MaryLynn

I would love to hear your experiences and recommendations for products to help me keep Gryphon in great condition.


Ears:
I have both ear powder, and ear cleaning solvent, and I am slowly plucking hairs from his ears. I am not sure which one of these products is the best, or what any of the possible associated risks with them are. I have watched some youtube videos on how to use the powder, and my vet has already shown me how to do the solvent method. I also purchased some ear wipes today because I saw them, the label had safe materials, and it seemed like an alright alternative to liquids for in between cleaning.

How much ear cleaning is too much?

Sanitary Areas

Not sure what to do here, my groomer didn't do a great job of shaving the tail area or his groin and I feel like we are getting a residual and a lingering smell after number 2. I am doing a bath once every two weeks and regular short intervals of brushing. I have been considering buying hypoallergenic baby wipes for his bottom. Is this a bad idea? Is it safe for his skin/that area?

Also, there is a very dark yellow almost rust colour around the end of his sheath (that's what we would call it right?). The area doesn't seem to be bothering him at all, at first I thought maybe he might have had an irritated penis but it doesn't appear to be bleeding or anything, so I think it might just be from urine. Anyways, his fur is white there and it looks really bad.

At this point this colour isn't a concern to me, but should it be? When I called my vets office they basically told me it didn't sound like something I should bring him in for, but I can easily take him in for an exam if this sounds really abnormal. What do you guys think?

Body

I have a all over body conditioner spray, it has a scent, and it makes him feel soft and smell really nice. It says it's made out of natural ingredients, I don't see anything alarming in the components. Is scents/conditioning sprays safe/recommended for poodle coats?


I just want to do the best things that I can for him, I really do love him!

PooDoo Fashionista

I'm not a huge fan of ear powders or cleaning liquids other then Hibitane, which is a surgical scrub that you dilute then put some on a cosmetic pad to wipe out ears. You should never go into dogs ears farther then you can see. I have some Poodle clients that need major plucking to keep ear infections at bay, and others that don't need plucking at all.

Are you sure that the bum issues aren't anal gland issues? You shouldn't need any form of wipes - if anything you can add issues by using this type of product.

As for his sheath, he's a boy and he's licking himself. What you are seeing is staining, no harm no foul. All that tells you is that his pH is off from his coat to his saliva. Not big deal.

You shouldn't need sprays or perfumes, but if you like it and it's made for dogs, then feel free. Just remember that the more product you put in that coat the more dirt it will attract.

Why not call your Groomer and ask if you can stop by with the dog to have the bum retrimmed? If it's been more then one week since his appointment, then you might be charged for it. For my clients that are regulars (seen every 4-6 weeks), I would do it for free, but that is a personal choice.

Wahl, All Systems, Chris Christianson, Les Pooches, are all great quality dog companies that you can purchase great products from. Normal companion Poodles really just need a slicker and a comb!

Good Luck.

MaryLynn

Thanks for the suggestions and the reassurance.

I am sure it's just a scent that's accumulating during transit as tiny amounts are sometimes visible on the hair. He is only 5 months old, I don't know much about anal glands, hopefully they're not the source of this issue.