JULY 2011:  THE ARTOF MAINTAINING YOUR PET’S BEAUTIFUL COAT & GOOD LOOKS!“I am joy in a wooly coat, come to dance into your life, to make you laugh!” ~ Julie ChurchAs with humans, our pets’ largest organ is skin and, along with fur and hair, its condition reflects nutritional and overall health.  Areas to ensure optimum health include:Diet: A healthy diet is essential for a shiny, healthy coat. Don’t feed pets table scraps; their digestive systems can’t always handle human food. Talk to your vet about the best diet for your pet’s size, breed and activity level. Be sure to include any concerns about skin conditions and allergies (often revealed through skin and hair in dogs, GI tracts in cats). If you or your vet suspect your pet has food allergies, a hypoallergenic diet can be prescribed that contains ingredients not previously encountered. Protein is the first ingredient to be replaced with something ‘novel’, like duck (even lamb is now too commonly found in pet food to be used as an alternative) to which your pet hasn’t been exposed. Grains follow. Remember that strict adherence to the prescribed diet, along with water, is crucial in determining food allergies.  (See http://www.canine-clippers.com/newsletters/september2008.htmfor foods that are risky for pets.)Supplements: Fatty Acids & Omega 3 fish oils are safe and routinely recommended by veterinarians. Some people occasionally add about a teaspoon (depending on your pet’s size) of olive, safflower, fish, or sunflower oil to dry food, but caution is advised so as to not upset sensitive GI tracts.Brushing and de-matting: Daily brushing is recommended to prevent matting, and should be carefully introduced so that it’s enjoyable and not a struggle. Avoid brushing with hard bristles around sensitive areas like the face, ears, or genitals. For these areas, use a soft, warm washcloth or grooming mitt. To de-matt, spray a de-tangler and gently brush to work the tangle out from the outside in, while holding the hair between the knot and your pet’s body. Bathing: To preserve & balance natural oils, it’s advised not to bathe your dog more than once a week or so. Human shampoo isn’t PH balanced for dogs, and can strip the oils needed to protect their skin.Ask your vet or groomer for recommendations on shampoo and de-tanglers. (Hint for bathing your dog yourself: To prevent shaking, wash upwards and around the head last.) Always be sure to rinse thoroughly, since residual shampoo can irritate the skin. Gently towel dry and brush damp hair to remove knots. A great alternative to high maintenance and drain clogging at-home baths is a pet bathing salon, where you can either use self-serve equipment and shampoo to wash your dog, or choose a professional grooming.  http://www.wash-and-wag.com/Wash & Wag in Culpeper is now owned and operated by Canine Clippers, & managed by Ronda Nottingham, NCMG.Cats are welcome too, for a bath and brush out, and/or a ‘Lion Clip’, or, cut one length all over. Cat grooming services include nails as well, and are by appointment only (while you wait).Flea and other pest control: This is vital for a healthy coat because, of course, flea andother pest infestations cause sores & skin irritations exacerbated by scratching and biting. Front Line, available through your professional pet care giver, is the most effective & commonly used prevention. Non-toxic home treatments include a tsp. of salt in a pint of water or Dawn dish detergent. If scratching & biting becomes chronic, you may wish to use a cone or ‘E Collar’ (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elizabethan_collar) to break the habit. (See http://www.canine-clippers.com/newsletters/june2008.htmfor more info on fleas & ticks.)Remember, some breeds of dogs, like Poodles and Bichon Frise, and cats, like Persians & Himalayans, need routine professional grooming care. (Please see: http://canine-clippers.com/newsletters/november2009.htm.)“Canine Clippers is recognized for their part in helping students in the Forest ParkEMPLOY program reach their goals. EMPLOY provides vocational training for youth with disabilities that includes both classroom education and internships with local businesses…….”Please click the link below to read about the Prince William Partnership award:http://pwcs.schoolfusion.us:80/modules/news/announcements/announcement.phtml?aid=2041813.If you would like to learn how to become a dog groomer, our classes begin the second Tuesday of every month. Please contact our DumfriesSchoolat 703-221-3647.All three of our Northern Virginialocations need groomers & bathers. If you or anyone you know is interested, please see below, and give us a call!~ Written by Rebecca Nilson ~ 703-378-9500;featherlepetcarechantilly@verizon.net, 13881-A Metrotech Dr.703-430-0414;featherlepetcaresterling@verizon.net, 113-B Edds Lane703-221-3647;canineclipperschool@verizon.net18016 Fraley Blvd.540-829-6665: Wash & Wag of Culpeper, 217 SouthgateShopping Center