Animal Care Tip of the Month from Animal Behavior College http://animalbehaviorcollege.com/Grooming/tips.asp?id=4 Weekly tips about Animal Care. en-us Sun, 18 May 2013 00:00:00 -0700 The Bald and Beautiful: Grooming the Hairless Xoloitzcuintli http://animalbehaviorcollege.com/Grooming/tips.asp?id=4 http://animalbehaviorcollege.com/Grooming/tips_details.asp?id=4&tipid=102

Tips on Grooming: The Hairless Xoloitzcuintli

The Bald and Beautiful: Grooming the Hairless Xoloitzcuintli

About the Xoloitzcuintli

While the Xoloitzcuintli (pronounced show-low-itz-quint-lee), known as the Xolo to its friends, is just now coming back from the brink of obscurity, it is actually one of the more ancient breeds of dog. Originating in Mexico, this breed is slowly gaining popularity after nearly becoming extinct only a few decades ago. What makes this particular breed stand out in a crowd is, other than a few tufts of hair on its head and tail, it is hairless. While there are versions of the breed with hair (called powder puffs), the hairless Xoloitzcuintli is touted as a nonshedding, odorless and hypoallergenic breed, making it very appealing to dog owners who are tired of vacuuming up tumbleweeds of hair in their homes every day. However, before you run out and add a Xolo to your household, it is important to note that even though this breed is almost completely without hair, it still requires a regular grooming regiment.

Regular Bathing Needs

Despite the Xolo’s lack of “doggy odor,” it is still important they receive regular bathing sessions. On the other hand, it is also important these sessions are not too frequent, as too many baths will strip their skin of its natural oils, causing dry skin, blackheads and acne. About once a month will do just fine.

Tips on Bathing a Xoloitzcuintli

The Xolo is bathed just like a dog with hair would be. Carefully lather the dog’s body in a gentle shampoo and rinse. It may be a good idea to dilute the shampoo since Xolos tend to have sensitive skin. Once his body is rinsed of shampoo, it is time to condition. Apply conditioner to his body and allow it to soak for several minutes. This will help replace some of the oils that were stripped from the coat during the shampooing process. Once the time is up, rinse all the conditioner off and lead your not-so-furry friend out of the tub. Drying is as easy as a gentle pat down with a towel.
Now for a step that is not seen with coated breeds: moisturizing. Xolos need their skin rubbed down with a hypoallergenic, non-oily lotion. Much like the conditioner, this will keep his skin from drying out.

Since your Xolo was such a good boy during his bath, be sure to reward him with one of his favorite treats. He’s all clean and your bald buddy is ready to take on the world like a brand new dog!]]> Tue, 15 Apr 2013 00:00:00 -0700 Grooming Your Westie http://animalbehaviorcollege.com/Grooming/tips.asp?id=4 http://animalbehaviorcollege.com/Grooming/tips_details.asp?id=4&tipid=101 Thinking of clipping your Westie?If you answered yes, springtime is the right time to do so, as it will give her a comfortable amount of hair in the warm days ahead. West Highland terriers can get two different types of haircuts. You can hand strip them or use clippers. Professionals typically do hand stripping for show dogs; however, experienced owners can opt to do it, too. That said, most people prefer to have their Westies clipped.

Cut Style Options

There are several popular styles to choose from. You can opt for the iconic “Westie” cut: a full round face and a long skirt and carrot-shaped tail. However, if you have a busy Westie, it can be a good idea to try a different style such as a puppy cut. The hair is shorter and the same length all over the head and body. There are also less common styles, such as a Scottie or Schnauzer look, particularly around the face.

As mentioned, experienced owners can do hand stripping, which is done without clippers. The dead hair is pulled from the dog’s coat, usually with a special stripping tool. Hand stripping tends to leave the hair feeling stiffer than if clippers were used.

Here are a few things to consider before choosing a specific cut. First, before you decide to clip or strip your Westie look closely at the hair. Does she have sensitive skin or thin hair? If so, you may want your Westie’s coat left a little longer on the top. Does your Westie like to romp and play in the mud? Then you may want her skirt left shorter. This is a practical style for Westies who really like to dig in the dirt and get into mud, since it can take a lot time to brush their hair out afterwards.

Nail Trimming

Regardless of the style, it’s very important to keep the nails trimmed nice and short. Westies have short legs for their stocky bodies. Untrimmed nails can cause them to slip on tile and laminated flooring, and have back problems.

Don’t forget; once your Westie has an appropriate style for warmer weather, an occasional brush or trim may still be necessary. Either way, you and your pet should enjoy the good weather.

By Colleen Riley]]> Tue, 11 Mar 2013 00:00:00 -0700 Grooming America’s Favorite Breed: the Labrador Retriever http://animalbehaviorcollege.com/Grooming/tips.asp?id=4 http://animalbehaviorcollege.com/Grooming/tips_details.asp?id=4&tipid=98 Grooming a Labrador Retriever

For the past 20 years, Labrador Retrievers have been one of the most popular breeds in America. Their reputation as fun-loving, family dogs has won the hearts of many admirers and has kept them at the head of the proverbial pack. One thing that draws potential owners to this breed is their easy-to-maintain coat. However, that doesn’t mean a Labrador doesn’t require any grooming. Here are a few steps to follow in order to help keep your lovable Labrador friend smelling fresh and always looking his best.

Labrador Shedding Control Tips

Talk to any Labrador owner and they will tell you their dog sheds a lot. This breed is notorious for covering everything they touch with loose hair. This means your buddy will need a good de-shedding before and in-between baths to help keep some of that hair under control. The appropriate tools to use include a rubber curry, a shedding blade and a carding tool.

The rubber curry is your first line of defense. It is safe to use on all parts of the body and will feel like a massage to the dog. Move the curry in circular motions or with the grain of the hair to pull out the loose hair. After you’ve gone over your dog with the curry, you may want to follow up with a shedding blade or a carding tool. These should only be used where the hair is thickest, such as on the back or barrel. Be careful to not press down too hard or you may scratch your dog. Once the de-shedding process is complete, your companion will be ready for a bath.

Tips on Bathing Your Labrador Retriever

To begin the bath, place cotton balls in your dog’s ears (not too deep) to keep water from getting into the ear canal. Wet your dog thoroughly with lukewarm water. A Labrador’s coat is naturally water-resistant, so you may have to really work the water in.

Shampooing

Next, spread a gentle shampoo throughout the coat and work into a lather. Be sure not to get any shampoo in your dog’s eyes. Use a wet washcloth with tearless shampoo to wash her face. Then use a clean, wet washcloth to remove the soap. Now that your dog is sufficiently soaped up, it is time to rinse. Rinse her coat until the water runs clean and no soapy residue is visible.

Coat Conditioning

Now it’s time to condition the coat. Spread conditioner around your dog’s body and allow it to sit on the coat for several minutes. Afterwards, rinse the conditioner out, much as you did for the shampoo. The bath portion is now complete. Encourage your furry friend to shake the water off as it will help take some of the excess water off of her.

Drying Your Dog

Towel dry your dog vigorously but gently. This may take more than one towel. If you have access to a high-velocity dryer, this is a great time to use it. The high-velocity dryer will not only help remove water, it also removes any loose hair left over from de-shedding. If you do not have a high-velocity dryer at your disposable, a human hair dryer on the “cool” setting will also work. Work your way around your dog, drying each section until she is void of water.

Once your Labrador is dry you will have a clean, de-shedded friend who is ready to take on life’s next adventure with you.

By Shelly Navarro]]> Tue, 25 Feb 2013 00:00:00 -0700 Not Taking Your Dog To The Groomers? http://animalbehaviorcollege.com/Grooming/tips.asp?id=4 http://animalbehaviorcollege.com/Grooming/tips_details.asp?id=4&tipid=100

Cost Cutting Grooming Tips

When times are tough, people frequently try to save money when it comes to grooming their dogs. Obviously, one option is to not take their dog to a groomer at all. Another is to go less often or shop for a salon that provides less-expensive services. Whichever strategy you choose depends on how you want to balance saving money with keeping your pet clean and healthy.

What Groomer's Provide For Your Pet

Keep in mind, in addition to bathing, drying and trimming your pet’s hair, there are a number of other important services groomers offer. These services include: expressing anal glands; getting rid of parasites such as mites, fleas and ticks; searching for foxtails; cleaning ears; and trimming toe nails. Sometimes groomers can spot a potential health problem and bring it to your attention. While groomers don’t diagnose health issues, they can recommend a call to the veterinarian to check up on whatever abnormality they found during grooming. Early intervention on a potential health issue is important and could save you money in the long run. Let’s take a few minutes and examine the pluses and minuses of each option listed above:

Stop Going to the Groomer

Do-it-all-yourself is a good way to eliminate most of the expense of keeping Fido clean. This is the easiest way to go if your pet is a small, short-haired animal. However, if Fido is a medium- or a large-sized dog, it gets a lot more complicated. Obviously, your pet will eventually need a bath, and you have to be willing to take the time and effort to do it. This might be a challenge for you and your dog. Think about it: filling the tub; getting a reluctant dog out of hiding; commencing with the bath, including the soak, the suds, the scrub and the rinse; drying your wet dog; and, finally, the clean up. And, if your pet has a beautiful long-flowing coat, a good complete combing and brushing will also be necessary. You’ll need to get rid of snarls since they tend to bind tight and will be very uncomfortable for your pet.

Extend the Time between Trips to the Groomer

As with the first option, this is easier if your pet is a small, short-haired animal. If you opt to go to the groomer less often and you have a long-haired dog, you should consider buying a really good dog brush. You’ll want to get a brush that can smooth and keep the mats out of your pet’s coat. If you go too long without getting your dog bathed and groomed, and you do not brush out the coat, you could end up with a very matted dog. If your dog’s coat becomes overly matted, it will cost you a lot more money than you’re saving when you take him in for an emergency grooming session. Plus, your poor pet will be very uncomfortable in the meantime..

Shop Around for a Less-expensive Groomer

Check with friends and neighbors for references as many groomers stay competitive with their prices. Explain to a groomer what you can and can’t afford. Most will usually work something out. However, if you find a groomer who won’t compromise on his or her fees—and there are some who feel they really can’t or shouldn’t—then move on to another salon. The decision isn’t personal; it’s a business transaction. After all, Fido won’t care as long as he’s being cared for.

By Colleen Riley]]> Tue, 25 Feb 2013 00:00:00 -0700 Winter Grooming for your Dog http://animalbehaviorcollege.com/Grooming/tips.asp?id=4 http://animalbehaviorcollege.com/Grooming/tips_details.asp?id=4&tipid=97 Keep Your Dog WarmSince cold weather and winter go hand-in-hand for most of the country, there are key factors to keep in mind when grooming your pet during the chilly season. First, you should let your dog’s hair grow longer to keep her warm when she goes outside. This is especially important if Fifi is an indoor apartment pet. Also, some dogs, such as small breeds or elderly dogs, are more affected by the cold. All dogs, especially city dwellers, need to get outside once in a while. Here are a few tips to ensure your dog is prepared for cold weather.

Keep Grooming Your Dog In The Winter

Letting your pet’s hair grow doesn’t mean you stop grooming Fifi on a regular basis. However, winter grooming needs are different. You need to make sure your dog is used to being brushed with its longer hair or double coat. While the longer or thicker the coat means more protection from the cold, it also requires more work to keep it clean and neat. Explain your needs to your groomer and he or she will groom accordingly.

Check Their Toes

Another tip is to tend to the area between the toes. If there is snow and ice on the ground, it can accumulate on the hair between the toes and create icy pellets. These can irritate your dog and be painful for her. Discuss this with your groomer as well.

Plan Ahead with Your Groomer

Since longer fur might require extra grooming, there is a chance your regular groomer gets very busy during the cold months. To make sure you get in, schedule your appointment far in advance. When you drop your dog off, explain what you want done and write it down for your busy groomer. For instance, if you or Fifi is allergic to a certain shampoo, your groomer might greatly appreciate a written reminder. This can help you and your dog avoid any unpleasant effects an exotic shampoo might cause.

Keep Your Dog Comfortable

Winter doesn’t have to be a stressful time of the year for you and your dog. Just make sure your dog is comfortable and happy when she goes out and romps around in the snow. Be sure to adjust grooming needs for the weather, such as making advance appointments and be very specific and clear with the groomer regarding anything you want done or not done to your pet.

By Colleen Riley]]> Thu, 09 Jan 2013 00:00:00 -0700