Policies
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Who is a New Client?
A client is considered new if their pet has not visited The Zen Pup Spa in the previous three (3) months or do not maintain at least 1 appointment.
Booking & Cancellation Policy
I require a $35 deposit to secure your first appointment. This deposit is always deducted from your pet's total bill on the day of service.
To Cancel or Reschedule: You must provide 48 hours' notice for cancellation or rescheduling to transfer deposit to another day or obtain a refund.
Deposit Forfeit: If you cancel or reschedule with less than 48 hours' notice, the deposit is forfeit, and a new $35 deposit will be required to book any future appointment.
Reminders: I help you avoid forfeiting your deposit by sending reminder texts and emails 1 week and 2 days before your appointment.
Mandatory Health & Safety
For the safety of all pets and staff, proof of current vaccinations is required for every dog entering the salon. A valid titer test or veterinary waiver will be accepted for Distemper/Parvo. Please have this documentation ready prior to your appointment.
Maintaining Current Client Status
To remain considered a Current Client and be eligible for any special promotions (including The Zen Maintenance Club) and privileges (waived appointment deposits), you must maintain a regular appointment schedule of every 4 - 8 weeks by pre-booking at least your next appointment at check out.
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Cancellation and Rescheduling Policy
To ensure I can accommodate all of my clients, I enforce a strict notification policy based on your client status.
Required Notice Time
Current Clients: Require 24 hours' notice for any cancellation or rescheduling.
New Clients: Require 48 hours' notice for any cancellation or rescheduling (this applies to the $35 deposit policy).
Late Cancellation Fees
For Current Clients (Less than 24-Hour Notice)
If you cancel or reschedule with less than 24 hours' notice, you will be assessed a $35 Cancellation Fee.
This fee must be paid before any new appointment can be booked.
Any future appointments you have already booked may be temporarily released to other clients on the wait-list until this fee is settled.
Please Note: I understand that emergencies happen. This fee may be waived in rare, extenuating circumstances at the Spa's discretion.
For New Clients (Less than 48-Hour Notice)
If you cancel or reschedule with less than 48 hours' notice, you will forfeit your $35 deposit.
A new $35 deposit will be required to hold any future appointment.
No-Shows and Frequent Offenders
Clients with a history of frequent late cancellations or "No-Shows" may be subject to additional booking requirements to continue service, which may include:
Requiring a deposit for the full estimated charge of the appointment.
Being referred to another salon better suited to your scheduling needs.
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Maintaining a Calm Environment
As a one-on-one, kennel-free facility, your dog receives my complete, undivided attention in a stress-free environment. To honor this commitment to every client, I rely on prompt arrivals and pick-ups.
Arriving for Your Appointment
If you anticipate being late, please notify me immediately.
Your Time Slot Matters: Arriving late compromises my ability to provide the next dog with the same relaxed, one-on-one experience.
If You Are 15 Minutes Late: If you arrive 15 minutes or more past your scheduled time, I may need to make immediate adjustments to your appointment. This could include reducing the services completed or, if it will impact the next appointment regardless, rescheduling your visit.
Missed Appointment Fee: Please note that any appointment I must reschedule due to a late arrival will be subject to my standard Late Cancel Fee.
Prompt Pick-Up
I prioritize a kennel-free experience, which means I have minimal space to hold dogs after their service is complete.
Completion Notification: I will text or call you when your dog's service is within 15 minutes of completion. Please inform me if you need more advanced notice.
Pick-Up Window: I kindly ask that you arrive within 30 minutes of receiving this notification.
Late Pick-Up Fee: To ensure a continuous calm flow in the facility, a $0.75-per-minute charge will be applied for every minute past the 30-minute grace period.
Thank you for partnering with me to keep this space calm, safe, and peaceful for all the dogs in my care!
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Many of my clients book out several months in advance or for the year, insuring they always have an appointment when they need it. Those booking in advance at specified intervals also enjoy special discounts and privileges.
I encourage all clients to book at least their next 3 appointments in advance as I may routinely need to close my books due to a lack of availability, especially during peak seasons.
If you have not booked in advance and my books are closed, I am happy to add clients to the waiting list and notify them of any unexpected openings.
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My primary focus is your dog's safety and comfort. Severe matting requires specialized procedures, which is why I enforce the following policy.
When is Matting Considered "Severe"?
Matting is considered severe when a #7 blade (leaving 1/8" of hair) or a shorter blade is required to safely remove the coat.
Higher Hourly Rate: Severe matting removal is performed at my specialized care rate of $85 per hour.
Why the Higher Cost?
Shaving a matted coat is a difficult procedure that carries a significantly higher risk than standard grooming.
Risk: Matting can hide parasites, fungal infections, hot spots, and necrotic tissue. The tight matting pulls on the skin, increasing the the likelihood of nicks or cuts during shaving. There is also an increased risk of Post-Grooming Furunculosis
Stress: This procedure is stressful for both the dog and the groomer.
Equipment: It causes excessive wear and tear on expensive, specialized equipment.
Mandatory Waiver
To proceed with a matted coat removal, I require a signature on two forms before the service begins:
A Liability Waiver acknowledging the risks involved in the procedure and the possibility of unavoidable injuries incurred during coat removal. This includes: Clipper rash, clipper scraps or nicks, any skin reactions to the process including bruising, immflamation, and ear hematomas.
A signed Commitment to Improvement agreeing to improve home maintenance and book a recurring grooming schedule to prevent future severe matting.
Without these signed forms, I cannot proceed with the appointment.
My "Two-Strike" Rule
To protect your pet from repeated stress and health risks, I enforce a firm "Two-Strike" policy regarding severe matting:
Strike 1:
The first severely matted shave down is required.
You must book at least 2 recurring grooming appointments at check-out (at 4, 6, or 8 weeks). Failure to book, cancellation, or a no-show of the next appointments will result in refusal of future services.
Strike 2:
A second severely matted shave down is required within a 12-month period.
Future services will be refused.
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At The Zen Pup Spa, my goal is to create a calmer, less stressful grooming experience for every dog. I prioritize the safety and mental well-being of your dog above all else.
A Calming Approach
I use force-free methods as often as possible to help dogs acclimate to the process:
Gentle Handling and Patience: My foundation is calm, patient, and compassionate care.
Sensory Aids: I'll utilize aromatherapy, calming music and scent work tins to distract and engage.
Positive Reinforcement: I use food rewards, play, baby talk or affection, depending on what your dog enjoys most, to create positive associations with grooming.
Safety Measures and Equipment
For the safety of all involved, I may use supportive tools when necessary.
Protective Gear: Tools like a grooming hammock, belly band, or cone collar may be used to provide gentle protection.
Muzzle Use: I do not use muzzles as it is not the model I strive for. Another grooming facility can be recommended if your dog requires a muzzle to be safely handled.
Time and Completion
The well-being of the dog dictates the pace of the groom.
Extended Time: Grooming a fearful or reactive dog may take longer as I allow the dog time to adjust to each step and give short breaks to decompress. This is why these services fall under our $85/hr Specialized Care Rate.
Incomplete Groom: For the dog's mental health and safety, and my own safety, I may not be able to complete the entire groom, especially if I'm working unassisted in the shop.
Groomer's Right to Refuse Service
Due to the extreme liability associated with dogs that exhibit intense fear or aggression, I maintain the absolute right to protect my safety and the dog's well-being.
Stopping the Appointment: I reserve the right to stop the appointment at any time if the situation is deemed unsafe for myself or the dog. Any time spent working with the dog, regardless of being able to accomplish anything, will be charged for.
Refusal of Service: I also have the right to refuse service at the door for any dog I can not physically lay hands on or if I feel the appointment will be unproductive.
Commitment to Rehabilitation
I am willing to work with owners on rehabilitating dogs with high grooming anxiety or aggression. However, for this to succeed, it requires significant patience, consistency, and flexibility, as well as an investment on the owner's part to maintain a dedicated training and grooming schedule. Without this personal commitment from pet parents I cannot promise long term improvement or continued service.
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I am happy to accept dogs of all ages and with varying health needs. My priority is always providing a safe, calm, and stress-free experience for your pup.
Required Disclosure and Handling
To ensure the utmost safety, owners are required to disclose all health issues, disabilities, and any required special handling when appointment is booked.
Please note that due to the increased time and specialized techniques required in some cases, a special handling appointment may be charged at the $85/hr Specialized Care Rate.
Specific Health Conditions
If your dog has health conditions that pose a risk during grooming, such as heart disease, diabetes or a history of seizures, the following is mandatory:
Waiver: You must sign a specialized liability waiver acknowledging the risks involved with grooming sensitive pets.
Owner Proximity: The owner must remain in the general area (e.g., in your car, in salon or in the neighborhood) for the duration of the service in case a medical episode occurs.
Medical Emergency Protocol
In the event of a medical emergency during the appointment:
I will immediately attempt to contact you using the provided emergency numbers.
If I cannot reach you, I will seek emergency medical care at the nearest available veterinary clinic as deemed necessary.
All expenses incurred for emergency veterinary care are the sole responsibility of the pet owner.
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The Zen Puppy Acclimation
Early, positive exposure to grooming is essential for a dog's safety and lifelong comfort. I am committed to making your puppy's first experiences fun and low-stress!
When to Start
Puppies may begin their acclimation journey with me after receiving their second round of core vaccinations, which is typically between 8 and 12 weeks old.
Imperative for Success: It is critical that young dogs begin a regular grooming schedule (every 4, 6, or 8 weeks) as soon as possible.
Adult dogs with little or no experience often become the most stressed, most difficult, and most expensive to groom, putting them at higher risk for grooming-related injuries.
A Gentle First Groom Approach
I treat every puppy's first visit as a fun, low-pressure introduction to the spa experience. My goal is always a positive association.
Positive Reinforcement: I use plenty of silly voices, treats, and toys, introducing each part of the process slowly and patiently.
The First Visit: The very first appointment may only include a bath, gentle blow-dry, and a nail trim. This depends entirely on your puppy's reaction to each step.
Gradual Exposure: I may also attempt to shave paw pads, trim feet and fanny, and an eye trim, but I will not force any procedure to the point of distress. If the puppy, has reacted well to these experiences, I may attempt a full haircut if desired.
Patience is Key: At each subsequent appointment, I am typically able to accomplish more. We need to prioritize patience when acclimating your puppy to something they will need regularly for the rest of their life to avoid the pitfalls of them being poorly adjusted later.
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For the safety of any staff and all client dogs, strict adherence to the vaccination policy is required.
Required Vaccinations
All dogs entering The Zen Pup Spa must be current on the following:
Rabies: Mandatory—This is required by state law.
Distemper/Parvo (DHPP): Mandatory—Required for entry.
I highly recommend a yearly Bordetella(Kennel Cough) vaccine for all clients, but it is not currently mandatory for service.
Acceptable Proof of Vaccination
A veterinarian or shelter-issued document showing the date the vaccination was given and the expiration date is required.
Preferred Proof: Vaccination Certificate or Receipt is the preferred method for all vaccines.
Alternative Proof (Distemper/Parvo Only): A Current Titer Test or a Veterinarian-Signed Waiver is accepted in lieu of the Distemper/Parvo vaccine only.
Unacceptable Proof: A Rabies Tag is not accepted as adequate proof of vaccination. It can not always be quickly verified.
Consequences of Non-Compliance
If your dog is not up-to-date, or you can not supply proof of mandatory vaccinations or titer/waiver on the day of the appointment, the service cannot be performed and you will be required to reschedule:
Current Clients: Must reschedule and will be assessed the $35 Late Cancellation Fee.
New Clients: Must reschedule, will forfeit the initial deposit, and a new deposit is required to book a future appointment
I will always give you advanced notice and reminders if your dogs vaccinations are expired in our system, or will be expired by the next appointment. It is your responsibility to insure to up date them as appropriate.
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It is my greatest wish that all dogs feel calm and confident during their grooming experience. I recognize that this can be a long journey requiring dedication and patience from both the pet parent and myself.
My Goal: Calm, Confidence, and Safety
While my goal is to help your pup achieve a calm state for grooming where medication is not needed, I understand that medication can be a useful tool to reduce anxiety. I might occasionally recommend you speak to your vet about medication options.
Required Disclosure: Please let me know in advance if your dog will be medicated for their appointment and provide the name of the medication.
Groomer's Right: Please note that medication is not a cure for fear or aggression, and may have little impact on their behavior and reactions. I retain the right to end any appointment at any time if I feel the situation is unsafe or the dog is in distress.
Medication Safety Requirement
To ensure your dog's safety while in my care, I have a strict policy regarding medication:
Trial Period Required: I will not groom any dog if this is the very first time you have given them this medication.
Owner Responsibility: You must know how your dog responds to the medication and verify there are no adverse reactions before the appointment. I must be informed of the dog's typical reaction before the service begins, so I can recognize if an adverse reaction occurs.
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For the health and safety of staff and all client dogs, I require that all dogs entering The Zen Pup Spa be in general good health and free of external and internal parasites.
Eligibility for Service
All dogs must be current on required vaccinations or have an accepted waiver or current titer test from their veterinarian (as detailed in our Vaccination Policy).
Any dogs found to have fleas, ringworm, mange or intestinal parasites must be immediately picked up. A $25 decontamination fee will be assessed in addition to charges for any services rendered.
Dogs with chronic, non-contagious health conditions are welcome, provided these conditions are disclosed to me in advance.
When to Reschedule
Dogs showing any sign of active illness must be kept home. Please monitor your pet and reschedule your appointment promptly once they are feeling better.
Unexplained sneezing or coughing
Unexplained lethargy or labored breathing
Active vomiting or diarrhea
Presence of open wounds or unexplained rashes
Unspayed females who are currently in a heat cycle
Any dog found to be ill will be turned away at the door or promptly called for pick up. A $25 decontamination fee will be assessed to clients who knowingly bring sick dogs into the facility.
Timely Rescheduling
Please refer to our Cancellation Policy for details on avoiding late cancellation fees when rescheduling due to illness. Fee may be waived at my discretion
FAQ
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At The Zen Pup Spa, "All-Inclusive" means no complicated packages, and no upcharges for products or special services—ever. All you pay for is my time.
I'm a dog person, not a salesperson, and I believe your pup deserves the best of everything without the hassle of selling you on it. I include every premium service and product needed to keep your dog looking and feeling great.
SoWhat's Included?
Whether your dog needs a deep clean or a little spa luxury, it's covered by my transparent hourly rate.
If your Husky needs deshedding shampoo and teeth brushing, it's included.
If your Mini Doodle would like a paw balm, and her nails painted purple, with her haircut, it's included.
My Transparent Promise
All you pay for is the time it takes to complete the services requested, ensuring you only receive—and pay for—the highest quality, personalized care.
The clock starts when your dog gets in the tub and ends when they get off the table when the service is complete. I do not charge for time I take to set up, pause to eat a snack or use the restroom, the clean up after or during the service, unless it pertains to biological decontamination, ie your pup had a potty accident.
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True One-on-One Grooming means one dog, one dedicated groomer, with no stressful waiting or distractions. Some salons call this an express groom and may charge as much as 50% more for the personalized service.
One-on-one grooming is personalized, less traumatizing, and often faster.
The Low-Stress Difference
My commitment to a peaceful environment means a better experience for your dog and you:
No Kennel Waiting: I do not double-book or purposely book overlapping appointments. You won't find stressed, barking dogs waiting hours in kennels for their turn.
Controlled Environment: I carefully coordinate my schedules, with the goal of no more than 2 (1 being worked on, 1 awaiting pick up) in the salon at any given time.
Total Focus: This model enables me to control the environment and ensure a more peaceful, low-stress experience. Your dog is the total focus of their appointment time.
Safe Space to Wait: Large dogs waiting for pick up are secured in a cozy corner by the desk. Small dogs may be placed in a playpen. Alternatively, if there are no other dogs present, your dog is free to sniff around the salon
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Since no two dogs are alike—even within the same breed—it's difficult to offer a flat base rate that is truly fair to all clients and the groomer.
The Problem with Flat Rates
Many salons avoid posting prices due to the mental gymnastics required to calculate individual estimates. Or they provide general quotes that differ wildly from the final bill due to:
Unexpected Fees: Flat rates often lead to the need for added charges to account for coat condition, behavior or pets larger than the standard. Necessary items like premium shampoos, deshedding treatments, teeth brushing or nail buffing are often up-charged
The Fairness of Hourly Pricing
Charging by the hour ensures the fairest pricing for every single dog:
You Only Pay for Time Used: Unlike flat-rate salons where all dogs of a certain size or breed start at the same base price regardless of time or effort required, you only pay for the time your dog is actively being cared for. Some large dogs take the same amount of time as a small dog! Imagine that!
True Transparency: A transparent hourly rate eliminates the complicated packages, upcharges and surprise fees common in the industry. I never upcharge for necessary services or products and you are never charged for interruptions during the appointment.
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Since pricing is fully based on the time required, these general estimates help you anticipate the cost of your pet's appointment. Personalized care can be less than you expect in the hands of an experienced professional.
Spa Bath Estimates
Most Spa Baths fall into the $75 range or less, depending on coat density.
1 Hour or Less: Most dogs with smooth or medium length coats typically take 60 minutes or less, regardless of size.
90 Minutes or Longer: Only the most dense or difficult coats (e.g., Samoyeds, Newfoundlands, certain Huskies, long coated Doodles) or dogs with extreme behaviors, typically require 90 minutes or more.
Spa Bath & Haircut Estimates
The time required for a Spa Bath plus Haircut is highly personalized and depends on several factors:
Dog-Specific Factors: Your dog's size, coat type, and coat condition (matted vs maintained). Well Maintained coats are dramatically easier to work with and thus a faster, less expensive appointment.
Experience & Comfort: Your dog's comfort level and prior experience with grooming can have a heavy impact on timing.
Style: The complexity of your desired haircut (e.g., long and blended or shaped vs. short and simple).
For a more targeted quote, please contact me via phone/text/email directly so I can discuss your dog's specific needs.
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Welcome to Private Grooming
While many multi-groomer salons offer one-on-one attention these days, the reality is often multiple dogs and groomers sharing a single space.
In this setting, dogs easily mirror and amplify each other's stress, making the experience no less overwhelming than a high-volume shop that double or triple books.I am a single groomer shop. One on one is all I do and I do not double book. Occasionally, appointments may overlap slightly if a pup requires more time than anticipated.
To maximize your pup's comfort, I actively and passively encourage relaxation using:
Relaxation Tools: Soft music, calming pheromone diffusers, aromatherapy, and therapeutic massage.
Enrichment: lick mats, toys, and the curiosity-piquing smells in scent work tins.
I’ve designed every detail to ensure your dog’s grooming session is a peaceful, positive experience.
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To Get the Perfect Cut:
Drop-off Consultation: I will discuss your desired cut in detail. Bringing example pictures of a similar dog or a past cut you liked is extremely helpful! I can also provide feedback on what look is best for your dog's coat and body structure, and inform you if their current coat condition will impact your desired style.
Choosing Your Groomer: Like most artists, different groomers have different specialties and styles. It's perfectly fine to ask for portfolio examples or a consultation before booking to ensure you find the right match for you and your dog. I encourage you to inspect my portfolio on instagram for dogs similar to yours, for the best idea what I may be able to do for you.
Check-Out and Adjustments: At pick-up, I will ask you to look over your dog to confirm you are satisfied. I'm happy to make minor adjustments at that time.
If the hair is shorter than desired (and your dog was not matted), I can only make a note to go longer on your next visit.
However, I tend to err on the side of longer when the client is uncertain what they want. I can always take more off, but I can't put it back on!
Important Policy: I do not offer refunds or discounts for haircut styles that do not meet your expectations despite my best efforts. This is why it is essential to be very specific at drop-off and inspect your dog closely at pick-up.
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While I understand the desire to stay, in some cases the owner's presence can often make the grooming process harder.
You are naturally your dog’s center of focus, making it more difficult for me to gain their attention and establish the bond needed to safely and comfortably complete the service.
However, this is not always the case. We can always give it a try. You are welcome to wait for your pup in the comfortable lobby lounge area while I work on your pup.
If you have any concerns about the appointment, please let me know! I'm happy to schedule an in-person or phone consultation to discuss them beforehand.
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I understand that policies like this can be frustrating, but they are essential to maintaining operations and caring for other clients.
1. No Shows/Late Cancels Harm Business: Did you know that upto 50% of new clients no show? Requiring deposits to hold appointments has become commonplace in the industry because of this. No shows/Late cancels directly impact employee wages and increase business costs.
2. Respecting Other Clients: When an appointment is missed, it's not just a blank spot on the schedule. It means a client on the waitlist lost the opportunity to get their pet groomed simply because I didn't have enough notice. Requiring a deposit encourages early notification so I can serve the next pet in need.
I appreciate your understanding that this policy allows me to continue to serve all my clients efficiently
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I’ve always been passionate about working with the full spectrum of canine breeds. While I certainly love the popular Doodles of today, my experience extends far beyond!
Whether you want a breed-standard trim on a scottie or a completely custom style—like a fabulous mohawk and handlebar mustache—I’m excited to create that for you. Bring me your vision, and I’ll bring it to life!
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Flea Baths
I cannot accommodate or treat dogs with fleas
De-Skunking Baths
I do not provide de-skunking baths at this time.
Hand Stripping
I may use carding techniques to improve texture of clipper cuts on certain coat types but I do not do full hand stripping.
Cord Separation
I do not do cord separation or maintenance on corded breeds in full coat.
Cat Grooming
I do not offer cat grooming at this time.
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Consistency Matters
Grooming frequency is often tailored to the dog, ranging from 4 to 8 weeks depending on coat type, desired length, activity level, and skin issues.
I strongly recommend a 6 week schedule for most every dog, regardless of breed.
Why?
Because consistency is key to skin health and comfort.
Every dog—from the short-haired French Bulldog to the long-haired Collie—benefits from regular, professional care:Environmental Relief: Premium shampoos gently and effectively remove accumulated environmental contaminants and allergens.
Skin Renewal: Regular grooming removes the buildup of dead skin cells and old excess oils, allowing the skin to breathe and stay properly moisturized.
Shedding Control: Routine bathing and brushing effectively remove dead undercoat and loose hair, drastically reducing shedding between visits and preventing matting.
A regular routine at 4-6 weeks helps keep your dog's coat and skin in optimal health as a baseline, and potentially prevent or lessen skin issues.
At 8 weeks and beyond, appointments are more about getting back to that optimal baseline and repairing varying degrees of coat and skin damage. The longer they go, the more work it is to get back to excellence and the more expensive the appointment becomes. -
Understanding the high maintenance Doodle Coat
The beautiful Doodle coat is a combination coat and requires consistent care, particularly when kept at lengths over 1/2".
To prevent painful matting and keep grooming appointments positive and stress-free, I recommend owners to commit to a partnership:Daily Brushing: Thorough, daily at-home line brushing is non-negotiable. These daily sessions can be broken up by addressing different sections each day.
Regular Grooming: Appointments should be scheduled every 4 to 6 weeks.
If your dog is brought in on an 8-week or longer schedule while attempting to keep a longer length, they often present with various degrees of matting. Especially if you’re unable to keep up with the demanding brushing routine at home. These mats typically begin in sensitive areas like the ears, tail, neck, chest, and legs.
Mats at 8+ Weeks: May be partially or fully brushed out, incurring an additional expense for the time consuming task and extra discomfort for the dog.
Mats at 12+ Weeks: Matting in these common areas is typically too dense and widespread to safely remove by brushing, making a complete or partial shave-down the only humane option.
Coats kept under 1/2” can often go 8 weeks or slightly longer without major issue, but still require regular brushing as the coat grows out or on any areas kept long, such as ears and tail.
A note on de-matting:
Dematting damages the hair (think split ends and broken hair shafts) making the area more prone to matting and will require even more vigilance in brushing. Dematting can easily become a vicious cycle for you and your doodle.
To limit discomfort, and coat and skin damage, I do not demat any single area for more than 5 min at a time, and no more than 30 min total for all dematting. Be mindful that brushing out a hunk of mats in a tail or on an ear can easily take 20-30 min alone, much less both ears and tail and this area or that.
Learn Brushing & Coat Care Techniques From a Pro:
Zen Pups Brush Lessons can help you gain the skills to maintain a longer Doodle coat.
Each 30 Min Session Includes:
Demonstration, personalized tips and tricks, along with hands on learning.
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Post-Grooming Furunculosis is a bacterial skin infection that can develop on a dog's skin following grooming procedures. It is a condition where bacteria are introduced to the skin, often in an area that has experienced mild trauma or irritation during the grooming process or via an area of pre-existing compromised skin.
The most common bacterium involved is Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
What are the main causes and risk factors?
The infection is primarily caused by bacteria entering the skin through minor damage.
Common Causes:
Trauma to the skin during grooming, especially from excessive brushing or de-matting.
Allowing contamination from grooming products, water, or the environment to penetrate the dermis
Risk Factors:
Dogs with dense or matted coats, requiring excessive brushing, de-matting and/or a matted shave down
Dogs with particularly sensitive or pre-existing skin issues.
Use of harsh or contaminated grooming products.
What are the symptoms?
Red, raised, and extremely painful bumps or pimples on the skin.
Pus or discharge from the lesions.
Hair loss in the affected area.
Systemic signs like fever and lethargy.
How is it diagnosed and treated?
A veterinarian visit is ALWAYS required. This cannot be diagnosed or treated at home!
Diagnosis is made through a physical examination and confirmed with skin cultures.
Treatment involves a veterinarian prescribing antibiotics and recommending topical antiseptics or medicated shampoos.
It is crucial to avoid further grooming until the infection has completely cleared.
My Commitment to Prevention
I prioritize the health and safety of your dog. My strict standards and professional practices are designed to prevent Post-Grooming Furunculosis:
Regular Tool Disinfection: I meticulously disinfect all grooming tools between every dog. Including brushes, combs, clipper blades and shears. This eliminates the risk of bacterial cross-contamination from the environment or other pets.
Scheduled Grooming: I insist on regular grooming schedules. This helps avoid having to "over-brush" or demat matted coats, which significantly reduces the risk of skin trauma.
Fresh Shampoo Use: I only premix shampoos immediately before use for each dog. This prevents bacteria from contaminating sitting, pre-diluted shampoo solutions, ensuring only clean, fresh product touches your dog's skin. At end of the day all bottles are soaked in a cleaning solution and thoroughly rinsed.
Quality Professional Products: I only invest in the highest quality products from leaders in the industry that are transparent with their ingredients and backed by science.
Gentle Techniques: I utilize gentle techniques, such as not brushing tangles directly against the skin and avoiding a heavy hand when deshedding. I am particularly cautious with dogs that are known to have sensitive skin.
