Holiday Gift Ideas - Plan Early!

09/04/2024

The holiday season is the perfect time to show your appreciation for your clients and their furry friends. As a pet groomer, you have a unique opportunity to spread joy and strengthen the bond with your clients by giving thoughtful, personalized gifts. Whether you're looking to express gratitude or simply bring a smile to your clients' faces, here are some creative and meaningful gift ideas that are sure to be cherished.

Homemade Ornaments with a Personal Touch

A personalized ornament featuring a client's pet is a wonderful way to celebrate the holidays. You don't need to spend a lot to create something special. Consider making a simple yet charming ornament by using ribbon and gluing Scrabble tiles to spell out the pet's name. This easy DIY project is both cost-effective and heartfelt, giving your clients a unique keepsake that will brighten their holiday tree and serve as a cherished memory for years to come.

Festive Mugs Filled with Holiday Treats

Who doesn't love a festive mug? Choose mugs with cute or funny pet designs and fill them with holiday treats like candy canes, chocolates, or other seasonal candies. This gift is both practical and sweet, offering your clients a cozy way to enjoy their favorite warm beverages during the winter months.

Custom Keychains Featuring Clients' Pets

Keychains are small but meaningful tokens that can be carried everywhere. Consider creating custom keychains with a picture of your client's pet. This simple yet personal gift is a daily reminder of the special bond between the pet and owner.

For this project, you can purchase blank keychains in bulk, print pictures of the client's dog, and then cut to fit and insert. Bulk keychains can be found by searching online. There are some very pretty metal ones in different shapes!

Personalized Drink Coasters

Drink coasters are a practical and stylish gift, especially when personalized with a client's pet picture. These can be used throughout the year, adding a touch of warmth and personality to any home. Consider creating a set of coasters, each featuring different pictures of the pet, to make this gift even more special.

You can find many services online that can do this for you, or if you’re wanting to do it yourself, you can get sublimation blanks at stores like Michael’s or Hobby Lobby.

Creative Pet Portraits

For a unique and fun gift, consider using a photo editing app to drop your clients' pets into interesting or whimsical backdrops. You could place them in a winter wonderland, in front of a cozy fireplace, or even in a festive holiday scene. Print out the edited photo and present it in a simple frame. This personalized gift is sure to bring a smile to your clients' faces.

There are dozens of apps out there that can do this, but some popular ones include PicsArt, PhotoRoom, and Adobe Photoshop Express.

Paw Print Ornaments on Wood Slices

Capture the essence of the holidays by creating a paw print ornament for your clients. Before you bathe the pet, gently press their paw onto an ink pad and then onto a wood slice. Write the pet's name on the wood slice to complete the ornament. This rustic and heartfelt gift is a wonderful way to honor the pet and give your clients something truly special to hang on their tree.

The holiday season is all about giving, and as a pet groomer, you have the opportunity to create lasting memories for your clients with thoughtful and personalized gifts. Whether you choose a custom ornament, a sweet-filled mug, a handcrafted item, or a personalized keychain, each of these ideas is sure to bring joy and appreciation to your clients.

Oh no... Flea season is here

06/21/2024

**Special offer at end of article**

As a pet professional, encountering a pet infested with fleas is an inevitable challenge. Fleas not only cause discomfort to pets but can also lead to serious health issues if not addressed promptly. Here are some tips on how to manage a flea-infested pet in your business, utilizing Davis’ Pure Planet Herbal Flea & Tick Shampoo.

Immediate Steps to Take

1. Isolate the Pet: The first step is to prevent the spread of fleas to other animals and areas within your business. Isolate the flea-infested dog in a designated area or immediately put in a bath to contain the fleas.
2. Cover Up: Equip yourself with gloves and an apron to avoid flea bites and prevent fleas from spreading onto your clothes. This ensures your safety, the safety of the other animals, and maintains a sanitary environment.
3. Assess the Infestation: Conduct a thorough inspection to understand the extent of the flea infestation. Look for flea dirt (tiny black specks), live fleas, and areas where the dog is scratching excessively. 

Our Pure Planet Herbal Flea & Tick Shampoo is an excellent choice for killing fleas. Here’s why:

• Natural Ingredients: It contains clove oil and other botanical oils, making it a safer alternative to chemical insecticides.
• Effective: Kills fleas and ticks on contact, proven formula
• Deep Cleansing: The shampoo helps remove dander and scaling, promoting healthier skin and a shinier coat.
• Versatile Use: It can be used full strength or diluted with 10 parts water, depending on the severity of the infestation.

Step-by-Step Flea Treatment Process

1. Bathing with Pure Planet Herbal Shampoo:

Preparation: Use full strength or dilute with 10 parts water for general cleansing.  

Application: Wet the dog’s coat thoroughly. Apply the shampoo generously, working it into a rich lather. Ensure it reaches the skin to effectively remove fleas and dander.

Massage and Wait: Gently massage the shampoo into the dog’s coat for at least 10 minutes. This allows the botanical oils to penetrate and start eliminating the fleas.

Rinse Thoroughly: Rinse the coat thoroughly with warm water to remove all shampoo residue and dead fleas.

1. Using Pure Planet Natural Flea & Tick Spray:

The Pure Planet Natural Flea & Tick Spray is an excellent product for pet owner’s to use at home in between baths.

Instruct the pet owner to spray lightly over the dog’s coat, avoiding the eyes and mouth. The spray’s natural oils help repel new fleas and provide ongoing protection.

SPECIAL OFFER: Use coupon code NOFLEAS for 15% off one order of our Pure Planet Natural Flea & Tick Shampoo. Offer expires July 3rd, 2024.

Time to move away from the old myth that oatmeal shampoos feed yeast on the skin

05/20/2024

Written by Mia Overnas, owner www.theeducatedgroomer.com

There is an old myth going around the internet that oatmeal shampoos feed yeast infections on the skin, as oatmeal is a carbohydrate and yeast feeds on carbs that transform into sugar.

"Because we all know that you need sugar when you bake bread so that the yeast can work and raise the bread..."

But let us take a step back and visit the science literature and learn what yeast on dogs actually is. It is not the same as the yeast you use to make bread, it's something completely different. When we talk about yeast on dogs, we talk about a fungal organism that is always present on the dog's skin. It is part of the natural skin flora - the microbiota (it's the same for us - we also have yeast on our skin). The fancy word for this is commensal. it is an organism that lives off another organism without causing any harm.

The yeast organisms live off the lipids on the skin - not the carbohydrates. Lipids are made up of different types of fats and old skin cells. Science has proven that they have lost genes involved in the metabolism of carbohydrates. Which makes sense - there are very few carbohydrates on the skin, but on the other hand there are plenty of lipids.

"This means that they need the supply of lipids in order to grow and, therefore, all the species in this genus are lipid-dependent, a fact that makes them unique among fungi. It is not surprising that this specific loss of genes is a consequence of their adaptation to living in the skin, which provides these species with all the lipids necessary for their growth. In this process, as these authors point out, these yeasts have increased their genetic arsenal with a multitude of lipid hydrolases that are necessary to utilise the lipids present in this environment. On the contrary, their genomes have lost genes involved in the metabolism of carbohydrates, which are not very abundant in the skin” - F. Javier Cabañes

This is why we usually first see yeast infections in areas that have a larger amount of sebaceous glands such as ears, skin folds and paws, as that is where the food is. Yeast organisms are also part of the skin barrier that helps to protect the skin against other pathogens, so they are actually important for the dog and us.

Why do some dogs get a problem with yeast?

The amount of yeast that is present on the sin is controlled by the immune system. A normally functioning immune system can keep the yeast under control so that it helps the skin barrier. But if anything happens and the immune system either gets busy dealing with something else or if the immune system in itself gets compromised, then you have an uncontrolled growth of the yeast. That's when it becomes a problem.

A large amount of yeast on the skin will cause inflammation and the inflammation can then open up for a bacterial infection. This is why we often see a combination of yeast and bacterial infection in dogs with skin problems.

What about oatmeal shampoos?

Oatmeal doesn't kill fungus/yeast, so it won't have any effect when the dog has that type of problem. It might ease some of the inflammation that the yeast is causing, and soothe the itching a bit, but it won't kill the yeast. You will need to use a shampoo that is antifungal to do that, like Malaseb, Duoxo, or a chlorhexidine-based shampoo.

Another myth is that the oatmeal won't dry out the skin. Collodial oatmeal is actually a well-proven moisturizer, a soothing agent and has also been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties. The reason why your mum put oatmeal on your rash when you were young is because it stops the itching, not because it is drying out the skin.

Read more from the original article by Mia Overnas along with a list of resources for further reading.

Spring Cleaning With Dakil

03/27/2024

**Special offer at end of article**

As the birds chirp and flowers bloom, it's that time of the year again - spring cleaning season! Amidst the hustle and bustle of pet grooming, maintaining a clean and hygienic environment is paramount. Luckily, Dakil S is here to make your cleaning a breeze. Dakil S stands out because it is a triple threat - disinfectant, sanitizer, and cleaner all in one. Whether you're tackling stainless steel appliances, floors, walls, or plastic surfaces, Dakil S has you covered. One of the key benefits of Dakil S is its neutral PH formula, making it safe to use on a variety of surfaces without causing damage. It's also suitable for porous surfaces like carpets, drapes, and pet bedding. Dakil S is your go-to solution for combating tough pet odors, including urine, feces, and vomit

With Dakil S, you can tackle your groom shop and get Spring cleaning into high gear. Stainless steel equipment? Check. Floors bustling with paw prints? Covered. Litter boxes, walls, and plastic surfaces? Dakil S handles them all with ease. Its effective elimination of mildew, fungi, and bacteria goes beyond surface-level cleaning, providing a thorough sanitization that's crucial in pet care settings.

Ready to transform your groom shop? Stock up on Dakil S today and let cleanliness reign supreme in your pet grooming oasis. Happy grooming!

**Limited Time Offer – 15% OFF Dakil S Disinfectant through April 11, 2024 Use coupon code SPC15 at check out****

Mastering Mat Removal: Tips For Pet Professionals

02/12/2024

**Special offer at end of article**

As a pet professional, you understand the challenges that come with dealing with mats and tangles on clients’ pets.  With the right tools and techniques, mat removal can be easier.  Here are some tips to help you make the most of Davis Mat-Out, our revolutionary mat removal product:

1. Understanding the Science
   Mat-Out utilizes revolutionary technology that neutralizes negatively charged ions, the primary culprits behind tangled hair and mats.  Understanding the science can help you explain the product’s effectiveness to pet owners and build trust in your grooming expertise.
2. Prevention is Key
   Encourage pet owners to use Mat-Out as a leave-on conditioner between grooming sessions.  This proactive approach helps prevent mats from forming and keeps coats looking healthy and tangle-free.  Educate clients on the importance of regular grooming maintenance to minimize matting issues.
3. Versatility in Application
   One of the key benefits of Mat-Out is its versatility. It can be used on both wet and dry coats, offering flexibility in grooming routines. Experiment with different application methods to determine what works best for each pet's unique coat type and condition.
4. Opt for Mat-Out Over Scissors
   Emphasize to your clients the importance of using Mat-Out instead of scissors to remove mats.  Not only does it make the process easier and less stressful for the pet, but it also helps to maintain the integrity of the coat.  Avoiding scissors reduces the risk of accidental cuts or injuries.
5. How to Use
   Liberally spray the pet, saturating badly matted areas.  Do not get into eyes.  Allow product to be absorbed for 2 to 5 minutes, depending on thickness of coat.  Gently brush or comb through the mats.  Use on dogs, cats or horses.  
   By incorporating these tips into your grooming services and recommending Davis Mat-Out to your clients, you can streamline the mat removal process and ensure that pets look and feel their best after each grooming session.  Happy grooming!
   

**Limited Time Offer – 15% OFF 32 oz and Gallon size Mat-Out through February 23, 2024 Use coupon code BMO24 at check out****

Pamper Your Pooch: Homemade Dog Biscuits can Help your Grooming Business Stand Out

11/07/2023

In a world where dogs are more than just pets – they're beloved family members – providing them with the best care and treats is a priority for every owner. As a pet professional,  you understand this special bond, and that's why you can use homemade dog treats to show you are not just your average grooming business. Go the extra mile by offering homemade dog biscuits that exemplify your commitment to your clients and their furry friend's well-being.

The Love Baked In Every Bite: Homemade Dog Biscuits

When your clients entrust you with the care of their four-legged companions, you take that responsibility seriously. Incorporate a unique touch that sets you apart from the competition – homemade dog biscuits. You can promote these to your customers as crafted with love and wholesome ingredients, a treat to end their experience OR to offer as a gift when the pet parents pick their pet up.
Why Homemade?

Health-Conscious Ingredients: Commercial dog treats often contain additives and preservatives that might not align with your dog's nutritional needs. Your homemade biscuits can be created using carefully selected ingredients that are not only safe but also beneficial for the pet's health.

Tailored to Dietary Needs: Just like humans, dogs can have dietary sensitivities. Your homemade treats allow you to accommodate special dietary requirements and allergies, ensuring that every dog can enjoy a treat that's tailor-made for them.

Quality Assurance: When you bake treats in-house, you have full control over the quality of ingredients. This ensures that every treat is made to the highest standard, reflecting your commitment to excellence.

Sweet Potato Treats Ingredients

You will need:
2 cups Sweet potato puree
1 cup wheat flour


Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350F.
2. Spray a cookie sheet with non-stick spray.
3. In a mixing bowl, combine the sweet potato puree and flour. If your mix is too dry add water one teaspoons at a time. 
4. Lightly flour your surface for your dough.
5. Roll your dough out and use a cookie cutter to create your biscuits. Place your treats on the cookie sheet make sure they are about 1-2 inches apart from each other.
6. Place your treats in the oven and bake for about 20 minutes or until golden brown.
7. Once the treats are done, allow them to cool before storing them in an airtight bag.

Note: You can substitute the sweet potato puree for pumpkin puree.

A Tail-Wagging Experience Awaits

At your business, you take pride in offering a grooming experience that goes beyond the ordinary. These homemade dog biscuits can reflect your commitment to the pet’s well-being, health and happiness.  Now your customers will know you are treating their furry friend to a pampering session that includes love-baked, tail-wagging goodness – because their pet deserves nothing less.

*Disclaimer: Always ensure that the ingredients used are safe and appropriate for your dog's dietary needs and consult with a veterinarian if you have any concerns.*