Grooming Seminar

We recently attended a grooming seminar at the Hampton Inn in Hurst.  The seminar was hosted by King Scott, our local grooming supplier based in Euless. 

There were speakers from Best Shot, and Espree talking about their shampoo.  Also veterinarian Joe Allen from Boulevard Animal Hospital in Colleyville spoke about various skin problems and solutions for them. 

Deb Stover

Finally there was a coat stripping expert, Deb Stover, who showed us how to perform a show quality coat stripping job (not fun looking!).

Here are some of the keys we learned:

1.  You can’t tell just from looking at a dog what skin issue is bothering them.  In the words of the vet, you can’t make a microscopic diagnosis without a microscope.

2.  Many skin problems are from internal causes.  Food allergies, malnutrition, and seasonal allergies are examples.

3.  You can’t fix a skin problem in one bath every 4 to 6 weeks.  If your dog has an issue, try to bring it in once a week until the problem becomes resolved.  Think dry skin, flea allergies, and hot spots as an example.  (We would be willing to discount this if it is something a client needed)

4.  Many skin irritations are from people not rinsing their dog properly after a bath.  You do not want ANY residual shampoo on a dog after a bath.  The shampoo will have a drying effect, especially on the belly and armpits.  Rinse your dog well if you bathe at home!

5.  Human shampoo should never be used on dogs.  It is a different PH balance.  It is not designed for their skin or hair.  No exceptions; never use it!

6.  Always follow the dilution ratio for shampoos.  Many dilute at 10:1 ratios.  That is 10 parts water, and 1 part shampoo.  Not following the dilution ratio leads to incorrect cleaning.  Think of this as wetting a dog down, then putting a glob of shampoo on the dog.  That glob will not efficiently or effectively clean the dog all over its body.  Mix it first for best results.

Joe Allen

7.  There are many different brands of shampoos.  It is an unregulated industry.  You need to be careful when buying shampoos and be wary of any claims they make.  We trust Espree and that is the primary product we use.  It is made locally in Grapevine.  (www.espree.com)

8.  We can never stop learning.  There is always a new product, different technique, or new research that becomes available.  We dedicate ourselves to learning so that we can do the best job we can.