Question 1

Do I need to do anything in preparation for the groom?

Accepted Answer

Grooming is a long process.  Please walk your dog before the groom to give them the chance to go to the toilet and burn off some energy so they will be far more comfortable.

Question 2

When can my puppy come for its first groom?

Accepted Answer

Your pup can be groomed as soon as they have had their first two rounds of vaccinations, usually by around 12 weeks old.  Ideally, your puppy will be gently introduced to grooming and the salon as soon as possible to help them build their confidence. A common myth as that you must not trim your pup until they are six months old and that it will damage the coat.  This is not true, and in some particularly fluffy pups like poodle mixes, may result in hidden matting under the soft top fur, which may result in an unwanted shave-down, so it is best to book your pup in early.

Question 3

Can I stay and watch during the groom?

Accepted Answer

Your dog loves you and is likely to be excited by your presence, it may wiggle and try to get to you, which puts both the dog and groomer at risk.  They can also sense your anxiety so may become anxious themselves.  For this reason, I do not allow owners to stay during the groom.  I want to be able to give my full attention to your pup!

Question 4

I have multiple dogs, can they come together?

Accepted Answer

My salon is very small and there isn't enough space to provide a quiet place for dogs to wait.  They would have to stay in a crate, listening to the noise of the dryers and sounds and smells of the bath.  I am working with very sharp tools on a moving animal, so I want to be able to give my full focus to the dog on the table.  So whilst it may be more convenient for you to bring dogs together, it is likely to be less safe and more stressful for your dogs and for myself.  Each of your dogs is worthy of my undivided attention, so I ask you to bring them separately.  I appreciate that this means I will not be the right groomer for every household.

Question 5

My dog has fleas, can it still come to be groomed?

Accepted Answer

Please do not bring your dog if you know it has fleas. They are very easily spread, and it would require me to cancel any further bookings for the day in order to decontaminate the room. If your dog is found to have fleas during the groom, a surcharge will be added to go some way towards paying for the costs incurred.

Question 6

What happens if I am late to collect my dog?

Accepted Answer

Roxy Paws is an exclusive-use salon, meaning that your dog will be the only dog in the salon.  If you are late to collect your dog, this means that the next appointment may be delayed so that they can also get the same exclusive treatment.  For this reason, if you are more than 15 minutes late collecting your dog, there will be a late collection fee added.  You will be given an approximate timeframe when booking and you will be notified shortly before your dog is ready to collect.  Please plan accordingly.

Question 7

My dog has bitten before/is aggressive, can they still be groomed?

Accepted Answer

Yes, but it is VERY important that you inform me before the groom for the safety of both the dog and the groomer. Please see our Terms and Conditions for more details.  I work alone, and if I do not believe it is safe, I will discontinue the groom.  The full fee of the groom will still apply, so please think carefully if you believe your dog will require multiple groomers or alternative provisions.

Question 8

How often should my dog be groomed and brushed?

Accepted Answer

This will depend on the coat of the dog and can be discussed after the groom.  Most dogs benefit from daily brushing to prevent matting, remove loose coat and to check for things like grass seeds or anything that might be hiding under the fur.  It's also a great way to bond with your pup!

Question 9

Do you express anal glands or pluck ears?

Accepted Answer

No, as changes to the law have defined these as invasive procedures, and must therefore only be undertaken by a vet. Ear hair may be trimmed, but not plucked.  Your vet may show you how to do this safely at home.

Question 10

How long will the groom take?

Accepted Answer

This will depend on the coat and service, but it will be between one and three hours. You will be advised of the approximate duration at the time of booking.  I will send a complimentary text message once the groom is nearly complete.

Question 11

Do you use drying cages?

Accepted Answer

No, all dogs are dried by the groomer and will never be left unattended during the drying process.

Question 12

Do you do teeth cleaning?

Accepted Answer

No.  Offering teeth cleaning gives a lot of people the false impression that an ultrasonic teeth clean once every 6-8 weeks is enough.  It isn't, and it can lead to hidden problems.  Your dog's teeth need to be cleaned regularly.  Ultrasonic toothbrushes are great if used every couple of weeks at home, or alternatively, an enzymatic tooth gel a few times a week is a great option.

Question 13

Do you offer hand-stripping?

Accepted Answer

I am not providing hand-stripping services at this time.

Question 14

Do you work with giant breeds?

Accepted Answer

I am not working with giant breeds at this time.

Question 15

What's the one thing you wish all dog-owners would do?

Accepted Answer

Handle your dog's feet regularly!  Check for grass seeds and other debris, check their nails, and just give them a little massage!  This makes grooming so much happier for most dogs!