Archived Message

Fungus Alert!
by Lori and Lily
ORIGINAL MESSAGE:
Fungus Alert!Lily went to the groomer for her first trim since it's getting to be summer time. The groomer did a great job - I was pleased with the looks. She had shaved the belly with the electric clippers and scissor cut the rest of the body. A few days later, I noticed some round, red rashes on Lily's belly. It was diagnosed as a fungal infection and she soon had scratched and spread it all over. Since it started on the belly, I thought she must have picked it up from the clippers - lo and behold, the groomer had received several complaints. I was not a happy camper since it's been over a month and she STILL has a few spots which I'm continuing to treat... My point is this: consumer beware. I'm sure there are some great, hygenic groomers out there, but I honestly don't know if I will take her again. I want to learn to do it myself. Lily may have some "bad hair days" because of Mommie's lack of grooming skill, but at least I know she won't catch another horrible disease. Just sharing my experience.

DISCUSSION:

also known as " ringworm" round and red ! As you said, you need to be very careful where you take them ! I never even let mine in the yard, forget public streets or letting them walk around the vets place never mind the waiting room !
olympia

Poor Lily! The more I hear about groomers, the more I want to do this myself. I went into a store/groomer's yesterday, and although the woman who runs it is very nice (a sweet old lady) I peeked in the back where a cocker spaniel was being groomed. The poor thing was shivering from fear. Grooming by you has got to be better because at least Lili trusts you. We just need the right video to train us. I can find NO "MalteseOnly" type. It would be nice to have one with different hairstyles and how-to's for someone with absolutely no experience. Not just the wrapping stuff that professionals and show dogs use. I'd like to see a real-life cutting and grooming product specifically for Maltese. As far as the fungus goes, you can get some really good tea tree oil from Melaleuca. And, of course, I'm a true believer in the Clear product from Awareness. If you want to talk to me about it, check the Advertiser section.
Isabel
Lori: I feel awful for your baby catching ringworm at the grommers. It's great that you will be grooming her yourself from now on. I groom my three babies myself. Believe me--they had many bad hair days until I learned, just from practicing new hair styles, how to groom them properly. It does take time to learn, but not only will you save money, you'll save your baby from catching things and from fear. Takr care!
Angel

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