How often should I trim my pet's nails?
For most animals I recommend trimming your pet's nails every 1-2 weeks to prevent overgrowth and discomfort, as well as to gain the animals ability to tolerate trims. Although some may do fine with trims further apart as much as once a month, feel free to ask my opinion when I meet your loved family pet. Some may require multiple trims to get to a decent length and then only need the upkeep of that length.
If you're hearing tapping as your dog walks on hard floors, it is very possible that the nails are too long and may be pushing up on toe pads leading to discomfort as they walk.
How can I make my animal more comfortable with nail trimming?
The few things that more readily help an animal (Dog/Cat/Rabbit/ Bird/Guinea Pig etc) become more comfortable with nail trimming/ dremeling is:
*having it done more frequently,
*Exercise the animal first;
Most animals when given physical exercise walk, bike run/structured play, or if that is not possible perhaps due to the limitations of the owner then Mental stimulation in way of food/treat puzzles, obedience practice etc can help decrease the animals pent up energy to help it settle down and therefore help it tolerate the trim.
Never Underestimate the hidden beautiful effects of adequate daily exercise for your Dog! :)
*to help in between trims practice holding your animals feet and seperating the toes slightly. If the animal allows this practice tapping the nails with a pen or other simple item, the Tapping is as close to a trim you can get without actually cutting anything.
*Calmly Praise the animal for any positive reaction to the practice or any trimming done. (Calmly so as not to inadvertly over excite the animal and thereby causing the animal to over react and not sit or stand calmly for the trimming)
*if the dog has a negative reaction to it, don't let that upset you;
Every dog has its way that will make it possible. Dog may prefer to sit, or stand, or may do better if the dog is not be able to see it, may do better if can't hear the trimming/dremel, dog may need to be talked to through it, dog may do better being held a certain way, dog may do better being distracted with treats or a long chew treat, etc. just give it time to find what works. Options are endless as to what may work for each dog.
(I may add more suggestions as time goes on)
How much is a nail trim?
A short breakdown for Dogs and Cats is $15/animal, every 2nd animal in the same household $10, Follow-up trims within 2 weeks is $5, with 1 free for multiple pet households. Further info can be seen in the link above, or read further.
What is a reasonable time frame to do nail trims? and Why?
I'd suggest on average and a minimum every 2 wks, however some will require trims weekly or even twice a week if possible. Others may only need it done once a month or longer.
Each time the nail is trimmed and/or dremeled, the quick (the vien inside the nail) has a chance to receed and therefore allowing more to be trimmed off. Nails that are already overgrown, will require trims more frequently. It is very possible after repeated trims for the quick to receed enough to take more off the nail than previous, and eventually be at a decent length for both animal and owner. When that happens the nails may only require an upkeep visit less often.
What grooming advice can you provide?
I can advise about the tools needed, and how to achieve desired outcome.
Such as but not limited to; Brushing, Combing, Dematting, Trimming, Specific Breed Clips, Nails, Cleaning of Ears and Eyes, Pad shaving, etc.
If requested, I can also provide assistance and lend borrowed tools to help complete the grooming. I will also make suggestions on how to help your loved pet become more comfortable with grooming.
Do you offer personalized training sessions, and what does it cost?
Yes, I offer personalized training sessions tailored to you and your pet's specific needs.
Training: Training is tailored to what you and your household desired outcomes are.
Starting with up to an hour FREE consultation to; allow your dog (or other animal) to meet me, for us discuss what you're desired outcomes are, in order to determine a time line and if you feel training with me will bring success.
1 on 1 in home:
Up to 1 hr $45.
$25 each hour thereafter. Even if on different day.
Unlimited text support to follow.
Up to 1 hr out in the Public $35.
$20 for each hour thereafter. Even if on different day,
*Less for out in public due to distractions and neither side (you or I) able to guarantee outcome.
Unlimited text support thereafter.
Group Lessons will be considered in near future if desired.
Training is only successful if both parties (trainer and client with dog) are able to follow through, without sugar coating it No training is 100% guaranteed, however being willing to see it through will give better chance at being successful.
Yes, in my opinion, certain breeds are capable of certain things more than others.
Should I get my dogs hair/fur clipped short for the warm months?
This depends on the breed, while breeds like a Yorkshire Terrier, Shih-tzu, a West Highland White Terrier, or a Poodle can be clipped short if desired, resulting in less upkeep, while it is that short. Then it is still optimal to continue brushing as the coat/hair grows longer. However, breeds with double coats, such as a Pomeranian, Akita, Border collie, Shepherd, Retriever, Newfoundlander, etc, should Not be clipped, for a few reasons. Mixed breeds, however ~ will depend on what the mix is as to the potential issues.
Clipping these coats, every time it is done it is risking the dog's fur not growing back at all, or if it does, it may grow back in patches, lose its colour and texture. It will also put dogs at higher risk of insect bites and issues like an increased potential of heat stroke due to the exposure to the elements.
You may ask, 'but doesn't it keep them cooler?', actually the opposite will happen. Dogs don't sweat like humans, they lose heat in the pads of their feet, in their groin and by panting. So dogs with a full coat, the heat of the day has to get through the coat first before it heats up your dog.
The best option to help your dog keep cool in the heat of the spring and summer months is to keep up with Brushing, thereby removing any loose undercoat, also having their paws and groin clipped, lastly for the panting, if the area around the dog is too warm they will have a harder time cooling down.
How often should I brush my dog?
This will depend on a few factors, but best case senario would be at least once a week.
Put it this way, depending on the breed your dog has more hair than you and can't hold a brush, so do it for them.
If you feel that's not possible, perhaps the dog seems to not like it, or won't sit still for you, or perhaps you yourself don't enjoy the task. Whatever the reason, if help is needed - don't hesitate to ask. If needed I can provide the simple service of an affordable brushout. Therefore also preventing the possibility of developing matts that would need to be shaved out.
What ways are there to feeding a dog/any animal?
Types of feeding for dogs include: measured/and possibly timed feed from a bowl, scatter feed, feeding by hand, puzzle feeding, and free feeding (free feeding I personally don't recommend)
So why should you consider a food puzzle for your dog instead of just feeding from a bowl?
Best reason for choosing even to try a food puzzle is that on average up to 15 min of mental stimulation can be equivalent to 30 - 60 min or more of physical exercise. This means your dog won't be as bored, and therefore, it may help diminish or eliminate some behavior issues dogs may exhibit. Such as excessive/unwanted barking, chewing, licking, digging etc.
What else can be done to help diminish or eliminate behaviors that may be linked to boredom?
Increase exercise (daily walks or runs beside a bike), practice obedience, practice instructing the dog to be calm (lay down, bed, crate/kennel) for even a few in a day. Yes a dog learning to be calm is just as important as keeping up with daily execise.
What Human Foods are considered toxic to pets dogs & cats?
While there is a difference of opinion by many as to the actual health concern from any or all of the following. The amount that is considered toxic will depend on size of dog and the amount that has possibly been consumed. For accurate diagnosis always consult your vetrinarian. A toxic level for a chihuahua won't be the same amount for a highly active lab or Great Dane, let alone an animal in fairly good health compared to an animal already dealing with other health ailments.
- Chocolate; no matter how enticing it may be to give chocolate to a dog, it containsa stimulant called theobromine ( dark chocolate has highest content) which itself toxic and can cause kidney failure. A dog safe substitute is Carob chips, however still best to limit or monitor the amount fed to a dog, sticking to being used as a casual treat.
- Macadamia Nuts, Pistachios, Walnuts, etc. Some nuts are more toxic than others, or may be very hard for the dog to digest and therefore cause issues that affect muscles, nervous system, gastrointestinal irritation, etc.
- Grapes/Raisins; the exact active part that causes the toxin is unknown, however both can cause severe liver damage and kidney failure.
- Pits - Apricot, Peach, Cherry, Plum
- Onions/Scallions (cumulative)
- Green Tomatoes, Vines, or Leaves
- Rhubarb
- Nutmeg
- Persimmon Seeds
- Raw Dough or Bread Yeast
- Alcohol
- Avocado Pit or Peel
- Artificial sweetner (xylitol)