Fleas, Ticks and Mites, Oh My!

It's coming into parasite season do I thought I'd share with you some information about keeping your pets parasite free.

Fleas, Ticks and Mites can all live on your pet and cause them great discomfort. These are called ectoparasites. Ectoparasites are organisms that live on other organisms.

 

Signs that your pet may be infested with ectoparasites are:

Itching and Scratching

Loss of hair

Ulcerated or sore skin

Abrasions or scabs on the skin.

 

Fleas

Can be seen on your pet.

Small black specs.

 

Mites

Leave bran like substance

Crusted red/yellowish lesions on ears/nose

Reddish lumps on tail/genitals/feet.

 

Ticks

Can be seen - look like large fleas

Grow bigger after drinking blood.

 

PARASITE PREVENTION

As with all health concerns, prevention is better than cure.

The best prevention against parasite infestation is constant cleaning of your pets and their sleeping area.

Through thorough grooming you can spot any problems before they become out of control.

Talk to your vet about treating your pet with an insect regulator that is either given in their food or as a spot-on treatment monthly or every 3months.

You can also buy parasite prevention treatments at your local pet shops although these are much weaker alternatives to what your vet can prescribe.

CURE

If your pet does catch Fleas, the first step is to deal with the pet itself. A quality flea shampoo will kill all fleas on your pet. However this does not keep other fleas in the area from jumping on your now clean pet.

You should remove the pet from the environment while you treat the house and garden, thus keeping your pet safely away from chemicals.

You should only bring your flea-free pet back into the environment once you have completed the treatment of the area and it is safe to do so.

If your pet is allergic to fleas or just seems to attract them you may want to talk to your vet about flea control products such as Frontline.

Along with the use of flea sprays, carpet powders and flea bombs to treat your home, there are a few things you can do to help speed removal of fleas from the house:

 

1). Turn your heating up. The warmer and more humid the environment, the faster flea eggs will hatch, pupate and emerge as adults.

2). Wash the pet's bedding, together with any removable covers used where the pet frequents (such as sofa covers).

3). Vacuum the house thoroughly. Pay particular attention to areas where the pets spend most time. This will remove some flea eggs, larvae and pupae, though certainly not all. But the vibration of the vacuum cleaner may trigger more pupal fleas to hatch from their cocoons.

 

Always remember that treating your environment is just an important (usually more important) than treating the host.

I hope this post hasn't made you too itchy!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Why You Shouldn't Shave Your Pet in Summer

As the weather gets warmer and we start to enjoy the sun more, we also start to think about how are pets must be suffering in the heat and how to keep them cool. Many pet parents will be starting to think about phoning the groomers in the next few days to have their pets shaved for the summer.

Contrary to popular belief, shaving your long-haired dog (or cat) will not keep him/her cooler during the hot, summer months.

Shaving pets for the summer can actually predispose them to sun burn and to heat exhaustion/heat stroke. Long hair and thick undercoats act as insulation against the sun's rays and their effects. Coats that are kept well-brushed and mat-free allow for good air circulation through the hair, which in itself acts in the same way as insulation in your house. It keeps them cool in summer and warm in winter. On the contrary, matted, unkempt hair coats stifle air circulation and do little to help cool the body. In other words, daily brushing is a must during the hot, summer months.

 

Shaving your pet will not keep them cool in the summer. It will do the opposite and they can actually overheat and get sunburnt.

If your pet does have to be shaved due to matting (shaving your pets coat off is the only humane way to deal with matting and groomers have to do this by law to comply with The Animal Welfare Act) in the hot weather, please keep them inside or in the shade until their coat grows back and use plenty of pet safe sunscreen to protect them from sunburn and skin cancer.

For other tips of how to keep your pets cool in summer, read here.

 

 

Why Groomers Charge More Than Hairdressers

Top 10 Reasons Your Dog's Haircut Costs More Than Yours

10. Your hairdresser doesn't clean your bottom or genitals.

9. You don't go for weeks at a time without washing or brushing your hair.

8. Your hairdresser doesn't give you a sanitary trim around your private areas.

7. Your hairdresser doesn't have to clean your ears or your teeth.

6. Your hairdresser doesn't have to remove parasites from your body.

5. You sit still for your hairdresser and wait patiently whilst they cut your hair.

4. Your haircut doesn't include a manicure or pedicure.

3. You don't shout at your hairdresser and try to run away.

2. You don't try to bite or scratch your hairdresser.

1. You don't poo or wee on your hairdresser!

The Importance of Cat Grooming

Cats are famously known for taking care of their own grooming, without needing encouragement from anyone else. However, this is not always the case and many cats can become matted and smelly if they are not grooming themselves correctly. Getting involved in your cat's grooming helps to strengthen the bond between you and provides a chance to check for any signs of ill health. Most cats get used to grooming - and enjoy it.

 

The benefits of grooming

Grooming not only stimulates the circulation and improves muscle tone, but also minimises hairballs in the stomach by removing loose hairs. It smoothes down the fur to insulate the body more efficiently, and stimulates the glands at the base of the hairs which waterproof the coat. In hot weather, licking spreads saliva that cools your cat as it evaporates; grooming also spreads sebum (a natural oil that protects and waterproofs the hair and skin) across the coat.

 

Make grooming part of your cat's regular routine, introducing it as early a possible - ideally when your cat is still a kitten. Grooming will not only give you the chance to spot external parasites and skin wounds, and keep fur off your sofa, you'll also be spending quality time bonding with your pet.

 

If this is not done, or the cat is not correctly grooming themselves, knots can form in the fur which can then lead to server matting. Cats have very different skin to dogs, it is incredibly stretchy and paper thin. When their fur becomes matted, unlike dogs they will actually pull the mats out which can cause cuts and create holes in the skin which are painful and can become infected. You should never attempt to remove a knot or mat from a cat yourself. ALWAYS SEEK ADVICE FROM A TRAINED PROFEASIONAL.

 

Grooming Your Cat

For shorthaired cats, use a fine-toothed metal comb weekly and a natural-bristle or rubber brush to remove any dead hairs.

 

Gently brush or comb your cat's hair, using strokes in the direction that the hair grows.

 

Use the bristle brush to sweep up the coat in the direction of the head, and then smooth it down again.

 

For longhaired cats, groom daily with a steel comb.

 

Any knots can be teased out with your fingers, or cut off carefully with blunt-ended scissors by a trained professional. Alternatively, they may have to be shaved off by your groomer to remove extensive matting.

 

If grooming is a struggle, try offering food treats, stroking and talking reassuringly, then gently start to groom as your cat's attention turns to the treat.

 

 

Please contact us to discuss our professional cat grooming services.

 

 

Bear's First Groom at The Parlour

Watch Bear's first groom at The Parlour.

 

 

The Importance of Dog Grooming

Why Should I Groom My Dog?

A regular grooming routine has many benefits for both you and your pet.

-Creates a strong bond between pet and owner

-Dog looks and smells great

-Dog gets regular health checks

-Prevents parasite infestation

-Prevents knots and mats

-Creates manageable healthy coat

-Dog feels healthy and happy

How should I groom my dog?

1. Brush out thoroughly every day, this will remove loose & shedding hair and keep the coat free of mats, twigs, stick etc... It will also spread natural oils through the coat giving a healthy sheen while removing dust & dirt.

 

2. If you Bath your dogs at home, make sure they are mat free before you bath. Run a Comb though to the skin to double check. Wet mats will tighten up as they dry creating a bigger tighter mat that is harder to remove.

 

3. Use quality shampoo & conditioner, poor quality shampoos may dry the coat, cause dandruff and flaking, irritate the skin, and lead to itching. Always rinse well, even the best shampoos will cause itching if left in the coat.

 

4. If your dog has long nails, a few swipes from a heavy duty nail file daily will keep them from getting to long AND the friction from the nail file will cause the quick’s to recede, resulting in shorter nails.

 

5. Wipe out your dogs ears weekly with a soft cotton ball and ear cleaner, clean ears are less likely to get infections & irritations. You will also be more likely to notice right away if they do become infected. Do not clean deeper into the ear than you can see as you can damage the ear canal. (Just like your own ears)

 

6. If you find a mat, use a de-matting/silicone spray to lightly mist the area, and let sit a few minutes, gently brush the mat out working a small section at a time

 

7. Never use scissors to cut out mats unless you can CLEARLY see where the skin is and place your fingers between the skin & the mat. It is very easy to cut skin when trying to remove a mat with scissors.

 

8. A properly brushed coat can be parted at anyplace, showing the skin, You should be able to run a metal comb though the coat and down to the skin without snagging.

 

9. Make sure you have the proper tools for your pets coat. Not all Brushes are created equal. And even the best brush, if used improperly will not give the desired results. You may also need other items such as combs & de-mat spray.

 

10. Make it fun! Brushing your dog is a great way to bond. You should always make sure it is a positive and enjoyable experience for you and the dog. Use lots of praise, cuddles and treats to encourage them.

For a professional service please contact your local dog groomer.

 

Copyright Poodles and Pompadours / Watt-a-Dog

 

Take a Virtual Tour of The Parlour

Take a virtual tour of The Parlour - Canine Beauty Salon by Poodles and Pompadours.

 

What Does My Grooming Appointment Include?

What does my Pets grooming include?

We have different grooming packages available. Please ask us for details.

All dogs will receive a massaging bath using shampoos & conditioners selected for their individual coat & skin needs. Our special tearless shampoo is used for the face area. We then hand dry & brush out the coat, clip nails* & clean ears.**  Feet, pads & sanitary areas are trimmed as applicable. We will then do any styling/clipping & scissoring appropriate to his/her breed or as requested.

A finishing spray &/or cologne will be applied to the coat leaving your pet feeling, smelling & looking fabulous..

*Grooming always includes nails. The only exception to this would be dogs that become overly aggressive or panicked to the point where it would be unsafe for us to provide this service.

**Please note, because cleaning the ear can cause further irritation & make it difficult for your vet to diagnose the problem, we do not clean ears that show signs of inflammation, soreness or any condition that needs to be attended by a vet.

Do you express Anal Glands?

No. It is actually illegal under the The Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966 for anyone other than a current member of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons to do certain cleansing procedures including Anal Gland Expression, Teeth Descaling, Ear Plucking in the event of an infection and applying prescribed medications such as flea & tick spot-on treatment in return for money. For this reason, we do not offer these services.

How long will my dogs grooming take?

This all depends on the individual pet. Coat condition, age, temperament, breed and style are all relevant factors. When we meet your dog we can discuss any relevant issues, as each client is different. Our main concern is the welfare of your pet whilst in our care and to make it an enjoyable experience for them. Our parlour is quiet and calm due to the fact that we only offer one on one appointments. We usually have relaxing music playing which dogs find soothing and creates a peaceful atmosphere. Most dogs are groomed straight through, allowing them to be picked up within a few hours as apposed to being left all day.

What Information Do I Need When Making A Grooming Enquiry?

In order for me to return your phone calls, texts or emails as quickly and efficiently as possible when you are enquiring about a grooming appointment, you need to provide some very important pieces of information upon first contact.

The first thing we need to know is your name and telephone number. This may seem obvious but we can't return your call without them!

The second most important piece of information we need to know is what breed of dog you have. Leaving a message asking for a price for your "small dog" could mean absolutely anything. Small dogs range from tiny short haired chihuahuas to extra fluffy miniature poodles, so we need a bit more information before we can go any further. We also need to know the breed because your version of a "small dog" may be very different from ours and we need to make sure we both know what to expect when you turn up at 9:30 for your appointment.

Thirdly, we need to know what service you are looking for. Do you want just a bath or a full haircut in a show trim? The prices for these services vary hugely so knowing what you want before you ring can save a lot of time and possible confusion. Don't worry if you aren't sure of exactly what haircut or style you want yet, we can discuss that at your consultation, but we will need a rough idea of whether you are just looking for a bath and dry or a haircut of some variety.

Finally, we need to know when you're pet was last groomed. Are they groomed regularly on a schedule? Have they been left 8 months and are now very knotty and matted? This will make a difference, not only to the price but to the services and advise we can offer you.

After all, there's no point booking in your Bichon  for a lovely handscissored haircut only to turn up to your appointment to be told that the dog will have to be clipped off because it is too badly matted. 

Please also be aware that we cannot give exact price quotes before seeing your pet. Estimates are based on breed of dog, the specified style & the condition of their coat. When you call for an appointment we can give you a base price. Please note that all verbal quotes and estimates are not definite and binding and are subject to variation according to circumstance.

So what are you waiting for? Call us on 07577 466996 to book your appointment today!

The Parlour: Before and After

Once upon a time, The Parlour was just a little wooden shell. Weeks of hard work and the contents of my piggy bank went into making it the vintage dream that it is now, and I thought I'd share the journey with you.

We had originally planned to use an existing shed but after some work we found that the wood was rotten so we decided to get a new one.

The timbe frame went up. Now the hard work was about to start!

We fully insulated the shed with insulation foil and foam. We then plasterboarded the whole thing to provide more insulation and laid a hardwood floor.

This should keep it cool in the summer and warm in the winter.

After all the insulating and plasterboarding was complete, we painted everything with a waterproof silicone membrane to protect it from damp and water damage.

Then it was time for the fun parts!

We wallpapered half of the parlour in a gorgeous flamingo print wallpaper. This was my first time ever wallpapering and I can honestly say I will never do it again. It's so hard and fiddly! The rest was painted in a 1950's lemon yellow.

We then started to lay the vinyl flooring. I was determined to have an authentic 1950's look so I hand painted each of the vinyl floor tiles to create the classic checkered look that was popular in so many homes at the time. This took ages and became very annoying!

I purchased a second hand kitchen from eBay and set about restyling it to create my work units and worktops. We painted them all and cut a hole in the top to sink the groomjng bath into. I also attached grooming table matting and a grooming arm to create a built in grooming table.

I reused the wine rack as a towel rack. It works brilliantly and now I have a nice place to keep all my towels hair free and looking pretty.

The electrics were reinstalled and everything has been placed inside the units to keep everything nice and tidy and minimise the risk of wires and plugs etc.

The space between the units has been turned into a nice little bed and waiting area or the dogs. They can snuggle into the fluffy bed whilst waiting to be collected after their appointment.

I'm so pleased with how it's turned out and so many people have told me that they can't believe the transformation.

I love to design things and make things homely and I planned very inch of this to be exactly how I wanted. It took a lot of hard work but I'm so pleased I did it.

What do you think of The Parlour? Have you transformed your shed into something special before? Let me know in the comments below.

Hayley x

How to Book a Grooming Appointment

BOOKING AN APPOINTMENT

We operate on an appointment only basis. We do not offer walk in appointments and your pet will be the only animal in the salon at any time during their visit.

To book an appointment please visit our website at www.poodlesandpompadours.com, email us at grooming@poodlesandpompadours.com or 

call us on 07577466996 Monday to Friday 9am to 6pm.

Our opening hours are Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm but we take calls until 6pm in the evenings to accommodate people's working days.

We offer 2 appointment slots each day. The first appointment slot is 9:30am with a pickup time of 12:30pm. The second appointment slot is 1:30pm with a pickup time it 4:30pm. These appointment and pickup times are non-negotiable.

How do I make an appointment?

You can use any of the methods above to book an appointment. A £25 deposit is required to hold your first appointment for new clients. Deposits are applied to your first groom and are non-refundable in the event that you miss your appointment. You can arrange a time to drop off your deposit in person or you can pay your deposit online via our secure payment platform (PayPal) or over the phone via Debit or Credit Card.

What should I do to prepare for my appointment?

You should make sure that your dog is fed a maximum of 1 hour before their appointment start time. Feeding your dog less than 1 hour before their appointment could result in them being sick during the grooming process.

You should also make sure that they have been on a walk before they arrive to release any pent up energy and that they have been to the toilet.

I have made an appointment. What can I expect?

When you arrive for your first appointment we will greet you and your dog, and give you a guided tour of the premises. We will then sit in our customer waiting area with a drink and biscuits and commence with our informal consultation. 

Required information will include your name, contact details, Dogs name, breed, age, any health & behaviour information and veterinarian contact information. We will not be able to progress with the consultation if this information is not provided.

We will then examine your dog and discuss grooming needs with you. Once this has been decided on, we will inform you of the approximate price (we will be as accurate as possible!) and give you a pick up time.

I wont be able to make my appointment, what do I do?

Please call us right away to re-schedule.

We require a minimum of 24 hours notice of cancellations or a Cancellation Fee will apply before further appointments may be booked. (Emergency’s will be taken into consideration.) Because we loose money when scheduled appointments don’t show up & we can not fill appointments without notice, we have found it necessary to charge  for missed appointments.

How much will it cost?

Charges will vary dependent on the breed of dog, the specified style & the condition of their coat. When you call for an appointment we can give you a base price, which is based on a dog that conforms to the following:

-Average Size/Coat

-Groomed Regularly

-Kept Groomed At Home Between Trims

-Co-operative

Are there any extra fees?

Additional charges may apply for:

-Non-Standard Breed Size and/or Coat

-Matted Coats

-Trimming Beyond Standard For Breed

-Non Co-operative Behaviour

-Aggressive Behaviour

De-fleaing

-Additional grooming services that are not included in a standard groom.

Please note that all verbal quotes and estimates are not definite and binding and are subject to variation according to circumstance.

Emerald Isle

Whilst I might not be in Ireland for the best of reasons, we're trying to keep things positive by enjoying our beautiful surroundings as much as possible.

Here's some pictures that I've taken whilst out walking the dog.

I hope to be home soon. I'll keep you updated as soon as I know.

Hayley x