Tis the season for shave downs (especially those lovely annual clients), de-shed treatments and flea outbreaks. Here are just a few helpful hints and ideas I apply during this time of year.
Purchase a few #7 Wide, #4Wide and #10 Wide blades. They reduce shave down times dramatically. The #7Wide I frequently use on labs in reverse and the finish is smooth as silk.
For de sheds try soaking the dog in conditioner in the tub for a at least 5-10 minutes. Then, without rinsing, blow out the coat with your force dryer. The conditioner weighs the hair down so instead of flying all over your shop or van it stays in the easy to rinse tub.
To easily blend the head on a shave down, try running a comb attachment in 2-3 sizes longer (for a #7 rev shave down I use a #1 or #2 comb) in reverse and then back in the opposite direction from the occiput over the top of the skull. Then thinning shear the rest.
Utilize your bathing systems. For double coated breed I often mix a quick dry product into the shampoo to cut down on drying time. For those super smelly pets I mix in some odor inhibitor (I like Laube's No Big Stinkin Deal) and my clients have responded by saying their pets have stayed fresher longer. Also, you'll find some elderly or arthritic pets have increased stiffness due to the temperature/ weather changes. You can provide a smoothing liniment bath by either putting some peppermint oil in you system or by purchasing a liniment product often found in tack store for horses. Most horse products are approved for dog use as well. My personal favorite is called Refreshment.
Despite the frigid winter, flea infestations are already rearing their ugly head. Of course if you know a pet has fleas immediately bathe them with a flea killing shampoo. I prefer more herbal ones, since pyrmethrins tend to break me out. Allow them to soak for at least 5-10 minutes and always start from head down, so fleas can not run to the head (that you're washing in a tearless or face shampoo).
After grooming a flea infested pet clean your clipper vac and force dryer filters. This prevents a shop infestation. I also spray down the filters and surfaces with cleansing alcohol (found at a local beauty supply). The alcohol kills the fleas as well as sanitizes.
For carpets and upholstery, borax is a wonderful, inexpensive tool to kill fleas. Found in the laundry aisle, use the borax just like a carpet powder. Sprinkle, allow to sit for a few minutes, then vacuum up; the flea are dehydrated and die.
I have yet to find a great tick shampoo, so I usually am stuck pulling them off with either hemostats or a special tick removing tool. The pulled ticks go into a cup full of either ear cleaner or cleansing alcohol to kill them. I've been known to save some for an owner of a horribly infested pet to help encourage proper preventative such as tropicals, Preventix collars or other methods.
WIth pets that came in with a flea issue or particularly smelly I also use a alcohol-based cologne. The fragrance lasts longer and the alcohol once again kills any stray fleas.
Be diligent with water for every pet. I've had a few clients bring their dogs in after lengthy exposure to the heat and are surprised to find their pet faints.
I hope some of these ideas and hints have been helpful. Enjoy the weather and all the grooming challenges it brings with.
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