From Tips to Tails
Ways to keep your dog looking better between grooms this winter
The holidays are over and winter has set in. Many of us may decide to take a longer break between grooming appointments. The most common reasons are:
- Money is tight after the holidays
- I like to keep my pet in a longer coat in the colder months
- I don't like driving around in wintry weather
Let's face it, there will be times when that roaring fire looks more inviting than digging out a path to the car and braving the snowy roads. Here are some things that you can do at home between grooming appointments to keep your pet in better shape.
- If you are going to go longer than 4-6 weeks between appointments, you MUST brush and comb your dog thoroughly every day. Your pet will be getting wet from
 the snow, which contributes to matting - especially in friction areas in the armpits, under the collar/harness, and on the belly. If Snuffy also wears a jacket or sweater, count on the matting to form more easily under his clothes. Without regular 
brushing and combing to get all of the tangles and snarls out, your pet will develop mats that may need to be trimmed out, go through a long and possibly painful dematting process, or (in worst cases) develop skin damage from blood loss and poor air circulation. Think of it as trying to brush through dreadlocks - uncomfortable, at best! If you would like a demonstration on proper brushing techniques, we will be happy to show you. It's free and only takes a few minutes. - Trim the nails. Fewer walks outside in addition to snow
 covered pathways means less contact with sidewalks, which usually act as an emery board on your pet's nails. Once the nails start clicking on floors, it's time for a trim. Nails can grow too long quickly, which are painful to walk on. If you've ever bent one of your fingernails back while working around the house, you know how painful it can be. Now imagine trying to walk when all of your toenails feel that way - yikes! The nails on smaller breeds may curl around and even grow into the pad. - Brush those teeth. Just like you, plaque and tartar will
 build up on your pet's teeth. (Imagine your own teeth if you only brushed them twice a year!) Some pets are more prone to plaque than others and removing build up will keep those pearly whites healthy. If not, your pet can develop painful tooth decay, resulting in expensive de-scaling services at the vet - or worse - removing teeth.
 With patience and practice, you and your pet will be able to do these things at home. We can even show you how! If you're still unsure about trying it on your own, give us a call. We'll be happy to help!
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To Leash or Not to Leash
What was the question?
 On a recent trip to the vet, I had one of those experiences that really clarified for me just why leashing pets is so important. I was waiting at the vet to take my cat (in her trusty cat carrier) for teeth cleaning (and what would turn out to be removal of three teeth after noticing swelling over her canine tooth - see the article above). The lobby was well-staffed, clean, and comfortable. Another pet owner was waiting at the counter with her Bernese Mountain Dog, leashed and sitting calmly at her feet. The door opened and another customer came in with a Cocker Spaniel that was not on a leash. Why she didn't have a leash or even a collar on her pet while walking through a crowded parking lot, I'm not sure, but there they were. Her dog made a beeline for the larger (and leashed) pet. What happened next was complete mayhem: with teeth flashing, the Cocker rushed the Berner. The Berner attempted to move away, but the smaller pet just kept charging and biting. At this point, the Berner's owner was trying to lead her pet away from the unprovoked attack, but with limited success. With no way to restrain or control the Cocker, there was nothing anyone could do to stop the smaller dog but to risk personal injury and reach in to pull them apart. Fortunately, no one was seriously injured (the staff was amazing), but this incident could have been easily prevented. What was even more shocking was that the owner of the Cocker was angry at the other owner for "not keeping her dog under control."  Leashing our pets is the simplest thing we can do to protect them. Had both pets been leashed, this incident would never has happened. What if the door had opened and the Cocker had fled into the night? A busy street was right outside that door - not the safest place for a scared pet. If you don't have a leash - maybe you don't take your pet out that often and don't have one - ask us for a slip lead at the front counter. We even have them available for free in our lobby as you come in. Remember, your pet may not be aggressive, but even the friendliest of doggy gestures can be mistaken by a pet who is anxious or afraid. Prevent the preventable - please leash your pet.
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Do You Own a Grooming Shop?
Our Graduates Can Help
Paragon graduates can help make your business BOOM! If you're looking for a groomer to join your team, let us know. We can post information about your business and any available groomer or bather positions. Send us an email with details and we'll make sure to tell our students all about you.
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"I'm thinking about making a career change..."
How can I get started at Paragon?
 Every day I speak to men and women who are ready for something more. They want a career that's fulfilling and offers them a chance to do something they've always dreamed of - working with animals. If this sounds like you, you owe it to yourself to see what Paragon can do for you. We offer both on-site and online programs using the curriculum, tools, and methods that are designed to help you succeed. We will teach you how to make pets look and feel their best in a way that will also help you maximize your earning potential.
If you'd like to know more or would like to schedule a tour, call
616.667.7297 for an information packet and a time when we can meet to discuss your goals.
Click here to visit our website!
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Chubbs degreasing bars for dogs and cats
 Looking for a degreasing method for both dogs AND cats? Are you a mobile groomer with no more room for yet another bottle of shampoo? Do you need a shampoo that's perfect for airline travel as you scoot off to the next show? Maybe you're just looking for a great product that won't spill and make a huge mess?
Available in 2-bar packs for just $22.00. Try them and see for yourself! Drop by the Paragon School of Pet Grooming or call 616-667-7297 to get yours today!
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GROOMING SUPPLIES AVAILABLE
Whether it's shampoo, brushes, clippers, blades, or books - we've got it!
Call 616-667-7297 or click here for a complete catalog.
We can even mail one to you at no cost! Perfect for the student, groomer, and pet owner.
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 The Paragon School of Pet Grooming 110 Chicago Drive Jenison, Michigan 49428 www.ParagonPetSchool.com joellea@paragonpetschool.com 616.667.7297 Hours Monday - Friday 7:00 am - 6:00 pm Pet Grooms by Appointment Drop Off Times 7:00 - 8:00 am 12:00 - 1:00 pm Walk in Nail Trimming Service Available 8:00 - 5:00 Are Long Nails a Problem? 
Purchase this nail trim punch card for $25 and save $15 off 5 nail trims. Perfect for the dog with really long nail quicks - get them trimmed more often so that those quicks will recede. In no time, we'll be able to get her nails nice and short!
Thinking about a future in pet grooming?
Watch this video!
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Cat Grooming Available
Cats need love, too!
Soft kitty,
clean kitty,
brushing out the fur...
happy kitty,
healthy kitty,
purr, purr, purr!
Up-to-date rabies vaccinations are required for cat grooming.
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DID YOU KNOW...
It's rumored that, at the end of the Beatles song, "A Day in the Life," Paul McCartney recorded an ultrasonic whistle, audible only to dogs, just for his
Shetland sheepdog. Unlike humans who sweat everywhere, dogs only sweat through the pads of their feet. Dogs' noses secrete a thin layer of mucous that helps them absorb scent. They then lick their noses to sample the scent through their mouth.
Dogs curl up in a ball when they sleep due to an age-old instinct to keep themselves warm and protect their abdomen and vital organs from predators.
Here are Rover.com's most popular U.S. dog names of 2013:
Male Dogs:
1. Max
2. Charlie
3. Buddy
Female Dogs:
1. Bella
2. Lucy
When cats and dogs are exposed to the cold for too long, their body temperature - which is usually between 101°F and 102.5°F - can drop fatally. Here's what you need to know as you keep a close eye on your pets in winter.
Hypothermia Symptoms in Dogs and Cats
- violent shivering, followed by listlessness
- weak pulse
- lethargy
- muscle stiffness
- problems breathing
- lack of appetite
- rectal temperature below 98°F
- coma
- cardiac arrest
Hypothermia Treatment
- Wrap your pet in a warm blanket or coat (you can warm blankets and coats in the dryer for a few minutes).
- Bring your pet into a warm room.
- Give your pet a solution of four teaspoons honey or sugar dissolved in warm water to drink. You can also put 1-2 teaspoons of corn syrup on the gums if your pet is too weak to drink. This provides an immediate energy boost.
- Place warm, towel-wrapped water bottles against your pet's abdomen or at her armpits and chest, then wrap her in a blanket. Do not use hair dryers, heating pads, or electric blankets to warm up a hypothermic pet as this may result in burns or cause surface blood vessels to dilate, which compromises circulation to vital organs.
- Call your veterinarian immediately.
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