Frequently Asked Questions

I are very dedicated to working with you to keep your dog healthy and happy.

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Do you do anal glands?

No. This is no longer a groomer’s obligation. It’s regarded as an invasive procedure. Please contact your vet to do this.

Do you do clip nails?

Yes. I will always check nails and clip them where necessary, this is part of the groom. If your dog becomes anxious, I will attempt to use various methods including a calming cradle. If your dog gets too distressed, for safety reasons, I will not attempt it and it may be advisable to seek advice from your vet.

Health check

When your dog enters the salon, I will give your dog a basic health check, I check ears, skin, eyes, nose, paws and nails. I can pluck the inside of hairy ears if necessary and if your dog tolerates it. Please let me know if your dog has any health issues before the groom. If I think your dog is not suitable for grooming I will discuss this with you and if I notice any abnormalities during the groom I will let you know. Please note that I’m not medically trained and cannot administer medication or diagnose.

I’m nervous about leaving my dog alone

Please don’t be. I will keep your dog safe and make the grooming experience a positive one. Dogs are often nervous when you first leave them, but after a few minutes they usually settle. If I think your dog is getting too stressed or if I have any concerns, I will call you. Your dog’s welfare and safety are at the top of my list.

Terriers – With their wiry coats, terriers tend to matt around their undercarriage, legs and beards. I recommend they are professionally groomed every 6-8 weeks and for handstripped terriers when their coats have ‘blown

How often should I bring my dog to be groomed?

What Brush should I use for my dog?

It all depends on breed! I mostly use and recommend slicker brushes, which can be purchased in a variety of places. This blue version below is a ‘doodle’ brush and ideal for wool coats such as Cockapoos and Doodles, but it’s also great for brushing through feathers and ears on Spaniels and Terriers.

How often to do I groom my dog at home

Short-haired dogs, such as Pugs, French Bulldogs and Boxers still shed hairs! They only need occasional brushing, and bathing to keep their skin healthy and to keep on top of a shedding coat.

Short-haired double coats, such as Labradors, shed a lot and tend to shed seasonally. Groom regularly to remove the dead undercoat and keep the skin healthy.

Double-coated long-haired dogs, such as long-haired German Shepherds, Border Collies, Golden Retrievers tend to shed seasonally. They will often have feathers on their legs, bellies, trousers and ears that you may choose to have trimmed as they are prone to getting matted. They need regular brushing and would benefit from a conditioning treatment and keeping the feathers trimmed.

Dogs with thick undercoats – Some dogs have an exceptionally thick undercoat that must be removed seasonally or it can cause severe matting. Shaving this type of coat is not advised or the hair may not grow back, so it’s vital to keep on top of brushing and grooming. Professionally groom these breeds at least every 4-8 weeks.

Do I stay with my dog during the groom?

No, it’s best not to. When I groom your dog, I need to have its focus totally on me, there is a relationship between the groomer and the dog that is essential. We have to listen and concentrate on each other and if they see their owner the dog will focus on you and not me. I also have sharp blades and scissors, so for the safety of dog and groomer, its best owners not to be there. I will text or call you as soon as your dog is ready.

Why does my dog have to be clipped off or shaved?

I am a dog stylist and really love working hard to make your pup look beautiful. But if they are matted or felted I will do the most humane thing and not put your dog through pain and suffering by pulling out felted mats and fur from the skin. It’s kinder to shave your dog and start again. With regular brushing at home, matts can be avoided. I am always very happy to give grooming advice. Please read my dematting policy.

Curly and wavy coats – These breeds are the most likely to mat. Any hair longer than half an inch should be brushed at least twice a week, and hair longer than an inch should be brushed daily. These dogs require grooming every four to six weeks to prevent severe matting.

Silky-coated dogs – These dog breeds have a single coat that grows continuously and must be trimmed periodically. Very short cuts can last two to three months, but any dog that leaves the groomer with more than an inch of hair left on its body should be groomed at least every four to six weeks to prevent severe matting.