Cat Flea question and my answer:

My boyfriend has a beautiful long haired tortoise shell cat, he got her from someone that was mistreating her and leaving her outside, not feeding her, etc.  We are not sure how old she is and/or if she has had her shots.  She is very happy now, purring, playful, etc. She seems to have fleas and some spots on her skin that are irritated most likely from scratching.  She is scratching a lot and we would like to have her basically shaved down, flea treated and let a new coat grow in fresh b/c her fur is so extremely fine it is just beyond repair we think and full of ickyness.  Since we don't know if she has had her shots I assume we need to pay for those as well.  How much would you say we are in for to do all that?  She does have all her stickers still, so we think she will need to be sedated to do all that work.

Let me know via email if you can!

Thanks,

My Answer:

Glad you wrote.  You have a lot on your hands!  As badly as you'd like the coat gone from her due to the fleas the fleas to me is PRIORITY!  The itchy skin is right.  She's definitely uncomfortable and the fleas are multiplying.  The hair loss is due to the fleas biting her and causing irritation.  If hair loss is happening it tells you as the owner there are a LOT of fleas!  So, first things first.  One way or another as a pet lover and groomer this is what I'd do:

Come to my shop in Watauga or your local Vet may have it:  2 tablet of Capstar (24 hour fix to give you a head start on the fleas) ($7 plus tax each pill at my shop).   Give her one of the tablets the day you are going to clean and spray your house / yard / and all areas the cat is in.

Give her the 2nd table the day before she comes in for grooming.  Hopefully to offset grooming fleas cost (20$)

I would then treat your yard / house.  Hometeam pest defense is awesome and can spray a very good chemical inside and outside of your house for FLEAS and be specific.  (est. $100).  

This weekend come to our vaccination clinic (http://www.myfavoritegroomer.com/LowCostVaccinations.html)   in grapevine or keller (click on low cost vaccinations on myfavoritegroomer.com) and get the cat vaccinated.  If you are sure she needs to be sedated (we NEED to talk on the phone more) then call ABC Animal clinic where I groom on fridays and ask them what ALL vaccinations she NEEDS to be groomed Sedated there at the clinic so when you come to the low cost clinic you get ALL the vaccinations required to come to ABC animal clinic for a sedated groom.  Also ask ABC animal clinic how much a sedation is going to run?  (usually $75-$150).  ABC Animal Clinics phone number is 817-332-8787.

While you're getting the vaccinations this weekend at one of the low cost events get the 6 month or 1 year supply of preventative for heart and fleas. You want to get 6 months or a year supply so that you don't miss any months.  Missing a month could mean infestation all over.   It's super cheap there.  Depending on what ABC says you MUST have for your pet Vaccinations to groom your pet may fluctuate the price and I don't know what that'll be but get the list of Vaccinations your pet needs first and then check on the low cost vaccination link of the cost of the vaccinations.  

Lastly, when you have time read about fleas online and here http://www.myfavoritegroomer.com/NewsletterTips.html

I believe I have two newsletters about fleas.  I will also publish mays newsletter soon and I will be talking about fleas and some other helpful tips I've learned over the last few years.  

As far as grooming and shaving her down if we shave her down at the vet on top of all your other costs it's $75 plus tax.  If she still has fleas add $20 plus tax to that.  

It's a lot to do.  Don't be overwhelmed educate yourself with all the options and do one thing at a time.  But, getting the fleas off is essential.  We like to imagine getting the fleas off just by shaving her when in fact that is still something we can do but I can shave her today and she'll go home and still get fleas on her if everything else isn't done.  So, that's why I say flea treatment is ESSENTIAL right now for her health and comfort and for your home cleanliness too!  

Hope this helps.  A lot to take on.  I know it all too well.  People have been bringing fleas to me for years and they actually come home with me on occasion!  So, I've done it all.  Definitely read the newsletters and let me know what else I can do for you when you are ready.  

owner,

Dede Croy

Myfavoritegroomer.com 

Time lost

Sometimes you come to find out that your best pal, your furry loved one seems to be neglected. It's amazing to me when I sit back and look at m busy life how I am capable of juggling everything I need to do in order to feel accomplished, satisfy the people around me that need me in their lives, and share that time with what my pets needs are. It's hard for sure! I get a lot if requests to help pet owners find homes for their pets. I try to explain that yes the best interest of the pet is first and foremost and we all can understand when our lifestyles change that it is okay to do the right thing; finding a new forever home for a pet that may not be receiving enough attention. Here are some avenues 1) your Facebook page or your friends Facebook page, 2) Craigslist.com, 3) puppyfind.com, 4) google the pet breed al+ rescue group and city you live in, 5) adoptapet.com. Now make sure you compile a very cute picture & all health facts, demeanor, & pet needs onto one page. Now source that information out with these avenues. Know that free goes fast. But you can still have an interview process so your dog goes to someone you approve of. I would even one consider visiting the home it will reside in and make them sign an agreement that the pet will be returned in certain situations. Be sure to be safe using Craigslist when meeting people as well. If you have any questions ask and I will direct you in the right direction.

Hot feet

Most people I see walking their pet or taking their pet to some of these outdoor events don't consider how hot concrete and pavement can be on a pets pads. Be sure to stand in shade when in public places during the summer. Not sure reach down and put your hand onto the concrete and feel for yourself.

Dogs and saying Hi between them

Today I saw something I always see with pets that are around one another; standing in line to get vaccinations is the best place for your dog to meet the dog standing next to him/her.  But, why would someone like me who sees this all the time cringe when I see this.  Well, if it were my pet I would not let them sniff nose to nose because I wouldn't want a pet to quickly snap and bite my dog.  Or further more my senior pet to snap and bite or warn another dog.  I also wouldn't want my dogs to pick up any diseases like Parvo and bring it home or simply pass away from the situation.  All dog owners do not vaccinate their pets regularly.  So be careful when you let your pets sniff around with other pets.  Also keep in mind not all dogs treat their pets for fleas and a flea could jump right over to your pet and we all know that can take months of anguish to get rid of.

www.myfavoritegroomer.com

Dede Croy

Outside Pets

http://shine.yahoo.com/pets/5-ways-to-help-your-pet-live-longer.html


This link gives some great details.  Although I do agree with most on this site especially the Dental situation. I think that a pet that spends 60% of it's time outside in the sun and elements are healthier than those pets that spend 60% + of their lives inside. They have less tolerant immune systems. I have a 20 year old Chihuahua that I rescued three years ago and she is probably that old because she was an outside dog before I got her. My other ones that spend less time outside are quite sick in their senior years. Montioring your pets while they are outside and ensuring they stay away from other sick animals is key. But, I think good outside time helps the overall health of a pet.

Saying Good Bye to My Pet

A client received a piece of hair from her pet in the mail that I sent to her because I had a feeling her senior pet had passed away.  Princess did pass away.  She replied she doesn't ever think she could have another pet again due to the pain of the loss.  I replied to her:

Thanks for your response.  I can feel your hurt and since I hadn't seen you all and found out that you moved as well I kind of figured in my heart Princess had found her way to doggie heaven.  My website had Duke's Memorial on it.  It helped me to write it all down.  As my Dad put it, it's worth the hurt and the many years these wonderful angels are in our lives.  To give them the pain of remembering them in their afterlife is just the little we can do when they devote their little hearts to us all the years their alive.  I have to say I still have Duke's Brother whom I may lose any day now.  And one day after Duke's one year anniversary I had a wonderful angel Faith come into my life where I rescued her from being found on the streets.  She reminds me of Duke so much that when I called her Duke a few times; she responded immediately.  Her attitude is such of Dukes in many many ways.  And she was one years old whens he found me. 

I also just now adopted a puppy too.  Who has found Faith as her best friend.  They are truly angels and in time you may find room for your another puppy in your life.  Whether it's an older pet you've rescued or a new one that's a puppy.  But, no pet will replace Princess.  She will always be your baby forever.  But, there are too many days left in our life not to share it with a pet that will devote his/her heart to you in the tough times and good times, no matter what.  The pain we go through is just a little we can endure to have them by our sides I think. 

It is the most saddest days of your life to lose your furry family members.

Your Princess will forever be in my heart.  Thank you for letting me be your groomer all these years.

Always, Dede Croy

Collapsed Trachea - Response

Initial Email from a Youtube watcher

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BddFmBI9UpM&feature=channel_video_title

I am so sorry for your loss. I lost my 11 month old shih tzu with what the doctor sais is collapsed trachea. She did that reverse sneezing thew odd time, but right after she was finished, she went back intoplaying. I had no warning. I walked her fridaynight at 11. and at 4 inthe morning I woke to her squeel. I rushed her to the hgospital where she died. I dontknow how she could go downin 3hours. Do you have any advicefor me. Also, If I buy anotherloved one. what should I check for? tyfor yourinfo.. my sypathies to you intheloss of your familymember..Rick

Reponse from My Favorite Groomer:

I am so so sorry for your loss.  Was this recent!  My heart goes out to you!  I acutally am about to go through the same thing with Duke's Brother Sueii who is almost 15 years old.  His coughing has gotten severe.  Some things I would do would in clude getting a choke free harness (I sell these for 20$) they are a way to walk small breeds without pulling on the neck.  I would put the rabies tag and city tag on the choke free harness and not have my pets wear a collar.  I would let there be rambunxious play at a younger age but I would not allow it to happen for 30 minutes straight.  I would not have multiple surgeries on my pet; a couple dentals in a life time and good dental hygiene cleaning at home with rawhide bones for chewing.  I would pick up my pet when he / she gets too excited when I get home.  I would put my pet in a comfortable place while he / she is waiting for me as to not cause too much excitement.  Kennel training is optimal especially when they are seniors and you can't incorporate a kennel then. 

I hope these tips help.  I would get a shihtzu again and I would change a few things I did but they are the greatest dogs ever. 

I'm so sorry for your loss,

Your friend,
Dede Croy

http://www.myfavoritegroomer.com/