Ask Marie a question about your dog's grooming now! AskMarie@FetchDogSupplies.com Your question and response will be posted here on Marie's information page.

Latest Advice From Marie Treacy:

*** NOTE:  We had a problem with our email and as a result some got deleted.  I have tried to answer the questions that I remembered.  I apologize for this, and if your questions, as I remember them, aren't answered adequately ... please contact me again.       This response is to the gentleman asking about problems brushing a 6 month old Poodle.      It is common for puppies to not like to be brushed in the beginning.  Let them see and smell the brush, then begin brushing while you reward him/her with treats and praise.  Start by doing the back and top of head ONLY for a few days.  After he/she adjusts to that, move on to the more sensitive areas ... the belly, ears and feet.  In the beginning, don't try to do too large of an area at once.  Do these grooming sessions often ... daily if you can ... and keep your sessions short and increase as your puppy learns to enjoy it.  Remember to keep it positive and fun.      There are different types of brushes on the market.  For poodles, you will need a pin brush, a slicker brush and a comb.  Sometimes it is helpful to have the puppy on a raised surface, like the top of the washing machine with a non-slip bath mat on top.  *** Of course ALWAYS keeping a hand on the dog!  This can be helpful because the dog will feel less in control, and should be more submissive during the grooming session.  Again, keep it brief and fun.  For every few strokes of the brush that the dog tolerates well, that's the time to lay on the praise and small treats.

With the cold and dryness, is it bad to bathe my dog much in the winter months? - Stacy, Groton CT.   You can bathe a dog regularly during the winter, just as in the summer months. As a matter of fact it is better for the skin and coat... Hint-if you have a medicated shampoo from the vet or Head and Shoulders, use it. Helps dry skin (causes by household heating). Just make sure that the hair is dry right down to the skin.

Should I leave my dogs fur longer in the winter to keep him warm? - Heather,  Garrison ND Most dogs are house pets. You can leave them the same length  year round.  If the dog is an outdoor dog leave the hair longer. Just make sure you brush them out regularly to keep the hair from matting.

How often should my dog be groomed? Each breed requires different upkeep, also each persons likes the pet with different length of coat. Ex. Bichons should be groomed monthly, but if you like your pet short you can go to 2 to 3  months. It is important that if you go that long a close eye should be kept on the pets ears (for any infection) and the nails (to make sure they do not grow too long and preventing the nail from either breaking or getting caught in the rug, causing pain and or bleeding. There are breeds such as Labs that get groomed every month to every 6 months- according to shedding or doggie odor.

What are anal glands? They are 2 small sacs- one  on each side of the rectum. A common fallacy is that when a dog rubs his butt on the floor that he has worms, In reality his glands are  probably full and need to be emptied-either as part of the grooming or by your Vet. If left unattended the sacs may become impacted and surgery will be needed. So make sure the groomer does the glands a part of the pets routine grooming.

Why would it be necessary to shave down my dog? There comes a point when brushing is just not going to do the job. Most every dog can be dematted, but I WON'T put the animal through it.  Not only is it painful to the animal but may cause skin rash and in some animals, the rash is so severe that it scratches itself to the point of bleeding. It also will make your pet so fearful of future visits, that the attitude will most likely turn negative towards the grooming experience.

What is a hot spot? They are usually seen in the summer and fall. They are associated with allergies and fleas. The most sensitive are usually light colored pets. Bichons are the greatest example. The breed tends to be prone to them, If the dog has fleas the chewing in a area causes moisture and irritation in that area. It can also be caused by scratching an area. First aid to the spot - a medicated powder to the area helps until the Veterinarian can be visited. The powder dries up the area and the medicated powder helps to relieve the itching. And of coarse if the main cause is parasites then the obvious is to rid the animal of the bugs.

What to do about fleas & ticks? The best cure is prevention-In the spring you should apply a flea and tick preventative, Your Vet, groomer, and pet store carry them. There are different types and brands to choose from- so ask for help Remember TICK season starts early-as soon as the weather warms up in the early spring-so don't procrastinate. Fleas are around until the frost (a good cold frost) so don't think its getting cooler that there gone. This time of year (fall) the like you home.  Also yearly spraying outside and inside your home by an exterminator (they guarantee their work Also having the  pet groomed often will help because the groomer checks for bugs at each visit....sometimes it only takes one flea to start a skin problem.

When is the best time to get my puppy started with grooming? ASAP............starting young will get the puppy comfortable with the grooming routine. To start the puppy try to brush him several times a week (it doesn't have to  be a perfect brushing, just enough to get the pup use to the feel and routine)   Play with the pups feet. Get the pup familiar to having their feet touched. Check the ears regularly for the same reason.  The puppy should wait until the last vaccination is given (usually about 16 wks) If you already have a groomer, bring  him/her in to meet the one of the most important people  (next to family of coarse) your pet will know. You can  then discuss the routine for your pets grooming life.

Disclaimer: Our expert advice provides information to assist dog owners in caring responsibly for their pets and to assist the visitors of our website on canine grooming issues. All information provided is strictly informational in nature and should never be used as a substitute for proper grooming from professionals. Marie Treacy and FETCH Dog Supplies expressly disclaim all liability associated with the failure of anyone using this source of information to groom their dog, including but not limited to situations resulting in damaged coat or unsatisfactory groomed coat.