Frequently Asked Questions

here are some grooming guidelines and other valuable information

FAQs

Dogs should be groomed every 6 to 8 weeks.
Many factors can determine how often your dog needs grooming. Such as the length of the coat, the breed of dog and the desired style or cut.
If your dog has a short coat it is recommended he or she be bathed no less than once a month and no more than once a fortnight.
If your dog has medium – long coat is it recommended that he or she has a full groom every 4-6 weeks.
If your dog has a long coat is it recommended to have tidy up grooms monthly to prevent shaving off when matted. I offer this service. A long-coated breed must be brushed and combed as often as possible. Recommended 3 times per week at home.

As a dog owner you must ensure your dogs nails are trimmed every 2 months. Regular nail trimming will maintain a healthy foot structure and stop the nail quick (vein) from growing too long.
A dogs coat must not be washed more than once a fortnight, as too much bathing can strip the coat of its natural oils, these natural oils keep the coat strong, moisturised and glossy. It is recommended to bath your dog at least once a month.
A dogs ears must be cleaned regularly. Once a fortnight is recommended. I use natural ear cleaning products which are gentle and still have effective cleaning properties.
Double coated breeds should have a full professional brush out 4 times a year and should have a bath and blow-dry to remove excess hair every 4 weeks. For optimal coat maintenance/health.

There are many reasons why you should take your dog to a professional groomer on a regular basis. Here is why:
A regular groom can keep your pet feeling and looking comfortable. Regular grooming can achieve a soft, clean, shiny coat that bounces with the movement of your dog.
Grooming aerates the coat and ensures healthy growth.
Your groomer looks, feels, and checks every area of your dog, we can notice lumps, skin conditions, grass seeds, ear infections, nail infections, and injuries during a groom the owner may not have been aware of.
Grooming helps to keep grease levels down. A build up for grease can block skin pores can cause sebaceous cysts.
New owners need to be aware that grooming should be an enjoyable part of the dog’s life.

The amount of times you should brush your dogs coat per week can vary from coat length and coat type.
For medium to long coats, you can use a slicker brush or metal comb with wide teeth. Parting the hair in sections on a small area at a time will help eliminate matts from forming. The more you brush your dog the less knots and tangles will form in the coat.
The best place to start brushing your dog is at the bottom of the right hind leg and then work your way up the body.
Brushing your dog can be relaxing for both your dog and yourself. Most dogs enjoy and allow their owner to brush them. Lying you dog on the floor on their side can help them to settle and bond closer with you. If you cannot see the skin when parting the hair there is matting there.
Longer parts such as the ears, tail, and underarms should always be combed. These spots are the most likely to have matts.

A matted coat becomes painful and a great place for bacteria and fleas to grow.
Matted fur is uncomfortable for dogs because it pulls on their skin. Matts can lead to hot spots, irritated skin and eventual infection. They are difficult for the groomer to remove. In most cases it will need to be shaved off in small pieces.
One very important rule… If your dog is matted, do not bath it, this only makes the matts tighter
Dog owners should not attempt to cut matts out of their dogs either, I have seen some very nasty cuts and sliced ears due to owner trying to get the matts out, before they go to the groomer.
I will do my best remove matts, gently and slowly, preventing any discomfort to your pet.
Severely matted furbabies will take more time and may occur further costing to the groom.
Pre brushing your pet before coming to the salon will forfeit this cost.
The best way to prevent matting is to always comb you dog after getting wet and have a tidy up between grooms as the groomer can brush your dog properly and bath it without it matting.

At ‘All Breed Dog Grooming’ I offer a range of professional shampoo’s and conditioners to suit your dogs skin and coat type no matter the expense. I stock medicated shampoo’s and conditioner’s. For conditions such as; (Sensitive skin, Skin allergies, Itchy skin, Oily skin, Dandruff/Flakey skin, Flea shampoo)
Specific shampoo’s and conditioners for coat types. For example (Curly, Silky, Doubled coated, Wiry, Smooth)
I only ever use a PH balanced, sulfate and paraben free shampoo and conditioner on your dog.
Isle of Dogs Everyday Naturaluxury Shampoo range (Deep cleaning shampoo, Silky oatmeal shampoo, Keratin volume shampoo)
Essential dog shampoos and conditioners are mild, free from sulphates and soap free. Made from organic herbal extracts containing no pesticides, contain anti-irritant and antiseptic qualities. Essential oils are also used. More information on these products can be found at Essential Dogs.
I also offer South Barks Blueberry facial as additional service. This product is for those furkids that may have a problem with tear stains. Aromatherapy facial and massage, done during a bath. Brightens and whitens the face and head. Only $5.00!

The cost of services, differ depending on size of your pet and coat condition.
Type of groom you wish. E.g: Comfort Style, Half Style, Breed Style, Puppy Tidy Up, Bath & Tidy, Bath & Dry or De-shedding package, etc.
Coat condition, breed clips, brush out times will also contribute to costs. I will always try to keep to price given. Most of the time, I over quote and you will find that the true price will be given on meeting your fur baby.
Approximate pricing can be found on the grooming Services page.

If by chance, your furbaby comes to me with fleas. I will call and inform you at once.
Your pet will be bathed with Fido’s Fre-itch Pyrethrin Shampoo to kill existing flea’s. At a small additional cost.
I recommend a flea spot on treatment to be used after.
And information removing fleas from your pets environment.