Saturday, February 15, 2014

Flea & Tick preventatives

Please, when you decide to take your dog to the groomer, especially a home based business such as mine, to have your pet on a flea & tick preventative!  Not only does it benefit your pet, but it'll help in reducing other pets becoming infested.  It is best to do your own research on what will be best for you and your pet and to consult with your Vet.  I have my Bichon on a product called Revolution.  I love it!  She has never had a problem with fleas.  It is a topical treatment that also helps in preventing heartworms!  Which is great for me, because it's a 2 for 1 treatment.  I HIGHLY recommend staying away from flea collars.  Why?  Well, it's outdated for one.  Two, it only keeps fleas away from the head.  Which means, your pet's body can still become infested with fleas.  Pretty much making that product useless!  Third, and not really that important, but worth mentioning, it stinks!  Keeps a not so good odor on your pet..who wants that?  I know I wouldn't for my pet.  Also, you get what you pay for.  Pay $20 for 6 month supply, don't be surprised when your pet has fleas.  Pay $60 for a 6 month supply and it's more than likely to work better for you.  Most pet stores do carry topical treatments for flea &/ tick preventative.  Not all preventatives prevent against ticks.  Read the packaging to make sure you are getting what you are wanting to prevent.  Revolution, which is what I use, does not prevent against ticks, but I am okay with that.  I don't take my dog into wooded areas.  If you take your dog on hikes in the woods, I would recommend using a preventative with protection against ticks.  Like I said, when I started this post, do your research.  Don't just go off of what I am putting here.  Also, consult with your Vet. 

When treating with a topical treatment, treat 2 days before getting your dog groomed, no matter if it's just a bath at home or at a groom shop.  This will give the treatment time to settle in and make sure it won't be washed off.  If you are waiting to treat till after the groom, wait two days.  Why is that?  Well, when your dog gets a bath, their natural oils are stripped off of them.  It takes about two days for those oils to come back.  The oils is how the topical treatment spreads throughout their skin and is the most affective for your pet. 

Tuesday, February 11, 2014

Dog Grooming

Business will be located in O'Fallon, Missouri!

I've decided to get back into dog grooming!  I stopped for a year, but I have 4 years grooming experience!  I will be grooming out of my home, so appointments will be a must!  I am not open for business just yet.  I will open sometime mid-March.  Once I order the last of the necessary grooming equipment, I will be able to provide an Opening date!  I am super excited about this!  I do not have any crates, so if anyone has dog crates of ANY size they would be willing to donate, I will either offer you a discount or a free upgrade on your dog/ cat's groom!  Yes, I will be bathing cats.  I will NOT be shaving cats, unless there is knots on the cat that need to be shaved out.

I am doing a contest to name my business.  Email me at photogal314@aol.com with suggestions on what I could name my pet grooming business.  I will pick a winner on March 10th.  The winner will receive a FREE Bonus Spa package for their dog!  That will include upgrade on shampoo, conditioner, teethbrushing and decorative bow or bandana!

What comes in a basic groom package?  There are several options.  The first is the Basic Bath, with that... Your pet will receive a bath with the basic shampoo, blow dry, 15min of brushing and nail trim.  The next option is an Outline trim.  You'll get the basic bath package...PLUS 15 min of scissoring.  I'll neaten up areas on your dog but not take length off.  Then the LAST option is the Full hair cut option!  Includes everything in the Outline option, but this package I will be taking hair length off your dog.

Want more for your dog?  I offer nail filing, extra brushing, dematting, teethbrushing, extra scissoring, special shampoo, and conditioner!

Due to no dog crates at this time, I cannot hold your dog for long after groom is complete!  I am implementing a 30min completion policy.  This means, once I notify you, that your pet's groom is complete and he/ she is ready to be picked up, you must pick-up within 30minutes or there will be an additional $5 pet sitting fee for every 30min you are late, after the 30min period.  So if I call you at 3pm, you have till 3:30pm to pick up your furry friend.  Also, if you do not show up for a scheduled groom, you will be billed for at least 1/2 the price of the basic groom package you were requesting.  So, PLEASE when making your appointment, make sure you are going to be able to drop off and pick up in a timely matter.  That will be greatly appreciated!