WHAT IS PET GROOMING?

The dictionary states to "groom is to make neat and tidy". Pet grooming is then, to
make pets "neat and tidy", as well as smelling good.Professional pet grooming is performed
by trained pet care professionals who learn the art of grooming either by attends a
grooming school or, is an apprentice under a skilled groomer for approximately one year.

WHO GETS GROOMED?

All dogs and cats need grooming. In many cases the owner is perfectly capable of grooming
their own pet. It depends on the owners enthusiasm, skill, level of desire and, your tolerance
for messes! Grooming is part of responsible pet ownership.WHAT IS INCLUDED IN GROOMING?
The short answer is - everything to make your pet look, smell and, feel better. To do this,
grooming includes:

• Bath (with special shampoo if needed for skin care)

• Blow dry

• Haircut

• Removing mats (when required)

• Brushing

• Clipping of toe nails

• Ear cleaning and plucking

• Complete check of your pet for anything that could require veterinary care.


HOW OFTEN DOES MY PET NEED GROOMING?

All dogs are different. There are many variables in determining the correct amount of time
between professional groomings. Some important variables include:

• Breed of pet

• Type of coat

• Style chosen

• Work done at home

Different breeds, including mixed breeds, have different types of coats. Even within
the same breed a dog could have a very soft, easily matted coat and another dog could
have a harshtextured coat which resists tangles. The softer the coat of the dog means
that more grooming will be required.

There are many styles to choose from. You can follow the American Kennel Club (AKC) standards (sometimes referred to as "Show Style") or, you can design your own style.
Even when following AKC standards, you can modify the look to make it easier to keep
up to help avoid excessive grooming appointments. As an example, instead of having
a Cocker Spaniel groomed to the strict AKC standard, the Cocker's coat could be trimmed
a bit more to prevent the dog from matting as easily at the excessive coat of a show dog.

Brushing between grooming appointment is important and extends the time between groomings. One important tip - NEVER bathe your pet without a thorough combing out first. This prevents matting.There are many different types of brushes. A groomer can help you determine which will do the best job for your pet. You should also be shown the proper and efficient way to brush you pet.

Believe it or not, a pet owner can spend many man-hours brushing their best friend only
to have the pet matted anyway. The brush and the brushing technique is essential for
proper coat care.

If you like your dog's coat kept on the short side, the dog will require grooming about
every 6-8 weeks. On the other hand, if you like your pet to look like a fashion model,
grooming will be required every 4-6 weeks. If matting occurs between groomings,
professional brush-outs will should be considered.

Puppies need their first grooming after their puppy vaccinations are completed - usually
at 12 weeks. This helps get them accustomed to grooming procedures at an early age.
How do I keep my pet clean and cut down on the tangles in between visits?

Our salon provides a Ship Shape program, which takes place with in
the first three weeks of their initial full grooming appointment.

(small breeds only)

Ship Shape includes:

• Hydro-surge bath

• Hand drying

• Brush out (doesn't include excessive dematting)

• Checking of ears

• Checking of nails

• Restyling of head and face