Grooming tips!

Good day fellow pet owners!
Every day in the store I get people asking me about cheap and cheerful ways to help groom either their dog or cat.
I always like to offer a few tips for those in need and the following are a few of my fav tips:
1. trimming nails for cats....don't bother. Either give them a good scratching post infused with some catnip or if necessary have it done professionally. A cat will likely scratch the hell out of you, the furniture and everything close to you during the trimming event...hit a quick and you are hooped!
2. trimming nails for dogs...use a really sharp and capable set of clippers and never the ones with a hole in a piece of metal with a shearing action type (they just pull too hard on the nail) Often a good pair of human toenail clippers work really well. Always soak the nails in a bit of water and/or oil to make them as translucent as possible. This way you can see the quick easier. If in doubt as to where the quick IS with a dog who has maybe all black nails.....trim sparingly and then use a file if the dog will let you. It only takes one nip of the quick and your dog will be loathe to let you do it ever again. Letting Fido run around on cement seems to keep nails down to a manageable length.
3. Teeth....giv'em as many chew sticks like Bully sticks as you see fit. The downside of a dog who does not chew (especially in small dogs) is a propensity to have tartar buildup and stinky breath. Using a doggy toothbrush with canine toothpaste helps alot too. Bone meal also really keeps the dentin clean. Don't be a fraid to give your dogs knuckle bones to chew and remove them as soon as they get either splintered or small enough to injest whole.
4. Coat grooming...unless you are really capable and/or fine with a simple cut. Get it done professionally. Some people are simply great at using a set of clippers like my friend Matt but most are not..still....you'll find out not unlike the time you were in 5th grade and your Mom decided to trim your bangs at a 36 degree angle...just before picture day. (I'm not too bitter about it ;-))
5. Paws...kepp 'e m rinsed off for the salt buildup and trim out the centre fur when traipsing around slushy areas.
6. Bathing your dog too often will only stress him/her out and ruin the coat. Only when necessary. Many times a good brushing will remove dirt and oil on non-water dogs and keep the pooch happy and good looking.
7. Brushing the dog everyday will keep hair and dander down to a minimum and provides a nice bonding moment for you and the animal. use the right brush for the right coat type though!
...so thats it...just a quick note for today.
cheers! and Woof!