ASK THE GROOMER
How long will my dog be at the shop?
On the average day, you can expect your dog to be at the shop from one to three hours. The breed of the dog, the work involved, the temperament and behaviour of the dog will determine the amount of time that your dog will need to be with us.
Why does it take so long to groom my dog?
Each dog has their nails trimmed, ears plucked (if needed), ears cleaned, given a sanitary clip which includes the pads of their feet, the undercarriage, eyes (if needed), bum area, next we give them a haircut prior to the bath and scissor and rough in pattern. Next we bathe the dog in specially formulated shampoos according to your dog's skin & coat we also use a hot oil treatment & conditioner at no cost to you. Then we would fluff dry the dog and next we give the dog a 2nd haircut with a finishing clip and finishing scissor to keep a neat and tidy coat. We trim the dogs that visit us according to breed standard. Our job takes time, skill and needs plenty of patience to do. Remember when you go to the hair stylist you don't have accidents on the floor and you do sit still while getting your hair styled, and they usually only trim the hair on your head.
How often should I have my dog groomed?
In a groomers opinion dogs should be groomed every 4-6 weeks. After 8 weeks bacteria can start to build up in the fur around the eyes, the bum area, the groin and feet. All breeds require grooming. By having your dog groomed professionally this often you are promoting excellent health care and well being of your family member.
How often should I bathe my dog?
You can bathe your dog once a week if you want, but be sure to use a very good quality shampoo and conditioner. Also ensure that the dog is rinsed well espcially the private parts (if you think the dog is rinsed good enough rinse the dog again!!) we recommend selecting a good quality shampoo from your vet's clinic many shampoos are safe to use once a week that your local vet will carry.
What type of brush or comb should I use?
Always use a slicker brush for all breeds. Brush against the grain (backwards) it is vital to brush from the skin outward, to loosen the hair on the shorter breeds and to ensure that you are removing any matting that may exist in the longer coated breeds. We then use a metal comb called a greyhound comb. If the area you comb snags on an area, go back over it with the slicker brush a few times then repeat with the comb.
Why do groomers always shave my dog?
When dogs are matter groomers will generally shave the dog. This is done for the health and well being of the dog. It is painful and very stressful for a dog to sit still for a lengthy period of time having a metal brush repeatedly taken over the skin. It could cause brush burn. In order to save the dog from very stressful situation groomers will normally shave down the dog. We will notify the client if this needs to be done so that there will be no shocks or upset upon pick up. Owners can expect to pay an additional fee for severely matted dogs. It is painstaking procedure to have done safely and properly. A dog's skin is like thin tissue paper. When the coat is matted the skin becomes loose and hangs due to the weight of the matting and pulls on the skin which in turn causes extreme discomfort for the dog. When passing the clippers over the body, the skin will often slip between the blades of the clippers resulting in a terrible cut. Often this would require veterinarian attention as stitches may be required or simply tissue glue. To avoid any mishaps generally one will hold the dogs skin tight and begin clipping and removing the matting away from the dogs skin.
What mats...my dog is not matted???
As professionals we have our hands in every different type of dog hair that there is. All day every day 5-6 days a week. For this reason we can see matting a mile away for some unknown reason many dog owners have absolutely no idea that their dog has matting what so ever. This is very common. When we seperate the top layer of fur that is often brushed and combed out nicely, we then expose the matting underneath. Owners are often shocked at what they see underneath the pretty coat on top.
How can matting be avoided?
Bring the dog in for professional grooming every 4-6 weeks. By doing this we are able to get to trouble areas and maintain a clean and healthy coat. You will ensure that you will be able to maintain the look and style that you want. You can expect to pay more for de-matting based on time. If you dog are extremely matted we have no choice but to clip the dog right down. Also, any areas of concern will be brought to the ownsers attention by giving you a report card indicating step by step what was done during the dogs grooming appointment and also note any concerns that may need vet care such as ears being really dirty dog may have a ear infection, etc.
My dogs nails look long, were they cut?
If a dogs nails are not maintained with regular trimming the "quick" also known as the dermis will grow long with the nails. The "quick" or "dermis" is a vein and if this is cut then the dogs nail would bleed. Therefore, we can only cut to where the dermis or quick ends. With regular trimming of the nails this can be avoided. In extreme cases we may need to cut passed this area in order for the dermis to go back down and regain a natural nail growth again.
Can you express my dogs' anal glands?
We will express your dogs' anal glands externally only if you request it. There is a additional fee for this service. This is something that should be discussed with your vet first. Feeding a good quality diet with the correct amount of fiber should be sufficient. Expression of the glands on a regular basis could make the sensitive muscles become weak and dependent on being expressed. This procedure should never be done by inexperienced hands. The area can rupture causing extreme pain and surgery is often required. If this is something you are concerned about please be sure to have you vet examine your dog first.
The snow has made my dog matted!!
Weather conditions do not cause matting in a dogs' coat. Too much coat, a coat not kept clean, not brushed and combed properly is what causes matting. Have a dog groomed regularly and keep him or her in a manageable length for your lifestyle and you won't have a matted dog. Your dog regardless of the breed should visit the groomer every 4-6 weeks. After 8-10 weeks the coat generally becomes too dirty and matted to maintain.
It's too cold we can't have the dog dog groomed or bathed in winter?
Weather conditions and temperature have absolutely nothing to do with grooming. Keeping a thick dirty matted coat on a dig is not healthy. There are many different styles in which to choose from if you are concerned about the dog being too cold. As long as it is properly maintained there is no reason why owners cannot have beautiful longer style.
FYI**UNIVERSITY OF GUELPH conducted a study to determine id a shaved dog was colder than the matted dog. The matted dog was far colder because the cold air was trapped between the blanked of mats and the skin. Therefore keeping him cold 24 hours a day!
See you in six months for hi bi-annual grooming!!
Please do not do this. It is so unfair and inhumane to do this to your dog. The matting and bacteria crawling around on the dogs body after 8 weeks is shocking. After 6 months is just dreadful!!
I brush my dog all the time, what can I do to stop the matting?
Be sure to use a hard slicker brush. The soft pin brushes or gentle slicker will not get down to the skin and get through the mats. If you are still having difficulty come into the shop and ask if you can observe, talk about it, communicate with us so we can help you. If needed we will order you the proper tools needed to get the jon done. Jusr ask.
Why is the hair so thick with undercoat?
Double coated dogs need regular grooming also. Every six months or longer is not good enough. Do not wait until it is hanging in clumps off the dogs body. By keeping it clean and combed regularly the undercoat will not build up. The skin will be able to breathe properly. The change of hot spots and skin problems will also be reduced by keeping the coat clean and combed through.
Should I take the dog to the vet?
Yes. Pleas do not diagnose yourself or assume anything regarding your dogs health. Only your veterinarian is qualified to provide you with the proper advice, diagnoses and treatments.
Do you brush teeth at the salon?
yes we do. If you began brushing your dogs' teeth at home from an early age this is wonderful to help maintain clean teeth avoiding plaque. We want to ensure our clients that we would never want to give you a false sense that the dog's teeth are clean after a tooth brushing; regular care is needed every day in order to keep your dog's mouth, teeth and gums clean. A regular visit to the vet for dentistry is great to ensure the proper dental cleaning.
When can I bring my puppy in for a grooming?
As soon as your puppy has had all the required shots including rabies.
What about kennel cough, should I vaccinate for it?
This is a vaccine that prevents dogs getting kennel cough. It is usually spread through the air and will spread quickly. If dogs' come into contact with another dog it is recommended to vaccinate against it. It's better to be safe.
May I stay for my dogs grooming?
All owners are welcome to stay during your dogs' visit to the salon. Please note however that once you decide to stay do not leave and come back. This upsets the dog. Dogs generally do not behave better when their parents are present, actually the opposite is often the case. It is difficult to groom a dog who is constantly running into the arms of mom or dad. They tend to settle down once mom or dad has left the salon.
Do I wait for you to call me?
Yes please do. Soon as your dog is ready I will call you. It is extremely difficult to finish the grooming when a dog is trying to jump off the table to get to their owner.
Will you call me if my dog is causing a problem?
Should your dog for any reason be having a difficult time for any reason the owners will be contacted immediately. This is a rare occurrence.
Why does my dog seem upset when he comes in?
Are you upset? Yes, or perhaps nervous well your dog senses your anxiety. Dogs are like sponges what you feel your dog feels. Also does you dog only leave the house to go to the vet ot grooming? Dogs that are not exposed to outside elements are often nervous and anxious. If you calm down he will likely will too. Train your dog, expose him or her to different surroundings in a positive manner and you will be amazed at the change in your dog.
Important information that most dog owners are not aware of:
Pads of your dogs' feet: please keep the pads of the feet clean of hair and matting. Yes the pads of the feet can get very matted quickly. 8 out of 10 dogs have uncomfortable mats in their pads. It is like having a stone in your show. Very painful and unsanitary and this area is bacteria heaven. It must be kept clean, dry and hair free as much as possible.
Hair in the eye area: another bacteria trap often causing infection that goes unnoticed. They eyes run and are often wet, the fur grows longer and longer, before you know it there is a wet soggy mess in both eyes. Same 8 our of 10 dogs' suffer from this. Keep it free of hair, clean and dry. Anything brown, yellow or green in any area on your dog is not good. Please see your vet. Every day you should wipe your dogs' eyes with a damp cloth to rid of dirty and excessive tearing.
Shop hopping: often owners do not have a regular groomer. Deciding to get the dog groomed is a last minute decision. We often see shop hoppers. This is when dog owners sit down with the yellow pages and start calling grooming shop to get in that day or for a more affordable price. The first available shop that is able to book the dog same day or has the lowest price is often chosen. This is NOT the best method to use when choosing a groomer. When your dog does not see the same people or doesn't have the same treatment and experience or same routine for their grooming each and every time he will likely never enjoy his day of pampering at any salon. Allow your groomer and your dog to develop a relationship. When dog owners are hopping around from shop to shop it is impossible for any relationship to evolve. This is quite difficult on a dog. Think of your child's daycare provider and your child's day to day life style, they strive on routine and so does your dog.
Calling for your appointment: all too often owners are disappointed that they are not able to book an appointment on the day they wish. On average It's a Furry Life Inc. books approximately 1 week in advance during the regular season. In the salons busy season we book 2-3 weeks in advance. Saturdays go very quickly usually 2 weeks in advance. Getting an appointment on the day that you call generally is virtually impossible. To avoid disappointment we recommend that you call to book a minimum of 5 to 7 business days you want your appointment for.
Grooming as a trade
Dog grooming is not a registered trade. There is no governing body over dog grooming, dog training and pet kennels.
Anyone with finances is able to purchase equipment, rent space or set up in a home or other facility can call themselves a groomer. This is a main reason as to why there are so many unfortunate and tragic stories about dogs being severely injured in a grooming salon and pet kennels. Those within the industry that are serious about their work, develop a solid reputation within the community and have an honest love for dogs will put time and money into acquiring the proper education required to become a dog groomer. When a dog owner calls the shop to make appointment to come and visit the salon and meet the staff they are welcomed with open arms. It is important that all customers know with complete confidence that Tammy and staff are knowledgeable, qualified and capable and trained to groom every breed of dog.