Choosing A Good Groomer: Potential Grooming Hazards

 

We all want our pets to look and feel clean and beautiful.  Grooming is part of every day care. But sometimes pet owners don’t realize there can be hazards associated with grooming until after their pet comes home and there is a problem. Use these tips to stay informed when choosing a new groomer.

Every pet requires a certain amount of grooming on a regular basis. Grooming services can range from a basic wash, cut/clip, nail trim, teeth brushing, and anal gland expressing to name a few.  Each pet will respond differently to the grooming experience depending upon their past encounters. Unfortunately,  pet grooming can come with some risk for your pet. The risk may stem from the dog’s anxiety and being jumpy, the groomers skill level or the environment. The size and breed does not matter, each pet brings its own challenge.  It is helpful to start grooming at an early age, so that your pet will be more comfortable at the groomer, and it will help elevate their anxiety.  It is also important to research your groomer and the salon before making an appointment. The best way to find a quality groomer is to ask for referrals from a veterinary professional or from your friends and family.

The most common hazards of pet grooming:

Brush or Razor Burn- This is when the skin becomes irritated from the groomer going over an area repeatedly and/or the pet is shaved very close to the skin. It is more common when a dog is matted, and the groomer is trying to remove the mat. Daily brushing will help reduce matting and make the risk less. It can also occur when a dull or hot razor is used. Skin irritations are more common if the skin is sensitive, inflamed or the pet is suffering from a skin condition (such as yeast). 

Nicks and Scrapes- Your pet may get small cuts or nicks when the groomer is trying to remove mats, or if your dog is jumpy and moves unexpectedly. It is also possible that your pet has warts or moles under their coat that get nicked when being trimmed. It is important to treat these cuts immediately to avoid infection. Spraying Silver Immune Support on the cuts is helpful.

 Bleeding Nail Quick- When nails grow too long the nails may curl under causing your pet to have challenges walking.  If not trimmed regularly, the quick will become overgrown and if the nails are clipped too short they may bleed and be painful. To avoid bleeding quick, trim the nails a little at a time allowing for the quick to recede before trimming again. 

Ear Hematomas- If your dog has had tightly matted hair, the blood flow may have been restricted in that area. If the mat is removed the blood flow will return quickly and a blood blister  (hematoma) may form.  Ear hematomas which may occur after grooming are blood vessels in the ear that burst. Although they can occur from grooming, they can also occur from infections that causes the dog (especially floppy eared dogs) to shake their heads violently causing the hematoma and/or scratching. Dogs can also get ear infections from water getting in their ear.  Please pay close attention to your dog’s ears after a grooming. Unfortunately many of us do need to take our pets to the veterinarian following a grooming, even with the best groomers.  

 

What Is Leptosporis? How To Protect Your Dog

 

Leptospirosis (lepto) cases are on the rise. Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease that can affect people and animals. The Leptospira interrogans bacteria is spread though urine and can survive in water and soil for weeks to months. It enters the body through the skin, eyes, nose or mouth. Dogs are at risk if they drink from or swim through contaminated water (puddles, lakes, streams), roam on rural property or have contact with rodents or other wild animals. The signs of leptospirosis are similar to those of kidney disease and may include fever, lethargy, reduced appetite, vomiting, diarrhea and increased urination and thirst. Leptospirosis can lead to kidney and/or liver failure.

The number of reported cases of lepto is on the rise. Here are a few ways to protect your dog from leptospirosis:

• Talk to your veterinarian about whether the leptospirosis vaccine is right for your dog.

• Keep your home and yard free of rats, mice, raccoons, rabbits and opossums, as they can all carry leptospirosis.

• Do not allow your dog to drink from puddles or standing water or swim through lakes or rivers that may have been contaminated with urine from an animal.

If your dog has been exposed to or contracted lepto, Ask Ariel’s Kidney Health and Renelix are essential kidney support products for dogs.

Does Your Pet Freak Out When You Go To The Veterinarian?

Pets often experience anxiety when going to the vet due to a combination of unfamiliar environments, new smells, and the presence of other animals. The veterinary clinic represents a departure from their usual routine, triggering stress and unease. Additionally, pets may associate the vet with past experiences, such as vaccinations or treatments, leading to fear and apprehension. The sensation of being examined or handled by strangers, coupled with the unfamiliar sounds and scents of the clinic, can contribute to heightened anxiety levels. Pet owners can help alleviate this anxiety by introducing positive associations with the vet, such as offering treats, bringing familiar toys or blankets, and creating a calm and reassuring atmosphere during and after veterinary visits. Building trust and providing positive reinforcement can help mitigate the stress associated with vet visits, making the experience less daunting for our beloved animals. 

Here are some tips to help calm your pet: 

* If your pet is traumatized every time you go, see if there is a mobile vet in your area. 

* Talk to your pet in a reassuring way & explain what will be happening. 

* Bring some treats and reward your pet during the physical exam. 

* If your pet gets fear aggressive, call ahead and ask if you can be put in a room right away or wait in the car until they are ready. 

* Use supplements for calming such as PSY-stabil or Happy Paws Organic Hemp Extract. 

* Stay calm - pets pick up on our nonverbal cues and act out.

Are Air Fresheners Safe For Pets?

Do you use plug-in air fresheners or room sprays to hide pet odors? Some of the most commonly used air fresheners and plug-ins can be toxic to our pets. They contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that easily convert to gas or vapor, releasing "fresh" scents into the air. VOCs are also in paints, fossil fuels, refrigerants and cigarette smoke. Phthalates are chemicals that make plastic soft and flexible. Phthalates are used in most plug-ins. Exposure to VOCs and phthalates can cause allergic symptoms and asthma. A pet may show signs of eye, nose or throat irritation, lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, or lack of appetite. In laboratory studies, long-term exposure to these chemicals has been shown to cause cancer in rodents. Tidy pickup and air purifiers are easy ways to clean the air in your home without masking odors.

August is RAWgust

August is RAWgust - a month to celebrate raw food! Raw frozen pet food  can be especially helpful for pets with allergies, digestive problems and young, active pets. Raw frozen diets are the gold standard in pet food containing real meat, fresh vegetables, omega oils and nutrients. These high moisture, low carbohydrate diets can be included in your pet’s daily regimen in a variety of ways. Raw food doesn't have to be an all or nothing diet. Many people mix it with canned food, give it as treats or feed it for just one of their pet’s meals. This August, we encourage you to consider adding raw frozen or raw freeze-dried food to your pet's diet for superior nutrition and health benefits.  For step by step help on how to introduce raw food and transition your pet’s diet please Click Here.  

Hot Pavement Warning! Paw Pads Can Burn!

 

Summer weather brings hot pavements. Walking dogs on hot pavements during the summer poses a significant risk of paw pad burns. Dogs' paw pads lack the protection against extreme temperatures. The sensitive skin on their paw pads can quickly burn and become injured when exposed to scorching surfaces. High temperatures on pavements, especially black ones, can reach levels that are unbearable for dogs, causing discomfort and potential harm. It's crucial for pet owners to be attentive to signs of discomfort or limping during walks and to check the temperature of the pavement with the back of their hand before venturing out. 

Opting for walks during cooler parts of the day, choosing shaded routes, and investing in protective dog booties can significantly reduce the risk of paw pad burns and ensure a safer and more enjoyable outdoor experience for our pups. Please don’t assume your pet's paw pads are sufficient on hot pavements.  Many pet owners just don’t realize that their pets paw pads can burn. If the pavement is too hot for your hand, it’s too hot for their paws! Try to avoid the black pavement and stick with grass and sidewalks wherever possible. We also encourage you to look on your favorite pet retailer’s website for shoes or booties for your dog! 

For more pet tips, visit AskAriel.com

Celebrating International Assistance Dog Week

International Assistance Dog Week, observed from August 1-7, serves as a crucial opportunity to express gratitude to the remarkable assistance dogs and their trainers who contribute significantly to the well-being of individuals facing disability-related challenges. These dogs play an indispensable role as companions, helpers, and friends, offering a lifeline to those with physical or mental disabilities. The impact of assistance dogs goes beyond companionship; they empower their human partners by restoring a sense of independence and providing practical assistance in daily activities. This week not only acknowledges the dedication of these extraordinary dogs but also aims to raise awareness about the vital role they play in enhancing the lives of individuals with disabilities. Let's extend our heartfelt appreciation to all the assistance dogs and their trainers for their unwavering support and dedication

Assistance dogs can dramatically transform the lives of their human partners by serving as their companion, helper and aide.  The people who they serve have debilitating physical or mental disabilities and the ability of these dogs to give a person back their independence is truly remarkable.

The goal of the IADW events is to:

• Recognize and honor assistance dogs
• Raise awareness and educate the public about assistance dogs
• Honor puppy raisers and trainers
• Recognize heroic deeds performed by assistance dogs in our communities