Lhasa Apso Grooming » Dog Grooming

Equipping Your Dog With the Right Supplies

admin — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 20:35:44 +0000

Just like we need certain equipment for our daily lives, our pets also require certain items to help them maintain healthy, happy lives. When choosing dog equipment there are a number of different items that can be purchased but some are essential for dog owners to have. Providing a dog with shelter, safety and confirm its identity. Consider these areas to get you started.
Identification Equipment
Dog tags should be purchased and attached to the dog’s collar or harness for identification. The tag typically includes the owner’s phone number, address, zip code and the pet’s name. In most areas a dog license will also be required this will include the identification number issued to the dog and contact information for its licensing organization.
Basic Equipment
A dog collar and leash is needed for taking your pet on walks to ensure they don’t run out into traffic and get injured. A leash is also needed to comply with leash laws, which in some areas require that dogs be secured when not on their owner’s property. If your dog goes missing the tag attached to the leash will help him be identified and returned home; making it essential that a quality durable leash that will not easily tear or be yanked off by your pet is chosen. If a dog will be sleeping outside a dog house and kennel are ideal for protecting your animal in all weather conditions and offering safe shelter. Inside a dog bed will provide your animal a comfortable place for sleeping and resting. Every dog you have will also require their own feeding and water bowls to help them feel secure in their environment.
Grooming Equipment
Keeping your dog clean will require getting them equipment specifically made for dogs. A dog grooming brush, comb, shampoo and conditioner are a must for keeping your pet free from fleas and other pest. Nail clippers will keep your dog from scratching furniture in the home or accidentally stretching family members. Clippers and shears may also be needed for managing your pet’s hair to keep it from becoming matted and odor free. Tooth scalers can remove plague from dog teeth, eye drops can remove gunk from eyes and ear powder can be sprayed on the ears for keeping ears dry and keeping infections away.
Equipment for Exercise and Fun
For your dog to have an active life, equipment that keeps your dog entertained should be used. For boredom reducers’ sock balls are great for tug-of-war and tossing games and flying discs are great for playing fetch. Chew toys will keep your dog something to gnaw besides your shoes and furniture. Rawhide bones, biscuits, chewy treats and more can be used to reward good behavior. Dental sticks are useful at improving the appearance and health of your dog’s teeth. For improving muscle strength, stamina and resistance of your pet a dog treadmill is the ultimate purchase. They are ideal for active dogs or those on the brink of becoming obese. Dog treadmills are useful when bad weather or time constraints prevents you from taking your dog on a walk or exercising outdoors or if you just want your pet to have more versatility in their workouts.

8 Reasons Your Dog Groomer Costs More Than Your Own Haircut

admin — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 08:10:39 +0000

One of the biggest complaints dog groomers hear is “Why does my dog’s haircut cost more than mine”? This is a valid question, as many of the dogs we do are pretty small, their hair is thin, and they seem to be well behaved around their owner. Putting aside the rare dog that turns into Cujo once their owner leaves the shop, there are many reasons that your dog groomer costs more than your own haircut. Here are the top eight, in no particular order.

1. You have a little waiting room if your stylist isn’t ready yet. We have a large,separate room with a bank of semi-expensive cages. Also keep in mind that, while you are waiting, you won’t go to the bathroom in your seat.

2. Once it is time for your shampoo, when was the last time you were dragged kicking and screaming at the top of your lungs to the sink? Ditto for the hair dryer?

3. You don’t get a pedicure or manicure included in your haircut. You also don’t have black goop cleaned out of your ears, nor do you have your ear hairs pulled. You don’t have goop cleaned out of your eyes, and your stylist doesn’t have to keep drying your chin because you keep drooling.

4. It is doubtful that, once you have told your stylist how you want your hair cut, you dance around like a maniac or pull away from your hair stylist when they try to cut your hair.

5. When was the last time you tried to bite or scratch your hair stylist?

6. When was the last time you went to the bathroom on your hair stylist?

7. Your stylist only cuts the hair on your head. It’s doubtful that your hair stylist has ever “potty tracked” you and included it in the haircut.

8. You don’t go months without a bath, and while you’re going without a bath, you don’t continually roll in or on mud, dirt, dead animals, and of course, the ever popular dog poop.

If you really stop and think about it, dog grooming is quite a value.

We almost forgot…there are many dog groomers that will come to you. Does your hair stylist have a mobile shop?

Dog Dental Care: Why Itâ??s So Important

admin — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 20:07:23 +0000

When most people think of good dog grooming they think only of a bath and brushing to help maintain a beautiful coat and reduce shedding. Well there is one more very important task to good grooming and that is keeping your dogâ??s teeth clean and tartar free.Â Just think what our mouths would resemble if we did not brush are teeth, have regular dental check-ups and professional cleanings.

Dogs are just as susceptible to the same diseases and oral infections in their mouths as we humans. Plaque and tartar buildup in your dogâ??s mouth can lead to:

In order to prevent this cycle of tooth decay and infection incorporating a twice-weekly regiment of brushing your dogâ??s teeth is recommended. There are many favors and styles of dog toothbrushes and toothpastes on the market to help maintain good dog dental hygiene.

If youâ??re like most people finding the time and patients for this task can be challenging. On the market today, you can find several choices to help offset a brushing regiment. Dog Dental Chews, which are marketed as treats, are a great way for you to accomplish this task. They can be given daily or in between brushings. Although the cost for these dog dental chew treats can seem a little pricey, in the long run they are far less expensive than a visit to vet for the treatment of Pyorrhea.

Veterinary appointments for a regular dog visit is at least twice a year. Schedule a teeth cleaning at the same time so your dog will benefit from a professional cleaning. Maintaining your dogâ??s oral hygiene is a vital part of good pet grooming. If you have your dog professionally groomed ask the groomer if they will brush your dogs teeth as well.

Whether you decide on any one particular solution or a combination of all those mentioned become committed to your dogâ??s dental hygiene. Fresh breath and clean teeth will keep your dog healthy and safe.

All About Small Dogs With Hypoallergenic Fur

admin — Sat, 02 Jan 2010 20:36:00 +0000

Are you a dog lover? Do you live in an apartment or small home? Do you have allergies? A small dog with hypoallergenic fur might be the answer for you. “Hypo” is a Greek suffix meaning less or below. A hypoallergenic dog might still put out allergens, but at a much lower level. A few dogs that take up less space, making them better for apartment living, are the Silky Terrier, the Havanese, and the Coton de Tulear. These dogs are all considered of the “Toy” size by the America Kennel Club. The Silky Terrier was developed through a cross of a Yorkshire Terrier and an Australian Terrier in the late 19th century. Even with these early dates, it was not fully recognized as a breed of its own until 1955 as the Australian Silky Terrier. These dogs have terrier qualities such as enjoying activity and a very sharp alertness. Their hair is long, but the Silky Terriers do not shed. This long hair also is partially where their name is derived from. It has very soft and smooth qualities. The dog does require more than average care for this silky coat to stay in good condition. The terriers can get along with other dogs and children, but will get aggressive when provoked or teased. Proper education should be given to as well as the people around the animal as well as the dogs themselves in how to act around one another. The Havanese were originally developed by the Spanish from a now extinct breed called the Bichon Tenerife, making them part of the Bichon family of dogs. Grooming isn’t a worry with this breed, even with Havanese that are shown in competition. They are meant to look playful and friendly, much like their temperament. These dogs are great around children, other dogs, and people in general without becoming overly possessive. Their sturdy frame makes them that much better around curious children, unlike most fragile “Toy” sized dogs. Although they love playing and winning, they can be easily calmed when spoken to sternly by their owners. One of the major downsides to owning a Havanese is that they seem to suffer from many ailments such as cataracts and hip dysplasia. These are actually uncommon, unless the dog is adopted from a less than reputable breeder. A Coton de Tulear is another dog with Spanish roots from the Bichon family. Its actual home is Madagascar, where it is the official dog of the country. This intelligent breed is extremely playful, and when pure bred, is white in color. This white coat, while hypoallergenic, does shed more than that of their Havanese cousin, so it requires brushing once every week or two. The Coton de Tulears love people and enjoy playing with them, going on daily walks, and can even keep up on longer hikes. They get easily attached to their owners and suffer from separation anxiety at times. Overall, these dogs are very healthy, living anywhere from fourteen to eighteen years.

Know About The Best Three Hypoallergenic Dog

admin — Sat, 02 Jan 2010 08:38:16 +0000

While the Labrador retriever still remains the most popular dog that people want to own, for those with allergies, labs are not the best breed to choose. There are many other types of dogs that would be more suitable for those suffering with allergies. These breeds include: Chinese Crested, Kerry Blue Terrier, and the Schnauzer. These dogs are not only beautiful; they also have short hair without an undercoating or longer hair that does not shed as much as other breeds. These dogs are purebred and can be found by contacting a breeder online or by telephone. The Chinese Crested is available in two varieties, the hairless, or the powder puff. Both types are considered hypoallergenic and are desired by those who have allergic reactions to dog hair and dander. The hairless, which is more common than the powder puff, has hair on its paws, head, and tail. Hair may also grow on its chin. The hair is soft and does not shed as often as other breeds. The hairless Chinese crested is prone to sunburn and acne, however. You should learn how to take care of this type of dog before buying one. Other than skin issues, these dogs are very friendly and enjoy being with their owners. Powder puff Chinese Crested has a full coat of long, soft hair that does not shed as often. People have fewer allergy issues with this breed because the hair is long and does not float through the air long enough for people to be affected. Both the hairless and the powder puff varieties are suitable companions for those with dog allergies. The Kerry Blue Terrier is a larger hypoallergenic dog that has a flat head, predominant chest, and a coat that is similar to that of the Poodle or Maltese. The dog gets its name from that fact that its coat will take on a blue sheen once it is an adult. Originally used for hunting, the Kerry Blue Terrier is now considered a working dog and requires constant companionship. In order to maintain this breed’s coat, you will have to have the dog groomed every two months and brush the coat once a week to prevent clumping. Since the dog does not shed, this is one of the better hypoallergenic dogs to choose. Also, this breed does not have an undercoat, which will also reduce allergic reactions. You should not let the dog outside in cold weather, however, since the lack of undercoat will cause the dog harm in colder temperatures. The Schnauzer is a hypoallergenic dog breed with short hair that does not shed. If you purchase on of these breeds, you will have to keep up regular grooming appointments. The Schnauzer comes in three different varieties: the Miniature Schnauzer, the Standard Schnauzer, and the Giant Schnauzer. Even though they vary in size, the schnauzer can be recognized by its boxy face, short hair, and square build. This breed is common in households because it does not shed and because of its easy going temperament.

The Special Needs Of A Hypoallergenic Dog

admin — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 08:12:42 +0000

Hypoallergenic dog breeds have special needs because they are usually smaller in size and have temperaments that may be difficult to handle sometimes. When you first bring your new dog home, you should allow it to roam around to get an idea of its surroundings. If you have other pets, you should put them in another room while the dog is investigating the area. Depending on the breed of dog, they may be very scared at first. They may not want much human contact, so you should be careful about handling them too much during the first few days they are in your home. Once you new dog becomes comfortable, you should develop a feeding and hair brushing routine that you and your dog will follow. If you have allergies, brushing your dog every day will reduce the amount of allergens in the air. This will reduce the allergens on your carpets, furniture, clothing, and walls. Buy a steel comb with wide teeth that will help trap hair and get out any knots that may be in the dog’s fur. If you purchased a Mexican hairless or other breed that does not have hair, you should make sure that its skin is not dry. If you notice flaking, you should visit your vet who will prescribe medication or lotion that you can use. Making sure your hypoallergenic dog gets plenty of exercise is important for their health and also for controlling allergens in your home. Walking your dog at least once a day and making sure it sleeps through the night will keep the dog on a routine. Dogs that are awake at night time may want to be with you. Allowing your dog to sleep on your bed could increase your risk of an allergy attack. Your dog should have a designated place to sleep during the night and during the day. Buying a soft bed or giving the dog an old blanket will help keep them warm and safe when they are sleeping. You should wash their pet bed often to prevent allergens from being transferred to carpeting or clothing. While you cannot prevent all allergens from getting into your clothing and inside your carpeting, you can reduce them by keeping everything in your home clean. Dog grooming is also important when caring for a hypoallergenic dog. Even though the breed that you buy will probably have short hair, you will have to have it professionally groomed every few months to maintain the shape and also to keep the hair from becoming too long. Since hair can grow long and cover the dog’s eyes, and make it difficult for the dog to keep itself clean, grooming your dog will ensure that it remains healthy and happy. Now that you know more about caring for a hypoallergenic dog, you should remember that just because these dogs are considered a good choice for those with allergies, these dogs may still cause you to have allergy attacks from time to time. Hypoallergenic dogs reduce the risk of attacks, but cannot prevent them from occurring.

You Can Give Help To Hypoallergenic Dogs

admin — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 20:59:56 +0000

Dogs that are considered hypoallergenic may cause fewer allergic reactions in people who own them other breeds. There are many breeds of long hair, short hair, and hairless varieties to choose from depending on your particular allergies and what you are looking for in a dog. Hypoallergenic dogs are sold mostly by breeders, but you can also find them in pet stores and sometimes in animal shelters. If you decide to buy a hypoallergenic dog, there are ways to care for them that may require a little more work than non-hypoallergenic breeds. Caring for your hypoallergenic dog begins with caring for their coat. While many hypoallergenic breeds such as Terriers, Schnauzers, and Poodles have short hair, this hair can be coarse and will continue to grow unless the dogs are properly groomed. These dogs do not shed and have hair that can be compared to human hair. You will have to keep your dog groomed in order to prevent matting. Matting can cause skin rashes and other health problems if the dog’s coat is not taken care of. Brushing your dog is also important especially in breeds that have longer hair such as the Afghan Hound. While these dogs are considered hypoallergenic, their coats are long and shiny. They do not shed either, so brushing and grooming are important. Brush your dog at least twice a week to keep excess hair from building up. Some hypoallergenic dogs have undercoats, while others do not. Undercoats protect dogs from cold temperatures by storing body heat. Dogs that do not have an undercoat will not survive long in cold temperatures. Unless a breeder says you can keep your dog outside, you should keep the dog indoors. If you have a hairless dog, you will have to protect their skin with lotions and skin creams. You should not leave these dogs outside for long periods of time as they will suffer from sun burn and dehydration. Caring for your dog is not only making sure their coat and skin are protected, it also means making sure that they get enough exercise and time with you each day. Dogs that are left alone for long periods of time can become destructive. Training your dog by developing a routine will help them adjust to the times when you cannot be at home. If you will be out of town for more than two or three days, you should find a friend that can check in on your dog or you should consider boarding the dog until you come home. Protecting your hypoallergenic dog from cold temperatures, the sun, and from developing skin rashes are ways that you can help your dog live a long, healthy life. Because many breeds of hypoallergenic dogs are small in size, they are prone to arthritis, eyesight issues, tumors, and other problems. While you cannot predict how your dog will age, you should research different breeds to see what types of health issues they may have some day. Regular checkups with a vet will help your dog live a long life.

Find Out More About Dog Care

admin — Tue, 29 Dec 2009 21:18:18 +0000

We all love our dogs, and this alone is a good enough reason to care for our dog, but there are many other reasons that we should all offer dog care to our pets, for example the health and happiness of our dog is the first thing to be noticed, and secondly learning how to provide this dog care yourself will increase your relationship and bond no end.

There are many online resources for dog care available, but I would like to show you a few extracts from a book that has everything rolled into one on the way of dog grooming and explain how to´s, techniques, tips and an explanation of the benefits for you and you dog that can be obtained through correct dog care at home.

We all know that there is more to dog care than a brush through there coat – although this is an important part of dog care I would like to drawer your attention to other areas and activities that can result in the mentioned benefits and play a great part in dog care;

Eyes and Ears –

Once you have mastered grooming the coat you can move on to the next stage of grooming, caring for the eyes and ears – again this is not a difficult task, but requires a little more care than the coat. As with humans the eyes, and especially the ears are delicate organs in a dog and we have to be sure we can help our dog benefit, minimize the risks, and at the same time ensure we are not creating any danger for our pet.

Eye Care

The importance of eye care is something that many dog owners do not take into consideration as much as should be, the general eye infections suffered by dogs are caused by bacteria which has been allowed to seep into the eye, so regular cleaning is a must – also whilst cleaning will be the best opportunity to identify the most common eye problem for our pets, Conjunctivitis, this can be noticed by a redness around the eye and a greenish, or yellowish discharge…

Dental Hygiene – A part of dog care many owners omit!

Much of the dental hygiene crosses from grooming into health care, I have tried to separate the two but parts go hand in hand, however there will be another book in the series shortly that will cover health care and mouth issues in your pet deeper, for now we will try to keep with the grooming topic, and base this section around dental hygiene for a healthier, and better looking dog without too much consideration for the health issues – although these are a main factor in dental and mouth care…

And also the nails and paws are a main part of grooming when you look to dog care to show your pet you love them. Learn more about all these topics and much more with the help of ‘The Perfect Dog Grooming Guide’ which can be seen at www.Perfect-Dog-Grooming.com.

How To Benefit From Free Grooming Advice

admin — Tue, 29 Dec 2009 08:32:09 +0000

When it comes to caring for our pet advice is key, to learn from other peoples successes and failures, therefore seeking some free grooming advice can set you in the right direction for success with your pet. Although some may turn they nose up at free advice, thinking that paid advice is better to a degree this can be true, but what if the free advice is an introduction to a book that can be purchased for a small fee. Then we need to look a little deeper into this free grooming advice.

Being able to take advantage for free grooming advice can be vital prior to paying for knowledge as it will give you a guideline as to what you are looking for in the paid advice and how to use it optimally. There is no use in paying out for a book that contains information that makes no sense to us, and this applies to grooming also. But with this said, providing you select the right book – a book that has been designed for novices and professionals then regardless of your experience you will be able to benefit from the free grooming advice, and then the book that will contain more information on the benefits, tips, tricks and techniques of dog grooming.

Other sites will offer purely free grooming advice, which can be good and can allow you to start out in grooming, but for more detailed step by step guides, and more complex grooming activities when you have built a bond and confidence level with your pet can be obtained from an online eBook for a small fee – although you will be paying a small fee you will be saving a large expense on grooming fees, so it easily outweighs the financial pros and cons.

By all means, make the most of free grooming advice any time you can obtain it, absorb what you see as the best advice and then when you do purchaser a copy of a dog grooming guide you can take the free grooming advice that you have already gained knowledge of and build on this with the content from the book written from a professional point of perspective for the average dog owner.

Anyone interested in knowing more about dog grooming, or even starting out in dog grooming should gather some free grooming advice, and then visit a site such as www.perfect-dog-grooming.com, where you can expand on your knowledge and come close to a professional groomer with the facts and knowledge you can gain for such a small fee.

Keep Your Dog Healthy By Grooming

admin — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 08:18:52 +0000

For many of us pets are beloved family members and as with children, we want them to be well behaved, clean and groomed. The number of beauty salons for dogs has in recent years boomed and dog grooming is now big business. There is more to having a dog than just letting him out in the garden for a run now and again. Dogs need exercise, affection and grooming. You will need to take responsibility for its care, vaccinations and well-being. Caring for any kind of animal is a lot of hard work. Dogs are similar to humans, show them plenty of warmth and consideration shown to them and they will return it. If you have a puppy you will need to take time every day training it to sit and walk to heel, as well as toilet training. Play is also very important and puppies never tire of it. How much care you take to groom your dog depends on the breed, a long-haired dog will need regular shampooing and trimming to keep its coat clean and shiny. However a short haired breed will be much easier to take care of. Taking care of your dogs health involves grooming it, a shower and towel dry is appropriate for many dogs, whereas a pedigree, such as an American cocker, schnauzer, shih-Tzu or poodle, might need nails clipping, weekly bathing and trimming and their coat oiling. You may require buying certain equipment from a pet store, or considering taking your dog to a day care for a special treat. Grooming your dogs coat not only keeps it shiny healthy and, it is also a good way of bonding with your dog. It demonstrates your affection and he will appreciate the attention. The grooming routine should be started whilst still a puppy so he becomes familiar with it and can also provide the perfect opportunity to check him closely for any injuries you might otherwise miss, and spotting any unhealthy ticks or skin disease. Shampoo, combs, and other basic equipment can be bought at your neighbourhood pet shop. Most dogs will just need a flea shampoo and a comb but if you own a pedigree then perhaps you should think about taking them to the dog grooming centre for a proper treatment. There should be a grooming centre near to your home; a dog groomer can offer good advice on how to take care of dogs coat correctly. It should be a clean and hygienic setting with the floors swept free of dog hairs and hygienic equipment, this is how you will know it is a good establishment and somewhere you can feel safe leaving your dog. A professional dog groomer will have their qualifications displayed on public view and the attitude should of course be dog and animal-friendly. If you are after a particular breed or don’t like the idea of getting your puppy from a pet shop, then check online for a centre to find the perfect dog for your family? Puppies are chosen from selected breeders and receive a health check from a qualified vet before being offered to customers. You can be sure any puppy will be well behaved and groomed and has been provided with a well-balanced healthy diet. Whilst the puppies stay at the centre they receive training and are socialised to be comfortable with other dogs, adults and children. For services and products such as dog grooming, doggy day-care and healthy and well balanced dog food, have look online for recognized services near to you.