Questions about grooming and doggie psychology?


Hi, Here is the newest blog site to one of the best grooming facilities and grooming schools in the country.

I am the owner, DuAnn Chambers, and also the primary grooming instructor for the Pet Grooming Academy. I graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Washington in Seattle, Washington. I moved to northern Idaho (Priest River area) in 1994 and did not feel that I could support myself in this rural area with a psychology degree. So, I went back to school and received my grooming diploma in 1997 and have been grooming ever since.

I am childfree by choice and I live with my husband (whom I adore) and my 3 dogs, Mini Schnauzer, Annie-12, Monte-std pdle - 3, and Marli- Rott. cross-6.

My 4-legged dogs come to work with me and it’s a wonderful way to spend my days and make a living. I get to use both of my degrees every day in the grooming shop and I work with talented and fun dog-loving people. I now own 2 shops, and employ 6-8 groomers and bathers.

I start one student at a time, and have graduated dozens of students that have gone on to become hugely successful groomers and business owners. I love being a groomer! And I love being a teacher!

I have started this blog so that I can assist groomers with grooming questions, and dog-owners with dog psychology questions. In my 11 years of owning 2 shops and grooming thousands of dogs, I have come to notice a LOT of really cool things that co-exist for dog and owner.

Please help me to start my blog by sending me your questions regarding your dogs. Thanks a bunch for visiting my site, and I hope to be a service to you!


DuAnn Chambers




Sunday, August 30, 2015

Firestorm Smoke Does Affect Dogs During Grooming

www.thepoochparlor.net
Wildfire Smoke Effects Dogs

If wildfire smoke is affecting you, then it is also affecting your dog or cat - in all the same ways. As of August 2015, there have been a rash of firestorms across the Northwest United States,  filling the atmosphere with smoke, soot, and tiny debris, and with few days of breathing relief.  The smoke and the atmospheric debris created by the firestorms creates the same physical irritants for dogs as it does for their humans.  Its important for owners and groomers to be especially aware of dog's behaviors and newly exhibited symptoms during firestorms,  to ensure the safe-keeping of the pet during the grooming process.  Dog's eyes, lungs, and respiratory systems can be affected by the smoke inhalation, sometimes in mild ways and sometimes in extreme ways, depending on the baseline respiratory health of the dog.

When seen as a new pattern during prolonged atmospheric smoke conditions, these are signs of eye irritation in dogs:
-Crusty, tight matted eye corners
-Squinting eyes
-Clear or slightly colored discharge from the eyes
-Red eyes, and/or inflamed whites of the eyes
-Pawing at the eyes, or rubbing the face on the ground

Signs of respiratory irritation in dogs:
-Exerting more effort to breathe
-Wheezing, coughing, and sneezing
-Stretching the neck out for easier breathing
-Faster than normal breathing rate

Dogs that have existing heart conditions, such as heart murmurs, or enlarged hearts, are especially at risk for complications during smoky days.  Dogs experiencing extreme complications from existing heart conditions and smoke inhalation can show signs of sleepiness, dizziness, and even unconsciousness.

What can owners and groomers do to reduce irritation symptoms in dogs during smoky days?
-Use non-steroidal, lubricating eye drops
-Keep the door closed and use air-fine filters in the air conditioners
-Use Ionizer air filters indoors, especially in sleeping spaces
-Stay inside
-Keep heat and humidity levels low to reduce any extra stressors on the dog

Smoke pollution can adversely affect pets.  Knowing environmental stress signs to look for can potential save your pets life, and at the very least, help alleviate the momentum of continued pollution symptoms.

DuAnn Chambers
Happy Pooch Tribune
www.thepoochparlor.net