Dog Grooming FAQ's
How long should I wait between grooms?
“Dogs who get groomed on a regular schedule think going to the groomer is fun. Dogs who get groomed twice a year think grooming is torture.”
The optimum interval for the wellbeing of your dog is 4 – 6 weeks. Smooth coats (short hair with no undercoat) can go as long as 12 weeks or once a season. Wire coats are usually hand stripped on a 6 to 9 week schedule or they can be clipped every 4 – 6 weeks.
How far in advance should I schedule an appointment?
Currently we are booked two to three weeks out.
What form of payment do you accept?
Payment by check or cash is required when you pick up your pet. There is a $35 charge for returned checks.
What are your hours?
We work by appointment Tuesday through Saturday from 8 am to 6 pm.
What is your cancellation policy?
We have a cancellation fee equal to the full appointment fee for each pet. 48 hours’ notice is requested to waive the cancellation fee. If you are more than 15 minutes late for an appointment, we will need to reschedule your appointment and the cancellation fee will apply. Exceptions for emergency situations will be made on a case by case basis.
Why do you need a rabies certificate?
If your pet bites a staff member, breaking the skin, the staff member will need see a doctor for medical attention. Proof that your pet is current on his rabies vaccination must be provided; otherwise the staff member will receive a series of expensive post-exposure rabies shots. You, the owner, will be liable for payment. Additionally, a doctor will notify Animal Control and your pet will be quarantined. This is something we don’t want to happen.
My pet has fleas. Can you help?
Southpaw Pet Salon does not use flea shampoos or dips because there are safer and more effective ways of killing fleas on pets. If your pet has fleas you will need to obtain a Capstar tablet from your veterinarian and give it to your pet at least 4 hours before coming in. Capstar will kill fleas for 24 hours, allowing us to maintain proper salon sanitation while your pet is being groomed. If fleas are found on your pet we will administer a Capstar tablet and you will be charged a sanitation fee.
Do you sedate pets?
No. We will try to work with fearful pets. However, if a pet requires sedation, he should be groomed in a veterinary clinic for his safety. Arrangements can be made for Barbara to do this.
May I leave my pet all day?
Having multiple pets in the salon creates a stressful environment so we prefer not to keep your pet all day. However, we may make exceptions for well behaved pets if arrangements are made when you book the appointment.
May I watch you groom my dog?
Just like children at day care, dogs do better with a quick and reassuring “good-by, I’ll be back.” If it is you who requires reassurance, you may watch through the window, but if your dog becomes distracted by having you there, you will have to leave so we can safely complete the groom.
Why do you only lightly pluck the ear hair?
Hair in the ears grows in cycles, just like hair anywhere else on the body, and when it’s ready to come out it does. If we pull hair out before it’s ready, we not only cause pain to your dog, but we open the hair follicles, allowing bacteria and fungi to get in. For this reason many veterinary dermatologists are recommending against heavy ear hair plucking.
Why don’t you express anal glands on every dog?
When anal glands are expressed whether the pet needs the service or not, the muscle around the anal gland loses muscle tone and the body ends up not being able to do the job on its own.
Should I have my dog shaved for the summer?
With a double coat, the longer guard hair provides protection while the thicker undercoat provides insulation. In warm weather it is best to leave the guard hair and remove the loose insulating undercoat. This requires regular grooming. If that is not an option then shaving the hair off is better than leaving the undercoat to become matted or packed.