In the press · September 14, 2023 · 6 min read
On ABC7 LA: practical grooming tips, behind-the-scenes from our team.
In September 2023, our team was invited onto ABC7 LA's "7 On Your Side" segment to share simple, practical pet-grooming tips with Los Angeles viewers — and to give them a behind-the-scenes look at the mobile grooming work we do every day.
The "7 On Your Side" segment is a consumer-help format — usually about scams, refunds, or warranty advice. But that week, the producers wanted something different: "How can LA pet owners take better care of their dogs and cats at home?"
So we showed them.
The 5 grooming tips we shared on air
Here's the short list of advice we covered on camera — and we'd give the same advice today.
1. Brush more than you think you need to.
For most breeds, a few minutes of brushing a few times a week prevents 90% of the matting that ends up needing a professional groomer. A simple slicker brush is enough for most coats. Make it part of an evening routine and your dog will start to look forward to it.
2. Check the ears every time you brush.
Floppy-eared dogs (think Cocker Spaniels, Cavalier King Charles, Basset Hounds) are especially prone to ear infections. A quick weekly look — and a soft wipe with a vet-approved cleaner — can catch problems before they become vet visits.
3. Nails should "click" when they walk.
If you can hear your dog's nails on a hard floor as they walk, they're too long. Long nails change how a dog distributes weight and can cause real joint problems over years. A nail trim every two to three weeks is right for most dogs.
4. Don't bathe too often.
It's tempting to bathe a dog every week, but over-bathing strips the natural oils from their coat. Once every 4–6 weeks is right for most breeds. Some (like Doodles) need more; some (like Huskies) need less. When in doubt, ask your groomer.
5. Cats need grooming, too.
People forget this one. Long-haired cats (Persians, Maine Coons, Ragdolls) need regular brushing to prevent the painful mats that develop near the rear and under the legs. We groom cats as part of every mobile spa visit.
Why this segment mattered
We never miss a chance to talk about the Foundation when we're on camera. The "7 On Your Side" segment was a chance to reach hundreds of thousands of LA pet owners with the message that grooming isn't just cosmetic — it's an essential part of an animal's health and well-being. And for the shelter pets we work with, it's also the difference between getting adopted and being passed over.
We're grateful to ABC7 and the "7 On Your Side" team for giving us the platform. If you saw the segment when it aired and you've been thinking about helping, a one-time donation to the Foundation goes straight to the next van event.