grooming Archives

The Simple And Powerful Way You Can Help Shelter Dogs Get Adopted

Many dogs arrive at animal shelters after years of abuse or a lifetime on the streets. That kind of neglect can cause many severe health problems, which may in turn affect the dog’s personality and their ability to get adopted. Have you ever considered the importance of a bath and maybe a haircut for a dog that’s been neglected for so long? Dog breeds that have continuously-growing hair tend to suffer the worst consequences from years of neglect. Their hair … Read more

Summer Grooming Tips: To Shave Or Not To Shave?

Summer is here, and you won’t be the only one feeling the heat. You have the option to start wearing shorts and t-shirts, but your dog may be stuck in a fur coat. Should you shave him all the way to the skin? Do you need to worry about him getting sunburned? What about short-haired or double-coated dogs – should they be shaved, too? Here’s a handy flowchart to decide if shaving your dog is the best way to keep … Read more

5 Ways To Soothe Your Dog’s Dry Skin

Itchy skin in dogs is often caused by simple dryness. Lack of moisture is an especially big problem during the winter months when there is virtually no humidity. While we can slather on lotion, the solution isn’t quite so simple for our furry BFF’s. In order to keep your dog’s skin healthy year round, pay close attention to these 5 moisturizing tips. 1. Bathing (but not over-bathing) While bathing with a well-balanced, vet-recommended shampoo can certainly help with many skin … Read more

5 Tips To Help Reduce Shedding

Are you watching hair tumbleweeds float around your house and wondering what you can do to help reduce your dog’s shedding? You’re not alone. All dogs shed a little, but some dogs shed a lot. Here are 5 tips to help reduce the amount of hair rolling across the floor. #1 – Change your dog’s food. Some cheap dog foods don’t contain proper nutrition, which can lead to excessive shedding. Many dry foods will leave your dog dehydrated unless he drinks … Read more

Stinky Dog? Try These “In Between Baths” Grooming Wipes That Smell Exactly Like a Piña Colada

If you’re like many dog owners, your pup suffers from an annoying (but harmless) condition called in-between-baths-stinky-dog-syndrome. Actually, we made that up, but it is a real challenge to keep your pup smelling fresh and clean without bathing them so much that their skin dries out. At home bathings are time-consuming, and baths at the groomer can be expensive. For these reasons, we developed a product that solves a problem we ourselves have. Keeping our pups fresh and clean in … Read more

Pros And Cons Of Being A Dog Groomer

A new report released by The Conference Board and reported on by Bloomberg and iheartdogs.com indicates that pet-related careers will grow faster than teaching positions in the next ten years. If you’ve considered being a dog groomer, now is a great time to get into the profession. How do you know if it’s right for you? Directly from groomers Eika S.R. Haas with Purrrfect Paws, LLC; Cindy Disiena at Day in the life of a groomer and animal lover; and Corrie Mae … Read more

Beyond The Puppy Cut: Shih Tzu Hair Styles

If you were under the impression that there is only one standard cut for Shih Tzus, the “puppy cut,” then you’ll be interested to see these different variations of that style and other styles that are completely different from the traditional puppy cut. Teddy bear face with a long topknot – Notice how rounded the face is – that’s the hallmark of the traditional teddy bear face. The ears can be any length. If you choose to do a topknot on … Read more

Ask A Groomer: How Often Should I Groom My Dog?

After 12 years of grooming dogs, I have worked with every breed, dealt with every situation, and answered countless questions. The most common thing new owners ask me is how often they should groom their dogs. The answer depends on what type of coat your pooch has, how much they shed, and how much brushing and bathing you are willing to do at home. Keeping in mind that all dogs, regardless of breed, should have their nails trimmed at least … Read more

Ask A Groomer: Why Does My Dog’s Haircut Cost More Than Mine?

Have you ever wondered why it’s more expensive to have your dog groomed than it is to get your own hair cut? There are a variety of factors leading to the price differences. Let me share a few of those reasons with you. You only get the hair on your head cut. Your hairstylist doesn’t shave your whole body. Even most small dogs have more surface area than the average human head. And small dogs can be even more difficult … Read more

5 Surprising Tools For Grooming Your Dog At Home

Have you ever wondered what unusual tools can help you groom your dog at home? Here are five secret tools groomers use on their own dogs. 1. Olive or Coconut Oil Has your dog ever come home from a walk covered in burrs? Brushing them out can be painful for your dog. Picking them out yourself can be tough on your hands. Rubbing oil into the fur around the burrs will reduce the friction and help the burrs slide out … Read more

Ask A Groomer: What’s A Puppy Cut?

Have you ever asked a groomer for a puppy cut and been given a strange look – or, worse, a bad haircut? Would you be surprised if I told you the term “puppy cut” actually doesn’t give the groomer very much information? What should you say to make sure your dog looks perfect? A puppy cut could look like this… The term puppy cut originally referred to a fluffy trim given to Poodles for the show ring before they were … Read more

From A Groomer: 3 Reasons Not To Shave Your Double-Coated Dog

If your dog sheds a lot, you’ve probably thought about shaving them to reduce the amount of hair left around your house. Maybe you thought shaving your dog would keep them cooler in the summer. Perhaps you think your dog would look cute shaved. Generally, dogs whose hair only grows to a certain length and then stops, and specifically double-coated dogs – dogs that have an undercoat that sheds out – should not be shaved. Here are three reasons why … Read more

Ask A Groomer: Why Does My Dog’s Face Stink?

Have you ever noticed a foul odor coming from some part of your dog’s face and wondered what was causing the smell? There are several things you should be doing with your dog regularly to keep your dog’s head and face in top condition to prevent potentially serious health problems. Wiping under your dog’s eyes daily with a warm, wet washcloth or an unscented baby wipe will help prevent their tears from turning into either slimy boogers or … Read more

Ask A Groomer: What Is A Mat?

Has the groomer ever shaved part or all of your dog and claimed it was due to matting, but you didn’t really understand what that meant? What is a mat anyway? Why is that a reason your dog can’t have long fluffy hair? A mat is a large tangle of hair that will feel like a lump in your dog’s coat. Small mats might be able to be brushed out without causing your dog too much pain, but attempting to … Read more

Ask A Groomer: How Can I Prepare My Puppy For Grooming?

Want to set your puppy up for success? Here are five things you can do at home to ensure that your puppy has a lifetime of safe and positive experiences at the groomer. Touch and hold their feet. Several times a day, start by briefly touching each foot, then rewarding with a treat. Move on to holding each paw for several seconds before rewarding. The goal is to be able to trim their nails without upsetting them. Most dogs will … Read more

Is Your Dog’s Coat Dry & Dull? Try This Little Trick

Do you feel that over time your dog’s coat has become dull or dry? You’re not alone, as many dog owners notice this trend as their dog ages or during the winter months. What Is Causing My Dog’s Coat to Become Dry and Dull? While there are many possible root causes for a dry coat, oftentimes diet is the main culprit. Despite the convenience of commercial dog food kibble, one of its major drawbacks lies the inability to retain the quality … Read more

Dog Mom Hopes Her Personal Heartbreak Will Raise Awareness About Groomer Safety

Jayme Buck dropped her 3 Shih Tzus, Brewsky, Guinness and Tashi off to be groomed on September 27, 2016 just as she had on dozens of other mornings. Less than 2 hours later she received a call telling her to get back to the office right away. She was told “the little brown one” had collapsed and they could not resuscitate him. Jayme rushed to the grooming salon in a panic. She had no idea which of her 3 dogs … Read more

3 Helpful Tips To Make Your Dog’s Nail Trimming Session Easier

Regular nail trims are necessary for most dogs and it’s important not to let your pup’s nails grow too long. It’s not only aesthetics at play here – nails that are too long are uncomfortable for your dog and can even cause permanent damage to their feet and joints. Most owners try to avoid nail trims at all costs, often taking their dogs to groomers or veterinarians to have them done. This is because most dogs really despise having their … Read more

Sleepy Puppy Throws The Cutest Tantrum Ever During Her Haircut

Things Puppies Like: People, Other Puppies, Butterflies, Naps…and basically anything they can chew and/or chase. Things Puppies Dislike: Rules, Collars, Booster Shots…and if this hysterical video of Oreo the 11-week-old Shih Tzu is any indicator, getting their hair cut! Little Oreo is still new to the world and trying to figure out what’s expected of an adorable long-haired pup like herself. When she arrived for her second-ever grooming appointment at a veterinary clinic in Leesburg, GA she happily played … Read more

Ask A Groomer: How Should Grooming Change As My Dog Ages?

As our dogs age, they can develop many health issues that can impact the grooming process. What changes should you consider making for older dogs to have the best grooming experience? 1. Shorter grooming appointments. Arthritis is a common problem in older dogs. Whether it’s standing for the duration of the grooming or lying in an uncomfortable kennel for several hours, long grooming appointments can be painful for our older friends. Ask the groomer if your dog would benefit from … Read more

The Smarter, Gentler Method of Grooming Your Dog That Might Actually Save Their Life

Rewind to about 6 years ago and I was a relatively new dog owner, with quite a challenge on my hands. My stunningly gorgeous Siberian husky named Splash shed an entire puppy’s worth of fur every single day. On top of this, we had dark hardwood floors, and needless to say my wife wasn’t too happy about it. If any of you have ever had the pleasure of grooming a husky, you can relate to the pic below 🙂 At the time I … Read more

7 Dog Breeds That Require Little Grooming

Generally speaking, all dogs require some grooming. Some, however, need quite a bit more than others. With so many dog breeds in the world, we can find pretty much anything we’re looking for – from hairless dogs to dogs with dreads. Some breeds do just fine with a bath every once in a while and others need regular brushing, clipping, and blow-drying. This can take quite a bit of extra time and money, so if you’re looking to avoid … Read more

Ask A Groomer: 5 Secret Hacks For Grooming Your Dog At Home

Taking care of your dog’s grooming needs can be a bit of a chore. Here are 5 hacks to make the process easier for both you and your dog. 1. Put dog toothpaste directly on your finger. At first, you can let your dog lick the toothpaste off. Once they get a taste for it, gradually get them used to putting your finger in their mouth and rubbing the toothpaste over the teeth. The enzymatic toothpaste will help clean their teeth even without … Read more

Beyond Shaved Feet: Popular Poodle Cuts

Love your Poodle but looking for a new hair style? Wondering what sort of cuts are common (or even not so common)? Here is a small sample of the wide range of possibilities. Feel free to take bits and pieces of different cuts and get creative in order to best display your dog’s personality. Make sure to keep in mind your dog’s lifestyle and your willingness to brush them as frequently as daily. Clean Face and Rounded Feet This … Read more

Ask A Groomer: How Does Coat Type Affect Grooming?

Did you know that dogs have seven coat types and that each type requires different grooming? Apart from monthly nail trims, here’s how much grooming each coat type requires. Smooth – These dogs have short hair that lies close to their skin, like the Pug. A rubber curry brush will help with shedding. There are other popular de-shedding tools, but overuse can lead to bald spots and skin irritation. Leave that to a groomer, no more than once a month. … Read more

Ask A Groomer: Why Does My Dog Hate Going To The Groomer?

Have you ever wondered why your dog hates going to the groomer? It might not have anything to do with the specific groomer you take them to; there may be something else making them nervous. Here are 5 reasons your dog might hate going to the groomer. 1. They are afraid of the dryer. The dryers groomers use are more powerful and much louder than the hair dryer you use at home. Dogs have more sensitive hearing than humans and … Read more

3 Tips For Cleaning Your Labrador Retriever’s Ears

Labrador Retrievers are known for being prone to ear issues, especially infections caused by bacteria from dirty ears. Thankfully, just by cleaning them yourself, you can help your Lab’s ears stay healthy. This not only makes her happier, but avoids vet bills. One of the most important things is to check those ears often for dirt, debris, and signs of infections – especially after your Lab has been outside or in the water. When it is time to clean, follow these … Read more

3 Tips For Cleaning Your Golden Retriever’s Ears

One of things we all love about Golden Retrievers are their long, soft ears. You could stroke them forever and it’s very therapeutic. But those long ears are prone to all sorts of health issues because moisture and dirt get stuck under them. Thankfully, just by cleaning them, you can help your Golden’s ears stay healthy, which not only makes her happier, but avoids vet bills. Be sure to check your Golden’s ears often, especially if they are prone to … Read more

Ask A Groomer: How Can I Reduce My Dog’s Anxiety About Grooming?

Does your dog start to shake as soon as you pull into the groomer’s parking lot? Have you found a great groomer but your dog is still anxious? Here are four tips to help you reduce your dog’s anxiety about grooming. 1. Develop a positive association with the grooming salon and the groomer. This is the first thing you’ll want to do! Bring your dog to the salon at least once a week for the purpose of giving treats without any … Read more

How Can I Find The Best Groomer For My Dog?

Do you worry that your dog hates grooming? Are you concerned about finding the right groomer for your puppy? Are your dog’s nails clacking on the floor? Here are some tips for finding the best groomer for your dog’s needs. 1. Ask salons how they do their scheduling. Groom shops use different scheduling methods. The type of scheduling may have an impact on how stressful or fun your furry friend finds the process. Block – With this method, groomers handle … Read more

Update: Rescue Shaves Away Matted Fur To Reveal Gorgeous Rescue Dog Underneath

On the afternoon of October 26, teachers at a Detroit school contacted Detroit Dog Rescue after seeing a severely matted dog running loose in the vicinity. It was a rainy, gloomy day with temps in the low 40’s. When they caught sight of the pitiful pooch, the volunteers vowed to do whatever it took to bring him in out of the cold. They snapped the following picture of him moments before his rescue. Detroit Dog Rescue has described the case … Read more

34,570,384 Meals Donated

260,172 Toys Donated

85,685 Blankets Donated

330,448 Rescue Miles Donated

$75,399 Funded For D.V. Survivors

$1,531,139 Funded For Service Dogs