Grooming FAQ
Here are the most common questions we get as groomers and some expanded knowledge about common pet grooming topics.
What is Matting and a "Reset Groom"
Matting is lots of tangles in the dogs fur. Sometimes they are minor and can easily be brushed out. Sometimes they are severe which can cause pelting. Where the bottom layers of fur have become stuck together. Pelted fur often comes off the dog in one long sheet of fur.
This is extremely painful for dogs and when the matting/ pelting comes off we can find a multitude of health concerns underneath. Ranging from just a little redness to open wounds, fleas, rashes among other issues. We take matting seriously here, but also understand that life doesn't always go as planned.
After we do a serious dematting groom which we call a Reset Groom, we will set a schedule in place so that this doesn't have to happen again. We will work with you and your life/budget to create a grooming plan that works with your lifestyle.
How often does my dog need its nails cut?
Dogs need their nails trimmed at least once a month. Long nails can impede how a dog walks, and can actually cause their paws to become deformed if left too long. They also can grow into the pads and cause puncture wounds. We will not trim a nail that is growing into a pad/caused a puncture, this is a procedure for vets.
If your dog has long nails, and long quicks, we recommend having their nails trimmed every week to 2 weeks in order to recede the quick so we can safely trim their nails as short as they should be.
Do you do Anal Glands?
We know this is a common procedure often done by groomers. It is of our belief that if your dog has anal gland issues it really is best to have a vet do the process as they were properly trained for medical procedures. Groomers are training in hair and fur maintenance. So we do not currently provide Anal Gland Services.
How Often Should my dog be groomed?
In most cases
A dog with hair that grows continuously- 4 to 8 weeks. 4-6 weeks for dogs with hair 1 inch or longer. 6-8 for dogs with a shorter hair cut.
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Double coated breeds- for the high maintenance Samoyed etcs every 6 weeks is recommended. For most breeds 6 to 12 weeks depending on the length of fur is good.
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Short Haired Breeds- every 12 weeks or more can be ok. If your dog sheds a lot i would recommend a 6 to 8 week schedule.
Why is Grooming more expensive than my haircut?
We love grooming, but it is a lot of work. While we are taking the time to make your dog look as adorable as possible, we are also checking your dog from nose to tail for any new health concerns, lumps bumps or warts. We are working with animals that don't necessarily understand that we are using sharp tools near their eyes and their skin.
It is important that the groomers are constantly working at growing and improving their skills and learning new information to ensure that we are giving your dog the best care we can.
In the end everything has gone up in price lately and in order for use to give the absolute most informed and best care to your dog we need to charge properly for it. If you are looking for a groomer and budget is your main concern there are groomers who cater to that. We want to find the clients who value a care focused grooming salon.
Plus I don't think your hairdresser is tidying up your sanitary!
How long will my dogs groom take?
At Primp & Paws, we put the dogs needs first over the people. That means that no matter what the dog's comfort and well being takes priority over everything else. Most dogs benefit from having the opportunity to take a break, lie down, drink some water, and go to the bathroom at points throughout their groom, it can be really overwhelming for them to stand still and have someone touch them for an extended period! We do group drop offs so that we have time to work with each dog and their needs. This means that your dog could be in and out quickly or could stay for 4 or more hours. If your dog has health or behavioural concerns that mean a straight through groom would work better for them please reach out and we'd be happy to discuss a plan that works for them!
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