Author/Guest Contributor: Charlotte Johnson
Image by Aleksandr Tarlõkov from Pixabay 

Grooming your dog keeps it looking good and ensures its health and comfort. As a new pet owner, you might find grooming a bit daunting. But don’t worry, it’s not as complicated as it seems.  

Below, we discuss the right way to bathe your dog and the importance of regular brushing, especially for those with longer coats. We also mention other grooming needs and when to ask for professional assistance. Read on! 

How to Tailor Grooming to the Unique Needs of Your Pet 

Grooming is one factor that should guide you when getting a pet because the process is not a one-size-fits-all routine. It varies significantly based on various factors, including the following: 

Coat Type and Care 

Learn all about different breeds because they have varying coat types, each requiring a unique approach to grooming. For example, dogs with long, thick coats, like Golden Retrievers, need regular brushing to prevent matting.  

 In contrast, short-haired breeds like Beagles, one of the best family dog breeds, may require less brushing but more frequent baths.  

Skin Sensitivity and Product Selection 

Choosing the right products ensures a comfortable grooming experience for your pet. For instance, dogs with sensitive skin may require hypoallergenic or mild shampoos to prevent irritation. 

Size and Handling 

The size of your dog influences the ease and method of grooming. Larger breeds might require more robust tools and more space for grooming, while you can manage smaller breeds with gentler tools and techniques.  

Temperament and Behavior 

Understand your pet’s behavior to plan a stress-free grooming session for you and your pet. For example, a calm and cooperative dog might enjoy grooming, while a more anxious dog may need a slower, more reassuring approach.  

 Now, let us discuss how to groom your pet. 

The Grooming Process: Tips 

Before you start, gather the right tools and supplies. These include shampoo, conditioner, brushes, combs, and nail clippers. Here are a few tips to help you groom your pet adequately. 

Brushing Techniques and Frequency 

Brushing is vital for all dogs, regardless of coat type. Use a suitable brush — slicker brushes for longer coats and bristle brushes for shorter ones. Daily brushing prevents matting for long-haired breeds, while short-haired breeds may only need weekly brushing. Always brush gently to avoid irritating the skin. 

Bathing Your Dog 

Bathing frequency depends on your dog’s activities and coat type. Typically, once a month is sufficient. Use lukewarm water and a dog-specific shampoo. Lather and rinse thoroughly to remove dirt and prevent residue buildup. Try less frequent baths with a moisturizing shampoo for dogs with dry skin. 

Nail Trimming Practices 

Long nails can affect your dog’s gait and lead to discomfort. Therefore, trim nails every 3-4 weeks and be cautious not to cut too close to the quick. You can ask a professional groomer for help. 

Ear and Eye Care 

Regular cleaning prevents infections and buildup. Use a soft, damp cloth for the eyes, wiping away any discharge. For ears, use a vet-recommended cleaner and cotton balls. Do not insert anything deep into the ear canal.  

Dental Care 

Brush your dog’s teeth several times a week using dog-specific toothpaste to prevent tartar buildup and maintain oral health. 

Final Thoughts 

Regular grooming sessions allow you to check for signs of health issues like lumps, skin problems, or parasites. On top of that, dogs often feel more comfortable and relaxed when groomed by someone they know and love. Hence, grooming is a chance to spend quality time with your dog, building trust and affection.  

 However, some breeds, like poodles or dogs with thick undercoats, have coats that require expert attention. Further, if your dog has health issues like skin conditions or is particularly anxious or uncooperative during grooming, you can ask for assistance from a professional groomer. 

8 Inspiring Quotes to Help You Celebrate

We celebrate International Women’s Day every year on March 8 as it commemorates women’s economic, political, and social achievements. This day also marks a call to action for accelerating gender parity. We hope that you’ll join us in celebrating all the amazing women in our lives — whether your mother, sister, friend, or mentor, these women have undoubtedly helped shape who you are today.

Below are our favorite quotations about women from some of history’s most prominent and formidable females and why their words resonate with us so much!

Read on to be inspired and encouraged by these remarkable ladies’ words — and don’t forget to tell the celebrated women in your life how important and inspiring they are to you!

#1. “A woman is like a tea bag; you never know how strong it is until it’s in hot water.” -Eleanor Roosevelt

Eleanor Roosevelt was an American politician, diplomat and activist who was the longest-serving First Lady of the United States. She was also a niece of President Theodore Roosevelt. As First Lady, she helped to define the role of modern American First Ladies. She advocated for civil rights and women’s rights, and served as a delegate to the United Nations.

What did Eleanor Roosevelt mean by this quote? She meant women are often underestimated – just like a tea bag can steep and release its flavor and strength when put in hot water, women can also do amazing things when given the opportunity. Women are powerful and resilient, and they should never be underestimated!

#2. “Women are the real architects of society.” -Margaret Fuller

Margaret Fuller was an American journalist, critic, and Women’s Rights activist. She was the first full-time female book reviewer in the United States. She wrote Women in the Nineteenth Century, which was published in 1845.

Margaret Fuller reminds us that women have always been integral to shaping society. From the very beginning, women have raised children and created homes. They have also played a significant role in politics, business, the arts, science, and other fields. Women are powerful and indispensable members of society, and we should never forget that.

#3. “There is no limit to what we, as women, can accomplish.” -Michelle Obama

Michelle Obama is an American lawyer and writer who was the First Lady of the United States from 2009 to 2017. She is married to the 44th President of the United States, Barack Obama. As First Lady, Obama served as a role model for women, and worked as an advocate for poverty awareness and food security. She also advocated for Women’s Rights issues. After leaving the White House, Obama continued to be an active voice in support of Women’s Rights.

Michele Obama’s quote reminds us that there is no limit to what women can accomplish. Women have led revolutions, founded businesses, and made incredible scientific discoveries. Women are capable of anything they set their minds to. So today, on International Women’s Day, let’s celebrate all that women have done and continue to do. Let’s remember that they are powerful and resilient, and there is nothing they can’t achieve.

#4. “You have to be brave enough to break the rules.” -Stevie Nicks

Stevie Nicks is a respected songwriter and rock musician who has achieved great success both as a solo artist and as a member of the band Fleetwood Mac. She is known for her ethereal vocal style and her poetic lyrics and has been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. She has spoken out about the challenges that women face in the music industry and the importance of supporting each other. She has also said that women need to “be brave and be strong and be powerful” and that they should “celebrate their own femininity in their own way.”

We are inspired by Stevie Nicks’ quote because for centuries women have been told they can’t do things. Yet, women are just as capable as men, sometimes even more so. Today, be brave enough to break the rules and pursue your dreams. We need more women willing to take risks and challenge the status quo. So go out there and achieve incredible things!

#5. “There is no such thing as a perfect person, and there is no such thing as a perfect woman.” -Zaha Hadid

Zaha Hadid was a world-renowned architect who designed some of the most innovative and iconic buildings in the world. She was the first woman to win the prestigious Pritzker Architecture Prize, and she has left an indelible mark on the field of architecture. Her work is characterized by its bold shapes and striking use of color, and she has inspired a new generation of architects.

Despite being one of the most successful architects in the world, Zaha Hadid was not immune to discrimination. She often faced obstacles and challenges that her male colleagues did not, but she refused to be deterred. “I don’t want to be the best female architect,” she once said. “I want to be the best architect.”

Zaha Hadid’s quote is an important reminder that nobody is perfect. We all have our own unique talents and weaknesses. And that’s what makes us special. Women should embrace their imperfections and work to improve themselves every day. There is no such thing as a perfect woman, but we can all be amazing women if we try. Thank you for being you, imperfections and all!

#6. “A woman is like a bank. You can’t continue making withdrawals without making a deposit.” -Nancy Pelosi

Nancy Pelosi is an American politician who is the Minority Leader of the United States House of Representatives, serving since 2011. She is a member of the Democratic Party. She has been a long-standing advocate for women’s rights and has been pivotal in ensuring that legislation supporting women is passed. She has also been a vocal advocate for equal pay and opportunities for women in the workforce.

Nancy Pelosi’s quote suggests women are valuable and important members of society, and we should treat them as such. We need to make sure that we are giving back to women as much as we can. Women are the backbone of our communities and our economy, so it’s important that we support them in every way possible. Happy Women’s Day!

#7. “If you want something said, ask a man; if you want something done, ask a woman.” -Margaret Thatcher

Margaret Thatcher was the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom from 1979 to 1990. She was the first woman to hold that office. She advocated for women by breaking the barriers that were in place for them and showed that women could be just as successful as men in politics and other fields.

Margaret Thatcher’s quote suggests that women are more effective at getting things done than men. Women are often more organized and efficient than men, and they are also better at multitasking. Women are capable of handling a lot of tasks at once, and they are not afraid to take on challenges. So if you want something done, ask a woman! Women are more than capable of handling anything. Happy Women’s Day!

#8. “The future is female.” -Linda Sarsour

Linda Sarsour is an American political activist and community organizer. She is the executive director of the Arab American Association of New York, and has been involved in several campaigns concerning Muslim Americans. In 2011, she was appointed deputy director of Community Affairs for the New York City Office of Mayor Michael Bloomberg. In 2017, Sarsour was a co-chair of the Women’s March on Washington. She is also a member of the Women’s March board. In February 2018, she was named one of “The Most Influential People in Brooklyn” by Brooklyn Magazine.

This quote by Linda Sarsour suggests that the future belongs to women. Women are powerful and capable, and they have a lot to offer the world. Women are the future, and we should all work to make sure that they have a voice in society. Women deserve to be heard and respected, and we need to do everything we can to promote gender equality.

Happy International Women’s Day!

March 6th is the anniversary of National Dentist Day! A day to celebrate the individuals who keep our teeth healthy and gleaming. But, let’s not forget about our four-legged pals’ teeth while we’re at it! Oral care is an integral part of overall pet health, and it should not be neglected. Pets require regular dental care to prevent gum disease, tooth decay, and other health issues. In fact, many pet experts believe that oral care is even more critical for pets than it is for humans. That’s because pets can’t brush their own teeth, so they rely on us to help keep them clean and healthy.

Pets who have regular oral care are less likely to develop dental problems, which can lead to other health issues down the road. However, doing this task by yourself can be challenging. If you have trouble with your pet’s oral care, seek a professional groomer that offers these services. A professional pet groomer can help with this task by providing regular brushing and dental cleaning services.

If you’re looking for a groomer that offers oral care services, you shouldn’t have trouble finding one in your area. Most reputable pet groomers offer these services, and many specialize in them.

• Ask your veterinarian if they have any recommendations for good pet groomers in your area. Veterinarians are a great source of information for finding quality pet care. They should know of a few reputable places that offer dental care services for pets.
• Ask your friends or family members if they have any recommendations. Once you have a few options, do some research on each one.
• Visit PetGroomerFinder.com where you can search for groomers in your area, check out online reviews and see what other pet owners have to say about the quality of their services and help you get a better idea of what to expect and whether or not they’re a good fit for your pet.
• When you’ve narrowed the list to 1-2 groomers, make sure to visit their facility in person before making an appointment to give you a chance to meet the staff and see the facilities for yourself.

When it comes to your pet’s oral care, don’t settle for anything less than the best. When searching for a groomer, ask if they offer oral care services. If they do, you can rest assured that your pet will be in good hands. With a bit of research and some due diligence, you can find a groomer that offers quality dental care services for pets. Your furry friend will thank you!