Ten Dog Grooming Tips for Home Groomers from the Pros at Shaggy Chic

Las Vegas, NV, March 28, 2013 --(PR.com)-- Acclimating your dog to baths and handling is the most important part of creating a successful grooming experience for your dog, according to Shaggy Chic Inc.’s Top Dog, Kelly Petersen.

“Most of us dog lovers at some time in our lives have experienced chasing down a wet dog,” she says. “It’s part of the puppy process. But with a little love and patience, you and your dog can get into the grooming habit whether you want to do it yourself or use a groomer. A clean dog leads a much happier life.”

Shaggy Chic Inc. employs some of Las Vegas’s top groomers who came up with this list of 10 Grooming Tips:

1. Start young.
Short five to 10 minute sessions with light brushing can begin at six weeks old. Professional grooming can begin by three months.
2. Use top quality grooming and cleaning products.
Most groomers and veterinarians can recommend the best grooming and cleaning products that will work best for you and your breed.
3. Handle your pup’s paws to prepare them for nail clipping.
Most dogs don’t like their feet handled. Spend a few minutes each day handling or massaging your dog’s feet. They will not only learn to accept it but will probably look forward to it.
4. Brush your dog out once a week.
Non-shedding breeds get hair knots and tangles just like humans do. If you leave out the brushing, those small knots will turn into mats. A matted coat can be painful and can lead to skin lesions and infection.
5. Brush their teeth.
Oral hygiene is just as important for your dog as it is for you. Dogs are susceptible to gingivitis and oral diseases the same as people.
6. Clean their ears regularly.
Dogs are more prone to ear infections than people are. Using a cotton ball and ear cleaner made for dogs will keep their ears clean, smelling fresh and infection free.
7. Feed your dog good quality food.
Your dog’s skin and coat reflect what they eat. A good quality dog food will keep away excessive shedding and dry skin.
8. Weekly skin and body checks.
During your weekly brushing, check over your whole dog. This way, if your dog has any lumps, bumps or sores, you can keep your eye on them for any changes or anything new.
9. Socialize your dog.
This won’t only help with grooming, but will help your dog in many situations. Taking your dog to different places, to hear new sounds, to meet other dogs and new people will help them handle new things in a non-stressful way.
10. Keep up a good relationship with your groomer and veterinarian.
Grooming can be a stressful and unnatural thing for your dog. Dogs do best with a routine. By keeping the same groomer, your dog will build a trusting relationship with that person and feel confident knowing “What’s coming next” in the grooming process. Take the time to interview groomers just like you would a veterinarian or your child’s pediatrician. Find a groomer that not only has a schedule and pricing that works for you, but someone with your family’s best friends’ needs first.

Petersen has created a signature line of Shaggy Chic’s salon products for dogs that are made in the United States and tested on humans. In addition to its line of salon and spa products, Shaggy Chic also offers its own line of specially created all-natural cookie jar treats as well as three flavors of human-grade hand-crafted by a butcher jerky treats.

Shaggy Chic offers Wash N Glow, Scissor + Style services that range from $45-$95 dollars per dog depending upon the size and style of the hair. They offer nail trims for $10, $10 for polish, teeth brushing ($5), Calming Treatment ($5), Blueberry Facial ($10) and Pawdicures (paw massage and polish) for $20.

Petersen is a self-styled entrepreneur who successfully blends career, community and family. She serves the community through Helping Hands Surgical Care, Nevada Women’s Philanthropy and the State Board of Education. She owns and operates multiple UPS stores in addition to being a dedicated mother to her three sons. Shaggy Chic was created to offer animal lovers everywhere easy access to quality products, services and information that can enhance the quality of life of their pets. Shaggy Chic Inc. is located in Tivoli Village at 400 South Rampart Blvd, Suite 140, Las Vegas, NV 89135. For more information, please call (702) 684-6616.