topic Re: How's Your Grooming? in Community Chat

How's Your Grooming?

Desert Lily — Wed, 05 Feb 2025 23:08:49 GMT

For PETS that is.

Due to my fur baby's UTI on Christmas Day, the vet advised me to shave/clip that area every 8 weeks. Really?

My dog goes wild whenever I try to trim her tail or nails. Wild. Her nails alone take me 3 hours.

So, I bought a small grooming table, grooming arm with hoops, a hanging sling, & a clipper set.

I couldn't get the legs to attach to the separate grooming tabletop, & have no idea what finally locked them on after 10 minutes of trying.

I couldn't detach the legs later, & ended up hauling the table with legs still attached into the basement after our grooming session.

I figured out how to attach the grooming arm but it had to go on 1 of the long table sides bc the underside table edge was too narrow at the short sides for the clamp. TG she's a short dog.

My fur baby is <7 lbs. & I measured a couple times to get the adjustable arm height right.

I tested the table & arm for strength knowing my fur baby's physical antics.

Twice the table bumped lower a notch & I gasped. Once she tried to get off & dislodged the arm. Yikes.

After 3.5 hours, I had trimmed her backside, her tail, & did only a semi-good job on her nails.

I never used the clipper set. I just continued to use a blunt-end kiddie scissors I have to snip her fur. I did use 2 people hair clips to hold back her tail fur.

I wasn't able to hold her up in a standing position to be sure I cut the hair around her UTI area, which is the reason I bought the grooming table & accessories.

I then cut the long hair around her legs, but I could only sort of see underneath & used the blunt kiddie scissors.

I have no idea how I did; I do know that I never really got a view of the UTI area I needed to trim.

I used the hanging sling while I trimmed her nails. We both hated that. But I have to say that it was better than the usual of my laying on the bottom stair landing using my foot to keep the surgery cone I put on her head to face the steps so she can't see what's happening.

She hated the whole table scenario. I hated it, too.

Groomers might be worth their weight in gold, eh? Lol

Re: How's Your Grooming?

Desertdi — Wed, 05 Feb 2025 23:17:22 GMT

Huh. I growled, hissed, and scratched whenever my mama came anywhere NEAR me with those "tools".

That way, I got a trip to the groomer and got a nice blow dry!

≈^••^≈

♥ Love, Kitty ♥

Re: How's Your Grooming?

Carmie — Thu, 06 Feb 2025 00:32:42 GMT

I have dogs that will let me clip. I have to trim the fur on their feet on top and underneath so they don't slide. I use a battery operated clipper.

But, cutting their nails is difficult. They fight me. I even have a dremmel to smooth their nails...they hate that too.

Their goomers say they sit perfectly still for them. Go figure.

I was thinking about getting one of those hanging slings. I am getting desperate. It costs me $30 each for just a nail trim, plus tip. Way too much, IMO.

Tip: did your clippers come with cutting guards? If so, just attach and smooth the hair away in the sanitary area....much easier than using shears.

Re: How's Your Grooming?

Mz iMac — Thu, 06 Feb 2025 01:53:32 GMT

Excellent. I can't be bothered. My cat & dog each have their own personal groomers. Dog has 2, cat has 1.

Re: How's Your Grooming?

Carmie — Thu, 06 Feb 2025 02:41:47 GMT

@monicakm $10 is a bargain to trim nails. My groomer charges $30 and my vet tech charges $35. My dogs need their nails trimmed about every two weeks.

2 dogs x $30 =$60 + tip $10 equals $70

That's $140 a month! My dogs have black nails, so you can't see through them to find the vein. Scary for sure.

I do what I can and they get groomed every few months and get the works.

I should have opened a pet salon instead of a salon for humans.

Re: How's Your Grooming?

Puggywuggy — Thu, 06 Feb 2025 03:48:43 GMT

We take ours to a groomer every month and I am so grateful because I can't even imagine doing their nails and glands myself. ❤️🐾

Re: How's Your Grooming?

JoyFilled Warrior — Thu, 06 Feb 2025 07:48:15 GMT

heh @Desert Lily

You're a Hoot!!

I can see it vividly now. Your description! heh

I used to have a sweet, Pure Bred, Lonnng Hair Persian & needed the Privy Cuts also. She'd be standing up, all fours. I'd grab a long vertical handful of her backside, privy hair, up her, upper leg (but NOT too close to skin) and just cut with scissors, quickly (but carefully not close enough to possibly get any skin)).

Then brush, fluff it out a bit. This part she doesnt want anything to do with! (She had her fill already) heh

I'd rather take a little bit, Privy cut, more often, than risk cutting too much, too close to the skin, infrequently.

And, after the cutting, I'd give her something she particularly likes, so she knows this wasn't punishment for anything.

This wasnt her favorite thing to have done, but she accepted it (briefly) heh

Better if she's a little dopey from just having awakened.

And if I have to do one Privy side, then later, the other side, is okay. It still gets done.

And not too close to her skin, just enough to keep her clean from straggle hairs, when relieving herself.

Re: How's Your Grooming?

catter70 — Thu, 06 Feb 2025 10:17:47 GMT

My cats like to be brushed, but a struggle to clean eyes, ears or to give meds.

Re: How's Your Grooming?

Harpa — Thu, 06 Feb 2025 13:33:16 GMT

Good recounting, @Desert Lily !

By time Judah (Yorkie) gets to us to stay, he's a disaster! They never bother! He'll be here in March, so I know what we'll be facing.

First, it's trimming nails. DH's job. With this little contraption that buzzes. Judah doesn't that at all, so he wiggles and squiggles to beat the band. DH is over there somehow managing, but with all manner of verbal expressions!

When that's done, Judah races to the cabinet for a treat, and we oblige.

Then I take over with my good hair scizzors. DH holds him down, and even though I've done this many times before, I feel like I have no idea what I'm doing. Somehow he ends up looking much, much better! DH and I switch places, and he trims his private area.

Then into the drink for a bath w/ Yorkie shampoo. DH's "expertise", but I have to be there holding Judah's paw (so to speak). After the kitchen floor and Judah get a good thorough soaking and cleaning, Judah again races to the cabinet! How do we say no?

But at least we have a sweet smelling dog for the week, and he really is the best dog after all that hoopla!

Re: How's Your Grooming?

CalminHeart — Thu, 06 Feb 2025 13:46:06 GMT

I did my dog's nails and grooming for many years. One day, he wasn't having it and hasn't allowed me to do his nails since.

I refuse to traumatize my dog in any way. He was horribly abused before rescued and when I adopted him. I now take him to a pet shop for his nails and he does very well there. It's pretty inexpensive and worth not upsetting him.

I have to pick him up to get him in the shower....and get him in there with all 4 legs sticking straight out. LOL. I take him to a groomer a couple of times a year for his bath too.

Re: How's Your Grooming?

JoyFilled Warrior — Thu, 06 Feb 2025 17:40:57 GMT

Ya'll's recounting of events is sooo descriptive, & enjoyable to read, albeit sounding so incredibly awful, all'round.

Im not sure I could endure that kind of stress, (let alone the dog, pet) esp without someone else's help. At the same time, I can surely understand those prices are WHOA!!!

Really, really sounds like a crazy dilemma.

I certainly can understand, you dreaming, considering opening your own Grooming Services.

I often watch thru the windows of PetSmart to see how they groom their dogs. (Cant say I've seen them groom cats thru the windows). Amazing how they do it with simply, seemingly only dog wiggling. Seems like their own kind of "Doggie Magic," esp now that y'all so descriptively describe this! YIKES!!!

(BTW, I suspect that the Drill sound freaks out pets, incl dogs)

Is there a "MEDICALLY PROVEN SAFE" dog semi- relaxer to give pooch, prior to this "awful for both" ordeal?

I applaud y'all for your tenacity, and great pet/pooch/kitty maintenance, love you for being such wonderful loving, & responsible pet parents.

Much, much Love from me, to you, for all this love you give your pets!

BTW, I've seen some kind of "hanging sling/swing" proposed on these threads here, albeit proposed for kitties.

Let me thumb thru for this "hanging sling" on here and post the info. Maybe that might help? You decide then. Even if only help for a kitty, or also used for a pooch. Might help.

Also, rigged for owner's to "express male dog ****** glands" also?? Somehow integrated in all that? (I know, ya dont need yet another craziness to all this).

BRB

Re: How's Your Grooming?

JoyFilled Warrior — Thu, 06 Feb 2025 17:59:42 GMT

Our own, super pet/owner/person lovable, multi Pet Owner @We rescue cats recommended, (even with pic), this "sling" that might be considered for all these traumatic (for both pet/dog/cat parent/pet) 'events"

It's on this thread:

Pet Lovers:

" ANYONE KNOW THE SECRET? "

Author: @Tinkrbl44

Entry #9 of 15 by: @We rescue cats

Here's the link to above:

https://community.qvc.com/t5/Pet-Lovers/ANYONE-KNOW-THE-SECRET/m-p/8722618#M164409

@We rescue cats included a pic on that thread also:

Im SURE @We rescue cats will help. She's experienced & a veritable darlin' inc Pet Darlin'

Good Luck, & lov'n prayers.

Looking forward to reading how ya doing, loving pet owners.

Re: How's Your Grooming?

RescueLover — Thu, 06 Feb 2025 18:19:23 GMT

HELLO !!! @Desert Lily 🤗🤗🤗

I have a Much Better and Easier Solution for your fur baby!!!

Last year one of our senior dogs had a couple UTI’s back to back and was on some serious antibiotics.

It’s been almost a year now with no infections. Knock in wood!

Our Vet recommended the following…

After your dog goes potty, use an UNSCENTED baby wipe (Huggies or even Walmarts Equate brand) and gently wipe the area.

Also check your treats and make sure they are not High in Protein. Their dog food already has the protein they need, extra is NOT good for UTI’s.

HUGS to your precious fur baby!! 🐶

Re: How's Your Grooming?

RescueLover — Thu, 06 Feb 2025 18:26:41 GMT

Our fur baby has WAY too much hair to have to cut like your vet suggested you do for yours.

You’ll be a AMAZED how Great the wipes work! ⭐️

Re: How's Your Grooming?

Desert Lily — Thu, 06 Feb 2025 21:22:18 GMT

@RescueLover My fur baby is a Papillon. She's hairy like a cat ... everywhere. And wiggly.

While at the vet after Christmas, the vet had my dog shaved in that area & told me that's what needs to happen.

But, I need to be an octopus with 8 arms.

I live in a small town (almost rural) with 800 people & 2200 in the nearest town. None of them are groomers, but I wish we had one around here. Not a biz I should go into LOL. I will find one.

Re: How's Your Grooming?

Desert Lily — Thu, 06 Feb 2025 21:41:06 GMT

@JoyFilled Warrior Thank you for the suggestions.

The sling photo that you posted is exactly what I had bought (in turquoise) to put my fur baby in while I do her nails.

She could still pull her little leg back at the wrong moments. I couldn't use the sling while trying to cut the designated area fur bc it covers that area.

The grooming arm that holds the sling up has to be adjusted after the loop/noose secures are used to keep the pup still (ha ha) while having her fur cut.

I use a pet rotary nail trimmer & not a clipper on her nails. I was able to see my late Maltese's nails bc they were white; this fur baby's nails are black & I don't want to risk hurting her.

A relaxer sounds like a great idea! ... for me Lol. Bc the table thumped down lower twice, I was bent over the 3.5 hours while grooming. I wrote yesterday's post with an ice pack on my lower back and Ghiradelli chocolate in my hand.

Idk yet how I'll maneuver that table back up the basement steps.

Re: How's Your Grooming?

RescueLover — Thu, 06 Feb 2025 21:48:03 GMT

Hi! @Desert Lily

Awe I bet she’s a cutie pie!! 🥰

Well my dog is quite hairy too and the wipes keep her nice and clean.

She actually likes when we clean her. It only takes a few seconds to do and it’s done every time she goes.

It would be too traumatic if we had to shave her. The stress alone would not do her any good.

The baby wipes that Walmart sells are in pkgs of 72. And more reasonable than the Huggies brand. 🤗

Re: How's Your Grooming?

JoyFilled Warrior — Thu, 06 Feb 2025 23:03:14 GMT

@Desert Lily

You are an absolute *HOOT!*

Love your writing style, esp when mixed with your sense of humor!

You are so descriptive, I can envision, paint this clearly! OMG!!

Honestly, I dont think, even with the sling, *one person* can possibly deal with all this! Maybe even 2 ppl! (or 3?)

Maybe create your favorite Casserole (or, order a QVC Food Delivery), to your neighbored, and tell your neighbors, you sure hope they love your meal, but it's not without strings. LOL. You hope for help from them, +2, 3, 4 human helpers for "Pooch Grooming.") Sounds funny, but not kidd'n.

Or ask a church pastor if he/she or any church members who would be so kind, then, even for some small cash. Church pastors seem to have their finger on the pulse of their entire congregation, & some members, esp elderly, or bored widows, might be attracted to this activity, and meeting new ppl, with opportunity for a few pooch hugs without the hassle of taking a pet home. My church has an Older Ladies Bible Studies that do this, on occasion. They meet on Sunday AMs, prior to Service, and on Tues AMs.

A VERY TALL Deacon, & wife, (at my former neighbor's church) does this *anything* home "stuff" for hire, for spending money, hmm.

Maybe I can hire him to reach those filled totes resting on the top of Tote piles, tthat "lovingly" were piled up at against my 2nd bedroom *CEILING.*

I gave up on kids/children thinking they wanted to make some money. Maybe you'd have better luck.

Kids I asked seemed not interested in anything requiring effort. They know to just ask parents for what they want, and get it. Parents want to be the kids "friends," & never have to tell their children "NO!"

maybe you'd have better luck?

Maybe reach kids by making a TikTok Video asking for youth help? ROFL. Just kidding.

No telling where possible help can come from, esp if a small town might know one another, they say.

@Desert Lily

There's GOT to be some solution.

IF a workable solution not mentioned yet, we can still keep trying -- a BUNCH of VERY, VERY smart, tenacious, pet experienced ppl, with the will to never give up, ppl on these Forums! (esp about Pets) here heh

Maybe ask guys/husbands first, (many seem to often say yes, without thinking, imho), *THEN* they mention the accepted favor to their wife! heh. Seriously, worked for me! (I've found, Many guys/husbands/even older men, welcome being asked to help). Maybe they can steady the pup, while you "wittle away" at the pooches nails and Privy area. or at least, assemble your rig, strongly, to help with pooch cuttings/wittlings

I dont see only one person doing this. Like my late Dad's joke of "trying to rub your belly & tap your head, at the same time - then switching hands!") Never did his very dry sense of humor not laugh at this effort!

Or, possibly, 2nd choice, ask Vet Tech if she wants to make some extra cash, off hours, for (helping you, or) grooming at reduced price.

I know what you mean about a dark nail. One thumb on my Sweeties thumb is dark. - totally scary about clipping too close. Fortunately, only one nail, & her thumb. Is intimidating.

@Desert Lily WE can do this!

Oh, do you have a PetSmart there? If you go with Petmart to grooming (DO NOT recommend anything medical) I would INSIST on a PetSmart WINDOW to watch what they're doing AT ALL TIMES. EVERYTHING in your sight at all times! *ALL times*

Maybe barter with the Vet with your free professional services, in exchange for nail/privy maintenance on your beloved pup! Answering phones, weighing pets, making appts, collecting pet owner $$, bring pets into examining room.... Much to offer them.

Re: How's Your Grooming?

chrystaltree — Fri, 07 Feb 2025 04:58:22 GMT

Oh my goodness. I absolutely would never traumatize my pet or myself like that. I'm traumatized just reading that. We always took our dogs and the cats to the groomer at the vets for nail care and anything else that needed to be flipped or trimmed.

Re: How's Your Grooming?

CalminHeart — Fri, 07 Feb 2025 11:40:29 GMT

@JoyFilled Warrior wrote:

Is there a "MEDICALLY PROVEN SAFE" dog semi- relaxer to give pooch, prior to this "awful for both" ordeal?

I would use only what a vet recomments. I've tried OTC and it's a waste of money.

My friend's dog is older and has so much anxiety when at the groomer's. The groomer figured out his stress comes primarily from the dryer. So now my friend bathes her dog and air dries at home but the groomer cuts his hair and nails.

Because of age and anxiety, her vet told her to give him 50mg prescription Trazadone an hour before going to the groomer. He's a 70 pound dog so it doesn't do a lot. But it does help during bad storms and other stressful situations when he's with her or at home.

My DIL gives her dog a hemp supplement when stress gets too high. She thinks it helps.