Phone: 479-782-1234 Fax: 479-782-1297
4100 Kelley HWY Fort Smith, AR 72904
Monday – Friday:
8 a.m. to 12 pm and 1:30 pm to 5:30pm
Saturday: 9 am to 12 pm
Dr. Mike Thames, Owner
*Surgeries are scheduled by appointment; all vaccines and examinations are by walk-in.
24 Hr. Emergency Services Available
Mike Thames, DVM
Cheryl Adkins, DVM Jesse Cheever, DVM
Spring Cleaning time will be here soon!
When you think of a high-maintenance dog, which breed comes to mind?
Is it Poodles? Cocker Spaniels?
While these dogs do require more frequent trimmings, all dogs require some form of regular grooming. And, some dogs have specific needs based on their breed.
This article will focus on general hygiene practices that are needed regularly.
BATHING- it is a common misconception that dogs shouldn’t be bathed more than once or twice a year. The idea is that doing so would dry out the skin. This only applies if dips or harsh chemicals are used routinely. Dogs that have gone a few months without a bath will experience scaling of the skin that comes off in flakes. This is not dandruff, but excess buildup of dead skin. If a proper, gentle dog shampoo is used, a dog could be bathed once every week or two with no ill effects.
GROOMING-This is where the money starts to add up! There are three categories of dogs as far as a full-service grooming is required. Dogs who need clipped routinely, dogs that don’t need clipped at all, and dogs that could be trimmed, depending on the owner’s preference.
These are some examples of dogs in each category:
-DOGS THAT MUST BE TRIMMED REGUARLY:
-Poodles
- Cocker Spaniels
- Shih Tzus
-Lhasa Apsos
-Maltese
-Schnauzers
-Bichons
-Yorkies
-DOGS THAT MAY BE TRIMMED AT OWNERS PREFERENCE:
-Setters
-Long haired Dachshunds
-Long haired Chihuahuas
-Golden Retrievers
-Chow Chows
-Australian Shepherds
-DOGS THAT DO NOT NEED TRIMMED:
-Beagles
-Basset Hounds
-Dachshunds (regular coat)
-Greyhounds
-Boxers
-Great Danes
-Dobermans
-Bulldogs
BRUSHING-most dogs should be brushed. Brushing removes dead hair, prevents matting, and spreads the natural oils from the skin to promote a shiny coat. Short haired dogs can be brushed daily, or at least weekly. Long haired dogs should be brushed daily, or at least a few times per week. Brushing also give you the opportunity to notice lumps, sores, fleas and ticks, hot spots, or any other skin issues.
TOENAIL TRIMMING-Nail Trims are something that every dog needs, at least occasionally. Only a very few dogs get enough wear and tear on their nails to keep them sufficiently worn down.
If the toenails are long enough to touch the floor when the dog walks, then they are in need of a trim. Nails that touch the floor with every step are doing more than making that annoying clicking noise. The nail is pushing on the surface of the floor, and therefore changing the position of the toe. Over time, long nails will hinder, and eventually make lame a dog that can no longer walk correctly.
Another disadvantage of long nails is that they are frequently caught in the carpet, furniture, clothing, etc. Anyone who has had a dog break a nail knows that it is very painful to the dog. If the nail bed gets infected, antibiotics will be needed. Even with treatment, sometimes the infection moves from the nail bed into the bone, resulting in the need for surgery to amputate the toe.
Keeping nails trimmed is an important part of good hygiene for your dog. If your pet needs a trimming, feel free to stop by and let one of our staff give your dog a pedicure!
EAR CARE- Dealing with your pets ears is also one of the most crucial aspects of good grooming. Dogs’ ear canals are different than ours, in the fact that their canals are much deeper, and more curved. There is plenty of room for wax, water, debris, or hair to gather and cause trouble. Bacterial infections, yeast infections, perforated eardrums, and aural hematomas are some of the ear problems that we treat here at the hospital. Many of these could be prevented with some regular at-home care.
All breeds of dogs need their ear canals to remain dry. After bathing or swimming, a drying ear wash should be used to promote evaporation of any water that entered the canal. Dogs with “pendulous ears” (Poodles, Cockers, Labs, Bassets, etc) are more likely to have moisture buildup than are dogs with “prick ears” (Greyhounds, Schnauzers, Pit Bulls, etc).
Another issue of the ears is hair. Some dogs have the predisposition of growing hair inside the ear canal. The hair traps moisture and dirt, and can sometimes be blamed for starting ear infections. Poodles, bichons, and the like require their ear hair to be plucked. Usually the groomer does this every 6-8 weeks. It can be done at home, by hand, so just ask us to show you how.
Other things, like allergies, also play a role in affecting ear health. If you have any concerns, notice any discharge or odor, or think that your dog is uncomfortable around the head, let us know so that we can do a thorough ear exam.
EYE CARE- Dogs have three eyelids, which enable them to protect their eyes against foreign objects, most of the time. Any breed can experience dust, sprays, grass awns, or other foreign material irritating the eye. If you notice excessive tearing, squinting or redness, let us know immediately. Many eye issues have a certain window of opportunity to treat without permanent negative effects.
Brachycephalic breeds, such as Pugs, Pekinese, or Boston Terriers are most likely to suffer from corneal lesions such as scratches. Their short nose doesn’t protect their eyes from running into things like branches, cat claws, etc. These breeds are also predisposed to proptose their eyeballs (pop out of socket). These injuries need to be seen by the veterinarian immediately.
Besides injury, another reason to seek attention for your dog’s eyes is hair. Some breeds with furry faces (yorkies, maltese, etc.) grow a significant amount of hair around their eyes. If groomed regularly this should not cause any problems. Without regular grooming, the hair will get matted with the tears, often causing crusts or knots around the eye.
Also, some dogs have misplaced eyelashes called cilia. Instead of growing outward, the cilia grow inward and rub the surface of the eye with every blink. Over time, this causes much irritation, and eventually causes ulcers on the cornea. Surgery is needed to remove the offending hairs.
Other, more chronic diseases affecting dogs’ eyes are cataracts, glaucoma, and dry eye. These require medical attention, as well as regular home care on a long-term basis.
The health of your dog’s eyes is a very important part of the grooming process. Please be sure and let us know if there is any way that we can help your pet with any eye trouble.
ANAL GLANDS- although no one wants to discuss it, every dog has anal glands. These glands are small marble-sized sacs that sit just inside the anus. These sacs fill with an oily matter that has a strong distinct odor. Each time the dog has a bowel movement these glands should be emptied as the stool passes through. If, however, the bowel movement is soft (or for unknown reasons) the glands may not empty. Over time, these will fill and become painful and swollen. If the pressure is not released, the glands may abscess, and rupture.
The most common signs owners may see are excessive licking, scooting on the floor, or an unexplained foul odor. In extreme circumstances of recurrent infection, surgery is available to remove the glands, therefore permanently removing the source of the problem.
If your dog is exhibiting any of the above signs, let us know so that we may save your dog some discomfort.
We would be happy to address any of these concerns for you, or show you how to perform regular maintenance on your own at home.
In conclusion, grooming is a very important part of having a happy, healthy companion. Attention to bathing, clipping, brushing, toenails, eyes, ears, and anal glands is critical to avoiding more severe problems in the future.
*Note – we DO NOT offer professional full-service grooming. We engage in aspects of grooming that medically affect health. Also, any medical problems in any of these areas may result in a $47 Office Call/Examination fee. We will attempt to do these procedures without sedation. If necessary, a sedative will be $45-$55. Please call if you have any questions.
Nail Trim $8.50
Anal Gland Expression $9.50
Medicated Bath (The doctor must authorize this in advance) $26.50 (plus cost of shampoo, unless you provide your own)
Shaving *Based on site to be shaved, if anesthetic is necessary, and size of patient.
