1. Clipping the quick when cutting nails.
Don't be in a hurry to finish his nails even though your dog wants you to finish quickly. Take baby clips using a SHARP nail clipper (my preference is spring style or cat clippers for small dogs).
Don't use a Dremel or other electronic/motororized tool unless you've had some training in using it. It's too easy to overcut.
If your dog has white nails, the quick should look pink. STOP clipping before you get there.
If your dog has dark nails, you should see a black circle in the clipped part of the nail. STOP clipping before you get there.
If you do draw blood, apply pressure and styptic powder. A product called QuikStop can be purchased at most pet stores. If you can't control the bleeding, get to a veteranian or animal hospital immediately.
2. Getting shampoo in his eyes during baths.
Dogs love to shake their wet heads and it's easy for shampoo to sting his eyes.
Buy some sterile ophthalmic ointment (at pet store or www.1800PetMeds.com) and dab in each eye before bathing.
If shampoo gets in his eyes, rinse with cool water or saline eyewash. Do NOT put more ointment in his eyes. If his eyes remain red or he's squinting long after he's dry, he needs a vet's attention.
3. Causing electric clipper burn.
It looks like a rash and results from using overheated clipper blades or damaged blades.
Inspect your clippers before each use and replace missing or dull blades and blades with broken teeth.
If your dog is affected, he'll try to scratch or lick the areas, which only worsens the irritation.
It's a good idea to keep an Elizabethan collar on hand (or make one) for such problems as they prevent the dog from reaching irritated areas. Keep the area clean and use an antibiotic ointment on the skin until it heals.
4. Unintentionally encouraging allergic reactions.
Allergies seem to be on the rise and some dogs are more sensitive than others. If your dog is very itchy after a bath or his skin is red and irritated, it may be an allergic reaction. Try products with oatmeal or use all natural products. And always rinse thoroughly to prevent residue build-up.
If your dog develops a serious reaction such as hives, diarrhea or pinpoint-sized pupils, he needs immediate medical attention. If he's just itchy, try different mild products until you find one that he likes.
You can work with a vet to pinpoint allergens but this a time-consuming and expensive process. I'd try various products first.
5. Leaving him unrestrained or unattended.
Dogs, especially those who hate being groomed, can try to make escapes by jumping off a table or off a lap. Serious injuries can result to small dogs.
Never leave a dog unattended. Groom him on the floor or restrain him if he's on a table or in a sink. Create a barrier around him so he has no place to jumping off spot.
You can have a second person hold the dog while you wash him if you're using an area too large to fence him in.
Be patient, stay calm and offer lots of praise as you groom and you'll avoid most problems.
Louise Louis is a long-time dog person and creator of http://www.toybreeds.com
Lincoln Stretch rentals Alsip ..There are many of us who consider our pets as... Read More
You can look at westhighland terriers and know if it... Read More
Buy or Adopt - That is the question.If you intend... Read More
Would you put together a model plane without looking at... Read More
Is your dog due for a makeover? Has she been... Read More
The other day, I was invited to see my friend's... Read More
What kind of materials should you use when constructing a... Read More
Goldfish care is critical for the health of your goldfish.... Read More
Why is it that cats get no respect? Are they... Read More
How important is a dog name? Well let's think about... Read More
Many parents know that the best way for children to... Read More
My dad was an avid animal lover. We grew up... Read More
A breed of dog called a Boxer is very family-oriented... Read More
Every year, many cat owners decide to get their cat... Read More
The holidays are a wonderful time of year, full of... Read More
Animal welfare organizations and humane societies have been very successful... Read More
There are three important litter box considerations to account for... Read More
Humming birds are wonderful birds that are smart, playful, and... Read More
Tired of cleaning the cat box? Here are some tips... Read More
For some 25 years I have alerted the public to... Read More
Over the last 20 years, vaccinations have generally been started... Read More
Just like children, westie puppies learn through play. Playing games... Read More
One of the benefits of registering your pet with a... Read More
The term applehead Chihuahua refers to the shape of a... Read More
"Westies" or West Highland White Terriers are furry coated dogs,... Read More
Western Springs shuttle limo ..The greatest fear of most pet owners is that there... Read More
Teaching your dog to heel is one of the most... Read More
I would like to address some of the statements I... Read More
If you are keen on breeding Goldfish, you should know... Read More
Pets are many things in many ways but they are... Read More
Some people are so attached to their pets that they... Read More
You've picked out the perfect puppy. You spent hours on... Read More
The most important things in dog training are consistency, keeping... Read More
While your friends and family are amazed that you're raising... Read More
Puppies need to go to the bathroom after they play,... Read More
Nobody likes ticks.In fact, when it comes to ticks I... Read More
Every year, many cat owners decide to get their cat... Read More
Before you decide to give your dog canine arthritis medicine... Read More
Good filtration is the prime priority in the discus tank.... Read More
You need a strategy for using or disposing of your... Read More
The holidays are a wonderful time of year, full of... Read More
DogtraWhen looking for a dog training collar or containment system,... Read More
The other day, I was invited to see my friend's... Read More
Did you know that there are key health benefits that... Read More
Until a very recent period, dog worms were thought to... Read More
Most dogs live between ten and seventeen years. The relationship... Read More
So, you read somewhere that introducing a new kitten into... Read More
Which cat food should you feed your cat to be... Read More
Teaching your puppy crate training is the first and best... Read More
Of all the aggressive behavior in dogs dog bites is... Read More
Pet |