#hiring a dog groomer

[puppyexpressions]

How Do I Find a Dog Groomer?

Choosing a grooming facility based on an ad in the yellow pages or on the Internet is not the best way to select a groomer. Because groomers are not regulated or licensed by any government agency, the skills and experience of groomers can vary greatly.

A good way to start looking for a groomer is by asking for recommendations from friends, veterinary hospitals, boarding facilities, and animal trainers. You can also visit Websites, such as those of the National Dog Groomers Association of America. This organization provides groomers with education and certification and may be able to recommend a groomer in your area. You may also want to consult the Better Business Bureau (bbb.org) to ensure that no complaints have been lodged against a grooming facility that you are considering.

What Kind of Grooming Facility Is Best?

First, decide whether you would prefer to take your pet to a grooming facility or to have a mobile groomer come to your home. In general, mobile groomers charge a little more for convenience.

Before taking your pet for grooming, stop by the facility during regular business hours to see the facility and watch the groomer(s) in action. Ensure that the facility is clean and well-ventilated and that the cages look comfortable. If possible, watch the groomer(s) as he or she grooms pets, noting whether the pets are handled gently and appear stressed. If the facility uses heat-producing dryers, ask how the staff ensures that pets are not burned or overheated.

Ask about the facility’s health policy. If it doesn’t require proof of vaccination, it is in your pet’s best interest to go elsewhere. Ask about the policy on accepting sick pets. For example, coughing dogs may carry a contagious disease that can spread to your dog. For references, you may ask the facility for contact information of current clients.

What Services Should Be Included in Grooming?

It’s important to discuss what is included with the grooming fee. Most facilities offer bathing, drying, brushing, clipping, ear cleaning, and nail trimming. In most cases, there is an additional fee for animals that are severely matted or need additional shaving. If your pet has skin allergies, consider taking your own hypoallergenic shampoo to the groomer to avoid skin flare-ups.

Some services should only be performed by a veterinarian. Proper dental cleanings should be done while a pet is under general anesthesia to allow a veterinary professional to remove plaque and tartar from beneath the gum line with minimal stress to the patient. In addition, only a veterinarian should empty anal glands. If your pet has frequent ear infections, ask your veterinarian whether a groomer should pluck ear hair. Pets requiring any kind of tranquilizer or sedative, such as cats that are severely matted, should be groomed at a veterinary facility where they can be closely monitored.

How Can I Make Grooming a Positive Experience for My Pet?

If your pet will require a lot of grooming throughout his or her life, start familiarizing your pet with the grooming facility when he or she is young. At home, try to brush your pet and handle his or her paws on a daily basis. The more comfortable your pet is with being handled, the more tolerant and stress-free he or she will be at the groomer.

[fileckz]

im like actually gonna lose it if i cant get a job soon. its been a no from everywhere and im trying so hard. never had this problem when i didnt wanna work. but now that i do its fucking impossible to get a job

[healingheartdogs]

The way animal related jobs will be like "Yeah we're hiring a kennel worker to take care of and feed and exercise our dogs and clean our kennels, but we also need you to be a stable hand and horse groomer and clean up after and feed and take care of our horses, and also to be a ranch hand and clean up after and feed and take care of all our other livestock too, and also a farm hand who helps with all the work related to maintaining the fields and pastures so you'll need to be able to operate farm machinery for that purpose, and also a cleaner because we have a small store and office area with bathrooms on the property that is open to the public where we sell farm goods and organize our riding lessons which all needs to be kept clean and organized, plus any other work that pops up that needs to be done that doesn't fall under what we've already listed. Your work days doing all this will be 10+ hours long, mandatory weekend and holiday availability, you get no healthcare benefits and you earn no PTO, and you need to be able to work in extreme weather conditions, in heat waves, and below freezing temps without any shelter (illegal in my state, btw)."

and then the pay is minimum wage.

[shadyhouse]

im really really sick of struggling with finances so hard like im really feeling like my life is spiralling out of control suddenly, finding a new job is an absolute nightmare. like im going to a job interview today but i am 100% expecting them to tell me they only pay like $10/hr or something. its gonna be a total waste of time. like even when i find a job and go to an interview theres SOMETHING that makes it so its impossible.

i went to an interview recently where on the indeed listing they said the shifts start at 9am but in reality shifts start at 4am????? i can barely get out of bed enough as it is at my current job where i have to WAKE UP at 4am to get there in time for 6am, i dont even have access to a car on top of everything!!! im forced to work at places that are within my bus route, which is like.... nothing. nothing at all. retail and food service and warehouses and nothing else.

i THOUGHT i was gonna start a career at my last job being a dog groomer but that was a nightmare too!!! my coworkers and boss did not like me and they actively discriminated against me bc i was the only man there and im also trans and they thought that was hilarious. they treated me very differently than how they treat all other men. they said the most awful shit about me both when i wasnt there and when i was right in the room!!! i was responsible for more work than all of them combined but none of that ever mattered and i was even paid a lower wage than other people who got hired around the same time as me. i found out about it and told the manager. they fucking cut my hours after that. like this is the kind of thing ive had to deal with for YEARS at various jobs like i just want to be treated fairly at work!!!!!

the job interview i have today is for dog grooming (bathing 🙄) too but at a different place bc i figure if im going to be miserable at work i mind as well do something that makes me feel like im doing something important at least. and something that i know how to do somewhat confidently. maybe itll work out. maybe not .... i just need SOMETHING to go right in my professional life bc i cannot keep doing morning shifts at a gas station 😭😭

[lonely-space-ace]

Dear vet clinic on the road near my work,

I understand the meaning of your sign, and do think it is the most efficient way to communicate what position you are hiring for. In general I recognize that the word you used makes sense in context, and you may assume no one would think anything of it.

However I do think that having a giant LED sign saying “GROOMER WANTED” may have different connotations than you think it does, and you might want to rethink your wording.

Sincerely ,

-I was driving home from work at 11:30 at night and in my exhaustion it took me a good five minutes to figure out you were looking for a dog groomer and not a toxic relationship

[heystephen]

and it wouldn’t even be that bad if employers weren’t so. like. soulless. it’s like, i applied at a grooming salon for a basic job as the groomer’s assistant just helping around the shop wherever needed, things like restraining dogs and checking clients in and stuff. i have 10+ years experience working with dogs and had good references. and the owner of the shop told me that she couldn’t hire me because i volunteer at the animal shelter and she feels like i would have prejudice toward the clients who purchased their animals from breeders. it doesnt even make sense. why even bother applying to places if they can reject based on such ridiculous assumptions. im just so tired

[senualothbrok]

Thank you for the tag @hotnerdywizard , this is such a cute game 🫶

1. Are you named after anyone? Nope! I'm the one and only lol

2. When was the last time you cried? A few weeks ago, I think. I can't be sure. I also cry a lot while consuming media so it may have been more recent than that 😅

3. Do you have kids? No human children, but I have two doggo babies!

4. What sports do you /have you played? I used to box / kickbox, but am taking a break from it for health reasons. When I was younger I played netball and basketball. I did some horse riding but I now prefer to hang out with them without working them.

5. Do you use sarcasm? Yes, and I love it, almost as much as I love puns.

6. What's the first thing you notice about people? Whether they are warm, actually. That comes out in a variety of ways eg how they behave, whether they smile, eye contact, tone, voice etc

7. What's your eye colour? Black (very dark brown)

8. Any talents? I love, love, love writing. I think that's probably my main talent 😅 I'm struggling to think of more. I guess I'm also good with animals.

9. Where were you born? In East Asia.

10. What are your hobbies? I love reading and writing, mainly prose but also poetry. I'm trying to write a novel but the Gale brainworms have been consuming me so I'm mainly writing fics at the moment. I'm a gamer, though I'm currently hyperfixated on BG3 (ie Gale) and can't move on lol. I love spending time with my dogs and I also volunteer at a horse sanctuary every week.

11. Do you have any pets? I have two dogs - a lurcher and a greyhound. I used to have a cat but he passed away a little over a year ago. I adore them all.

12. How tall are you? 5'2"

13. Favourite subject in school? Philosophy and English Literature. What I wouldn't give now to be able to study Sylvia Plath!!!

14. Dream job? I'd love to be on the writing team of a narrative driven video game (hire me, Larian). I also wouldn't mind being a horse groomer/carer.

I'd like to tag @madforhoran @dolceaspidenera @practicallydeadinside-blog @orehuna @meishuu

No pressure to play of course!

[f0xx0rzz]

Y'ALL I GOT HIRED AS A DOG GROOMER im very excited!! i know it's not as glamorous as it sounds but im going to be paid to work with dogs all day!!

[ikeepwatchinghelicopters]

Random thought: In a weird AU, Napoleon is rich and owns a dog (he can theoretically own more dogs, but I originally imagined him with only one dog). Some sort of big dog. Like a borzoi or a komodor or an irish setter. Anyway, Napoleon cares about his appearence a lot and he cares about his dog's appearence a lot too, so he goes to a professional groomer. (Is that what the person is called? I'm not sure. Basically, the person that washes the dog and trims its fur and stuff like that.) Napoleon's previous groomer had to leave, because they were very pregnant, and they hired Illya as their replacement (yes, in this AU Illya is a professional dog groomer). I have no idea how the story would continue, but they would fall in love, obviously.

Some headcanons for this:

Illya is much better at dealing with dogs than dealing with people

Napoleon and Illya have widely different ideas about how Napoleon's dog should look like and they argue about it

Gaby also owns a dog and is friends with Napoleon (they sometimes walk their dogs together)

Alternatively, Gaby is a cynologist, like a dog trainer or something, and Napoleon took his dog to her classes

Alternatively², she works as a dog handler for a bomb squad or something like that, and she's friends with Napoleon and he sometimes goes to her for dog-related advice

Illya thinks Napoleon's dog is really beautiful and that Napoleon's taking good care of the dog, but will never admit it to the man himself

Illya had a dog as a child before his father got arrested, and he was very close to this dog

Napoleon's dog listens to Illya more than to Napoleon

Napoleon has to leave for a business trip or something and he asks Illya to babysit his dog (he usually asks Gaby, but now he's trying to seduce Illya)

Victoria owns dog(s) and wins a lot competitions with the dog(s)

She also is Illya's client and she meets Napoleon there

She flirts with Napoleon very openly, making Illya jealous

[pawsitivevibe]

Okay I am so conflicted about this job I applied for. I won't hear back for a few more days, but I feel like I need to make a decision now in case they offer me it. I think the interview went well and I have a lot of relevant experience compared to their typical applicants ...

Anyway, it's for essentially a dog grooming apprenticeship.

The problem is, they only pay minimum wage ($15). But typically you might have to pay thousands to attend a grooming school. Or like if you go to the PetSmart grooming academy you have to "pack back" that training by working for them for a certain amount of time. Apparently if you quit before then you have to pay back whatever you "owe" for the schooling. So this apprenticeship is instead paying me to be there, and not charging me anything for the valuable training. So I can see minimum wage making sense to them, right. Considering offering this training is an expense to them because of the time commitment, but they are doing it because they want it to pay off by providing more groomers for their business.

I make $17 an hour right now at the barn. Which isn't like huge, but that extra $2 an hour does go places. I'm not sure I can afford to take the paycut. Especially when my partner is being really cagey about it. Like yeah he says do what I want, but like what does he ACTUALLY think about a losing some money??

BUT I could really make a career out of dog grooming I think. And I could make a lot more than I do now once I make commission and tips. The guy who interviewed me did say that it would likely take around a year to get to that, though. So I might be making $15/hour for a year.

BUT once I'm working there for a year I would be expected to start buying my own grooming kit. So uh a few thousand dollars worth of stuff, right. I would get a discount from their supplier and be able to have it come off my paycheck. But it will still be a big expense. I would get to keep all that stuff forever though....

Another thing too is that I just won a lifetime subscription to all the content from an online dog grooming and showing academy. So I will be watching a bunch of courses and seminars to learn some specialty show grooming stuff. So if I did become a groomer, I could potentially one day offer specialty breed specific grooms and stuff like coat stripping.

Now ... I just don't know if I can take the risk. I do think it could really pan out into a career. But the paycut up front would be a problem. Especially when, like, I can't afford to pay all my bills as it is. I'm constantly broke. I am supposed to be looking for a job that pays more. I have a Communications degree, I'm supposed to get like an office job or something. But nobody wants to hire me for a job like that. Or all the listings for ""entry level"" positions want 3-5 years of experience in the field. That ain't entry level! Tbh I would hate that kind of job anyway. But I always kinda thought I would have to settle for something I hated. I have just been avoiding it for a while by working shitty jobs I kinda like. This grooming thing I could actually love. BUT there's just no money up front. So I don't know what to do. It's probably just too late in life for me to take this chance, I think. I have bills to pay.

Anyway. Advice welcome. Just mostly looking to vent.

[ecargmura]

Dog Signal Episode 16 Review - Destructive Behavior

I do like the topic of destructive behavior discussed in this episode because I feel like I needed this as my dogs had a habit of destroying toys and walls in the past. Not all dogs will misbehave by being destructive, but it is a common occurrence if they are stressed out. What could be the cause of stress? There are many different factors and I love that the show discusses them to the client of the day.

Throughout this show, the clients who come to Proud Dog have been either ignorant of their dog’s problems or have been abusive. This episode’s client is Ema Toyama, Ritsuka’s newly hired apprentice and aspiring dog groomer, who is the owner of Ryuta, a Jack Russell Terrier and she’s probably the most respectful client by far, despite her ups and downs of training her dog. You can tell she’s such a sweet and respectful girl by the way Ritsuka and Niwa behave towards her. Ritsuka usually has a fiery personality, but her softer side is usually reserved for her friends and kind dog owners like Shikishima and Oyamada. Seeing Ritsuka behave like a big sister to Ema was such a treat to watch. Niwa was also nice to her too! He would usually be blunt and cold towards his clients as they do things that piss him off, but Ema was actually one of the rare times he was nice to a dog owner and the first time he admits that the human is not to blame in her situation. Not only that, Miyu was acting rather shy around her when he first saw her! He’s usually cheerful and energetic towards other female clients, so this is the first time I’ve seen him be all shy around a girl!

I loved watching Ema do whatever she can to fix Ryuta’s destructive behavior. She tried taking him out for longer walks. She tried taking him to the dog park with her friends. She tried rearranging her dorm room so that Ryuta can be a bit more comfortable and that she doesn’t have to get her textbooks and other important items destroyed by him. She has no money because of his destructive behavior, but she never complains about that or him one bit! I think her patience and love for her dog is astounding for someone so young! The little mistakes she made that caused Ryuta to almost die wasn’t her fault at all. It just happened. Seeing her blame herself for letting him have access to get to the dried squid and then choking on a shoelace wasn’t her fault at all, but it was still so sad to see her blame herself for what had happened. I know it was easily preventable had she been a bit more careful, but dogs are not to be underestimated as they are intelligent creatures. What I like about Dog Signal is that the human characters are very human. Even if they do ignorant or despicable things, it’s because they’re human that they do it. The author really knows how to create such humane characters and Ema is a perfect example.

I’m surprised on how destructive Ryuta was, honestly. I don’t think I’ve seen an instance where a dog gnawed out of a cage! My dogs weren’t this destructive in the past, so it’s crazy to see how destructive canines can be if under stress. When Ryuta started choking, I was legit worried he was going to die. I’m glad that Ema sought help and Dr. Kubo did everything he can from arriving to work earlier than usual due to the emergency patient and performing successful surgery on Ryuta.

I like how Ema is to Ritsuka like how Miyu is to Niwa. Ritsuka telling about the dog she had back then and why she isn’t raising another will definitely be another emotional sob fest and I’m preparing my tissues next week. What I learned from Niwa’s past is that those with sad pasts that revolve around dogs will definitely be tearjerkers. What are your thoughts on this episode?

[docnomore]

I was not academically inclined. Growing up in Michigan in the 1960’s and 1970’s, if you weren’t moving into higher education, you were moving to work on the farm or in the factory. PBB in the feed killed the farmers, and the unions shut down Detroit - everything in the tristate area is premised on Detroit. I graduated high school to nothing but less than minimum wage jobs - if a restaurant makes less than a minimum established profit, they can legally pay less than minimum wage. I graduated at the bottom of my class. I floundered a few years and ended up in the military. I became a Navy Hospital Corpsman and in that, specialized in combat medicine so I served with the Marine Corps. I attended the Naval School of Health Sciences and became an Independent Duty Corpsman. It was a four year medical school program condensed to 56 weeks - accredited by George Washington U. School of Medicine. That program was designed to be a real pressure cooker and had an attrition rate of nearly 30%. Midway through that program, the folks in DC decided to not pay to continue the accreditation. In my class of 27 starters, we had Maurine set the all time high in the history of the school with a perfect score, having never gotten a wrong answer on an exam. We also had Clint who had up to the bitter end, tied Maurine but then got one wrong answer. Me? I graduated dead last in that class with a GPA of 90.63.

Maurine was relieved for cause within three months of graduation. She cracked under pressure. Clint was relieved a little over a year after graduation, hooked on pain killers. During our school year, due to failures in exams and also due to cheating, we were whittled down to 14 and boosted up again to 25. At the end of the first three years of duty, only 5 of us remained as IDC’s.

My final tour had me in line to head up the clinic at Camp David. I refused the orders and was then informed that I’d been asked for by name by the President. Again, I turned down those orders and retired out of Camp Pendleton, where I worked out of three different clinics and was responsible for all of 3d Marine Air Wing.

With the exception of performing surgery and doing the paperwork shuffle, I truly enjoyed practicing medicine without benefit of an actual doctor staring over my shoulder. I did 20 years and then retired. I was delusional in believing that I would be welcomed with open arms at the university where I could take my 146 credit hours mostly in upper level sciences and could step into a civilian program. I was not and instead had to take a basic first aid course where we all learned that I was more qualified than the “doctor” instructing that course. Frustrated by the greed and stupidity, I graduated with a degree in History.

A worthless degree, absolutely no one would hire me. Not the county school system, not the air museum, not a local construction firm. Not any of the big box hardware stores and certainly not any of the four major hospitals or even a company doing insurance physicals. With a wife, 3 children and a mortgage for a 4 bedroom house on 10 acres, I was fast running out of money.

When no one else would hire me, I hired myself. We opened a dog grooming business. We started that business with less than $5,000 in the bank. I was accustom to working 16-18 hour days and that’s about what it took. We busted our butts, my wife and I, and after the 1st 5 years, we were able to be competitive. We shut down every other groomer in the north end of the county and found ourselves under cutting the big box pet stores that also offer grooming at premium prices. Literally, I went from being an elite (less than 1,000 in the entire Navy and Marine Corps) healthcare provider to petting dogs for a living.

With a whole lot of sweat equity, we were able to build our business into a 6 figure income and had to hire outside help to keep pace with the demand. We hire unskilled, untrained labor and we start at $14 an hour. We train, starting with the basic life skill of negotiation. I blame public “education” for the mess this country is in. At best, they teach you to sign your name on the bottom line. They do very little to prepare any of us for the world. They certainly do nothing to prepare us for making responsible, informed decisions of consent.

I own the business meaning, I own outright, the means of production. As an employee, you agree to do a specified job for a given amount of money. These things, you, the employee, agreed to. Now, the beautiful thing about the free labor market as opposed to the left’s slave labor market, is that if at any time you are dissatisfied with the terms of your employment, you have options. You can either step up your game and try to negotiate a better position for yourself. Or, you can serve notice of intent to terminate and then seek your fortune elsewhere.

Personally, given my history with experience in both public and military education, I recommend being a forward thinker. Start by studying fact based history and learn to exercise critical thinking skills. Learn politically who you can rely on as a “friend” and who is in it purely for themselves at your expense - it’s not whom you were told all of your life. Vote accordingly and work to change the education system. At present even those sho graduate at the highest levels of the upper stratosphere, slave for someone above them. Read the last 128 pages of de Tocqueville’s Democracy In America”. Understand that he published this in 1833 when race based slavery was still legal.

[hannahhook7744]

Badun Detective Agency Detective Profile (Eddie Balthazar):

Name: Edmund ‘Eddie’ Seraiah Balthazar.

DOB: November 10th, 15 years ago. 

Status: Living.

Last Known Address: 3rd house on the right from Hell Hall.

Previous Address: N/A.

Country of Origin: Isle of the lost. 

Race: Caucasian.

Gender: Male.

Dental:? (Profiler does not know what dental is and thus cannot answer the question). 

Height:  6’0 (183 cm).

Weight: 168 lb (76 kg).

Hair color: Black.

Eye color: Dark Brown.

Languages: Peruvian Spanish, Greek, Romani, Scottish Gaelic, English, Ciazarn, Arabic, French, and Latin.

Title: The Rat, The Informant, The Spy, The Double Agent, and Detective Eddie.

Identifiable markings: B.D.A Magnifying glass tattoo on the right wrist, a faint cat scratch scar on his nose, and a dog bite scar on his neck.

Family: Unnamed (Maternal Aunt/uncle)(Deceased),

James Brown Sr. (Maternal cousin)(Living),

Elizabeth Brown (Maternal cousin-in-law via marriage)(Living),

James Brown jr. (Maternal first cousin-once-removed)(Living),

Lulu Brown (Maternal adoptive first cousin-once-removed)(Living),

Sarah Brown (Mother)(Living), 

Edgar Balthazar (Father)(Living), 

Hermie Bing (Girlfriend)(Living),

Si (Pet cat)(Living), 

Am (Pet cat)(Living), 

Fawnsworth (Pet cat)(Living), 

And Mystery Noir (Pet turtle)(Living).

Education: High school (Ongoing).

Employment: Housekeeper and Pet Groomer for hire.

Badun Detective Agency Employment: Detective, Rat, Spy, and Informant.

Skills/abilities: Stealth, Bugging, Breaking and entering, blending in, climbing, lock picking, good at reading people, lip reading, sneaking, escaping, dodging, quick reflexes, good situational awareness, good liar, etc.

Signature:

Eddie B.

Notes:

—Agent is exceptionally stealthy.

—Agent is the most emotionally stable.

—Agent is an exceptional driver.

—Agent is good at sneaking around. 

—Agent is exceptional at bugging buildings. 

—Agent has exceptional hearing. 

—Agent is the sole carer for his parents and their pets, which makes it difficult for him to be functional and punctional. 

—Agent is slightly apathetic to everything.

—Agent is slightly reckless and irresponsible but an overall moral person. 

[plymouthpets]

Plymouth Pets Breed of the Week - Samoyeds

With the recent polar vortex across the northern US and Canada earlier this month, many who are used to more temperate climates got a taste of what’s often considered the norm in Arctic parts of the world. Certain dogs do thrive in the snow – Huskies and St. Bernards are often some of the first that come to mind, especially for Americans, but the now fairly popular and widespread Samoyed breed comes to mind for people of many different cultures. Like other “snow dogs” mentioned, you may see them more and more in areas far from the arctics or high altitudes. While Samoyeds can often have lively, even intense, personalities – these Siberian natives are very smart and reliable companions ideal especially for medium-to-large families and less urban areas.

            Samoyeds were originally bred generally around Northern-Central Siberia, by the indigenous Nenets peoples in what is now Russia. They were, like many famous and typical herding dogs of the north, bred from spitz-style breeds for herding, guarding, and hunting abilities. They have a notable spitz-type pointy tail, and are of average to larger sizes for dogs in their category. Due to breeding in the dramatically cold climates of Northern Siberia, where daytime temperatures often go below -30 Celsius, they have distinctive thick fur coats relative to their body, allowing them to withstand these severe temperatures. Samoyeds, like Huskies, also gained some fame worldwide during the endeavors to seek out the North and South Poles in Person over a century ago. Some of the most famous British, Scandinavian, and Russian/Soviet arctic explorers held the dogs in high regard for their herding and organizational abilities, tough build, and fierceness in fighting off (and even hunting!) larger animals like bears. This is still reflected in their nature today, as Samoyeds can still get stand-offish around new or unfamiliar animals. Even with modern Samoyeds, it is good to keep a close eye on their behavior in public or private other dogs, pets, and common wild animals.

Despite this fact, Samoyeds are not so particularly fierce towards their human companions, in fact quite the opposite. Like many herding dogs, they are often affectionate not to mention incredibly loyal and protective towards their owners and friends. Samoyeds lived in small, usually tent-like domiciles right next to their owners and their families. They are not only used to close human contact, but are trained for it. But they were always trained in an assertive-but-careful manner to ensure discipline for these very energetic, strong-willed, and surprisingly dominant dogs. Maintaining your authority while training a Samoyed is possibly the most important aspects of caring for the dog, also minding its health. Samoyeds are naturally calm and are quite safe with children or the elderly, but may start acting up if they feel too stuffy and need to (literally) stretch their legs. This also helps prevent arthritis and joint issues later in life.

Like many other herding dogs such as Border Collies and Australian Shepherds,  Samoyeds need a lot of space during their training and day-to-day lives. They are high-energy dogs with a passion for outdoor activity, so at least having them walk for at least 70 to 90 minutes a day (especially in earlier years) is greatly beneficial to their general and mental health. Grooming them is extremely important – their thick coats carry dirt and other particles very easily (and their often-white coats will start yellowing/browning) not to mention pests like ticks and fleas in more wild or unclean environments. It is important to properly wash and care for their fur – hire a groomer at least semi-regularly if you lack the complete skills and/or tools to groom a Samoyed and care for their fur, teeth, etc. When visiting the vet they will often take a close look at their ocular health and any issues possibly related to the Samoyed’s liver, due to two common mutations. One mutation is common in Samoyeds’ eyes, where a defect will cause them to lose sight gradually over time, sometimes from a young age. A more serious mutation affects many Samoyeds’ kidneys, and while usually passing quickly in young age for Samoyed pups, may lead to liver failure, also surprisingly early in life. Keeping up with a vet and watching for these issues while assertively training your Samoyed will help ensure it leads a happier, healthier, and fuller life with you and your other loved ones.

[petcarewing]

What Are the 10 Best Practices for Pet Grooming?

1. Use the Proper Tools First

Using the appropriate tools is the first step in grooming. Choose brushes according on the type of coat your pet has. Pets with long hair require different brushes than those with short hair. To get rid of tangles, gently comb through their fur, beginning at the roots. To make sure your brushes are functioning properly, clean them on a regular basis.

2. Give Your Pet a Proper Bath

One essential Pet Care Tips and Trick of grooming is taking a bath. Select a shampoo for your pet based on their coat type and skin type. Human shampoos might irritate their skin, so stay away from them. It’s crucial to bathe them as needed, usually every few weeks or as your veterinarian instructs, as bathing too regularly might deplete their skin’s natural oils.

3. Regularly trim nails

Injuries and discomfort can result from overgrown nails. Every two weeks, examine your pet’s nails. It’s time for a trim if you hear clicking noises when they walk. When using clippers, exercise caution to prevent cutting the quick, which can hurt and result in bleeding. If in doubt, think about hiring a professional groomer to do the work.

4. Clean their eyes and ear

Another important aspect of pet grooming is cleaning their eyes and ears. Check for filth, wax accumulation, or illness symptoms on a regular basis. Use a vet-approved ear cleaner and soft cotton balls to wipe away any debris. For eyes, a gentle wipe with a damp cloth can remove discharge.

However, if you notice any redness, swelling, or excessive discharge, consult your pet doctor immediately.

5. Regularly Check for Fleas and Ticks

Fleas and ticks can cause serious discomfort to your pet. Regularly Pet Care Tips and Tricks your pet’s fur for these pests, especially after outdoor activities. Use flea and tick prevention products, but always follow your vet’s advice for choosing the right one. Comb your pet’s fur with a flea comb to remove any pests that might be hiding.

6. Brush Teeth for Oral Health

Just like humans, pets need dental care. Brush their teeth helps prevent tartar buildup, gum disease, and bad breath. Use a toothbrush and toothpaste designed specifically for pets. Start slow, and gradually get your pet accustomed to having their teeth brushed.

7. Coat Care and Professional Grooming

Also pets, those with thick or long coats, need to be groomed more frequently. To avoid mats and tangles, regular brushing and trimming are crucial. Think about hiring a professional groomer for pets with challenging coats. In addition to handling various coat types, groomers are qualified to offer extra services including anal gland expression, nail care, and ear cleaning.

8. Proper Grooming for Particular Breeds

Grooming requirements vary by breed. While some cats and dogs need little care, others need to be groomed more frequently. Find out the breed-specific grooming needs of your pet. For instance, Siamese and other short-haired cats are easier to groom than poodles, which require frequent haircuts.

9. Check for Skin Issues

While grooming, always check your pet’s skin for any abnormalities such as lumps, bumps, or signs of infections. Dry patches, redness, or hair loss could indicate allergies, infections, or parasites. Early detection of skin issues can help you address problems before they become more severe.

10. Stay Calm and Be Patient

Both you and your cat should enjoy the grooming process. Grooming sessions should begin when your pet is at ease. Sessions should be brief, and excellent behavior should be rewarded with praise. When working with a creature that isn’t accustomed to being groomed, patience is crucial. Your pet will eventually come to appreciate the procedure.

Conclusion

An essential Pet Care Guide for your pet is proper grooming. In addition to making them look better, regular care also helps keep health problems at bay. You can keep your pet clean, healthy, and content by adhering to these pet care tips and tricks. For guidance on particular grooming techniques that are appropriate for your pet’s breed and requirements, always seek advice from your veterinarian.

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The Hidden Costs of Buying a German Shepherd

Owning a German Shepherd can be one of the most rewarding experiences in life, thanks to their intelligence, loyalty, and protective nature. However, many prospective owners underestimate the costs associated with bringing a German Shepherd into their home. While the initial purchase price of the puppy is a significant expense, various hidden costs can accumulate over time, significantly impacting your budget. This article will explore the hidden costs of buying a German Shepherd to help you make a well-informed decision.

Purchase Price and Breeder Costs

The first expense you’ll encounter is the Short haired German shepherd puppy for sale. Depending on factors like lineage, breeder reputation, and location, you can expect to pay anywhere from $500 to $3,000. Puppies from reputable breeders with health certifications and a strong pedigree will generally be more expensive. While it might be tempting to go for a lower-priced puppy from an unverified source, this can lead to higher costs in the long run due to potential health issues or behavioral problems.

In addition to the purchase price, consider the costs associated with securing a puppy from a reputable breeder. This may include application fees, deposits, and potential transportation costs if you are purchasing from a distant breeder. Ensure that you factor in these additional expenses when budgeting for your new furry friend.

Vaccinations and Veterinary Care

Once you bring your German Shepherd puppy home, you’ll need to consider the costs of vaccinations and regular veterinary care. Puppies require a series of vaccinations in their first year to protect them from various diseases, such as parvovirus and distemper. These initial vaccinations can range from $100 to $300, depending on your veterinarian and the specific services provided.

Regular check-ups, flea and tick prevention, and dental care will also add to your overall veterinary expenses. As your German Shepherd ages, you may need to consider additional health screenings for common breed-specific conditions, such as hip dysplasia or degenerative myelopathy. These can add significant costs over the dog’s lifetime, often amounting to several hundred dollars annually.

Food and Nutrition

Feeding your German Shepherd a balanced diet is crucial to their health and development, and high-quality dog food can be expensive. A large breed like the German Shepherd requires a substantial amount of food, which can lead to monthly expenses of $50 to $150, depending on the brand and dietary needs.

You may also want to invest in supplements or specific dietary formulations, especially if your dog has health issues or is involved in rigorous activities such as training or sports. While it’s essential to provide your dog with adequate nutrition, be cautious of overly expensive brands, as high prices do not always correlate with better quality.

Training and Socialization

German Shepherds are intelligent and eager to learn, but they also require consistent training and socialization to develop into well-rounded adults. Many owners opt for professional training classes, which can range from $100 to $500 or more, depending on the type of training and duration. Private lessons can be even more costly.

If you choose to train your German Shepherd at home, you may still need to invest in training materials, such as books, videos, and tools like leashes and harnesses. Additionally, socializing your puppy can involve costs associated with dog parks, playdates, and supervised interactions with other animals, which can add up over time.

Grooming and Maintenance

German Shepherds have a double coat that requires regular grooming to keep their fur healthy and reduce shedding. Depending on whether you choose to groom your dog yourself or hire a professional groomer, grooming expenses can vary significantly. Professional grooming sessions typically cost between $30 and $100, depending on your location and the services provided.

In addition to grooming, consider the cost of grooming supplies, such as brushes, shampoos, and nail clippers. Regular maintenance will help prevent skin issues and keep your home clean, making it a necessary expense for any German Shepherd owner.

Pet Insurance

Pet insurance can be a valuable investment for German Shepherd owners, given the breed’s predisposition to certain health issues. Insurance premiums vary widely based on coverage, age, and location but generally range from $30 to $100 per month.

Having pet insurance can help offset the costs of unexpected veterinary expenses, including accidents or illnesses. While it may feel like an added expense, the financial protection it offers can be invaluable, especially as your dog ages and requires more frequent medical attention.

Miscellaneous Costs

Several other costs can add up when bringing a German Shepherd into your home. These include essential items such as collars, leashes, crates, and bedding. You should also budget for ongoing expenses like toys, treats, and pet-sitting services if you plan to travel. Unexpected costs, such as emergency vet visits or damage caused by your puppy, can also arise, so it’s wise to set aside some extra funds for unforeseen circumstances.

Conclusion

While the initial purchase price of a German Shepherd puppy may seem manageable, the hidden costs of ownership can quickly add up. From vaccinations and veterinary care to food, training, grooming, and insurance, prospective owners must consider all aspects of dog ownership before committing to this breed. By understanding and budgeting for these hidden costs, you can ensure that you are fully prepared to provide your German Shepherd with the care, attention, and love they deserve. This preparation will not only benefit your wallet but also contribute to a happy and healthy life for your new furry family member.