The Humane Groomer

Tangles Happen. Here’s How to Make Them Easier to Manage Written by Alyus Vasquez Founder of Lilac City Pet Care LLC and co-owner of Penny’s Paw Spa Focused on humane grooming practices, education, and helping pet parents feel confident between appointments If brushing your dog feels like a struggle, you’re not alone. Maybe your dog pulls away. Maybe the brush gets stuck. Maybe it turns into something stressful for both of you. For many Spokane pet parents, this is one of the hardest parts of coat maintenance between grooming appointments. The good news is there’s a simple tool that can make a big difference: dog de-tangling spray. What Is a Dog De-tangling Spray? A de-tangling spray is a type of leave-in conditioner designed specifically to make brushing easier and more comfortable for your dog. While many leave-in conditioners help soften the coat, de-tangling sprays are formulated to add extra slip, which helps reduce pulling and loosen tangles. Instead of dragging...

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 Gland Expression (When clinically indicated and properly performed) 1. Re...

  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 Congestion or excess mucus Lower energy or reduced appetite I...