The Humane Groomer

  Tips From Your Dog's Groomer: How to Prepare Your Pup For Grooming Pet Stylist: Gabi Mickelson Photo by: Alyus Vasquez  A gentle, humane approach to grooming—starting with trust, preparation, and positive early experiences   Written by Jessie Vasquez  Professional Dog Groomer | Humane Grooming Advocate   While grooming is a recurring part of a dog’s upkeep, most dogs won’t sit still on a table like a show dog. It’s not unusual for dogs to shift and wiggle, or to investigate the humans handling them and the tools those humans are using. But for dogs who have not been desensitized to handling, particularly in sensitive areas like their feet, their ears, their tails, and around their muzzles, healthy curiosity can shift into fear and aggression, making the grooming process unsafe for both the dog and the groomer. Most professional groomers strive for a safe and compassionate connection with both the dogs in their care and the humans who care for them. There are...

Anal Gland Expression in Dogs: Pros, Cons, and When It’s Actually Needed Wait a Second… What Are Anal Glands? Dogs have two small scent glands located on either side of the rectum. These glands produce a strong-smelling fluid that normally empties naturally when a dog has a firm bowel movement. For many dogs, this process happens automatically and never causes problems. However, some dogs may develop issues such as impaction, inflammation, or infection if the glands do not empty properly. When this happens, a dog may experience discomfort and show symptoms that indicate their anal glands need attention. Anal gland expression is one of the most commonly misunderstood aspects of dog grooming and veterinary care. While it can provide relief for dogs with specific medical issues, routine expression without a clinical reason may actually create long-term problems. Below is a balanced look at when anal gland expression helps, and when it can do more harm than good. Pros of Anal Gla...

  Dog Respiratory Illness in Spokane: What Pet Parents Should Know Recently, SpokAnimal temporarily closed its dog shelter to the public after a respiratory illness spread through part of their canine population. Roughly half of the dogs in their care showed signs of the illness , and some developed pneumonia. The shelter has sent samples to a lab for testing, but an exact cause hasn’t been pinpointed yet. In the meantime, staff are treating symptoms and monitoring recovery. KREM +1 This kind of respiratory disease in dogs — often called canine infectious respiratory disease (or “kennel cough”) — isn’t uncommon , especially in group environments like shelters, daycares, training classes, or grooming salons. It can be caused by a mix of viruses and bacteria that spread easily through coughing, sneezing, or close contact. Wikip edia Signs to Watch For If your dog has been around other dogs recently, keep an eye out for: Persistent cough or gagging Sneezing or runny nose ...

This guide shares ten well-regarded veterinary clinics serving Spokane-area pet families.  Caring for a dog is rarely a one-person job. For most families, it’s a shared effort between groomers, veterinarians, and the people who know a dog best—their guardians. As humane groomers, we often work with dogs who are sensitive, aging, anxious, or navigating health changes. In those moments, having a veterinarian who listens, moves gently, and values relationship-based care can make a meaningful difference—not only for medical outcomes, but for a dog’s overall sense of safety and trust. This guide was created by Lilac City Pet Care LLC as a community resource for Spokane pet parents . The veterinary clinics listed below are well-established in our area and are frequently mentioned by local families for their compassionate approach, clear communication, and consistency of care. Each clinic brings its own philosophy and style, allowing guardians to choose the care team that feels like the...