FAQ
Q: IS IT TRUE THAT SOME GROOMERS ARE NOT QUALIFIED?
A: Yes it is true. Pet grooming is not a regulated industry and therefore anyone can set up a salon and call themselves a dog groomer. That said, there is now a way for you to find a fully qualified dog groomer in your area and in doing so you will ensure your dog is in the hands of a true professional. Check out The Groomers Spotlight at www.thegroomersspotlight.com to search for a fully qualified groomer in your area. I am a member of The Groomers Spotlight and you can find my details here: http://www.thegroomersspotlight.com/member/profile/id/76
A: Yes it is true. Pet grooming is not a regulated industry and therefore anyone can set up a salon and call themselves a dog groomer. That said, there is now a way for you to find a fully qualified dog groomer in your area and in doing so you will ensure your dog is in the hands of a true professional. Check out The Groomers Spotlight at www.thegroomersspotlight.com to search for a fully qualified groomer in your area. I am a member of The Groomers Spotlight and you can find my details here: http://www.thegroomersspotlight.com/member/profile/id/76
Q: MY DOGS BREATH SMELLS REALLY BAD, COULD IT BE SOMETHING HE'S EATEN?
A: It could be, but its more likely there is tartar build up on his teeth or a worse problem like Gingivitis of the gums. Its advisable to look at your dogs teeth regularly by gently lifting the flap of the top lip. The teeth are an area that is easily overlooked as we expect dry food/raw food/dental chews/bones etc to keep the dogs teeth clean but generally they don't. Bacteria builds up along the gum line and the gums become red and swollen. The tartar hardens on the teeth if it is not removed while it is soft. The teeth can become loose and the gums sore and painful for the dog. Dogs teeth rarely stay clean without our help but there are all sorts of dog friendly dental products available to help us with this including toothbrushes/fingerbrushes and dental pastes.
A: It could be, but its more likely there is tartar build up on his teeth or a worse problem like Gingivitis of the gums. Its advisable to look at your dogs teeth regularly by gently lifting the flap of the top lip. The teeth are an area that is easily overlooked as we expect dry food/raw food/dental chews/bones etc to keep the dogs teeth clean but generally they don't. Bacteria builds up along the gum line and the gums become red and swollen. The tartar hardens on the teeth if it is not removed while it is soft. The teeth can become loose and the gums sore and painful for the dog. Dogs teeth rarely stay clean without our help but there are all sorts of dog friendly dental products available to help us with this including toothbrushes/fingerbrushes and dental pastes.
Q: MY DOG IS SCRATCHING A LOT, COULD IT BE THE SHAMPOO YOU USE?
A: Skin irritation in dogs generally comes from the inside, in other words, diet related. There are many 'special diet' foods on the market and your vet may prescribe one. Raw feeding is a great option and if you go down this route there is a lot of good information and research online. Skin irritation can be caused by allergies and there are many things a dog can be allergic to including certain types of shampoo. The majority of professional grooming products that are manufactured are plant based, include natural ingredients and do not contain chemicals which greatly reduces the risk of an allergic reaction to the dogs skin. In the salon I only use paraben and sulphate free products and those that have natural ingredients e.g. Aloe Vera. Other possibilities that may cause scratching are fleas, lice or skin parasites/mites.
Q: MY DOG HAS ROLLED IN FOX POO, IS IT OK TO BATH HIM AT HOME IF I USE BABY SHAMPOO?
A: Rule of thumb - don't use human shampoo on your dog, even baby shampoo, and definitely don't use anything like washing up liquid or other detergent. The outer layer (epidermis) of a dogs skin is just 3-5 cell layers thick as opposed to a humans skin which is at least 10-15 cells thick, and hence is very sensitive to products that are not intended for use on a dog. Only ever use a purpose made dog shampoo, there is a huge variety and they are widely available. Check labels too and use dog shampoo's that are made with natural ingredients and are without parabens and sulphates.
A: Rule of thumb - don't use human shampoo on your dog, even baby shampoo, and definitely don't use anything like washing up liquid or other detergent. The outer layer (epidermis) of a dogs skin is just 3-5 cell layers thick as opposed to a humans skin which is at least 10-15 cells thick, and hence is very sensitive to products that are not intended for use on a dog. Only ever use a purpose made dog shampoo, there is a huge variety and they are widely available. Check labels too and use dog shampoo's that are made with natural ingredients and are without parabens and sulphates.
Q: IS IT TRUE THAT MY DOODLE IS HYPOALLERGENIC SO I WON'T START SNEEZING BECAUSE HE DOESN'T SHED HIS HAIR?
A: No. All dogs have dead hair whether it is shed or groomed out and any cross breed, although they may not seem to shed their hair if they have poodle in them, will lose a certain amount when it is brushed. Also humans are not necessarily allergic to dog hair as much as the dander (dead skin cells) from the dog.
A: No. All dogs have dead hair whether it is shed or groomed out and any cross breed, although they may not seem to shed their hair if they have poodle in them, will lose a certain amount when it is brushed. Also humans are not necessarily allergic to dog hair as much as the dander (dead skin cells) from the dog.
Q: CAN YOU CUT MY DOGS' NAILS, HE WON'T LET ME TOUCH THEM?
A: If your dog doesn't trust you to touch his feet and nails, he's unlikely to let a stranger or someone he sees infrequently to do it. The best way forward is to get him used to having his feet touched. Use a treat reward system if this works. Gradually get him used to having his foot touched, then picked up, then held for a few seconds. It can be a long process but well worth it if you can gain his trust and it will make his visit to the groomers to have his nails cut much less stressful for you both.
A: If your dog doesn't trust you to touch his feet and nails, he's unlikely to let a stranger or someone he sees infrequently to do it. The best way forward is to get him used to having his feet touched. Use a treat reward system if this works. Gradually get him used to having his foot touched, then picked up, then held for a few seconds. It can be a long process but well worth it if you can gain his trust and it will make his visit to the groomers to have his nails cut much less stressful for you both.