Frequently asked questions

Below are some of the most common questions I get asked about grooming your dog.

Q. How Often should my dog visit the groomer?

A. Depending on the breed of dog and how much home grooming they get, a general rule for most breeds is they should be groomed at least every 4-12 weeks to keep their skin and coat healthy. Many breeds with longer coats should be seen more regularly to prevent matting and keep the coat in tip top condition. However, it is recommended to have 4-8 weekly visits for longer and tight coated breeds for example Poodles, Shih Tzu, etc.

Q. How much will it cost me?

A. Again this will depend on what breed of dog you have. Bigger pets or dogs with a lot of fur tend to be more time consuming and thus will cost more, and those who are matted take a long time and could result in additional charges. Any prices quoted over the phone will be for dogs in good condition that are on a regular grooming schedule.

Q. What is the Matted Dog Policy all about?

A. For dogs that have matts and knots it takes a long time to either remove these or clip your dog in a safe and humane way. When fur matts down to the skin it's very painful for them, ever caught your hair in the clasp of a necklace that pulls every time you more your head? This is the kind of feeling that your dog will have every time it moves and if not removed will cause open sores and, potentially, infections to the skin. What has to be done is to either use special combs to remove the matts, or on many occasions I have to clip the dog short, which takes time mainly due to the dogs potentially being sensitive around that area, so slowly and carefully is the only way to go.

Q I made an appointment but I can't make it now, is it ok to rearrange?

A. Of course it is, I understand that things change and sometimes it just can't be avoided. I do ask thought that you give me a minimum of 48 hours notice for cancellations where possible. This is because I work on an appointment only basis and cannot fill appointments that have been missed or cancelled at very short notice. Because of this I will charge a cancellation fee of up to 75% of the full groom price if you cancel at short notice or miss an appointment.

Q. Should I still have my dog groomed in the winter or will it get cold?

A. Many people think that dogs only need haircuts when the weather is warm, however in the winter it is just as important to care for your dog's coat and skin. Wet, muddy fur becomes matted far more easily and matted coats don't dry out properly causing dogs to get cold. Once a dog is matted, the only option is to shave all the coat off. If your pet lives indoors it is actually kinder to keep their coats reasonably short so that they do not overheat when the heating is on and if your pet is allowed to get dirty and not washed regularly there is an increased risk of skin infections. If you are worried about your dog getting cold when out on walks, it is far kinder and more effective to get them a coat that can be removed once they are back in the warm. Imagine how uncomfortable it would be wearing your winter coat in the house and not being able to take it off!

Q. My dog gets really dirty and I don't think he can go the whole 8 weeks without a bath, is it ok to bath him at home?

A. Yes of course, so long as he is fully dried and brushed through after to prevent matts from forming. Alternatively you can bring your dog for a maintenance groom.

Q. I brush my dog regularly between grooms, so how come he always ends up with matts?

A. Most dogs are prone to matting up in certain areas, normally around collars and harnesses, under arms and around the paws. These areas are often more difficult to groom properly and require extra care when grooming out. Using the right equipment, brushes and combs is vital, often matts occur when either the wrong type of equipment or the wrong technique is used for example, not ensuring that you get to the root of the hair when combing, I can offer you advice on what to buy and how to use it properly.

Q. Do I wait with my dog or can I leave him with you?

A. It's preferable to leave your pupsters with me and I will call you to let you know when they are ready to go home. The reason for this is that most dogs are better behaved if their owners do not stay. However, this is not always the case and sometimes dogs have special requirements or health complaints that require their owners to be present during the grooming process and will be discussed on a dog by dog basis.

Q. Should I walk my dog before or after his grooming session?

A. Please do, I always recommend that dogs are given a little walk before they arrive so that they can relieve themselves and get rid of any excess energy.

Q. What if I don't like my dogs new haircut?

A. Tell me please, I really won't be offended. I keep detailed records of how each dog is styled and can only change things if you let me know. Sometimes due to the condition of a dogs coat I have no choice but to perform a clip off however this will be discussed with you prior to me doing so and we can work together on how to groom your dog to prevent this happening again and getting your pupster's style just the way you want.

Q. My dog sometimes acts a little strange after he has been to the groomers, why is this?

A. Grooming can be quite tiring as it requires the dog to stand up and concentrate for some time, this means that some dogs are very sleepy after their groom, while others can be hyper or cranky like children get if they are over tired. It is perfectly normal and your pet should be back to themselves by the following day.

Q. My dog hates visiting the groomers, would it be better if I didn't take him so often?

A. Actually the opposite is normally the case. The more often a dog visits the more they get used to it and eventually will accept the process better. Also if a dog is left too long then there will be more coat and more tangles which in turn will take longer and be more uncomfortable for the dog to tolerate. I recommend dogs that dislike grooming visit more often for in between baths as well as regular grooms to keep things short and sweet.

Q. My bitch is in season, should I still bring her for a groom?

A. We recommend bitches in season are left until they have finished their season. This is normally 17 days after you first notice that she is in heat, this is due to bitches being more sensitive.

Q. My dog has just been spayed/neutered or has had a surgical procedure, should I still bring it to be groomed?

A. I recommend that dogs are allowed to recover fully before they are groomed, on average this is at least 3 weeks after the operation. Always consult your vet if at all unsure.

Q. My dog has very sensitive skin, can it still be groomed?

A. Yes, I always take your pet's health and condition into account, and have special shampoos that are designed to help dogs with skin conditions. Please let me know when you book if your dog requires any special treatment.

If you have any questions that are not listed here, just give me a call on 0774 857 8986, I am always happy to discuss your dogs needs.