Frequently Asked Questions

1. How often does my dog need grooming?

That depends on the breed of dog. If your dog is medium to long hair it is recommended that your dog be groomed every 2 to 3 months. If your dog is short hair it must be bathed no less than once every 2 months and no more that once a fortnight. For proper upkeep of a long hair coat, to prevent shaving off when matted, a dog should have a tidy up between grooms monthly. As an owner it is your responsibility for all of these important things to be looked after- The nails must be clipped every 2 months, the coat must be washed no more than fortnightly, the anal glands must be expressed every 2 months and the ears must be cleaned regulary. If you have a long coated breed you must look after it by combing as often as possible. Shave offs once or twice a year are not fair on your pet and make your pet look different.

2. Why should I get my dog groomed?

There are many reasons, the groomer is one of the only people in your pets life that looks all over the pet and can notice lumps, grass seeds, ear infections, nail infections, bad skin etc. during a groom . A regular groom keeps your pet feeling and looking comfortable. A matted coat becomes painful and a great place for bacteria and fleas to grow.

3. What happens to my pet if it is not groomed regulary?

If you do not get your pet groomer regulary: The nails can grow into the pads, The ears can become infected, The anal glands can become infected, The skin can become itchy form extra hair in the pads, face, groin and bum, The skin becomes dandruff just like a scalp, The dog does not enjoy the experience as they are not use to being groomed/handled, The matting is close to the skin, therfore, does not lets the skin breathe, causes bacteria and/or fleas to grow under matting and may expose underlying skin conditions when being shaved off, The dog becomes scared of grooming/the clippers which increases the chances of cutting, I must get through the knots and blindly cut close to the skin, which increases the risk of cutting/clipper rash. Most of these things are noticed by the groomer or a vet but are not noticable to you.

4. How can I tell if my pet is matted?

If you cannot run a comb through it to the skin, it is matted. If you cannot part the hair and see the scalp/skin on all parts of the body, your pet has matts/knotted hair.

5. Why do you charge more for clipping a matted coat?

I charge extra for clipping when matted as it is wear and tear on my blades, brushes and combs, uses more electricity and time. It also helps you to understand it is unreasonable for your pet to be matted.

6. How often should a cat be groomed?

Cats generally groom themselves, some cats, mostly when they are old, do not clean themselves and therefore start matting. If matting occurs you may get your cat clipped off or just knots cut out when they occur. Most owners get their cat groomed twice a year. Clipping in summer makes your long hair cat feel a lot better in the heat.

7. Do you use sedation?

No, I will not use sedation or take on a sedated animals. It is illegal for a person not a Veterinarian to sedate a cat/dog. I try my best to groom all pets without being rough. I may need to use a muzzle for my own protection. If I feel your pet is unsafe for me to groom I will call you and your pet will need to be sedated and groomed at a Veterinary clinic. Please tell me if your dog has a tendancy to bite or if your cat bites you. I will not reject but it saves me from getting bitten by being more careful around your pet.

8. Is grooming scary?

Grooming should be a comfortable and calm situation. The more often a pet is use to the situation the more they enjoy it. The dogs that come monthly cant wait to get in the door, as I keep it a positive experience even when they are naughty. This is why I am so good with cats and puppies. Their first experience with grooming is very important. I use aromatherapy, comfortable surroundings, lots of cuddles and treats to make it a nice time for your pet. Getting your hair brushed and blowdried is so relaxing, I must know, I love it when someone does my hair, I want your pet to feel the same. It gets uncomfortable when I must comb lots of knotts out and clip knots too close to the skin.

9. How do i brush my dog to prevent matting between grooms?

The best tool is a metal comb, the one with wide teeth helps remove knots, and the closer teeth maintain the coat. A brush just glides over knots. If you cannot see the skin when parting the hair there is matting there. Brushing depends on the length of coat, once the hair gets to 1cm and longer it needs to start being combed daily. Longer parts such as the ears and tail should always be combed. I do not dematt hair that it severly matted as it causes paina nd stress for your pet. The best way to prevent matting is to always comb you dog after getting wet and have a tidy up between grooms as the groomer can brush your dog properly and bath it without it matting.