(CHILLICOTHE, Ohio, November 30th, 2009) – The holidays are quickly approaching and people everywhere are preparing their homes and families for holiday festivities. One of the most popular pre-holiday activities is snapping the new family photo. This holiday season, Petland reminds you to not forget your family pet!
“At Petland, our boutique centers provide pet owners with everything they need to get their pet camera-ready,” said Lacey Clever, program specialist, Petland, Inc. Most pets are social animals so a good grooming will not only make them look good in front of the camera, it will make them more pleasant for your holiday guests. “Our pets love to be a part of our holiday gatherings,” said Clever. “They will be more welcome by your guests if they are clean and fresh.”
Sprucing up your pet for the holiday season begins with a good brushing. This will remove loose hair and any tangles. For long-haired pets, follow up with a steel pinned comb to make sure all knots have been removed. Once your pet is brushed, it is bath time. Do not be tempted to use your own hair care products on your pet. Doing so can dry out your pet’s skin and cause irritation. “Dog and cat skin has a different pH level than humans and makes their skin more sensitive,” said Clever, adding that pet owners can find pet shampoos that smell good enough to eat like Banana Oatmeal and Raspberry Jubilee in Petland Boutique Centers. Petland recommends that shampooing is followed by a conditioner or moisturizing treatment. Pets with medium to long hair especially benefit from this treatment as it keeps their fur tangle free and soft. As temperatures drop this winter, our pets are susceptible to dry skin and fur. The conditioning treatment can help combat these cold weather troubles.
This holiday season, Petland Pet Counselors can help you find the right products to groom your pet at home. “With all the money spent during the holidays customers often want to limit spending in other areas,” said Clever. “Most pets can be groomed at home using a brush and hair dryer. Be aware that a home hair dryer can burn pets easily. You should hold it away from the skin and use a cool setting.” No grooming session is complete without a manicure. Petland recommends using a proper nail clipping tool made specifically for pets. Clip small amounts at a time and stay away from the “quick” or point of the nail where there is blood flow. Always be prepared with styptic product incase you do clip into the blood vessel. Petland offers pet-safe fingernail polish and cologne to complete your pet’s new look.
Why stop with just grooming? Top off your pet’s new look with bows or holiday collars offered in the Petland boutique center. Petland offers everything from sweaters and booties to coats and sunglasses. Petland reminds pet owners to supervise your dressed up best friend. Your pet could chew on the outfit or get stuck in a ribbon or tie. Ingesting any part of the costume could make the pet very ill. “Make sure the outfit fits well and is not too tight. Avoid using tight elastics like rubber bands. These products can restrict blood flow and become tangled in the fur,” said Clever.
Say Cheese! Here are a couple of helpful hints to try when taking your pet’s photo:
• Grab your pet’s attention. Use a toy, treat or noise that they respond to.
• Get low. The best photos are taken at your pet’s eye level.
• Capture your pet’s personality. Taking the photo with a beloved toy or in their favorite place can help you reveal their true personality.
• Think fast. Use a fast shutter speed or high-speed film to capture your favorite pose.