“Sweet baby Jesus in a manger full of hay, this place is the bee’s knees. The only place for my fur babies.”
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Kara H.
“Yappie Cuttery did an excellent job on my dog. I had just adopted her from the shelter and she needed a good cleaning all over. They were so welcoming to me and answered all of my questions since it was my 1st time there. My dog was very happy when I picked her up. Thank you do much for the wonderful welcome Yappie Cuttery!”
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Savannah C.
“Had such a great experience getting my cat groomed here. The haircut looks great and the staff was so friendly. 10/10 would recommend this place to anyone! They really care about the animals.”
Spring is here! We made it through another cold and icy winter. Now, the trees are blooming, birds are singing, and… bugs are back. Yep, the trade off for beautiful weather and outdoor adventure is dealing with pests. Pet parents have to be especially careful because our fur babies typically love to spend as much time outside as possible, which puts them at risk for becoming hosts to fleas and ticks. It is good practice to make sure your pet is treated with a flea and tick preventative, even if you don’t spend your weekends with him/her hiking through the woods. Simply letting your pet outside in your backyard – or taking a short walk around the neighborhood – can expose him/her to these harmful parasites.
December through February are low-risk months for fleas and ticks because of freezing temperatures, so many pet parents only treat their pets with a preventative during the warmer months. This strategy is fine, but sometimes the warm weather can sneak up on us and you might not start treatment on time. Make sure you plan ahead and have your pet’s medication ready for the very start of flea and tick season to minimize his/her risk of exposure. Though peak flea and tick season is considered to be May through September when temperatures are consistently higher, treatment should begin in March as temperatures start to rise. These parasites do prefer warm weather, but are able to tolerate cooler temperatures too, so it is not unusual to start seeing them in early spring.
At Yappie Cuttery, we offer a flea and tick shampoo treatment when parasites are found during grooming (or when clients come in aware of the issue and request the treatment). The shampoo effectively kills all parasites currently on the pet, but this method of treatment is reactive instead of proactive. It is always best to prevent infestation in the first place, because by the time you find the parasites, enough time may have passed for the parasites to transmit various diseases to your poor pet.
Don’t let fear of fleas and ticks stop you and your pets from enjoying the spring and summer seasons. Ask your vet for product recommendations, and keep an eye on the ingredients labels to avoid chemicals that are potentially toxic to your pet.
Happy spring!
The Yappie Cuttery Team
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Ear Cleaning Dos and Don’ts
Ear cleaning is a routine step taken by groomers during the grooming process to keep your pet comfortable and healthy. Dirty ears not only smell bad, but they can develop into ear infections if left untreated. If you would like to keep up with your pet’s ear health in between groomings and vet visits, here are some helpful tips to get you started.
First, there are certain things that are best left to the professionals, meaning you should NOT attempt them on your own. Ear plucking, for example, is best left to your groomer. Many breeds have hair that grows inside the ear, and this hair is removed to better allow air circulation inside the ear, and to promote the ears’ natural drainage process. Improper plucking puts your pet at risk for painful irritation and infection.
Also, make sure you are using the proper tools. Q tips are not recommended because it is easy to inadvertently pack dirt and wax deeper into the ear canal, causing buildup and infection. Furthermore, as with human ear cleaning, it is very tempting to go “digging for gold” with a Q tip, and if you have ever hurt yourself by going into your own ear too deep with one, you will understand why it is best to avoid putting your pet at risk for the same problem.
Instead, simply use a regular cotton ball moistened with your preferred brand of over-the-counter pet ear cleaner. Do not saturate the cotton ball, as the excess liquid will drip into your pet’s ears and pool at the bottom of the ear canal. Not only is the added moisture just begging for an infection, but it will cause your pet to shake his/her head to relieve the discomfort. The shaking, if done too much and too hard, can actually damage the outer flap of your pet’s ear!
As far as what part of the ear to clean, stick with the parts that you can readily see. The key is not shoving the cotton ball into the ear canal; wipe away dirt and wax on the ear flap and the outer opening of the canal, but do not try pushing into the canal itself.
Most pets don’t mind getting their ears cleaned. However, if you find that it is too much for you at home and your pet doesn’t need to be groomed very often, ask your groomer if you can come in just for an ear cleaning so they can take care of it for you.
The Yappie Cuttery Team
One of the first signs that your pup is due for a groom is those long, scratchy nails that you hear clip-clopping on your tile floors. A lot of people are uncomfortable attempting an at-home nail trim for various reasons (perhaps Fluffy just won’t hold still). The most common concern that we hear, though, is that pet parents are worried about making their dogs bleed by clipping the nail too short, but don’t want the nails left too long. So what do you do? We would like to unravel some of the mystery surrounding puppy pedicures by explaining a groomer’s approach.
The reason a dog’s nail will bleed if cut too short is what is known as the quick. The quick is a vein that runs along the back and front of each nail. Sometimes we get lucky and a dog will have translucent nails that allow us to see the quick; for the most part, though, no one can see the quick through the thick nail. When the vein is nicked, bleeding occurs. The way groomers avoid “quicking” dogs is by going one small snip at a time, doing a conservative trim and then using a dremel to file the edges smooth.
Most pet parents request nails to be cut back as much as possible, and a lot of times as soon as the dog leaves the salon and walks on concrete or asphalt, some bleeding will start. This is because the groomer trimmed the nails short, without “quicking” the dog, and then the rough sandpaper-like surface of the parking lot filed down the remaining nail to the quick.
For dogs that have extremely long nails, it is not possible to trim them down super short in one go. The quick grows out with the nail, and only so much nail can be taken off before the quick is exposed. Luckily, the quick also recedes with the nail; so, over time and with regular trimming, groomers can encourage the quick to recede until the desired length is achieved – without causing injury to the dog.
The key to well-trimmed nails is consistency. Make sure you or or groomer is trimming your dog’s nails regularly to maintain an appropriate length. At Yappie Cuttery, nail trimming is included as part of your pet’s grooming, though we also offer walk-in nail trimming as an a la carte service between the hours of 10am – 2pm.
We are also excited to now offer curbside nail trimming – just drive up during walk-in hours, call us, and we will take care of everything without you needing to leave your car. Check out our Services page for more details.
The Yappie Cuttery Team
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Winter Grooming is Essential
Our area just had its first snowy weather of the season! In lieu of the icy, cold, wintery conditions, we have had many clients tell us that they worry about their pets getting groomed when it is so cold outside, reasoning that shorter hair means a colder pup. Some pet parents might even go so far as to stop bringing their pets in for grooming altogether until the weather improves in the spring. We are here to tell you why you absolutely SHOULD keep your pet on a regular grooming schedule during the winter.
A pet’s coat and skin requires upkeep in order to be healthy and beautiful. Bathing is important for stimulating natural oil production in the skin; if you stop bathing your pet, he/she might end up with dry, flaky skin which can result in itching and irritation. Similarly, it is important to continue brushing your pet (BEFORE you bathe!) to avoid matting and tangles. Long-haired pets are particularly susceptible to matting in the winter as they walk and play in the wet snow. We often see an influx of grooming requests in the springtime as pet parents bring in their pups for a spring cleanup, often needing to clip the hair down extremely short from nose to tail because of mats. The best way to avoid the stress, hassle, and expense of a severely matted spring cleanup is to keep having your pet groomed regardless of the weather.
If you are worried about your pet being cold because you have a body clip done, don’t be! Even short-haired dogs are capable of staying warm enough in cold temperatures, provided they aren’t outside for extended periods of time. But, for the average house pet, a shorter clip is perfectly adequate to keep him/her warm and healthy for walks or trips to the bathroom.
Finally, it is good for your pet’s mental and social health to continue getting groomed. The cold weather already limits his/her outdoor romps, and places like dog parks won’t be as busy. Coming to the groomers will give your pet continued socialization with other people and animals while we all wait for warm, sunny days to return. Also, we all know that dogs love getting rewarded for being on their best behavior while getting groomed, and coming home to a smiling family who tells them how beautiful they look!
The Yappie Cuttery Team
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Puppy’s First Grooming
They grow up so fast, don’t they? Having a puppy is exciting, and an adventure for both of you. You’re busy learning about your puppy while he/she is busy learning about literally everything – the whole world is new and fascinating to puppies, and they are eager to learn.
While you are focused on teething and training, you might put off thoughts about getting your new friend groomed for the first time. There’s opportunities for that later, right? Instead of waiting until it is truly needed, it is better to get your puppy used to the grooming process as soon as possible (even if they haven’t grown enough hair for a full haircut yet).
Just like with socializing, which is done early to create a calmer, happier adult companion, good grooming manners are best learned young. The reason for this is that puppies are naturally curious and open to new experiences, whereas older dogs can be, shall we say, set in their ways. If you introduce your puppy to the concept of grooming and make it a positive, fun experience, he/she will be much easier to groom in the future.
START AT HOME. Before you take your fur baby to a grooming salon, practice desensitizing them to human touch at home. Handle his/her paws, ears, and legs so when a groomer does these things, it will be nothing new. Handling the feet is especially important, as many dogs do not like having their nails trimmed. You can also introduce your puppy to basic grooming equipment like brushes and nail clippers (though it is okay to not actually trim the nails if you are uncomfortable with it). Let puppy sniff and interact with the equipment so he/she learns to not be afraid.
BRING ‘EM IN! At Yappie Cuttery, we absolutely love it when little puppies come in for a visit. We make a special effort to create a positive, happy experience for them so they see trips to the groomer as a good thing. Though your puppy will get some kennel time, we will be honest – he/she will mostly hang out in the arms of our staff. Your puppy will have the chance to be around other people, other animals, new smells, and strange sounds. Depending on the breed and age, a first-time grooming usually just consists of a good brushing and bath, but can include clipper and scissor work if needed. With your permission, your puppy will have a few treats during his/her appointment to help reinforce that the grooming salon is a great place to be.
If you are asking yourself what is the ideal age for a first grooming, the answer is that, in general, the younger the better. We have groomed puppies as young as 10 weeks. Even if you are not ready to have your puppy actually groomed, it can be beneficial to just stop in and let him/her get acquainted with the salon and staff.
We look forward to seeing you and your newest family member soon!
The Yappie Cuttery Team
Well, it is that time of year! December is upon us and cold, snowy weather is soon to come. While lower temperatures mean cozy hot-chocolate-by-the-fire days and snow ball fights, it also means that, as pet owners, we have to start taking precautions to protect our pets from the harsh climate. Below are some tips for creating a comfortable winter environment for your pets.
Tip #1: Keep them hydrated. Winter air is dry, and so is the heated interior air of your home. Dryer air means your pets might get dehydrated more easily, so make sure they have constant access to plenty of water (which they should have anyway no matter what time of year). You can also try using a humidifier to add moisture back into the air.
Tip #2: Do not overdress them. We all love seeing pets strutting around in adorable sweaters, botties, and hats – but clothing might not be in their best interest. A dog’s body temperature is usually between 101 – 102 degrees Fahrenheit. If your pets are in heavy layers, especially during exercise, it is very easy for them to overheat. If you do dress them up, make sure you are monitoring their body temperature. Remember, they are born with a built in coat!
Tip #3: Add some fat to their diets. Like we mentioned earlier, the dry winter air causes dehydration, which can manifest as itchy, flaky skin. Try giving them 1-2 tablespoons (depending on their size) per day of bacon fat drizzled on top of their regular food to stimulate oil production in their skin. Stop adding the fat once their skin and coat looks back to normal – too much can make them greasy!
Tip #4: Keep walking! A lot of people get concerned about their pets being outside in the frigid temperatures, and it is a good thing to not let them stay out for prolonged periods. However, it is important to make sure your pets are still being walked adequately enough to have healthy bowel movements and to urinate. Pets that are rushed inside or given fewer opportunities throughout the day to go outside might end up constipated or with a urinary tract infection from holding everything in too long. Housetrained pets might start breaking their housetraining, or might start their business outside but finish inside.
Tip #5: Wipe their feet. Salt is great to prevent us all from slipping around like clumsy penguins, but on a dog’s bare feet, it can cause irritation and chemical burns. When your pets come inside from a winter romp, take a minute to wipe their feet off to remove the salt.
Following these tips should help you and your pets enjoy the winter season in comfort.
The Yappie Cuttery Team
The holidays are bound to be a little different for all of us this year, given the COVID-19 situation. But, in the end, most of us will probably still cook special foods and decorate our homes like we do every year because… tradition! So, just because the family gatherings might be smaller, don’t let your guard down about keeping your pet safe during Thanksgiving and Christmas.
We absolutely believe your pet should be a part of the festivities, but common foods and objects can be hazardous to his or her health. Make sure your garbage cans are sealed and your countertops are never left unattended so your pet doesn’t get a hold of things like chicken or turkey bones, corn cobs, raisins, chocolate, macadamia nuts, and garlic. Meat bones are a serious concern because they can splinter inside your pet’s intestines and cause lacerations or blockages. Corn cobs can similarly block up the intestines. The other items in our list are either toxic or can cause severe intestinal upset for your pet. There are many other foods not mentioned here that can be a problem for your pet, so it is best practice to avoid giving your pet any table scraps, and if you do, make sure you know beforehand that the food is not harmful.
Pets might also be tempted to munch on things we would not consider appetizing, such as mistletoe, lilies, holly, and poinsettias. When you deck the halls for Christmas, make sure your live plants are well out of reach of curious mouths, or better yet – swap live plants out for fake ones. Fake plants are not only safer for your pet, but they last longer and can be reused for many years to come.
For both Thanksgiving and Christmas, you might have a slew of cute ornaments, wreaths, and doodads around your home. A lot of holiday decorations have small pieces that can present a choking hazard for your pet, so pay close attention to what you put where. Tuck electrical wires away, and be careful with wire hooks used for tree ornaments. Glass ornaments might shatter and cut your pet’s feet if they fall off the tree because someone (ahem, cats) knocks them off. Also, it might be best to skip the tinsel, as too much of that being ingested can present yet another intestinal blockage hazard.
Lastly, if you are having guests over, make sure all of them are on the same page with your house rules regarding your pet. Lots of people give in to those puppy eyes and cute begging strategies, so make it clear that your pet is not to receive any table scraps. Also ensure that any children coming over are attended at all times so food and/or shiny, colorful decorations don’t end up in their curious hands and, from there, in your pet’s mouth.
Have a wonderful and safe holiday season with your family.
The Yappie Cuttery Team