Howl-O-Ween Tips for you and your pets

It's that time of year again when the ghouls and goblins come out.  Ding Dong goes the doorbell, you slowly open it and are meet by Freddie, Cookie Monster, or even worse, Barney!  But what are your pets thinking?  Halloween can be a very frightening night for them...all these strangers...why are they dressed like that?  We don't really know what they are thinking.  There's a lot of dangers as well.  How many times do you open your door creating a perfect escape route while your busy passing out the treats and admiring the costumes.  Of course, there's always the danger of the decorations.  You probably have more candles lit, cords plugged in and glittery and flashing things around.  And of course there is this danger...CANDY!  While we (or at least I) like candy, it can cause sickness or even death to our pets.

1)  Halloween is probably one of those nights you'd like to cuddle up on the couch and watch a scary movie, Friday the 13th, Nightmare on Elm Street, Psycho.  Of course you'll need your furry four legged guardian to protect you, but if you have lots of trick or treaters,  You may be better off to leave you pets in another room, one where they are comfortable and away from the commotion and most of all safe and not able to escape the house.  First of all the costumes may scare them and a dog that never bites, may do so out of fear.  Second, there are a lot of cars and people out.  Drivers are trying to pay attention, but lets face it, Halloween is a big night of distracted driving.  So, to protect your loved ones, make sure they are safe and secure, and watch the movie later after trick or treating hours.

2)  Decorations make the house look spooky!  Purr-fect for Halloween, but they can also present hazards.  How nosey is your pet.  I usually can see the, "Well, lets take a look at what's in there face" come across my cat's face.  It's amazing how fast he can bat the lid of a container, or knock it over.  yea, lets just go there, chances are he's going to knock it over.  What if there is a lit candle in there.  Hot wax on the floor is the least of your worries.  Glitter, lights, motion activated ghost and spiders!  They may look great, but it may look like a toy to your pet.  Make sure they are in a safe place and secure.

3)  CANDY:  I Love Candy!  But candy can be harmful to your pets.  Most pet owners know  Chocolate, especially dark and baking chocolate are bad for your pets.  But may candies contain artificial sweeteners that can be lethal to your pets, so keep it our of reach and make sure you or your trick or treaters didn't accidently leave a piece behind.  If you suspect you pet has ingested something they shouldn't have, please call your veterinarian or the ASPCA Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 immediately.

4)  Make sure your pet has his or her collar and tags on, just in case.

5)  Pet Costumes-These are a whole other can of worms-  Make sure it's safe for your pet.  Try it on them first and make sure they are OK wearing it.  If it has hair or braids, are they short enough your pet can walk safely?  I guess the easiest way to say it is this, Is it safe?  Would you be comfortable wearing it?  Can I see OK? Can I walk OK?   If you answered NO to any of these, then don't put it on them.  Plus some pets just don't like wearing clothes, don't force them.  It can cause anxiety.

From all of us at Tails to Remember, please have a fun and safe Halloween.  Watch for Kids and Pets and keep an eye on the candy.

Need a Friend? Adopt one

Do you find yourself lonely?

Do you want a Pal?

Do you want to help others?

Do you long for a loving relationship?

Well, check this out.  October is National Adopt a Shelter Dog Month.  Each year, it is estimated 3 to 4 million animals are waiting in shelters for someone to give them a safe, loving home, but unfortunately many never find a hero to adopt them and tragically are euthanized.

Dogs have been proven to have many health benefits for their owners, such as lower blood pressure and their ability to lessen anxiety.  Plus, who doesn't like someone to go on a walk with, take a car ride with and of course, who doesn't like to snuggle up on the couch with a warm loving friend on movie night. 

If your thinking of getting a dog, your in luck.  Springfield and the surrounding area has many shelters and rescue groups.  These groups have worked tirelessly to get dogs (and cats) out of facilities that euthanize and try to get them in to loving homes.  They work with them, either at a physical shelter or a foster home network and get them ready to go to their forever home.

Maybe you can't adopt a dog...Your landlord won't let you have one, you don't have enough time, whatever the reason is.  You can always volunteer.  Many Shelter and rescue groups rely on volunteers to walk dogs, take dogs to adoptions, feed them and just to spend time and socialize with them.

Fall is the perfect time to be a hero and adopt a dog from your local shelter. You’ll be saving a life and greatly improving yours.  Below is a list of many of the shelters and rescue organizations in the
Springfield area.  Give them a call or stop in and see who you can take home.  And let's face it, no one likes to sleep alone and why should you.  Go find a  dog that your happy and proud to take home and have in your bed!

Animal Protective League

Friends of Sangamon County Animal Control

Helping Paw Project

Illinois Humane

Paws for Life

ReGap-Retired Greyhounds as Pets

Menard County Animal Control

Paws Jackson

WILD-Women in Love with Dogs

Pets without Parents

Relentless Animal Rescue

What to expect from your pets with the Solar Eclipse?

Well...That's a good question.  I started out thinking this would be a great, easy blog to write, and
like most things that you thought were going to be easy, it turned out not to be.

There are many different view points and very little actual studies done since Total Solar Eclipses are so rare.  In fact the last one in the United States was in 1991 and only visible in Hawaii, where it was cloudy, before that it was 1990 in the  Aleutians, where it rained and wasn't visible, prior to that is was 1979 in WA, OR, ID, MT, and ND (the only states to see totality, in the mid-morning.)  It was dreary and unfortunately many people did not see the eclipse due to rain according to eclipse2017.org

Then you have scientist saying they think animals will think it's night and start getting ready to bed down, others saying pets won't know the difference and everything in between.  While it definitely is a possibility that your pets may start acting different, it seems more like no one really knows.

One thing people seem to agree on is that their eyes can burn just like humans can, so, in my opinion, if your going to try to catch a glimpse (with your protective glasses on, of course) your may be better off just to leave them inside.

There is an app (of course there is) that you can install and use to help provide The California Academy of Sciences information used for  research during the eclipse, use can go to their webpage to learn more www.calacademy.org/citizen-science/solar-eclipse-2017

Before the eclipse:

1. Download the iNaturalist app on the App Store or Google Play and make an account.
2. Practice making observations. Check out the Getting Started Guide for helpful tips.
3. Join the Life Responds project on iNaturalist.
4. Decide where you will be viewing the eclipse and know when the eclipse will be at maximum at your location. Use this map to help determine that time.

Day of the eclipse (Aug 21):

1. Once you arrive at your site, scout your area for animals and plants. Choose the individual organism(s) you want to observe.
2. During the eclipse, make 3 separate observations for each individual organism using the iNaturalist app, adding each of them to the "Life Responds" project:
• 1st: 30 minutes before totality (or maximum coverage) make an observation in iNaturalist. Add anything interesting you notice about their behavior in the "Notes" section.
• 2nd: During the 5 minutes of totality (or maximum coverage) make a second observation in iNaturalist. Add anything interesting you notice about their behavior in the "Notes" section.
• 3rd: 30 minutes after totality (or maximum coverage) make a third and final observation in iNaturalist. Add anything interesting you notice about their behavior in the "Notes" section.
• You're welcome to make other observations of your organism(s) beyond these three - just be sure to choose the time frame in which you made these other observations in "Before, During, or After Totality" field.

So like I said, I thought this would be an easy Blog to write, but...  So hopefully with people being able to provide information to The California Academy of Sciences we'll be better able to be prepared and know more for the next time we have a total solar eclipse across the United States, which just so you know is in April 2024.  

Pets and Fireworks: Safety Tips to keep your pets safe.

Many People love Fireworks, but...

Most Pets Don't!

Here are some safety tips and things to keep in mind so you and your pets have a safe 4th of July!

Loud noises, flashing bright lights, things flying through the air! The 4th of July=Fireworks.  While most humans many enjoy them, it can often times stress out, scare and confuse a pet.  More pets go missing from July 1st-July 6th than any other time of the year.

1)  Leave your pet indoors...Try to make them comfortable with bedding, toys, plenty of water and food.  Put them in a safe place, so they don't accidentally run out the door when you or a friend opens it.

2)  Turn on some soothing music, the TV or a fan to even out the noise. 

3)  If you have company coming over, let them know your pets are scared of fireworks and so you have put them in a safe area, let them know you prefer they don't go in and see them because, lets face it, no one knows what a scared dog or cat will do.  They may bite, they may try to run...Who knows!

4)  If your pets are outdoors with you, use caution with fireworks.  Most days, you throw a ball and want them to fetch it...Today you may be throwing something that can explode in their face or burn their paw.  While this seems like common sense, I think it bears restating.  DON'T LIGHT FIREWORKS WITH YOUR PETS AROUND!

5)  Make sure they have their collars and tags on.  Even if they don't like it and don't normally wear it, please, please put it on for now.  If they should run, this will be the easiest way for someone to identify your pet.

6)  Try Essential Oils to help calm them.  See our Blog on Essential Oils by clicking here.

7)  If you see an animal running loose, please report it to your local animal control, animal shelter, local rescue groups/lost and found pet sites on facebook.

8)  Glow sticks are fun, but not for pets.  They can chew on them and ingest the contents with can lead to sickness or swallow the plastic, leading to an obstruction or chocking.

9)  I'll be the first one to admit it...Beer is great, but if your going to give it to your pets, make sure it is made for them.  "Alcoholic beverages and food products containing alcohol can cause vomiting, diarrhea, decreased coordination, central nervous system depression, difficulty breathing, tremors, abnormal blood acidity, coma and even death. Under no circumstances should your pet be given any alcohol. If you suspect that your pet has ingested alcohol, contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center immediately.", according to the ASPCA.  Stop by Tails to Remember and pick them up some Bowser Beer, it's made for them.

10)  Keep items they don't need to be in out of their reach.  Lighters, bug spray, matches, citronella candles and torches...ANYTHING that they don't need to be in, put out of reach!

We hope everyone has a safe and Happy 4th of July.

Thank You for Nominating Tails to Remember as a nominee for Emerging Business of the Year!

Tails to Remember Pet Services would like to thank the person or persons who nominated us for the Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce Small Business Awards as a new and emerging business.  It's hard to believe that our Boutique will be open for two years at the end of this month, and even harder to believe that our self service pet wash and full service, onsite pet cremation center have been open just over a year.  We couldn't be happier.

When we were nominated for this award, we knew we were doing something right.  And we knew we were doing something different. Acknowledgement like this means so much. 

When we started planning, many years ago, we knew we didn't want to do the same old thing, so we didn't, and we don't ever plan on it.  From the unique gifts and treats for pets and pet owners in our boutique, to the locally made urns and other remembrance products we offer, we wanted to make sure we were different.  While finding locally made and Made in the USA products can be challenging, we are always up for a challenge. (about 90-95% of our products are locally made, made in Illinois or Made in the USA!)  

We also knew pet owners wanted an easy place to give their pets a bath, but we also knew they didn't want to drag towels and laundry back and forth, so we decided to install a self service pet wash, we decided to provide towels.  Our shampoos are high quality and ph balance for pets.  Our prices are affordable and we work hard to keep our facility clean. 

Yet, we knew not everyone wanted to give their dog or cat a bath themselves.  And I have not met alot of people who like to trim toe nails or even would want to attempt to groom their pet!  (I tried it once, thank goodness it was before "Nailed it" was popular on the web, let's just say, I won't be trying again.)  So the addition of the grooming salon, Dames and Sires Beauty Spa, just seemed logical.  The salon is run independently from Tails to Remember by owner, Samantha Hudgins.  She employs another "Canine Cosmetologist" and a Grooming Assistant.  They use organic shampoos and conditioners and really spend time with your pets.  Therefore, that is the reason it took me over a year to find the right person to rent the salon, we wanted people who love animals and care for them as if they were there own.  In between the three of them across the hall, I believe they could start a small zoo...Horses, prairie dogs, guinea pigs, snakes, pot belly pigs, dogs and cats, you name it, it seems like they have it. 

Of course, the biggest part of our business is also the saddest.  We know the heartache of losing a family member, and we are proud that we have been able to help so many through this process in the past year.  We offer families so much more than just a basic cremation option.  From our ability to brush out and clean up their beloved family member so they can see them one last time, to our unique dual tag identification system, ensuring them that they are receiving their pet's remains, from our ability for families to have a visitation for their pet and even witness cremation if they desire and to even being able to use our facilities to have their vet perform euthanasia services, we have it all and so much more. 

So Thank You to whomever nominated us for this award and Thank you to all those whom we have been able to assist in any way in the past years.  It makes the hard work worth it and we couldn't have done it without you.

 For those who haven't been in to see us, please stop by and check out what we have to offer.  Our Boutique and the grooming salon are open Tuesday-Saturday 9 a.m.-5 p.m., and of course, for the loss of a pet we are available 24 hours a day by calling 217-725-9511.

Tails to Remember Pet Services

3036 Peoria Road

Springfield, IL 62702

217-725-9511

TailsToRemember.com

info@TailsToRemember.com

To Schedule an appointment with Dames and Sires Beauty Spa, please call 217-361-5733 or online at DamesAndSires.com

Tails to Remember is proud to be carrying EarthHeart Essential Oil Mists for your pet!

EarthHeart Essential Oils are now available at Tails to Remember!

Have you heard a friend talk about essential oils?  Maybe you've seen a booth or store touting the benefits of essential oils. It seems they are everywhere, and so is information on them.  Some information is strictly in the form of ads, some in studies, some on websites, some on pamphlets and some by sales people.  The amount of information, proof and hearsay is unbelievable.

This ones better because...We're more pure because...We're the Original... You'll hear it all if you are trying to do research and find what products you want to carry in your store.  Then you have these thoughts in the middle of the night, "Oh my Goodness, what if they mix it wrong?"  Are they going to sue me because they couldn't follow directions?  Or "Wait, I have to stock how many bottles of oils in my store and they cost how much?"  So after about 2 years of looking into the essential oils for pets, I finally found something that I liked, felt confident in, is easy to use and that I can provide at a very modest cost, EarthHeart Essential Oils.

Here are some excerpts of how EarthHeart was started from their founder Vicki Rae Thorne, if you would like to learn more about Vicki, you can check out her whole story at earthheartinc.com/our-story/

In 1996 I founded Earth Heart® Inc. to help others learn how to safely and effectively use herbs and essential oils as part of everyday life. For several years, products were developed for massage, skin, body and baby care – with family and friends as sometimes unwilling products testers!


I wrote a monthly column for a local health magazine, had a small holistic practice, developed and taught continuing and community education classes for 14 years, Aromatherapy for Bodyworkers at the community college for 8 years. My aromatherapy and herbal certifications are through Jeanne Rose Herbal & Aromatherapy Studies, and I’m a long-standing member of the Alliance of International Aromatherapists, American Herbalists Guild, and Women in the Pet Industry Network. 

Things started to change in 1999 when I was approached by a kennel owner who wanted help with calming her canine visitors. The dogs missed their families and felt anxious, agitated, angry or depressed. The formula now known as Canine Calm was developed to diffuse in the kennel – and it helped from day one! Boarders noticed that their dogs were calmer when they left the kennel, and didn’t fret so much when it was time to go back. They asked how they could take that calming experience home with them, so I started making the Canine Calm mist. The other blends for dogs (which are also safe for their human and equine families) followed.

The Earth Heart line of canine products has been in the national marketplace since 2010, and I’m pleased that Earth Heart has built a reputation for designing safe, affordable and effective natural wellness remedies to help create happier, healthier lives. All products are made in the USA, formulated with 100% pure essential oils and other plant-based ingredients, packaged in BPA-free recyclable containers, safe and easy to use in your home, shelter, business and travels.

Some anthropologists believe the birth of human culture is marked with the advent of ritual. These ancient rituals can be traced back more than 5000 years. They included the burning of aromatic roots and woods for physical healing, and resins for spiritual healing. While ancient humans may have believed the ritual smoke simply carried their requests to the gods and goddesses who then sent them healings, these ritual fumigations released volatile oils in the plants with properties we know today as antiseptic, immune boosting, relaxing, and sometimes mind-altering. 

Earth Heart® Inc. has been at the forefront of bringing this ancient tradition to modern users, formulating essential oil remedies since 1992. Whether through steam distillation, cold pressing or CO2 extraction, pure essential oils are generally more powerful than the botanicals from which they are extracted. Any time you hold a bottle of Earth Heart’s essential oil remedies, you are holding nature's pure essence of health-promoting botanicals that can be diffused, inhaled, or applied topically when safely diluted in our aromatherapy mists, balms or wipes.

The Essential Oil mist and towelettes we carry at Tails to Remember are Canine Calm, Travel Calm and BuzzGuard.  We do not currently carry the Essential Oil Concentrates for diffusing, but are happy to order them for you.  We have had several people try these products on their own pets and the results have been overwhelming.  And they are easy to use, no mixing, no playing chemist, no did I add that one already and no overdoing it.  We have seen and heard the benefits of essential oils everywhere, from cleaning, to health and more, and we felt comfortable after talking with Vicki and others that have used these products that these would be a great fit for our pets and our clients.

This month's Spotlight on Rescue group is REGAP (Retired Greyhound As Pets) of Illinois. 

Check them out at https://regapgreyhounds.org/

April is Adopt a Greyhound month!

Every year in the overly competitive sport of greyhound racing, hundreds of dogs are "retired" because they are either too slow or have been injured. That's where groups like REGAP come into play. REGAP is a non profit, greyhound adoption group, founded with the goal of finding these retired athletes homes once their racing careers have ended. These are perfectly healthy dogs with a lot of years left and a lot of love to give.


The group is based in Mendota, Illinois but has representatives in several cities around the state who conduct "Meet & Greets" at local pet stores and participate in local events to promote greyhound adoption. Volunteers bring their own personal pets so people can meet a greyhound up close and personal. Adoptable dogs are at the kennel in Mendota and must be seen there and can be viewed online at https://regapgreyhounds.org/available-greys/



They are billed as the second fastest land mammal in the world, second only behind the cheetah. Don't let that scare you into thinking that you will need acres to allow them to run. They also have the nickname of "45 MPH Couch Potato"! They are quiet, mild mannered and actually make great apartment dogs. You do have to commit to not allowing them off leash except in a fully enclosed area. The adoption process is pretty easy but you will have to make 2 trips to the kennel in Mendota as they do not do on the spot adoptions. You can find the adoption process here: https://regapgreyhounds.org/adoption-process/

A Special Thanks to Cheryl Carroll, from REGAP, for providing this information.

Please follow us and REGAP on facebook for upcoming events here at Tails To Remember and to see when REGAP will be here for a meet and greet!

Why would I cremate my pet?

To many, their family pet is more than just a dog, a cat, a bird or the many species of pets people have.  They are a part of the family. They curl up on the couch with you, go for rides in the car, snuggle into bed or go for walks or runs with you.  You talk to them, play games with them or simply just give them a pat on the head.  But they are there, your constant companion, maybe even your best friend.

Studies have shown that pets relieve stress and anxiety, lower blood pressure, help with depression, improve activity levels and so much more.  Pets have become more a part of our lives, they can go on vacation with you, some restaurants and bars allow them to be “pawtrons”, they can even go shopping with you in some stores.  So… times have changed.  A lot.  

Pets receive advanced health care, dental cleanings, organic treats and spa treatments.  The way we care for them in death has changed too.

It used to be that when you dog or cat died, it was time to go to the back yard, take a shovel, dig a grave, bury your dog, make a make shift grave marker and keep it a private, family affair.  Times have changed.  More and more, pet parents are choosing cremation for their pets.  

The reasons why vary, but here are a few.

First of all, we have become a more mobile society.  Not many people are born in the same house and live there all their lives.  People move for job opportunities, new homes, to be closer to family, to be in a warmer climate or possibly even to get away from family.  That means when you move, you leave trusty Fido buried in the yard.  For some, that is a hard concept to deal with, for others, it may be no big deal.

Others want their pet to always be with them, even buried or scattered with them when they die.

Sometimes it is simply impractical or you may not even be allowed to bury your pet.  Frozen ground in the winter or muddy conditions in the spring and fall sometimes prevent you from being able to bury.  If you rent, many landlords will not let you bury on the rented property.  Some communities also prohibit burial.  In any case, in Illinois, you need to contact J.U.L.I.E. prior to digging.  You may be surprised by what's buried in your yard. That's because most electric, gas, water, sewer and telecommunications companies are delivering utility services underground. 

To avoid personal injury and damage to those underground lines, state law requires you to contact JULIE before any digging project, regardless of the project size or depth. CALL 811 OR 1-800-892-0123. Both the call and JULIE's services are free.  You can visit J.U.L.I.E.’s web site at http://illinois1call.com/homeowners/ to learn more.  Please keep in mind, after calling, you must wait two (2) business days prior to digging.  Failure to contact J.U.L.I.E. may result in you being liable for any damages you cause to the underground utilities.  Heaven forbid you  knock out the cable to the neighborhood during the big game or sweeps week, but even worse, just think about what could happen if you hit a gas or electric line.

Your own personal health may prevent you from digging a grave that is appropriate for your pet.  You have to think about the size of grave that is necessary, it will need to accommodate your pet.  Most Towns and Cities also require 18 inches of earth to cover the remains.  Are you able to safely dig this big of a grave without endangering yourself?

 

These are all reasons cremation has become more popular and I’m sure there are many others depending on who you talk to.  That’s why Tails to Remember is here for you.  We understand the loss of a pet, to us, they are family, and that’s why we offer so many specialized and personalized options.  At Tails to Remember Pet Services, we offer two forms of cremation.  

Private Cremation:  Private Cremation is where only your pet is placed in the cremation chamber.  Private cremation is done one pet at a time.  The cremated remains are returned to you in a wooden temporary container, produced by a local artisan, or you may choose a different urn that fits your style and personality.  Also included is an embossed sealed cremation certificate, information regarding grief and a copy of the “Rainbow Bridge” which can be framed.

Group Cremation:  Group cremation is an economical solution for those wanting their pet cared for in a dignified way, but not wanting the cremated remains returned to them.  Group cremation is the cremation of multiple animals at one time, the cremated remains are not returned to the owner, they are taken to a private farm and scattered by a pond.

Both forms of cremation at Tails to Remember include our unique dual identification system ensuring you are receiving your pets remains back or, in the case of group cremation, that they were in fact cremated.

Still thinking of burial, we can help you there too. From garden markers, caskets and other memorial products, we can help you select options that will be right for you and your family.

Tails to Remember is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.  

Please give us a call or text us at 217-725-9511 with any questions or if you experience the loss of a pet at home.  We can meet with you at your home, your Veterinarian’s office or in our comfortable, relaxing facility.  We even are able to help coordinate with your Veterinarian to have euthanasia services conducted by your vet at our facility. To learn more about all the options we have to offer, stop out and visit us at 3036 Peoria Road, Springfield, IL.  Our regular office hours are Tuesday through Saturday 9 a.m.-5 p.m. 

Your feet Hurt...What about your dog's?

You’re on your feet all day long, after walking all day, they hurt and are sore.  You take your shower, trim your nails, rub your feet and suddenly it hits you….What about Fido?  He has 4 feet, his nails are thick and long and he has no shoes for protection from salt, gravel or anything sharp.  Here are some tips for foot care for your dogs from Dames and Sires Beauty Spa.

Dog’s nails grow quickly and if left untrimmed for too long, can give them difficulty with traction, let alone causing severe pain, which could lead to medical issues, like walking irregular, which can lead to skeletal problems.  “Nails typically should be trimmed every two to four weeks, and we highly recommend filing,” says Michelle Michael from Dames and Sires Beauty Spa.

Don’t feel bad if you didn’t know there was a difference or even an option, neither did I, but the ladies at Dames and Sires have explained and showed me the differences.

Trimming-Trimming is basically is cutting off the sharp, long tips and making the nails shorter again, while avoiding cutting the quick, which is the blood vessel supply and the nerve in your dogs nail.

Filing-Filing follows trimming, and is done with a filer. “It allows us to get closer to the quick, making the nail as short as possible, without causing pain or bleeding of the nail.  It also helps the quick recede, making it possible for us to get the nails shorter in subsequent visits.  It also smoothes the rough edges of the nail after trimming,” says Michelle.

Long nails cause many issues such as allowing the quick to grow with the nail, which if left untrimmed for too long of a time can make the nail become frail and easy to fracture, and in some cases allow the quick to grow to the total length of the nail, making trimming both dangerous and painful.  (Remember, there’s a blood vessel and nerve in it.)  It is important to not try to trim a long nail short all at once, as it will take time for the quick to recede.

Trimming the hair in the paw pad area can help your dog feel better too.  The hair traps dirt, debris, burrs and many other unwanted objects which can not only make your house dirty and muddy, but can cause other problems for your dog.

Also make sure you check their paw pads, even though the pads are a thick, tough skin, they still can become cut from sharp objects like rocks or salt, they can also become irritated from chemicals in yards, ice melt and a variety of other conditions.

To help prevent these things from occurring, we recommend a regular grooming schedule for your dog.

Although the basic treatment packages include nail trimming and removal of paw pad hair,  the groomers  at Dames & Sires Beauty Spa also offer nail filing, paw butter and/or  Paw Spaw treatments as an add on service.  Call them at 217-361-5733 to ask about their new amazing Spaw treatments which include soaking their paws in a luxurious, anti-fungal and anti-septic fizzy treatment, trimming, filing and Paw Butter to lock in moisture.

Samantha Hudgins owns and operates Dames and Sires Beauty Spa, located at Tails to Remember in Springfield, IL.  Michelle Michael has been an Academy Instructor and groomer for many years.  Together, Sam and Michelle have over 28 years of experience in grooming a variety of animals, including dogs, cats, rabbits, ferrets and guinea pigs.  

Dames and Sires Beauty Spa is available for all your pet grooming needs, they are now open Tuesday-Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and can be contacted by calling 217-361-5733 or by
booking online at DamesandSires.com.

They are located at Tails to Remember Pet Services, 3036 Peoria Road, Springfield, IL 62702.

So...How do I properly brush my dog?

So…How do I properly brush my dog?

Have you ever been brushing your dog and thought, “Why am I not getting more hair off of him,” “Why are there knots and tangles,” or, “Why is she still shedding so much?”  It could be you’re not doing it quite the right way.  Often times I will hear people tell Sam and Michelle, “Her coat looks so much better after you’ve done it.”  So, they have decided to share a few secrets on how to properly and thoroughly brush your dog.

First of all, you need to know that there are different types of coats.  In fact many types of coats, including Natural Long Hair, Silky, Heavy, Double Coated, Combination, Smooth and Short Coated, Curly and Wavy Coated, Long Coats and the list goes on.  Michelle explained some of the differences in coats and how to brush them to me.  

To make things easier to understand, we combined some of the technical classes of coats into three main groups-Short Coated, Long Coated and Curly, Double or Heavily Coated.

We started with an easy one, Short Coats, which includes smooth coated dogs as well.   A Short Coat is exactly what it sounds like, short, close to the body, usually straight and doesn’t require trimming.  “Short coats shed the most, but because of the hair size, people don’t realize it.  Keeping the dog washed regularly with a high quality pet grade shampoo, using conditioner and weekly brushing helps with the shedding,” according to Michelle.  The use of a “Zoom Groom” brush every few days, and a de-shedding tool once a week is what she recommends.  Brush from the head to the tail in gentle, short strokes.  Slicker brushes are not effective.   Some examples of short coated dogs are Bassetts, Beagles, Pit Bulls, Labradors, Pugs, Rottweilers, Boxers, Great Danes and Bulldogs.

Long Coats-Guess what, they are just what they sound like, long hair.  Some common examples of dogs with this coat type are:  Shih Tzu,  Lhasa Apso, Maltese, Yorkies, full coated Cocker Spaniels and full coated Schnauzers.   Michelle recommends regular bathing with a high quality pet grade shampoo and also recommends using conditioner.  “I start with a slicker brush, going with and against the grain of the hair in short strokes from the head to the tail, followed up with a medium/fine tooth comb to ensure all the tangles are combed out,” says Michelle.  If there are heavy matts or tangles present, you may want to consider taking your dog to a professional groomer, as they have other tools available that they can use to safely remove them. Matts can be dangerous and painfully to your dog, which we will explain more about in a future post, and, if allowed to get to severe, will have to be shaved out.

Curly, Double or Heavily Coated dogs.  Some examples of these types of dogs are Bichon Frise, Poodles, some Doodles, Husky, Golden Retrievers, Shelties, St. Bernard, German Shepherds and Chows.  Again, Michelle recommends regular bathing with a high quality pet grade shampoo and also recommends using conditioner.  She prefers to start with a slicker brush, going with and against the grain of the hair in short strokes from head to tail.  Try to get as close to the skin as possible by parting the hair with one hand and brushing with the other.  Then, follow up with a medium/fine tooth comb to ensure all tangles and undercoat is removed.  The undercoat is the finer hair closest to the skin which is where matts tend to form.  For a Double and Heavy coated dog, use the “Zoom Groom” and deshedding tool as well, there is no need to use them on a curly coated dog as they will not be effective.

Of course, each dog is unique and individual, and there are too many types of coats to explain in this blog, so Sam and Michelle invite you to stop in and bring your dog, so they can evaluate their coat and teach you some “tricks” to make brushing easier, more enjoyable for you and your pet and to give them a beautiful, less shedding coat.  You may also want to consider signing up for the Pristine Program offered at Dames and Sires Beauty Spa which is a regular maintenance program, designed to keep you and your furry friend on a regular schedule at a discounted rate.  Please ask Sam and Michelle for more information on this program and to see how it can help you keep your dogs coat in the best condition possible.

Here are some other tips to help maintain your dogs coat and make brushing easier:  -Make sure the coat is completely dry before beginning any brushing.

-Diet is important and plays a big role in your dog’s coat.

-Use a high quality pet grade shampoo, human shampoo is not ph balanced for pets and can dry out their skin.

Samantha Hudgins owns and operates Dames and Sires Beauty Spa, located at Tails to Remember in Springfield, IL.  Michelle Michael has been an Academy Instructor and groomer for many years.  Together, Sam and Michelle have over 28 years of experience in grooming a variety of animals, including dogs, cats, rabbits, ferrets and guinea pigs.  Dames and Sires Beauty Spa is available for all your pet grooming needs, they are now open Tuesday-Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and can be contacted by calling 217-361-5733 or by booking online at DamesandSires.com.  They are located at Tails to Remember Pet Services, 3036 Peoria Road, Springfield, IL 62702.

Why is brushing your pet so important?

We are beginning a series of blog post about grooming and caring for your pets.  Today’s topic is, “Why is Brushing your Pet Important?”

When I first started  thinking about topics for my Blog Post, I wanted to tackle some of the common issues we hear from Pet owners, so I sat down with Sam and Michelle from Dames and Sires Beauty Spa and asked them what are some of the issues they see and what are some of the questions they get asked? 

First of all, I asked, “Why is Brushing so Important?”  Both of them responded, “Do you think we want to shave a dog or cat who has a perfectly healthy coat of hair, except they are knotted, tangled and matted?”  I then asked, what are the benefits of brushing, besides the obvious of making them look great?  “Brushing helps remove dead hair and helps with the natural shedding process and prevents matting,” said Samantha Hudgins, owner of Dames and Sires Beauty Spa.  Michelle chimed in and mentioned that it’s also a great way to look at the overall health of their skin and coat.  “When brushing, look at their skin, see if there are any fleas, hot spots, burrs or inflammation,” said Michelle Michael, a canine stylist at Dames and Sires.  Both agreed that regular daily brushing helps promote your pet’s coats natural sheen, and who doesn’t like a massage, which is what brushing is like to most pets.  I think the response that left me the most compelled to brush Scotch is what both Sam and Michelle said, “It’s great bonding time.”  And after all, who doesn’t like to bond with their pet.  Proper brushing doesn’t take long and we’ll explore ways to properly brush your pet(s) in future posts, but for now, give your pet a “brushing massage” and bond with them for awhile.

Samantha Hudgins owns and operates Dames and Sires Beauty Spa, located at Tails to Remember in Springfield, IL.  Together, Sam and Michelle have over 28 years of experience in grooming a variety of animals, including dogs, cats, rabbits, ferrets and guinea pigs.  Dames and Sires Beauty Spa is available for all your grooming needs, they are open Wednesday-Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and  can be contacted by calling 217-361-5733 or book online at DamesandSires.com.  They are located at Tails to Remember Pet Services, 3036 Peoria Road, Springfield, IL 62702.

Are Your Pets Messing with Your Sex Life? - Pet360 Pet Parenting Simplified

This is the final post on our pets in bed series.  If you missed the first two, check out our blog post to catch up.  We have offered opposing views on the subject, but thought, this one is important as well.  After you've read the articles, please visit our facebook page and let us know what you think, do you let your pets sleep with you, or banish them to another room?.  We are just curious how many people let their pets sleep with them.

Are Your Pets Messing with Your Sex Life?

by Dorri Olds

There are times you want that warm, sweet, furry body nuzzled against yours in bed. (Sorry, guys, we’re talking about the pets.) And there are times (now, gents, we’re talking about you) that you don’t.

Should pets exit the room when it's sex time, or hunker down with you, in full view, until it's over? 

In a random sampling of pet-owning couples, all said they allow their pets to sleep with them in bed. But when they try to use that bed for another pastime that didn’t involve sleep, respondents were evenly split on whether their other love mates should continue their bedroom privileges – or be temporarily banished. Among the comments in both camps:

Let ‘em Stay

Prying eyes: “When we have sex, the cat sits there and stares at us,” says one interviewee. “When she starts sniffing around, my husband pushes her away. We made it work. Now, we have a second cat in the bed and he snores. Does it put a damper on things? Not really. I tell myself that cats do it in front of the whole world, so from their perspective what we are doing is perfectly normal.”

Exploring new terrority: “We got our first Yorkie two months after we moved into our house. She lasted one night in a crate and then became a permanent fixture in our bed. She has been spooning my husband for 14 years now and sighs when she can't get next to him. So, yes, it puts a damper on spontaneous sex in the bedroom. But there are other rooms in the house to sneak off to.”

Speaking in (wagging) tongues: “The dogs just look at us like, ‘Here they go again’ and slowly move to the end of the bed. Then, every few minutes they do a quick glance as if to say, ‘Enough already.’ When they’ve had all they can take they retreat to the living room and slowly work their way back, checking to see if all is quiet again. If not, they go back to the living room as if to say, ‘Can’t you two get a room?’”

Animal magnetism = well-groomed canines: “Yes, they do put a damper on sex. There’s nothing like a cold dog nose against my rear end to break the mood. We have tried a crate and shutting the bedroom door, but both without success. They whine and cry because they want to be with us. Or maybe with just me — I have that animal magnetism thing going on. Our solution? We accept it and laugh it off and we live for the days they go to the groomer!”

Keep ‘em Out

Taking cover: “The first dog we let sleep in our bed was a dachshund and there is no negotiating with them. They make themselves right at home, under the covers, whether you want them to or not. Yes, it sometimes puts a damper on things. So we put the dogs outside of the bedroom and lock the door and they’re pretty good.”

Happy reunions. “We have to kick our dog out. He’s okay in the beginning but when one of us gets vocal he doesn't like that. Not only do we have to shut the door but we have a piece of baby gate we set up in front of it because he kept scratching the door. When we let him back in, it's always a joyful doggie kissy fest on the bed, so we’re all happy.”

No fuss when we frolic: “It was never a question about them sleeping with us, that was a given. When we are getting our groove on we make sure to put the ‘kids’ in another room so it doesn’t disrupt us and make anything feel weird. It’s almost like they understand not to cause a fuss.”

So what do the experts say?

“There is nothing wrong with pets sleeping in the bed unless they use that position to the owner’s disadvantage,” says animal behaviorist and author Darlene Arden. “Then they should lose the privilege until they can behave in a more generous manner.”

Adds Marty Klein, PhD, author of Sexual Intelligence and other books about sexuality: “Pet owners can arrange almost anything they want. If you can’t train your pet to do what, you need to (teach them) to behave better. People use the uncontrollability of their pet as an excuse. When a couple says to me, ‘We have no choice, we don’t want to make the pet uncomfortable or we can’t make the pet do what we want them to do,’ what I hear is, ‘We’d rather discomfort ourselves than discomfort the animal.’”

When you want to keep both species happy, it may help to ensure the four-legged variety is too tired to be a distraction:

“For cats, I suggest playtime for the pets before bedtime,” says Arden. “Take out an interactive wand toy to play with the cat, and tire her enough to fall asleep. Give her a treat and put her in another room with her scratching post, food, water, a bed, and a couple of safe toys to play with. And of course, a litter box.

“For dogs,” she adds, “I suggest a long walk and some play before bedtime. Give him a treat, put him in a separate room with a bed or a crate with the door open, water and toys. You want him to be happy and tired enough not to care because he’d rather sleep.”