Should I bath my dog before taking it to the groomer? One of the worst problems that confronts groomers is working on a dog that has been bathed without being brushed out completely. The result is a coat that is so firmly matted that clipping off short is the only solution. We highly recommend that you leave the bathing process up to us.
Bathing your Dog Many people like to bathe their pets in between their grooming sessions. People shampoo and dog shampoo are NOT the same! The pH level in dog shampoo is specially formulated for their coats. We however CAN use dog shampoo (I have been tempted more than once, they smell fabulous) but not the other way around. This is a wonderful way to keep your pet clean, but you must remember that there is a right way and a wrong way to bath at home. Always remember to brush out your pet’s coat BEFORE you bath them. Most people don’t realize that this is the number one reason your pet’s fur becomes matted. If there are any knots in his or her coat, the water will make them become tighter and tighter until your groomer has no choice but to shave the coat short. Brushing before the bath will help prevent this situation. Brush the coat out first with a brush and then go through it with a comb to make sure all the matts are out. You can help the groomer with your dog by brushing the coat(go against the grain first, then back down with it) even if you do not want to bathe your dog at home. We have a full line of products at the salon that you can use to bathe and brush your dog while they are home.
Should my dog be groomed even though the weather is cold? A big YES! It is not kind to your dog to have a long, matted or dirty coat during the colder months. Your groomer can leave your dog’s coat longer while removing dirt, fleas and tangles. Professional dryers ensure that your dog dries quickly and thoroughly, thus eliminating the chance of your dog becoming chilled. Matted coats hold the water and mud. Body heat cannot dry their coats quickly, keeping your dog cold and wet longer than a groomed out coat would. Leaving your dog ungroomed during winter may mean a short clip off in spring!
Do all dogs need grooming? All dogs need an occasional bath, but it is more important to keep your dog combed and brushed, especially if he or she has long hair. Matted hair can easily cause skin problems and unnecessary discomfort for your pet. If neglected for to long, it might eventually need a lengthy grooming session, which could be uncomfortable for your pet and expensive for you. Regular brushing on the other hand improves his skin and his circulation and makes his coat healthier and more attractive.
How old should a dog be before they have there first grooming appointment?Even though a three-month-old puppy is not usually in need of grooming, he should be taken to your groomer to get him used to full grooming gradually. This way, he will learn to accept grooming as a happy experience that he will enjoy.
What happens to your dog when it gets matted? Imagine your dog gets a knot on it’s shoulder. It then gets another on it’s neck. Eventually these knots get larger and join together. Imagine the dogs skin being pulled in all directions by the hair. Eventually a chain reaction will occur if left alone and the dogs skin will be pulled tight in all directions all over it’s body. In severe cases the skin can tear. There is nothing we can do as groomers other than to clip the hair off. Things you can do to help-brush and comb more, use conditioner or make appointments more frequently and let us help. We have an excellent detangling spray at the salon that will really help prevent matting.
Why do my dogs nails get so long? If he isn’t on hard surfaces often enough to keep them worn down, you should have them checked at least once a month. If your dogs nails are very long or it has been a while since they have been clipped we can only go to the point of the "quick" which is the blood supply that is down into the nail. We will be able to take more each time but can not take it down all at once. We have a "no appointment" clipping service here so you’re welcome to pop in at any time!
My dog scratches all the time, but I can‘t see any fleas. What is the problem?Scratching is sometimes caused by dry skin, not fleas. This could be the result of excessive bathing in improper shampoo(dog shampoo has a special pH), dry climate, nutritional deficiency, or the wrong type of shampoo. Discuss this problem with your groomer.
My dog doesn’t behave when I try to brush him. How do I get him to stand still?Most dogs tend to be on their best behavior with groomers, especially when they sense the firm yet gentle touch that marks the experienced professional. It is rare for a groomer to encounter a dog with a drastic temperament problem. Many times, a dog that reacts badly to grooming at first, will learn to accept and enjoy the process as he realizes nobody wants to hurt him. Some dogs come to us that have been improperly handled by another groomer. This could be from clipper burns, "quicking" the nail(cutting too short and causing the nail to bleed) or from dematting improperly and causing pain. If this is the case, we will work gradually with your dog to ensure them that they will not be hurt here, but this can be a long process. Please tell us if you are aware that your dog may have an issue with a part of the grooming process.
Why should I have my dog groomed or clipped? Some pet owners confuse clipping with grooming. Clipping, which is done to dogs whose hair continuously grows, is only one step in the grooming process. Grooming includes combing and brushing, clipping nails, and plucking hair from ears.
So, What are Anal Glands and why do they need to be "expressed"? The most common problem with anal glands occurs when inflammation of the perineum or anus itself allows for swelling at the site of their outflow. Thus frustrated, the gland’s indwelling material continues to accumulate, creating pressure within the structure and discomfort to the pet. Most pets (usually dogs) will bite, scoot, twirl on their behinds or otherwise demonstrate dissatisfaction with the area. Some will simply be stinky in a gross, fishy sort of way. In these cases, a trip to the vet is often in order to express them internally; to free the anal glands of the bulk of the material and to deal with the itchiness in the surrounding area. Here at the salon, we express the glands as part of the bathing process and this is only done externally. Allergies are a common underlying cause for this inflammation and its resulting itch.
Although the most obvious result of these procedures is an improved appearance, the major benefits to your pet are increased comfort and perhaps even improved health.
