Showing posts with label grooming. Show all posts
Showing posts with label grooming. Show all posts
Fleas, Bugs, Listerine, Dawn Dishwashing Detergent
Barbara writes:
Hi guys,
Just wanted to share some news I just heard.. With summer coming and
those terrible biting bugs you can now use a spray bottle with Listerine in it and spray
outside, in a dog house if you have one, and on the area of your picnic. Suppose to drive them away and pretty cheap if you buy it in a dollar store.
I intend on trying it for these summer days and nites especially.. In Florida you need all the help you can get. The dogs should have less worries with them not around.
Barbara
From Juliette55
I have two Bichons, both male and two other dogs a Maltese and a white Poodle mix and this is what I do for fleas:
First I buy a huge bottle of Listerene mouth wash and I dump it in a spray bottle and I go outside and I spray it all over the yard, wa la no mosiquitoes that carry all kinds of problems for the dogs.
Then I get Dawn Dish Washing liquid and I bath the dogs in it, if they have ANY fleas it will kill them instantly and then I rinse the dogs well and then I put conditioner on them whatever I have and I DO NOT have a flea problem.
You can also spray the Listerine around deck areas your pools etc and it really does keep the bugs down. and its so cheap!
Hi guys,
Just wanted to share some news I just heard.. With summer coming and
those terrible biting bugs you can now use a spray bottle with Listerine in it and spray
outside, in a dog house if you have one, and on the area of your picnic. Suppose to drive them away and pretty cheap if you buy it in a dollar store.
I intend on trying it for these summer days and nites especially.. In Florida you need all the help you can get. The dogs should have less worries with them not around.
Barbara
From Juliette55
I have two Bichons, both male and two other dogs a Maltese and a white Poodle mix and this is what I do for fleas:
First I buy a huge bottle of Listerene mouth wash and I dump it in a spray bottle and I go outside and I spray it all over the yard, wa la no mosiquitoes that carry all kinds of problems for the dogs.
Then I get Dawn Dish Washing liquid and I bath the dogs in it, if they have ANY fleas it will kill them instantly and then I rinse the dogs well and then I put conditioner on them whatever I have and I DO NOT have a flea problem.
You can also spray the Listerine around deck areas your pools etc and it really does keep the bugs down. and its so cheap!
Grooming
Rascal writes:
I have noticed that a lot of people are discussing grooming, especially matting.
I groom Rascal myself because a couple of years back I had taken him to a groomer who decided to make him look like a poodle. So, I started grooming him myself. Sometimes this works out well sometimes I miss the mark. But I figure it's on me then.
What I have found though is if you don't rub their fur and just squeeze the water out after a bath there is less matting. Also, use a conditioner, doesn't have to be a dog conditioner, I use whatever I have on hand.
One tool that is really good is a fork looking like thing (can't remember the name). It has teeth that cut through clots. I also use slicker brushes to get the hairs to seperate (also when I blow dry). I find that professionals who say there were too many matts just don't want to take the time. Bichons take time to groom. Therefore, either you have to take your dog in every two weeks or start grooming them yourself because the professionals will just go with easy not with how you want the dog to be cut. That's my way, What's your? RASCAL...
2DogMom responds:
Hi Linda
You're right, when I took Shelby in to be groomed, the girl just didn't want or have the time to take on her. When I did get home, I thought why don't I just trim her myself next time, I could do it--and she doesn't have to be perfect. As long as I trim and brush so she doesn't get mats. She gets a bath every 2 weeks so I'll just have to get a handle on any mats that are starting.
Cindi
Rascal responds:
Cindi, yeah that's what I do too. I usally don't really brush rascal alot and let his hair curl cause like it will anyways, hehe. But the real trick is don't rub her dry after the bath. Use towels and squeeze the water out. I make rascal shake alot first, he does the shake shake shake your bootie. It came to me one day trying to get him to shake and has just stuck. so now I sing it to him to make hime shake. OK, i'm slightly nuts too... Linda
Rascal responds:
Hey Cyndi,
AAhH the joys of grooming. Really though use conditioner and don't rub them it will make the job easier. I use a blowdryer and a slicker brush to get them dry. the slicker really helps seperate the clots, and I do it in sections, I leave the head for last. Rascal is really great about it even though some days are long with the clipping and bathing and blow drying. But he loves the attention after cause everyone makes a fuss and calls him fufu. Yesterday I found a little stray looks like a Yorkie. took her in and bathed her and groomed her too. She looks so much better. So far no one has reported her missing. Much easier on the grooming though HEHEE. Linda
2DogMom responds:
Hi Linda
What kind of dryer do you have? Just a regular hair dryer or a dog groomer dryer?
Do you brush Rascal's teeth?
Was the little Yorkie you found in good shape? It's cold where you are and she was out in the bad weather? Thank goodness you found her, who knows what would have happened to her! Are you going to keep her? More company for your brood! LOL
Rascal responds:
I use an ordinary blow dryer with the adapter for more focused air control. Here's a pic of her (Yorkie) at least that's what she looks like. She had been hanging around the other apartment complex for 3 days prior to me taking her in. She was lucky our temps were 40-50 over the weekend. This pic was after she had the bath and grooming.
Update from Rascal:
The owners never came to claim her. She is now part of our family. We named her Roxie.
I have noticed that a lot of people are discussing grooming, especially matting.
I groom Rascal myself because a couple of years back I had taken him to a groomer who decided to make him look like a poodle. So, I started grooming him myself. Sometimes this works out well sometimes I miss the mark. But I figure it's on me then.
What I have found though is if you don't rub their fur and just squeeze the water out after a bath there is less matting. Also, use a conditioner, doesn't have to be a dog conditioner, I use whatever I have on hand.
One tool that is really good is a fork looking like thing (can't remember the name). It has teeth that cut through clots. I also use slicker brushes to get the hairs to seperate (also when I blow dry). I find that professionals who say there were too many matts just don't want to take the time. Bichons take time to groom. Therefore, either you have to take your dog in every two weeks or start grooming them yourself because the professionals will just go with easy not with how you want the dog to be cut. That's my way, What's your? RASCAL...
2DogMom responds:
Hi Linda
You're right, when I took Shelby in to be groomed, the girl just didn't want or have the time to take on her. When I did get home, I thought why don't I just trim her myself next time, I could do it--and she doesn't have to be perfect. As long as I trim and brush so she doesn't get mats. She gets a bath every 2 weeks so I'll just have to get a handle on any mats that are starting.
Cindi
Rascal responds:
Cindi, yeah that's what I do too. I usally don't really brush rascal alot and let his hair curl cause like it will anyways, hehe. But the real trick is don't rub her dry after the bath. Use towels and squeeze the water out. I make rascal shake alot first, he does the shake shake shake your bootie. It came to me one day trying to get him to shake and has just stuck. so now I sing it to him to make hime shake. OK, i'm slightly nuts too... Linda
Rascal responds:
Hey Cyndi,
AAhH the joys of grooming. Really though use conditioner and don't rub them it will make the job easier. I use a blowdryer and a slicker brush to get them dry. the slicker really helps seperate the clots, and I do it in sections, I leave the head for last. Rascal is really great about it even though some days are long with the clipping and bathing and blow drying. But he loves the attention after cause everyone makes a fuss and calls him fufu. Yesterday I found a little stray looks like a Yorkie. took her in and bathed her and groomed her too. She looks so much better. So far no one has reported her missing. Much easier on the grooming though HEHEE. Linda
2DogMom responds:
Hi Linda
What kind of dryer do you have? Just a regular hair dryer or a dog groomer dryer?
Do you brush Rascal's teeth?
Was the little Yorkie you found in good shape? It's cold where you are and she was out in the bad weather? Thank goodness you found her, who knows what would have happened to her! Are you going to keep her? More company for your brood! LOL
Rascal responds:
I use an ordinary blow dryer with the adapter for more focused air control. Here's a pic of her (Yorkie) at least that's what she looks like. She had been hanging around the other apartment complex for 3 days prior to me taking her in. She was lucky our temps were 40-50 over the weekend. This pic was after she had the bath and grooming.
Update from Rascal:
The owners never came to claim her. She is now part of our family. We named her Roxie.
Grooming Tutorials
BBirds Bichon Grooming Guide -- includes videos.
Kiyomi Ochiai's Grooming Page -- some of the pics may not show.
Kiyomi passed away July 1998 after a battle with cancer.
Bichon Grooming Pet Cut - long article how to.
Bichon Grooming
Tear Staining Causes and Cures -- comprehesive article concerning Maltese but applicable to Bichons also.
General -How To- Article on Dog Grooming -- step by step slide show
Kiyomi Ochiai's Grooming Page -- some of the pics may not show.
Kiyomi passed away July 1998 after a battle with cancer.
Bichon Grooming Pet Cut - long article how to.
Bichon Grooming
Tear Staining Causes and Cures -- comprehesive article concerning Maltese but applicable to Bichons also.
General -How To- Article on Dog Grooming -- step by step slide show
Grooming Disaster
From Marenie:
I took Muffin to be groomed on Saturday with very exact directions as to what I wanted and did not want done in the grooming session. The "groomer?" shaved my Muffin so you can see most of his skin! I was so upset but even more importantly, so is my Muffin! He knew that things were not right and today, he's still traumatized by what happened to him! I am planning to take some kind of action about this. I know his beautiful fur can't be replaced and it will take about a year to have his beautiful fur to grow back. I need to put clothes or jammies on him or keep him covered with blankets to keep him warm enough.
The company did offer for me to bring him to the vet there (not connected, just there) and they paid for the vet appt. The vet was very kind and said that Muffin was traumatized and the "grooming?" appointment must not have been in a very kindly manner that he's so upset.
I will never leave my Muffin alone for grooming again. I never have left him alone before this "groomer?" who was suppose to be the "top professional groomer" at the company.
I believe she was just lazy so she shaved him down and thought I would be OK with it.
If she could not handle him properly, she should have called me to pick him up.
She should not have done anything to my poor baby Muffin.
Also -- Muffin went in for surgery and he has quite an attitude about himself. The staff was shocked to see him in such condition/behavior and asked what happened. They also found some scissor knicks and burn marks on him that I did not notice.
Jean responds:
Last week we met a gal who had two Bichons. She loved the way our Kelsey was groomed, that is because I do her but she does have to go in and get groomed professionally once in a while. Kelsey hates to go but we must do it.
The gal told me who she took her dogs to and that she made her request that her dogs be trimmed a bit. Well when she got back, he shaved them down to the skin also and she was shocked. She said she thinks he did not want to give the dogs the proper Bichon grooming. I gave her another groomer's name who had done mine past and present dogs.
If I were you, I would write a letter and tell them how it made you feel and how the dog is behaving because of their unprofessional treatment. The fact that you told them what you wanted and they did whatever without consulting you is very unprofessional.
You might add that your friends took note and asked where you had Muffin groomed and you did not hesitate to tell them where.
Be patient though, in 8 weeks, Muffin will look better than now. I would find another groomer. When you find one, ask how many Bichons or Maltese they have groomed.
Some groomers have never done Bichons
I took Muffin to be groomed on Saturday with very exact directions as to what I wanted and did not want done in the grooming session. The "groomer?" shaved my Muffin so you can see most of his skin! I was so upset but even more importantly, so is my Muffin! He knew that things were not right and today, he's still traumatized by what happened to him! I am planning to take some kind of action about this. I know his beautiful fur can't be replaced and it will take about a year to have his beautiful fur to grow back. I need to put clothes or jammies on him or keep him covered with blankets to keep him warm enough.
The company did offer for me to bring him to the vet there (not connected, just there) and they paid for the vet appt. The vet was very kind and said that Muffin was traumatized and the "grooming?" appointment must not have been in a very kindly manner that he's so upset.
I will never leave my Muffin alone for grooming again. I never have left him alone before this "groomer?" who was suppose to be the "top professional groomer" at the company.
I believe she was just lazy so she shaved him down and thought I would be OK with it.
If she could not handle him properly, she should have called me to pick him up.
She should not have done anything to my poor baby Muffin.
Also -- Muffin went in for surgery and he has quite an attitude about himself. The staff was shocked to see him in such condition/behavior and asked what happened. They also found some scissor knicks and burn marks on him that I did not notice.
Jean responds:
Last week we met a gal who had two Bichons. She loved the way our Kelsey was groomed, that is because I do her but she does have to go in and get groomed professionally once in a while. Kelsey hates to go but we must do it.
The gal told me who she took her dogs to and that she made her request that her dogs be trimmed a bit. Well when she got back, he shaved them down to the skin also and she was shocked. She said she thinks he did not want to give the dogs the proper Bichon grooming. I gave her another groomer's name who had done mine past and present dogs.
If I were you, I would write a letter and tell them how it made you feel and how the dog is behaving because of their unprofessional treatment. The fact that you told them what you wanted and they did whatever without consulting you is very unprofessional.
You might add that your friends took note and asked where you had Muffin groomed and you did not hesitate to tell them where.
Be patient though, in 8 weeks, Muffin will look better than now. I would find another groomer. When you find one, ask how many Bichons or Maltese they have groomed.
Some groomers have never done Bichons
Regular Grooming, Grooming Prices
A post asked how much do you pay for grooming but some people posted on grooming in general, how they did it themselves and how often. This is an overall synopsis of the thread.
Grooming fees vary from area to area and also from place to place.
There is the basic fee for shampoo and trim, ears, and most places charge extra for nail clipping, teeth brushing, anal glands, and other beautification perks.
On average -- the basic fee was $45-60.
Some members said they did it themselves and it varied -- every week, every two weeks, once a month, every 5-6 weeks.
Some mentioned that they did it themselves most of the time but brought their dogs in for an "overhaul" once or twice a year.
Many mentioned that they have "summer cuts" for their dogs. Keeping the fur shorter ("puppy cut") in the summer time.
Some did say that their groomers offered a pick up and drop off service for an extra "taxi" fee.
A local grooming school does offer discounts for some "clients" for their students. Check to see if one is in your area or at the local university that offers a course/degree in dog grooming.
No one mentioned the dog grooming van services that come to your house, groom the dog in their upscale mini-van in your driveway, then leave so you don't have to travel.
Others mentioned their dogs being uncooperative at home resulting in professional grooming trips, a few mentioned their dogs "traumatized" over a grooming trip, and then some home accidents that the dogs never forgave their owners for.
Overall -- if you are interested in getting a Bichon -- daily brushing and frequent grooming should be done to prevent the fur from horrid matting. If you don't do the actual trimming yourself, expect to pay out for grooming services every couple of months.
Grooming fees vary from area to area and also from place to place.
There is the basic fee for shampoo and trim, ears, and most places charge extra for nail clipping, teeth brushing, anal glands, and other beautification perks.
On average -- the basic fee was $45-60.
Some members said they did it themselves and it varied -- every week, every two weeks, once a month, every 5-6 weeks.
Some mentioned that they did it themselves most of the time but brought their dogs in for an "overhaul" once or twice a year.
Many mentioned that they have "summer cuts" for their dogs. Keeping the fur shorter ("puppy cut") in the summer time.
Some did say that their groomers offered a pick up and drop off service for an extra "taxi" fee.
A local grooming school does offer discounts for some "clients" for their students. Check to see if one is in your area or at the local university that offers a course/degree in dog grooming.
No one mentioned the dog grooming van services that come to your house, groom the dog in their upscale mini-van in your driveway, then leave so you don't have to travel.
Others mentioned their dogs being uncooperative at home resulting in professional grooming trips, a few mentioned their dogs "traumatized" over a grooming trip, and then some home accidents that the dogs never forgave their owners for.
Overall -- if you are interested in getting a Bichon -- daily brushing and frequent grooming should be done to prevent the fur from horrid matting. If you don't do the actual trimming yourself, expect to pay out for grooming services every couple of months.
Sedation and Grooming
There was a discussion of drugging a dog (in particular dogs that were formally living in shelters seemed to have this behavior) for a grooming session of several hours.
There are some dogs that when taken to the groomers, nip at the help and get defensive. Usually, they are very scared and traumatized.
It has been suggested by a few member's vets to give the dog a prescribed sedative an hour before the grooming session appointment to calm them down. In other words, you give them the pill an hour before you leave, take them into the groomers drugged and out, and leave them there till they are done then pick them up. By that time, they are somewhat with it but still groggy but looking good.
Lori commented with an alternative to the prescribed drug.
Please try "Missing You"(tablets)...an all natural alternative to sedation.
It just calms the pup down and it worked well for me when I had to leave Bailey for the first time. It does sedate them......But NATURALLY.
I found this particular product at Pet Value in Ontario, but I'm sure you could find it at any place that sells natural foods/pet supplies. -- Lori
There are some dogs that when taken to the groomers, nip at the help and get defensive. Usually, they are very scared and traumatized.
It has been suggested by a few member's vets to give the dog a prescribed sedative an hour before the grooming session appointment to calm them down. In other words, you give them the pill an hour before you leave, take them into the groomers drugged and out, and leave them there till they are done then pick them up. By that time, they are somewhat with it but still groggy but looking good.
Lori commented with an alternative to the prescribed drug.
Please try "Missing You"(tablets)...an all natural alternative to sedation.
It just calms the pup down and it worked well for me when I had to leave Bailey for the first time. It does sedate them......But NATURALLY.
I found this particular product at Pet Value in Ontario, but I'm sure you could find it at any place that sells natural foods/pet supplies. -- Lori
Matting Fur
Retired NY writes:
We have a 1 yr old Bichon. She has a very heavy and thick coat. Lately she has had a problem with scratching. Now that I think we have solved the problem with the scratching, she ended up with a lot of fur matting.
We have tried to comb and brush these out but they do not come out easy.
Does anyone know of anything that can be put on the fur that will make them comb out easier? Bill
Paula responds:
Bill,
A Bichon's hair is just like ours and requires constant maintenance. Washing regularly and using a conditioner will help, as well as, regular brushing. I keep my dogs cut short in the summer and let the hair grow out in the winter. But it is a full time job.
Good luck!
Paula
Jean responds:
Bill,
We got a product, and I can't remember the name of it now, but it was used to detangle a mat. You will also have to get the special mat comb (made by Oster) to break them up. Most of the matting is loose old fur that gets tangled into the attached fur and creates the mat.
We used the product with the comb and always had good results with it.
The special mat comb can be found in most pet shops but I do recall we did get the detangling product at a specialty pet store.
Jean
Megan responds/asks:
I have been noticing a lot matting recently, also. I washed him and used a conditioner this time and it helped me brush them out. What does the de-matting comb look like? I am almost to the point where I am going to have the groomer shave him down just to help alleviate the mats. Right now I am using a comb and a pin brush. I feel that I am hurting him too much. If you have any specific names of products, I would appreciate it.
Also, when is the best time to groom the dog? While he is still wet? Please help!
Allanna responds:
Hi Megan
I noticed an anti-matting comb in the pet store the other day for the first time - it has 4 or 5 long teeth spread widely apart and up at the top there seems to be a slanted razor. I was thinking of getting it for Gucci because he absolutely hates being combed and all but attacks when he sees the brush coming. Now, I trim him myself and manage to cut the mats when I see them so they don't get worse. Allanna
Matilda responds:
Our Bichon will be a year old soon as well. So far we haven't had too much problem with mats. But as a previous Maltese owner, I have had much experience with mats and I've found several different methods for removing them.
First of all, if it is at all possible, comb through the dogs hair and make sure there are no mats to begin with before bathing him. Water has a way of making mats much worse then they were to start out with. If you just cant get them out, shampoo the dog as you normally would, but instead of scrubbing the hair, gently work the lather to the ends of the hair starting at the neck and going toward the rump. This keeps mats from getting worse during the shampoo process.
Next rinse out the shampoo and put a good conditioner or creme rinse on the hair. We like the Petco Oatmeal Protein conditioner, but there are lots of different types out there. Don't overdo the conditioner though. Too much will weigh your puppies hair down and can make it look dirty again quickly. The longer you leave the conditioner on, the better. I usually leave it on about five minutes. In the mean time I try to find the mats and work some conditioner into them and see if I can't gently work them out with my fingers. This is a lot easier than trying to work out wet mats after a bath. Sometimes I will use a wide tooth comb to try and work them out. The conditioner really helps to loosen things up and protects the hair from tearing while you are undoing the mat.
After five minutes or so, rinse the dogs hair thoroughly and then very carefully towel dry, again to prevent further mats. Blow drying can help prevent mats too, though in the summer I prefer to brush the dog out in front of the fan. Either way, a buzzing and rolling wet dog is a quick way to lots of mats. So it's not a great idea to let your dog's fur dry naturally if it is more than an inch or so long. After the hair is completely dry, sit the dog down and work out any leftover mats with a comb. I would save the dematting comb as a last resort because it can tear the hair if you aren't very careful.
Make dematting a part of your spare time. Work out mats while you are watching tv or before bed. This prevents big buildups from happening.
Well I've written my four page essay for the week, LOL. Hope it is of some help. Good luck!
We have a 1 yr old Bichon. She has a very heavy and thick coat. Lately she has had a problem with scratching. Now that I think we have solved the problem with the scratching, she ended up with a lot of fur matting.
We have tried to comb and brush these out but they do not come out easy.
Does anyone know of anything that can be put on the fur that will make them comb out easier? Bill
Paula responds:
Bill,
A Bichon's hair is just like ours and requires constant maintenance. Washing regularly and using a conditioner will help, as well as, regular brushing. I keep my dogs cut short in the summer and let the hair grow out in the winter. But it is a full time job.
Good luck!
Paula
Jean responds:
Bill,
We got a product, and I can't remember the name of it now, but it was used to detangle a mat. You will also have to get the special mat comb (made by Oster) to break them up. Most of the matting is loose old fur that gets tangled into the attached fur and creates the mat.
We used the product with the comb and always had good results with it.
The special mat comb can be found in most pet shops but I do recall we did get the detangling product at a specialty pet store.
Jean
Megan responds/asks:
I have been noticing a lot matting recently, also. I washed him and used a conditioner this time and it helped me brush them out. What does the de-matting comb look like? I am almost to the point where I am going to have the groomer shave him down just to help alleviate the mats. Right now I am using a comb and a pin brush. I feel that I am hurting him too much. If you have any specific names of products, I would appreciate it.
Also, when is the best time to groom the dog? While he is still wet? Please help!
Allanna responds:
Hi Megan
I noticed an anti-matting comb in the pet store the other day for the first time - it has 4 or 5 long teeth spread widely apart and up at the top there seems to be a slanted razor. I was thinking of getting it for Gucci because he absolutely hates being combed and all but attacks when he sees the brush coming. Now, I trim him myself and manage to cut the mats when I see them so they don't get worse. Allanna
Matilda responds:
Our Bichon will be a year old soon as well. So far we haven't had too much problem with mats. But as a previous Maltese owner, I have had much experience with mats and I've found several different methods for removing them.
First of all, if it is at all possible, comb through the dogs hair and make sure there are no mats to begin with before bathing him. Water has a way of making mats much worse then they were to start out with. If you just cant get them out, shampoo the dog as you normally would, but instead of scrubbing the hair, gently work the lather to the ends of the hair starting at the neck and going toward the rump. This keeps mats from getting worse during the shampoo process.
Next rinse out the shampoo and put a good conditioner or creme rinse on the hair. We like the Petco Oatmeal Protein conditioner, but there are lots of different types out there. Don't overdo the conditioner though. Too much will weigh your puppies hair down and can make it look dirty again quickly. The longer you leave the conditioner on, the better. I usually leave it on about five minutes. In the mean time I try to find the mats and work some conditioner into them and see if I can't gently work them out with my fingers. This is a lot easier than trying to work out wet mats after a bath. Sometimes I will use a wide tooth comb to try and work them out. The conditioner really helps to loosen things up and protects the hair from tearing while you are undoing the mat.
After five minutes or so, rinse the dogs hair thoroughly and then very carefully towel dry, again to prevent further mats. Blow drying can help prevent mats too, though in the summer I prefer to brush the dog out in front of the fan. Either way, a buzzing and rolling wet dog is a quick way to lots of mats. So it's not a great idea to let your dog's fur dry naturally if it is more than an inch or so long. After the hair is completely dry, sit the dog down and work out any leftover mats with a comb. I would save the dematting comb as a last resort because it can tear the hair if you aren't very careful.
Make dematting a part of your spare time. Work out mats while you are watching tv or before bed. This prevents big buildups from happening.
Well I've written my four page essay for the week, LOL. Hope it is of some help. Good luck!
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