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3 Tips for Making Ear Cleanings More Enjoyable for Your Dog

Regular ear cleanings are essential to keeping your dog’s ear health in tip-top shape. Ear infections are relatively common among dogs, and although they are caused by a variety of reasons, veterinarians insist that regular at-home cleanings can keep infections away. Just like nail trimmings, though, many dogs are uncooperative when it comes to having their ears washed. So, how can you make things more enjoyable for both of you? Check out these tips. #1 – Treats – Lots of … Read more

Tired of Excessive Shedding? Try Adding This One Ingredient To Your Dog’s Diet

Shedding is a natural part of a dog’s life, but excessive hair loss can become frustrating for pet parents and may indicate an underlying issue. While all dogs shed to some degree, factors like poor nutrition, allergies, stress, or skin conditions can contribute to an increase in shedding. Maintaining a healthy coat starts from within, and the right nutrients can make all the difference in keeping your dog’s fur strong and reducing unnecessary hair loss. A well-balanced diet rich in … Read more

10 Ways To Ensure Your Dog Stays Safe During A Grooming Session

All dogs need at least a little bit of grooming over the course of their lifetime, even if it’s only regular nail trims and the occasional bath. Whether you groom your dog yourself or take them to a groomer, it should be a positive experience for your dog. Unfortunately, things can go wrong and accidents can happen. Luckily, there are things you can do to help ensure your dog stays safe during a grooming session. Tips for Grooming Your Dog … Read more

How Can I Save Money On Grooming?

Saving money on dog grooming

iHeartDogs is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. Grooming is important for your dog’s health, but it can also be expensive. The high prices are because grooming services are a lot of work, with the biggest, fluffiest dogs often being the most time-consuming. Fully grooming your dog yourself is not an option for most dog parents because you need to be confident and knowledgeable to … Read more

5 Reasons Grooming Is Vital To Your Dog’s Health

While most dog owners get their dogs groomed to keep them looking their best, many overlook just how important proper grooming is. Grooming is an integral part of your dog’s health and well-being and even a short-coated dog can suffer from a lack of grooming. The amount of grooming your pooch will need depends on their coat type, but adequate grooming is important for all dogs. Whether you take your pup to the groomer or tackle the task yourself, keep in … Read more

5 Ways To Manage “Poop Butt” In Long-Haired Dogs

Should you wipe a dogs bottom
There are many wonderful advantages to having a long-haired pooch. They're fun to snuggle, many breeds shed less than their short-haired cousins, and with proper care and grooming, they are exceptionally beautiful. On the downside, all that extra hair can act like velcro, collecting leaves, dirt, and worst of all, poop. So, should you wipe a dog's bottom in this scenario? Has your long-haired dog ever fallen victim to the dreaded "poop butt"? If so, read on for tips and ... Read more

What Is Coat Blow & Will It Affect Your Dog?

All dogs shed to some extent, but double-coated dog breeds like Siberian Huskies, Samoyeds, Akitas, and Malamutes put all the rest to shame! These pups “blow their coats” with the changing of the seasons. Unlike dogs with single-layered coats, double-coated breeds have a soft undercoat to help provide warmth in cold climates, and a longer top layer consisting of coarse guard hairs. Coat blow differs from everyday shedding in that it involves the hair coming out in large clumps rather than individual strands. … Read more

A Professional Groomer’s Guide To Stay-At-Home Grooming

Some pet services have been deemed essential during COVID-19, such as boarding kennels and dog daycares. Grooming salons, however, have been forced to temporarily shut their doors. There are many ways dog parents can keep their dogs clean, comfortable, and snuggly fresh during the stay-at-home order. We asked a professional groomer and pet salon owner to weigh in with his advice. GG’s Pet Salon’s Owner is Our Expert Gavin Hardy is a professional certified groomer who recently opened his own … Read more

5 Essential Grooming Tips For Dogs

Grooming your dog is a crucial part of caring for them, and failing to do it can lower their quality of life. Grooming your dog regularly could even help save their life if you spot lumps, bumps, or disease-causing ticks. Taking your dog to the groomer can be time-consuming and expensive (but if you need a little outside help, here are some tips for finding the best groomer for your dog). Luckily, there are a lot of things you can do … Read more

7 Reasons Why You Should Brush Your Dog’s Coat On A Regular Basis

Life is so busy and hectic these days; who has time to brush the dog? It’s understandable to feel that way, but once you are aware of all the benefits of brushing your dog, you’ll make the time. After all, you would do anything for your dog to have the best possible life, right? If you have a puppy or a dog who hates to be brushed, you may need to start off slow, with just a few minutes of … Read more

Dog Grooming: Everything You Need To Know From Puppies To Adults

Every dog requires at least some grooming to maintain their health and happiness. Grooming shouldn’t be a negative experience for your dog, whether you take them to a groomer or do it yourself. Do you know how to set your puppy up for a lifetime of dog grooming success? Are you aware of how your dog’s grooming should change as he ages? Do you know how to find a groomer who will be a great fit for your dog’s needs? … Read more

Dog Groomer Arraigned After Horrific Video Shows Him Abusing Poodle

WARNING: Video, screenshots, and content might be sensitive to some readers. Amid an animal abuse case, you can always count on dog lovers to fight for justice. So, when a video surfaced of a Michigan dog groomer abusing an innocent Poodle, everyone was quick to contact authorities. The Genesee County Sheriff’s Office received numerous reports of the video, along with people begging the police to do something. It’s still unclear who took the video and whose dog is in the … Read more

Bald Man Creatively Distracts Dog Getting Nails Clipped

Oh no… The time has come to embark on that dreaded task: trimming your dog’s nails. What can you do to keep your belligerent pup still for just a few minutes? Enlist another person to stop their squirming? Promise them treats when you’re done? Scream at them that it’s for their own good and hope the message sinks in this time? Unfortunately, those things don’t often work all that well. Sometimes you’ve gotta get really creative. Like one dog parent … Read more

Dog Groomers Are Some Of The First Back In Business As COVID-19 Closures Lift

Dog groomers in various states are now allowed to start seeing clients. Governors are reopening certain types of businesses in calculated geographical areas of their states. This lifting of closures is a welcome change for these small business owners as well as those that have shaggy dogs, badly in need of some grooming. But things are definitely different than they were before. Groomers must put extra precautions in place to protect themselves and their clients, human and canine alike. A … Read more

Fluffy Dog Or Sleek Seal? You Be The Judge!

Is your dog well-behaved when he/she is being groomed? The cutie in the video below is! She sits still with her head held high, seeming to enjoy her day of beauty. So what is all the fuss surrounding this short 9-second video all about? As you will see, the groomer is gently brushing the beautiful Bichon’s face. With each stroke, the adorable pup tucks her ears tight against her head, giving her the appearance of a snow-white Harp Seal. Once … Read more

A Dog Groomer Takes Amazing Videos Dancing With Her Furry Clients

Grooming a dog is no easy feat. It can be messy and often accompanied by sad whines, frantic scratches, and attempts to hop out of the tub. One dog groomer in Windsor, Ontario doesn’t mind any of the difficult parts though. She doesn’t work a day in her life as she sees it! How does she do it, you ask? She dances with her canine clients all day. Sabrina Paniccia runs a grooming service called Shave ‘Em and Bathe ‘Em … Read more

Dog Was So Matted He Could Hardly Walk

Officials at the Richmond SPCA consider Lionheart to be one of the worst neglect cases they have seen in decades. When the 7-year-old Poodle was surrendered to their care in April, he was so matted he was barely recognizable as a dog. “When I first looked at Lionheart in the kennel run when he first arrived, I literally could not tell which was the front or the back,” Richmond SPCA CEO Robin Robertson Starr told WTVR News. The filthy clumps … Read more

10 Things We Should Do For Our Dogs That They Can’t Do For Themselves

Dogs can learn to perform incredible tasks. Some safeguard our very lives by detecting explosives or alerting us to dangers in the home. But there are certain things our pups just cannot do without our help. When it comes to health and safety, they depend on us to make the best decisions on their behalf. Every pawrent should do the following 10 things for their dogs’ wellbeing because they do so much for us! 1. Watch their waistlines. Dogs cannot … Read more

Can Dogs Have Hairballs?

While hairballs are less common in dogs than in cats, dogs can get hairballs. What sort of dogs are more prone to hairballs? What causes hairballs? Should you be worried if your dog vomits one up? How can you prevent hairballs in your dog? Don’t worry, we have the answers you’re looking for. Here’s what you need to know about hairballs in dogs. What is a hairball? When a dog (or a cat) licks or chews on themselves, they may … Read more

Is Your Dog Shedding Like CRAZY? This Can Help!

All dogs shed. Now, dogs that have hair that grows continuously such as Poodles, Bichons, Shih Tzus, and Yorkies shed very little, and what they do shed tends to get trapped in the rest of their hair instead of winding up on your sofa, but they do shed a little bit. Some breeds of dogs shed A LOT, usually with the change of the seasons, such as Golden Retrievers, Bernese Mountain Dogs, Shelties, and German Shepherds. Other dogs just shed … Read more

8 Ways To Improve Bath Time For You And Your Dog

Does the thought of giving your dog a bath make you cringe? Does the phrase “bath time” make your dog run and hide? It doesn’t have to be that way. Changing up your routine a little bit can make a world of difference in improving the entire bath time experience for both you and your dog. Eventually, your dog can learn that a bath is a rewarding experience, and you can enjoy bonding with your dog instead of struggling with … Read more

Famous Former Bait Dog Inspires New Grooming Salon

Six months ago Abigail the Pit Bull was awarded one of the highest honors a dog can recieve. She was named American Humane’s 2017 Emerging Hero Dog for her work to end dog fighting. As a former bait dog, Abigail knows first-paw just how brutal this practice is. Now, her mission of peace has inspired a new dog grooming salon set to open in Fort Myers, Florida. The business will be located at One Fort Myers, a new luxury high rise … Read more

Should Dog Grooming Facilities Be Required To Have Video Cameras?

El Paso, Texas wants to see some changes coming to grooming salons in the city. The City Council unanimously voted to implement changes to the way that dog groomers operate businesses within the city. After discovering that groomers are not required to be licensed by any federal, state, or local authority, El Paso has decided that it wants to implement certification rules for groomers in the city. They also plan to require all dog grooming businesses to keep video surveillance cameras … Read more

Family Is Devastated After Groomer Accidentally Gives Their Dog To Wrong Owner

A routine trip to the groomers turned into heartbreak for a family in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Veronica Grine took her two-year-old Yorkshire Terrier, Bailey, to Ace of Hearts for a regular haircut. Bailey had been to the well-established business at least three times in the past, and Grine told local news she’s never had problems with them before. With each past visit, Bailey came home clean and well-groomed. This past trip, however, was different. Grine dropped Bailey off early in the … Read more

How Often Should I Bathe My Dog?

“How often should I bathe my dog?” It’s the type of question that every dog owner asks from time to time, and it’s one with no simple answer. It depends on a variety of factors ranging from their breed to their health to their lifestyle. If your dog hates bath time, you may want to go longer between baths, but how long is too long? If you like a very clean dog, how often is too often to wash your … Read more

Family Mourns The Death Of Dog Which They Feel Could Have Been Prevented

For one family in Pennsylvania, a routine grooming appointment at a local PetSmart turned into a nightmare. Betty Miller, who lives in Scranton, brought her 12-year-old Bichon named Brewster to the pet store chain and dropped him off to get groomed. Soon after, she received a phone call that would change her life forever.   She was told that her beloved pup had been attacked by another big dog, and he was at the Veterinary Referral and Emergency Center. According to … Read more

How To Help Your Nervous Dog Get Through Grooming Sessions

A fresh haircut and a relaxing mani-pedi is a welcome change from the stresses of our day-to-day lives, but grooming services can have the opposite effect on our dogs. There are several reasons why a dog may experience fear and anxiety during grooming. The pet salon is full of strange sights, sounds, and smells, not to mention other animals giving off their own auras of stress. Some dogs may have had a negative experience in the past such as a … Read more

5 Tips To Minimize Dog Shedding

Does your dog shed excessively? Most dogs shed at least a little, but some breeds shed more than average. After you’ve ruled out health issues like allergies, immune disease, or parasites (like fleas), there are some steps you can take to reduce your dog’s shedding. From WikiHow, WebMD, and Drs Foster and Smith, here are some ways to limit the amount of dog hair floating around your house.   1 – Change their diet. Many cheap dog foods are made … Read more

Homeless Man At Houston Shelter Grooms Rescued Harvey Pets To Make Them Pretty Again

This heartwarming story proves that no matter who you are or where you are in life, you can help make a difference. A shining example has been set by Stanley Baizle, a hurricane evacuee took refuge in a shelter that allowed pets. Meanwhile, Sasha Von Troetsch, a self-employed groomer and founder of  Your Hipster Pets, brought a group of volunteers to the shelter to lend her expertise to the animals in need of some TLC.   “While we were there, … Read more

6 Ways To Make Bath Time More Enjoyable For Your Dog

Does your dog run and hide every time you tell them it’s bath time? Do they spend the entire bath trying to climb out of the tub? Do you wind up wetter than them by the end of it all? While some dogs will never like getting a bath, there are things you can do to help your dog adjust to the process so they at least tolerate it better. Here are 5 ways to make bath time more enjoyable … Read more

Fed Up with Excessive Summer Shedding? Try Adding This Nutrient To Your Dog’s Food Bowl

When spring and summer roll around, does it feel like your pup sheds an entire dog’s worth of fur daily? If you can relate to the picture above, your dog might be experiencing excessive shedding. What Is Causing My Dog to Shed So Much During the Spring and Summer? While there are many possible root causes for heavy shedding, oftentimes diet is the main culprit. Despite the convenience of commercial dog food kibble, one of its major drawbacks lies the inability to … Read more

The Simple And Powerful Way You Can Help Shelter Dogs Get Adopted

Many dogs arrive at animal shelters after years of abuse or a lifetime on the streets. That kind of neglect can cause many severe health problems, which may in turn affect the dog’s personality and their ability to get adopted. Have you ever considered the importance of a bath and maybe a haircut for a dog that’s been neglected for so long? Dog breeds that have continuously-growing hair tend to suffer the worst consequences from years of neglect. Their hair … Read more

Summer Grooming Tips: To Shave Or Not To Shave?

Summer is here, and you won’t be the only one feeling the heat. You have the option to start wearing shorts and t-shirts, but your dog may be stuck in a fur coat. Should you shave him all the way to the skin? Do you need to worry about him getting sunburned? What about short-haired or double-coated dogs – should they be shaved, too? Here’s a handy flowchart to decide if shaving your dog is the best way to keep … Read more

5 Ways To Soothe Your Dog’s Dry Skin

Itchy skin in dogs is often caused by simple dryness. Lack of moisture is an especially big problem during the winter months when there is virtually no humidity. While we can slather on lotion, the solution isn’t quite so simple for our furry BFF’s. In order to keep your dog’s skin healthy year round, pay close attention to these 5 moisturizing tips. 1. Bathing (but not over-bathing) While bathing with a well-balanced, vet-recommended shampoo can certainly help with many skin … Read more

5 Tips To Help Reduce Shedding

Are you watching hair tumbleweeds float around your house and wondering what you can do to help reduce your dog’s shedding? You’re not alone. All dogs shed a little, but some dogs shed a lot. Here are 5 tips to help reduce the amount of hair rolling across the floor. #1 – Change your dog’s food.   Some cheap dog foods don’t contain proper nutrition, which can lead to excessive shedding. Many dry foods will leave your dog dehydrated unless he drinks … Read more

Stinky Dog? Try These “In Between Baths” Grooming Wipes That Smell Exactly Like a Piña Colada

If you’re like many dog owners, your pup suffers from an annoying (but harmless) condition called in-between-baths-stinky-dog-syndrome. Actually, we made that up, but it is a real challenge to keep your pup smelling fresh and clean without bathing them so much that their skin dries out. At home bathings are time-consuming, and baths at the groomer can be expensive. For these reasons, we developed a product that solves a problem we ourselves have. Keeping our pups fresh and clean in … Read more

Pros And Cons Of Being A Dog Groomer

A new report released by The Conference Board and reported on by Bloomberg and iheartdogs.com indicates that pet-related careers will grow faster than teaching positions in the next ten years. If you’ve considered being a dog groomer, now is a great time to get into the profession. How do you know if it’s right for you? Directly from groomers Eika S.R. Haas with Purrrfect Paws, LLC; Cindy Disiena at Day in the life of a groomer and animal lover; and Corrie Mae … Read more

Beyond The Puppy Cut: Shih Tzu Hair Styles

If you were under the impression that there is only one standard cut for Shih Tzus, the “puppy cut,” then you’ll be interested to see these different variations of that style and other styles that are completely different from the traditional puppy cut. Teddy bear face with a long topknot – Notice how rounded the face is – that’s the hallmark of the traditional teddy bear face. The ears can be any length. If you choose to do a topknot on … Read more

Ask A Groomer: How Often Should I Groom My Dog?

After 12 years of grooming dogs, I have worked with every breed, dealt with every situation, and answered countless questions. The most common thing new owners ask me is how often they should groom their dogs. The answer depends on what type of coat your pooch has, how much they shed, and how much brushing and bathing you are willing to do at home. Keeping in mind that all dogs, regardless of breed, should have their nails trimmed at least … Read more

Ask A Groomer: Why Does My Dog’s Haircut Cost More Than Mine?

Have you ever wondered why it’s more expensive to have your dog groomed than it is to get your own hair cut? There are a variety of factors leading to the price differences. Let me share a few of those reasons with you. You only get the hair on your head cut. Your hairstylist doesn’t shave your whole body. Even most small dogs have more surface area than the average human head. And small dogs can be even more difficult … Read more

5 Surprising Tools For Grooming Your Dog At Home

Have you ever wondered what unusual tools can help you groom your dog at home? Here are five secret tools groomers use on their own dogs. 1. Olive or Coconut Oil  Has your dog ever come home from a walk covered in burrs? Brushing them out can be painful for your dog. Picking them out yourself can be tough on your hands. Rubbing oil into the fur around the burrs will reduce the friction and help the burrs slide out … Read more

Ask A Groomer: What’s A Puppy Cut?

Have you ever asked a groomer for a puppy cut and been given a strange look – or, worse, a bad haircut? Would you be surprised if I told you the term “puppy cut” actually doesn’t give the groomer very much information? What should you say to make sure your dog looks perfect? A puppy cut could look like this… The term puppy cut originally referred to a fluffy trim given to Poodles for the show ring before they were … Read more

From A Groomer: 3 Reasons Not To Shave Your Double-Coated Dog

If your dog sheds a lot, you’ve probably thought about shaving them to reduce the amount of hair left around your house. Maybe you thought shaving your dog would keep them cooler in the summer. Perhaps you think your dog would look cute shaved. Generally, dogs whose hair only grows to a certain length and then stops, and specifically double-coated dogs – dogs that have an undercoat that sheds out – should not be shaved. Here are three reasons why … Read more

Ask A Groomer: Why Does My Dog’s Face Stink?

Have you ever noticed a foul odor coming from some part of your dog’s face and wondered what was causing the smell? There are several things you should be doing with your dog regularly to keep your dog’s head and face in top condition to prevent potentially serious health problems.     Wiping under your dog’s eyes daily with a warm, wet washcloth or an unscented baby wipe will help prevent their tears from turning into either slimy boogers or … Read more

Ask A Groomer: What Is A Mat?

Has the groomer ever shaved part or all of your dog and claimed it was due to matting, but you didn’t really understand what that meant? What is a mat anyway? Why is that a reason your dog can’t have long fluffy hair? A mat is a large tangle of hair that will feel like a lump in your dog’s coat. Small mats might be able to be brushed out without causing your dog too much pain, but attempting to … Read more

Ask A Groomer: How Can I Prepare My Puppy For Grooming?

Want to set your puppy up for success? Here are five things you can do at home to ensure that your puppy has a lifetime of safe and positive experiences at the groomer. Touch and hold their feet. Several times a day, start by briefly touching each foot, then rewarding with a treat. Move on to holding each paw for several seconds before rewarding. The goal is to be able to trim their nails without upsetting them. Most dogs will … Read more

Is Your Dog’s Coat Dry & Dull? Try This Little Trick

Do you feel that over time your dog’s coat has become dull or dry? You’re not alone, as many dog owners notice this trend as their dog ages or during the winter months. What Is Causing My Dog’s Coat to Become Dry and Dull? While there are many possible root causes for a dry coat, oftentimes diet is the main culprit. Despite the convenience of commercial dog food kibble, one of its major drawbacks lies the inability to retain the quality … Read more

Dog Mom Hopes Her Personal Heartbreak Will Raise Awareness About Groomer Safety

Jayme Buck dropped her 3 Shih Tzus, Brewsky, Guinness and Tashi off to be groomed on September 27, 2016 just as she had on dozens of other mornings. Less than 2 hours later she received a call telling her to get back to the office right away. She was told “the little brown one” had collapsed and they could not resuscitate him. Jayme rushed to the grooming salon in a panic. She had no idea which of her 3 dogs … Read more

3 Helpful Tips To Make Your Dog’s Nail Trimming Session Easier

Regular nail trims are necessary for most dogs and it’s important not to let your pup’s nails grow too long. It’s not only aesthetics at play here – nails that are too long are uncomfortable for your dog and can even cause permanent damage to their feet and joints. Most owners try to avoid nail trims at all costs, often taking their dogs to groomers or veterinarians to have them done. This is because most dogs really despise having their … Read more

Sleepy Puppy Throws The Cutest Tantrum Ever During Her Haircut

Things Puppies Like: People, Other Puppies, Butterflies, Naps…and basically anything they can chew and/or chase. Things Puppies Dislike: Rules, Collars, Booster Shots…and if this hysterical video of Oreo the 11-week-old Shih Tzu is any indicator, getting their hair cut!   Little Oreo is still new to the world and trying to figure out what’s expected of an adorable long-haired pup like herself. When she arrived for her second-ever grooming appointment at a veterinary clinic in Leesburg, GA she happily played … Read more

Ask A Groomer: How Should Grooming Change As My Dog Ages?

As our dogs age, they can develop many health issues that can impact the grooming process. What changes should you consider making for older dogs to have the best grooming experience? 1. Shorter grooming appointments. Arthritis is a common problem in older dogs. Whether it’s standing for the duration of the grooming or lying in an uncomfortable kennel for several hours, long grooming appointments can be painful for our older friends. Ask the groomer if your dog would benefit from … Read more