Thursday, December 18, 2014

Skype, It's Dog-gone Awesome




Why should Skype be limited to people. Skype is becoming ever more increasing in popularity among pets and their loving but distant owners and even distant pet buddies. 

This video is just one small step for Skyping puppies
.


Don't take our word for it. Even Burt from Burt's Bee's misses his dog on travels and makes sure to get in some quality time with his pal. Check this out!




For more information on dog care check out the Golda's Grooming Website or Follow our Blog.

 "We Care About Your Pets" 3629 Western Ave. Knoxville, TN 37931 Right off of I-40. Or 
Schedule an Appointment for a Pet Grooming via email here:
Golda's Grooming Schedule Your Pet

Thursday, December 11, 2014

Simple and Effective Holiday Gifts for Your Dog or Puppy

Featuring Golda's Dogs Crockett and Abby from Golda's Grooming
As we enter the Holiday Season we begin to start getting ready for one of the most fun parts of celebration...Gift Giving.  There are lots of ways to show our loved ones just how much we care at Christmas and they don't always have to be expensive gifts to let that special someone know we care. Even if that special someone is your dog. Here are some proven DIY and cost effective gifts that your dog is sure to love. Don't leave your special pet wondering if he/ she is loved. Our pups have hearts too and they give us the gifts of their loyalty, trust, and love every day throughout the entire year.
This is just the chance you've been looking for to show them you care.

#1. Fresh Baked Dog Bones - Peanut Butter Flavored (who wouldn't love it)

All it takes is a bit of all natural peanut butter, some flour, water, egg, baking powder and your imagination. 

INGREDIENTS
2½ cups whole wheat flour (see note below for substitutions)
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 cup natural peanut butter
1 cup water
2 tablespoons honey
1 egg

INSTRUCTIONS
preheat oven to 350F
In a large bowl combine flour, baking powder, and the egg. Add peanut butter, water, honey and stir until you have stiff dough. 
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough about ½ inch thick and use a cookie cutter to make fun shapes. 
Bake for 20 minutes, until golden.
Give your gift fresh out of the oven and just cooled to your pet and you'll feel the seasonal spirit. This is also good for sensitive tummies. My dog gets sick on store bought treats but I haven't seen him sick once from eating these and he can't get enough. But, before you try too many try one first in case your pet has a wheat allergy.

#2 Homemade Cuddle Toys

This is an old favorite from back in the Girl Scout Days. Create your own cuddle toy. Simply cut a pattern of your choosing. The simpler the better (heart, circle, square) just use cute fabric. Cut the same pattern from 2 sides, sew the two sides together using thread and needle and stuff with batting. Tip/ Trick: Use a few drops of your favorite scented oil in the toy or spray your favorite perfume to help your puppy feel close to you. 

#3 DIY No Sew Dog Beds

Not only is this one of our favorite gift ideas for our very own pets, but it's also a favorite of your local rescue shelters. Give this gift to a homeless animal today.
Here's How:

All you need is a yard of fabric, a bag of stuffing, and a pair of scissors, and you're on your way to making a custom pet bed!  
Steps: 
1. Cut out your pattern Square or Circle. The kitty cats love the circle.
2. Put a safety pin in the middle of the fabric to hold it together and pin around the pattern
3. Make your cuts all the way around your piece and tie them together in knots like so:

4. Leave the last 3-5 inches to leave room for stuffing
5. Stuff with material of your choosing and Voila (homemade dog bed) super simple, cheap and effective

For more information on dog care check out the Golda's Grooming Website or Follow our Blog.

 "We Care About Your Pets" 3629 Western Ave. Knoxville, TN 37931 Right off of I-40. Or 
Schedule an Appointment for a Pet Grooming via email here:
Golda's Grooming Schedule Your Pet

Wednesday, November 5, 2014

Cutest Small Dog Breeds

This post may be biased, but here is a list of Golda's favorite small dog breeds. How did we determine the cutest breeds. We decided the breed was cute based on typical personality, behavior, and looks of course.

1. Poodle

The poodle is an active, intelligent and elegant dog, squarely built, and well proportioned. One of the most fun parts of owning a poodle is all the fashionable styles of hair cuts available. Poodles are also a lot of fun to dress up.

2. Yorkie - The ideal Yorkshire Terrier character or "personality" is described with a "carriage very upright" and "conveying an important air." Though small, the Yorkshire Terrier is active, very overprotective, curious, and loves attention. Mentally sound and emotionally secure ones should normally not show the soft submissive temperament seen in a lap dog.



 3. Pekingese

(also known as the Lion Dog, Peking Lion Dog, Pelchie Dog, or Peke) is an ancient breed of toy dog, originating in China.

The Pekingese's flat face and large eyes are some of the breeds most obvious characteristics. The body is compact and low to the ground. Pekingese also have a muscular and durable body

 4.  Shitzu



 The Shih Tzu is a small, sturdy little dog with a short muzzle and large dark eyes. With a soft and long double coat...Although a Shih Tzu's temperament varies from dog to dog, the breed has a personality and temperament that is loyal, affectionate, outgoing, and alert. Training and proper socializing must start at a young age for the Shih Tzu to obey basic commands.
 


5. Pomeranian

The Pomeranian (often known as a Pom or Pom Pom) is a breed of dog of the Spitz type, named for the Pomerania region in Central Europe.
Pomeranians are typically a very friendly, playful and lively breed of dog.They love to be around their owners and are known to be protective of them. Pomeranians are alert and aware of changes in their environment and barking at new stimuli can develop into a habit of barking excessively in any situation. They are somewhat defensive of their territory and will thus bark when they encounter any outside noises.Pomeranians are intelligent dogs, respond well to training, and can be very successful in getting what they want from their owners.They are extroverted and enjoy being the center of attention but can become quite aggressive and dominant if not well trained.

6. Schnauzer

Friendly and loving, schnauzers become part of their families and can get along well with children if raised and socialized properly. They are protective and energetic, and will alert members of the household to any potential danger. The schnauzer, ever alert, makes an excellent watchdog, although its watchful nature can lead to persistent barking. To avoid annoying the neighbors, dog owners should make every effort to curb excessive barking through training. The breed is of above average intelligence and can be independent minded, so early training and diverse daily exercise is recommended.
Schnauzers have distinctive beards and long, feathery eyebrows. They are generally either a salt and pepper color, black, or white, but they can be brown also.

  7.  Chihuahua

  The breed tends to be fiercely loyal to one particular guardian and in some cases may become over protective of the person, especially around other people or animals. This dog is super cute because of it's size easy maintainability. It's a great pet for an individual looking for a loveable, loyal little baby.
8.  Cocker Spaniel



For twenty five years the American Cocker Spaniel was the most popular dog in America. It was ranked number one first in 1936 prior to the English Cocker Spaniel being recognized as a separate breed, and held onto the spot until 1952







9.  Maltese

Maltese are bred to be cuddly companion dogs. They are extremely lively and playful, and even as a Maltese ages, his energy level and playful demeanor remain fairly constant. Some









10.  Daschund
Dachshunds are playful, but as hunting dogs can be quite stubborn and are known for their propensity for chasing small animals, birds, and tennis balls with great determination and ferocity
Many dachshunds are stubborn, making them a challenge to train.


 11. King Charles Spaniel
It is not a high energy breed, and enjoys the company of family members, being primarily a lapdog.


 12. Lhasa Apso
Having been bred as an indoor monastery sentinel dog by Tibetan Buddhist monks, Lhasa Apsos are alert with a keen sense of hearing and a rich, sonorous bark that belies their size. The ideal Lhasa temperament is to be wary of strangers while being loyal to those closest to them.




















13. Bichon Frise
The Bichon Frise loves human company and demands much of your attention. They are generally very sociable and do well with an owner that takes them along on outings. They are charming, affectionate, and intelligent.
 
14. Welsh Corgi

Corgis are very active and energetic. They have a strong desire to please and should receive both physical and mental exercise regularly. They should be socialized early on because they tend to be shy and cautious with strangers and other dogs. They have a tendency to be very vocal, and for this reason make good alarm dogs. They are typically good with children, but due to their herding behavior, may nip at their heels during play
 


All references to character and temperament can be found in Wikipedia. This is not meant to be an all-inclusive list of the best small breed dogs, but rather the start to a really great list.

Of course pure breeds aren't the only ones that are cute, but some of our other favorite pups are a mixture of several of the breeds above.
 
The PomChi, Cockapoo, and Pekapoo are also some of our favorites.




For more information on dog care check out the Golda's Grooming Website.
 "We Care About Your Pets" 3629 Western Ave. Knoxville, TN 37931 Right off of I-40. Or
Schedule an Appointment for a Pet Grooming via email here:



Ear Infections. Is it Bacterial or Mites? How to Tell.

Some breeds are more prone to ear infections, such as Cocker Spaniels and breeds with long ears, as these tend to attract more fungal or bacterial infections ...A dog with a healthy ear will look as follows:
Notice that a clean ear has a light pink color with no specs of black or yellow.
Ears that look yellowish and waxy may be more than just a bit dirty. Longer ears hold in water and sweat that can turn into bigger issues. That's why it's so important to regularly maintain your dogs ears.
A bacterially infected ear can sometimes look as follows:

Routine Care is Key:

Routine cleaning of the ears weekly with some ear cleaner and a Q-Tip can help even in the worst bacterial cases to ease your pups suffering of itchy, gooey ears. If your pet already has problems it's best to treat it daily until the ear starts to resemble the picture above. Signs of bacterial problems besides the discoloring can include your dog shaking his/ her head and digging at its ears.
We recommend the following cleaner, which is non-prescription and can be purchased at your local pet smart for under $20.


  • Cleans and dries the ear canal
  • Effectively removes excessive wax build-up
  • Helps eliminate head shaking and ear scratching

For use in cleaning dirt, wax and damaged tissue from ear canals of dogs. Creates environment for healthy tissue growth. Helps eliminate head shaking and ear scratching caused by dirty, inflamed tissue.

Active Ingredients: Purified water, isopropyl alcohol, propylene glycol, glycerin, docusate sodium, FD&C blue #1, lanolin, sodium benzoate, aloe vera, sodium hydroxide

Suggested Use: Apply a generous amount onto a cotton ball and swab in and around the ear canal. Gently massage the base of the ear to help dislodge debris and allow cleaner to penetrate necrotic tissue. Clean ear with cotton ball or swab and remove excess cleaner. Repeat 2-3 times daily until healthy ear tissue regenerates. Use weekly for maintenance of healthy ears.

For more specific instructions on how to clean your dog's ears the correct way see the video below:



In the case of Otodectes cynotis mites, most commonly called ear mites, the dog typically develops a blackened or dark brown appearance. Also, if you look closely with a magnifying glass or scope you may see movement inside the ear.




Ear mites are a common and relatively mild parasite infection.
 
The vet defines ear mites as tiny infectious organisms resembling microscopic ticks. The mite can just barely be seen as a small white dot with the naked eye but usually must be detected by examination of a sample of ear wax under a microscope. Infection usually produces a characteristic dry black ear discharge commonly said to resemble coffee grounds. Because of the classical appearance of this discharge, infection is often diagnosed based on this discharge although without visual confirmation of the mite under the microscope, it is possible to be led astray. The discharge is composed of ear wax, blood, inflammatory biochemicals, and the ear mites themselves. 
 
Dogs that are afflicted with ear mites will typically scratch at the ears excessively and shake their heads, even pulling out their own hair as they scratch. Some dogs will shake their heads so much that an hematoma of the ear will form (with blood pooling in the ear due to breakage of a blood vessel). Also a concern is when dogs will scratch at their ears to the point that damage is done to the ear canals or ear drums.
 
Ear mites are known for being highly contagious among other pets and between animals of different species but will not affect people. The mites may also spread to other parts of the body.
 
It is important to talk to your vet about the kind of care your pet needs for its ears. It is often difficult for pet owners to tell if their pet has bacteria that can be treated over the counter, or if it is ear mites because many of the symptoms are the same.

Symptoms and Types

  •  Itching of the ears, head and neck
  • Sometimes generalized itching
  • Excessive scratching at ears and around head
  • Frequently shaking the head
  • Thick red-brown or black crusts in the outer ear
  • Coffee ground like bumps in the ear canal
  • Abrasions and scratches on the back side of the ears
  • Crusting and scale on the neck, rump and tail
Although the cleaner used to regularly ensure a clean ear may help reduce some of the mites and to alleviate some of the dog's symptoms due to itchy, scaly ears it will not completely eliminate your dog or pet of it's ear mites. Mites are best treated by prescription medication that is used as specified by your veterinarian.

Single Use Products
There are currently several prescription products available that reliably eradicate an ear mite infection with one single use, although a thorough ear cleaning is still needed to remove the wax and debris from the ear. These may be applied directly in the ear or to the pet's skin behind the shoulders.

The two current products that are applied directly in a cat’s ear canal are: Acarexx, a topical version of ivermectin; and Milbemite, a topical version of milbemycin oxime, the same active ingredient as in the heartworm preventive Interceptor. These products are approved for cats only and are available only through veterinarians. A single dose should be all that is needed to clear the infection.
As for topical products that go behind the pet's shoulders, there are two that control ear mites (as well as fleas and intestinal worms: Revolution®, which uses selamectin as an active ingredient, and Advantage Multi® (called Advocate® outside the U.S.), which uses moxidectin as an active ingredient. Both selamectin and moxidectin are ivermectin derivatives. With either product, a single application is used on the skin; the product is absorbed into the body where it kills numerous other parasites and then returns to the skin to be concentrated. When these products are used as regular flea control, they have the added benefit of on-going ear mite prevention. Advantage Multi® only has approval against ear mites in cats. Both products are available by prescription only. In some cases a final ear cleaning is needed a month or so after the product has been applied to remove any dried or old ear wax still left in the ear.
See general information on Revolution® from the manufacturer.
See general information on Advantage Multi® from the manufacturer.
See more detail on Acarexx® from the manufacturer.
See more detail on Milbemite® from the manufacturer.

For more information on dog care check out the Golda's Grooming Website. Golda's Grooming
 "We Care About Your Pets" 3629 Western Ave. Knoxville, TN 37931 Right off of I-40. Or
Schedule an Appointment for a Pet Grooming via email here:
Golda's Grooming Schedule Your Pet

Saturday, October 18, 2014

University of Tennessee Gardens - Halloween Pooch Parade

Golda's Grooming is excited to support the Howloween Pooch Parade October 19th 2-5 pm.
Sponsored by the UT Gardens and the UT College of Veterinary Medicine. The event will cater to dog lovers and dogs to promote the resources of the Gardens and Veterinary Medicine Center.

Join the event and participate in food trucks, a costume parade, and an expo of educational booths; rescues; and businesses. It's a great way to support your local pet community and to show your commitment to making Knoxville a dog- friendly and safe environment.


 
For More Information on this Event Visit the UT Gardens Website at:
 
For more information on dog care check out the Golda's Grooming Website. Golda's Grooming
 "We Care About Your Pets" 3629 Western Ave. Knoxville, TN 37931 Right off of I-40. Or
Schedule an Appointment for a Pet Grooming via email here:
Golda's Grooming Schedule Your Pet

Family Picture Time November 21, 2015 9am-3pm

Chances are your puppy will need a grooming for Thanksgiving anyway so why not come out and join us for a grooming and photo opp. at Golda's Grooming on November 21, 2015. Starting at 9am


 
Sign up today to have your puppy groomed and photographed for Christmas. All packages will be received in time for Christmas and will look fantastic as Christmas Cards or as a simple reminder / keepsake of your little loved one this Holiday Season.

 
 


For more information on dog care check out the Golda's Grooming Website. Golda's Grooming
 "We Care About Your Pets" 3629 Western Ave. Knoxville, TN 37931 Right off of I-40. Or
Schedule an Appointment for a Pet Grooming via email here:
Golda's Grooming Schedule Your Pet


Saturday, October 4, 2014

How to Get Rid of Fleas on Dogs and Cats

Fleas and How to Get Rid of Them
Golda’s Grooming has been testing different methods of how to get rid of fleas since 1974 and these are some of the methods that we’ve found to be both effective and safe. Ditch the flea dips and try medicated flea shampoos with itch relief conditioners, and if that isn’t doing the trick there are some medications on the market that are proving quite effective. There is even a special flea collar on the market that is vet approved and actually works.

Medications to Try:

The #1 treatment Recommended by Golda’s Grooming is Trifexis because you can kill two birds with one stone. All dogs need heartworm prevention. This little chewable pill prevents heartworms and fleas. It’s the sure treatment for a safe pet.
 

1.  Trifexis Heartworm and Flea Prevention Chewable Tablets for Dogs

 

(Elanco)  Trifexis Heartworm and Flea Prevention Chewable Tablets for Dogs is indicated for the prevention of heartworm disease; kills fleas; prevents and treats flea infestations; treats and controls adult hookworm, adult roundworm and adult whipworm infections. Trifexis for Dogs can be used in dogs and puppies at least 8 weeks of age and at least 5 pounds. Each chewable tablet contains spinosad and milbemycin oxime. Trifexis is given orally once a month with food for maximum effectiveness.

 

2. Comfortis Chewable Tablets 

If you aren't using Trifexis the next best thing is (Elanco) Comfortis kills fleas and is used in the prevention and treatment of flea infestations in dogs, puppies, cats & kittens 14 weeks of age and older. Comfortis chewable tablets for dogs & cats contain spinosad. Comfortis is given orally once a month, at the recommended dosage of 13.5 mg. per lb. Give with food for maximum effectiveness.



Comfortis may not prevent heart worms, but it does prevent the fleas and may be used seasonally as needed for when it’s warmer outside and the fleas are in a heavier breeding period.



3.  Protect your furry friend from pesky ticks, larvae, fleas and lice for up to 8 months with Seresto for Small Dogs, tough on pest, gentle on your pet.


 
·        Works great on dogs 7 weeks and older
·        Last for up to 8 months
·        Odorless
·        Three visibility reflectors included
Active Ingredients:
·        Flumethrin*.....4.5%
·        Imidacloprid...10.0%
·        Other ingredients....85.5%
Total.... 100%

4. You can also remove your pets from the house for a day and try flea bombing in combination with spraying your yard for fleas if you don’t have an x-large area to cover.


 
Golda’s Grooming recommends these treatments because they are effective, relatively safe, and you don’t have to use a topical cream or gel that can harm your children or grandchildren when handling the pet; or even harm the pet if not applied correctly. Works great on dogs 7 weeks and older

For more information on dog care check out the Golda's Grooming Website. Golda's Grooming "We Care About Your Pets" 3629 Western Ave. Knoxville, TN 37931 Right off of I-40. Or Schedule an Appointment for a Pet Grooming via email here: Golda's Grooming Schedule Your Pet