HappyPets,Inc.

                                

GROOMING:

Most dogs enjoy being groomed. The details of grooming are very particular from breed to breed, so what I offer here are just the basics. First, you should have the proper instruments on hand for your particular breed.

LONG COATS: Use your fingers and a slicker brush to tease out any areas of matted or knotted hair. Never yank at obstructions, if a tangle is hopeless cut it away. Then, brush hair with a bristle brush.

WIRY COAT: Use a slicker brush for regular grooming. Every few months, strip the coat with a fine tooth comb so than and dead hairs come away easily.

MED-LONG SMOOTH COATS: Use a rubber brush working from head to tail to remove debris, then continue with a bristle brush. Finish by rubbing a soft cloth with a small amount of conditioning oil for a soft sheen.

SHORT SMOOTH COATS: Use a slicker brush to remove any mats or tangles. Then work the coat vigorously with a bristle brush.

BATHING:

How frequently you bathe your dog is entirely up to you and your nose. I recommend no more than once a month in the warm summer months, but not at all in the winter time. Dogs, unlike people, do not have sweat glands and do not need to be bathed all too frequently. Excessive bathing can lead to skin problems.

If your dog is medium to large size, you may need an extra pair of hands in the tub to help. Sadie hates baths, so I usually put on my bathing suit and sit in the tub with her, holding and washing her while Jason rinses.

Brush the knots and mats out of the hair before you begin.

Bathe the face and eye area with a damp cloth or cotton ball.

Plug the ears with cotton, and rub shampoo into the skin.

 

Rinse well, making sure there are no traces of shampoo, and wrap in a soft towel.

Blow dry on cool setting while brushing coat in both directions. 

 

Or...Just let him shake it off.

Massage

You might think the idea of massaging your pet is a bit much, but the physiological and psychological benefits of massage are as real to animals as they are to humans. Massage improves circulation, increasing the supply of oxygen to the muscles. It relieves pain, easing muscle spasms and chronic stiffness. Studies have shown that massage can alleviate symptoms of depression and reduce stress - in the recipient pet and the masseur! So let’s get started!

Massage is easy to learn and take only a few minutes. But first, you have to be in the right frame of mind. Take a few deep breaths and let outside worries fade away so that you can focus on your pet - and only your pet. Animals can be sensitive to our feelings, so don’t try it in a bad mood.

Begin by speaking or singing softly some endearing words in a soothing tone over and over a few times to get your animals attention. You probably already have something you say all the time ("who’s my little pumpkin puss? " "I love you Sadie, pretty lady" - whatever).

Allow enough time for her to sniff your extended hand and accept the attention before you touch her.

Never make first contact with the top of the head or face, always approach from the shoulder. Even your own dog or cat can become alarmed by your reaching for her from on top, and the point of the massage is to relax them, right?

 

 

Massaging the muscles of the head, jaw promotes relaxation. Use fingertips to apply gentle pressure in circular stroke while kneading with the heel of the hand for a strong calming effect.

 

Stroke your hand down your pets back and see how long it takes. Now, slow it down. Repeat the stroke in double the amount of time. It may seem like a waste of time, but the pets really like this slow movement. Repeat several times, and gradually put light pressure in the strokes without increasing speed. Look for positive feedback . For cats, this will be purring, blinking, drooling, sleeping or self grooming and for dogs could be licking the lips, sleeping, or simply a relaxed body posture and love eyes.

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