.
Lay a towel down, put some treats in on the towel, roll it up and let them sniff out the treats.
Puzzle toys, you put treats in the puzzle, and they must sniff the treats out.
Hide in seek, someone hides, and they must look for you.
When you go for a walk, turn right instead of left, this will switch up their thinking.
Play the look game. If they do not know how to play, start with a treat on your forehead and ask them to look. When they look, give them the treat. Eventually you will not have a treat. But by teaching them to look at you, if they are in trouble with something, ask them to look at you and you can probably get them from doing something they shouldn’t be doing.
Just have fun and bond with your furry sidekick!
Some of this information was found on the web under WebMD February 13, 2023 post
Make Sure Your Pup is Safe in the Snow
Winter time can be such a beautiful and fun time for you and your pup. Mine get all frisky when it’s cold outside. My Labrador, Cutch and mutt, Penny, love the cold and snow. I put Cutch out at 5 am and I look out, he is rolling in the snow! He’s 12 years old and when the temperature drops, he becomes a puppy again!
How to Protect Our Fur Legged Friends
Snow, although it’s beautiful, can be harmful to our pets. Today we are going to talk about how to protect your pup from the snow and keep them safe during the coldest months of the year. We will talk about ice balls in their fur, how to safely remove them, and ways to prevent them from forming in the first place.
We will also talk about the potential dangers of salt on dog paws. So grab your fur friend and snuggle up with them with a cup of cocoa or coffee (whatever your warm choice is) and let’s talk about keeping your pup safe this winter.
Ice Balls in Their Fur
Your pup may love the snow, like mine, but running in that fun snow comes with a hidden danger. Your pup’s body heat melts the snow enough to get wet, but then it can refreeze again in a tangled mass of ice and fur.
These ice balls hanging in their fur can pull on the skin, causing discomfort. Plus, ice balls between their toes can force their toes uncomfortably far apart. If left too long, ice balls can even lead to frostbite!
When your dog is uncomfortable, he may try to licking or biting the ice balls out of his paws. This could break the skin, opening up to infections. Keep an eye on them when taking your pup for a romp in the snow.
Removing the Ice Balls Safely
It’s not hard to remove the ice balls from your pup’s paws. Get some warm water to help melt the ice balls. Massage the affected areas with your hands or a warm cloth. This will help melt up the chunks to remove from their paws.
Use a brush to get rid of any remaining pieces and then towel dry their paws.
I’ve seen special cups you dip their paws, in, not sure if they work, but go for it.
How To Not Have Ice Balls Form
You could always put boots on their paws. If you pup is like mine, they will pull those boots off in a heartbeat!
Salt On Your Dogs Paws
Throwing ice melt and salt down on the roads are safe for humans to walk on but when it comes to your pet, not so safe. These chemicals can cause skin irritation or even chemical burns if your pup comes into contact with them.
It’s so important to keep your pup away from areas where salt or ice melt has been thrown down. This is you trying to avoid those areas when walking your pups. Make sure you clean their paws thoroughly after each walk as any residual salt left behind could cause damage over time.
We do offer paw balm that we could apply to your pups feet. Dog paw balm protects from the elements, chemicals, ice, concrete and other rough surfaces. Moisturizing paw pads
We also sell paw balm for your convenience. Just let your pet stylist know.
Just Have Fun In the Snow!
Just be aware of your surroundings and have fun romping in the snow with your fur legged friend. Enjoy this winter, I’ve heard it’s going to be a snowy one!
Types of Leashes for Dogs
Types of Leashes for Dogs
It’s so fun walking with our dogs outside. Our dogs love the bonding time with them and being out in nature.
Our dogs look to us to be their protector when it comes to walking them. We must watch for cars, other wild animal (skunk, fox, coyote, etc.) and people.
When I was teaching at OTCH (Obedience Training Class of Harrisburg), we talked about all kinds of leashes.
First there is the leather leash, you can purchase them in 4-6 feet in length. You want to make sure you do not wrap the handle around your arm. A client of mine broke their arm because the dog pulled her the wrong way. Always make sure it is in your hand.
Second is the retractable leash. These leashes can go up to 16-feet or longer. It’s hard to control your dog when they are out to fullest extent. You can also cut your hand on the rope if you try pulling it back.
Something to be aware of. My 84-year-old dad He was walking his dog on a regular 6-foot leash and another person came over to his side of the street with his retractable leash. The dog was out of control, the dog was trying to get my dad’s 8lb dog. The gentleman holding the leash was trying to get his dog but unfortunately, the rope wrapped around my dad’s legs and pulled him down. He hit his head on the sidewalk and hurt his wrist. He ended up in the emergency room. This would never have happened if the gentleman had a regular leash and could control his dog.
Beware of other owners and dogs walking. Try not to let your dog come up on a person or a dog. We have no idea if the person is afraid of dogs, or if the dog you are approaching, is sick, elderly or doesn’t like other dogs.
It comes down to controlling your dog having fun walking with them. Let’s get out there and walk.
Skunks Oh My!
Skunked at Fresh Paws Spa a mobile groomer
Setting your night
You let your beloved four legged friend out for their last call of he evening. All of the sudden they are back at the door, you open the door and smell this terrible smell of burning rubber. You let your beloved four legged friend in and they start rubbing their head on your couch, your rugs and you realize they had been sprayed by a skunk!
Don’t panic!
Get them back outside. You have time to run back inside and prepare your skunk cocktail on your dog. Get your rubber gloves on before you touch your dog! Spray the cocktail all over your dog, make sure you are really getting coverage on them. Do not get the cocktail in their eyes! Let it sit for 10 minutes, you are working on getting the oil of the skunk spray off of them that it does not get to their skin. Once 10 minutes are up, spray them down with your hose. You will then want to bathe them with an orange solvent shampoo, rinse and repeat. (if you are a Fresh Paws Spa client, we can always get you the shampoo) Check their eyes, if they are red or irritated, flush them out with cool water.
In the next couple of months after they had been sprayed, when they get wet from rain or swimming in the pool, the skunk scent smell does reappear, it’s only time that will get rid of the smell altogether.
My house smells like skunk!
You will want to get some bowls and put vinegar in them. You want to put them in every room. Leave them sitting in each room for a couple of days. The vinegar will pull the skunk smell into the bowl. You will also want to constantly change your house filter, if you have one.
We have lived at our home for 25 years and the last two years our dogs have been sprayed in our backyard. The first time, my Penny had the skunk in her mouth, she came back to the house frothing at the mouth, with no skunk in it. It was terrible. I had let my lab in the house before realizing what had happened, and he did rub his face on our carpet and couch! I did panic and I did not use rubber gloves, my hands smelled for weeks. It was terrible. This year my Cutch got sprayed and we were prepared , clean up was easy! First time they got spray at 4:30 in the morning and second was 10:00 at night. Both times were very inconvenient times!
Skunk Cocktail mix
Mix the following items together in a spray bottle and mark it Skunk Cocktail”
1 Quart of 3-percent Hydrogen Peroxide (available grocery store or pharmacy)
1/4 cup Baking soda
1 -2 teaspoon of Dawn (blue only ) liquid dish detergent
Do not mix up ahead a time, could explode!
Backyard Plants That Are Poisonous To Your Dog
Mobile dog groomer letting your know about backyard poison
Cutch, owner’s (mobile dog groomer) four legged friend, enjoying the sun
It’s that time of year that we can’t wait to get outside and start planting in our yard. I start in January and think how I want to landscape the backyard. But I also have to keep in mind my two dogs. Both of our dogs love to chow down on our ornamental grass. So if they like to eat the grass what plants could be toxic foliage to them.
You need to be the advocate for your four legged friend in researching what kinds of plants you can have in the backyard. Dogs are curious and could easily get into trouble in the backyard. Your four legged friend could eat something that can lead to diarrhea, vomiting, and even death.
Here is a short list of toxic plants:
Aloe vera
American holly
Apricot trees
Baby’s Breath
Begonia
Calla lily
Chrysanthemum
Cyclamen
Daffodil
Deadly nightshade
Dieffenbachia
Elephant ears
Foxglove
Gladiola
Grapevines
Hemlock
Hyacinth
Hydrangea
Jessamines
Larkspur
Milkweed
Mistletoe
Morning glory
Narcissus
Ragwort
Rhubarb
Tomato (unripe)
Tulips
Wild cherry
Wisteria
You also have to remember about bringing plants into your house. If they are curious they might decide to ingest the baby’s breath in your floral arrangement. So set them up for success and make sure your floral arrangement is in a place they can’t get.
There is no surefire way to prevent all accidents and illnesses when it comes to our four legged friends and the troubles they can get into. This is why taking some precautionary measures and knowing what to do in an emergency is highly recommended for owners. By preparing yourself ahead of time, you will be more likely to remain cool, calm, and collected if an incident ever were to occur.
Keep poison control phone number on your phone 888-426-4435. Of course if it’s during working hours, call your vet or take them to your emergency vet office.
Smelly Anal Glands
Pembroke Welsh Corgi picture from BeChewy
What Are Anal Glands
Anal glands, or anal sacs as they are sometimes called, are small, paired pouches located between the internal and external anal sphincter muscles, one on each side of the anus.
In a normal situation, they are emptied when the animal squeezes the muscle against the bowel movement or tenses during a stressful situation.
In the wild, animals use these glands as a way of marking their territory or as a distraction when being pursued by a predator. In social settings, you may have noticed that animals tend to sniff the rear end of other animals, this is because they are trying to pick up a familiar scent.
To Squeeze or not to Squeeze
Many feel that routine expression of the anal glands is helpful to prevent issues. If done incorrectly, frequent expressions can cause a rupture or irritate the openings which prevents the normal, healthy outflow. The technique plays a significant role in this. The correct way can only be done by medical personnel, which is to express an anal gland is to insert an index finger into the rectum & use the thumb to “milk” the gland.
The way a groomer (non-medical) personnel uses is the external method where glands are squeezed on either side of the rectum. If the gland is healthy & easily expressed, this can be done with minimum incident. The issue with this method is that the gland cannot be clearly defined & there is no way to adequately trap the gland. This requires more pressure & often leads to much more irritations of the area then the internal method & potentially damage/rupture to an unhealthy gland.
In our domestic animals, these functions are less significant. However, the health of the glands is still important. In most situations the animals can maintain the glands themselves. Occasionally they will “scoot if the glands become enlarged, which is usually adequate for relief. If the scooting is frequent (more than once or twice in a close time frame) or there is excessive licking of the area, the glands could be impacted or infected and need further attention.
Impactions occur from over-production of the gland, loose stools, infection or any irritation of the area that causes swelling. The anal gland secretion is normally an odiferous liquid, but can change to a thick, pasty-type debris that is very hard to excrete. If problem occurs, it is best to consult a veterinarian to evaluate the issue and to give the animal relief. Left unattended, these glands can easily abscess and create a large issue.
Worst Case Scenario
When the glands become impacted or abscessed, they often will rupture, leaving a hole on either side (ventral) of the anus. If this occurs, it is important to seek veterinary care. This can be treated surgically or as an open wound, depending on the situation. Once glands rupture, the chance of reoccurrence goes up immensely.
With all said, I do not express anal glands, I will leave that to the doctors.
The contents from this article can be found in the September 2021, Vol 40 ED.9 edition from Groomer-to-Groomer magazine.
The article was written by Dr. Cliff Faver Anal Glands “A Pain in the butt”
Dog Dental Health
Zoe checking out her toothbrush that will be used on her at Fresh Paws Spa a mobile dog groomer near me.
Dental care, ugh so hard….
Dental care is one of the most important aspects of your pet’s wellness. It’s always the perfect time to check up on their pearly whites.
Regular cleaning, good nutrition, and watching out for symptoms can help maintain long-term dental health. Preventative dental care will help your puppy stay away from periodontal disease. The cause of periodontal disease is build up of plaque and tartar on their teeth and gums. If untreated it can also cause kidney, heart, or liver disease which can have a fatal effect on your puppy, so preventative care is key!
What supplies do I need?
You will want a long toothbrush or the one I like the best is a finger toothbrush. You can also use a kids toothbrush which have soft bristles. Make sure you use toothpaste that is made for dogs. If you use a human tooth paste it has the ingredient xylitol in it, which is a toxic substance to puppies. There are many flavor options to choose from like peanut butter and chicken. You can pick the flavor based on your puppy’s preference.
How do you brush those pearly whites?
Puppies love routine, make this a daily habit. Find the time when you and your puppy are calm. You will first want to train your puppy about brushing. Either sit or kneel in front of your puppy. Do not grab your puppy and hold them down. This will just make your puppy scared. Start by rubbing your fingers along your dog’s gums, this will help them get used to the feeling of pressure. If they do not like it, stop and come back at another time. It may take a long time till they get used to this, just hang in there, they will get used to it. Just take your time! Put some toothpaste on your finger so they get used to the taste before using the toothbrush.
Once your puppy is used to the feeling it’s time to use the toothbrush. You want to come in with the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle and start with the top teeth. Gently massage the teeth and gums to remove plaque and tartar build up. Brush in small circles over all of the teeth, top and bottom. As your are brushing give your puppy some happy talk about how good they are. There might be some light bleeding which is totally fine. If there is heavy bleeding could be a sign of gum disease, which you will want to call your veterinarian. In the end you will want to get in 2 minutes of brushing daily. Always end the brushing in a positive way, either with a treat or their favorite toy.
How can a mobile dog groomer near me help out?
It can take several weeks before you can get your puppy in a daily routine of brushing. If you can’t do daily, try at least 3 times a week it will help the overall health for your puppy. Fresh Paws Spa always wants to set you up for success. We can give your puppy a brushing and then you have a toothbrush to work with your puppy till their next groom. You will always get a new toothbrush after their groom.
So at their next groom, add teeth cleaning to your spa day to help in their overall oral health!
Brushes and Combs?
Brush, comb, matt breaker and finishing spray we use at Fresh Paws Spa a mobile dog groomer
Why should I brush or comb when I have a dog groomer?
You are probably wondering why a mobile dog groomer is even writing about this topic. You are thinking the groomer can use a brush and a comb when your pup gets groomed but, it’s important for you to brush and/or comb your pup between grooms.
One of the top reasons, the bonding experience with your pup. Of course, the other important reasons are removing the dead hair, finding unwanted parasites, stimulates the surface of the skin, gets rid of dead and dry skin, distributes natural oils for a clean and healthy coat, and helps you know your pup’s body. You should brush your pup every couple of days no matter the length of his coat.
Confused on what brushes to use?
There are many different kinds of brushes out there in the market. My favorite go to brush is the slicker brush it can be used on many dog coats.
Below dog coat types:
Short and Medium coats
Raina, German Shepherd being groomed at Fresh Paws Spa a mobile dog groomer
German Shepherds
Pugs
Labrador Retrievers
Corgis
Long Double coats
Gunny, Field Golden Retriever groomed at Fresh Paws Spa a mobile dog groomer
Border Collies
Golden Retrievers
Pomeranians
Australian Shepherds
Curly and Wavy Coats
Colby Jack, Mini Goldendoodle groomed at Fresh Paws Spa mobile dog groomer
Goldendoodles
Poodles
Bichon Frises
Havanese
Straight Coats
Jackson, Yorkshire terrier groomed at Fresh Paws Spa a mobile dog groomer
Yorkshire Terriers
Shih Tzus
Miniature Schnauzers
Short, Smooth coats you will want to use a rubber brush, of course you can also use a slicker brush but can hurt their skin, be careful
Duke, smooth coated Dachshund being groomed at Fresh Paws Spa a mobile dog groomer
Bulldogs
Boxers
Dachshunds (smooth coat)
How combs can help you between grooms
Brushing helps the top coat and combing gets down to the skin of your pup. The comb will lead to healthy skin and you can pull off any parasites that might be there. You can see if your pup has any matts. Do not try and get the matt out with a comb, this can hurt your pup. Done in the right way you can remove the mat with a slicker brush. If the mat is close to the skin, never try and cut with scissors. Using scissors at home is very dangerous as it’s very easy to cut the skin underneath the matt. Use a matt breaker comb.
Guideline on how to brush your pup
Find a safe quiet place.
Let you pup sniff the brush or comb first.
Brush in the same order every time.
Brush down and out, away from your pup’s skin.
Always brush in the direction the coat grows.
Pups do not like to be brushed backwards.
Be patient with your pup and give them breaks if necessary.
Take your comb thru your pup’s coat to make sure there are no mats and stimulate the skin.
We want to set you up for success.
Fresh Paws Spa wants your pup’s coat to be healthy and beautiful. At your next groom, we can show you how to brush your pup’s coat. We carry brushes, combs, dematting tools and finishing sprays. These items will be available to purchase, so your pup’s coat will be in tip top condition between grooms.
Why I Became a Dog Groomer
Why I became a mobile dog groomer
Cutch Labrador Retriever, Fresh Paws Spa Mobile dog Groomer
Meet Cutch!
Before I was a groomer, Cutch, a Labrador Retriever, came into our lives the summer of 2012. We were his 4th owner at 11 months old, he was passed around from owner to owner. When we first met him, his name was Sam, he jumped on my husband and pushed him down, and we still took him home with us! He was so bad, he jumped on us, bit us and barked like you wouldn’t believe. My husband was afraid to leave me alone with him. We just didn’t understand, my sister had a Labrador Retriever and he was like Lassie. We had no clue that we actually had to train them. I would cry so many times, because I just wanted to have a lovable dog. He was fine during the day, and then came alive at night.
My husband and I took turns walking him, me in the morning and him at night. We tried to walk his energy off him. One morning when I was walking him, he was out of control, and I was crying. A lady walked by me and saw how upset I was. She told me to not give up on him, he needs directions with training. She told me about OTCH, Obedience Training Center of Harrisburg. We called and signed him up right away. My husband and I both went but he was the one who worked on training him. I just watched. The trainer really helped us understand what is up with Cutch. He is intelligent and it’s the intelligent dogs that are the hardest to have. You must always give him a job to work off his energy. She said to not give up on him, if he was back in the pool of rescue dogs, he probably had a chance of being euthanized.
We went every week and worked on the homework. We also had found a place to take him to swim and found out he loved to do dock diving. He loved to swim, so in the summertime we spent most of our times with him burning off energy with jumping in the pool for the ball.
We entered him into every class possible for us to learn about dogs. We signed him up for Canine Good Citizen class, which the instructor said he would probably be entered in this class many times before he “might” pass.
What is Canine Good Citizen test?
It’s an evaluation consists of ten objectives and your dog must complete all 10 satisfactorily or you fail the test.
The 10 test items:
· Accepting a friendly stranger.
· Sitting politely for petting.
· Allowing basic grooming procedures.
· Walking on a loose lead.
· Walking through a crowd.
· Sitting and lying down on command and staying in place.
· Coming when called.
· Reacting appropriately to walking by a dog and person.
· Reacting appropriately to distractions.
· Calmly enduring supervised separation from the owner.
As you read the list most of those items Cutch could not do when we first met him. Well, he passed them all the first time!!!!
My mom was in a nursing home, I started taking him there. He loved my mom so much and was gentle with everyone there.
With working with Cutch, I knew I wanted to do something with my life with dogs. Every dog need’s groomed to be healthy, so that’s what I decided to do, and I LOVE LOVE my job (if you even call it a job). I see how good the dog feels after I spent quality time grooming them. After the groom, they do a happy strut showing off their groom into their house! The smile I see on the owner’s face, makes it all wonderful for me.
So, my dog Cutch is very special to me even if he is my dog. He put me on the best trip I could had ever gone on with my love of dog grooming. He turns 11, in August of 2022, and I am tearing up as I write this, he doesn’t have many years left with me, but I can never thank him enough for showing up in our lives.
Jill, owner of Fresh Paws Spa, mobile dog groomer and her dog Cutch a Yellow Labrador Retriever
How We Can Help Protect Your Dog's Paws?
How a dog groomer can help with cracked, dried paws
Owner’s dog paw with a mobile dog groomer
Dog paws are so important to your little pup.
I know you think this is a silly statement. Your dog's paws are important for lots of reasons. Of course, the most important one is they support your dog. Also helps them walk, run, jump, fetch a ball and go outside to do their business. With just those listings, of course a dog’s paw needs to be healthy.
Just imagine if you had dried and cracked feet, would you want to get up and walk on them? This can be very painful for your puppy to get up and go out to do their business or even get up to eat their food.
With cracked and/or dried feet you might start seeing your puppy losing weight for lack of eating or even gain wait for lack of exercise. You want your puppy to have the best quality of life.
Eventually, after a while, your puppy will dread doing any of the essential things in life. They might even start to dread socialization, which will almost assuredly harm their quality of life.
What causes your dog to even get dried and/or cracked feet?
One common issue is allergies, you will see your dog really licking, chewing, and biting their paws. When humans have allergy issues, the allergy comes out their nose and eyes. When dogs show allergy problems they start licking, chewing or biting their paws.
They can also easily get a rock, thorn, or pebble in their paws. They do not put shoes on like us, of course you can always get those special booties for dogs.
Some dogs are bored or have anxiety problems, and love licking to calm themselves. I am sure you see them licking a bone or favorite toy.
Without the obvious of seeing something in their paws, it can be hard to figure out why your dog is licking their paw. Your dog’s feet can get infected with all the licking, always talk to your vet about solutions for your dog.
What can you do to help your dog’s paws?
When your lips are chapped and dry, you put lip balm on them. You can also moisturize your dog’s paws with a non-toxic balm. You want to make sure the balm is paw safe.
Before putting the balm on:
Clean the pad
Check for visible cuts
Apply the safe balm on their paw
When your dog is being groomed at Fresh Paws Spa, we always look for visible cuts. Let us know if you would like some balm on their feet. Your dog will benefit from this.
How To Prepare Your Puppy For Their First Groom With a Mobile Dog Groomer
Your puppy is not aware of the grooming process nor of your dog groomer. Their first groom can be very scary for them. They come in not understanding what is going to be happening to them.
First, we will introduce the mobile grooming van to them. Slowly we introduce the tub and all the noises they will hear. We have them smell everything first before using any grooming tools on them.
We do not want to scare them.
Awareness of Puppy Stages for 1st Time Groom
7-12 weeks-Human socialization.
8-15 weeks-1st Fear impact period.
13-16 weeks-Critical time in puppy learning, puppy bites and understands praise. (Best time to start grooming!)
4-8 months-Flight instinct, it’s their teenage years.
6-12 months-2nd Fear impact period. Could reinforce negative behavior, must handle with patience and kindness.
1-2 years-An adult now, increases in aggression & leadership testing. Must handle with patience and kindness.
Marshmallow a boxer puppy getting groomed at Fresh Paws Spa a mobile dog groomer near me
If you practice with the below items, it will help them have a better experience:
Electric toothbrush-5min 2x a day (place vibration on your puppy’s body).
Brush and comb-2min a day unless long hair is desired or it is a large breed dog, then you need to do longer.
Hair dryer-5min 2x day (blow in the air than gradually put on their body).
Surface to stand on-choose a countertop or washing machine for this every single time.
All exercise should spend special care focusing on face, nose bridge, around and under ears, feet and in between toes, and bum areas.