Yes, we are familiar with most of the breed standards and are very experienced with the more popular breeds. Many clients do not groom to the breed standard because of the level of maintenance required. If you would like to get your dog groomed to the breed standard, it is helpful to review with the groomer the home maintenance involved between salon visits.
Each dog is different and each person’s needs vary. So a consultation can help you know your options, to decide accordingly.
Yes. We’ll talk it through with you to discuss the grooming options and, if possible, we’ll try to get to the same result for your dog.
The real answer is something you don’t want to deal with at home. They are the scent sacs right under a dog’s tail. Some dogs empty them naturally, some do not. Your groomer can check if they need to be emptied (expressed).
Please let us know if you prefer that your veterinarian does this or if you do not want us to express the glands.
If the hair is not maintained it may become knotted or matted. It then becomes unhealthy for the dog’s skin. For example, matting tightens when the coat gets wet. In some cases, de-matting may cause or reveal skin irritation. If the hair is matted, we recommend talking this through with the groomer beforehand so that we can discuss your options. Before we wash the dog, its necessary to brush out all the matting. Sometimes the matting is too close to the skin and this can’t be done.
In some cases it may be possible to de-mat the coat but, unfortunately, this is an arduous and uncomfortable process for both the dog and the groomer. This process requires frequent rest periods.
If the hair can be de-matted, there will be an additional charge owing to the additional time required to do it properly.
Yes, we are able to cut the nails on most dogs. With some dogs, this may need to be done at the veterinarian. Long nails can lead to several issues including joint problems and broken or split nails. With nail cutting, there is always the risk of some bleeding. Inside the nail is a blood vessel which grows with the nail. If the nail is allowed to grow long, then cutting the nail even slightly may result in bleeding. If the nails are black, the risk of bleeding increases. If the nail bleeds, we apply styptic powder to the nail.
Regular nail trimming can minimise the chance of bleeding, but not eliminate the risk completely. It is also helpful to avoid walking on the pavements or road immediately after the nail trim. If we groom your dog and find that the nails are long, we may recommend you come back in between grooms for nail trimming.
Usually dogs are dried with a combination of different methods.
During all of these drying phases your dog is being supervised. All of these drying methods are considered safe and have been in use for many years by grooming salons, veterinarians and kennels.
Please tell us. We aim to please.
How can I keep my dog's breath smelling sweet? How can I keep my dog from losing teeth later on?
This is one of the most important subjects all dog owners need to need to know about. Like us, it is very important for dogs to keep their teeth clean. Unfortunately they won’t brush their own teeth, but there are ways we can help them to achieve dental hygiene. Their daily diet should include speciality dog biscuits as the main food and supplemented with mainly raw bones and raw chicken necks.
Contact us for the list of speciality biscuit products we know they will eat. You’ll find these foods are excellent for their teeth colour and it will keep their breath smelling sweet. If you like to give them treats do so sparingly and the importance of the above foods becomes even more important. Canned food should be given sparingly as it sticks to their teeth and the ingredients often contain sugar and artificial colouring. Remember, every time the vet has to brush or remove some of your dog’s teeth, it must be anaesthetised. Something that always carries a risk for the dog.
How can I keep my dog looking nice? How often should I wash it? What is dog grooming and why should I get it done? How can I avoid medical problems with its hair?
Doggies have hair, not fur. It needs continual maintenance, particularly for long-haired breeds. Similar to what we do for our own hair. Dogs should be bathed between visits to the groomers. How often you wash your dog depends on the condition you want their hair to be in. But one test is that if it smells like a dog, chances are it's due for a wash. Wash as regularly as required but only use gentle shampoos, meaning natural products.
A guide for how often you should have your dog groomed professionally for some breeds:
