After-grooming care

• Bleeding nail

  We are always careful with nails. Still, we can occasionally cut the quick, especially on pets whose nails are not trimmed every 2 to 4 weeks, or who dislike nail trims. We always tell you, even if it is minimal. At home, walking on pavement or sidewalks can wear the nail down and expose the quick, so it opens and bleeds again. Do not be alarmed. Apply styptic powder or alum to the nail. If you do not have them, cornstarch or flour also stops the bleeding.

• Shaking the head in matted pets

  Regular grooming, coat maintenance and ear cleaning can prevent shaking in the first place. It happens most in pets with a lot of ear hair attached to the skin, which has to be removed. Removing matting from the ear can also irritate it.

• Hematomas from shaking the head

  Excessive head shaking can cause hematomas. Supervise your dog to keep them from shaking, or wrap a sock or nylon around their head, or use a “happy hoodie.”

• Licking or chewing

  It usually happens in pets that had to be shaved because of matting, mostly around the groin and belly, which are very sensitive. It can also show up during allergy season, or in pets with skin or food allergies. Do not let your pet scratch the irritated area: it can turn into a bigger problem, including infection. After a groom some pets have sharper nails, so they can hurt themselves more.

• Skin or clipper irritation

  This is most common in pets that had to be shaved because of the condition of their coat.

• Scooting or chewing at the rear

  Some pets scoot or chew at their rear after a groom. If it continues or you notice redness, check with your veterinarian.

• Eye irritation or allergies

  Grooming can aggravate eye allergies, since we use water and shampoo on the face. We are always careful around the eyes and use tear-free facial shampoo, but an eye that is already irritated can get worse.

Please tell us if your pet has any food, environmental or skin allergies.