Maintenance was being performed on our equipment at work and I started talking with the gentleman at my desk (thanks to my mother’s gift of gab!). He was the usual fellow so we had conversed numerous times. We had discussed several different topics throughout the years. On this particular day, we started talking about pets. Come to find out, he too was a dog lover. This of course got me chatting away from grooming to cruelty.
He then opened up about how he had just lost his dog due to negligence of a groomer. He dropped his dog off for routine grooming and went to run some errands. A couple of hours later he went back because he had not received a call stating his dog was ready. They then informed him that his dog had died while in the cage dryer. Someone had left his beloved pet in there unattended and the air suffocated him. My heart immediately hurt for him. Absolute shock all over my face. Speechless. Just imagining his poor defenseless dog not being able to breathe all because of someone’s negligence.
The researcher came out and I searched to see if there had been similar situations. Come to find out, something similar actually had happened. Here is the article. How this is possible with all the technology we have is beyond me.
At the time, we had a German Shephard so I immediately called my husband and told him absolutely no more cage dryer for her. Not only is it bad for her skin but she could die. He of course thought I was being overly dramatic until I read him the article. Then he was on board. Our dogs are our family and we treat them as such.
The next time we took our dog to be groomed we told them no cage dryer. Just groom, bathe, and towel dry. Their reaction was definitely the opposite of what I expected. The lady became extremely defensive and folded her arms. She then preceded to tell me, in a firm tone, that it was necessary to put her in the cage dryer. Otherwise, she would be dripping wet.
Shock actually kept me from reacting in an undesirable way. Calmly, I explained to her that we were just not comfortable with her being put in a cage dryer. We understood she would be damp from towel drying but did not mind. We had supplies ready for her in our car. Another lady was called over. As I was grabbed the leash, cancelled, and was walking out, the lady said okay and took our precious dog back.
Panic then set in. Obviously they did not want to comply so what if they now mistreat my dog. Oh my poor defenseless dog! She is going to be mistreated and will not be able tell me. Finally, she was returned to me. After a thorough investigation, I concluded she was fine and we left.
We took her back a couple of weeks later and was treated the same way because of our decision not to use the cage dryer. This time I watched her behavior and she did not want to go back with them. The first time she did. I smiled, took the leash of my beloved dog, cancelled, and walked out.
When I got home I felt so proud of myself for recognizing her body language. Looking at her coat, it seemed as though it would take days to conquer it.
How in the world was I going to keep her groomed with our schedule?
We don’t have the tools and I had no experience with grooming a dog. Anyone who has a German Shephard or similar dog knows that grooming is an absolute necessity. Otherwise, your house will be covered in hair, including your dinner plates! And, it definitely cannot be just a once a month occurrence. It is serious business to keep your house hair free!
After trial and error, we finally found a system that enabled us to keep our dog groomed without completely rearranging our schedule. Note: this can be used for any pet hair. The tools just need to be changed.
Brush Daily
Brushing not only keeps the hair under control but it also stimulates their skin thus creating natural oils. This only takes 20 minutes (depending on the breed size) but makes a huge difference! The FURminator is a great tool and cuts out the grooming bill! Tip: Brushing should be done for both short and long hair dogs. Shame on me for not doing this for my short hair dogs! Right before dinner clean-up is a great time to schedule it in.
Vacuum Nightly
After brushing, vacuum the floor (our pet is not allowed upstairs). Not only are you cleaning up the mess from eating (necessity with small children and husbands!) but you are also keeping your floors clean from any loose dog hair. Tip: Vacuuming is highly recommended over sweeping to ensure all hair is picked up instead of swept to another place. Investing in a Robot Vacuum Floor Cleaner is another option if you do not have time to vacuum nightly. Although I do not have one, they have received great reviews and a family member loves it.
Mop Nightly
After vacuuming, a quick mop gets up any leftover hair. A spray mop is perfect for these type of situations. You keep the solution in it so it is ready to go and the pads are washable! A steam mop is another option. There are several different brands with great reviews.
Weekly Baths
Bathing with a shedding shampoo helps keep shedding to a minimum. Do not forget the conditioner as well. Using both is essential for best results.
Furniture Protectors
Keep furniture protectors on all furniture your pet is allowed on. This makes cleaning a snap. When you notice an accumulation of hair, simply take it off, put in the wash, then presto, all clean. This brand was inexpensive and worked very well.
We have a young child so our nights are not filled with extracurricular activities. If yours are, doing the above just once a week will still keep the hair under control. These simple solutions will keep your house hair free and your pet’s coat healthy!
What are ways you keep your pet’s hair under control?
Charissa
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