Sunday, March 29, 2009

Easter Candy is a NO NO for Dogs

With Easter just around the corner, you will most likely have some form of chocolate in your house. We all have heard that chocolate can be lethal to your dog, but do you know why? All chocolate products start with the cocoa tree. Theobromine is the ingredient that is used to make all chocolate – especially dark or baker's chocolate – which is toxic to dogs. This is a xanthine compound in the same family of caffeine, and theophylline. A dogs metabolises theobromine very slowly so it can stay in your dog's bloodstream for many hours with a reaction similar to you drinking several cups of strong coffee. During that time it stimulates the central nervous system and affects the heart and kidneys.A lethal dose of theobromine is between 100-150 mg/kg to cause a toxic reaction. There are variables to consider like the individual sensitivity, animal size and chocolate concentration. Here is an example of chocolate types and the amounts of theobromine:Milk chocolate contains 44 mg of theobromine per oz.Semisweet chocolate contains 150mg/oz.Baker's chocolate 390mg/oz.Candies such as, 2 oz. of Baker's chocolate can cause great risk to an 15 lb. dog. Yet, 2 oz. of Milk chocolate usually will only cause digestive problems. Milk chocolate will often cause diarrhea 12-24 hours after ingestion. Try to get your pet to drink water to prevent dehydration.Xanthines, which has the same effects as caffeine, affect the nervous system, cardiovascular system and peripheral nerves. It has a diuretic effect as well. Signs to watch for if your dog gets a hold of Easter treats: hyper excitability, hyper irritability, increased heart rate, restlessness, increased urination, muscle tremors, vomiting or diarrhea. If you suspect your pet has ingested chocolate contact your veterinarian immediately. They will be able to direct you to what action to take in determining the proper treatment for your pet. Easter is a wonderful time of year, just make sure your family pets are not helping themselves to some chocolate rabbits. Be watchful and give your pet the proper treats. Great one's to try are at Life's Abundance and Flint River Ranch. Click on Dog Treats.

Thursday, March 26, 2009

Grooming A Labradoodle Puppy





Here is Charlie, a 4 month old labradoodle puppy. This was her second time in the grooming parlor. I was very happy to see that the wild puppy hair is turning a very beautiful silver. Her owner loves to have her fluffy and that is how I groomed her. She was free from tangles, as her owner is very diligent in brushing her out ever other day. The only trouble spot I found was around her lip line. I suspected she chews on rawhide and to find out, I was right. So today I shaved her face with a #10 blade and trimmed her hair on top of her head and clipped her nails and trimmed up around her feet. That was it. Charile will become a very pretty girl when she grows up.

Wednesday, March 25, 2009

Cockapoo puppy grooming

This is Benji, he is a three month young Cockapoo puppy.I used a comb attachment on his back and scissored his legs and head. It was a topical puppy first groom. Benji did not like the sound of the clipper, he did not like being held on his face to scissor all the hair around his eyes and he would not stand to trim his legs and under side. But he was pretty good despite all that. He did very well for his nail trim, which I was very happy about. I am sure that he will be a great dog to groom in the future. A puppy learns from repetition. This little guy should be groomed every 4-6 weeks to keep his coat in good condition. Brushing is key in keeping the hair free from mats and tangles. This mix breed can be groomed in many styles, the choice is endless. The more he is groomed the better he will be. Benji sure is a handsome boy.

Saturday, March 21, 2009

NuVet and a healthier Abbie

This a Abbie, she is now on NuVet Plus and her owner was so excited to inform me that Abbie is now jumping up on the couch. She also told me that her eyes seem so much better than before. This is a before picture of Abbie prior to taking NuVet Plus. She will be back in for her grooming in 6 weeks, at that time I will take another picture and do a comparison. I will show both pictures at the same time and report my findings.

Friday, March 20, 2009

Basset Hound grooming

Here is Stubby. She is my friend's dog. Stubby was bathed with a product from Ecopure Naturals. This Herbal Shampoo contains active natural: eucalyptus and that makes for a great smelling Basset. She was also given a Blueberry facial to brighten up her white face. Next, I conditioned her with the FURminator Shed-less conditioner to loosen all the dead shedding hair. Basset Hounds most often have dirty ears and I'm not just talking about inside. The ear leather itself can become soiled from being in water and food. I use a flea comb and comb the underside of the ears to remove the dirt. Miss Stubby has a little problem with her toe nails being touched so I am not able to trim them like I would like too. A year or so ago Stubby became paralyzed from some unknown cause. It was heartbreaking to both her owners and to everyone that knows her. The vet had no answer to solve this problem but having her put down was out of the question. So many people including myself prayed for her healing. As you can see from this picture, our prayers were answered. God is so Good! Stubby is again walking and loving life

Wednesday, March 18, 2009

Bosco had a hair cut * because of springtime mud

It was time for the hair cut. The snow is gone and the mud is here. Here is Bosco after he was groomed enjoying his toy. He still is sporting the orange beard. We have well water so I am pretty sure that is why his hair around his month turns a funky orange color.