Bath Time

Some pups who came for a visit, bath, and trim.

Sometimes it seems like we get a whole brigade of dogs in for bath time.

I'm not sure if they like it, but from the looks in their eyes it seems they could be enjoying something like playing at the park, eating treats, of chasing each other around much more.

With the grass growing taller outside, and dogs getting dirtier, it is going to be a LONG Summer full of dirty dogs needing a bath time.

In Texas we see a lot of dogs getting hotspots in the Summer time.  These are caused by inflamed skin, which can lead to infections.  Biting, licking, fleas, and scratching can turn a small irritation into a huge problem.  Getting your pet bathed and groomed on a regular basis can help alleviate the risk of hot spots.

It will leave them clean, fresh, and smelling great too!

Summer FUN! Pool time for Pups!

One way Wizard likes to cool down in the Summer is to take a dip in the pool.  He doesn't like swimming, but he loves his floating boat!

Getting a better view of his friends poolside

A lazy day on the water, Wizard enjoying the pool

Wizard, Pumpkin, and Wendy - Our Pups

Wizard, Pumpkin (Baby), and Wendy.

 

While our dogs might look like perfect little angels, they are anything but.  That isn't to say they are bad dogs, but they all have their little issues.

Wizard the Shih-Tzu is an active little boy.  He gets dirty, sticky, and messy so quickly.  When he drinks water he seems to attack it, and slurps and gulps for minutes on end, walking away from a puddle on the ground where he dripped.  He also likes to get out of the backyard, but instead of running away he waits and scratches on our front door, seeming to beg, "Let me in!"

Pumpkin, (or Baby as we call her) the Rat Terrier, loves to be the center of attention.  She will push her head into your hand until you pet her.  She also loves to bark at people when they come to visit.  She loves to chase, run, and cause a ruckus.  When she is annoyed by something, she makes a high pitched sigh.

Wendy the Poodle mix, doesn't like to walk on tile, or anything that makes her nails tap.  She hates it when sirens sound when firetrucks are in the neighborhood, (she starts howling like she is being killed).  And she likes to spend most of the day we are grooming all alone in the house sleeping on our bed with our cat.

But most of all, they are some of the sweetest, and most loyal friends anyone could ask for.

Clipping dogs toenails - Black Nails

Keeping your dogs toenails trimmed is something that is important.  The pad of a dogs foot is like a pair of shoes, but unlike our feet, the bones in their toes slope down.

Anatomy of a dog's paw.

Because of this, it is important to be sure their nails do not become long enough to touch the ground.  Doing so would cause their nails to bear weight, which is painful.  Imagine walking on your toenails.

One thing you can do to keep your pet healthy, and pain free is to clip their nails at home.  Here is a great video about clipping dogs toenails.

Things to keep in mind:

1. Start off slow.  You can clip a little, and then a little more.  BUT you can't add back what you've already clipped off.

2.  When you see the white circle inside the nail (easier to see in black nails), don't clip any further.  Beyond that is the quick.  If you clip that, their nails will bleed.

3.  A trimmed nail equals a happy and healthy dog.  In the wild, wolves walk/run over rocks, sticks, sand and who knows what else.  Domestic dogs walk on carpet, blankets, and pillows.  Their nails don't stay trimmed naturally.

4.  Use the right equipment.  Nail clippers for dogs, and styptic powder in case you accidentally clip the quick.

5.  If you can't do it at home, or are worried about it, have a professional do it.  Pawsh Boutique charges $5 for nails only.

Blue Lacy - state dog of Texas

The state dog breed of Texas is the Blue Lacy.  Here is Daisy, a dog we groomed today.