How To React to Nicks and Cuts At the Dog Groomer

If your dog comes back from the groomer with a cut or nick, what should you do? Is it a sign of negligence or just bad luck?

Dog grooming involves a dangerous mix: sharp blades, tabletop nooses, wet surfaces, and pets who don't care what their hair looks like. It's important to consider several factors when reviewing a grooming injury. In this article, we'll consider cuts, nicks, and gashes.



You Might Comfortably Stay With the Groomer If: 
- the bleeding stopped quickly after the cut
- it's a minimal cut that does not require medical attention,
or it's a more significant cut, but the groomer agreed to pay your veterinarian's bill for care
- the groomer told you about the cut, or (if they didn't know) apologized when you reported it to them later

 Yes, there are some grooming accidents that are difficult to prevent. A dog may sneeze just as the groomer is trimming close along the ear, or maybe the phone rings at the exact moment the shears are closing to round-out that beautiful paw. Sometimes accidents happen at no (or minimal) fault of the groomer.

If your dog (like many) has a particular area they don't like groomed, this area may be more likely to be nicked or cut during grooming. Consider talking with your groomer about alternative styles that may require less brushing, less scissor detail, or otherwise avoid the sensation that is difficult for your dog. The appearance may be different than you prefer, but it might be worth the safety advantages.

Consider Leaving If: 
- your dog has cuts often (and you've reported them all to the groomer)
- it often happens in the same places
- your groomer suggests that they cannot groom your dog without causing cut. If they think your dog is too anxious/scared/wild/aggressive to be groomed safely, it may be best to find another groomer.

Frequent cuts may suggest your groomer's methods need safety improvements, or possibly that your dog has difficulty tolerating a part of its grooming. If your dog has had many grooming visits, it's likely they've given you feedback about how well Wiggles tolerates the process.

For All Injuries
Accidents are difficult for everyone - you, your pup, and the groomer. If you're having a hard time deciding how to react to a more minor grooming cut or nick, it may be a good idea to mention it at your next vet exam. For more severe cuts, only you can properly consider the injury, your past relationship with the groomer, and how they reacted to this situation. 

11 Ways to Get a Discount From Your Dog Groomer

In this recession, ask your groomer for a discount in these situations and you just might get it!  ALWAYS negotiate BEFORE services are completed.

You Could Save Some - get this type of discount:

1. Slow day special: Offer to come in on the least busy day of the week
2. On-call: If you work from home (or have time off), offer to be on-call. Drop off your dog when convenient for them
3. Too busy convenience fee: If the groomer says they’ll need more time today when dropping off your dog, offer to reschedule or ask for a better dog shampoo free.
4. Prepaid: Pay for 2 dog grooming services today. Get a signed receipt that explains you’ve prepaid!
5. Combine dog services: If your dog gets two or more grooming services in one visit
6. Grooming Treat Package: If you pay for grooming and a pet toy/supplies/treats in the same visit
7. Frequent Grooming Rewards: If you pay for services (bath and/or grooming) every 4 weeks or less

You Could Save Lots - get this type of discount:

8. Essentials Only: Ask your groomer to help you reduce prices by getting only what your dog really needs every-other time. Treat your favorite family member half the time, save money the other half.
9. No Toothbrushing: None ever at the groomer! One treatment once every 6 weeks is not effective
10. Buy in bulk: Multi-dog discounts for bigger families
11. Refer a Friend: They may be willing to give your dog a free groom if you can get 1 or 2 new dogs to come in for an appointment. Ask your friends. Carry groomer’s business card with you wherever you parade your dog’s new hairdo. Say "tell the groomer that I sent you!"

DON’T try to get a discount by asking letting your dog go home wet: your dog might smell gross if not properly dried
DON'T insult the groomer by trying to negotiate a lower price based on the quality of the grooming unless there were major issues with the service - and that means you should just look for a new groomer.

Also try these tips with your pet trainer, pet hotel, vet, dog day care, or other professional dog and cat service providers. 

How to Remove Red Tear Stains From A White Dog

Tear-stains are reddish-brown stains that develop below the eyes of white or light-colored dogs. Not just cosmetic, the area affected by tear-stains can harbor foul-smelling bacteria. The constant moisture can cause redness/irritation and pain for your dog. Most treatments take some time to have a noticeable improvement, so remember to try something new for at least a month before ditching it.

The Real Villain
Opinions vary greatly on the cause of tear-stains. They're generally caused by infection, improperly formed tear ducts, diet, water quality, poor grooming, genetics, or any combination of the above. By ruling out causes and trying different solutions, your pet can be clear-eyed and beautiful again.

Infection?
Eye or even ear infection can cause the staining. It's best to have your vet check to rule out an easily treated infection before taking steps that may worsen the condition.

Maybe she's born with it?
Most vets checking complaints of tear-stains are quick to recommend surgery to open blocked tear ducts or irrigate them. I would never suggest disregarding vet recommendations, but it is my personal belief that surgery should be a last resort and other possible causes should be first eliminated.


Erase the Evidence!
If your dog has long hair, like a maltese or bichon frise, take your dog to an experienced groomer (help in choosing a new groomer in a previous article) to have the area around the eyes trimmed very close. Old, stained hair may be hard to lighten and it's easier to start with a fresh surface. Once trimmed, keep the area clean by wiping gently with warm water and cotton gauze at the first signs of tear secretions. If you have a short-haired breed like a bulldog or a dalmation, skip the trim and just keep the area clean.

Doggy Dinner - Featuring New and Improved Tear-Stain Production!
I always stress the importance of a dog's diet because your dog is limited by the vitamins and proteins you choose for him. Try at least to switch (slowly and gradually) to a food without artificial colors and preservatives. Some dogs may also have tear-stains as an allergic reaction to something in their food. Ask your vet to check for signs of food allergy before making any definitive assumptions.

Does Drinking Kool-Aid Cause Tear Stains?

Well, no, Kool-Aid doesn't really change hair color, but the water your dog drinks might. High levels of minerals commonly found in tap water are safe and beneficial for human consumption, but often too much for dogs (especially the littlest ones). Switch your dog to bottled, distilled, or filtered water could make all the difference. This solution, along with the food change solution, may take about a month to really show a difference.
 
Over-the-Counter Cures
I've bought, sold, and heard about dozens of store-bought or even at-home remedies for tear-stains. The only product I've ever seen work was Angel Eyes. A bichon frise client had chronic tear stains covering most of his face for his entire life. After 3 weeks on Angels' Eyes, I trimmed away all the old and stained hair, and he looked like a perfect little bichon. I've heard other treatments may work, but this product is the only one I have actually witnessed to be 100% effective. This product claims to work "from the outside in".

Keeping your dog's tear-stains under control can be difficult, but there are many options and many solutions. With a little patience and time, your dog can smile into the mirror without the unsightly marking of tear-stains.

Happy hairdays, everyone!

Reduce Your Dog's Anxiety At The New Groomer

Maybe your last groomer was your dog's soul mate until she retired. Now you and your dog are both nervous, and you've got an appointment at a new groomer.

These easy tips can help you both glide easily through to your shiny new grooming experience.

As natural pack animals, dogs will look to their owners as pack leaders for cues about new situations. Know that they watch every move and can detect your unconscious hints of fear, anxiety, and aggression. Walk tall, smile, and be friendly. "Follow me, Fluffy!"

Don't feel bad for your dog! Realize that grooming is not punishment, but can be more like an indulgent trip to the spa. You feel cleaner and happier after a refreshing shower, and we all walk just a little bit prouder after a fantastic haircut. "My dog is going to love this."

Avoid negative phrases like, "I'm so sorry you have to go to the groomer, honey, but you'll feel better and you'll get lots of treats when you're done." You can even substitute your mother's phrase, "Think of all the crusty homeless dogs in Africa who would love to go to this groomer."

Focus on how nice your dog will look when they're done to help you send out positive signals about the situation. Think calm, happy thoughts when walking into the grooming shop to announce to your pet that you've arrived at a welcoming place. "You are going to look great."

Introduce yourself to the groomer with a smile and a handshake. Initiating this kind of touch in front of your dog can help build trust. "See, puppy? The groomer touched me and nothing bad happened."

Most groomers pet down a new dog before admission to check the condition of the coat. Let the groomer know if your dog doesn't like his head scratched or if she prefers to sniff first. "Fifi, meet Sarah. Sarah, Fifi prefers to sniff and lick your hand first"

Lastly, when it's time for you to leave, firmly hand the leash over and walk away calmly. Don't try to sneak out or linger because it can give the impression that you expect something bad to happen. Know that dogs get groomed with great results every single day. Remember that most groomers are also dog owners and dog lovers who will treat your dog like their own.

Say this last phrase out loud as you hand off the leash and know that it's true for you both:
"I know you'll be fine".

10 Questions to Ask Before You Pick a New Dog Groomer

Searching for a new groomer can be scary! Sure, hair grows back, but you want to make sure your precious pup is safe and happy.

Ask prospective groomers these questions before your first appointment. It's always best to call a groomer toward the middle of the day, as early morning and afternoon are typically high-traffic times. It's even better to ask the groomer for a good time to drop by (and bring Spike with you) to ask your questions.

1. What kind of training have you had? Professional training at a school or certificate program (not just an internship or work-study) is always preferred. If they learned from another groomer, it might be best to ask to contact that groomer and go through this list with the teacher, too. It's important that their training included safety and handling procedures that most I-taught-myself groomers may not know.
   
   
2. How many years have you been grooming? This answer would ideally include at least 2 years of full-time experience. If they say something vague like "I've been grooming my own (or my friend/family) dogs at home for years...", make sure they have quality training to make up for their unspoken lack of experience.
   
   
3. Are dog ever put into a crate? If the answer is yes, asking to see the crate area is a reasonable request, especially if there are no other pets in the area at that time. Quickly, smell for lingering odors like urine, feces, mildew, or other signs that it it isn't thoroughly cleaned. Are the crates visibly in good shape (not rusted or broken)?
   
   
4. Do the cage dryers use heated air or recirculated air? Heating on cage dryers is a big no! The air from a cage dryer blows directly at your pets, designed to be used without groomer interaction. Recirculated air usually isn't harmful, but heated air can cause breathing distress or even death for certain breeds, like Yorkshire Terriers or Bulldogs.
   
   
5. What brand of dog shampoo do you use? The quality of the shampoo can change the coat condition of your pet. Cheap ingredients can cause allergic reactions or hair damage. For this, it's best to look online to check the brand specifics. Look for its price relative to the others (try PetEdge.Com or RyansPet.com) to make sure they're not charging you top price for bottom quality.
   
   
6. What's included in the grooming package? Ask to see how many services the package includes and prices for added-on services: shampoo, conditioner, ear-cleaning, ear-plucking, nail trim, pet perfume/cologne, flea bath/dip, de-skunking treatment, dematting/detangling
   
   
7. Do you offer toothbrushing? Does it really work? Here's another trick question. Toothbrushing at the groomer only works if the owner ALSO brushes the pet's teeth at home. Think about it - would brushing your teeth once a month make a big impact? Be wary of the motives of a dog groomer who still insists on selling you a toothbrushing service after you mention that you wouldn't brush your dog's teeth at home.
   
   
8. Do you require shot records? While not mandatory, groomers who ask for vaccination records protect your pet by limiting Fido's exposure to risks for infection.
   
   
9. What is clipper burn? Throw this question in casually, almost as if you don't know, to see how they react. Clipper burn [little red bumps of irritation caused by a hot blade or by improper clipper handling] is mostly preventable and should happen rarely if ever. Be wary of responses like "Oh, it happens all the time,it's no big deal".
   
   
10. Do you offer any discounts or incentives for homes with multiple dogs? For frequent clients? If I refer a friend who becomes a client? Sometimes groomers (especially those who manage their own shops) will offer discounts if you bring your pack of dogs to them regularly. Just one dog? Bring Lassy in for a haircut every six weeks (depending on breed) and schedule a bath with the groomer in-between trims. If you have a friend or two with dogs, see if the groomer with give you a one-time discount for each new client you give her. Everyone wins!
    

Remember - you have a right to ask questions before you trust your pet with a new groomer! A groomer who doesn't want to give you the time to answer a few questions might not be patient with your dog.


Happy haircuts, everyone!