Variety of Breeds

The German Shepard (top photo) and Golden Retriever (second photo) are usually groomed using the furminating process - special shampoo & cream rinse that helps to loosen the dead hair and then furminator combs remove the excess. It's best to do this on a regular basis - about every 6 weeks.

The Mini Schnauzer (on couch with Golden) also gets groomed every 6 weeks. His body is shaved, and his head is trimmed to maintain his bushy beard and eyebrows.

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel (third photo) and the Papillon Spaniel (fourth photo) are also furminated. Like all dogs with long hair on the legs and ears, knots may form and will have to be combed out or snipped.

Australian Shepards and collie types can be furminated or given a long shave down like the one in the last photo. Labradors and Chows sometimes benefit from a shave down, too.

All breeds of dogs should have their ears, nails and teeth checked on a regular basis, such as once or twice a month. Keep an eye out for fleas, unusual skin conditions and lumps that grow.

Lion Cuts

Lion Cuts are popular for cats when it is a long-haired variety and has become matted. Also, the short-haired cat like the one above may need a shave down because its humans are allergic to the pet dander - shaving and bathing on a monthly basis seems to help reduce the allergy symptoms.

Dogs, such as a Pomeranian or a Chow like the one above, also benefit from a Lion Cut if they have skin problems, fleas or other issues. With their dense double coat, a shave down is the only way to clip them, unlike a 1/2" Puppy Cut that can be done on a silky hair dog like a Yorkie.

Lion Cuts typically means the pet is shaved from behind the ears to the base of the tail, and down the leg to the first joint. Sometimes, the neck hair is left long, like a mane of a lion, and other times the hair is thinned and trimmed to blend into the rest of the body. The tail of the cat is often shaved leaving just a tuft at the end.

An aloe creme rinse makes a great addition after the pet's bath, making the skin less itchy and the coat feeling smooth. The best reason though, is the heavenly smell of aloe, especially if the pet sleeps with you!

Grooming Tips for Horses

Visit: http://www.discoverhorses.com/looking-good-10-homemade-grooming-aids.html


This is an interesting article - homemade remedies to aid in keeping your horse clean. Especially helpful for horses with white markings! Some I had never heard before. If you have personal experience with any of them, reply with a comment!

Spring Shedding!

This is the time of year that pets shed and many like to shave down their dog or cat to avoid the hair all over the house. This also allows new coat to grow in nicely.

Lion Cuts are popular for medium and long haired cats - just the "mane" area around the ears is left as well as the hair on the tip of the tail - hence a lion look. I shave to the first joint of the leg unless the cat is agreeable to a little further down.

Dogs, such as terriers, chows and Labradors, benefit from a yearly cut if not more often. Using an aloe creme rinse eases the skin irritations that may be discovered after the hair is removed. Again, I shave from behind the ears to the base of the tail.

A #7 blade works best for cats and dogs. I like the rough #7 for really thick coats, clipping forward. Then finish up with a #7F for the smooth look.

For horses, the tools above are great for shedding. See http://www.discoverhorses.com/spring-shedding-tips.html

Stolen Pet? Here's some Advice.

National Association of Pet Sitters Promote Safety on Pet Theft Awareness Day - (February 14th) and they've prepared some prevention tactics and steps to follow in the event of a lost or stolen pet:

http://www.belladogmagazine.com/news/300-pet-sitters-promote-safety-on-pet-theft-awareness-day

I didn't know there were Amber Alerts for pets!

For Dogs that Chew Their Paws

This is a great article for dog owners whose pets are licking and chewing their paws. It can be from allergies in the yard or a yeast infection. A vet can diagnosis the problem and provide a treatment.

http://www.dogchannel.com/dog-information/dog-vet-geller-dvm/dog-constantly-chews-paws.aspx

Link for Winter Horse Care Tips

This is a great article for horse owners; over-pampering a horse can actually do harm!

http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/61172/winter-horse-care-tips