Airport Groomers FAQ

We have provided you with an extensive FAQ, for more answers or any queries, please contact us for more information.

Do you muzzle dogs?
Do you sedate dogs?
Can I stay whilst my pet is being groomed?
Are you insured?
What happens if my dog has an allergic reaction?
My dog has never been groomed before, what can I do to help?
What equipment do you use?
What qualifications do you have?
Are you mobile? Do you come and visit our homes?
What are your opening hours?
Can you recommend any products?

MATTING – Information & Prevention FAQ

Matting is Painful!
What if I can't get the mats out?
How can I keep my pet mat free?
I have the tools, now what do I do?
I Found A Mat!
Why did my pet become matted?
Why not just take the dog to a Groomer?

You may not be aware of it, but mats are a serious problem and can be detrimental to your pets well being. Pets left in a matted condition are usually ignored or neglected by their owners, often un- intentionally. Many owners do not understand how wretched this condition makes their pet. Often people obtaining a puppy are not aware of how much time and care is required to properly maintain their chosen breed.
The pets may chew, dig at themselves and suffer greatly if the mats are not removed. Mats can become so tight it can tear the skin and cut blood circulation off to areas that are affected. Matting can also restrict the pet’s movement, creating a veritable straightjacket. Some pet owners think that because the dog is chewing and scratching there must be a flea or skin problem.... but not always, many problems can result from or be aggravated by the presence of mats. Often Matting will also hide other problems, Sores, infections, cuts and maggots often result from un-maintained coats.

Why did my pet become matted? Quite simple. The pet’s coat has not been properly cared for. Many pet owners do not take the time to maintain there pets coats. Often they do-not understand or have been not been advised how to properly comb and brush their pet. Combing and brushing needs to be done on a regular basis, and the pet should be taught from puppy hood to accept grooming as part of its daily routine. A dog or cat cannot brush himself or herself, and home care is a part of the responsibility one accepts when owing a companion animal.

Matting is Painful! Imagine how your head would feel if your hair was matted. Imagine trying to brush those mats out. Now imagine how your pet feels. But on pets, the matter is worse, as mats occur in the groin area, in armpits, around tails - all areas that move when the pets move, and the hair is constantly being tugged - ouch! Pet’s skin is just as sensitive as our own skin.

What if I can't get the mats out? If the mats are not brushed out before they become too tight to remove safely, they will eventually become an extreme health hazard to your pet. In the worst case, the mats can rip the skin. Wetting the pet will just make it worse, and the mats will weave tighter and pull harder on the skin. The only humane way to remove mats at this stage is to have the pet shaved. Even then, the pet will be at risk from clipper burn and possible nicks from the clipper blades as mats are usually very close to the skin. This is especially dangerous for puppies. NEVER try to remove mats with scissors, as the skin can be easily cut open unintentionally. Fleas and ticks can hide under matted coats making their extermination almost impossible, if the mats cover the 'private' areas, urine and faeces will be pressed against the skin or stick in the coat, causing further irritation and possible infection and rotting of the coat and skin.

How can I keep my pet mat free? The amount of coat care will depend on how much coat your pet has. Medium to long coats and those with more undercoat will require more attention than short coats. Even short coats need some kind of attention. The proper tools are essential. The Basic tools required for most coats consist of:
1.        A metal comb, preferably stainless steel.
2.        A slicker brush
3.        A high quality de-mat spray with silicon.

Depending on your particular breed other tools may be recommended. These tools should be available from a local Pet Supply store or online. Always ask the groomer which tools and brushes to use at home on your particular breed in between visits to the groomer.

I have the tools, now what do I do?
On most breeds it is recommended to start at the bottom of the feet and pushing the coat up with one hand begin using the slicker to brush the coat below with your other hand, the slicker should be used to pull down a small bit of hair at a time, brushing all the way to the skin. Work your way up using this method. Once you have gone over the entire coat you can then use the comb to run though the coat and find any tangles and knots you have missed. Make sure that you can part the coat to the skin with the comb. Many people spend plenty of time brushing there dog only to find that they have merely been brushing over the top and the coat they though was well brushed is in fact solidly matted near the skin.

I Found A Mat!
Now is when you use a little elbow grease and ALOT of care. Mats are usually in delicate areas, and since they were formed, they have been tugging on the dog’s skin. That means, if you are not gentle, it will hurt a lot when you pull. You must hold the mat in one hand, dampen with the spray, and work it a few hairs at a time to break it up. If you have not taught your dog to be handled for brushing & combing then you'll have quite a job on your hands and will probably need the help of another person to hold the dog.

Why not just take the dog to a Groomer? Yes, you can take your dog to the Groomer to have it properly groomed, but do not expect de-matting to be a regular part of your grooming. It takes extra time and care to de-mat a pet, and you will be charged an additional fee for it on top of your regular grooming charge. Do not be surprised if your Groomer will not de-mat, if the matting is too extensive the only option they will give you is to shave your pet. A caring groomer will not torture a pet because you do not want it shaved. Remember, it is not the Groomers fault your pet has fallen into this condition

Do you muzzle dogs?
As a rule no, although if a pet dislikes for example having its feet trimmed or nails clipped and is liable to bite we may use a soft nylon muzzle for a short period of time until this part of the grooming session is over. We do not recommend muzzling dogs for a complete grooming session as pets can become stressed, and may suffer from heat stress whilst drying etc as pets need to be able to pant whilst grooming. If a pet is liable to bite continually then we would normally recommend grooming at a vet clinic under a mild sedative to prevent the pet becoming stressed or injuring itself.

Do you sedate dogs?
It is our policy not to accept sedated dogs these dogs need to be groomed at a veterinary clinic with a vet on site in-case of any reactions or problems.

Can I stay whilst my pet is being groomed?
This is not usually a good idea as to get full co-operation of the dogs we must have their undivided attention. Most dogs behave much better without their owners to distract them. We will be happy to show you around our salon. Customers can come and have a look in the salon at any time, as long as their dogs are not distracted. If a difficulty with a dog arises the owner will be called at once. Appointments can be arranged with the owners present in special cases.

Are you insured?
Yes your pet is fully insured whilst in our care.

What happens if my dog has an allergic reaction?
You pet will be taken to my local VET immediately.

My dog has never been groomed before, what can I do to help?
Groom you pet daily so brushing becomes a familiar experience and take him/her to the groomer on a regular basis first for a very brief visit to get him/her used to the new surroundings, noises from the dryers and clippers etc. and maybe a brush out then on the second visit a brush out, bath and dry then gradually building up to a full grooming session depending on your pets progression.

What equipment do you use?
My salon is fully kitted out with the latest hi-tec equipment, I use only Rose-line scissors, Asculep clippers and blades also a tornado blaster/stand dryer. I use high quality shampoos and conditioners

What qualifications do you have?
I am City & Guilds 7750 Qualified.

Are you mobile? Do you come and visit our homes?
I am able to provide a pick up / drop off service for your pet, however we do not offer an onsite grooming service. To receive your pets grooming package, please bring your pet to my grooming salon, or arrange for the pick up / drop off service by contacting us by phone or by using our contact form.

What are your opening hours?

Monday to Friday 9 to 5

Can you recommend any products?
Use a high quality slicker brush to groom your pet at home and purchase a de-matting spray to help with any mats that may need attention.

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Tel: 02894 433477 Mob: 07841 977580

HELP GUIDES & ARTICLES

When do I start grooming my pet?
Canine coat care at home.
The Aiport Groomers guide to Shedding.
The facts of shedding.
Skin Care
Ear Care
Feet Care

WHEN DO I START GROOMING MY PET.....
As soon as your puppy has had its vaccinations we recommend that you visit us together to introduce your pup to us and vice versa.

Once your pup has become used to the surroundings, we suggest that you book them in for a minor grooming session and a tidy up, this gets the pup used to buzzing clippers, clicking scissors and dryers etc. When the pup is ready for its first full grooming session then the procedure will be quite familiar.

Your pet has a mind of its own and it is virtually impossible to persuade an unwilling 6-8 month old pet to be groomed, especially if it is frightened. Sharp scissors & clippers dictate that often a fearful pet can be a real danger to itself and the groomer. In some circumstances it may be necessary to carry out grooming at a vet’s surgery under sedation or anaesthetic with all the relevant costs involved. All that can be avoided by slow gentle training and introduction to grooming as a young puppy.

Canine Coat Care at Home

Your Pooch has just come home fluffy, clean and looking like a show dog…
So how do you maintain his coat between visits to the groomer?
Here are a few tips to keep him/her in tiptop shape.

1. Brush out thoroughly every day, this will remove loose & shedding hair & keep the coat free of mats, twigs, stickers etc... It will also spread natural oils through the coat giving a healthy sheen while removing dust & dirt.

2. If you Bath your dogs at home, make sure they are mat free before you bath. Run a Comb though to the skin to double check. Wet mats will tighten up as they dry creating a bigger tighter mat that is harder to remove.

3. Use quality shampoo & conditioner, poor quality shampoos may dry the coat, cause dandruff and flaking, irritate the skin, and lead to itching. Always rinse well, even the best shampoos will cause itching if left in the coat.

4. If your dog has long nails, a few swipes from a heavy duty nail file daily will keep them from getting to long AND the friction from the nail file will cause the quick’s to recede, resulting in shorter nails.

5. Wipe out your dog’s ears weekly with a soft cotton ball and ear cleaner, clean ears are less likely to get infected & cause irritation. You will also be more likely to notice right away if they do become infected. Do not clean deeper into the ear than you can see as you can damage the ear canal. (Just like your own ears)

6. If you find a mat, use a de-matting/silicone spray to lightly mist the area, and let sit a few minutes, gently brush the mat out working a small section at a time

7. Never use scissors to cut out mats unless you can CLEARLY see where the skin is and place your fingers between the skin & the mat. It is very easy to cut skin when trying to remove a mat with scissors.

8. A properly brushed coat can be parted at anyplace, showing the skin, you should be able to run a metal comb though the coat and down to the skin without snagging.

9. Make sure you have the proper tools for your pets coat. Not all Brushes are created equal. And even the best brush, if used improperly will not give the desired results. You may also need other items such as combs & de-mat spray.

THE FACTS OF SHEDDING
Dog hair grows and dies just as human hair does. Some dogs — particularly hard-coated terriers, bichon’s and Poodles hang on to their dead hair, thus requiring special grooming to remove it. Other dogs give it up quite readily, all over the house. Double-coated dogs generally drop their soft undercoats twice a year and lose their guard hairs once a year, although some individual dogs might shed constantly or only every 10-12 months. Shedding can take anywhere from three weeks to two months. A warm bath helps accelerate the process and daily (or twice-daily) grooming can help control clouds of hair that scurry into corners and under furniture.

Shedding is controlled by hormonal changes that are tied to photo period (day length) and is influenced by level of nutrition and general state of health. In addition to natural biennial shedding, a dog may drop its coat after surgery, x-rays under anesthesia, and whelping puppies.
Double-coated dogs that shed heavily are Akita, Alaskan Malamute, Keeshond, Siberian Husky, Samoyed, Norwegian Elkhound, Collie, Great Pyrenees, Kuvasz, Newfoundland, St. Bernard, English Toy Spaniel, Pomeranian, Belgian Sheepdog, Belgian Malinois, Belgian Tervuren, Australian Shepherd, German Shepherd, Smooth Collie, Shetland Sheepdog, and American Eskimo. The Dalmatian sheds constantly, and many dogs shed a moderate amount of hair.
Owners should be aware before purchase that a long-coated dog, purebred or mixed, will require grooming throughout its life. If the inclination to groom or the time to do so are not part of the plan, provisions should be made for professional coat care for the dog. Otherwise, a dog that can do with a lick and a promise is a better choice as a family pet.

Skin

Healthy skin is certainly a consideration for a well-groomed dog, and healthy skin begins with a good diet. Again, the choices are legion. The rule of thumb is thus: If your dog does well on the food you buy, if his skin and coat are healthy, if he has energy and enjoys life, if he is maintaining his optimum weight, if his intestines are working well, if the food is highly digestible and thus leaves little manure to clean up, keep on keepin' on. But if the dog's energy level is low, if his coat is dull and his skin dry and itchy or sore, if a vet check shows no thyroid or other medical condition to account for the anomalies, consider switching the diet or supplementing with fatty acids.

Grooming is essential for healthy skin, not so much for keeping it clean, but for making the owner aware of any problems that may be developing. Flea allergies can cause severe skin problems, so daily examination of the dog during flea season is a must. Contact allergies can also cause skin to break out. Irritated skin leads to scratching, which can open the skin to staphylococcus infections.

Skin irritations and infections can crop up overnight, so keep a close eye on the situation. Groom daily for fleas and ticks if your pet has had a problem. Use a fine-toothed comb to check for fleas, then flick the tiny insects into a container of warm, soapy water. Remove ticks with protected fingers and drop in a vial of alcohol. Treat the house for fleas as well; modern controls for these pests use genetically altered natural insecticides, growth inhibitors, and drying agents that are both environmentally friendly and less toxic to people and pets.

Ears

All dogs should have their ears checked periodically. Dogs with droop ears are especially susceptible to fungus and bacterial infections and should be checked at least weekly. Veterinarians can prescribe cleaning agents for ears to dry them out.
Infected ears can also lead to further complications. Not only is the dog painfully uncomfortable, he may cause a haematoma by breaking a blood vessel while shaking his head in response to the discomfort. The haematoma may dissipate on its own if your pet stops shaking his head -- or it may grow and require lancing and stitching.

Feet

Dogs should have their toenails cut every two to three weeks. A dog that wiggles during toenail clipping will sooner or later be nipped to the quick, and the next time the clippers come out he'll head for the hills.
Dog nails have a quick that can be seen as a darkening of light-coloured nails but is invisible on dark nails. The quick has a nerve and blood supply; nicking the quick not only hurts the dog, it causes profuse bleeding, so keep a quick stop product on hand to stem the bleeding.

I include an examination of the dog's feet into my grooming sessions to make sure there is nothing stuck between the pads. Seeds from some grasses can stab into the pad, pebbles can get stuck, chemicals used on lawns can burn, and fungus can cause irritation, which leads to licking, which can also lead onto hot spots and infection.

A home-grooming session can be a pain to the dog-owner relationship. In the wild dogs naturally groom each other to reinforce pack behaviour and show subordination, and you can take advantage of this behaviour. Spend 10-20 minutes every day or two, depending on the dog and the season of the year, and you'll increase the bond with your pet immeasurably along with insuring that you'll keep his skin and coat healthy and be aware of any subtle changes in condition.

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