Be sure to mention the Yuletide Special when calling to make your appointment!
Be sure to mention the Yuletide Special when calling to make your appointment!
Be sure to mention the Yuletide Special when calling to make your appointment!
Tag: grooming
Be sure to mention the Yuletide Special when calling to make your appointment!
Categories
Grooming Anxiety: How You Can Help
For lots of pets, visiting the groomer is as routine as going to the vet for a check-up. Some may enjoy the grooming experience (it’s like a doggie spa!) while others simply tolerate it. For a handful of pets, though, a grooming appointment might be a very anxiety-inducing experience. Your pup might be reluctant to enter the salon or act up when you try to leave them. Perhaps you have tried several different groomers and have been told repeatedly that your pet is too stressed and jumpy to safely groom. If this sounds like your pet, here are a few questions to ask yourself and some tips for reducing grooming anxiety.
- How old is your pet? Age can play a big role in a pet’s response to the grooming process. Very young and very old dogs tend to exhibit more anxiety than their middle-aged counterparts. Young puppies usually learn to accept and not fear the groomer’s once they have enough exposure to and experience with the process, the noise, the equipment, etc. The best thing to reduce puppy anxiety is to bring them to your groomer regularly, start slow, and brush them at home with lots of positive feedback and rewards. For senior pups, even if they have been groomed professionally for many years, sometimes what was once routine and safe now seems very unusual and scary. Arthritis might make standing on a grooming table difficult or painful. Reduced senses of sight and hearing can make the environment, people, and equipment unfamiliar and uncertain. Talk to your groomer for advice on how to move forward with future groomings to help ease your pet’s stress.
- How often does your pet get groomed? If your pet only goes in for grooming once or twice a year, regardless of their age, it is likely that the grooming process will cause much more anxiety for them than it would if they were groomed more frequently. Dogs love routine, and they love to know what to expect. If professional grooming is part of their routine, then they will not view being dropped off at the groomers as something unexpected and out of the ordinary (in other words, something to get anxious about). Depending on the breed and type of haircut, most pets can benefit from being groomed every 4-6 weeks. At Yappie Cuttery, we offer a VIP discount program for pets who come in every 6 weeks for a haircut.
- Is it really MY anxiety? We all love our pets, and being separated from them can be as difficult for us as it is for our fur babies. It is not uncommon for pet parents to tell us they have concerns about their pet’s anxiety, yet when we take them back to start grooming, everything goes really well! If this sounds familiar, consider whether your own anxiety is fueling your pet’s. At drop-off, keep your voice and body language calm and relaxed. Resist the urge to engage in a prolonged, emotional goodbye as you leave. Even before you arrive at the groomer’s, keep things as normal as possible at home as you get them leashed up and ready to go. Our furry friends know us so well that changes in our behavior, facial expressions, and body language can make them question if everything is okay. Your confidence helps them feel secure, so let them know grooming is nothing to fret about by setting a good example!
With patience and practice, most pets can learn that being groomed is nothing to worry about. We hope these tips help you and your pet for their next appointment.
The Yappie Cuttery Team
Categories
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
Categories
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
Categories
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
Fall is arguably the best season of the year, for people and pets alike. The crisp, cool weather is perfect for taking long walks, and you might notice that your pet has more energy than usual as he/she takes in all the fresh earthy smells. And of course there is Halloween, which gives us all the opportunity to make our pets look absolutely adorable in creative costumes (keep them away from the candy!).
Just make sure that while you are enjoying the season, you continue to monitor your pet’s health for concerns that are frequently brought on by the weather change. Remember those long walks we mentioned earlier? Your dog is going to have his/her nose to the ground almost constantly to get a whiff of those delightful fall fragrances. Most of what he/she will be snuffling is decomposing leaves and other plant matter that harbor mold and mildew. Mold and mildew, in turn, lead to allergies. To make matters worse, on a blustery day the mold and other allergens get picked up and and blown around, making it easier for your dog to come in contact with them.
Many symptoms of pet allergies are similar to allergy symptoms in humans. Your pet might sound “stuffed up” or have sneezing fits. He/she might cough or experience nasal discharge. Almost without exception, though, your pet will be itchy and have some skin irritation. Dogs with allergies will scratch constantly, often chewing at their feet and legs. The skin might even appear visibly irritated, especially as too much scratching leads to red, inflamed hot spots.
If you think your pet has allergies, don’t panic. There are some home remedies you can try to alleviate your pet’s symptoms. Just remember that if symptoms persist or get worse, consult your veterinarian for treatment options. Do not medicate your pet with Benadryl unless directed by a vet, as it is often difficult to determine the correct dosage on your own.
For itchy, irritated skin, nothing is better than an oatmeal bath. There are a slew of product options out there, so pick a brand you like and suds it up. Oatmeal shampoos are famous for their soothing properties, and your pet will be grateful for the relief it provides.
If your pet has developed hot spots, you might need a little bit more than an oatmeal shampoo bath to ease symptoms. The issue with hot spots is that not only are they itchy, but they are also a spot your pet frequently targets with chewing. So not only do you need to stop the itching, you mainly need to convince your pet to leave the area alone to heal. Try applying aloe vera or Bactine spray to the hot spot – these products soothe and reduce pain, and also taste rather unpleasant, so your pet will not want to chew the area anymore.
Don’t let allergies stop your pet from having fun this fall. Get out there and enjoy the weather while it lasts – winter is just around the corner!
The Yappie Cuttery Team
Categories
Help, My Pet is Matted!
Many pet parents are all too familiar with that feeling of dread you get when you are petting your long-haired dog (or cat) and notice those annoying, unsightly clumps of hair in their coat. Those clumps of tangled hair are referred to as mats, and while minor matting might just seem inconvenient, more severe matting can have serious health consequences for your pet.
Matting happens when a dog or cat’s hair becomes wound up and tangled around itself, trapping both live and dead hair in a tight ball. Certain activities like swimming can increase your pet’s chances of developing mats. Though matting might seem like a cosmetic issue, it can actually be harmful to your pet’s health. Matting decreases airflow through your pet’s hair, causing moisture to build up and create skin sores, irritations, and even infections. Mats are painful as your pet tries to move and feels a constant tugging, pinching sensation because the mats have pulled his/her skin taught. In severe instances, matting can cut off circulation to your pet’s skin and cause hematomas.
The best way to prevent matting is by regular, frequent brushing to remove any knots or tangles before they turn into mats. Bringing your pet in to the groomer’s on a regular basis (usually every 6 to 8 weeks) is great, but it is crucial to maintain good brushing habits at home to upkeep your pet’s coat in between groomings. Not only is it good hygiene, but it is an excellent bonding experience for the two of you and an opportunity to work on grooming manners. You should invest in a good slicker brush, as this is the preferred tool for long hair and matting prevention.
One very common mistake a lot of pet parents make when grooming at home is bathing a matted pet. NEVER, under ANY circumstance, should you bathe your pet if it has mats. Getting the mats wet makes them tighter and more difficult to remove. Another thing you should NEVER do is try to cut the mats out yourself with scissors. Even though you’ll try to be careful, the risk of cutting your pet’s skin is too great – mat removal should be left to a professional groomer, who is trained to safely remove mats.
Hopefully this has been helpful in building your understanding of mats and the effects they can have on your pet. If you have any questions, our groomers are always happy to help!
The Yappie Cuttery Team
Categories
Welcome (or Welcome Back)!
Hello and thank you for choosing Yappie Cuttery! We can all agree that 2020 has been a roller coaster year, and for us it has been particularly eventful. September 19, 2020 marked the grand opening of our new location in beautiful Old Town Manassas after being closed all summer (thank you, COVID-19).
To our existing clients, WELCOME BACK and thank you so much for sticking with us through this transition. To our new clients, WELCOME! We cannot wait to meet you and your pups (or cats).
In addition to our new address, there are some other changes that you should be aware of. Our hours are now 8:00am – 6:00pm Monday – Saturday. Drop-off time is 8:00am – 10:00am. We now exclusively offer grooming services – no more boarding or daycare.
Our pricing structure has also been updated. Instead of pricing by breed, we now price by weight and hair length. This allows more consistent and fair pricing for our clients, as we see lots of mixed breeds.
For your convenience, we are now offering online appointment booking, as well as email and text message appointment reminders.
Please take your time to peruse our new website and review our policies and procedures (under the Services menu on the left). If you have any questions, do not hesitate to call!
Check back here on our blog for regular updates and helpful pet care tips.
The Yappie Cuttery Team