Discover the expert in you.
Discover the expert in you.
If your dog takes a break in between delivering puppies, don't panic. That's a normal part of the canine birth process. However, if a dog takes too long in between deliveries or strains for a long time without producing a pup, that's another story. Your dog will probably be just fine when the blessed event occurs, but have all your veterinarian's contact information on hand in case of emergency.
Dog groomers use a variety of clipper blades to achieve professional results when they groom your dog. Professional dog grooming clippers have attachment blades that snap on and off easily, enabling the groomer to change the blades quickly. Snap-on combs attach to the clipper blades, enabling the groomer to achieve a longer cut than blades alone are capable of. Attachments enhance the efficiency of the dog clippers.
Sometimes a dog's healthy, shiny "wow" factor can become an “ow” factor. Breeds with medium-length hair or long hair like poodle mixes, Yorkshire terriers and some retrievers, have a tendency to tangle. While a variety of grooming tools can help, certain brushes and combs are best suited to handle mat-prone fur.
Puppies get into all kinds of sticky and stinky situations, sometimes necessitating a bath. These little guys have sensitive skin that requires a gentle, soap-free shampoo formulated especially for dogs. While regular dog shampoo is safe to use on puppies, avoid any formulas containing flea medications because such chemicals can be toxic to young pups.
If there was a tacit sartorial dictate stating that a man's trench coat must match his suit, an appearance-conscious gentleman would be left with just one choice: wearing only suits the same color as his trench coat on days with a wet or chilly forecast. Trench coats have evolved since British soldiers first started wearing them during World War I. And acceptable color options that deviate from the original khaki canvas have changed over time.
Dog bath games are a really great way to make the process of giving your dog a bath as painless as possible. Find out about great dog bath games with help from an experienced pet expert in this free video clip.
Dogs that have single coats are more susceptible to shedding than those with double coats. Find out more about dogs that have single coats with help from an experienced pet expert in this free video clip.
Every time Winston sees you with a washcloth in your hand, he makes a run for it. It’s not that washing his face hurts him, he just doesn’t like being restrained and maybe you accidentally got some soap in his eye at one point. Relax, take it slow and boost your pooch’s confidence by letting him know he has absolutely nothing to be afraid of.
If you see small black dots that look like eggs on your dog, Fido's got a pest problem. While parasites lay white eggs, their adult bodies, debris and fecal matter can resemble black eggs. Quick action can help Fido feel better and prevent the problem from worsening.
Every dog needs a good brushing now and then. Whether your pup’s fur is long and luxurious or short and stiff, regular brushing will help prevent tangles, clear dead fur and keep him healthy and happy. Not all dogs are immediately appreciative of being brushed, and some treat the situation as a life or death predicament. With the right approach, though, you can make brushing time enjoyable for both you and your furry friend.
Newborn pups are completely helpless and can’t quite bathe themselves yet. While mama should be stepping in and cleaning her infants, sometimes she needs a helping hand. You shouldn’t be bathing newborn puppies every day, although you might need to help Maggie wipe down her brood once in a while.
While indoor cats can easily live to be 17 years or more, dogs have shorter life spans. How long your pup will be around depends on a number of factors, including his breed, his size and what diseases he has to endure. Proper vet care, a healthy diet and plenty of love also can help keep your pet around longer.
A premature baby is a baby born before 37 weeks gestation. Because the baby did not complete development and important growth in the womb, a preemie usually needs to continue developing in a neonatal intensive care unit of the hospital. Once your premature baby grows to full term, you may need to trim her tiny fingernails to prevent painful scratches.
An unhealthy looking coat can signify localized skin or fur problems as well as wider health problems. A well-fed, well-exercised and healthy dog has a glossy, full coat that is free from pungent odors. If you notice Lucky's coat isn't looking, feeling or smelling its best, note accompanying symptoms to assist your veterinarian in arriving at a swift diagnosis.
Grooming your dog helps to maintain her overall health and well-being. Bathing is an essential part of your grooming activities, but it also can be one of the most difficult and stressful for you and your furry friend if you’re not prepared. But with a little planning, patience and a few helpful tips, you can make this one-on-one time with your pet a pleasurable experience.
Labs and golden retrievers seem to top every “best family dog” list, but let’s not forget about the little guys. Small dogs make wonderful family pets for those who don’t have all the space a large breed requires or those who don’t want their walls covered in drool and floors covered in large tufts of fur.
iPhones don't come cheap, and taking care of your device can be the difference between needing a new smartphone and making it to the next upgrade. Extreme situations, including cold environments, can damage your iPhone or even render it unusable. Keep your iPhone within Apple's recommended temperature range for best results.
Brushing your dog is an important part of keeping him healthy and strengthening your relationship. Regular grooming sessions give you a chance to bond with your pup in addition to reducing shedding, getting rid of dirt and tangles and making your dog a bit softer and fluffier. Brushing needs vary from dog to dog, and it is possible to over-brush depending on your dog’s breed and the brush you use.
Matted fur is unsightly, unhygienic and all around unpleasant for both you and your dog. Regular brushing and grooming will prevent most knots from developing, but occasionally a chunk of your dog's coat may become matted despite your best efforts. The good news is that there is no reason you cannot untangle the hair and return your dog's healthy coat to its former glory. Untangling matted hair should be a basic part of your dog's bathing and grooming ritual.
Though it won’t kill your dog to never bathe him, it probably will make life more pleasant for both of you if you can give him a bath. Some dogs smell worse than others, or sometimes dogs roll in unpleasant-smelling substances, making a bath necessary. If your dog loves being bathed instead of running the other direction when you mention the word “bath,” the experience will be more pleasant for both of you. It’s easiest to train your dog to love bathing when he’s still a puppy.
Your puppy goes through the same developmental stages as children do. There's that innocent newborn stage, the toddler era, and of course, the awkward teens. Dogs just reach these stages faster than people. The exact age at which your dog is no longer a puppy depends on his genes. Generally, smaller breeds reach maturity sooner than larger breeds. Your veterinarian can advise you on when Rascal is nearing the end of puppyhood so you can know exactly what he still needs for proper development.
If you've got a rubber glove, you've got everything you need to remove dog hair from nearly any surface. Remove dog hair with a rubber glove with help from a cleaning expert known as "The Green Cleaning Coach" in this free video clip.
Preventing clipper burns on dogs is something you can do in a few different ways depending on your preferences. Prevent clipper burns on dogs with help from a partner in the Chuckanut Valley Veterinary Clinic in this free video clip.
In a word, yes. Cat litter can be toxic to small dogs. The danger lies in the canine's habit of raiding the kitty litter box. Dogs are attracted to cat poop; they like the way it tastes. Thus, an open cat box with all of its nuggets is like a Las Vegas buffet for a canine. Trouble is, dogs aren't great sorters; while feasting on kitty's droppings, they often ingest cat litter also. Depending on how much ends up in a dog's digestive system, the swallowing of cat litter can become a health problem.
Proper care of your dog's nicks and cuts is essential to his well-being. Neglecting care or improper care can lead to dirt and bacteria entering the wound and infecting it. When treating dog wounds, your main focus must be on avoiding infections and stopping the bleeding. Learn how to properly care for dog wounds. This way, when an incident occurs, you'll know exactly what to do.
You'll have to be careful when cutting dog fur on your pet's paws. Learn about cutting dog fur on paws with help from a professional mobile dog groomer in this free video clip.
Cutting the knots out of dog fur doesn't require a trip down to the groomer. Cut the knots out of dog fur with help from a professional mobile dog groomer in this free video clip.
Applying stucco is a three-step process, with the last or top layer being the color coat that serves an aesthetic and protective purpose. Mix your desired shade of concrete color into the prepared batch of stucco to form a lasting exterior treatment that withstands natural elements and stands out in the neighborhood. Once applied over the exterior walls, cover the stucco color coat with sealer to help preserve the color.
Cove trim, which is typically made of wood, is similar to crown molding but features a concave face. When set properly, the cove trim's lower sides fit tightly against the wall and ceiling. Prior to hanging cove trim, you must determine where the ceiling joists and wall studs are located. Ceiling joists are typically located 16 inches apart from each other, so you'll secure the cove trim the same distance apart down the length of the ceiling using finish nails.
Terriers are lively, energetic dogs that have two types of coats: a soft, downy undercoat and a hard, wiry outer coat to protect them from the elements. Twice a year, around the spring and fall, the dog starts to shed its outer coat. To help the new coat come in and keep your dog looking clean and neat, hand strip its coat, recommends the American Kennel Club.
Fur capes are luxurious outer garments that protect you from the elements. They consist of ankle- or back-length capes made from mink, beaver, fox or rabbit fur. Back-length fur capes are worn wrapped around the shoulders and arms. Care for your fur cape to prevent the fur from matting or getting permanently ruined.
Poodles that are still puppies or are cross-bred can have straight hair with a little curl around the ears, eyes and feet. The easiest way to keep your straight-haired poodle groomed is to give it a short body cut, trimming the straight curls between the feet and ears with scissors.
Although grooming might seem like a trivial concern for a dog, the way you choose to groom your Yorkshire Terrier can affect its comfort and activity level. No matter which style you choose, it's important to ensure that your Yorkie puppy's fur is clean and free of parasites and mats. Keeping your puppy's nails groomed will ensure that it does not scratch you during play. Although it's possible to groom your puppy's hair yourself with the right supplies and proper preparation, having a groomer do it is typically less time consuming and will result in a better overall appearance.
A dog lover's dream wedding is not complete without the presence of man's best friend. Because a well-groomed pooch is a necessity for such an important occasion, owners of long-haired dogs face additional challenges when readying the pet for the wedding. By following a few grooming pointers, you will be assured that your four-legged guest will be attractive and smell clean on the big day.
As people become more concerned about their pets' appearance and as dogs increase in popularity, the demand for pet groomers increases. Dog grooming is an excellent career choice for people who love dogs and who work well with people but who prefer not to spend a decade or more in veterinary school. There are several important skills dog groomers must master to succeed in the field.
Roof-coating products help provide a protective barrier for your roof and prevent the effects of weathering. Rain, wind and ultraviolet radiation from the sun can all deteriorate your roof, shortening its life. Most of the products designed as roof coatings are used for sealing the roof and providing a barrier against these elements. It is possible to add color to roof coating products and many companies do so.
Removing mats and tangles from your child's hair can be a traumatizing, unpleasant experience to both parties involved. Regardless of your child's hair texture, running, sleeping and playing can cause hair to get tangled. If tangles aren't removed from the hair, they can worsen and turn into knots and mats that are even more difficult to remove. Learn how to deal with matted hair in children so you can make the experience less painful.
Certain kinds of dogs – particularly those that were bred to live in cold climates – have thick, heavy fur. These breeds include huskies, Samoyeds and Malamutes. Sporting dogs like springer spaniels and German Shepards also have longer, dense coats. While it’s important to groom your dog regularly no matter what the breed, dogs with heavy coats have particular grooming requirements that present special challenges.
Building your own patio is a relatively simple job that do-it-yourselfers can do without a great deal of equipment or expense. Your patio may be made of concrete, concrete pavers, brick pavers or flagstone. Each of these materials requires different techniques for patio construction. Building a patio in cold temperatures can cause special problems with leveling, drying and consistency of the mortar.
Discovering bleach marks on your favorite pants is never a treat. Bleach stains ruin the look of your look and sometimes you just have to throw them out. Before doing so, consider experimenting with a few simple fixes that might restore your pants to "almost-like-new" condition.
Pomapoo puppies boast a lustrous coat that results from breeding a Pomeranian and a poodle. While Pomapoo puppies tend to resemble their Pomeranian parent most closely, their coat texture can range from curly to wavy to straight. Pomapoo puppies require grooming and clipping techniques distinct from other breeds.
The Yorkshire Terrier –or Yorkie for short—is a small breed of dog that has a soft, single coat. The fine hair of the Yorkie leads many allergy sufferers to claim that Yorkies are practically hypoallergenic. Because the coat of a Yorkie is thin and fine, they require regular grooming to keep the fur from getting matted. Yorkies are known for their stylish haircuts and many of them are seen wearing bows to keep their bangs out of their eyes.
Years ago, mixed breed dogs were called muts. In the 2000s, mixed breeds became designer breeds, such as the schnoodle. Mini schnoodles, are a cross between a miniature schnauzer and miniature poodle, weighing around 6 pounds. These popular family dogs require specific grooming care. Knowing the grooming needed helps you decide what you can do and what a professional should do.
Many bird owners are hesitant to clip their bird’s nails. However, good nail care is essential to ensuring optimal perch gripping strength for all birds. Overgrown nails prevent perching, which results in arthritis or falls. A layered approach to budgie nail grooming prevents and treats nail overgrowth and keeps your budgie's bone structure and joints in good condition. Knowing how to hold your budgie properly during nail grooming session makes nail care less stressful.
Cats' fur acts as a layer of protection to their skin and regulates their body temperature. The condition of your cat's coat indicates its overall state of health. Helping your cat maintain a soft shiny coat keeps it looking and feeling good.
Mats in your dog's fur are unsightly to look at and uncomfortable for the animal. As the mat gets more knotted and tangled, it pulls on the dog's skin and causes pain. In addition, the mats reduce air circulation and trap moisture against the dog's skin which can lead to skin infections. Regular grooming and bathing should prevent mats from occurring. Mats tend to be more common in dogs with long, curly or shaggy fur so more grooming may be needed for dogs with these types of coats.
A show coat quality is attained by daily grooming with the right brushes and combs. It is equally important to be aware of the type of stroke you perform while brushing your dog’s hair. Cowlicks are unsightly and stand out on an otherwise well-groomed coat. Before shaving the cowlick from your dog’s hair, use grooming techniques to retrain an untamed coat into one that shows off your dog.
The dachshund is a hunting breed of German origin, and the name literally means badger dog. Long-haired dachshunds are a variety that were used for bird-hunting, because their longer hair is not suitable for ground hunting. Dachshunds are known to shed less than other breeds, but long-haired ones require more grooming than the smooth variety. Their coat is soft and wavy, similar to the hair of Irish setters.
A golden doodle is a mixed-breed dog that is the result of breeding a golden retriever with a poodle. Golden doodles are generally about the size of a standard poodle, although they do get to up to 2 feet tall and 75 pounds. A mid-length fur breed, a golden doodle's coat can grow up to 8 inches long if left uncut and can form clumps or mats in the fur. Frequent grooming and regular trimmings can help keep mats from forming in a golden doodle's fur.
Maintain and improve your dog's nails by applying hoof conditioner that typically is used for horses. As a dog ages, its nails may become brittle and split in the quick, where the blood vessels are located, as you try to trim them, according to Sheila Webster Boneham's "The Complete Idiot's Guide to Getting and Owning a Dog." Nutritional supplements can be added to the dog's diet to improve its nails in addition to applying hoof conditioner topically.
