Pet Grooming FAQ's
When can my puppy have their first clip?
We can see your puppy anytime after their first vaccinations are
completed (normally around 3 months). The evolution from a puppy to an
adult coat is wholly dependant on breed and a grooming regime will be
suggested to suit.
Can I prepare my dog for their first clip?
Whether for a puppy or an adult dog, the best way to introduce your
pet to grooming is with an orientation visit. The dog will be
introduced in a relaxed and fun way to the sights, sounds and smells of
the grooming salon ensuring that when they come in for their first trim
that we can minimise stress to the animal. These visits take around 20
minutes and are offered free of charge.
What should I bring?
- All dogs should arrive with a collar and lead.
- Please ensure that you inform us of any special needs, ailments,
problems, ongoing veterinary treatments, so that we can ensure the
comfort of your dog at all times – enabling us to avoid any sensitive
areas, supporting any injured or tired limbs etc. If in any doubt,
please check with your vet before booking an appointment.
- Please ensure that your dog is toileted before coming in.
My dog can be aggressive; can we still be clipped?
Keeping an animal calm is part and parcel of a groomer’s experience,
knowing how to handle and talk to your pet will solve 99% of problems.
Muzzles will be used only as a last resort and normally if required,
will only be applied for a very short part of the process. It is very
rare to find an ‘un-groomable dog’ but if we come across any serious
problems during a visit we will of course discuss them with you so we
can agree on a solution together.
We recommend you see www.rockwoodanimals.com for dog training and behaviour problems with your dog.
Can my old dog be clipped?
So long as we are fully aware in advance of their age and problems
we can ensure that they are made comfortable during their visit and
that the time spent with us is minimised. If in any doubt, please
consult your vet who will help you to decide whether there would be any
adverse risk in grooming your older dog.
How frequent should I have my dog clipped?
Frequency of grooming visits will depend on the breed of dog and your
choice of styling for your pet but the following will give you a rough
guide:
- Curly coated breeds such as Poodles and Bichons will benefit from regular visits every 6 to 8 weeks.
- Harsh or wiry coated breeds such as West Highland, Scottish, Wire
Fox, Airedale and Welsh Terriers, Schnauzers and Deerhounds, every 10 to
12 weeks.
- Long silky breeds such as Yorkshire and Maltese Terriers, Lhasa
Apsos, Shih Tzus, Afghan Hounds, Spaniels and Setters can vary between 8
and 12 weeks dependant largely on what degree of care is given by their
owners between grooming visits.
- Short coated breeds such as Dachshunds, Corgis, Pointers and
Labradors will normally benefit from a twice yearly visit for removal of
dead coat and a tidying up and treatment of face, ears, nails, ‘bits’
and paws.
- Double coated breeds such as the New Foundland, Great Pyrenees,
Husky, St.Bernard, Collies and Sheepdogs, between 2 and 3 visits per
year dependant on individual coats and between-visit coat care. Any
dogs regularly working outdoors or those who enjoy a particularly active
and muddy lifestyle may of course require more regular washing and
attention to ears, feet and paws.
What will the grooming involve?
A standard grooming session will include all/ some of the following;
ear hair removal, ear and eye cleansing, nail clipping, pre-cut with
scissors and/ or clippers, de-matting, de-knotting, dead hair removal,
clipping of unwanted hair from paws and genitals, washing, conditioning,
rinsing, high velocity drying, blow/ brush drying, finishing with
scissors/ thinners/ clippers, application of finishing products as
required/ requested.
*Please note that as professional groomers, we are legally obliged to
ensure that de-matting causes no unnecessary pain or suffering to your
dog. If it is clear that to remove the matts will take too long, we
will remove the affected part of the coat with clippers. Whilst this
may not result in the finish desired, the removal of the damaged coat is
the only pain-free solution to the most severe matting problems. Hair
will grow back, whereas leaving matts untreated can lead to more serious
issues.
I have a question which is not covered by the FAQ’s!
Either give us a ring on 02920 886623 or send us an email martin@rockwoodanimals.com and we will be glad to help.v