In Washington State, Pet Grooming has been deemed a Phase 2 business. That means it will be AT LEAST May 26 and possibly later before we can legally reopen.
In the process of checking voicemails and cancelling appointments, I have come across some Burning Questions from Pet Owners, that I would like to share possible solutions for.
1) TOENAILS????
Yes, you can dremel them. Definitely have a helper to hold the dog steady so you can focus on each toe, one at a time. Get the toenail sides and top. The front of the nail usually just happens to get done if you focus on these. YES you can trim just the tippy tip, weekly, and it will help. YES you can file it with a nail file or emery board. It will just take longer and you will almost definitely not quick the dog this way. Unless you are extremely proficient with a nail file. I'd be shocked. I like to suggest CAT CLAW TRIMMERS because it is extremely unlikely you'll take off too much. CLOT-IT is a great product to have on hand in case you do draw blood. Press some powder onto the bleeding area and it will stop pretty quickly.
2) MATS????
Mats are my personal enemy. They are now multiplying exponentially at home, and pet owners are able to notice them. In sensitive areas, like the groin, butt, armpit, and eye area, definitely have a helper to hold the dog steady. Most dogs are nervous about having you study these areas and they will squirm. For these areas I would avoid using scissors. If you must address them, use a 9 or 10 blade carefully and gently. DO NOT CLIP ALONG A WRINKLE as it could slip between the teeth of the blade and cause a serious cut. In not-sensitive, easily-accessible areas, try CORNSTARCH. You can work it into the mat and then the mat will brush apart.
3) THE MATS KEEP COMING BACK????
The reason for this is that when the hair reaches a certain length, it passes a tipping point. Your tools and skills are inadequate to maintain the coat combed out, in addition to the longer hair becoming worn and damaged and tangle-prone. Once the hair has been in a mat, it will re-tangle three times as fast. Like a sweater that pills up. You remove the pills but they keep coming back. I don't recommend you try clipping the whole coat. I recommend you focus on removing the mats. You will need a helper to hold the dog steady. Slide a comb along the skin under the mat, sideways. Then cut through the mat on the outside of the comb. With short safe scissors. Repeat on all the mats you can find that are not in sensitive areas. You should then be able to brush through the newer coat growth and the remnants of the mats. Use cornstarch if you need to.
4) SHE SEEMS HOT. WHAT SHOULD I DO????
Keep your dog brushed and combed out. The hair will act as an insulator against the heat as well as it insulates against cold. I'm hot too. The weather is warming up. I do not recommend giving your dog a haircut all over.
5) WHAT CLIPPERS SHOULD I GET????
I don't know. I believe most places are sold out. Good grooming tools are expensive. For home use, I think your best bet is a Wahl Arco trimmer with a 5-in-1 blade and a set of attachment combs. If you do use a clipper, pay attention to the blade heating up. It will get warm. You need to stop before it gets HOT. Test the blade temperature on the underside of your forearm. Brush out the hair buildup, and oil the teeth on the underside of the blade, and let it cool off before you start again. You won't be able to do it in one sitting with only one blade.
6) HIS BUTT STINKS????
It may be anal gland buildup. It might just be normal dog body odor. Sporting dogs tend to be the stinkiest because of having been bred to work in wet environments. Their coat produces protective oils that stink when they are exposed to the air. If you think it is anal glands, check with your vet. You can search for tutorials online on expressing anal glands, but it is gross and can be tricky. To deodorize afterward, or to help with body odor, you can spritz your dog with vinegar or a vinegar-water solution. The temporary pickle smell will dissipate as it dries, neutralizing the odor. You can also do this to STINKY TOES, dipping toes in a vinegar or vinegar-and-water solution after walks. Then towel dry. STINKY TOES are usually a yeast or fungus situation that should be investigated by your vet when you can have them take a look.
