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Everything to know about dog grooming programs

Everything to know about dog grooming programs

Taking good care of a dog may seem like the easiest thing to do in the world, but one needs to be diligent and consistent with their grooming efforts. Fortunately, dog grooming can be learned and is a viable and well-paying profession. Undergoing training for professional dog grooming can help people learn everything about always keeping dogs healthy and happy. Here are some key details about professional dog grooming programs:

What is dog grooming training programs?
Dog grooming courses are learning programs in which professional trainers teach learners everything about taking good care of a dog. For instance, the training involves sessions on brushing, bathing, and drying dogs.

Apart from that, one also learns how to trim or clip dog hair and nails with clean and sanitized brushes and blades. Learners are taught to clean a dog’s ears and other body parts and check for signs of illness. Other things, such as which natural products and daily techniques to use to keep a dog’s skin healthy, are also covered in these programs.

Some dog breeds need to be given baths once every 4 to 6 weeks. Certain dogs need to have their hair cut once every 8 to 12 weeks. Knowing these intervals for all kinds of dogs is one of the many things taught in dog grooming programs. Professional groomers also know how to brush or comb out mats before a dog takes a bath, making it easy to lather the dog using shampoo.

More importantly, professional groomers need to be good communicators. A critical aspect of their job is to communicate with their clients to know how they want their dog to be groomed, how they want the nails and ears of their dog to be clipped and cleaned respectively, how they want their dog styled for special occasions, and several other points.

After one goes through such a program, they have the requisite knowledge of how to clean and pamper a dog in the best ways possible.

How long does a training program last?
Typically, dog grooming programs last for about 10 weeks. The process of becoming a professional dog groomer is simple. One needs to enroll in a state-approved grooming school to pursue this educational course. Grooming programs can be conducted either online or on-site.

After going through the program, one must build experience by working for a few years. As always, practical experience perfects the skills and temperament of dog groomers. To begin with, learners can approach accomplished dog groomers and assist them with their work.

After attaining years-worth of grooming experience, one can earn a certification with the National Dog Groomers Association of America. To get this certification, groomers need to take a written exam and demonstrate their practical grooming skills to a panel of certified evaluators. Another certification body to get professional grooming honors is the International Professional Groomers, Inc.

Professional certification is a major hurdle. One needs extensive expertise and the right amount of delicacy while handling dogs. Getting a certification can set groomers up to build their clientele in a few years.

Which dog grooming schools are the best?
Here are some renowned dog grooming schools for learners to discover and hone their skills:

North Shore Community College
This institute provides to-be groomers with invaluable knowledge and practical experience. North Shore Community College’s grooming course has about 80 programs to teach students everything about the dog grooming profession from scratch.

This college offers students the much-vaunted Animal Care Specialist Certification program that involves learning skills like dog walking, dog training, kennel management, dog rescue and sheltering, and other core grooming aspects.

Merryfield School of Pet Grooming
This institute provides a super-extensive, 600-hour training program as a part of day and evening programs. Through this program, students pick up skills and enhance aspects such as speed, accuracy, and confidence while performing grooming tasks, thanks to a 100-hour externship availability.

The contents of MSPG’s course are prepared in adherence to the National Dog Groomers Association of America’s standards.

Cornerstone Dog Grooming Academy
This academy ensures that its students learn about every aspect of pet grooming. The Cornerstone Dog Grooming Academy has a low student-to-teacher ratio. So, learners get a personalized experience throughout the course to help them with the nitty-gritty of dog grooming.

Apart from these, there are several other renowned dog grooming schools, such as Rio Gran Grooming School, Paragon School of Pet Grooming, Texas AllBreed Grooming School, and Golden Paws Pet Styling Academy.

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6 human foods that cats can safely eat

Cats are picky eaters, but they may jump with glee if you share a titbit from your plate. Felines love variety in food, and you can share some of your food if it is nutritious and non-toxic. Moderation is the key when you feed human food to your cat so that it does not cause any allergies or digestive issues. Here is a list of six human foods that are safe for your cats: Eggs Small quantities of cooked eggs are good for cats. You can set aside a tablespoon of scrambled egg or a piece of a boiled egg while you cook some for yourself. Don't season it, add any oil or butter, or  feed raw eggs or yolks. Eggs contain a protein called Avidin that may prevent the absorption of Vitamin B. Raw eggs could contain Salmonella, a bacteria that can infect the GI tract of both cats and humans. Severe infection may lead to death in cats, while humans may need hospitalization. Vegetables Cats are carnivores and are partial to meat; a non-meat diet may not excite them as much. However, you can feed small portions of a few vegetables that can supply your cat's fiber, protein, and nutrition requirements. Remember to cook the vegetables before feeding them. Pumpkin, squashes, zucchini, lettuce, green beans, broccoli, carrots, and peas are safe vegetables for your cat. Ideally, you can boil or steam them and serve them without adding seasoning. Avoid sharing portions of raw or uncooked salads from your plate. Meat Most cat food contains some protein as meat is crucial for their eyes, heart, and reproductive system. If you want to feed them meat you cook for yourself or your family, ensure it is cooked well. Avoid seasoned meat, or don't feed them pieces of meat from gravies or curries. Instead of seasoning, you can add spices like basil, cilantro, dill, rosemary, or thyme, which are safe for cats. Small portions of cooked beef, chicken, duck, and turkey are safe meat for cats. Lamb and pork may be fattening, and you can give small portions after trimming the fat. Avoid giving too much organ meat like liver and kidney. Fish Cats are prone to allergies and dry skin. Vets generally recommend omega-3-rich fish oils that are rich in anti-inflammatory properties. Fish can also help older cats that are prone to arthritis. Feeding your cats omega-3-rich fish can help them get a continuous supply of anti-inflammatory foods. The ideal fish you can feed your cats include tuna, herring, crab, and salmon. Avoid seasoning and also remove the bones. If your cat is used to canned or commercial food, they could choke on fish bones. Oatmeal Oats are a staple ingredient of many commercial cat food brands, and you can feed them to your cat occasionally. Presoak oats overnight, cook them well and mix them with water instead of milk. Don't add sugar or any topping that you may have with your oatmeal. You can also add a small portion of oatmeal to their regular food. If your cat has a previous history of gastrointestinal issues, avoid oatmeal as it can interfere with their digestion. Fruits As a pet parent, you may know that cats cannot distinguish sweet as a taste. You can give them fruits in moderation as treats or as a part of their meal. Sliced bananas, the flesh of watermelon without the rind or seeds, small amounts of strawberries, berries like blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries, small portions of apple, small slices of mangoes, cantaloupes, and pineapples without the rind or skin are all safe for cats. Always chop the fruit into bite-size pieces to prevent choking. Fruits are ideal as treats and not as a whole meal. Apart from human foods, here are some of the best cat-food brands that you can consider: Royal Canin Royal Canin offers a range of commercial wet and dry cat food and therapeutic food for specific health conditions. This brand also offers tailored nutrition, providing the exact requirement of vitamins, prebiotics, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants that your cats require. Tailored nutrition is a unique concept that considers your cat's unique health needs, breed, and lifestyle, which is available for purebred cats and kittens. The brand also has age-specific food for kittens, adult, mature and senior cats. IAMS™ IAMS offers cat parents the choice of tailored nutrition for their cats based on their age, lifestyle, breed, and individual health issues. You can log in to the IAMS website and answer basic questions about your cat, and experts recommend the best product based on your cat's individual and unique needs. This brand is offering to cover the cost of your next vet appointment if you buy two bags of IAMS dry food. GREENIES™ Greenies offer Dental Treats, Pill Pockets, and Smartbites for cats in different flavors. Dental treats are available in chicken, tuna, shrimp, and salmon flavors. Pill pockets are easy to use and available in salmon and chicken flavors. You can roll your cat's capsule in the pill pocket, hide it, and feed it to your cat without any fuss and strain for them. Smart bites are treats for your cat and are available in salmon, chicken, and tuna flavors.

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8 clear signs of tick bites in pets

Tick bites can be a severe problem for our furry friends, leading to discomfort and health issues if left untreated. Since ticks are known to carry diseases and infections, pet owners have a moral responsibility to learn to identify the signs and symptoms of a tick bite on their pets. In this article, one can find the common signs of tick bites in furry companions for timely treatment and tips to prevent serious complications. Common signs that a tick may have bitten a pet Tick bites are commonly seen in pets that spend much time outdoors. However, indoor pets can be at risk if people or other pets who have spent time outdoors bring ticks inside the house. Whether the pet spends most of their time indoors or outdoors, it is important to be aware of the common signs of tick bites and watch out for them. Tick fever This is one of the most common signs that a tick may have bitten a pet. A tick bite can trigger a fever of 105°F (40.5°C) or more. Lethargy Episodes of deficient energy levels generally follow tick bites. As a result, the pet will experience severe lethargy. They are unwilling to engage in activities or do not respond in their usual, energetic way. Mobility changes If an infected tick has bitten a pet, it may be at risk of Lyme disease. Changes in a pet's mobility usually precede this condition. It happens due to the inflammation caused by the bite of an infected tick. As a result, the joints are affected, leading to a lot of discomfort. So, the pet cannot move comfortably, resulting in mobility changes. In some cases, the discomfort may be tremendously high that the affected area may appear numb. Diarrhea and vomiting It's essential to be aware of two symptoms that could indicate a pet has been exposed to ticks. These symptoms can occur for various reasons, not just tick bites. However, if your pet has recently been in areas where ticks are common, such as wooded trails, dense vegetation, or areas with long grasses, it's essential to watch for these signs. Licking, scratching, or chewing A pet bitten by a tick spends most of their time scratching, chewing, or licking a specific body area. They do this to relieve itching and inflammation in the bitten area. Skin bumps If one suspects a tick has bitten their pet, it is important to check their skin for bumps. These usually appear as crusty spots or scabs on the skin. Sometimes, the bumps may be red spots or look like bullseye-shaped red circles. Low appetite This is another symptom that may occur due to other health reasons and not due to tick bites. If your pet shows signs of a tick bite, such as loss of appetite, it is important to take them to the vet immediately. Due to their decreased appetite, they may refuse their regular meals and show no interest in their favorite treats. Paralysis Certain types of ticks release toxins into the host after biting. These toxins cause paralysis, which is usually temporary. It lasts a few hours after the tick is removed from the pet. However, it can be fatal if toxins enter the diaphragm or the lungs. How to treat tick bites One can do a few things immediately after spotting a tick bite on their pet. If these steps do not help, seeking immediate medical attention at the nearest vet's clinic is best. Examine the extent of the bite: The bitten area or any embedded ticks must be checked. If the tick has fallen off, the area will appear red or inflamed. Remove the tick: If it is still embedded in the pet's skin, removing it carefully using fine-tip tweezers is important. It must be removed straight from the skin using a firm and gentle grip. Clean up the infected skin: Once the tick has been removed, use a pet-friendly antiseptic to clean the infected area. This will ensure all the infection-causing germs are killed off. Monitor the pet for any symptoms: Keep a watch on it to see whether it exhibits any tick bite symptoms. Some symptoms may occur after two weeks. So it helps to be on guard for some time.

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Cats are strict carnivores by nature, and their bodies cannot digest a carbohydrate-rich diet. And pet parents must feed them a nutritionally balanced diet matching their weight, age, lifestyle, and current health condition. Look for food with animal protein as the prime ingredient and has fatty acids, essential amino acids, and minerals. If you are unsure of what food to choose, you can consider the following vet-recommended food for your cats: Human-Grade Fresh, Wet Cat Food by Smalls Smalls is an ultra-high protein USDA-certified cat food subscription service that uses humanely harvested and human-grade ingredients. Trained chefs prepare the food avoiding cheaper fillers like carbs and grains that add volume and reduce cost. The food does not contain any preservatives. You can choose from chicken, a combination of chicken and turkey, beef, or fish for fresh food. Freeze-dried raw cat food is available in turkey, duck, and chicken flavors. While fresh meals can go to the freezer, freeze-dried raw food can be in the pantry. One package may last five meals, and you must read the instructions to store the leftover package properly to avoid contamination. The approximate cost of Smalls cat food is $2.50 to $3.50 daily. Pro Plan® Focus Adult Weight Management Cat food by Purina® Purina Pro Plan Focus Adult Weight Management Cat food is available without a prescription and is a less expensive alternative for weight loss diets.
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Owning a luxury watch is not always a symbol of wealth or power. A handcrafted watch is a work of art, craftsmanship, and precision mechanics. It can be a statement or serve as a family heirloom. Owning a luxury watch is every horologist’s dream. When taken good care of, these watches last incredibly long. If you want to invest in one, you can choose from the world’s leading luxury watch brands like: Patek Phillipe Geneva invented the world’s first wristwatch. Patek Phillipe continues to make the most luxurious watches liked by famous, high-profile men and women. Their expertise lies in making watches with various mechanisms that sometimes may take multiple years to complete. Apart from common complications like date and time zones, some outstanding features include minute repeaters, tourbillons, and split-second chronographs. Their watches contain top-class material for the base and inner mechanics, delicately set precious stones, enamel painting, and engraving. Every watch is sleek, classy, and luxurious. Patek Phillipe does not sell directly but through 78 authorized dealers across the country. Some of the timeless luxury watches from Patek Phillipe include: Nautilus Aquanaut Calatrava Complications Grand Complications Golden Ellipse Vacheron Constantin Vacheron Constantin, based in Switzerland, is the oldest watchmaker and has been in the business since 1755.
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An extremely soft or firm mattress or one that is worn out can affect sleep quality and make one feel tired the next day. Further, if used for a long period, it can lead to issues with spine alignment and even strain the back muscles. If suffering from back pain, it is important to pick a mattress that helps relieve the ache and provides adequate support to the spine. So here are the best options: Latex Latex is a natural rubber that can be combined with other natural and even synthetic products to create a comfortable and durable mattress. Latex is naturally elastic and buoyant, and in mattresses, it can help support the sleeper’s lower back, weight, shape, and different sleeping positions. It facilitates adequate spine alignment and helps take the pressure off the heavier parts of the body. Latex mattresses bounce back to their original shape pretty quickly, and this factor ensures good support for all sleeping positions, making it ideal for side sleepers, back sleepers, and stomach sleepers. What makes this one of the top mattresses for back pain is that its springy nature enables smoother movement, and sleepers can change their positions without difficulty. The mattress can retain its shape for many years.
04

5 foods that help improve lung health

Our lungs help us receive oxygen and release carbon dioxide through breathing. The body’s natural defense system protects the lungs from infections, germs, and other pathogens. But you can also improve lung health by making specific lifestyle changes like following an active lifestyle and breathing fresh air. Further, the right nutrition plan is crucial. The following foods have essential nutrients that keep the lungs healthy and lower the risk of diseases: High-fiber foods Inflammation is among the leading causes of lung diseases like asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and fiber can help fight inflammation. A molecule in the blood called C-reactive protein (CRP) indicates inflammation in the body. Fiber-rich foods can contain CRP levels and protect the lungs. Fiber can also improve gut health by increasing the production of short-chain fatty acids. Some fiber-rich foods that promote healthy lungs are apples, artichokes, beans, berries, brown rice, quinoa, sweet potatoes, peas, cereal, and whole-grain bread. Vitamin C-rich foods Vitamin C is a vital nutrient that protects our cells from oxidative stress. It also has properties that protect the lungs from free radicals. Research shows that people who lack vitamin C may have decreased lung function, which may lead to infections.

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