Nail trimming can be done at home with right tools & supplies

Nail trimming – for dogs and cats – is a regular part of your pet’s grooming that should be pretty easy to do at home.  Doing it at home can save you a little money at the groomer’s.  Some veterinarians trim nails for free during a regular appointment, but this means waiting six months or more for the next trim.

So to try nail trimming at home — just like anything – you will need the right TOOLS and SUPPLIES.

Clippers

A scissor-style pet nail clipper. Photo courtesy of Pet Supplies Plus.

There are two main types of nail clippers:  Scissor-style and guillotine style.  We prefer the SCISSOR-STYLE clipper to the GUILLOTINE-STYLE clipper.      

The SCISSOR-STYLE of pet nail clipper – pictured right — applies pressure from two sides.  We find it easier to control the nail cut with this type of tool as it is similar to using a pair of scissors in which you are bringing both sides together to make a cut.

A guillotine-style pet nail clipper. Photo courtesy of Pet Supplies Plus.

On the other hand, the GUILLOTINE-STYLE of clipper — pictured left — requires that you slide the blade over the nail.  The clipper then applies pressure from one side to the other.  We find this style more difficult to use.

IN CLIPPING YOUR DOG’S OR CAT’S NAILS, CAREFULLY TRIM RIGHT ABOVE THE “QUICK” OR THE PINK AREA WITHIN THE NAIL WHERE THE NERVES AND BLOOD VESSELS ARE.  IF YOU ARE NOT SURE, ASK YOUR VETERINARIAN.  CUTTING TOO MUCH INTO THE NAIL CAN BE PAINFUL TO YOUR PET AND CAN CAUSE EXCESSIVE BLEEDING.

Nail grinder

Nail grinders for pets are becoming very popular.  They remove the rough edges AFTER you trim the nails.  Removing the rough edges is important to prevent nails from chipping and splitting.  A split nail can be very painful and can necessitate a trip to the vet for your pet. For a good quality nail grinder, expect to pay $30 or slightly more.  A lower-priced version can have a weak motor and may not do the job.

Styptic powder

Should you cut into the “quick” of your pet’s nail, bleeding can be profuse.  Styptic powder is used to stop bleeding.  It’s used externally and packed onto the wound.  See package directions.

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Some basics to consider BEFORE you get a pet BIRD

Just like with any pet, getting one should NEVER be an impulse, but rather should be a carefully considered decision that takes into account the pet’s nutritional needs, habitat requirements, health issues and longevity.  Do your homework BEFORE you bring home that new addition to your family.

In the case of birds, because they are small, some people might think, how much care can they need?  The answer is that they need JUST as much – if not more – care than a dog, cat, rabbit or any other type of pet.

In deciding if a pet bird is right for your family, consider that:

• Birds typically eliminate (poop and pee) just about every 20 minutes or so. This means that the cage in which your bird resides will have to be cleaned continuously.
• Certain species of bird can be loud and relentless about chirping and cawing. If you are someone who values quiet time, a bird might not be the best choice for a pet.
• Many birds tend to form strong bond with ONE living creature. This could be you – OR  – if you have another bird – your bird might choose the other bird as his or her soul mate.  In fact, there is a great likelihood of your bird bonding with another bird and not with you.  If a bird is not bonded to you, the result can be cage aggression toward its owner.
• It’s not good for any bird to be alone in a cage all day. When lonely or bored, some birds will start self destructive habits like picking at themselves or plucking out all their feathers. If birds do not get along with each other, an option is to give each one his or her own bird cage and put them next to each other.

IMPORTANT NOTE:  Keep in mind that most birds have a long lifespan.  In fact, your pet bird may end up out-living you!  Keep this mind as you are choosing a pet.

Sample bird  life spans

Finches – 15 years                   Canaries – 15 years                         Budgies – 15 years
Cockatiels – 20 years             Lovebirds – 20 years                      Conures – 30 years
Amazons – 50 years-plus     African Greys – 50 years-plus    Cockatoos – 65 years-plus
Macaws – 60 years-plus

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Bigger is not always better when choosing pet beds

There are SO many beautiful cat and dog beds on the market.  And for some pet owners, bigger seems to be better – but for your pet, this is often not the case.

Watch how your dog or cat sleeps.  You will often see them curl up in a half-moon shape.  This is done to conserve warmth and contain their own body heat.  So the beds that we find dogs and cats seem to like best are the “cuddlers”  —  oval-shaped beds that match a dog’s or cat’s body size and provide support as they curl up.

So big is not always better.  As long as your dog or cat can fit in the bed, they will be happy.

ADDED NOTE TO NEW PUPPY OWNERS:  Before investing in a dog bed, have your puppy take the chew test.  Use an old blanket folded up into a make-shift bed to see if your puppy is content to use the bed as a bed – or if he or she is more interested in using it as a chew toy.  If the latter is true, you have saved yourself some money and will know to hold off on the bed until your puppy is through the chew stage!

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VIP PetCare Clinic this Saturday at my Bloomfield Hills store!

Make your pooch part of July 4 festivities

Your dog will love these star-spangled doggie cookies.  All are hand-decorated and made of quality ingredients just for dogs. Going to a July 4 barbecue? These cookies make a great hostess gift for anyone with a dog! Treats are in the bakery case by the store register.

This message is from your Pet Supplies Plus stores in Bloomfield Hills and White Lake (Highland Rd. and Cooley Lake Rd.) Product selection varies by store. Not all stores have all items. Call store to check availability.

Hello, neighbors!

Hello, neighbors! I want to help you to get the PLUS from your pet supplies!

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