Why grooming matters
Keeping your dog healthy, comfortable, and happy starts with the right care. Explore the guides below to learn more about wellbeing, my approach to grooming, and what’s best for your dog.
Care & communication
My approach to Dog Grooming
Professional grooming offers a wide range of benefits that are essential to your dog’s health and wellbeing. I advocate for calm, clear communication that’s tailored to your dog’s breed-specific traits as well as their learned behaviours. This can include both verbal cues and safe, gentle handling techniques which, over time, help your dog feel secure and confident in the grooming environment with me. I always work with your dog, not against them, building trust and creating a positive bond along the way.
Most importantly, health and hygiene always come first. I will work with both you and your dog to do what’s necessary for their optimal wellbeing, whether that’s carefully removing matted areas, using sensitive shampoos for easily irritated skin, or avoiding areas that may be causing pain or discomfort. As part of every groom, I carry out a full body check and will always let you know of any new findings or changes in your dog’s health so you can take action promptly.
Is mobile grooming right for your dog?
Less stress, more comfort with one-to-one grooming at home
Mobile dog grooming offers a more relaxed environment overall. Your dog remains close to home, in familiar surroundings, with the reassurance that you are just on the other side of the door. This helps to reduce anxiety and stress, as I come to them.
Unlike busy grooming parlours where multiple dogs share the same space, I provide a one-to-one service, giving my full attention to your dog throughout the groom. This also allows me to work with dogs who may have reactivity issues, as there are no external distractions or overwhelming stimuli.
Why I won’t clip your double coated dog
Why clipping a double coat can do more harm than good
Occasionally, groomers may receive requests to clip coats such as those of a Newfoundland, Bernese Mountain Dog or Collie. Personally, I will always decline these requests unless advised by your dog’s veterinarian, and instead discuss better options with you. Although it may seem like the best decision for your dog, it can actually cause much greater harm.
The way a double coat grows means there is a protective top layer guarding a soft, downy undercoat, with each growing on different length coat cycles. If this coat is clipped, the protective layer grows back much more slowly, leaving the undercoat vulnerable.
More importantly, the coat is designed to protect the skin from all weather conditions. Clipping leaves the skin exposed to sunlight and heat stroke, which they are not naturally equipped to handle. Over time, repeated clipping can cause the coat to grow back unevenly and become more prone to compaction and matting. This makes it harder for air to circulate and can significantly affect your dog’s ability to regulate their body temperature.
With these breeds comes a level of at-home coat maintenance that owners should be prepared for if they wish to preserve both the coat and their dog’s health. If shedding is a concern, daily brushing can help reduce the amount of loose hair around the home and lower the risk of matting. I can recommend the most suitable brushes and tools for your dog’s coat. If cleanliness and hygiene are your main concerns, we can discuss more regular appointments to help manage dirt and dander.
Keeping your dog healthy & happy
Supporting your dog’s health through responsible ownership and preventative care
There are a few key factors to consider when thinking about owning a dog, in order to give them the best chance to thrive. Remember, a dog is for life.
Consider your lifestyle, work schedule and living arrangements, whether you can exercise them appropriately, and whether you have the funds to support them. This can range from training services and veterinary care to providing a healthy, balanced diet.
When buying a puppy, it is your responsibility to be aware of their health background, including important checks such as elbow and hip scores. This is especially important for breeds like Labradors and German Shepherds, which are more prone to elbow and hip dysplasia. These checks help give your puppy the best chance at a happy and healthy life.
Vaccinations are essential. Make sure your dog is protected with the core vaccines, including parvovirus, leptospirosis, distemper and canine hepatitis. You may also wish to consider kennel cough, particularly as many kennels require this to be up to date, as well as rabies if you intend to travel with your dog.
Other important preventative measures include regular worming and flea treatments, covering ticks, lice and various mites. These parasites can have a serious and potentially fatal impact if left untreated. It is important to keep up to date with the correct treatments. The most common parasites include roundworms, tapeworms, fleas, ticks and ear mites. I do carry flea shampoo, however if you would like me to apply any spot-on treatments as a preventative measure, please let me know.
As your groomer, I will always be alert to any signs of external or internal parasites, as these are often visible through changes in the skin and coat. Signs of external parasites may include dry, flaky skin, excessive itching or scratching, redness, hair loss and general discomfort. Signs of internal parasites can include vomiting, diarrhoea, a pot belly, dull coat, anaemia, respiratory issues, weight loss and reduced appetite.
I will also look out for other skin conditions such as yeast infections, sensitivities or allergies, skin fold dermatitis, hyperkeratosis and different forms of mange. As your dog gets older, I will monitor for changes such as arthritis, cataracts, glaucoma, dental issues, Cushing’s or Addison’s disease, diabetes, weight changes and any lumps or bumps.
I will always do my utmost to support your dog’s health and wellbeing, and will inform you at the first sign of anything unusual so you can take action promptly.
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Use our form or email Maggie at
thepoochqueen@gmail.com