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Everything to know about dog grooming programs

Taking good care of a dog may seem like the easiest thing to do in the world, but one needs to be diligent and consistent with their grooming efforts. Fortunately, dog grooming can be learned and is a viable and well-paying profession. Undergoing training for professional dog grooming can help people learn everything about always keeping dogs healthy and happy. Here are some key details about professional dog grooming programs:

What is dog grooming training programs?
Dog grooming courses are learning programs in which professional trainers teach learners everything about taking good care of a dog. For instance, the training involves sessions on brushing, bathing, and drying dogs.

Apart from that, one also learns how to trim or clip dog hair and nails with clean and sanitized brushes and blades. Learners are taught to clean a dog’s ears and other body parts and check for signs of illness. Other things, such as which natural products and daily techniques to use to keep a dog’s skin healthy, are also covered in these programs.

Some dog breeds need to be given baths once every 4 to 6 weeks. Certain dogs need to have their hair cut once every 8 to 12 weeks. Knowing these intervals for all kinds of dogs is one of the many things taught in dog grooming programs. Professional groomers also know how to brush or comb out mats before a dog takes a bath, making it easy to lather the dog using shampoo.

More importantly, professional groomers need to be good communicators. A critical aspect of their job is to communicate with their clients to know how they want their dog to be groomed, how they want the nails and ears of their dog to be clipped and cleaned respectively, how they want their dog styled for special occasions, and several other points.

After one goes through such a program, they have the requisite knowledge of how to clean and pamper a dog in the best ways possible.

How long does a training program last?
Typically, dog grooming programs last for about 10 weeks. The process of becoming a professional dog groomer is simple. One needs to enroll in a state-approved grooming school to pursue this educational course. Grooming programs can be conducted either online or on-site.

After going through the program, one must build experience by working for a few years. As always, practical experience perfects the skills and temperament of dog groomers. To begin with, learners can approach accomplished dog groomers and assist them with their work.

After attaining years-worth of grooming experience, one can earn a certification with the National Dog Groomers Association of America. To get this certification, groomers need to take a written exam and demonstrate their practical grooming skills to a panel of certified evaluators. Another certification body to get professional grooming honors is the International Professional Groomers, Inc.

Professional certification is a major hurdle. One needs extensive expertise and the right amount of delicacy while handling dogs. Getting a certification can set groomers up to build their clientele in a few years.

Which dog grooming schools are the best?
Here are some renowned dog grooming schools for learners to discover and hone their skills:

North Shore Community College
This institute provides to-be groomers with invaluable knowledge and practical experience. North Shore Community College’s grooming course has about 80 programs to teach students everything about the dog grooming profession from scratch.

This college offers students the much-vaunted Animal Care Specialist Certification program that involves learning skills like dog walking, dog training, kennel management, dog rescue and sheltering, and other core grooming aspects.

Merryfield School of Pet Grooming
This institute provides a super-extensive, 600-hour training program as a part of day and evening programs. Through this program, students pick up skills and enhance aspects such as speed, accuracy, and confidence while performing grooming tasks, thanks to a 100-hour externship availability.

The contents of MSPG’s course are prepared in adherence to the National Dog Groomers Association of America’s standards.

Cornerstone Dog Grooming Academy
This academy ensures that its students learn about every aspect of pet grooming. The Cornerstone Dog Grooming Academy has a low student-to-teacher ratio. So, learners get a personalized experience throughout the course to help them with the nitty-gritty of dog grooming.

Apart from these, there are several other renowned dog grooming schools, such as Rio Gran Grooming School, Paragon School of Pet Grooming, Texas AllBreed Grooming School, and Golden Paws Pet Styling Academy.

7 human foods that dogs can safely enjoy

Dogs belong to the Canis lupus familiaris species, and their digestive systems differ from humans. Since they have different digestive systems, their nutritional needs vary too. Many dog food brands are available on the market with uniquely formulatedÂ treats that should be a part of your pet's daily food plan. However, once in a while, it is safe to offer them one of these seven human foods from your plate. Carrots Carrots have several health benefits for dogs. Chewing them helps maintain their dental health by removing plaque from the teeth. Carrots are also a good source of vitamin A, which is excellent for strengthening your puppy's immune system, skin, and coat. Further, they have potassium, fiber, and other essential nutrients. Apples Apples are a great source of vitamins A and C. They are also a healthy source of fiber, which can help regulate your pet's digestive system. However, you must keep your furry friend away from rotting apples, which can lead to food poisoning and, consequently, symptoms like diarrhea and vomiting. White rice Giving your dog white rice is an excellent idea if they have an upset stomach. It is easy to digest and can help bind their stool. However, like in humans, rice can lead to a rise in blood sugar levels, so dogs with diabetes should be given this food in small amounts. Fish Fish like salmon, shrimp, and tuna are great protein sources for your puppy. Salmon and tuna, in particular, are also rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which help keep their immune system, coat, and skin healthy. The vitamin B in shrimp helps maintain a dog's digestive system and improves blood circulation. While these fish are safe, remember to cook them properly before serving, as raw or uncooked fish may have harmful parasites. Chicken Plain boiled chicken is an excellent option for your puppy, especially during episodes of an upset stomach. Chicken is also one of the most common ingredients in dog food as it is rich in protein, which is essential for overall health. You can feed your dog cooked chicken as is or mix it with regular food. But do not feed raw chicken as it can carry harmful bacteria like Salmonella. Pork Cooked unseasoned pork is safe for pets in small amounts. Since pork has a high fat content, it can be challenging for some dogs to digest and cause inflammation and pancreatitis. So, it is best to offer them pork in limited quantities. Do not feed bacon or ham as their salt contents are high. Dairy products Dairy products like milk, cheese, and plain yogurt are safe if fed in small amounts. Too much dairy can lead to digestive problems, as dogs have low lactase levels, the digestive enzyme that breaks down the sugar lactose found in dairy products. Pets with lactose intolerance should avoid dairy products altogether. Signs of lactose intolerance include diarrhea or vomiting. Visit a vet if your pup shows these symptoms after enjoying any dairy product. While human foods can be fed occasionally, dogs must get their nutrition from quality dog foods. It is crucial to choose the correct option based on your pet's age, breed, and nutritional requirements. Blue Buffalo and Purina offer personalized food solutions with a collection of meat-rich, natural nutrition, limited-ingredient, and grain-free formulas. Hill's offers scientific and well-balanced recipes for dogs of all ages. NUTROâ¢ has various flavors, like chicken, lamb, fish, and duck, ensuring your dog enjoys every bite. Royal Canin is known for a great range of wet and dry foods for common breeds of puppies and adult dogs. They also have unique formulas for special needs like digestive support, urinary support, and oral hygiene.

8 clear signs of tick bites in pets

Tick bites can be a severe problem for our furry friends, leading to discomfort and health issues if left untreated. Since ticks are known to carry diseases and infections, pet owners have a moral responsibility to learn to identify the signs and symptoms of a tick bite on their pets. In this article, one can find the common signs of tick bites in furry companions for timely treatment and tips to prevent serious complications. Common signs that a tick may have bitten a pet Tick bites are commonly seen in pets that spend much time outdoors. However, indoor pets can be at risk if people or other pets who have spent time outdoors bring ticks inside the house. Whether the pet spends most of their time indoors or outdoors, it is important to be aware of the common signs of tick bites and watch out for them. Tick fever This is one of the most common signs that a tick may have bitten a pet. A tick bite can trigger a fever of 105Â°F (40.5Â°C) or more. Lethargy Episodes of deficient energy levels generally follow tick bites. As a result, the pet will experience severe lethargy. They are unwilling to engage in activities or do not respond in their usual, energetic way. Mobility changes If an infected tick has bitten a pet, it may be at risk of Lyme disease. Changes in a pet's mobility usually precede this condition. It happens due to the inflammation caused by the bite of an infected tick. As a result, the joints are affected, leading to a lot of discomfort. So, the pet cannot move comfortably, resulting in mobility changes. In some cases, the discomfort may be tremendously high that the affected area may appear numb. Diarrhea and vomiting It's essential to be aware of two symptoms that could indicate a pet has been exposed to ticks. These symptoms can occur for various reasons, not just tick bites. However, if your pet has recently been in areas where ticks are common, such as wooded trails, dense vegetation, or areas with long grasses, it's essential to watch for these signs. Licking, scratching, or chewing A pet bitten by a tick spends most of their time scratching, chewing, or licking a specific body area. They do this to relieve itching and inflammation in the bitten area. Skin bumps If one suspects a tick has bitten their pet, it is important to check their skin for bumps. These usually appear as crusty spots or scabs on the skin. Sometimes, the bumps may be red spots or look like bullseye-shaped red circles. Low appetite This is another symptom that may occur due to other health reasons and not due to tick bites. If your pet shows signs of a tick bite, such as loss of appetite, it is important to take them to the vet immediately. Due to their decreased appetite, they may refuse their regular meals and show no interest in their favorite treats. Paralysis Certain types of ticks release toxins into the host after biting. These toxins cause paralysis, which is usually temporary. It lasts a few hours after the tick is removed from the pet. However, it can be fatal if toxins enter the diaphragm or the lungs. How to treat tick bites One can do a few things immediately after spotting a tick bite on their pet. If these steps do not help, seeking immediate medical attention at the nearest vet's clinic is best. Examine the extent of the bite: The bitten area or any embedded ticks must be checked. If the tick has fallen off, the area will appear red or inflamed. Remove the tick: If it is still embedded in the pet's skin, removing it carefully using fine-tip tweezers is important. It must be removed straight from the skin using a firm and gentle grip. Clean up the infected skin: Once the tick has been removed, use a pet-friendly antiseptic to clean the infected area. This will ensure all the infection-causing germs are killed off. Monitor the pet for any symptoms: Keep a watch on it to see whether it exhibits any tick bite symptoms. Some symptoms may occur after two weeks. So it helps to be on guard for some time.