Frequently Asked Questions - Grooming
When should I start getting my puppy groomed?
We can groom puppies as young as 10 weeks old, however we require them to have current age-appropriate vaccines. At 10 weeks they need Bordetella and DHPP vaccines, and at 4 months they need a rabies vaccine. It is a good idea to bring puppies for their first grooming between 3-4 months old. It helps to introduce them to the grooming process and to socialize them with other people. It is important to start a regular brushing routine with puppies at an early age. It helps them to get used to it. Playing with their toes and ears, while rewarding them with yummy treats, is a good way to get them used to being touched and handled for nail trimming and ear cleaning as well.
How often should I get my dog groomed?
Regular grooming is important to reduce shedding, tangles, and matting. The average haircut should be scheduled every 6-8 weeks. If you prefer a longer style haircut, or have a dog prone to matting or shedding, then we recommend more frequent visits to keep up the coat's condition. Dogs with lower-maintenance style coats (dogs with short fur that doesn't tangle) can be seen less often, sometimes with groomings as far apart as 12 weeks. However, close attention should be paid to the dog's nail length. Often dogs need to come in between groomings to get just their nails trimmed.
How often should I get my cat groomed?
Although cats are thought of as "self grooming", most cats need a little professional help now and again; especially older or obese cats since they have a harder time grooming themselves. The occasional bath helps to reduce greasiness and dandruff. It also helps to remove shedded fur and undercoat so as not to cause matting. Longer coated cats need frequent brushing to avoid matting. Sometimes matting is severe enough to need shaving. Regular brushing can reduce the need for shaving.
For those owners with cat allergies, it is important to know that the allergies are caused by an allergic reaction to a protein called Fel d1. It is a naturally occurring protein in the cat's dander and saliva. When a cat grooms himself, he is spreading that protein through his coat. Regular grooming/bathing can help to reduce these allergy symptoms by keeping the coat clean.
How often should I cut my pet's nails?
Just like our nails, pet's nails grow at different speeds. Some dogs need their nails trimmed as often as twice a month and some dogs wear their own nails down just by being active and running and jumping on concrete surfaces. Most dogs need to have their nails trimmed at least once in between regular grooming, every 4-6 weeks. Keeping the nails trimmed is important to the health of your pet. Excessively long nails can cause discomfort when walking because it causes the pet to put weight on the nail bed instead of walking on her paw pads. Nails can also grow long enough to curl around and puncture the skin and cause infection. It is a good idea to visually check your pet's paws once a week to make sure they are healthy.
How often can I bathe my pet?
Unless otherwise directed by your veterinarian, most pets don't need to be bathed more than once a month. If you want to bathe your pet more often, try to use pet-safe gentle, hypoallergenic, or soap-free shampoos. Pets with skin issues/allergies may benefit from regularly scheduled medicated baths.
Is human shampoo safe for my pet?
No. Human shampoo is formulated to be pH balanced for human skin, which is around 5.5pH (slightly acidic). The average dog's pH level is 7.5pH (slightly alkaline). Using a human product on a dog can cause skin irritation and coat damage over time.
Do mats and tangles really hurt?
Yes, they can. Mats in places like the armpits can tug on the skin causing tightness and irritation, making it painful to walk or run. When the coat is matted, the tightly woven fur can trap moisture, urine, fecal matter, dirt, or other environmental pollutants (bacterial, fungus, mold) and irritate the skin causing "hot spots" or sores, and infection. Mats around the ears can make an animal head-shy and lead to defensive behavior problems.
How can I reduce shedding?
For dogs with shedding issues, getting a professional bath/brush out every 4-6 weeks can limit the amount of loose hair around your home. Regular brushing at home can also reduce shedding. When you make an appointment, ask about our shed-less bath treatment.