When Should I start having my dog groomed?

The best time is to start after they have had their puppy vaccinations, normally around 16 weeks of age, starting with the puppy package (see services). The grooming process can however start at home, take time every day to touch/brush your puppy all over the body,including the feet and toes. Remember to reward your puppy immediatley, so a pleasant association is accomplished.

 

Is my dog too old to be groomed?

The grooming process is always done safely to your pets comfort. Older cuts tend to remain simple and short to reduce the grooming time, therefore reducing any stress that comes with old age, aches and strains. This type of cut also ensures that your elderly dog wont need to be groomed as often. If needs be I have a support system to help them stand and take the weight off of joints. As well as an adjustable grooming table so your dog won't have to jump up, panels can be removed in the bath to make easy transfer from table to bath, and back again.

 

Is it too cold to have my dog groomed?

Possibly depending on the breed, I will of course be happy to advise you on this. However they will always need a bath and brush, as well as nail trimming and ear cleaning.

 

Will my dog itch after grooming?

All dogs should be rinsed thoroughly after shampoo and conditioning. A dog normally itches if soap residue is left on the skin. If your dog is prone to dry skin which causes the itching i have special shampoos/conditioner to help keep the skin moisturised. I will of course thoroughly rinse your dog and advise you further if the reason for itching is fleas.

 

How often should my dog be groomed?

Dogs should be groomed regularly at home, daily or every other day will be perfect. This helps to maintain the appearance of a professional groom, form a bond between you and your dog and most importantly enable you to check the condition of your dog (any sign of fleas/matts, weight , lumps or bumps) Proffessional grooming is recommended to specific breeds and coats.

Medium to Long coats- 4 to 8 weeks.

Short coats- 8 to 12 weeks.

Nail trimming- 4 weeks.

 

How long does a groom take?

This depends on the size, style and the level of co-operation from your dog. I like to take time with your dog so that they have a positive experience of a proffesional groom, I thrive on giving my dogs the highest quality groom as opposed to the quantity of dogs I can fit in a day. If you have a time restraint (e.g the school run) I will try and work with you to make sure your dog returns to you at a convienient time.

 

Can you trim my dog without a bath?

No it is not ideal. The coat needs to be clean and dead hair removed to obtain a good finish. A dirty coat damages my tools and increases the risk of doggy skin problems.

 

Can you wash my dog in its own shampoo/conditioner?

Yes. If your dog has medicated/prescribed shampoo/conditioner. All my shampoos/conditioners are designed specifically for dogs. I will always use a shampoo/conditioner to suit your dogs coat type and skin condition.

 

Can you groom more than one dog at a time?

Unfortunately not. My salon is purely a one on one experience to make sure all dogs have a positive experience. If you are lucky enough to own more than one dog, I will be happy to groom them at the agreed address, but I will do them after one another.

 

What is matting? Can I get rid of it?

This is when hair gets into a clump/knot. It can be highly painful as it restricts the dogs movement and can tear the skin. This usually occurs when combing or brushing has not happened on a regular basis.

Matts, if caught early anough, can be brushed out using a comb and de-matting spray. This can be painful for your dog and often matts are cut out. Please ask for advice.

 

Does grooming include  flea treatment and teeth cleaning?

Yes, fleas are treated with anti-flea shampoo, spray and combed with a flea comb to try and catch those still living on the skin. Advice will be given on further treatment in the grooming debrief. All tools and work areas will be cleaned thoroughly after each groom to stop the spread of fleas.

Teeth cleaning is an added service which can be done on request. Teeth cleaning needs to be done on a regular basis as a professional groom is not sufficient enough to maintain appropiate dental care.

 

Why do you not do anal glands?

Anal glands are also known as 'scent glands' and are normally emptied when your dog goes to the toilet. Some dogs experience problems emptying them naturally and will show signs of 'scooting' their bottom along the floor, or an abnormally smelly bottom. They have to be squeezed by hand to empty them. Unfortunatley there has been some debate between groomers and vets over expressing the anal glands. The main argument is that I am not medically trained to diagnose and treat a problem, therefore should not . I can however offer advice, but I recommend consulting your vet if you suspect your dog has an anal gland problem.

 

Can I stay with my dog?

Unfortunatley not, for my safety as well as your dogs I ask that you do not stay with your dog. Dogs are frequently more anxious when their owners are present, and they cannot be near them. This results in their attention being spilt between the owner and the groomer, as opposed to just the groomer. While I am working with sharp tools I need your dogs full attention.

Thank you for understanding.

 

What if i don't have space for the salon to park?

No need to worry, my salon is fully self sufficient and does not need to rely on an external power or water source. I will park as close as I can (legally) to the agreed destination and collect your dog.

 

Where does the water come from? Is it fresh and clean?

The salon has two water tanks, one for fresh water. This is filled up the night before your appointment, then heated (if needed) to use to wash and rinse your dog. The second water tank is for dirty water. This is where used water is taken away and disposed of later that night. No water is recycled from previous clients or dumped outside your home/work.

 

Do I need to supply you with electric?

No, the salon is fully self sufficient with its own battery. This means I do not need an external power source. In the rare event I have ran out of charge, I will request using your power and take money off the overall grooming service. 

 

What do I need to prepare?

You simply need to ensure your dog is wearing a collar and has been fed, watered and toileted before my arrival. 

 

What do I need to do?

Call me or send an email. Its a good idea to discuss your requirements, especially if its your dogs first time.

 

I've made an appointment, what happens now?

I will arrive at the agreed time and destination, spend several minutes getting to know you and your dogs needs, as well as the length/style you wish your dogs coat to result in.

The grooming process begins with a check of the skin, ears and teeth. Followed by a massaging bath, where if requested, teeth and anal glands are treated. Your dog is then dryed using a blower before the agreed grooming finished is used (clipping/scissoring/handstripping).

Your dog will be returned happy, clean, sweet smelling and with any recommendations (i.e presence of fleas/anal glands not easily accessible).

I will then clean the salon ready for the next client.

 

How much will it cost?

Prices depend on breed, size of dog and the style of grooming. This will be discussed when booking an appointment.

 

How do I pay?

Payments can be made by cash/cheque, thank you.

 

I am unable to make an appointment, what do I do?

Please try and give me at least 24 hours notice via phone/email. If you miss an appointment or are late, it results in delays for all subsequent appointments. A cancellation fee may be charged. No shows are noted, and after three no shows you must pre-pay for services in the booking process. Thank you.

 

 

 

If you have any further questions that have not been answered on this page, please do not hesitate to contact me, I will be happy to help with any query.