Hot spots, also known as pyotraumatic dermatitis, are surface skin infections caused when populations of normal skin bacteria grow and overwhelm normal resistance.
Hot Spots: What They Are & How to Help Them Heal Read More
I had a client tell me once, “Just give me the hairstyle I want, it’s not like you are doing brain surgery.” This didn’t change the fact that her dog was shaved down that day with an offer to bag the pelt for her.
Practice Makes Perfect: What You Should Identify as a Practicing Groomer Read More
Dear Michell, it has been suggested to me by a groomer friend that I do something nice for my customers at Christmas. I am on a tight budget and I am slightly uncomfortable with the idea. Do you have any suggestions?
Customer Christmas Gifts: It’s the Thought That Counts Read More
You might think that pet nutrition has little or no correlation to the grooming industry—but in reality, it does. We have all heard the phrase, “You are what you eat.” And that statement really rings true for our furry friends.
Solving Grooming Problems with Good Pet Nutrition Read More
A record–breaking 5,700 groomers recently gathered at the Hershey Lodge and Convention Center in Hershey, Pennsylvania to attend Groom Expo–the largest grooming show in the world.
Groom Expo ’18: It’s the People’s Choice! Read More
It’s nearing the time to call 2018 a wrap and kick off a fresh, brand new year. Whether you believe in New Year’s Resolutions or not, this is a good time to reflect on what you accomplished in the months past and look ahead to plans for the days ahead.
Hand stripping is something that every wire coated dog should have done to maintain proper coat texture and color. Wire coated dogs have guard wires and undercoat so they require both hand stripping and carding.
Prepping the Border Terrier for Hand Stripping Read More
Most people look upon the Holiday Season with mixed emotions. Pet groomers are no different; however, the sights, sounds and emotions connected to the holiday rush can bring a different set of emotions to even the most seasoned pet professional.
‘Tis the Season to Stay Safe Read More
A staple in every shop is the cute little mixed breed that doesn’t really resemble either of the breeds they are derived from—a perfect mixture of the two (or three or four….) breeds they represent.
Cute & Sweet: Personality Trim on a Mixed Breed Read More
“Dear Michell, how do you know when it is time to fire an employee? I have a groomer who refuses to take direction and insists on doing everything her own way. I have tried for a few years now to convince her that my way is the best.
How Do You Know When to Fire an Employee? Read More
Belle, a two–year–old Shih Tzu, started coughing a few days after her grooming appointment. At first, her owners were not worried, but soon the occasional cough became persistent and then she started sneezing and had a runny nose.
Lilly was a fairly new client. I had only been grooming her and her brother for about six months. Both brother and sister were elderly and it’s my policy to do a full body pet assessment before grooming.
Pre-Groom Pet Assessments: A Necessary Step for a Safe Groom Read More