It’s something you never forget – the first time your dog comes into the house after having an encounter with a skunk. The smell is unmistakable and just about unbearable. What can you do to get that awful smell off your dog?

Shampoos made just for the purpose of removing skunk smell are available at pet supply stores. They typically contain a combination of water, alcohol, enzymes and other ingredients, and work pretty well.

You can also use mix up your own de-skunking solution at home. The volume of ingredients you combine will vary depending on the size of your dog. If you have a small dog, a solution of 1 quart of 3% hydrogen peroxide, ¼ cup of baking soda and a teaspoon of liquid detergent should be enough. If your dog is medium or large in size, make a few extra quarts of the solution and have it on hand while you are washing your dog. It’s better to have too much than to have to stop in midstream to make more.

             8 Steps to De-Skunk Your Dog

1. Wash outside. Keeping your dog outside while you are cleaning him up will help keep your house from being contaminated with skunk smell. (Anything he touches in the house will smell and need to be washed in the same solution.)

2. Rinse your dog thoroughly with water. Use lukewarm water if you can. If all you have is a garden hose, make do with this. Keep in mind that using cool water on your dog in cold weather may cause him to shiver, but having a dry towel handy to keep him covered when you aren’t working on his coat should help.

3. Apply the solution to your dog’s coat, making sure it soaks through hair all the way to the skin. If your dog has a thick, double coat, you will need to use more of the solution to get good coverage. You want to penetrate through the hair and get all the way to the skin. (Keep in mind that the hydrogen peroxide may bleach your dog’s hair.)

4. Scrub your dog’s coat thoroughly for five minutes, making sure to get all the way down to the skin. Don’t’ forget to wash his face, although take care not to get the solution in his eyes. To help protect them, add a drop of mineral oil in each eye before you begin working around his face.

5. Rinse your dog thoroughly with water. Make sure to get all the way through his coat and down to the skin when rinsing.

6. Still smelly? Wash and Repeat. If you still smell skunk after finishing up and moving your dog to a different area of the yard, you’ll need to wash him again. Repeat the entire process until you no longer detect any odor coming from his coat.

7. Shampoo and Condition. To remove the hydrogen peroxide de-skunking solution and condition your dog’s skin and coat, wash your dog again, this time with Cowboy Magic® Rosewater Shampoo. The silk proteins in the shampoo will penetrate the hair and deep condition the skin, which will help prevent dryness. Follow up with Cowboy Magic® Rosewater Conditioner, the formula will dissolve mineral and chemical buildup deposited by the water, leaving the coat healthy, clean and soft. Do this indoors so you can use lukewarm water on your dog.

8. Dry your dog thoroughly with a clean towel, all the way to the skin. Put your nose into his coat: you shouldn’t smell skunk anymore.
If you do, you’ll need to wash him again with the hydrogen peroxide solution, following the same steps as above. Finish up with Cowboy Magic® Rosewater Shampoo and Cowboy Magic® Rosewater Conditioner a second time to remove the hydrogen peroxide solution and treat your dog’s skin to the deep conditioning.

The good news is that even though you just spent a considerable amount of time and energy removing the skunk smell from your dog, he probably learned his lesson. Most dogs don’t appreciate getting sprayed by a skunk, and quickly get the message. The skunk’s easily recognizable black coat with white stripes provides a warning for dogs who have had the misfortune of being sprayed. Chances are, the next time your dog sees one of these critters, he will stay far away.

The post 8 Steps to De-Skunk Your Dog appeared first on Cowboy Magic Grooming Products.

Win or lose, showing is about creating memories. Every young boy or girl who has stepped into the show ring has experienced that one special moment. It might have been their first show, or their first win, or perhaps it was the day they finally perfected their showmanship pattern. For Bailey Anderson of Milsap, Texas, that magic moment happened at the 2006 American Paint Horse Association World Show.

Bailey has been showing since she was 7-years-old. Every summer, Bailey would go to Fort Worth to watch the other kids show at the APHA World Show. She hoped that someday she could show there, too.

The opportunity to do so came when Ryan Read of Aubrey, Texas, called Bailey’s mother, Tina, to ask if Bailey would be interested in showing her horse. Read’s horse, Too Sexy For My Spot, or Babs, is a double-registered Paint and Quarter Horse mare that holds the record for the most world championships won at the APHA World Show, with 19.

“Ryan felt like she had already accomplished so much with Babs, so she wasn’t planning on taking her back to the World Show,” Tina explains. “But she wanted a kid to show her horse, so she called us.”

Bailey didn’t have much time to get to know Babs. “We took Babs to one practice show at the Texas Classic Quarter Horse Show, so Bailey would have a chance to work with her at a show,” says Tina, “and she won the high-point walk-trot award.”

Because Bailey was 9 at the time, she would show Babs in the walk-trot division for youth ages 5 to 9 at the APHA World Show. The experience was pure magic. Bailey and Babs won the world championship in walk-trot trail, placing first under all five judges. The pair also won two reserve world championships, in walk-trot showmanship and walk-trot horsemanship, and Bailey was named reserve high-point exhibitor in the walk-trot division.

“I was really proud of myself,” says Bailey, who admits that she was very nervous. “It was so cool to be there as an exhibitor, rather than just watching. And it was great to have all my family there and have everybody helping me.”

“It was just incredible,” says Tina, who also showed when she was a youth. “I never had the opportunity to show at this level that Bailey has been given.”

Getting to show Babs to a world championship was a wonderful experience for Bailey. What Tina values most is the bond that she and her daughter share because of horses. “Horses have created a bond between Bailey and I that is beyond comparison,” says Tina. As a parent, she believes that horses teach kids a tremendous amount of responsibility. “Bailey has developed a good work ethic and she knows that hard work pays off. She’s also learned how to win and how to lose.”

Winning the world championship was great, but what Bailey enjoys most is spending time with her own horses. Her first show horse, a Quarter Horse she calls Mickey, is now retired at age 24. She recently got a new horse named Kramer, and so far has won three high-point belt buckles with him at local shows.

Bailey understands the importance of taking proper care of her horses, and she knows that she is responsible for their well-being. “I wash out their water buckets and feed them every day. I also clean their stalls and groom them every day,” Bailey says. “It’s important to keep Kramer clean so he looks like a show horse, and he likes it when I use the curry comb on his flank.”

When asked about her APHA World Show experience Bailey smiles and says, “That 19th world championship that Babs has is the one I won with her.”

Shine in the Show Ring

We all want to look and do our best when we step into the show ring, so don’t let your horse’s dull coat dull your performance. To get that dazzling shine, use Cowboy Magic® Super Bodyshine™ spray on your horse’s body, mane and tail. Super Bodyshine™ spray is formulated to reflect a spectrum of light under natural or show ring lights, and its ingredients, which include aloe vera and chamomile extract, condition the hair and skin, as well as repel dust.

To get that sparkling shine, spray Super Bodyshine™ on your horse’s clean coat. Using your hands, slick the hair with quick, light strokes. Let the hair dry for a few seconds and then use a clean, dry towel or soft brush to polish the hair. (If you are showing under saddle, do not spray Super Bodyshine™ on the saddle pad area.)

For a shiny mane and tail, spray Super Bodyshine™ spray onto clean hair, let it dry and then use a soft brush to smooth the hair and bring out the shine.

For a quick touch-up and to remove any dust, spray a small amount of Super Bodyshine™ onto a clean towel and wipe down your horse.

Contact us to share your Cowboy Magic® Magic Moment story.

The post Cowboy Magic® – Magic Moments appeared first on Cowboy Magic Grooming Products.

After a heart attack at age 56, Anne decided to cross an item off her bucket list and adopt a horse. She chose a rescued Percheron, Tucker from Helping Hearts Equine Rescue. What she didn’t plan on was adopting another horse. But when a rambunctious pony arrived at Helping Hearts Equine Rescue and was a bother to all the other horses, Tucker became his guardian. Anne couldn’t bare to break that bond so she adopted Finster as well. Finster is a 40″ miniature with a Brillo pad-like mane that needed some extra work when grooming. Cowboy Magic® Detangler & Shine™ was just the product needed to tame Finster’s wild mane.

How long did it take Tucker and Finster to form such a tight bond? Their personalities really show through in the pictures.

Finster did not start out in Tucker’s pasture. Lisa Post, President of Helping Hearts Equine Rescue, initially placed Finster in another larger pasture. When she went out to check on everyone,  Finster had terrorized the horses so much and Lisa found them huddled in a circle with Finster just trotting around like he owned the place. She then decided to put the little troublemaker in the Draft pasture, where he was promptly put in his place. Finster initially bonded with an older Draft but with rescues sometimes the kindest thing to do is help them cross the Rainbow Bridge. After that Finster started attaching himself to Tucker.  Finster looked to Tucker as his protector and Tucker accepted the roll of being Finster’s champion. Whenever Finster started trouble, Tucker would have to rush to his rescue or Finster would just run underneath Tucker. I had not planned on adopting another horse, let alone a pony, but after seeing that last picture I couldn’t let Finster get adopted.  I didn’t want Tucker’s heart to break. Tucker calls to him every time I take him out of the field to groom. Its very sweet and I don’t regret it for a second.

What Cowboy Magic® products specifically have you and the other volunteers at HHER used?

At present we use a lot of the Detangler & Shine™ and Greenspot® Remover. 

Do you and the other volunteers and horse owners at HHER use Cowboy Magic® for regular grooming or for more specific grooming issues?

Oh my, yes… everywhere you look we all have the Detangler & Shine ™ and Greenspot® Remover, especially for the rescues. Many rescues have not been groomed in what seems like years and after using Cowboy Magic® on their mane and tail, they are just stunning! 

Have you tried using the products on your own hair?

No, but I will now! 

What is your greatest challenge when grooming your horses?

Well, Tucker my 18 hh rescue has the most beautiful black mane but it tangles constantly and trying to get the knots out is always a grooming challenge. After the Cowboy Magic® Detangler & Shine™ it is soft and wavy, and just glistens in the sunlight. His poor tail was docked as he was a Mennonite work horse but it looks magnificent after the Detangler.  It’s actually grown a bit which I know makes him feel better. Finster on the other hand is like taking your child to the barber for the very first time… he just can’t stand still, challenge #1. He likes to shove me with his nose, nip at my back, squirm in the cross ties and is just plain a nudge, challenge #2! His mane and tail are a nightmare. His mane is thick and totally unmanageable, challenge #3. It looks like a Brillo pad and feels like one too! It takes a lot of the Detangler to calm it down but it works and WOW what a difference!! It’s much softer, shiny and relaxed. His tail is much more manageable and falls softly to his hocks.  He doesn’t look like the wild child when I get finished. But like all young boys he prefers the dirt and the first thing he does after grooming is roll.  

Do you feel that the time you spend grooming your horses is a special bonding time?

Grooming is very cathartic for me and a de-stressor! I absolutely love grooming both of my boys. It’s my time to decompress, let the stress of the day slowly drift out of my body. I love soaking in the smell, and seeing the fruits of my labor when I am finished.  I must say an added bonus is I love the smell of the Detangler & Shine™.

Had you previously tried other grooming products before choosing Cowboy Magic®?

No, being a first time horse owner especially at my age, I relied on others and since the boarders and the rescue were all using Cowboy Magic®, I jumped on the Cowboy Magic® bandwagon and have never looked back. 

I see on the website that you are the Assistant Secretary on the Board of Trustees. How long have you been involved with Helping Hearts? 

I started with boarding Tucker at Lisa’s 2 years ago. Last fall, Lisa asked me to be on the Board. Being involved with such an awesome rescue had always been a dream of mine so of course I jumped at the chance to help! Helping Hearts Equine Rescue ( HHER) is very dear to my heart. Without Lisa, Ida, and Mary my dream of owning my first horse would still be just that …a dream.

Helping Hearts Equine Rescue has had a major impact in the lives of Anne, Tucker and Finster and with the help of devoted volunteers, they plan on hoping many more. 

In 2008, Lisa Post, President of HHER, did something many of us only dream about, she started saving horses directly from the slaughter pipeline at Auction. January 2013, marked Helping Hearts Equine Rescue’s 5th Anniversary.

In this time, they have taken in nearly 120 horses, donkeys & mules. They maintain an average population of 12-15 equines as they wait for adoption, undergo rehabilitation or remain as permanent residents.

In addition to the direct in-house rescue activities, HHER networks and mediates horses between owners needing to re-home their horses and potential horse owners, placing many horses directly before they need intake into rescues or before winding up at auction.

In 2009, HHER initiated a networking effort with a local auction house, which to date has enabled nearly 3,500 feed lot/slaughter-bound horses to receive the chance of a fresh-start into loving and caring homes and careers.

Although New Jersey is one of the most crowded & populous states in the country, there is also a very high equine population per capita. While there are hundreds of organizations to assist the small companion animals and their owners, there are only a handful of organizations available to assist the state’s equines and their owners. Helping Hearts wants to be there for them.

Helping Hearts also conducts community outreach programs: bringing school, 4-H and Scouting groups into their facility to teach them about responsible horse and pet ownership and stewardship.

It sounds like Helping Hearts, Lisa, Tucker and Finster have been more than a blessing for Anne. Thank you so much for sharing your heartwarming story with us, and please keep sending pictures of Tucker and Finster!

The post Cowboy Magic® Success Story – Tucker & Finster appeared first on Cowboy Magic Grooming Products.

There’s no question that Nicole, the Marketing & Event Coordinator for Napoleon Harley-Davidson in Napoleon, OH, enjoys spending time outdoors on her days off – whether its boating, riding one of her horses, Makona (a Bay Overo Paint), or Kody (a black and white Tobiano Paint) or riding one of her steel horses, Liberty or her white Harley, Lilie.

The downside to these outdoor activities is the damage to her hair. “My lifestyle is hard on my hair,” shared Nicole. Her hair takes more of a beating when she’s out on the motorcycle as opposed to riding her horse due to the higher speeds. Luckily, she has a secret weapon – Cowboy Magic® Detangler & Shine™. She first came across Cowboy Magic® years ago at Equine Affaire in Ohio. The Detangler was just what she needed to be able to detangle her horse’s mane and tail, without it leading to more breakage like previous products she had tried. Since it worked so well for her and her horse, she shared it with other motorcyclists and her friends in the horse world. Nicole even had some new ways to use the Detangler & Shine™ that we hadn’t tried yet!

Nicole’s Tips for Using Detangler & Shine®

• Add to Hair Gel – Nicole has naturally curly hair and when she wears it straight she puts some Detangler & Shine™ in her regular hair gel to help keep her hair smooth.
• Use before highlighting hair at home – Before she goes through the process of pulling strands of her hair through the cap used for highlighting, she puts the Detangler & Shine™ on her hair to help prevent it from getting matted and knotted under the cap.
• Use Before Shampooing – “If I have been out riding all day and my hair is badly tangled I will put a small amount of Detangler in the palm of my hand and add it to my hair before I shampoo to help began to untangle the hair.”
• Extra Conditioning – Add an ounce into your bottle of conditioner, shake it up and you’ve just given your conditioner a super boost.

Thanks for sharing your picture and your tips with us Nicole – we can’t wait to try them.

If you have new uses for the Detangler & Shine™, leave us a comment below.

The post Cowboy Magic® Customer Spotlight – Nicole appeared first on Cowboy Magic Grooming Products.

Phyllis, from Riverside, CA, recently contacted Cowboy Magic® with a grooming dilemma: 

Is there a product that will maintain or brighten my horse’s flaxen mane and tail colors?  He is 12 now and his hair is getting darker; has some gray in it.  When he was 7, his hair was blond. That was in Arkansas. We moved to California a year ago and his hair has gotten darker. He is sorrel with one white short sock, one white coronet. I would think that his hair would lighten in the California sun that we don’t have in Arkansas. Can you help?  

Phyllis & Winchester (quarter horse)

Riverside, CA

Luckily for Phyllis and Winchester Cowboy Magic® had just the solution:

Thank you for your question, without a satisfied customer there would not be a Cowboy Magic® and you and your opinion are very important to us.

As we understand your question your horse’s mane and tail is turning dark with some gray hair throughout. It sounds like normal color change with age and if that’s the case, no shampoo or conditioner will lighten his hair unless you dye it lighter. We do not recommend a color change on a horse’s mane and tail, it may lead to excess hair drying leading to damaged hair and hair loss.

You can however brighten his normal hair color. We will send you a sample of Cowboy Magic® Shine In Yellowout™ brightening shampoo to try. Let us know how it works for you. 

Sincerely,

The Cowboy Magic® Team 

And it didn’t take long for us to hear back from a very happy Phyllis:

Thank you so very much for introducing me to your wonderful product.  My horse’s mane, tail, and forelock all shine so beautifully that everyone who sees him compliments his beauty.  Some even say “he looks like a movie star horse”.  I am so proud of the colors and especially the shine.  I will forever use your Cowboy Magic® products.

Please feel free to use the attached photos for any advertisements or promotions for Shine In Yellowout™.  I am proud to show off my horse’s hair, thanks to your products.

Sincerely happy customer,

Phyllis & Winchester

Riverside, CA

Letters like this one sure do make what we do at Cowboy Magic® all the more worthwhile. And Phyllis was gracious enough to answer a few more questions regarding her experience using Cowboy Magic® products. Thank you Phyllis and we are thrilled we were able to help you solve your grooming dilemma!

What are your main concerns or issues regarding grooming your horse?

I am concerned about keeping my horse’s mane and tail looking pretty and tangle free.  It is okay for him to be a little dirty or dusty, but I really want his mane and tail to shine. 

What products had you previously tried when grooming your horse before using Cowboy Magic®? 

Before I started using Cowboy Magic®, I used Mane ‘n Tail, Dawn soap, or any shampoo and conditioner available, like many people do.

Who recommended Cowboy Magic® to you and why?

I first saw Cowboy Magic® products at a horse exhibition show.  I read the label, asked a few questions, and decided to try the products.  The price was very reasonable.  After using it, I mentioned it to fellow horse people and they all told me that it is a very good company for grooming products.

What Cowboy Magic® product did you first try on your horse and what were the first changes you noticed in their mane and tail? How long did it take to notice these changes?

The first Cowboy Magic® product I used was Shine In Yellowout™.  I was hoping that my horse’s flaxen mane and tail would look bright by trying one more product.  I was so pleased at seeing the shiny results of his hair that I have decided to only use Cowboy Magic® Shine In Yellowout™ shampoo for my horse.  It works for him.  His coat is very shiny and smooth after using the shampoo.  I saw results immediately after the first bathing. I followed up with Cowboy Magic® Rosewater Conditioner and his coat glowed.

Do you dilute the products? Or do you use them as is?

I use the Shine In Yellowout™ shampoo straight from the bottle on my horse’s mane and tail.  I dilute it somewhat for his coat (body & legs) because it doesn’t take very much to get my horse clean.  A little bit goes a long way of this product.

How often do you use the Cowboy Magic® products when grooming your horse?

I use Cowboy Magic® products on my horse every time I groom him. I am very happy with the products I have used and the results they give.  I especially use the Detangler & Shine™ to finish up the grooming of his mane and tail as it makes the hairs very silky and easy to comb.

Have you tried any of the Cowboy Magic® products on your own hair?

Cowboy Magic® Shine In Yellowout™ makes my horse’s flaxen mane and tail bright, shiny, and very manageable.  So, I thought “why not try it on my color-treated hair?”  I have used the shampoo on my hair for a few months now and it makes my hair shiny and actually seems to brighten the color.  I get compliments on my hair and I tell people of the product I use and they seem amazed that a product used on a horse can also be very good for person.

Other than the Cowboy Magic® grooming products that I use on my horse, I very much like the Quick & Easy Skin Lotion for myself.  A little bit goes a long way.  My skin feels soft after using the Cowboy Magic® Skin Lotion.  I carry a tube of it in my purse for convenience. I have also tried the Cowboy Magic® Rosewater Shampoo on my German Shepherd Dog.  He not only shines but he smells good too.  His coat texture is soft. 

Phyllis we could not be happier with the fabulous results you’ve had and we sure are happy we could help you! 

If you have a grooming dilemma you’d like Cowboy Magic® to help you with, please contact us today!

The post Horse Grooming Dilemma Solved – Phyllis’ Story appeared first on Cowboy Magic Grooming Products.

Tell top endurance rider Niki Bridwell that she has her horse’s hair, and she will grin and reply with an enthusiastic, “Thank you!” Bridwell, of Pilot Point, TX, readily admits that she loves to show off her horse’s beautiful mane, and she also likes the fact that she and Little Kamil Star, better known as “Cliff,” sport matching hair. Wherever they go, they turn heads with their long, red tresses.

Unfortunately, because Bridwell competes in endurance riding with Cliff, she rarely gets the chance to show off her gelding’s long mane. It’s a demanding discipline, in which horses and riders face a variety of challenges, including riding over difficult terrain and facing such extreme weather conditions as scorching summer heat, blowing dust, biting winter wind and rain. Bridwell and Cliff are tough competitors; the duo is currently at the top of the leader board in their region and ranked seventh in the nation. However, at the end of a tough day of competition, following the thrill of winning a 50-mile race or having Cliff earn the Best Condition award, Bridwell must then face the damage that a day exposed to sweat and the elements has done to her hair – and Cliff’s.

I have very long, thick, red hair that is highlighted naturally. People always ask me if I color my hair, and I also get asked all the time if I highlight Cliff’s mane to match my hair, and I don’t. We just naturally have the exact same color hair. I get a lot of compliments on my hair, but most people don’t realize what I nightmare it can be to take care of, especially after an endurance ride. When I finish a 50-mile ride, my hair is completely knotted, even though I put it up under my helmet. And then I have to wash it with the hard water in my trailer. No matter what products I use, it’s a big fight just to try to comb it out. As a result, my hair gets broken and frizzy, and I can’t even run my fingers through it. Bridwell says she faces the same problems with Cliff’s mane, namely tangling, matting, breakage and frizz.

In dire need of a solution, Bridwell agreed to take the Cowboy Magic® challenge and use the Cowboy Magic® Rosewater Shampoo, Rosewater Conditioner and Detangler & Shine™ on both herself and Cliff for a week.

Cowboy Magic® was founded by horseman, Jim Cummings in 1995, who decided to reformulate the very best and most expensive human hair care detangler for equine use. “I marketed it to horse owners as an affordable product they could use on both their horses and their own hair,” says Cummings.

From the success of the first product, Detangler & Shine™, grew the Cowboy Magic® line of quality concentrated grooming products, for use on horses and humans: Rosewater Shampoo, Rosewater Conditioner, Super Bodyshine®, Greenspot® Remover and Shine In Yellowout™. Quick & Easy Skin Lotion is a daily moisturizer that is fast-absorbing and leaves behind no greasy residue.

All Cowboy Magic® products are subjected to multiple tests at leading clinical laboratories to ensure the highest quality product for consumers. The RIPT Test (Repeat Insult Patch Test) is of specific importance because it is the industry standard test to determine the potential for skin sensitization and allergy development in a product. The RIPT Test (performed under the supervision of a licensed dermatologist) determined that Cowboy Magic® products are non-irritating, clinically tested, allergy tested and dermatologist reviewed.

It didn’t take Bridwell long to discover that all this was true. She liked the products instantly. “I like a shampoo that lathers well because I feel like the more it lathers the cleaner my hair is getting,” she says. “But at the same time, I don’t like to have to spend forever and a day rinsing it out. The shampoo lathered up without having to use a handful of it, and it rinsed out easily and quickly. When I used the conditioner, my hair felt silky and smooth, not gummy, which is a problem I have with a lot of other conditioners. I could actually run my fingers through my hair while it was under the water, which I usually can’t do.”

Bridwell says that if she had known the Detangler & Shine™ would work so well, she would have started using it a long time ago. “I will never go without it now. Because my hair is curly, it can be very frizzy. The Detangler really cut down on the frizz, and it holds the style longer. I used to have put a lot of hairspray on my bangs, which I don’t really like. It seems like my hair has better ‘memory’ now. I style it, and if the wind blows it, it falls back in place.”

The first time Bridwell used the Rosewater Shampoo on Cliff, she liked it just as much. “As with my own hair, I liked that it lathered up nicely and spread around the hair easily. I didn’t have to use a whole lot. I also liked that it was easy to rinse out. The shampoo was not at all drying and it made his hair shiny and soft. I was actually surprised to see how shiny he was.”

Bridwell says that what she liked most about the conditioner was that it rinsed clean and she could run her fingers through his mane when it was wet. “It made the hair easy to separate. When it dried, there was no film or residue. Instead, it was very light and easy to manage.” Days later, Cliff’s mane and tail still had that clean, just-washed feel.

Because Cliff is an endurance horse, he doesn’t live the life of a show horse. He lives outside in a large paddock where he can move around, stretch his legs, run, play and graze. The biggest problem Bridwell faces with Cliff’s mane is keeping it detangled. But because she hasn’t  been able to find something that worked, she just keeps it braided all the time.

“I would really like to show off Cliff’s mane, but I am afraid to leave it down,” says Bridwell. “It’s extremely difficult to take care of. I have to keep it braided all the time because it’s so long that it gets sticks, pieces of grass and burrs in it, and I can’t pull them out because the hair just wraps around them. I tried a lot of other products that were supposed to work as a detangler. I would use them, but as soon as his mane dried, it would tangle up again with just a flip of his head.”

After using the Detangler & Shine™, she found she could leave his mane down without it getting tangled.

She also noticed that the Cowboy Magic® products reduce breakage. “Before I started using them, when I would take down the braid, I would notice breakage,” says Bridwell. “Now, when I take the braid out, I can just run my fingers through it and there isn’t a lot of broken hair. Another thing I’ve noticed is that it seems to help protect his mane over his withers, which usually gets matted from my saddle pad. It’s not doing that now.”

The Cowboy Magic® products still had one more test to pass—an endurance competition. “After doing a 50-mile ride, my hair is a mess,” says Niki. “I can never get a brush through it. Add to that the fact that I have to wash my hair with ‘trailer water,’ which is the hard water from a hose that I put in the water tank of my living quarters trailer. I just dread it, because no matter what products I use it is a big fight to get my hair combed out.”

Cummings explains why the Rosewater Conditioner works with hard water when other products don’t. “I developed the Rosewater Conditioner to help remove hard water deposits from hair,” he says. “In the process, we discovered that the new formula also removed chemical deposits from city water, further improving after-shampooing results.” As it is massaged into the hair, it loosens and dissolves the mineral and chemical buildup on the hair. Rinse, and the buildup rinses away. Rosewater Conditioner also contains silk proteins and panthenol, which penetrate the hair and skin, adding moisture.

Bridwell packed up her trailer, loaded up Cliff and headed to Oklahoma for the Indian Territory 50-mile ride. She and Cliff won the ride in record time and earned the Best Condition award. After the ride came the moment of truth—would the Rosewater Shampoo wash away 50 miles of dirt and sweat, and would the Rosewater Conditoner help her beat the battle against the hard water?

“It was amazing,” says Bridwell. “I was able to comb my hair out and I didn’t even have to use the Detangler & Shine™. I will definitely continue to use these products!”

Have Cowboy Magic® Products changed your grooming routine? We’d love to hear about it – Contact us today! To find a retailer near you, use our Store Locator.

The post You’ve Got Horse Hair! appeared first on Cowboy Magic Grooming Products.

The Cowboy Magic® Team received this fabulous testimonial recently from a customer located in Athens, Greece. We can’t thank her (and all of our customers) enough for the honest feedback on our products. And we just love to hear when our products have worked wonders for your horse and dog grooming needs, as well as on your own hair and your family’s hair!

I never, ever write to a company regarding a product. If the product is good, I buy it again and if it’s not good … well, it’s had its chance…BUT…. I absolutely have to thank you after using Cowboy Magic® to groom my dog!!

My show schnauzer’s furnishings (i.e. front and back legs) were quite matted since I was abroad for 3 weeks, and my brother who otherwise wonderfully looked after him, totally forgot about the daily brushing bit and concentrated more on the playing and cuddling instead.

The result – I came back to find 5 or 6 really tight, horrible mats made up of soft fluffy undercoat, dirt, etc and silky thin hair, as schnauzers have on their legs, as opposed to the harsh, impossible-to-mat wiry coat on their bodies. I read about Cowboy Magic® Detangler & Shine™ on a groomer forum, while searching for ways to deal with thick mats, from the professionals. I was skeptical at first, but then read about it in another place and then another…

So, I decided to order Cowboy Magic® from the UK (I live in Athens, Greece) since I have a show coming up end of this month, thinking it was worth at least a try. I also ordered 3 other de-matting/detangling sprays that came recommended from the same forums. I do my own grooming since he is a show dog, but I am absolutely sure that if I took him to a professional groomer, they would most likely have recommended to just shave off the hair. At the very least, cut the mats up.

Well, am I glad I ordered Cowboy Magic®!!!

It was the only one that instantly dissolved the mats, with just some rubbing with my fingers and some brushing with the slicker. I am amazed and so grateful!! Not only did it cut my brushing time by at least half, most importantly it saved my dog from great discomfort and last nut not least, saved his coat, because my only other option would have been to just cut the mats out, leaving holes in his beautiful coat and it did this without damaging his thin, fine coat.  

I have just placed another order for the bigger bottle because I don’t ever want to run out of this truly magical stuff. I am planning on using it on my teenage daughter’s long, curly and frizzy hair, which mats just hours after brushing.

I am sure you probably already know what a useful and unique product you manufacture, but I just felt the need to say how grateful and thankful Themi (my mini Schnauzer) and I are. Please don’t ever stop making it. You can be sure I will be highly recommending it to anyone that needs it.

Again, many thanks

Kind Regards from Athens Greece

E.L.M

If you have a Cowboy Magic® Story you’d like to share, contact us today.

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Today’s Cowboy Magic® Success Story is from Carol in Michigan. She wrote to tell us how well the Detangler & Shine™ worked for grooming her dog and was happy to answer a few questions and send in a picture of her beautiful Cockapoo, Carlee.

 
What are your main concerns or issues regarding grooming Carlee?

She’s tiny, 8 lbs and full grown and I’ve always groomed her myself, the knots and mats she gets are consistent with her breed, Cockapoo, and such a chore trying to get the mats and tangles out. And I don’t want her shaved down, which was my next option – until I tried the Cowboy Magic®, I got the mats and tangles out after the first use!  No shaving needed!

What products had you previously tried on your dog before using Cowboy Magic®?

I’ve only used baby shampoos and detanglers on her.

Who recommended Cowboy Magic® to you and why?

I found it by accident on the web researching dog grooming, what a blessing that was!

What were the first changes you noticed in her hair? How long did it take to notice these changes?

I noticed a difference right away, as soon as I applied it, let it set for a minute or so and I could comb out the tangle with my fingers and work it right out… I was amazed this is the first product I’ve tried, but now I’m going to try more – especially the Rosewater Shampoo.

How often do you use the Cowboy Magic® Detangler & Shine™ on Carlee?

As often as I find a mat or tangle, I like to keep her hair long, her hair is thin so it does knot easily.

What other benefits have you discovered from using Cowboy Magic® on Carlee?

The smell is pleasant,  her coat shines as if she was just bathed and my hands are soft after using it (extra benefit).

Have you or your family members tried any of the Cowboy Magic® products?

Oh, they will! My daughter Kerri, owns Carlee’s brother and she’s excited to use it,  I’ve spread the word with my friends (one who owns a dog boarding kennel & grooming service and she will pass on this miracle product after she uses it, I’m sure). Now I’d be lost without it, kinda like losing a favorite grooming tool! Just cant say enough how well this has worked on Carlee!
And my husband has used it for his flyaway hair. He hates sprays, so this worked for him.

Do you have any additional comments?

Just.. A big big THANK YOU!  I’m a Cowboy Magic® Lifer!

Well Carol, the Cowboy Magic® Team sure is happy to have you as a loyal customer! Thank you so much for sharing your story with us – and with your friends and family! It’s customers like you that make our job a joy and make this company what it is today.

If you have a Cowboy Magic® Success Story you’d like to share, contact us today.

The post Cowboy Magic® Success Story – Carol appeared first on Cowboy Magic Grooming Products.

Here are 5 Causes for Skin Irritations in Dogs:

1. Allergies: Allergies are a big reason for itchy skin. Dogs can be allergic to a particular food, to an airborne substance like pollen or human dander, or to fleabites. Any one of these irritants can cause the skin to become red and itchy. Skin irritated by allergens can develop a secondary bacterial infection as well.

The best way to deal with allergies in dogs is to first find the cause. Your veterinarian can help you with this. Have your dog allergy tested for a variety of substances, or do food tests with your vet’s help if he or she suspects your dog is suffering from a food allergy.

If fleas are the culprits, protect your dog with a monthly topical flea product administered directly on the skin. These products keep fleas from reproducing in the environment and biting your dog. Your veterinarian can recommend an appropriate product for your particular dog’s needs.

Inhaled allergens are more difficult to control than food and flea irritants because they can be hard to identify. With the help of an allergy test, your veterinarian can discover the exact cause of your dog’s allergies. This will enable the vet to develop allergy shots for your dog to help desensitize him to substances in his environment that are triggering his allergies.

2. Bacterial infections: Dogs suffering from allergies sometimes develop secondary bacterial infections, which cause the skin to be itchy, ulcerated and smelly. Most often caused by the streptococcus bacteria, which enters the skin through the dog’s biting and scratching, these infections must be treated by a veterinarian. Your vet will likely prescribe oral antibiotics for your dog as well as a topical ointment. It’s important to control the allergy that caused the initial scratching as well so the problem doesn’t reoccur.

3. Fungal infections: The most common fungal skin infection seen in dogs is ringworm. Caused by either the microsporum and trichophyton organisms, this infection often results in a loss of hair in a circular pattern. A crusty scab may form over the area, and the dog may scratch at it.

Your veterinarian may do a skin culture to determine which organism is causing the problem and prescribe a medicated shampoo, along with a topical ointment.

4. Parasites: Tiny creatures that make their living on the skin can also cause considerable irritation to dogs. Sarcoptic and demodectic mange are two common skin conditions caused by mites. These parasites result in intense itching. With demodectic mange, dogs also experience hair loss, often in a circular pattern similar to ringworm. It’s important to get a diagnosis from your veterinarian to determine whether your dog is suffering from ringworm or demodectic mange because the treatments are very different. Sarcoptic mange is also itchy and causes considerable crusting of the skin.

Tick bites can also prompt itching and irritation, even after the tick is removed. But the most common parasite blamed for skin infections is the flea, since many dogs are allergic to its bite. Fleabites result in itchy hotspots, which are frequently scratched and chewed on by affected dogs.

If your veterinarian suspects mange, he or she will do a skin scraping and view the results under a microscope. The vet may prescribe regular dips to destroy the mites causing the condition. If a secondary bacterial infection is present, you will need to apply a topical antibiotic ointment.

5. Hormone problems: Some dogs with hormone imbalances can develop skin conditions. Over- or under-production of the pituitary, adrenal, thyroid and reproductive glands can result in a hormonal imbalance. The result can be hair loss in various parts of the body. Because these conditions can be dangerous if not treated, it’s important to have your dog examined by a vet right away should he begin to experience significant hair loss.

It’s important to remember that if your dog is suffering from a skin irritation, your vet is the best person to diagnose the problem and prescribe treatment. In the meantime, regularly bathing your dog with a quality shampoo that is easy on the skin, like COWBOY MAGIC® Rosewater Shampoo, can help keep your dog’s skin happy and healthy.

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Dental care is an important part of caring for a dog. And let’s face it, you can’t count on them to brush their own teeth! Follow these 5 steps to making brushing your dog’s teeth a breeze.

5 Steps To Brushing Your Dog’s Teeth

1. Have a canine toothbrush and canine toothpaste on hand. You can buy these items at pet supply stores. Canine toothpaste comes in different flavors, such as chicken, beef or peanut butter. (Resist the urge to use human toothpaste instead since this stuff isn’t meant to be swallowed and is unhealthy for your dog.) A canine toothbrush looks like a human toothbrush, although the handle is longer on the dog toothbrush and is more curved. You can also use a rubber finger brush, which is a cap that fits over your finger. Gauze wrapped around your finger is a substitute for a toothbrush and finger brush, although the finger brush and gauze are not as effective as a toothbrush when it comes to removing plaque.
2. Get comfortable. If you have never brushed your dog’s teeth before, he may be confused as to what you are doing. You may need help keeping him still while you are at work. Get a helper to assist you, and put your dog in a position that is comfortable for all of you. Do it in a room that is quiet and without distractions. Have your helper hold the dog while you work.
3. Gain access. Wet the toothbrush and dab a little toothpaste on it. Use one hand to lift your dog’s lip so you can see his teeth. If your dog struggles, tell him “no” or “wait.” When he is still, tell him he’s a good boy. Once he tastes the doggy toothpaste, he should start to be more cooperative.
4. Start brushing. Gently rub your dog’s teeth and gums with the brush, covering a couple of teeth at a time. Make sure you brush the area where the tooth attaches to the gum since this is where plaque causes the most problems. Brush your dog’s teeth the same way you would brush your own: by using a back and forth or circular motion.
5. Make sure you get to all of the teeth. Brush all of your dog’s teeth, especially those in the back since the molars are the teeth most prone to periodontal disease. A good way to circulate around your dog’s mouth is to start with the top teeth and then move to the teeth on the bottom jaw next. You will probably need to put more toothpaste on your brush as you work your way around your dog’s mouth.

For more information, check out our Article on Proper Dog Dental Care.

If you have any tips to share when it comes to dog dental care, leave us a comment below.

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