Whether you’re a brand-new pet parent or just researching pet health and wellness, you might be curious about the ins and outs of pet grooming basics. We’ve got you covered and understand the curiosity—after all, we all want the best for our pets. Want to know more about routine pet grooming for your furry friends? Look no further—as we answer your most frequently asked questions about pet grooming here at Wags & Whiskers:
What do I need to do to get my pet ready for their visit?
This is one of the most important cat and dog grooming questions to ask. First, make a copy of your pet’s vaccination record and bring it with you when you come in for your appointment. Pets that aren’t up-to-date on their vaccines will have to come back another time, after they’ve been vaccinated. This is for the safety of all pets that visit us.
It’s also important to prepare your pet for all of the attention they’ll have when they’re here at the groomer’s. While we specialize in senior, aggressive, and anxious pets, it’s important to work with your pet to ease any anxiety they might have when it comes to grooming. You can do this by cuddling your pet, petting regularly groomed areas, and offering snuggles and small treats so your pets associate all that touching with a positive reward.
How often should my pet be groomed?
This is a very common pet grooming question that doesn’t have an exact answer—as it depends on your pet’s breed and coat. A good rule for pet grooming basics is: the longer the hair, the more often the pet should be groomed. We suggest professional pet grooming every six to eight weeks, but an active shorthaired dog who loves to roll in the dirt, for example, may need more frequent appointments at the salon than a relaxed pup who stays indoors most of the time. Be sure to speak with one of our technicians to create a pet grooming schedule.
Do you offer specialty pet grooming services?
Here at Wags & Whiskers, we do! We offer much more than your standard pet groomer, including plenty of specialty services that truly pamper your pet. Some of these services include “pawdicures,” massages, mud baths, and deep conditioning treatments, just to name a few. Be sure to check out our Services Page to learn more.
Do you provide flea and tick treatment?
Yes, we do treat your furry friends for flea and tick removal. Please let us know if your pet has fleas or ticks before bringing them in for their appointment. If a pet has fleas or ticks and this was not disclosed prior to the appointment, there will be an additional charge due to the increased risk of contaminating other animals. If you’re looking for a pest preventative, we do offer a flea & tick shampoo to help keep the pests away until your pet’s next grooming session.
How do you determine your prices?
Our fees reflect the expertise of our technicians, who are experienced both in their techniques and their ability to calm and connect with your pets. Our prices reflect our services, as well, which go above and beyond just bathing your beloved pets and trimming their fur. Even our most basic services and packages have a health-based focus that goes well beyond aesthetics. Additionally, our goal is to offer a comfortable, engaging, and relaxing environment that differs from the sterility found in most grooming facilities.
Do I need to schedule my appointment in advance?
Yes, please do! Our salon is in high demand, which means we tend to book our days well in advance. Many of our clients have standing appointments every few weeks, so scheduling last-minute can be more difficult. The sooner you schedule with us, the better the availability will be. While we will accept walk-ins when we have time, we can’t guarantee there will be an opening.
How long will the appointment take?
This depends on the grooming services you choose for your pet and your pet’s coat. Very basic services can be very quick—a nail trim, for example—may be finished in only 15 minutes. More involved and specialized grooming, however, such as bathing, brushing, haircuts, “pawdicures,” etc. can take several hours, depending on the package you choose. Our goal is to take the best care of your pet during their stay, so we’ll let you know as soon as they’re all finished and ready to be picked up.
Will my pets be kenneled before and after grooming?
If you aren’t here to be with your pet in the waiting area, your pet will be kenneled when not being groomed. Our kennels are quite comfortable, with state-of-the-art features, plenty of space, and access to water.
Can I help with my pet’s grooming session?
For safety reasons, we don’t allow pet owners to assist in grooming, but you’re welcome to be nearby, observing the process. We offer waiting and viewing areas so you can feel confident in our treatment of your pet.
Will you sedate my pet?
No, we don’t offer sedation services. We are also unable to accept pets who have been sedated for safety reasons. Please keep in mind that we are adept at working with animals that experience anxiety or are averse to grooming, so there’s a good chance we can work with your pet even if there are some concerns. Be sure to give us a call before booking if you have specialized concerns about your pet’s anxiety.
Do I need to bathe my pet between salon visits?
This depends on how often you see us. If you come in for monthly or bi-monthly visits, you’ll only need to brush your pet regularly unless they get extremely dirty. If you go longer between visits to see us, bathing at home is recommended, depending on the pet and breed.
Do you express anal glands?
Yes, we do offer anal gland expression in order prevent infection. We offer it as part of a few of our dog grooming packages or as an add-on service. Most dogs express their anal glands on their own and expressing them too often can cause their natural function to diminish. If you’re unsure if your dog requires this type of service, be sure to ask us to take a look.
We hope we’ve answered most of your FAQs about pet grooming here at Wags & Whiskers! If you have any other questions or would like more information about our pet grooming services, please give us a call at (520) 405-0077!