<![CDATA[Grand Paws Pet Salon and Spa - The Dog Blog]]>Wed, 16 May 2012 13:36:45 -0800Weebly<![CDATA[Some Doggone Fun]]>Mon, 30 Apr 2012 04:03:51 -0800http://www.grandpawsannapolis.com/1/post/2012/04/some-doggone-fun.html Who came out to Walk for the Animals at Quiet Waters Park on Sunday? The annual event now in its 21st year raises money and awareness for the SPCA. Did you miss it? Are you bummed? Don’t be! There are plenty of fun events coming up in May! Check out some of these:

Canines in the Courtyard – “Pirates and Pooches”
May 18
5 – 7 pm
Paws Pet Boutique, Annapolis, MD
http://www.facebook.com/kentislanddogpark

Ahoy there, Captain Fido! Dress up your pirate…I mean pup… with an eye patch, a bandana, or any other buccaneer attire and get over to this Dog Pirate Contest! Also, don't miss the raffle prizes, including a stay at the dog-friendly Savage River Lodge ($230 value), dinner for two at Adam's Ribs, gift certificates to Paws pet boutique, and more! This fun event benefits Friends of Kent Island Dog Park, so come on out and show your support!

Yappy Hour
Every Third Thursday, May 17 - Sep 20
5:00 pm - 7:30 pm
Admission: Free Event - $6 Park Entry Fee
http://www.aacounty.org/RecParks/parks/quietwaters/dogpark.cfm

You and your four-legged date can join in on the games, tricks, dog demonstrations, pet tips, food, prizes and much more! It’s a great chance for you and your pooch to mingle.

Maryland DogFest
May 26 & 27
9 am – 6 pm
Regency Furniture Stadium, Charles County, MD
http://www.dogfriendly.com/servlet/dfview?main=HTTP://www.marylanddogfest.com

Ticket Info:
General Admission is $9
Children 5 – 12 are $5
Dogs and Parking are Free
(Check out the website listed above for a $2 coupon!)

According to its website, a few fun things to expect: “dog dock jumping, canine demonstrations, seminars, exhibits in training, adoption and rescue, non-profits, kennels and clubs, publications, natural products, canine apparel, grooming, dog resorts, healthcare, food, housing, bedding and more”.

Do you know of more dog-friendly events in May, Animal Lovers? Please let us know!

]]><![CDATA[April Showers]]>Sun, 22 Apr 2012 18:23:35 -0800http://www.grandpawsannapolis.com/1/post/2012/04/april-showers1.html

April showers bring May flowers… and a lot of rainy days. So, what can you do with your pooch when it is pouring? We have some ideas:

1. Welcome the Rain

Grab a jacket and one for your four-legged friend (http://www.baxterboo.com/search.cfm/dog-rain-jackets) then head out the door. Just because it is raining outside doesn’t mean you can’t still enjoy some fresh air, especially as the weather is getting warmer. Just remember to leave some towels by the front door before you leave!

2. Teach Your Dog a New Trick

If you’d rather spend the day playing inside, use this time to help them develop. A rainy day may just give you the time and patience needed for teaching your pooch to sit, stay, kiss, or beg!

3. Cook Up Some Treats

Sometimes it is nice to just spend a stormy afternoon baking something delicious… for your furry friend. Try this dog treat recipe that may have you licking the spoon!

                  1 banana, ripe

                  1 cup shredded carrot

                  1/4 cup unsweetened apple sauce

                  1/8 cup water (or chicken broth)

                  1/2 cup of whole wheat flour

                  1 cup oats

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Mash the carrots with the banana, then add apple sauce and water/chicken broth. Fold in oats and gradually add flour until dough forms.

Place dough on flour dusted surface. Roll or press dough out to about 1/4” inch thick. Use a small bone cookie cutter to cut out cookies (This is more for the humans. Dogs won’t mind what shape these delicious treats are!)

Put cut out cookies on a lightly-sprayed baking sheet. Bake for 25 minutes then turn off the oven, but leave them in there for an additional 2-3 hours. This will dehydrate them further, creating an extra chewy treat with a longer shelf life.

And don’t forget to make an appointment over here at Grand Paws after all the muddy fun! If you have a dirty dog then you know everyone else does!

See you soon, Animal Lovers!

]]><![CDATA[It Happens.]]>Mon, 16 Apr 2012 10:09:49 -0800http://www.grandpawsannapolis.com/1/post/2012/04/it-happens.html Ok, so I have put off the topic of poop for as long as possible. Now, it is time to just dive right in… Hmm, maybe not the best choice of words.

The simple fact is that poop is an everyday (sometimes all day) part of our lives at Grand Paws and if you have a dog, you can empathize.

I mean, it happens.

Still, we’d like to mention a few things that will make our job a little easier and your dog a little more comfortable:

  • Please make sure to let your pup “do their business” (i.e. go to the bathroom) before bringing them in for their grooming appointment. My parent always made sure we had all used the bathroom before leaving the house. So, it is a lot like that with your pooch.
  • Note that taking your dog for a walk is different than letting your dog out in the yard for a quick bathroom break. By walking your dog you will reduce excess energy, which will help keep them calmer during grooming.
  • Try not to feed your pooch too soon before the appointment. A meal before grooming (which gets dogs a little excited) almost always means the dog will go to the bathroom or throw up.
  • Of course, if your dog has special needs we will accommodate them as requested. Very young or very old dogs are usually the ones with the most issues, so if you know this about your dog please schedule your appointment on a day that you will be available to pick up as soon as we call you.
  • Maybe not a special need, but a special request is that of a dirty bottom. Of course, we know this happens and even expect it with certain breeds. However, if your dog is getting groomed solely because of a very poopy bottom then just give us a heads up, please!
Much like us humans, dogs don’t want to have accidents, i.e. pee on the floor of a hair salon, but they will if they simply can not help themselves. This causes embarrassment and unneeded anxiety. Walking them before their appointment can help keep this from being a problem.

If your dog is throwing up or experiencing loose stools as early as the evening before, please give us a call! In the case of upset tummies that could cause anxiety and messes we ENCOURAGE a canceled appointment. Just make sure to give us a call and let us know please! Simply not showing up for your appointment upsets our tummies.  
]]><![CDATA[Happy Spring, Animal Lovers!]]>Wed, 14 Mar 2012 11:19:31 -0800http://www.grandpawsannapolis.com/1/post/2012/03/happy-spring-animal-lovers.html We’ve turned our clocks forward an hour. Temperatures are reaching the seventies this week. It is official. Spring has sprung! So, grab your pooch and enjoy some lunch al fresco at any one of these dog-friendly restaurants in downtown Annapolis!

Rams Head Tavern
33 West Street, Annapolis, MD 21401
(410) 268-4545
www.ramsheadtavern.com/annapolis

This Annapolis staple has dog-friendly seating on the sidewalk out front, great happy hour deals, and a wide beer selection.

Stan and Joe’s Saloon
37 West Street, Annapolis, MD 21401
(410) 263-1993
www.stanandjoessaloon.com

The fun, laid back bar on West Street allows leashed dogs in their backyard patio.

Sly Fox Saloon
7 Church Circle, Annapolis, MD 21401
(443) 482-900
www.slyfoxpub.com

Dogs are welcome on the lower patio and with frequent live music and happy hour specials, this is the place to be during warm Spring afternoons!

Hard Bean Coffee and Booksellers
3 Market Space, Annapolis, MD 21401
(410) 263-8770

This awesome coffee spot even leaves a bowl of water outside for your four-legged date. So cool off with an iced Jazzy Java and give your furry friend some cool water, then relax and enjoy beautiful downtown Annapolis.

Annapolis Ice Cream
196 Main Street, Annapolis, MD 21401
(443) 482-3895
www.annapolisicecream.com

Walter doesn’t allow them inside, but if you let them know your pooch is waiting for you, they sometimes give you a free scoop for him to enjoy! I recommend the cookies and cream!

Davis’s Pub
400 Chester Avenue, Annapolis, MD 21403
(410) 268-7432
www.davispub.com

Don’t forget Eastport! A popular spot for dogs coming in off the boat, as long as they are leashed they can shake those sea legs at the outdoor picnic tables too!


Get out there and enjoy...


Happy Spring, Animal Lovers! ]]><![CDATA[DEW What?!?]]>Tue, 06 Mar 2012 17:50:07 -0800http://www.grandpawsannapolis.com/1/post/2012/03/dew-what.html Sure, the click, click, click of your dog’s nails against the kitchen floor is a good reminder that it’s time to get them cut, but it’s important to not wait that long. There are more than just aesthetic reasons to trim your dog’s nails. Untrimmed nails can cause a variety of problems including broken nails, which are painful and can cause serious health problems.

There are two popular methods of trimming dogs nails:

  1. Dremel-style rotary grinding tool
  2. Scissor-style clippers

A big challenge with clippers is avoiding the quick, which is the inner soft part containing blood vessels and tender nerve endings. In dogs with light colored nails, the quick is often seen as faintly pinkish in color and is pretty easy to avoid cutting into.

In the more common black nailed variety, the quick is almost completely invisible. Therefore, knowing how to cut a dog's nails in this case is imperative. In these cases, trimming off little bits instead of large slices is more advisable. The basic rule of thumb is that the nail, which curls downward, should be even with the paw pad. Whatever hangs over must be clipped.

Do you know who is really good at this?? Heather Hinkle and the lovely ladies at Grand Paws Pet Salon.

There is also the issue of your dog's DEW CLAWS! Growing on the inside of his legs and not in contact with the floor, these guys will sometimes curl completely over, which can be nasty and painful. So, it is important to keep those neatly trimmed too!

Check your dogs nails weekly. Or, go ahead and make it a point to bring them in once a week so we can take care of this for you! It’s often easier for professionals to get those nails all trimmed and pretty.

Happy Grooming, Animal Lovers!

]]><![CDATA[Y'all Come Back Now Ya Hear!]]>Tue, 21 Feb 2012 07:39:30 -0800http://www.grandpawsannapolis.com/1/post/2012/02/yall-come-back-now-ya-hear.htmlIn the spirit of Mardi Gras, we veered off topic last week. So, let’s get back to that list of reasons your dogs’ haircut costs more than yours. I believe we’re on number 5:

You sit still for your hairdresser; you don’t wiggle, yank, pull, or simply refuse to hold up your head.

You sit still for your hairdresser because you know what's going on. You know there are scissors and clippers at work around your face. You know they are trying to style your hair and the more you cooperate the easier it is and the better the style.

Your pets are blissfully unaware.

What they know is that they're on a table suspended in the air. All the while, some strange (albeit very nice and super talented) lady with sharp objects is being very invasive. The things involved in your pets grooming are much more surprising to them than when you are getting your bangs trimmed. We are shaving some sensitive areas, the clippers are buzzing and tickling their ears and toes. We understand that.

We always try to see it from your pets point of view.

Keeping this in mind, we allow extra time for puppies, elderly pets, pets with medical conditions and just nervous Nellies. It takes time and patience to earn your pets trust and teach them what is expected of them while they are being groomed. Whether it’s calming a happy lab or easing a poodle’s nerves, it is a process and it takes time.

Groomers have right equipment for this process. Keeping a dog on a regular table is a lot more challenging than keeping a dog on a grooming table with an arm designed to hold the dog's collar. So, we recommend taking your pet to a professional.

We also recommend you pick one groomer and stick with them, much like the hair stylist you’ve been going to for years. Different groomers work differently. If you find one you like it is important they build a rapport with your pet. This way, the dog learns to be comfortable and knows what is expected from them while all those clippers are buzzing and scissors are snipping.

Also, frequent grooming keeps the process fresh in the dogs mind. Reinforces proper behavior and allows for "table training" where we work with the dog and tech them proper manners while being groomed. Believe it or not, the solution to wiggling, biting, jumping, and pulling is MORE grooming. That is right; keep coming back!

We hope we’ve helped! And we hope to see you soon! As always, please leave any comments or questions below.

I’d like to leave you with this quote to chew on:

"I've seen a look in dogs' eyes, a quickly vanishing look of amazed contempt,
and I am convinced that basically dogs think humans are nuts." - John Steinbeck
Happy Grooming, Animal Lovers!

]]><![CDATA[We Are Just Crazy … About Our Dogs]]>Wed, 15 Feb 2012 18:27:51 -0800http://www.grandpawsannapolis.com/1/post/2012/02/we-are-just-crazy-about-our-dogs.htmlI want to apologize for not posting a blog last week, but I was in New Orleans for a vacation with my boyfriend. It just so happened our vacation coincided with the start of Mardi Gras. While sitting in the back of a cab on Thursday, the driver was telling us about the parades that were going to begin that weekend. He mentioned one on Friday night, another Saturday morning that would have floats and bands and beads being thrown.

Then, he really surprised us.

“You should check out Barkus, the dog parade. It’s pretty fun.”  Barkus is the first New Orleans dog parade that became part of Mardi Gras season. The parade runs from Armstrong Park and travels around the French Quarter. The 2012 theme - Mission: Impossible: Canine Protocol - Armstrong Bark Reloaded – sets the tone for an afternoon of music, shopping, food, and drinks.

Barkus took place on Sunday afternoon, so we were already on our flight home, but it really got me thinking about other Fido-friendly festivities around this dog loving country. I found some fun ones:

Woofstock
Canada
http://www.woofstock.ca/

 The free outdoor festival takes place in Toronto’s St. Laurence Market, and features games, food, fashion shows, music, talent shows, and other festivities for more than 140,000 dog-lovers and their dogs.

At the 4th Annual Dog Bowl
Texas

On April 11th, the historic Cotton Bowl Stadium is transformed into a Texas-sized dog park for thousands of dogs. There is live music, contests, and giant "dip and sip" dog pools to keep canines cool.

DOG-tober Fest
Texas
http://www.dogtoberfestaustin.org/

My favorite part of this festival? The Paw Readings.

The 3rd Annual Brooklyn Mutt Show
New York
http://www.brooklynbark.com/

“The fun alternative to Westminster” the twin objects of the Show are fun and fundraising.

Bullympics
Florida
www.buddiesthrubullies.org

This annual tradition benefits the bulldog rescue group Buddies Thru Bullies. Owners guide their bulldogs through an obstacle course, modified for the breed's "portly" shape. There is also  run a silent auction and raffle, or just mingle with owners who want to brag about their bulldog's shenanigans.

Doing this research has taught me a number of things, but one fact is clearer than the others: people are just crazy … 
about their dogs (and a good time).

Did I leave out some events? Have some you’d like to add? Please list them below! We’d love to hear from you!

Cheers, Animal Lovers!

]]><![CDATA[Take Care of Those Baby Blues]]>Sun, 05 Feb 2012 05:15:18 -0800http://www.grandpawsannapolis.com/1/post/2012/02/take-care-of-those-baby-blues.html Sleep, Boogers, Gunk … There are a lot of names for the stuff that gets stuck in the corner of your dogs eyes. Call it what you want, it is kind of gross and for some small breeds it means staining of the fur. Not to worry, we can help!

There are several ways to reduce the risk of eye irritation:
  • Keep your pet away when you are mowing the lawn.
  • Put your dog outside while dusting or doing other activities that cause an excessive amount of debris or particles in the air.
  • Oh the freedom and happiness your dog seems to feel hanging his head out of that car window. Sure it looks like fun, but the wind can carry objects that could cause serious infection or damage. As hard as it will be, roll up the window.
  • Keep your dog outside when you are using toxic cleaners, such as bleach and ammonia and of course, make sure all the cleaning supplies are locked up and somewhere your pup can’t get to them.
  • Keep the fur around his eyes trimmed. We recommend you let us do this!

We suggest you check your dog's eyes daily and wipe away dried substance from the corners of the eyes using a moistened cotton ball. Examine the eyes for redness, tearing, or discharge. Tearing is common in some breeds like Maltese. If your dog's eyes seem to be tearing excessively, have your vet take a look.

Even normal tearing can cause dark stains beneath your dog's eyes if they have a lighter coat. To help keep these stains under control, wash the area under the eye frequently using warm water and a cotton ball. Never use soap near your dogs eye. Soap in the eye may cause a corneal ulcer.

We often recommend a medicated shampoo, so bring in your pup and let us help you clean up that cute face!

Happy Grooming, Animal Lovers!

]]><![CDATA[That's Not a Q-Tip!?!]]>Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:52:56 -0800http://www.grandpawsannapolis.com/1/post/2012/02/thats-not-a-q-tip.html
Picture
When you look inside your dogs ear, you should see a healthy pink color.

Ear infections may result in:
  • redness
  • discharge
  • odor
  • head shaking
  • ear scratching
  • rubbing ears on the floor or other surfaces

In 2008, VPI pet insurance company conducted a health study that determined ear infections were the number one reason dog owners went to the veterinarian. Dogs do not like having their ears cleaned, so it makes the job very hard, but it is critical that the ears be cleaned in order to prevent infections, which are far more uncomfortable than three minutes of ear cleaning.

Generally, dogs with heavy, floppy ears need to have their ears cleaned more frequently than dogs with ears that stand upright and allow for better air circulation. Some dogs have a lot of hair on the inside of the ear. Plucking takes a bit of skill and finesse and can be painful when done incorrectly, so in our opinion it is best if left to the professionals.

We use ear cleaning solution, dry ear powder, cotton balls, hemostats, and our finesse and knowledge. Hemostats (don’t panic at the word!) are used for the hair plucking. So, if you were ever a fan of the t.v. drama “ER” don’t let your mind get too carried away.

Dog’s find ear cleaning uncomfortable, but it is not painful when done the right way. So, bring your pup in for some healthy maintenance. Besides, with clean, healthy ears they can better hear you calling for dinner!

Happy Grooming, Animal Lovers!

]]><![CDATA[Ticks and Mites and Fleas, Oh My!]]>Mon, 30 Jan 2012 05:48:02 -0800http://www.grandpawsannapolis.com/1/post/2012/01/ticks-and-mites-and-fleas-oh-my.html Ok, so we are on to number 8: We check your dog for fleas and ticks.

We do! And lice and skin abrasions and mites and any new lumps and … Well, you get the picture.

Your life is busy. When you get home from a long day you want to walk your dog, throw the ball, cuddle, and play. You probably don’t want to pick through your dogs hair and search it’s skin for any new bumps, lumps, or bugs. Certainly running your hands through your dogs coat is crucial and comforting. This will help you to be aware of anything new on the body of your dog. It is also important that you pay attention to any excessive itching or licking.

And of course, every five weeks or more frequently bring him in and let us really check him out! There are several things we look for while grooming your dog:

Fleas, of course, but also flea debris (or poop) and dead fleas

Tics

Mites

Any growths or lumps

Cuts or scabs

Frequent trips to the groomer can help detect any problems on your dog and early detection (like with humans) is crucial in prevention. More often than not, we don’t find anything! Your dog is healthy and bug-free. So, worse case he gets a deep cleansing bath, a good teeth brushing, a pedicure, and some socialization. Not bad.

What do you think? As always, we would love your feedback!

Happy Grooming, Animal Lovers 
]]>