Spring cleaning is traditionally a home chore to prepare for the warmer season. It is time to get rid of the dust, grime, clutter, and debris that has collected over the cold months and make things lighter and brighter. Applying the concept to your grooming space can be a pleasant and practical way to prepare for our industry's typically hectic time of year.
I receive many questions about the different types of masks that can be used in the therapeuticprocess. Masks in general should be used as the first step in any skin regimen, while masks are not needed every time you bathe a pet, they can provide relief from dryness, lifting toxins from the skin and coat, or neutralizing the pH of the skin in preparation for a medicated shampoo.
Sometimes, we find a tool that changes the way we work for the better. It has been almost two decades since I was introduced to such a tool, the Groomers Helper. The starter kit for the Groomers Helper system has become a steadfast companion to me as I work on almost every dog, every day.
You have brushed, you have combed, you have fretted, but still, there are strange little wispy, fuzzy patches on the dog you are grooming. You know the ones I mean; you have seen them on Golden Retrievers, some Spaniels, Setters, or mixes with similar coats. They are the patches of unusually textured, soft, dull fur that show up on the fronts of the legs, the sides of the thighs, or the ears and maybe cheeks of some of these breeds.
If you live in a climate that experiences winter weather, your phone may be starting to ring now that warmer weather is here with frantic pleas for help with pets that have met a skunk. In cold climates, skunks spend the winter in a sleepy state called torpor. In the spring, they awaken and search for food and a mate.
Sometimes, dogs must be clipped smooth, also known as shaving. Occasionally, it is by owner request; often, it is because there is no other humane way to rid the pet of a matted, neglected coat. It is often not a groomer’s favorite thing to do, but sometimes shave we must. Here are some tips and tricks to accomplish the job as safely and attractively as possible.
One of the most overlooked steps to pet skin care is the clay mask. Economical and easy to find, the clay mask is an important step in helping to balance the skin of an affected pet. There are so many different clays to choose from, there is bound to be one or two that play well with your water.
Last week, a regular customer told me she'd been having some significant health issues and wanted to add a little happiness to her life. Could I please color her Bichon's tail pink? You bet I can; I will the next time she comes in.
The past few years have seen a “Spa” boom in the pet industry. We all want to care for our pet friends in luxury and many pet owners are willing to pay extra for services and products that pamper them. As we all know, marketing can be a very powerful tool, however, marketing alone does not always bring success. If the perception of services does not match the quality or value of the increased costs, the consumer is left disappointed and perhaps reluctant to try again somewhere else.
Pet groomers face seasonal challenges as winter loses its grip on much of the country. Get ready for mud, mats, and bugs now to prepare for the coming weeks. For starters, grooming customers who are not on a regular schedule tend to notice that their pets need grooming in the spring, so our calendars get extra busy. These not-so-frequent visitors, as well as the regularly planned dogs, may present you with the following problems to tackle.
