Flea season is May through October, have you noticed your pup scratching lately? We can help you!
Remember: our flea baths only kill the fleas present on the dog. Thorough house cleaning, bed washing, and flea prevention is important to eliminate them completely.
Please let us know when you schedule your appointment or at drop off if your dog has fleas or you think they might have fleas–it is important we get them in the tub as fast as possible!
Here’s some facts about fleas, spread the word so we can keep our pets safe and healthy!
Infestations
One flea lays up to fifty eggs a day, causing an infestation quickly.
When They're Active
May through October, but they can live year-round indoors.
Diseases
Flea Allergy Dermatitis, Tapeworms, Anemia, Skin Infections
Signs of Fleas
Scratching and chewing, red bumps and scabs, hair loss and hot spots, black flea dirt or live fleas
Protect Your Pet
Monthly preventatives, regular grooming, regular vacuuming, stay on it year-round
How We Can Help
Flea baths, flea and flea dirt removal, prevention tips
Ticks are more than just a nuisance–they can carry diseases that put your pup’s health at risk. Protect your dog with the right tick prevention!
We can help safely and properly remove ticks if you find them on your dog–we can also check your dog for any ticks if you’re not sure!
Here's some facts and tips about ticks, so you and your pet can be comfortable and healthy:
What Are Ticks?
Blood feeding parasites that can attach to your pet's skin and cause serious diseases.
Where Do They Live?
Grassy, wooded areas. They can attach to your pet during hikes, walks, or in your yard.
When They're Active
April through November. Most enjoy warm, humid environments. Deer Ticks can also thrive in cooler environments.
Signs of Ticks
Lumps or bumps, lethargy and weakness, joint pain and stiffness, loss of appetite, fever or swelling.
Diseases
Lyme Disease, Ehrichiosis, Anaplasmosis, Babesiosis, Tick Paralysis
Prevention
Monthly preventatives, regular grooming, check after walks, keep yard tidy, avoid dense woods, remove properly.
How We Can Help
Tick checks during grooming, tick removal, tips on prevention.
Matting is more than a bad hair day - it’s painful for your pup!
We now sell slicker brushes and combs at the salon! Pick one up at your appointment so you can prevent tangles and matting in between grooms!
• Slicker Brush: $12
• Metal Comb: $10
To be sure your dog’s coat stays mat-free, brush daily or every other day starting with your slicker brush and ending with your comb. Combs are important for making sure you are getting down to the skin!
Here are some tips and facts about matting:
What is Matting?
Tangled, tightly knotted fur due to loose hair, dirt, moisture, and lack of brushing. If left untreated, it can cause serious health and skin issues.
Why it Matters
Skin irritation, infections, pain, discomfort, parasite hideouts, circulation issues, movement restriction.
Signs of Matting
Clumps of tangled fur, sensitivity when touched, scratching or chewing, odor, tight feeling while petting.
Prevention
Regular brushing, regular combing, dry completely, check friction areas often, regular grooming, short haircuts.
How We Can Help
Brushing services, combing services, coat restarts and shaves, practical haircuts, routine grooming schedules, tips for brushing at home.
We recommend your pet being on a 4-6 week grooming schedule to prevent matting and tangles.
Grooming isn't just about looking and smelling great...it's important for their health, too!
Skin and Coat Health
Regular brushing helps prevent matting, removes dirt, and distributes natural oils, leaving your pet’s coat shiny and healthy. It also helps reduce shedding and get rid of dead undercoat, which allows your pet’s double-coat to work properly. This helps keep your pup cool in the summer and warm in the winter.
Ear and Eye Care
Routine grooming allows us to check for ear infections, debris, or irritations, and ensures their eyes are clean and healthy. Plus, it’s a great time to trim any excess hair that may block vision or cause discomfort.
Nail Trimming
Long nails can cause pain and lead to posture problems. Regular trims help keep your pet’s paws in tip-top shape, making walks and play time more comfortable. Long nails can push up on the nail bed, causing painful paws while standing and walking.
Hygiene and Comfort
Regular baths not only keep your pet smelling fresh but also prevent skin irritations and discomfort caused by dirt, oils, or buildup. It’s a key step in preventing hotspots and infections.
Early Detection of Issues
During grooming sessions, we check your pup’s skin, ears, paws, and teeth, spotting any early signs of health problems. Early intervention can make all the difference!
Pro Tip
Regular grooming appointments also create a routine your pet can get used to, making it easier for them to stay calm and be less anxious during the grooming process.
We suggest a 4-6 week grooming schedule.
Make grooming a priority for your pet’s health, comfort, and happiness!
How often should you get your dog groomed?
We are asked this question often—the answer depends on many different factors such as breed, coat type, and lifestyle.
Short-haired breeds ➪ every 8-12 weeks
Long-haired breeds ➪ every 4-6 weeks
Curly or wavy breeds ➪ every 4-6 weeks
Double-coated breeds ➪ every 6-8 weeks
Puppies
Start grooming around 12 weeks old. Early exposure builds trust and creates a stress-free grooming routine.
In Between Grooms
Brush and comb at home, clean ears, check nails, wipe paws.
Not sure what your dog needs? Ask one of our knowledgable groomers and we can help you!
We book up fast! We always recommend setting up your next appointment at pick up to ensure you can get in on the days that work for you. We can always prebook your appointments for the year, too!
With Mother’s Day here, many homes will be filled with beautiful flowers and plants.
But did you know some popular bouquets and houseplants can be toxic to cats and dogs?
Some common toxic plants are:
• Lilies
• Sago Palm
• Aloe Vera
• Pathos
• Snake Plant
• Peace Lily
• Philodendron
• Dumb Cane
• Jade Plant
• English Ivy
• ZZ Plant
• Monstera
• Tulips
• Oleander
• Autumn Crocus
Common Symptoms Include:
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Excessive Drooling
• Lethargy
• Tremors
• Seizures
• Difficulty Breathing
Lilies are especially dangerous to cats, and Sago Palms can be deadly to dogs even in small amounts.
Before bringing new plants and flowers into your home this weekend, make sure they’re safe for your furry family members, too!
Just because your dog has a thick coat doesn’t mean they’re overheating!
Double-coated breeds are actually designed to help regulate body temperature year-round. Their coat acts like insulation — helping keep heat OUT in the summer and warmth IN during the winter.
That’s why shaving a double-coated dog can sometimes do more harm than good. Instead, regular brushing and deshedding help remove loose undercoat so air can properly circulate through the coat and keep them comfortable.
Keeping up with grooming, hydration, and shade is the best way to help your pup stay cool and healthy this summer!
How Does it Work?
The top coat (guard hairs) repels sun, dirt, and heat. It acts like a shade and helps protect against UV rays.
The undercoat traps a layer of air close to the body. In summer, that air layer helps slow outside heat from reaching the skin.
When the coat sheds out dense winter undercoat, the remaining coat allows air circulation while insulating from heat.
Dogs cool themselves through panting and blood flow through the skin, and a healthy coat helps regulate the process naturally.
With the upcoming heat wave, here’s how to keep your pup safe:
Walk early in the morning or later in the evening when it’s cooler.
Check the pavement with the back of your hand for 7 seconds — if it’s too hot for you, it’s too hot for your dog’s paws.
Provide plenty of fresh, cool water. Have one bowl per dog.
Keep outdoor time short and stick to shady areas for potty time.
Never leave your dog in a parked car, even with the windows down for a minute.
Watch for signs of heatstroke, including excessive panting, drooling, weakness, vomiting, or collapse. If you notice these signs, move your pet to a cool area and contact your vet immediately.
Remember: Some dogs, such as seniors, puppies, flat-faced breeds, and thick-coated dogs are more sensitive to heat.
Stay cool, stay hydrated, and give your pups plenty of indoor snuggles this week!
DID YOU KNOW?
Some dogs shed even more during the fall!
Many double-coated breeds naturally release part of their seasonal coat as the weather changes. Regular brushing and professional deshedding can help remove loose undercoat, reduce shedding around your home, and keep your dog’s coat comfortable and healthy.
MYTH: Shaving a double-coated dog will reduce shedding.
FACT: Shaving does not stop the natural shedding cycle—it only makes the shedding hairs shorter and may affect the coat’s texture or regrowth. Proper brushing and deshedding are safer, more effective ways to manage all that fluff!
If you’re suddenly finding enough fur around the house to build a second dog, it may be time for a spa day!
Think you’re finished brushing? Try the comb test! 🐾
A slicker brush can make the outside of your dog’s coat look beautiful while small tangles remain closer to the skin.
After brushing, gently run a metal grooming comb (greyhound comb) through each section of the coat.
✅ If it glides through easily, you’re doing great!
⚠️ If it catches, that area may need more gentle brushing.
Never tug through tight mats or use scissors near the skin — contact your groomer for help instead.
Regular at-home brushing and combing can make grooming appointments more comfortable for your dog and help you maintain the longer style you love.
We sell slicker brushes and greyhound combs in the salon! Pick one up at your next appointment and we can show you how to use it properly or answer any questions you have.
Mats? No problem, we can help! Message us to set up your appointment today!
815-975-1928 (Text us!)
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Hours:
Tues: 11:00am - 7:00pm
Wed-Sat: 8:30am - 4:30pm
134 N. State St. Belvidere, IL.
Tuesday and Saturday appointments go fast, contact us today!
Availability changes frequently, appointments are not reserved until booked by Paws on State Pet Salon and confirmation text is received by client.