Skin
& Coat
The holistic way to healthy hair
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It used to be difficult to find natural
pet products, but they’re becoming
more readily available. “Earthbath
is excellent,” says Kim. “Their
products are 100% natural, they clean
really well and have a nice, deodorizing
scent.” The San Francisco-based
company distributes a range of shampoos,
conditioners, spritzers and soaps to pet
stores and groomers across the U.S. and
Canada. “They have everything, from
citronella and oatmeal/aloe shampoos to
special products for animals with allergies
or hypersensitive skin.” Kim also
turns to Tropiclean, a company specializing
in pet shampoos, conditioners and colognes
made with tropical botanical extracts
such as papaya, kiwi and neem. Another
favourite is Groomer’s Edge, though
Kim advises that their products are more
readily available to groomers than to
the public.
Holistic grooming involves more than shampooing,
clipping and brushing. Also important
is the animal’s emotional well being,
both during and after the grooming session.
Trained and certified in therapeutic touch,
Kim uses her skills to calm and reassure
four-footed clients that may feel a little
stressed about being groomed. “You
see the difference right away,”
she says. “Their eyes soften, the
dogs stop panting, and they relax. I also
give massage while I’m bathing the
animal. It’s very therapeutic.”
The attitude you take towards grooming
plays a large role in whether or not your
animal companion sees it as a trial or
a pleasure. “I firmly believe that
how the animal behaves when you’re
bathing or brushing him depends a lot
on how you’re feeling,” advises
Kim. “If he seems upset, stop and
talk to him and give him a rubdown. If
you’re calm and not stressing, he’ll
be fine.”
Whether you take your animal to a groomer
or do it at home, a holistic approach
will help ensure an enjoyable and health-enhancing
experience for both you and your friend.
HOLISTIC HAIR CARE AT HOME
Taking your dog or cat to a professional
groomer is the best way to keep his coat
and skin in peak condition, but there are
things you do at home as well. Here are
two important factors to keep in mind.
1) “Nearly 100% of the time, skin
and hair problems are dietrelated,”
says Kim. “Feeding your animal the
right food is the number one thing to do.”
A raw diet is best, but if you’re
not ready to go that route, buy a food that’s
as natural as possible. Stay away from preservatives
and artificial coloring. These chemical
additives are secreted through the hair
follicles and can cause skin problems and
smelly coats.
2) Start a daily brushing regime, even with
short-haired dogs and cats. Brushing has
numerous benefits that encourage a healthier,
shinier coat. It spreads the natural oils
over the animal’s hair, keeps his
circulation up and increases blood flow
to the follicles. It also removes dead hair
and dander, and helps prevent hairballs
in cats. “Brushing is also a form
of massage,” says Kim. “It makes
the animal feel good.” When choosing
a brush, pay a little extra to get a good
quality product. A soft slicker brush is
best. Stay away from brushes that have harsh
steel ends that can cut and irritate the
skin. <
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Published in the Fall 2002 issue of Animal
Wellness Magazine
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