Groomington Coat Factory

Mobile & Salon Dog Grooming

The Daily Sniff

How First-Time Dog Owners Can Benefit from These Apps

Guest Post by: Penny Martin

Owning a dog can be one of the most beautiful and rewarding things you’ll ever do. Pets can help us relieve stress, find joy in everyday events, and feel healthier overall. However, it’s important to keep in mind that pets are also a lot of work. Keeping up with your dog’s feeding and exercise schedule is only one part of the responsibilities you’ll be taking on when you bring a pup home; you also have to help him get accustomed to your home, learn about his personality, and prepare yourself for his medical needs. Pets have emergencies, too, just like humans, so it’s essential to think about pet insurance and how you’ll handle an injury or other emergency.

Fortunately, there are several apps available that can help you stay on top of your pet’s needs as the two of you get used to each other. From a service that will deliver pet food right to your door to an app that will help you keep track of his exercise routine, there are many tools you can use on your smartphone that will give you peace of mind as a new pet owner.

Here are a few of the best apps for dog owners and how you can benefit from them.

First things first: your phone

Before you start thinking about the apps you’ll need to help care for your pet, it’s important to make sure your phone is up-to-date and has a fast internet connection. Check out the specs for some of the apps you’re interested in to make sure your phone is compatible; if it’s not, consider an upgrade. Look for a model with a longer battery life like the new iPhone 11 Pro, which also features a high-end camera. For Android users, choose one that provides a large screen for ease of use, like the Samsung Galaxy Note 10+.

Get answers to your questions

Becoming a pet parent for the first time often comes with a ton of questions, so it’s no wonder that Petco developed an app to help individuals figure out how to help their pets. PetCoach allows you to talk to a certified specialist about a specific concern. Having a few answers to your most pressing questions right at your fingertips can give you peace of mind, especially if you plan on traveling with your dog. You can also download the ASPCA’s Animal Poison Control app to help you stay on top of your dog’s health. Pups don’t always know what’s bad for them and can end up eating chocolate or certain types of fruit that are hazardous to dogs. This app will help you keep your pup safe.

Keep track of vet visits

Keeping up with your dog’s health can be challenging, especially if you also have children. It can be tricky to remember all the pertinent dates and vaccinations, but the Pawprint health tracker app can help you keep up with everything related to your dog’s health, from flea medication times to vaccination records. This is a great tool to have if you want to include your family in your pet’s care, since it lets you add them to your pet’s profile.

Keep an eye on things

If you’re going to be away from your pet for a large chunk of the day, it’s a good idea to look for a camera and monitoring system that will help you keep an eye on things. The pet monitor app by Annie is a pet sitter cam that allows you to check in on your pup while you’re away, with high-quality video and audio feed in real-time. Plus, it has features like a night-light that will allow you to see what’s going on even if you’re stuck working late.

Using technology to help you become a better pet parent can give you peace of mind as your new animal transitions to your family. Not only can you keep up with his health and wellbeing, you can ensure that you have all the tools you need to keep him happy and comfortable. 

CBD Oil- Hemp Hemp Hooray!

Wilbur happily spending time outside.

We adopted Wilbur about a year and a half ago at the ripe age of 11. His physical health was fairly good for an elderly dog but we noticed that his anxiety was high. He couldn’t even look at my husband without stopping and urinating wherever he was. The weirdest things would make “Wilby” (as we call him) act skittish and hide for hours. We brought in an at home trainer in hopes to shed some light on what we should do. In comes CBD oil. Our trainer had suggested using CBD in hopes to help Wilby’s anxiety. Though the product has not been shy to the human market, CBD seemed to have been a newer product in the pet retail world which left me a little skeptical. Skeptical or not, we decided to give it a try knowing that we wanted Wilbur to live out the rest of his days as a happy, stress free dude.

Focus Hemp Co. Companion Care CBD Oil Available at the GCF Online store
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Like any good parent, before you make the plunge to give your pets anything new, you do hours upon hours of research first. Quickly I found myself overwhelmed as I didn’t understand half of what I was reading. Much of my confusion stemmed from knowing that CBD comes from the same plant as THC and THC recreationally is a big “no no” in most states. Despite being derived from hemp, much to my surprise, most CBD oils don’t contain any THC in them at all. 

After trying several different brands, we decided on a product from Focus Hemp Co. Focus is located in South Oregon and really “focuses” on a special method of extraction so that their products are as close to the plant origin as possible. This method, called ethanol extraction, makes the products completely safe for consumption and legal to purchase over the counter. 

“The healing properties of the hemp plant comes from more than just CBD. Hemp contains over 100 cannabinoids that each produce a unique set of effects,” dotes the Focus Hemp Co. website. CBD oil in general can be used to treat the following ailments in pets (but is not limited to):

  • Seizures
  • Anxiety
  • Stress
  • Arthritis
  • Nausea
  • Pain
  • Gastrointestinal issues
  • Symptoms of Cancer

Before using any type of over the counter supplement, including CBD, please consult your veterinarian first.

Wilbur hanging out, waiting patiently for dinner.

So let’s get back to my dog, because every pet parent likes to brag lol. Since we started using the CBD oil with Wilbur on a regular basis; his accidents have stopped, he’s much more relaxed and will even from time to time, cuddle with my husband. We consider this to be a huge step in aiding in this little guy’s anxiety. We are so happy with the results that we have started carrying Focus Hemp CBD Companion Care in our flagship store and our online store. Since we have starting distributing Focus Hemp, it is the highest selling product out of all of our retail items. If you’d like to purchase Companion Care CBD Oil, Click Here!

We love hearing other success stories too! So if you have one, please feel free to send it to us! If you don’t, maybe now is a good time to try something new! 

Q & A with GCF’s Gina!

March 2019 Blog:

Featuring Gina of Groomington Coat Factory!

Gina pampering TJ.

Let her help you brush up on your grooming basics.

What influenced you to become a Pet Stylist and become a part of this industry?

(GINA): I worked in the corporate world for over 25 years and was unhappy in the last few years so when I got laid off from last job I decided that I DID NOT want to go back to working in an office. I wanted to do something that I loved and that was working with dogs! My dog sitter recommended I speak to a friend of his that owned her own mobile grooming business and after meeting her and working with her I knew I had found my new career. I LOVE this job!

What training did you have to go through to become a professional Pet Stylist?

(GINA): I received on-the-job training from 2 world class competitive groomers. I worked and trained daily with these two ladies for a year and a half and learned soooo much. I learned not only the technical skills I need to know to groom every kind of dog but also business skills such as scheduling, customer service, pricing etc.  I learned how to be a mobile groomer and then moved to our new shop in Midland Park and am now learning how to be a shop groomer. I know I still have so much more to learn (…..there is ALWAYS more to learn) but I am working with the best team of ladies I could ever have wished for and I am so thankful!

What is your favorite breed to groom?

(GINA): “I love Labrador/Golden Retrievers for full bath grooms because they are so sweet . I will always have a soft spot for Labs because I had the best Lab in the world, Sunshine. He took a piece of my heart with him when he passed away. I also love Goldendoodles/Labradoodles for full haircut grooms and when they are cut short. I have always loved the finished product.  I love their lines and shape. It’s extremely satisfying to see a short-haired Doodle!”

How often do you recommend pet owners take their dogs to the groomers?

(GINA): Monthly….even if they don’t need a haircut every 4 weeks.  Frequent grooms make for happy dogs.  They enjoy the routine of being bathed and brushed.  A bond is created between the groomer and the dog.  Frequent bathing and haircuts mean healthy coats, healthy skin and overall just happy dogs!

How long does it take to groom a dog?

(GINA): Every groomer is different. I was trained by a fast groomer.  She would time me in the truck!  (Lol!).  Her work is second to none and just works quickly because of her training as a competitive groomer.  I am averaging an hour and half per groom at the moment but am working daily to reach that hour mark for each groom.  Obviously all dogs are different and some just need that extra time of kisses and cuddles during the grooming process.

Do dogs generally behave during the grooming process?

(GINA): Generally yes, but some do not.  Regular grooming and starting them as early as possible with grooming makes for happy dogs who like to be groomed.

What breeds would you recommend people consider if they are looking for a low maintenance dog?

(GINA):  Labs!  They are the best.  Just need to walked, cuddled and bathed regularly.  No haircuts required!

What breeds should people consider if they are looking to spend a great deal of time grooming?

(GINA): Doodles.  I love grooming doodles but I have discovered that some of them can be time intensive to groom.  If you want to keep their coats longer then you will have a lot of brushing and combing to do at home as well as monthly professional grooms.  Because of the time they take they can be quite expensive to maintain.  As mentioned before I love grooming doodles and keeping them short! Lol!

Why do dogs need to be shaved down if they are matted? Aren’t groomers able to brush it out or cut out the matted areas?

(Gina): Depending upon the severity, some small matts can be brushed out but most cannot.  As groomers we are trained to  determine which can and which cannot.  Matts are tight knots of hair that get tighter and tighter as days go by.  The closer to the skin they are and the tighter they are causes pain to the dog.  These must be shaved out to relieve the pressure on the skin and is completely painless for the dog.  Shaving the dog down means you can start again with a clean slate.  The hair will grow back beautifully and the owner can get back to a routine of daily brushing and combing to prevent future matting.

If readers want to groom their own dogs at home, what should they know?

(GINA): Bathing and brushing can be done at home but there is nothing like a professional groom.  We have all the right equipment and products required for your dog. When brushing your dogs at home use a good brush and a small toothed comb to really get down to the skin and not just the surface.  Matting begins near the skin so this is the area to be mindful of.

What are some tips you would give to pet owners to prepare their pets for the grooming process?

(GINA) Start them young. Regular brushings at home not only to prevent matting, but so they can continue to become used to the grooming process in between groomings. Play with your pets feet (so they are used to nail trimmings)

What is one product you would recommend to all pet owners for in-between grooming sessions?

(Gina): For the short-haired dog owners a furminator can be your best friend!  This will definitely help with the shedding and as much as we all love our dogs, we don’t love their hair all over our floors…lol!

For the long-haired dog owners a detangling spray is awesome.  We use Les Pooch products in our shop and their detangler is amazing.  Spray a misting on your dogs dry coat and then comb the hair thoroughly.

Why is it worth having your pet groomed professionally?

(GINA): We have been trained to groom your dogs using top-of-the-line products and equipment specifically designed to care for different hair coats.  We can bathe YOUR dog using a product YOUR dog needs.  We know how to professionally de-shed, how to brush and dry correctly and of course we know how to give your dog perfect haircuts.  Our services also include nail clipping and filing, teeth brushing and ear cleaning…everything your dog needs, we can do.

(Thanks) For Not (Giving) These Holiday Foods To Your Pet

 

Let’s talk turkey: With Halloween now over, a lot of people push straight forward into the Christmas spirit; but that day of the year is (crust) around the corner where we get to overindulge ourselves with an abundance of food, get all dressed up to go nowhere but the living room, create cherished memories with our loved ones, and get a small break from the daily grind. I personally don’t allow myself to get into the Christmas spirit until after my belly is full of all these goods, because let’s be honest – if you can button your pants after feasting onThanksgiving; you’re doing it wrong, so Thanksgiving is truly a highly-anticipated event for us all before the frenzy of the winter holidays begin.

While it is a wonderful time of coming together with friends and family, it can also be a time when some of us can’t resist slipping our four-legged friends a little bit of our Thanksgiving feast under the table or allowing them a bit of our leftovers in their dinner bowl. Thankful-ly, there are a number of classic Thanksgiving treats that are safe and healthy for our favorite canine companions, but there are also some holiday foods that are hazardous for our pets and we want to make sure we keep them high up on our dinner tables and not under it! Here are some tips and tricks for you and your guests so we can all kick (bake) and enjoy this holiday with our furry friends.

FEED: 

  • Turkey (As long as it’s fully-cooked, boneless, and all excess fat and skin are removed. White meat is best)
  • Ham
  • Pork
  • Salmon
  • Bread (In moderation, with no spices and no raisins)
  • Potatoes/Sweet Potatoes (Also in moderation, as well as any other starches)
  • Peas
  • Cranberries
  • Green Beans
  • Asparagus
  • Broccoli Florets
  • Brussels Sprouts
  • Carrots
  • Cauliflower
  • Cheese (As long as your dog is not lactose intolerance. Opt for low fat varieties like cottage cheese or mozzarella)
  • Corn (Without the cob, folks!)
  • Eggs
  • Milk
  • Peanut Butter
  • Wheat & Grains

*Please remember to always clarify with your veterinarian that your pet does not have any food allergies with the following recommendations*

DON’T FEED:

  • Yeast Dough
  • Onions
  • Leeks
  • Chives
  • Garlic
  • Caffeine
  • Coffee
  • Alcohol
  • Chocolate
  • Xylitol (Artificial Sweetener found in many baked goods) 
  • Almonds
  • Cinnamon
  • Ice Cream
  • Macadamia Nuts
  • Grapes 
  • Raisins
  • Citrus Fruits
  • Household Hazards AVMA

(For household items, please reference this link above)

Our safe suggestions for your pet to feel like they too get to experience a feast fit for a king or queen, is to offer them made-for-pets chew bones, or stuff their usual dinner – perhaps with a few added mouth-watering tidbits of turkey, vegetables (try sweet potato or green beans) and dribbles of gravy inside a food puzzle toy! They will be happily occupied for awhile as they work to retrieve their mini feast from their toy, while you and your loved ones enjoy your special meal around the table. A few small boneless pieces of fully-cooked turkey and a taste of masted potato should not pose a problem, but be sure to be aware and inform your well-intentioned guests to not allow your four-legged loved ones to overindulge as they could wind up with an upset holiday stomach. 

From all of us at Groomington Coat Factory, we wish you all a safe and successfully stuffed Thanksgiving celebration later this month! We know how much you love and cherish all your pets. They are after-all the apple pie of our eye.

Written and researched by: Jennifer Sukalo

The Importance of High Quality Dog Shampoo

“Anyone who doesn’t know what soap tastes like, never washed a dog.”

Here at Groomington Coat Factory, we pride ourselves on providing quality care for every hair and it all starts with the skin. We use the industry’s top of the line high quality products by Les Pooch.

Each product contains safe ingredients for dogs, they do not contain soap which can be drying to a dog’s coat and skin, and they leave each and every dog in our care with luxurious looking and feeling coats. Not to mention, they smell absolutely exquisite due to fragrances developed in the South of France by top perfumers, chemists, and elite industry professionals.

The shampoo we grab for the most is the Vitamin Enriched Conditioning Shampoo enriched with Aloe Vera, Panthenol, and Vitamin E. Aloe Vera is recognized as one of the most effective, natural moisturizers which enhances your pet’s coat shine and conditions their skin at the same time. Panthenol; otherwise known as Vitamin B5, and Vitamin E deeply penetrate and moisturizes each coat from the root of the hair resulting in a longer lasting healthier look. It even eliminates the need for a cream rinse in most cases. This blend of powerful conditioners replenish nutrient-starved coats starting from the root. Les Pooch shampoos are also surfactant-based which means they promote lather and do not produce suds. Much like our own hair, suds and bubbles from soap are what cause residue and dandruff (dry, flaky skin). This allows our clients dogs to be left with the shiniest coats possible. Each shampoo is luxuriously fragrant but not overbearing and lasts for weeks at a time.

No matter what the need, we always have a product to protect and pamper your four-legged friend thanks to Les Pooch – A pH balanced Hypoallergenic Shampoo, Tearless Puppy Shampoo, Medicated Shampoo, Brightening Shampoo, Micro-Encapsulated Creme Rinse, and Degreaser/Dematter/Deep Cleanser. These uncompromising quality products are formulated with the finest ingredients which truly allows our groomers to glide through coats, remove dead undercoat, and fluff for a soft, show finish with ease.

Groomington Coat Factory was founded on the concept of delivering exceptional care for your pet and we believe this high quality product line is not only the most gentle, but the most effective for each and every one of our clients pets. We love it so much, we’d even use it on our own hair!

Canine Cancer: Early detection is a key to recovery.

Cancer. The heart-wrenching diagnosis that no one ever wants to receive. We immediately know our lives are about to change, and we become overwhelmed with thoughts, questions, and concerns for our loved one. Our dogs truly become a part of our family, and while the reason why they get cancer is often a mystery; it is our job as pet owners to look for warning signs and take preventative measures.

10 warning signs of cancer:
Swollen lymph nodes.
An enlarging or changing lump.
Abdominal distinction.
Chronic weight loss.
Chronic vomiting or diarrhea.
Unexplained bleeding.
Cough.
Lameness.
Straining to urinate.
Oral odor.

While there are warning signs to indicate your four-legged loved one might have cancer, not all canines display them the same way. This was the circumstance for one of our most loyal clients; Debbi Ulin, and her adorable 9 1/2 year old golden retriever, Bernie. Unfortunately, golden retrievers in the United States have a higher risk of contracting cancer compared to many other breeds. While this is a recent development, cancer took the lives of 60% of U.S. goldens by the late 1990s.

“We had no indication that anything was wrong with Bernie. I felt a lump in January and brought him to the Vet. By the time the Vet felt for it, the mass had disappeared.”

It was then during a grooming appointment with G.C.F. three months after the lump was first discovered, that our CEO and Pet Stylist, Cait, felt a lump on Bernie’s right hind leg, between his knee and his ankle and immediately encouraged Debbi to get it checked out.

“I hadn’t felt it at all (and I was feeling often) between the time I brought him in January 2017 and his late April 2017 grooming appointment with G.C.F. A very common characteristic of mast cell tumors is that they appear and disappear which makes it hard for them to catch at times.”

Once Debbi took Bernie to her veterinarian, Bernie was unfortunately diagnosed with a Malignant Mast Cell Tumor in his right hind leg. The Vet informed Debbi that Bernie’s tumor had metastasized to the closest lymph node, but that all other lymph nodes removed were clear.

When a dog is diagnosed with a cancer diagnosis, the next step is to determine the best course of treatment between you and your veterinarian. When we asked Debbi the course of treatment she and her family chose for Bernie’s journey, she explained the following:

“We were given three options to treat Bernie: 1) No further treatment since they had removed the mass as best as the could (the Vet was not able to get clear margins due to the location of the tumor as it was too close to tendons, etc.) and only one lymph node which was removed, showed spread of the disease. 2) Amputate the hind leg or 3) 15 consecutive days of radiation to the spot where a very small piece of the tumor remained after surgery followed by 7 months of twice a month chemotherapy treatments.”

Debbi and her family chose treatment option #3, radiation therapy for 15 consecutive days and 7 months of twice a month chemotherapy treatments. When asked if Bernie had experienced any side effects throughout the duration of his treatments Debbi stated:

“The surgery and treatments were a small bump in the road of his life and he lives a perfectly normal, happy life. One of the chemo medicines made him a little quieter than usual about two days after he received the medication. It did not stop him from going on his walks or eating his food. We really noticed minimal side effects from the radiation and the chemo. He has completed all of his treatments, the last one January 23rd 2018. We are following up with the Dr. this month for blood work and an ultrasound for his abdomen to make sure all still looks perfect. Going forward after that Bernie will be monitored every 3-6 months with blood work and ultrasounds and we will put this stupid cancer in our rearview mirrors.”

Debbi was happy to report that after 11 months, Bernie is doing well. All of us here at Groomington Coat Factory could not be more pleased to hear that he is in remission and will continue to fight. We are very proud to announce the Ulin’s success over this cancer nightmare.

We want to strive to emphasize to all of our clients that all we can do as dog owners is continue to look for warning signs, keep them at a healthy weight, feed an anti-inflammatory diet, reduce their exposure to toxins, and refuse unnecessary vaccinations because early detection and prevention of this tragic, horrible disease is the key to recovery.

Basic Dog Grooming Tips

Basic Dog Grooming Tips

  1. Start grooming your puppy at an early age

Whether you decide to groom your dog yourself or take your dog to a groomer, your dog is going to need grooming it’s whole life. It is better to start getting your puppy used to grooming at around 3-4 months old so that grooming becomes a part of life opposed to a scary thing they have to do every once in a while.

      2. When Trimming Nails, avoid the quick

The nerve inside the nail is known as the quick, it is in the center of the nail. Trim the nails little by little until you see the damp dark center of the nail.

OH NO! I nicked the quick!! Don’t worry, using a little bit of styptic powder or corn starch will help the blood clot and stop the nail from bleeding.

      3. Wipe out ears daily

Use a mild pet specific ear cleaner to clean the ears daily. Put some ear cleaner on a damp cottonball and wipe the ear flap and the outer part of the ear. Be sure to not use a cotton swab or to clean inside the ear canal. Doing this could possibly hurt the dog and may cause damage.

      4. Use proper pet products

Remember, human shampoo is for humans and dog shampoo is for dogs. Human toothpaste is for humans and dog toothpaste is for dogs.

      5. Use the proper brushes for your coat type

If your pet sheds a lot, use a tool specifically to remove their undercoat. If your pet has soft and silky hair, use a softer brush and a comb to prevent coat damage. Don’t know what tools to be using? It’s ok! Ask us and we will help you!

      6. Don’t let water get inside your dog’s ears

Musch like humans, excess water in the ear canal can cause discomfort and possibly an ear infection. To prevent this, try putting a cotton ball in your pet’s ear to prevent water from entering the canal during the bath.

      7. Brush your dog daily

Start brushing and combing your pet the day you bring them home. Continue this routine everyday to acclimate them to proper a proper brushing routine. Brushing is essential to keep your pet’s coat knot free.

      8. Bathe your dog at least every four to six weeks

Proper skin and coat care is essential to your dog’s overall health. Be sure to have your pet bathed every 4-6 weeks to keep their skin clean, dirt free and smelling fresh!

Welcome To Our Blog!

15790-003aSo we hear that blogging is an up and coming thing…. Well… Hello beautiful people! And welcome to our blog! My name is Cait and I am going to narrating (aka doing all the talking, or chatting up a storm) here on The Daily Sniff!

On The Daily Sniff, we will touch upon many dog related topics, mostly of the grooming nature BUT if there is anything you would like for me to cover… Drop a line! Reach out! I am here to communicate with all you lovely people and there is no better way to do that than to GIVE YOU WHAT YOU WANT! I will discuss topics to help both our clients who are looking to go the extra mile for their pooch but also topics to help other groomers. Whether you want to know how the heck you’re supposed to cut your dog’s nails or how the hell I started the business… I’ve gotcha covered. *wink*