Special Friends

Giant Breeds

As we do a brief intro to some of the giant breeds we groom here at Care's Clippers there are some things to keep in mind...though we included more in depth detail under each breed we want one to be sure about purchasing a giant breed keeping the following in mind

First and foremost ALL giant breeds are fantastic dogs! Most of them are gentle and wonderful with children (minus knocking them over occasionally) however there are some general items to consider before getting one:
1.) size....do you really have the room inside and out for one of the big guys/gals
2.) vet expenses generally double
3.) grooming on your own should be once a week at the least getting all the way to the skin using a "rake" and a pin brush and with a professional at least once every 3 months and most of these giants start at 75.00 on average Be sure to clean their ears every week with a cotton ball and an ear solution or alcohol. These floppy eared dogs tend to get into ear trouble. Their nails are very very important. There is a lot of weight standing on those feet and if their nails are too long it will cause them a lot of pain.
4.) training...you definitely have to be the alpha dog....a dog of this magnitude getting out of control is a recipe for disaster.
5.) exercise...time to make sure they are getting the proper exercise
6.) food....they typically eat twice that of an average dog
7.) water....they typically drink one to two gallons per day

As you read about each breed keep in mind these are generalities about each breed and not in stone about each dog pictured or that you might purchase. Dogs are as individual as each and every one of us.

BOUVIER des FLANDRES (Toby)
These guys originated in France/Belgium. They usually run between 70-100lbs. What makes them a giant breed is their height which can be 2ft-21/2 feet. Their life expectancy is 11-12years. Grooming needs to be a weekly process due to their coat. They have a topcoat that is thick and dry to the touch. The undercoat is soft and keeps them warm. Because of their topcoat the undercoat sheds but does not fall therefore causing terrible matting if not kept up on. Like all breeds with a beard they need to have it comb through completely to remove outdoor debris as well as food and mats. This breed makes an excellent guard dog (very protective of the family)and is a wonderful farm worker. The breed was originally used as a cattle dog so you often find it herding objects or other animals. Things to keep in mind when thinking of taking on this breed are: time and grooming. They are smart dogs who need to have their brain exercised. They are not the dog that will be contented laying by your feet all day. They want to work for you. Training and exercise are required with this breed. Constant grooming is another need unless you opt to keep them short. Any breed that does not "drop" their coat will become matted without proper care. This breed is a wonderful dog but should be owned by an assertive and experienced dog owner.








NEWFOUNDLAND (Abby)
These giants run between 100-150lbs generally and stand between 2ft and 2 1/2ft. They originated in Canada in the 1700s. They were once and still are in some areas helpers to fisherman and used in rescues at sea. Again like most giants their life expectancy is between 9-11 years. They have webbed toes making them great for swimming and this is a water loving breed. This is probably the friendliest of all the giant breeds. They make wonderful family pets though be careful around pools for whether you need rescue or not they are going to "save" you from the water! Grooming: They need a good brushing at least once a week for they will mat behind the ears and the withers. Their coats do have an oily sheen to them again due to their water heritage. As with most giants they do need obedience training. This breed is a great first time dog and can easily fit into a first time dog owners life. They do tend to have issues with their hips.

SAINT BERNARD (Baylee) 189lbs

St. Bernards are gentle giants. They originated in Switzerland. Their average size is 110-200lbs and two feet tall. Grooming needs: They need to be brushed one a week using a rake to remove the dead hair. One would want to make sure to go to the skin when brushing being careful not to burn the skin with the brush or rake. St. Bernards shed tremendously and drool a lot so if you have aversions to slobber and hair this would not be the breed for you. This breed also requires lots of room due to their sheer size therefore they do not do well in urban environments. Like most giant breeds their life expectancy is only 11 years. We encourage you to investigate a breed really well and make sure it is a true match for you lifestyle and personality. Many of these giant breeds end up in shelters or bounced from home to home due to their sheer size and cost of maintaining. Most of the recommended shots cost twice as much as an average dog. Monthly flea treatments are generally doubled for a dog of this girth and the food bill too is large. These big dogs require between a gallon and two gallons of water per day. They are true companions and make wonderful pets as long as you are prepared for them. Baylee is a joy to groom here at Care's Clippers and she is a very mellow girl.

Bernese Mountain Dog (Chloe)
This breed runs between 80-100lbs and stands about 2ft-2 1/2 feet. Chloe pictured below is still just a puppy ! She still has some growing to do. They originated in Switzerland around 1900 (some say earlier) and were used in drafting and cattle driving. Today they are still used on cattle ranches but are primarily companions. They are successful in obedience and must be kept up on. They do not do well in hot climates or city environments. They need lots of room to roam and prefer to lay in the snow. They too need to be brushed regularly though of all the giants listed here their coats are the easiest to maintain missing 1 not 2 just one week of brushing should not get you into too much trouble. Of all the giants listed here this is the most unpredictable breed. Due to their breeding history (being bred for size and guarding ability) it has left a trait of temperamental unreliability in certain lines. This can lead to unprovoked aggression. They also are prone to shoulder lameness. They are very affectionate and should not be shunned for these issues but should be owned by an assertive and experienced owner. This would not be the best dog for a first time dog owner.

Great Pyrenees (Weaver )202lbs

This breed originated in France and was a sheep guarder. Today they are still used to guard and also make wonderful companions. Their life expectancy is 9-11years. Great Pyrenees weigh between 100-140lbs. The Pyrenean Mastiff looking much like the Great Pyrenees weighs in at 130lbs-170lbs. They too require brushing and more so than most of the breeds listed about. These big dogs will mat fast therefore when you brush your pet be sure to reach the skin paying special attention to the withers and the neck. These dogs are known for their courage, nobility and patience. They will defend their territory if they feel provoked. Like most of the giant breeds they do not do well in hot climates and prefer a snowbank. Perfect companions for our Maine winters!

Skunks

Everyone please beware of this article in the Portland Press Hearld. The skunks are moving a lot this time of year.

http://pressherald.mainetoday.com/story.php?id=220779&ac=PHnws

Although this latest case is up north,it's something to watch.....

Latest figures in the link below,scan down for York County.....

http://www.maine.gov/dhhs/etl/rabies/rabies2008.htm


Thank-you again to Bill Thomas of Rosebud Tattoo and his attention to issues concerning our favorite four legged pets. www.rosebudtattoo.com

Missing

This is a shot of the whole project .....We took our two garage doors and our house door and added 2 windows(well the second eventually) and two entrance doors. The door on the left is the Care's Clippers door and the door on the right is our home entrance. Now we will be moving inside to start the work on the new reception room.

update

This is the entrance to the shop. You can see a window in the picture there will be another window on the other side next to our house door eventually!

update of construction

This is garage door number one missing and now with an entry door. This will be the entry to our home.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone

A Great Story

Hi all! A sweet client sent me this and I thought I would post it here. I hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving. Stay safe:)

Lucky Dog....
Anyone who has pets will really like this. You'll like it even if you don't and you may even decide you need one! Mary and her husband Jim had a dog named 'Lucky.' Lucky was a real character. Whenever Mary and Jim had company come for a weekend visit they would warn their friends to not leave their luggage open because Lucky would help himself to whatever struck his fancy. Inevitably, someone would forget and something would come up missing. Mary or Jim would go to Lucky's toy box in the basement and there the treasure would be, amid all of Lucky's other favorite toys. Lucky always stashed his finds in his toy box and he was very particular that his toys stay in the box. It happened that Mary found out she had breast cancer. Something told her she was going to die of this disease....in fact , she was just sure it was fatal. She scheduled the double mastectomy, fear riding her shoulders. The night before she was to go to the hospital she cuddled with Lucky. A thought struck her...what would happen to Lucky? Although the three-year-old dog liked Jim, he was Mary's dog through and through. If I die, Lucky will be abandoned, Mary thought. He won't understand that I didn't want to leave him. The thought made her sadder than thinking of her own death. The double mastectomy was harder on Mary than her doctors had anticipated and Mary was hospitalized for over two weeks.. Jim took Lucky for his evening walk faithfully, but the little dog just drooped, whining and miserable. Finally the day came for Mary to leave the hospital. When she arrived home, Mary was so exhausted she couldn't even make it up the steps to her bedroom. Jim made his wife comfortable on the couch and left her to nap. Lucky stood watching Mary but he didn't come to her when she called. It made Mary sad but sleep soon overcame her and she dozed.. When Mary woke for a second she couldn't understand what was wrong. She couldn't move her head and her body felt heavy and hot. But panic soon gave way to laughter when Mary realized the problem. She was covered, literally blanketed, with every treasure Lucky owned! While she had slept, the sorrowing dog had made trip after trip to the basement bringing his beloved mistress all his favorite things in life. He had covered her with his love. Mary forgot about dying. Instead she and Lucky began living again, walking further and further together every day. It's been 12 years now and Mary is still cancer-free. Lucky? He still steals treasures and stashes them in his toy box but Mary remains his greatest treasure. Remember....live every day to the fullest. Each minute is a blessing from God. And never forget....the people who make a difference in our lives are not the ones with the most credentials, the most money, or the most awards .They are the ones that care for us. If you see someone without a smile today give them one of yours! Live simply. Love seriously. Care deeply. Speak kindly. Leave the rest to God
A small request: All you are asked to do is keep this circulating. Dear God, I pray for the cure of cancer. Amen

Under Construction!!

Hi Everyone,

We are under construction here and wanted to share updates. We are adding a NEW reception room to Care's Clippers. The purpose of this new addition is to separate the bathing room and drying room so the dogs are more comfortable. Our "old reception room" will be our new cutting room and the cutting room now will become our drying room. We have also added a new shampoo line that is organic. We are very excited about this new line. We will be selling it in our new retail selection. We will also be adding "Care's Clippers" sweatshirt, t-shirts, hats for our 4-legged friends to our collection. We are ecstatic about this! We will keep you all posted as the changes happen and as the new lines of product are added. Check back often!

"Charlie"

Charlie was one of our first clients. His Mom just sent us a note informing us of his passing. My girls and I are so sad. After his grooming the girls would give him rides in the wagon and in trade he would gaurd the entrance to their "nature house." We are so sad to lose one of our dearest friends. We want to thank Charlie's Mom and Dad for sharing him with us. Thank-you Charlie for the wonderful memories you have given my children. It is pets like Charlie that make a "work" day a beautiful day!

An Important Notice

An important notice to my valued clients:

The above toy is a popular but dangerous one for your pet. It's called the "Pimple Ball with Bell" and it's manufactured by "Four Paws". Because it only has one hole, when the dog has it in it's mouth, it creates a vacuum effect that could cause severe injury.

Check out Chai's heartbreaking story.

Our new Friends from South Carolina

Please meet Millie and her mom and dad, Jeremy and Melissa Lizotte. They are here on Jeremy's leave from the United States Navy, with their three children, visiting his family. We want to thank Jeremy and his wife for serving our country. Though Jeremy is the one serving we know that Melissa pays a price as well. It was so awesome to see such dedication to country and family from these two people. It was truly an honor to meet them.

Millie is a Yorkie Poo. She is four months old and we had the pleasure of giving her her first hair cut. We are truly sorry that we did not get her before picture for she had quite a transformation. Her Mom thought we were kidding when we told her this was her puppy, though she was very happy with the haircut.

Thank-you for trusting us with your treasure and good luck in all you do!

Sadly Missed

We had to add another photograph to the "Sadly Missed" page of our website today. It's something that I hate to do, because it means we've lost another beloved member of the Care's Clipper's family, but it's a nice way to remember our dear four-legged-friends.

Read the e-mail message below to learn a little more about "Charlie" and his wonderful family who will miss him dearly, as will we.

Carrie & Steve

Dear Carrie, We want to thank you for your grooming care and patience you've had with Charlie over the past couple of years. We had to say good bye to him yesterday and it was a rough day for everyone. Tears are still being choked back as I type. He took a tough fall coming up the basement steps and couldn't move his back end any longer. Seamus, Keilly & I carried him to the car and then to the vet where it was determined he would not improve. The kids and I were with him when he was put to sleep and Mike headed home from the office so we could spend the day together. Lucky is still confused and has been pacing around looking for his brother. He's not in the best of health either, but we hope he can hang on for awhile longer. I know you understand these feelings all to well so I wanted to let you know. Take care, Deb

Before and After

This is a true example of a before and after grooming. Tedy is a labradoodle done in a poodle face and short cut for the summer. Tedy's mom was nice enough to send these images along, along with a nice note...

Hi Carrie -

Here are a few picturess of Tedy. Thanks again for doing such a great job on his haircut. I love him moppy, but it's nice to be able to see his whole face and his eyes! I'll be calling you in the next month or so to set up his next appointment!

Bridget

A Client's Warning

I thought I'd share an important e-mail warning from a special client today. Read on...

Dear Carrie,

I'm sending this to all my friends who have dogs as a "head's up".The reason Maggie's legs are shaved is that she had a bad pancreatitis attack last week and we almost lost her.They had to put her on an I.V. because she was dehydrated and not eating.At first I thought it was just the extreme heat,but after a couple days,I knew she wasn't right .

Since she gets plenty of exercise,and only a little over 5 years old,I'm forced to believe the cause may have been from the bones we have been giving them for years.First it was marrow bones,then Shaw's was putting out rib bones,with meat and more than a little fat on them.Needless to say,they all loved them,but that doesn't mean it's good for them.

All I ever heard on bones was not to give them cooked bones of any kind,chicken and pork are bad because of splintering,but raw beef bones were O.K.....but apparently not.The vet said even the marrow isn't that great for them.Here I was thinking I was doing the right thing giving them the more natural,unprocessed method of teeth/gum exercise.

I had to fight with her for a week to get the pills in her (2,twice a day)...but she's almost 100% now.....
No more bones !!!!! Tell your friends who own dogs.....

Very Sad

On June 12th unbeknowst to me I would groom Barley for the last time. I am so sad to report that he has passed on. I feel as though I just lost one of my own dogs. Jeannine and Charles I am so terribly sorry for you lost. Our thoughts will be with you. We will honor Barley and the great memories he brought us on our website. Thank-you so much for brining him into our lives and allowing us to serve him and your family. All our best Steve and Carrie

Grooming for Short-Haired Breeds

Maxine is a wonderful client of mine (pictured above) who's parents know how important grooming is, even for this Shepherd mix with short hair. The pile of fur pictured above is all a result of just a good brushing (before bathing), and no scissors, razors or clippers at all! Don't you think Maxine feels so much better after shedding such a heat-absorbing coat this summer?

So, you might be wondering why short-haired dogs need grooming too? If the photos above don't do it for you, here are some short-haired doggie facts:

The German Shepherds (as well as other short-hairs) have a "double-coat". Their coat consists of a downy-type undercoat next to the skin, with longer, coarse guard hairs as an outer shell. Under normal conditions, they will only require regular brushing, and an occasional bath. Without regular grooming, however, there's a risk that the wooly undercoat of the short haired dog will mat. This can also result in hot spots, bald spots, rashes and other coat and skin problems, so do not take grooming too lightly.

If you let the clumps of fur build up and hang off their bodies, the coat and skin underneath cannot breathe properly and could possibly suffocate as a result causing more potential health problems for your pup.

As always, feel free to call us if you have any grooming questions. We'd be happy to walk you through the proper way to maintain your dog's coat between visits to insure a happy healthy friend for life!

Golden Retriever

People often ask what a golden would look like shaved down. This is Barley sporting a # 5 blade shave down. Barley gets shaved for several reasons. His mom is allergic to him. He swims a lot and then just lays around so he stays wet for long periods of time causing hot spots. He also has skin issues and they are easier to control when he is short.

More on hot spots:

Hot spots are those "wet looking, oozing, smelly sores" found on your pet. They are typically on the face, neck, rump, flanks, and legs. They develop because your pet has some damaged skin that they "pick" at using their teeth typically and constant licking.

Hot spots are caused by a number of issues...fleas, insect bites, being damp for long periods of time, shedding season, ear infections, gland problems, irritants such as lawn sprays and harsh shampoos.

Tips on Prevention:
If your pet swims be sure to rinse them with clean water after a swim and then throughly dry their coats.
During shedding season up the amount of groomings or shorten the hair length so your pet can enjoy the season with you.
Keep your pets inside during the evening hours when the bugs are out the most.

How to care for your pet's hot spot:
Clip the hair around the spot to allow the air to get to it. Clean the wound using an antibacterial soap and be sure to rinse well Use a antiseptic spray such as Proderm Relief. You want the spray to accomplish three tasks...
1.) Relieve the pain and itching (should contain lidocaine and hydro cortisone)
2.) Help heal the wound (should contain aloe vera and maybe a topical antibiotic)
3.) Keep them from licking it so it will dry and heal (bitter apple or the like)

If they continue to lick you may want to get an Elizabethan collar from your vet or local pet store.

Thank-you to Barley for allowing us to show him off. He is a very sweet and gentle boy and we are thank-ful to have the opportunity to work with him.

Pepe Le Pu, and Your Dog Too

When it comes to freshly-skunked dogs, there are no heroes. Your dog may have pulled your first-born son from a burning building. He may have cured cancer and ended war with his charms. But no matter what noble deeds he's done, you will exile him on that inevitable day he comes running home wrapped in a fragrance that's normally exclusive to Pepe Le Pu.

Your dog is most likely to be skunked in the late winter and early spring, when skunks are searching for mates and the rejection puts them in a bad mood. However, any season is fair game. A skunk's smelly enzymes, which are sprayed from its anal glands (not the tail itself, as Disney might have us believe) are its first defense - and usually all they need to warn your dog that they don't want to play.

So the worst has happened. What can you do?

Act Fast! -- If the spray happens after business hours, or you just can't make it to the Care's Clippers right away, get a clothespin and take action. The longer you let the smell sit on your dog, the further the enzymes will seep into his pores, making removal much more difficult.

No Tomato Juice! -- It's an old wives tale. Tomato juice does nothing to get rid of the skunk smell, and in the end your dog will smell like a plate of rancid spaghetti.

No Shampoo! Not Yet. -- Don't think water and doggie shampoo are going to do the trick. The enzymes are not water-soluble. The smell will be as strong as ever, and might even spread instead of fade.

Of course, there are dozens of de-skunking shampoos available. Some owners swear by them, though others note they tend to do nothing. Either way, the trick is to neutralize the skunk smell, not necessarily wash it away. Don't bother with the shampoos that boast a flowery scent; you're not looking for an odor mask.

Store-bought shampoos can also contain harsh chemicals and are almost always unsafe to use around your dog's face ... which, more often than not, is where they're sprayed. Home remedies are the trick here, so keep them on hand in case of emergency.

The Secret Formula -- Mix One quart of hydrogen peroxide, half a cup of baking soda and two tablespoons of liquid dish washing detergent (plain old Dawn works best, but any will do). Smell your dog, and try to wash only the area that was skunked. Skunk spray is oily and washing your whole dog may just spread the oil and therefore the sent.Rub the paste into the skunked areas of the dog's coat, but take extra care around the eyes! Let the mixture sit for seven to ten minutes, then rinse. Take a few extra minutes to rinse, since dish washing detergent is thick and can be difficult to get rid of. If you still feel unclean from the whole experience, feel free at this point to wash your dog with dog shampoo. A conditioner is a good idea too, since the peroxide paste is very drying.

Don't Expect Any Miracles -- There is an excellent chance your dog will retain the mark of battle and smell slightly skunky for months to come. It will be particularly noticeable after he gets wet in a rainstorm or lake. Thankfully, the smell should be faint and will fade over time. Re-application of the peroxide, or a trip to Care's Clippers might help a little, too.

Not Your Pup's Garden

Spring is here, and with the beautiful weather we've been having you've no doubt been planting your gardens and getting outdoors. If you're like me, you'd be pretty frustrated if the family dog trampled through the garden, but did you know that it could also be deadly? Here are some common garden and household plants that can be poisonous to your pet. This may not represent a complete list of all poisonous plants. Also, your pet may have a sensitivity or allergy to a plant that is not on the list, resulting in toxicity. Always contact your veterinarian immediately if you think your pet may have ingested a poisonous plant. Several recent reports of dogs having kidney failure after ingesting large amount of grapes or raisins has the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center investigating to determine the causative agents or disease processes.

Alphabetical listing of poisonous plants by common name Poisonous Plants by Category Bulbs: Amaryllis, Autumn Crocus, Daffodil, Day Lily, Elephant Ears, Gladiolas, Hyacinth, Iris, Lily of the Valley, Narcissus, Orange Day Lily, Tulip Ferns: Aparagus Fern, Australian Nut, Emerald Feather (aka Emerald Fern), Emerald Fern (aka Emerald Feather), Lace Fern, Plumosa Fern Flowering Plants: Cyclamen, Hydrangea, Kalanchoe, Poinsettia Garden Perennials: Charming Diffenbachia, Christmas Rose, Flamingo Plant, Foxglove, Marijuana, Morning Glory, Nightshade, Onion, Tomato Plant, Tropic Snow Dumbcane House Plants: Ceriman (aka Cutleaf Philodendron), Chinese Evergreen, Cordatum, Corn Plant (aka Cornstalk Plant), Cutleaf Philodendron (aka Ceriman), Devil's Ivy, Dumb Cane, Golden Pothos, Green Gold Nephthysis, Marble Queen, Mauna Loa Peace Lily, Nephthytis, Peace Lily, Red-Margined Dracaena, Striped Dracaena, Taro Vine, Warneckei Dracaena Lillies: Asian Lily (liliaceae), Easter Lily, Glory Lily, Japanese Show Lily, Red Lily, Rubrum Lily, Stargazer Lily, Tiger Lily, Wood Lily Shrubs: Cycads, Heavenly Bamboo, Holly, Jerusalem Cherry, Mistletoe "American", Oleander, Precatory Bean, Rhododendron, Saddle Leaf Philodendron, Sago Palm, Tree Philodendron, Yucca Succulents: Aloe (Aloe Vera) Trees: Avocado, Buddist Pine, Chinaberry Tree, Japanese Yew (aka Yew), Lacy Tree, Macadamia Nut, Madagascar Dragon Tree, Queensland Nut, Schefflera, Yew (aka Japanese Yew) Vines: Branching Ivy, English Ivy, European Bittersweet, Glacier Ivy, Hahn's self branching English Ivy, Needlepoint Ivy Misc/Uncategorized: American Bittersweet, Andromeda Japonica, Azalea, Bird of Paradise, Buckeye, Caladium hortulanum, Calla Lily, Castor Bean, Clematis, Fiddle-Leaf Philodendron, Florida Beauty, Fruit Salad Plant, Golden Dieffenbachia, Gold Dust Dracaena, Heartleaf Philodendron, Horsehead Philodendron, Hurricane Plant, Mexican Breadfruit, Mother-in-law, Panda, Philodendron Pertusum, Red Emerald, Red Princess, Ribbon Plant, Satin Pothos, Spotted Dumb Cane, Sweetheart Ivy, Swiss Cheese Plant, Variable Dieffenbachia, Variegated Philodendron, Yesterday/Today/Tomorrow

Earth Day

Happy Earth Day from Care's Clippers!

We're enjoying the week off with our family, but be sure to call to make your Spring grooming appointment soon! We'll call you back next week! 499-2722

Happy Ending

Evie's friends here at Care's Clippers were so sad when she suddenly took ill at Easter. Her family brought her to Southern Maine Veterinary Care in Lyman and waited for the worst.

Fortunately, this week, the worst did not happen. Dr's Hunt and Hutchins removed her spleen, which was 5 times the average size. Since then, Evie's been eating and playing and back to her old self (jumping on the table and all)!

An important part of any dog's healthy lifestyle is to get good grooming! Trimming nails helps the dog walk and run without undo stress on joints, clean ears prevent infection and a nice bath/massage helps relax any stressed-out pooch. Nothing beets the great medical attention of veterinarians like Evie's, or the love of her owners, but grooming is all part of that healthy balance!

We're so glad you're on-the-mend, Evie!

Maggie's Makeover

When Maggie the "Motorcycle Dog" came in for her Spring grooming recently, I quickly saw that this was going to be an all-out makeover for her!

Maggie is a regular customer who often brings in her dad, owner of Rosebud Tattoo in Saco. Maggie's Spring cut is extra important to her, because her new "do" allows her to fit her motorcycle goggles on for her fun bike trips with dad.

At Care's Clippers, every dog, and each grooming is important. But just look at Maggie's before and after photos and you'll see that sometimes, one just stands out!

Itchin' for Spring?

With three feet of snow still on the ground in Southern Maine, it's hard to believe that Spring is here. Though the daffodils aren't popping up quite yet, there is still one sure sign that warmer weather is on the way...just ask your dog....it's flea and tick season!

Fleas and tics have been patiently waiting to reacquaint themselves with your digging pup. They won't wait for your garden to be planted or for the salt to be washed off your car to act! So, just a friendly reminder, if you haven't been doing so all winter, to protect your dog against these nasty little signs of Spring.

We're recommending Bi-Spoto as a great flea and tic preventative medicine. Similar to "Frontline" in the way it's used, BioSpot is often less expensive and works just as great. You can find BioSpot at most Agway stores here locally, or purchase it on-line without a prescription.

No matter which flea treatment you use, remember to read the label carefully to protect your pet, and then get out there and enjoy the great outdoors!

Nail Care

Hello Fellow Dog lovers,
The above is a photo of a nail that is much to long.

I just wanted to give some helpful advice to all of you.

Nails need to be clipped on a regular basis. Not clipping your pets nails is like you wearing a pair of shoes a size to small and Christmas shopping at the mall :(

It causes pain to your pet and could cause damage to the nail itself if it breaks to far down. The nail could get infected, or break off completely which usually means a trip to the vets. Even worse, your pets nails could curl and grow into the pads of the paw especially if your pet has du-claws (thumbs). If your pet is biting at their feet constantly it is a signal to you that their feet need attention. This is very important to their health and comfort. It is also cheaper in the long run. Prevention is the best protection for your pet and your wallet.

Here at Care's Clippers we offer nail care for a fee of 10.00. You can also purchase a pair of nail clippers or a dremel tool (used to file nails instead of cutting) at your local pet supply store and do it yourself. You want to cut the nail just above the quick (blood vessel)that runs along the center of the nail. If you do cut the quick it will bleed profusely and the pet may yelp. You will want to put stypic powder on it to stop the bleeding. If you do not have stypic powder a bar of ivory soap rubbed across it will also stop the bleeding. Do not be alarmed by the amount of blood. It is scary but in most cases these heal right up. Just keep an eye on your pet for a few days to watch for any signs of infection.

For pets who walk on pavement regularly their nails usual file down. If your pet does not walk on pavement regularly then you will want to have their nails clipped every 8 weeks or so.

We hope you and your pets have a safe and Bow Wow day

Sincerely

Carrie

Care's Clippers

Sucess Story

Roger is one of our beloved clients. He came to us a few years ago with his new mom one big matted mess. His parents adopted him from the shelter. We had to shave him down to nothing including his tail for his coat was in such bad shape. He is currently up on the AWS website with his success story. With a lot of love and good nutrition his coat is now in beautiful shape and he is a very happy dog. Please visit the Animal Welfare Society to see Roger's story and also if you have room in your life to bring home a "Roger." Shelter dogs make wonderful pets for they are so thankful to be loved and cared for.
http://www.animalwelfaresociety.org/ Picture is by www.denisedupuis.com
check her site out!