Dew Claws

Most pets have dew claws.  Which are like our thumbs.  They are a pair of nails on the inner arm of the pet higher than the paws.  Their is usually one on each forearm and sometimes even some on the rear legs.  Sometimes I've seen two or three dew claws on the rear legs of the pet.  It isn't unusual.  I see it all the time.  I had a lady ask me if she should go have them removed.  I told her I wouldn't worry too much about it if the pet is passed the puppy years.  Even as a puppy I personally wouldn't go and have them removed.  That's just my preference.  I have studied my dogs and found they use their thumb dew claws to itch their head and eyes and even remove gunk on their face.  It's definitely handy to get a better grip on things too when they are jumping up on their people family members legs and sorts.  Yikes, it does hurt though.  However, even the rear ones I wouldn't necessarily go out of my way to have removed especially if the pet is older.  The sensation the pet may forever have after the surgery to that area just isn't worth it.  However, if you find your pet does have dew claws on the rear legs or more so more than one on the rear legs always let your groomers know and be aware of it yourself.  I have seen groomers take them right off when shaving a pet when there may be very little skin holding the dew claw on and or very little view of an apparent dew claw there at all.  Just let your groomer know it's there. 

MyFavoriteGroomer.com
Owner,
Dede Croy
817-676-1585

Nail Trimming Versus Nail Dremeling

The way I do nails at My Favorite Groomer allows us to clip the nail down to the vein without piercing the vein.  I have been doing toe nail trimming for so long I have my own technique to doing it this way and it works awesomely!  We can still hit a vein every once in awhile since all nails are different and grow with their own style.  But, we are very careful and try to avoid hitting the vein.  Clipping the nail down to the vein works great if the nail trimmer knows what he/she is doing.  But, dremeling the nail which runs a little higher than just a basic nail trimming bevels the nail around so that the edges are smooth and softer than a fresh cut nail.  There is a difference in the nail in the long run when you do pay for the additional dremeling service.  I see that nails grow back slower and are quicker to stay back than regular pet nails.  The overall finish on the nail is more superb than a regular nail trim. 

MyFavoriteGroomer.com
Owner,
Dede Croy
817-676-1585

Wash your pet collars today

I think that pet collars are sometimes the last thing we think about when it comes to cleaning the house or doing the laundry or grooming your pet for that matter.  But, when folks come into the groom shop and the collar for their pet is embossed in thick film that's similar to paste, I usually let them know they can wash their pets collar.  So, here is what I would do when attempting to wash my pets collar.  First, if you have an old tooth brush that will work great.  Take a small bowl of some sort fill it with water and a table spoon of laundry detergent and dip the dogs collar in it and scrub the collar clean with the toothbrush.  Then rinse well and let sit over night in water.  Then rinse the next day and hang dry.  Wala, a clean pet collar.  By the way, having a spare collar is a definite if you have a pet that is outside full time so the pet can have a clean collar on in case your pet runs away.  Also, an ID tag is ideal.  Contact me if you need a good one that won't degrade over time.  We sell the best!  Also, I personally do not leave my dogs collar on all day.  He is an inside pet and I feel the strain for an everyday isn't needed.  However, he has it on every time we go out to the dog park or social event or for a ride. 
Thank you,

MyFavoriteGroomer.com
Owner,
Dede Croy
817-676-1585