Come see how I groom my dogs

Update: Many of you have been asking where to obtain Traumeel ointment. You can find a list of local  suppliers at Heelusa.com. Or you can search online, many online retailers carry the ointment.

When it comes to my pets, I believe that cleanliness is certainly a virtue. I make a point of bathing them frequently and keeping them well groomed. It's really important to inspect a pet from top to bottom, looking for ticks and any other maladies. Pets may not like such close attention at first, but if you are persistent they will get used to it and come to expect it. Francesca and Sharkey have a daily regimen, which they now seem to rather enjoy. Take a look.

A nervous Francesca, waiting to be cleaned and groomed.

We use this homeopathic ointment for many things -- it's a wonderful remedy. On Francesca, it soothes the deep crevices on either side of her nose.

First, I wipe the dog's face gently with a damp, warm rag

Using another damp rag, I wipe the feet, not forgetting to go between the toes.

Look how dirty this paw was after the early morning squirrel run!

Francesca is very well behaved. Actually, all of my animals have come to expect and love their daily grooming.

These deep facial wrinkles are not a characteristic of every Frenchie.

I am gently wiping around the eyes and ears.

I clean around the mouth and even inside, also checking the teeth. And I always inspect for deer ticks, which are pervasive in our neighborhood!

I apply the Traumeel ointment carefully with a fat cotton swab.

The Traumeel must taste pretty good.

A closeup view of the convoluted moonlike surface of Francesca's adorable face.

Sharkey is much more cooperative when being groomed.

Unlike Francesca, she does not have deep wrinkles

But her paws were equally dirty.

Of course, always check and clean the other end, too!

Here, I'm checking her ears for ticks and any other problems. I thought the hair was a little thin from too much doggie licking, so I applied a tiny bit of Traumeel to the affected areas.

Sharkey looks quite relaxed; she just loves her cleaning.

Dabbing on the Traumeel.

Nail clipping is not easy. The dogs are a bit apprehensive -- as am I.

Always use a special dog nail clipper. They come in different sizes, and be careful to snip only the very tips and never into the quick. That really hurts the animal -- there will be bleeding and the nail can become infected.

Francesca's nails are black and very well groomed.

I decided they didn't need a trimming.

More Blogs on Francesca and Sharkey!

Francesca and Sharkey go hunting

Posted July 6, 2008

Fun photos of my pets!   

Posted March 17, 2008

Come see my dogs!

Posted February 7, 2008

My doggies and Paw Paw in costume!

Posted October 31, 2007

Comments

[Brianna]

AHHH!! So cute dogs! my mom has always wanted those dogs!

[Cindy Bricker]

What good girls you have! I could tell by the looks on their faces that they look forward to this! I truly believe that this continued handling adds to their well-being and a longer life, not to mention the strong bond it invokes!

Sure wish my 2 beloved cats would be this good, as their mommy loves them so and wants to take the very best care of them! =^..^=

[Gina]

I just learned a good tip when we got our new puppy. The lady we got her from "trimmed" their claws with a small rechargable dremel tool to just sand off the pointy tips. It is much faster and you don't run the chance of cutting too short.

[Paula M. :)]

Martha,
Your Frenchies are just too adorable and sit so attentive while getting groomed!
What other uses do you use Traumeel for? Can you use on their pads? Is it only for dry skin areas? Some of my Yorkies get tear marks/stain in their eye area. I am constantly cleaning that off. Any suggestions what to use there?
Hope you do get a new Chow soon! Keep us posted.
Paula :)

[Barb Rock]

Martha: I remember a pad ointment that you sold on your website some time ago. Our Daisy would really benefit from having the pads of her paws moisturized. Could you please suggest a product you have used? Thank you.

[Cissy]

I am in love with those dogs! What a happy way to start the day. I lost my dog two years ago and these photos make me want to run out to my local APL!

Thanks!

[Catherine]

Hi Martha-

How do you maintain their teeth at home? Any tips? Thanks.

[Peter]

Hello Martha,
Thank you so much for the information on the daily cleanliness regime of your Frenchies. This information comes in very handy as my partner and I will be getting a french bulldog puppy this weekend, and are very excited! We want to make sure that we keep "Edith" (thats the name we picked out, after Edith Piaf) very clean and presentable like Sharkey and Francesca.

Thanks again, and we would love to keep hearing your posts about your frenchies.

- Peter (New York, NY)

[Leslie]

Hi Martha,
I'd just like to second the Dremel suggestion, cordless or corded. My dog ran when I got the clippers out, but took to the Dremel almost immediately. It doesn't squeeze that sensitive quick.

[Virginia Hamblin]

Martha, you are like my Mom with her dogs. You and she love them very much. she has two german shanzers and two pugs. She keeps them in the house most of the time too. They go through a regular bathing treatment and they love it also.

[margaret haynes]

thank you for sharing.

So darling. I had to share it with some of my children who have such heavy burdens upon them, that they had forgotten their smiling faces.

we are all smiling now.

thanks again.

[Katz in NYC]

Martha,

Your Frenchies are the cutest dogs I've ever seen. Any chance you can recommend breeders in the Tri-State area or surrounding areas?

Thanks.

[Doreen]

I've always had XL dogs - 2 Newfies, a Bernese Mtn. Dog, Cane Corso and Golden Retriever and since I'm 60 year old today, I've been thinking that my 8 year old Newfie (Maggie) may need a smaller friend since Mom is getting older. Why did you chose the Frenchie? Just curious. Thank you.

[samantha Glaser]

Dear Martha,

I have a fawn french bulldog how do keep tear stains from showing. I notice that Sharkey is face is clear of them.

thank you,

Samantha

[Joan Dawson]

Hello Martha,

Just love "Francesca" & "Sharky" they are so cute and they allow you to groom them, good doggies. I have three dogs a Chihuahua "Buster", and two Yorkies,
"Mariah",and "Angel-Marie". Mariah has an Eye that drips so much she needs her Eye cleaned twice a day. Any suggestions on how to stop that and stop it from staining her hair under the eye?
Joan From Willcox AZ