How often do I have my pet groomed ... ? Each breed requires different upkeep, also each persons likes the pet with different length of coat. Ex. Bichons should be groomed monthly, but if you like the pet short you can go to 2 to 3  months. It is important that if you go that long a close eye should be kept on the pets ears (for any infection) and the nails (to make sure they do not grow too long and preventing the nail from either breaking or getting caught in the rug, causing pain and or bleeding. There are breeds such as Labs that get groomed every month to every 6 months- according to shedding or doggie odor.

What are ANAL GLANDS ... ? They are 2 small sacs- one  on each side of the rectum. A common fallacy is that when a dog rubs his butt on the floor that he has worms, In reality his glands are  probably full and need to be emptied-either as part of the grooming or by your Vet. If left unattended the sacs may become impacted and surgery will be needed. So make sure the groomer does the glands a part of the pets routine grooming.

Why shave down matted dogs and cats... ? There comes a point when brushing is just not going to do the job. Most every dog can be dematted, but majority of groomers WON'T put the animal through it.  Not only is it painful to the animal but may cause skin rash and in some animals, the rash is so severe that it scratches itself to bleeding. It also will make your pet so fearful of future visits, that the attitude will most likely turn negative towards the grooming experience  .

What is a hot spot... ? They are usually seen in the summer and fall. They are associated with allergies and fleas. The most sensitive are usually light colored pets. Bichons are the greatest example. The breed tends to be prone to them, If the dog has fleas the chewing in a area causes moisture and irritation in that area. It can also be caused by scratching an area. First aid to the spot - a medicated powder to the area helps until the Veterinarian can be visited. The powder dries up the area and the medicated powder helps to relieve the itching. And of coarse if the main cause is parasites then the obvious is to rid the animal of the bugs.

What to do about fleas& ticks ... ? The best cure is prevention-In the spring you should apply a flea and tick preventative, Your Vet, groomer, and pet store carry them. There are different types and brands to choose from- so ask for help. Remember TICK season starts early-as soon as the weather warms up in the early spring-so don't procrastinate. Fleas are around until the frost (a good cold frost) so don't think its getting cooler that there gone. This time of year (fall) the like you home.  Also yearly spraying outside and inside your home by an exterminator (they guarantee their work Also having the  pet groomed often will help because the groomer checks for bugs at each visit....sometimes it only takes one flea to start a skin problem.

When is the best age to start my puppy... ? ASAP............starting young will get the puppy comfortable with the grooming routine. To start the puppy try to brush him several times a week (it doesn't have to  be a perfect brushing, just enough to get the pup use to the feel and routine)   Play with the pups feet. Get the pup familiar to having their feet touched. Check the ears regularly for the same reason.  The puppy should wait until the last vaccination is given (usually about 16 wks) If you already have a groomer, bring  him/her in to meet the one of the most important people  (next to family of coarse) your pet will know. You can  then discuss the routine for your pets grooming life.

Routine Home Care For Your Dog...

Giving your dog a bath:   Bath your dog as necessary with shampoos formulated for dogs only. Frequency depends on the breed of your dog and whether you are using a general shampoo, a medicated shampoo for skin conditions or a flea shampoo or rinse.

Brushing: Brush in the direction of hair growth, beginning at the head, and work towards the tail and down the legs. Brushing removes loose hair and daily brushing of longhaired and double-coated dogs removes dead hair from the undercoat to help prevent matting. Slicker brushes are ideal for this purpose but are also a good general brush for all breeds if used lightly. Pin brushes, with rounded tips to prevent damage to the skin, are good for dogs with long, fine hair such as Silky Terriers. They can also be used to fluff the coat by brushing against the direction of hair growth. Bristle brushes are good for dogs with very long coats, such as the Afghan, and help add shine to the short coat.  Grooming mitts are also good for shorthaired breeds to add polish and shine once the loose hairs are removed.

Combing: Regular brushing and combing will remove loose or matted hair and helps keep the skin free of diseases and parasites such as fleas. Natural oils will be more evenly distributed to give your dog a nice shiny coat. Comb in the direction of hair growth to remove tangles.

How to brush your Dog's Teeth Step 1 - Select an appropriate time Find a quiet, convenient time when you and your dog are both relaxed. Step 2 - Acquaint your dog with the process. For the first few sessions don't even use a toothbrush.  Hold your dog the same as when you are cuddling her.  Gently stroke the outside of her cheeks with your finger.  After she becomes comfortable with that, place a dab of toothpaste on your finger and let her taste it.  Step 3 - Introduce the Toothbrush Place a small amount of toothpaste on the brush.  In a slow circular motion, brush one or two teeth and the adjoining gum line.  The purpose of this step is to get your dog accustomed to the feel of the brush. Step 4 - Begin Brushing Over the next several days, gradually increase the number of teeth brushed.  It is important to eventually brush the rear teeth where plaque and tartar have a greater tendency to accumulate.  Go slowly and gently..  Stop brushing when you decide to stop, before your dog begins to fuss.  If she learns to dislike the procedure and finds out that more fussing makes you stop quicker, then this brushing business is going to get harder, not easier. Build up to about 30 seconds per side.  Dogs don't get much tartar on the inside surfaces of their teeth, so you only need to worry about the outside surfaces   Be sure to brush the big teeth way in back.  Make tooth brushing a pleasurable experience Proceed slowly and gently.  Stop each session while it is still fun and   lavishly praise your dog afterwards.  She will soon start looking forward to tooth brushing and it will become a pleasant activity for both of you.

Information submitted by Marie Treacy of K9-Klip/PetsWishes, New York