Calm Dog

08/08/2025

Another post today from Sarah The Caring Canine Coach.
All about keeping your dog's nails at an appropriate length:
Could Long Nails Be Affecting Your Dogs Behaviour?

Trimming your dog’s nails can feel like a bit of a chore, and it's easy to put off or forget about them. But keeping nails short is more than just cosmetic, it's crucial for your dog's comfort and health.

Imagine when your toenails get too long and they press against the end of your shoes. It gets painful doesn’t it? Now, think about your dog. When their nails are too long, they press into the ground with each step, potentially causing discomfort and pain, especially on hard surfaces.

But here’s where it can get even more complex. If your dog tends to pull on the lead when they see another dog, and that pulling causes pain in their paws or limbs due to their overgrown nails, they may start to make a negative association if that pain happens when another dog appears.

Over time, your dog might begin to anticipate pain when seeing another dog and respond with barking, lunging, or avoidance behaviours in an attempt to prevent discomfort. That’s how something as simple as long nails can contribute to behaviour. Over time, long nails can also cause your dog to walk differently, potentially leading to more serious issues.

So, take a moment today to check your dog’s nails. If they’re touching the ground when your dog is standing still, it’s likely time for a trim. Just be cautious not to cut into the quick, as this can be painful and cause bleeding. If you're unsure or nervous about trimming them yourself, a vet or professional groomer can help keep them comfortable and well-maintained.

10/07/2025

I have used this trackers for years with my personal dogs. They are amazing!
You do need to pay a subscription but they are completely worth it

GPS Tracking on smartphone for your pet - Directly from the Manufacturer ✓ No.1 World Market Leader ✓ Pet Safety ✓ Worldwide Coverage ✓ Free Shipping ✓ Known from the Apple TV Spot ✓ Location update every 3 seconds ✓ 100% waterproof ✓ Available in iOS and Android - The Tractive GPS T...

06/07/2025

As a groomer, I am seeing more and more dogs with fleas even though they have been treated monthly. It's not just a biodiversity impact all these chemicals are having, fleas soon become resistant if we over use. No dog or cat needs flea treatment monthly. Comb your dog regularly and check, treat when needed. Why on earth would you want to keep putting these toxic chemicals on and inside your dog? Sometimes my dogs go a whole year without picking up any fleas and I have foster dogs in and out the whole time.

06/06/2025

22/05/2025

We hear it all the time.

“Just allergies.”

Scratching. Licking. Ear infections. Dodgy poos. That signature stink. Over and over again. And it gets brushed off like background noise.

But if a dog’s immune system is on high alert 24/7, we need to ask why.

This isn’t a Claratyne situation. This is chronic inflammation. And it’s not random.

It’s gut health. It’s kibble that causes dysbiosis. It’s chemical overload from flea meds, yard sprays, vaccines, plastics, and food dyes. It’s stress. It’s microbiome destruction from years of antibiotics.

And we’re watching it play out in the skin, the ears, the eyes, the paws, the behavior.

The solution isn’t just another steroid injection. It’s digging deeper.

Because if we keep calling it “just allergies,” we’ll keep medicating the symptoms and ignoring the system that’s crying out for help.

𝗦𝗘𝗘𝗡 𝗧𝗛𝗜𝗦 𝗜𝗡 𝗬𝗢𝗨𝗥 𝗢𝗪𝗡 𝗣𝗘𝗧? 𝗪𝗛𝗔𝗧 𝗛𝗘𝗟𝗣𝗘𝗗?
Let’s stop normalising suffering just because it’s common.

12/05/2025

Dog Grooming isn’t just a job…………….it’s much more!
It’s a labour of love that brings both joy and heartache. And sometimes, groomers carry more on their shoulders than you might imagine.

When you drop your dog off at the salon and a few hours later, they’re back in your arms - clean, fluffy, and happy. But what about your groomer? What did they go through during those few hours?
Imagine starting your day with a dog that’s terrified - shaking, growling, or hiding under the grooming table. The groomer knows they must remain calm, speak softly, and move slowly to help the dog feel safe. It’s not easy to hide your own nerves when a dog is scared or trying to bite. It’s heartbreaking to see a dog so anxious and not be able to comfort them straight away.

Then there are the moments when they spot something that doesn’t look right - a lump that wasn’t there last time, a patch of sore, irritated skin, or an ear that smells off. They worry about how to tell you without causing alarm. They hope you won’t be upset or blame them. It’s not just about grooming at that point; it’s about caring for your dog’s wellbeing and hoping you’ll trust their judgement.

And when they’ve had to shave a matted coat down to the skin to relieve a dog’s discomfort, they worry you might be angry or upset. Groomers don’t want to let you down. They know how much you love your dog, and they only want to make them feel comfortable and cared for.

But then there’s nothing quite like seeing a dog come into the salon looking dishevelled and leave looking like they’ve just stepped out of a doggy spa. The wagging tail at the end of the groom? That’s the highlight of the day.

And there are the regulars - the dogs that once were timid but now wag their tails as soon as they walk through the door. The shy ones who slowly come out of their shells because the groomer has taken the time to build trust. Those small victories mean the world.
Groomers love seeing the bond strengthen between them and the dogs they groom regularly. The nuzzles, the happy spins, the sleepy eyes after a bath - it’s those little moments that make all the hard work feel worthwhile.

Many dog groomers don’t talk about the days when they go home exhausted - not just physically, but emotionally. They’ve spent hours trying to calm an anxious dog or worrying about whether they handled a health concern the right way. They’ve smiled through the stress of dealing with a challenging dog because they know it’s not the dog’s fault.

When clients don’t understand why a groom took longer or why a coat had to be clipped short, it hurts. Groomers know they’re doing what’s best for the dog, but it can feel disheartening when their expertise is questioned. They put so much love and care into every groom, and they just want you to know that they’re always acting in your dog’s best interest.

For every tough day, there’s a moment of pure joy - a dog snuggling into their arms after a groom, a grateful owner who leaves a kind review, or a nervous dog who finally trusts them enough to lie still during a trim.

Groomers do what they do because they love dogs. It’s that simple. They care deeply about the well-being of every dog that walks through their doors, and they take pride in their work. It’s not just about making dogs look good - it’s about making them feel good too.
If you’ve found a groomer who treats your dog with love and care, let them know! A simple thank-you, a thoughtful review, or even a small tip can make a world of difference. When they mention a concern, listen. They’re not trying to worry you - they just care enough to speak up.
Next time you pick up your beautifully groomed dog, take a moment to appreciate the person behind the scissors. Groomers do far more than just make your dog look good - they’re your dog’s friend, carer, and sometimes even their health guardian.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Be Part of the Community
If you want to read more heartwarming stories and learn about the incredible work groomers do, subscribe to Waggy Tails Magazine - a digital magazine celebrating the passion and dedication of dogs, their owners and dog groomers. It’s free, and it’s full of real stories from the world of dogs
Sign up for your FREE monthly copy here: https://subscribepage.io/waggytales

18/04/2025

14/04/2025

WHAT YOU DON'T SEE AT THE DOG GROOMERS.......
You dropped your dog off at the salon and picked them up few hours later - fluffy, fresh, and happy. But what you saw was just the tip of the iceberg.

You didn’t see your groomer arrive early to open up the salon, disinfect tools, lay out fresh towels, and check the day’s appointments. You didn’t see them look over your dog from nose to tail before even lifting a brush - checking the coat condition, skin, eyes, ears, nails, and weight.

You didn’t see the careful way they clipped around a wriggly paw, or how they paused to let your dog calm down during the bath. You didn’t notice the matting hidden beneath your dog’s topcoat, or the way the groomer worked slowly to avoid hurting the skin beneath it.

You weren’t there when they spotted a red patch of irritated skin, or a small lump you hadn’t noticed. You heard them gently mention it to you at collection - not to worry you, but because they genuinely care about your dog’s wellbeing.

And after you left, you didn’t see the clean-down , the floor swept, tables cleaned, blades oiled, messages replied to, notes written up for your next visit, and laundry on again.

All of that… for a price that’s often lower than what you’d pay for your own haircut. And your hairdresser?
They don’t have to bathe you, clip your nails, or hold you still while you try to bite the brush.

The truth is ……. dog grooming is so much more than a haircut.

It’s about health, hygiene, comfort, and trust. It’s about knowing dog anatomy, coat types, skin conditions, behaviour management, handling skills, and safe sc******ng techniques. It’s a profession that takes training, practice, and patience.
Most groomers got into this work because they love dogs. But that doesn’t mean they shouldn’t be paid fairly for the physical, emotional, and skilled work they do every single day.

If your dog leaves their groomer happy, healthy and looking good - it’s not by luck. It’s because you have got a good groomer.
So next time, take a moment to thank them. Leave a review.

Tip them if you can. And above all - don’t undervalue them.
They’re doing far more than just washing the dog.

If you want to know more about the trade association for pet groomers and how we support them, contact the British Dog Groomers Association a division of the Pet Industry Federation www.petfederation.co.uk

13/04/2025

READ THE LINKS BEFORE YOU FREAK OUT

Education is Paramount ! Be well educated and responsible owners

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/12G869SkXiW/

https://www.doglistener.co.uk/overview-problems-spaying-and-castrating-dogs/
🥼

https://dpca.org/breeded/long-term-health-risks-and-benefits-associated-with-spay-neuter-in-dogs/

https://www.akcchf.org/news-events/news/health-implications-in-early.html

https://fb.watch/4Lj7Zr7E02/

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/17gkxJiQPx/

For those who want to help your already spayed ir neutered pet. Or intact dog above 5 year old pet. OR if performance or working dog. Start at 2 years of age. May I suggest this fabulous product.
https://a.co/d/69ekcMQ

https://drjudymorgan.com/blogs/blog/supporting-spayed-and-neutered-pets

https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/veterinary-science/articles/10.3389/fvets.2020.00472/full UC Davis Study.

http://www.pet-informed-veterinary-advice-online.com/male-dog-neutering.html

https://enviroliteracy.org/what-happens-if-a-dog-is-spayed-while-in-heat/

How long do heat cycles last

https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/how-long-dogs-in-heat/

Vet Tech knowledge at your finger tips

https://a.co/d/2LVDPS7

https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/riney-canine-health-center/canine-health-information/pyometra

https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/riney-canine-health-center/canine-health-information/mammary-cancer

https://wearethecure.org/learn-more-about-canine-cancer/canine-cancer-library/prostate-cancer/

For those interested here are some other links and studies I’ve saved over the years (some might be duplicate as I just copied from my own notes)

*Spay, Neuter And Joint Disease
http://www.dogsnaturallymagazine.com/spay-neuter-and-joint-disease/

*Long term effects, which clearly outlines the pros/cons-http://www.naiaonline.org/pdfs/LongTermHealthEffectsOfSpayNeuterInDogs.pdf

*Considerations, including increase in fears, sound sensitivity, and aggression-http://www.caninesports.com/uploads/1/5/3/1/15319800/earlyspayconsiderations.pdf

*Concerning aggression and fearful dogs- http://www.doglistener.co.uk/neutering/spaying_neutering.shtml

*Behavior and physical affects, which shows the correlation between neutering and increased aggression-http://www.atftc.com/health/SNBehaviorBoneDataSnapShot.pdf

*Increase in bone cancer- http://cebp.aacrjournals.org/content/11/11/1434.full
*Article: https://www.avma.org/News/JAVMANews/Pages/100301g.aspx

*Neutering Dogs: Effects on Joint Disorders and Cancers in Golden Retrievers
http://www.plosone.org/article/info%3Adoi%2F10.1371%2Fjournal.pone.0055937

*Your Dog Needs To Be Spayed Or Neutered – Right?
http://www.dogsnaturallymagazine.com/your-dog-needs-to-be-spayed-or-neutered-right/

*Veterinarian Karen Becker, "Why I've Had a Change of Heart About Neutering Pets" including traditional spay/neuter desexing vs. sterilization
http://healthypets.mercola.com/sites/healthypets/archive/2013/09/30/neutering-health-risks.aspx

*Effects of ovariohysterectomy on reactivity in German Shepherd dogs
http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S109002330500064X

*Goldens more at risk than Labs
http://www.plosone.org/article/info%3Adoi%2F10.1371%2Fjournal.pone.0102241
The easy to understand version http://www.veterinarypracticenews.com/Sterilization-Effects-Worse-for-Golden-Retrievers-Than-Labs/

*Evaluation of the risk and age of onset of cancer and behavioral disorders in gonadectomized Vizslas
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24432963
The Vizsla study involved 2,505 dogs, and reported these results:
• Dogs neutered or spayed at any age were at significantly increased risk for developing mast cell cancer, lymphoma, all other cancers, all cancers combined, and fear of storms, compared with intact dogs.
• Females spayed at 12 months or younger, and both genders neutered or spayed at over 12 months had significantly increased odds of developing hemangiosarcoma, compared with intact dogs.
• Dogs of both genders neutered or spayed at 6 months or younger had significantly increased odds of developing a behavioral disorder, including separation anxiety, noise phobia, timidity, excitability, submissive urination, aggression, hyperactivity, and/or fear biting. When it came to thunderstorm phobia, all neutered or spayed Vizslas were at greater risk than intact Vizslas, regardless of age at neutering.
• The younger the age at neutering, the earlier the age at diagnosis with mast cell cancer, cancers other than mast cell, hemangiosarcoma, lymphoma, all cancers combined, a behavioral disorder, or fear of storms.
• Compared to intact dogs, neutered and spayed dogs had a 3.5 times higher risk of developing mast cell cancer, regardless of what age they were neutered.
• Spayed females had nine times higher incidence of hemangiosarcoma compared to intact females, regardless of when spaying was performed, however, no difference in incidence of this type of cancer was found for neutered vs. intact males.
• Neutered and spayed dogs had 4.3 times higher incidence of lymphoma (lymphosarcoma), regardless of age at time of neutering.
• Neutered and spayed dogs had five times higher incidence of other types of cancer, regardless of age of neutering.
Spayed females had 6.5 times higher incidence of all cancers combined compared to intact females, and neutered males had 3.6 times higher incidence than intact males.

*Neutering: This Common Procedure Can Boost Cancer and Joint Problems As Much As Five-Fold, specifically Golden Retrievers
http://healthypets.mercola.com/sites/healthypets/archive/2014/11/05/neutered-golden-retrievers.aspx

*Sterilization Effects Worse for Golden Retrievers Than Labs, time of alteration on role in the onset of joint disorders and cancer
http://www.veterinarypracticenews.com/Sterilization-Effects-Worse-for-Golden-Retrievers-Than-Labs/

*OSS (o***y sparing spay)
http://healthypets.mercola.com/sites/healthypets/archive/2013/09/23/modified-spay-procedure.aspx
>16 minute video link of actual surgery, don't watch if squeamish! http://www.parsemusfoundation.org/o***y-sparing-spay/

*Determining the optimal age for gonadectomy of dogs and cats
http://www.parsemusfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/Root2007gonadectomyOptimalAge.pdf

http://www.naiaonline.org/pdfs/LongTermHealthEffectsOfSpayNeuterInDogs.pdf

http://www.caninesports.com/uploads/1/5/3/1/15319800/spay_neuter_considerations_2013.pdf

http://www.whole-dog-journal.com/issues/16_2/features/risks-benefits-spay-neuter-your-dog_20685-1.html?pg=2

http://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0055937

http://www.caninesports.com/uploads/1/5/3/1/15319800/vizsla_javma_study.pdf

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/m/pubmed/11439769/

http://saova.org/articles/Early%20SN%20and%20Behavior.pdf

http://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0102241

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/m/pubmed/22647210/

https://ofa.org

https://ofa.org/about/educational-resources/videos/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR580I5vo4dMCJT2tJd9UXXGcBR94raDpEXdrXLX90TrbnCh6jzHSj2SVvk1bA_aem_iFjjCQR5vTb3doXkFrL10Q

13/04/2025

How often is your dog 💩💩💩

Why shouldn’t dogs be fed grain? The answer lies in the effect of grain on the pH balance in a dog’s stomach. Normally, this is quite low (between pH 1 and pH 2), because only with a low pH can dogs digest raw meat and bones. Grain has the effect of elevating the pH level and weakening the stomach acids. Weak stomach acids mean that proper digestion becomes impossible. This is why dogs fed a lot of grain (and there is a lot of grain in most processed dog food) produce high levels of waste matter. It goes in one end and comes out the other. If grain is processed in some way (rolled, soaked, heated, etc.), dogs can digest a small amount, which is what dog food manufacturers rely upon. Even so, there is another issue. We humans can eat carbohydrates (such as porridge or pasta), convert them to sugars and store the energy in our bodies to use later on. Dogs have almost no capacity to do this. Grain (rice, wheat, corn, etc.), is much cheaper than meat and easier to process, which is why so much of it is used in manufactured dog food. Mogens Eliasen, a raw feeding expert, has published information about the volume of stools compared to the volume of food being eaten. Meat, offal and animal fat are almost completely digested. The amount of excrement produced will represent between 2% and 7% of the food being eaten. Fruit and vegetables produce around 30% to 60% waste. Kibble, on the other hand, produces 60% to 80% waste. This is because dogs are able to take a great deal of nutrition from meat, organs and animal fat – i.e. a raw food diet – but not from processed food, especially grain.

25/03/2025

20/02/2025

We’re not about to get into a debate about the types of vet practices around, but you’ll likely find differences in prices depending on where you go for puppy