Bow Meow Pet Grooming Boutique

Pampering your pet from nose to toes!

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why is grooming so important for my animal?

Grooming is very essential part of you pet’s well-being. It not only keeps your pet clean, healthy and manageable, but also alerts pet owners of general health concerns.Grooming will also revitalize your dog and make them feel better all around.A well groomed dog is a happy and healthy dog!

Do you groom cats? What is the process?

Yes, we do groom cats.We have a specific procedure that we follow for all cats, but first we need to choose the optimal groom for your feline.We offer the lion cut, de-matting, or shaving only belly. There are other options, but we feel the styles listed above are the safest for your cat. The first step to grooming a cat is to muzzle and clip the nails. The next step is to trim the pads of the feet. After, if necessary, clipper work is completed, followed by a bath. Once the cat is dried, finish clipper work is done and the grooming is complete.

How old do puppies have to be to be groomed?

In order for a puppy’s first grooming, we require them to have the second round of vaccinations.For a general rule 12 weeks is the earliest we accept a puppy.

Could you give me the steps of grooming a dog?

The steps are as follows:

  • Bathing- cleans and sets up the dog for a quality trim, with the use of the correct shampoo, it can clear up any skin issues.
  • Drying – To dry the dog there are a few different ways. Towel drying, high-velocity drying, cage drying and natural air. The method of drying depends on the type of dog you have.Often combinations are used to dry a single dog. The one that is chosen most often is high-velocity; this type leads to the best quality finish of your dog.
  • Nail care- Long nails are unhealthy and unattractive, unattended nails can lead to multiple foot problems.
  • Foot care- Trimming of the hair between pads during grooming can lessen the dirt and ice build-up that are tracked back into the house.
  • Ear Care- In the grooming process the ears will be cleaned gently to remove any dirt or unwanted debris. On some breeds the hair will be pulled from the airs for better air flow and health.
  • Sanitary trimming- Trimming around the private areas, under the tail, around the ear and eyes. This hair is trimmed to rid the natural discharge that is found in these areas.
  • Cut the hair to the chosen style- your dog will receive their hair cut.
  • Finishing Touches- If offered, the dog will receive the finishing, bows, bandana, nail polish or sprays to give them that last sparkle that all owners love.

What special care do you use when grooming an older dog?

While grooming your older dog we take multiple special precautions. In the bathing process we use a shampoo with elk velvet, which has shown to improve arthritis. Also, in the bathing process, your dog will receive a massage to ease any pain. During the drying process we use a gentle air force dryer to not cause any damage to the more fragile dog.

The grooming process for an older dog will also take slightly longer due to extra needed rest to keep the grooming process less stressful for your older dog. Also, two groomers may need to be used to support your dog while they are being groomed. This process is done to lessen the stress and not exaggerate any health issues related to having an older dog.

How often should a dog be bathed?

As a general rule no more that once a week is recommended to bathe your dog. A rinse off more often is fine. The number of baths a dog receives also depends on the lifestyle of its family and the activity of the dog.

Can you help educate me on how to keep my dog up better in between grooms?

We would love to see pet owners brush and comb their dog between grooming to keep your dog’s coat healthy and to receive the best clip the next time we see them. At your next appointment ask us what would be the best equipment for your dog; there are specific tools used on certain breeds of dogs. A slicker brush, however, is a great all-around brush to start with.

Also in the best interest of your dog it is recommend to clean your dogs ears once a week with a cotton ball and a vet approved cleaner. (tea tree oil on a cotton ball). A monthly clipping of your dog’s nails to keep your dog walking properly is also suggested.

Why might my dog itch after being groomed?

After grooming, as with a humans, there may be hair left on the body that is causing irritation.Another cause may be due to the shampoo the groomer used in the bathing process. To cure this, rinse your dog off in the tub, or call us to rinse him/her for you. The next time your dog goes in for grooming, we will note to only use a hypoallergenic shampoo, so no irritation occurs again.

Also during the grooming process we may have pulled hair from your dog’s ears, which may have caused minor irritation for up to an hour. Lastly, if your dog had any mats that were removed they may feel different, so they are now getting use to their new coat, this is normal.

My dog has dry skin, is there a certain type of shampoo that I could use?

For dry skin you can shampoo your dog with an array of moisture providing shampoos.We recommend and Oatmeal Based Shampoo, Emu Oil Shampoo or an Aloe Based Shampoo. Also, a conditioner is recommended to smooth the skin and coat. Another product that is great for dry skin is the Emu Finishing Spray. This is to be left on the coat and will alleviate any itch. If you notice dry skin on your dog do not hesitate to inform us at your next appointment.

My dog has a short coat does he/she still need to be groomed?

YES, everything still applies for a short coated dog as for a long coat. Your dog still needs regular ear and nail trimming, as well as it will make him/her cleaner and all around healthier. On a short coated dog, however, matting will not be an issue.

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Bow Meow Pet Grooming
26 Susie Wilson Road
Essex, Vermont
802-878-DOGS
802-878-3647