Flea and Tick Prevention Packs from Poodles and Pompadours

*FLEA AND TICK PREVENTION*

We have officially launched our Flea and Tick Prevention Program. For just £8.50 you can purchase our prevention pack which includes all the natural grooming products that you need to keep your pets parasite free this season.

You will receive one educational leaflet, a finetoothed flea comb, a bottle of Health Mutt's All Natural Flea and Tick Stay Away Spray (spray on your pets before taking them out for a walk to repel fleas and ticks) and a 150g bag of Diatomaceous Earth (DE).

DE is highly effective as a natural insecticide and has been used for hundreds of years. Due to the incessant use of pesticides, many insects have become resistant to chemical deterrents. This organic pest control method is helpful for reducing the amount of environmental toxins we’re all exposed to. Dust the immediate surroundings such as animal bedding to illiminate fleas or use a food supplement to deworm.

Other benefits of DE include being a natural source of silica, promotes skin and heart health, and also works as a natural internal cleanser, ridding the body of any intestinal invaders and other harmful organisms from the digestive tract.

Pick up your prevention pack today!

 

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ANNOUNCEMENT TO CUSTOMERS: INCREASE IN PRICE AS OF 1 MAY 2015

ANNOUNCEMENT TO CUSTOMERS: INCREASE IN PRICE AS OF 1 MAY 2015

Firstly, let me start by saying that it has been an absolute pleasure to work you and your fur-babies in the past, and we look forward to doing business with you again in the future. I'm privileged to be able to do a job that I love and I'm thankful to all of my clients for making our first year of business as a grooming parlour so successful.

As you may know, since opening in May 2014 we have yet to have an increase in our prices, despite gaining further qualifications, training and investing significantly in new equipment and premium products. In February 2015 we introduced a new pricing structure to our new clients, but existing clients remained on the old pricing structure. We are now implementing our new pricing structure to ALL clients. This will take effect from 1st May 2015. If you would like to enquire about your new grooming price please feel free to contact us via phone, text message, email, facebook or via our website and we will give you a personalised quote.

If you are at all concerned about the price increase, we do now offer a VIP Membership Scheme. The VIP Membership Scheme splits the yearly cost of your pet's grooming into 12 equal payments, and is paid via standing order on the 1st of each month, helping you with your budget and ensuring that your grooming fee will be fixed for at least a year. If you would like to learn more or sign up to our VIP Scheme please do let us know.

We are confident you will continue to be pleased with our superior service and look forward to seeing you at your next appointment!

Hayley x

 

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Poodles and Pompadours embark on a new Grooming Qualification

In 2014 I completed my City and Guilds Level 3 Introductory Dog Grooming qualification and since then I have been wanting to further my learning and add to my certifications and qualifications. I wasn't sure if I wanted to go down the City and Guilds route again so last week after much deliberation I decided to take the leap and I became a member of the International Professional Groomers Association and will be working towards becoming an International Certified Groomer and ultimately hope to receive the ICMG title after my name which stands for International Certified Master Groomer. This can only be achieved if a pass mark of 86% or higher is gained in every exam taken.

This qualification involves taking 10 exams. The first part is to become Salon Details Certified. This is 2 exams (one written and one practical) and these must be passed with 80% or higher if you wish to continue with the rest of the qualification. If you pass these exams with 80% or higher you earn the title of SDC after your name and become and IPG Salon Details Certified Groomer.

If you wish you may then continue on to complete 8 more exams. (4 written and 4 practical) if you pass these with a mark of 70% or higher you earn the International Certified Groomer qualification.

If you pass all of these exams with 86% or higher you will then be invited to take a further 2 exams to gain the coveted International Certified Master Groomer title and if passed with 86% or higher you will earn the letters ICMG after your name.

My goal is to end up with those letters after my name and I have 5 years to complete the qualification. I take the Salon Details part of the qualification in April so wish me luck!

Hayley x

 

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Is My Dog Groomer Qualified? And Why Does It Matter?

Did you know that there are no legal requirements for qualifications within the dog grooming industry? In fact, other than vets and vet nurses, there are no legal requirements for training or Qulifications in any animal care jobs. How scary is that? Literally anyone can buy a pair of scissors or clippers online and set up a business as a dog groomer with no training, knowledge or qualifications.

 

Yes, that's right. There are no legal requirements to ensure that your dog groomer went to school to learn how to do their job.

 

Dog grooming, like human hairdressing is a skilled profession. There are severe health risks involved in this job to both the groomer and the animal and attempting to do it with no qualifications or training is both dangerous and irresponsible. You could badly injure yourself or the animal, cause death or disfiguration, skin irritation, infections or even spread contagious diseases.

There are many ways in which people can become dog groomers. You can set up with no training at all and just make it up as you go along (not recommended), be trained by an already established and practising dog groomer through an informal apprenticeship program (these are extremely hard to find and you have no way of knowing that the level of training you are getting is appropriate), do an online course and receive a certificate that is not accredited (these involve no practical work with live animals at all and do not provide recognised qualifications) or undertake one of the recommended pathways into the industry by shelling out the thousands of pounds that it costs to gain a City and Guilds qualification through a college or private training school. If you are dedicated to provided the bast care possible to your clients then you will take the last option.

What are City and Guilds Qualifications?

Until 2014, there was only 1 nationally recognised dog grooming qualification in the UK. This is provided by City and Guilds. The Certificate in Introductory Dog Grooming (Level 3) or the Diploma for Professional Dog Stylists (Level 3) is suitable for those who have experience of working in the dog grooming industry or have completed a related qualification. Each of these stages of qualification have lengthy practical and written examinations as well as candidates providing a portfolio of work to the exam board. These qualifications can be passed with a pass, merit or distinction.

In my personal opinion, if you are leaving your dog in the care of a professional groomer the Certificate in Introductory Dog Grooming (Level 3) or the international equivalent is the absolute minimum level of qualification that they should hold unless they have over 5+ years experience in the industry already.

All City and Guilds Level 3 work is provided to the same standard and is the equivalent of other nationally recognised qualifications such as NVQ level 3, A-Level, Scottish highers, AVCE, BTEC National, Certificate/Diploma, and Vocational A-Levels.

Are there International Grooming Qulifications available for my groomer?

Until 2014 City and Guilds was the only nationally recognised qualification in the UK. In 2014 the International Certified Master Groomer qualification was introduced by the IPG.

Although the ICMG qualification is new to the UK, the International Professional Groomers Inc. is well established and highly regarded. The Association certifies groomers from USA, Canada, Australia and Singapore and provides international industry standards, a Code of Ethics and an extensive examination process. It certifies groomers at two levels and globally promotes and preserves the professional certifications and accreditations of Pet Groomers, Grooming Salons, and Grooming Schools.

The exams and study materials have been written to reflect the UK recognised breed standards and will enable the groomer to be certified in 5 stages. Each stage has a written and a practical exam. A certificate will be awarded for a score of 70% and above and a score of 86% and higher will earn the applicant the chance to take the Masters Exam. Providing this is passed, also at 86% or higher, the candidate will be awarded a coveted International Certified Master Groomer Certificate (ICMG). This qualification will eventually be rolled out to cover the rest of Europe too. This qualification is usually taken by extremely experience groomers who usually have already achieved their City & Guilds qualifications or have the relevant experience.

What qualifications should my dog groomer have?

A minimum of City and Guilds Certificate in Introductory Dog Grooming (Level 3) should be sought.

Further qualifications include the City and Guilds Diploma for Professional Dog Stylists (Level 3), IPG Certified Salon Professional Certiciate (CSP) and the International Certified Master Groomer Certificate (ICMG). 

Qualifications from any other sources other than City & Guilds and IPG are not recognised in the professional grooming community.

Professional Groomers can also choose to be members of The Pet Industry Federation and The British Dog Groomers Association if they wish. Both industry bodies provide strict codes of ethics for groomers to abide by and keep the, up to date with industry news and developments.

 

Further career development steps should also be undertaken to ensure their knowledge and techniques are up the date with new methods and technologies. This includes going on regular training days in areas such as first aid, safe handling, breed workshops, alternative trims and keeping all equpitment and learning materials such a books, industry magazine subscriptions and DVDs current.

How do I know if my groomer is qualified?

Simply ask them. Most groomers will proudly display their qualifaction certificates (but remember to check they are a recognised qualification). You should also ask them if they regularly go to workshops, demo days, competitions and training days to keep they knowledge current. All of these things can be very expense and groomers can travel hours to get to them but a dedicated and professional groomer will always make the time to go.

If you don't feel comfortable asking your groomer directly, alternatively you can contact IPG or City and Guilds directly and ask if they can tell you if your groomer holds the qualification they are claiming too. Sadly some groomers will use official logos to deceive clients when they have not passed the exams. It's always best to double check if you are unsure. You wouldn't send your child to an unqualified and unregistered child minder so don't do the same for your pet.

Hayley currently holds the City and Guilds Certificate in Introductory Dog Grooming (Level 3) which she passed with Distinction and is currently working towards the City and Guilds Diploma for Professional Dog Stylists (Level 3).

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Frosty Weather - Protect Your Dog's Paws

It's extremely frosty and icy today and I can only imagine it will continue to get colder over the coming weeks. I took this picture outside The Parlour this morning after defrosting my water supply to my bath!

Please remember to take extra care when walking your dogs in this weather. Avoid gritted roads or pavements where possible and only walk on soft ground as the grit can be both painful and dangerous to dogs if stood on or ingested. 

The salt and grit commonly used to make the roads safe for cars can burn animal paws and poison them if licked off once home. 

To protect your dogs from any unnecessary discomfort please invest in a good paw wax to help seal their paws before walks. Rub a small amount of paw wax on each paw before you take them outside to act as a protective barrier (make sure you also get in between the toes!) and always wipe their paws throughly with a wet cloth or wash them in a bowl of warm water once you have returned home to remove any risidule grit or salt that could be trapped between the toes. 

At The Parlour we use natural products wherever possible and I particularly favour the Paw Pal Natural Paw Wax by Health Mutt.

It's made from 100% natural ingredients and is cruelty free. All Health Mutt products are handmade in the UK and this Paw Pal Wax has no added essential oil to it's formula, making it suitable for puppies, pregnant or nursing mothers and the most sensitive of dogs (or their owners). 

Keeping the hair around the feet and inbetween the paw pads short will make the process of applying the wax easier and you will be able to spot any sores or remaining grit more easily. Matted fur between the toes is also more common in cold, wet weather and this will help to eliminate that. Ask your groomer to do this at your next visit. 

Remember that there are also more dangerous and poisonous chemicals around at this time of year such as anti-freeze so please be extra vigilant when letting your pets outside.

Stay safe!

Booking Your Christmas Appointment

**Please note that we are now fully booked until December 5th.**

November and December are extremely busy months on the grooming calendar. If you would like your pet to be groomed before Christmas please book your appointment in now to avoid disappointment. We already have limited availability for December and our Bath & Dry only slots for Christmas Eve are filling up fast!

We have a special Christmas Grooming Menu with some fabulous festive treatments available too so please ask us about these in The Parlour when you come in for your appointment.

You can also book your pooch in for a Bath and Dry only on 23rd of December or Christmas Eve to ensure they are looking beautiful for your family Christmas photos.

If you would like to book in please call us on 07577 466996 or do so via the Appointment Request page on our website.

Merry Woofmas!

Hayley x

Should I Keep My Dog's Fur Longer in Winter?

Should I Keep My Dog's Fur Longer in Winter?

Due to popular belief, you might be doing your pooch more harm than good by trying to keep them in a longer coat for the winter season. Here's a few reasons you might want to consider before starting to grow your dog's fur out this winter...

- Dogs are domesticated animals and mostly live with us in our homes. Luckily for us, during the colder months our houses are heated. Dogs on average spend about 22 hours a day in their home environments. There's really no need for the extra warmth of a long fur coat and central heating unless they are living outside - It's much more efficient to keep your dog at a manageable length and buy a jumper or coat for when they are outside than to try and keep them in an unrealistic and unmanageable length. It will save you money in the long run!

- Longer fur is more prone to matting & knots especially in wet muddy weather. It becomes unmanageable for the owner and usually results in a shave-off and one very bald dog.

- Dogs don't sweat like us - they cool down/warm up by cool or warm air circulating through their knot-free and well groomed out coat. Which is more manageable for you? A shorter trim to keep knot-free and brush once a week or a longer coat that requires thorough daily grooming? 

- Longer coats take longer to dry. Imagine sitting in wet and muddy clothes for a few hours after you've been outside for a walk. It wouldn't feel very nice and you'd probably catch a chill. Well, it's the same for your pooch!

- Wet dogs famously don't smell very good! They are a bit stinky and will make a mess in your lovely house. Less coat = less mess!

- Soggy doggies are also more prone to getting nasties caught in their wet fur, such as brambles, twigs and leaves. These can be very difficult to remove and can lead to knots and matting if left untreated. If they scratch the skin, they could also lead to nasty infections. By keeping the coat long, you are effectively adding more surface area to pick up and collect all of these nasties.

I hope these reasons give you food for thought next time you are tempted to let your dogs fur grow out over winter. Usually this results in the pooch being shaved down after a few weeks or even months of the "growing out process" due to matting. By all means, if you have the time, money and dedication that it takes to keep your dog's in a full coat, especially during the challenging winter months, then go for it, but for most pet owners this simply isn't realistic.

Talk to your groomer and work with them to come up with a winter grooming schedule that works for both you and your dog. You can come up with a manageable length and style to keep your dog knot free but not bald, and you can even arrange a regular winter bathing schedule to keep them looking and smelly pretty as a picture!

There's no need to let your dog's fur grow out over the colder months. Winter is one of the most difficult seasons to manage grooming wise and you should try to make it as easy for yourself as possible by keeping your pet's coat clean and at a manageable length for you.

International Groomer of The Month!

I've got some good news, I've been entered into an International Grooming Competition. How exciting!

The Animology International Groomer of The Month Award is a highly acclaimed international grooming award from Animology - a well known pet grooming company.

I've been entered with my groom of the lovely Terry, a poodle cross who comes to me regularly.

There are two awards that I could win: The AIGOTM award is chosen by one of Animology's top grooming judges as being the best technical groom of the month.

Or there is the Animology International Groomer of the Month (Peoples Choice). This award is given to the entry that gains the most ‘likes’ on the relevant Facebook post within the calendar month.

Both winners receive a framed certificate and rosette and a rosette for the dog owner. Animology will also donate £150 (or equivalent) to each winning groomer's charity of choice.

If you have a facebook account, or know any friends or family that do all you have to do is click on the link attached and "like" the picture. Fingers crossed Terry wins! He's such a lovely dog and would be a very deserving winner.

I'll keep you all updated with our progress as the month progresses,

Hayley 

https://www.facebook.com/animology/photos/a.895683383794032.1073741884.207554885940222/895863890442648/?type=1&permPage=1

Hayley xo

What Services Should Your Dog Groomer Be Providing?

Dog Groomers can offer many different services, packages and products which include but are not limited to pet trims, shave-downs, hand-stripping and show trims.

Some groomers offer additional treatments such as spa services, flea baths and even creative grooming, but you should be educated about the services that your dog groomer is legally allowed to provide you with.

Did you know that It is actually illegal in the UK under the The Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966 for anyone other than a current member of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (AKA a trained, qualified and currently practising veterinary surgeon or veterinary nurse) to do certain cleansing procedures?

These cleansing procedures include 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. Any groomers offering these services for a fee are doing so illegally, without permission and with void insurance. For this reason, we do not offer these services.

Should your dog need any of the services mentioned above, please contact your local vet who will be happy to help.

How can I check of my pet is healthy?

As a responsible pet owner you should be completing regular visual health checks on your pet.

You can do this whilst grooming them and you should be checking the following areas:

 

Eyes - should be bright and clear. No discharge.

 

Nose - Should be wet and shiny. No discharge or cracking.

 

Gums & Teeth - Teeth should be white and clean. No rotten or loose teeth or signs of bad breath, redness or inflammation.

 

Ears - Should be clean and smell free. Check for build up of wax and hair.

 

Genitals - Area should be kept clean and free from discharge, inflammation, blood or growths.

 

Skin - Should be free from lumps, lesions & parasites. Dry, itchy or red skin may be a sign of an allergy.

 

Nails and Feet - Nails should be short and free from fungal infection. Paw pads should not be cracked or sore. Check for excess hair growth between toes which can cause irritation.

 

Please contact your vet should you have any concerns about your pets health.

 

 

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

 

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