Answers to Your Grooming Questions

Answers to Your Grooming Questions

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What are your hours?

We are open Monday to Friday, 9 AM EST until 5 PM EST.

What is your latest appointment of the day?

We schedule our last appointment at 4:30 PM EST.

How long does an appointment take?

Depending on the breed, size, styling, and your pet’s behavior, appointments can take 2 - 5 hours, sometimes longer.

How far in advance should I schedule my appointment?

We prefer grooming appointments to be set two weeks in advance.  Typically after your first appointment, we try to go ahead and schedule the next one so that you’re already on our calendar.  Consistency is the key to making your fur babies happier and calming during their grooming spa day!

Can my pet stay longer than the time it takes to groom him or her?

We prefer to have you pick up your pet soon after we call or text you.  We have a small salon space, and want to make sure we give each and every pet the room and attention they need.  If we can accommodate your pet past the appointment time, there may be extra fees.

Do you offer breed-specific grooming styles?

Yes, we pay attention to what styles are popular for each particular breed.

Can I bring a picture of how I want my pet styled or groomed?

Absolutely!  We love to see pictures of what you might want for your pet!  We may give you our professional recommendations on different stylings similar to the picture, or help you alter it to suit your specific pet.

Can I stay and watch you groom my cat or dog?

While we understand that you’re curious, we perform better as groomers when left alone with your pet.  We ask that you trust us in the care of your pet, and know that your pet is in loving hands at Dogwood Grooming Spa.

How old should my puppy be before his or her first groom?

As soon as they are able to be vaccinated, typically 12 weeks.

Is my pet too old to be groomed?

Nope!  No pet is too old for a trip to Dogwood Grooming Spa.  As long as your pet is able to withstand the grooming process and has no serious health issues, they are welcome here.  We do recommend that elderly pets not undergo a long grooming session, so some styling options may not be available.

How often should I get my dog groomed?

Depending on your dog’s breed and coat type, anywhere from every 4 to 8 weeks. Ask our professionals for their recommendations on your specific dog.

What are anal glands?

Anal glands are two small glands located on each side of your pet’s anus.  Fluid can build up in these glands in a liquid or sometimes paste-like secretion.  By squeezing these glands, we release the built-up liquid.   If you notice your dog scooting their butt on the carpet or licking around the area excessively, they may need their anal glands squeezed.  You may also notice a pungent smell or brownish spots wherever your dog sits.

How often should I get my cat groomed?

Most cats can go as long as 8 weeks between appointments, but for long hair breeds, we suggest every 4 - 6 weeks.

Why do you groom cats when they can groom themselves?

While cats do clean themselves, they tend to only focus on specific areas that are irritating them at the time.  That means that dead hair, dirt, and debris may build up over time, causing matting in their fur or, at the very least, increasing the possibility of irritating those with sensitive allergies.  Professional cat grooming helps lower allergens coming from your cat while also taking care of fleas, matted or oily fur, and dandruff.

How do you get cats to let you groom them?

Because cats are notorious for being anti-groomer, we always suggest that clients who may want their cat groomed start their grooming appointments at 12 weeks old, just like with puppies.  While we can make our best attempts to work with older cats, it’s best to get them used to it from a young age.

How do you handle fearful or aggressive pets?

At Dogwood Grooming Spa, our top priority is to gain the trust of any pet who comes in scared or aggressive.  If we find that we cannot gain your pet’s trust, you will be notified to come and pick up your pet. 

Can I bring my own shampoo and/or grooming products?

Yes, especially if it is something recommended by your veterinarian. 

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What kind of grooming products do you use?

Tropiclean is our favorite pet shampoo and conditioner because it works well with nearly every dog and cat breed.  The brand has been used in our salon since we opened in 1999.  Tropiclean was green before green was a thing, and has wholesome ingredients intended to help every pet’s coat and make them smell great, including coconut, papaya, aloe, pomegranate, mango, and oatmeal.

How do you dry my pet? Do you use drying cages?

We prefer to dry your pet by hand, using a force dryer and hand dryer.  If we are busier than usual, we may utilize a cage dryer.  Your pet is monitored at all times during the drying process.

Will my pet be kept in a kennel? What are the kennel conditions?

Some pets may be placed in a kennel.  We have sizeable kennels that can accommodate most breeds, and though we would prefer to keep all pets out and about, lack of space or a pet with potential to become aggressive toward other animals may be placed in a kennel.  All of our kennels are kept clean and sanitized, and we monitor any pets placed inside a kennel.

Will my pet be sedated?

No, we do not sedate pets for their grooming.  However, if your pet has anxiety or behavior issues, you may want to find a way to calm them before their appointment so that they are more comfortable during their grooming session.

Does my pet need to be spayed or neutered to be groomed at your salon?

No.  Whether fixed or not, we welcome your pet to our salon.

Can you assess basic health issues in my pet?

Should we notice any health issues or skin concerns during your pet’s grooming appointment, we will be sure to let you know about it.  Please keep in mind that we are not veterinarians, so we can't diagnose any ailments or give you medicinal advice.

How can I tell if my pet enjoyed their spa day?

When your pet returns time and time again with their tail wagging!  When you come to pick up your pet, they’ll be bright-eyed and bushy-tailed, and when they get home, they’ll be relaxed and sleep like a baby.  We have many clients call us just to tell us how they’ve never seen their fur babies so calm and happy!

What if I want something changed or redone when I come to pick up my pet?

We will be happy to change or redo something if we have the time available.  If we are assisting another client at the time you pick up your pet, our top priority is to the client we are serving at that time.

What happens if I’m not satisfied with the grooming service?

It is always our top priority to guarantee each and every one of our clients are happy!  If you are not happy with your service, we ask as a family that you give us the opportunity to make it right.  We’re glad to hear when you’re not happy, because it means we can find a solution!

What are your hours?

We are open Monday to Friday, 9 AM EST until 5 PM EST.

What is your latest appointment of the day?

We schedule our last appointment at 4:30 PM EST.

How long does an appointment take?

Depending on the breed, size, styling, and your pet’s behavior, appointments can take 2 - 5 hours, sometimes longer.

How far in advance should I schedule my appointment?

We prefer grooming appointments to be set two weeks in advance.  Typically after your first appointment, we try to go ahead and schedule the next one so that you’re already on our calendar.  Consistency is the key to making your fur babies happier and calming during their grooming spa day!

Can my pet stay longer than the time it takes to groom him or her?

We prefer to have you pick up your pet soon after we call or text you.  We have a small salon space, and want to make sure we give each and every pet the room and attention they need.  If we can accommodate your pet past the appointment time, there may be extra fees.

Do you offer breed-specific grooming styles?

Yes, we pay attention to what styles are popular for each particular breed.

Can I bring a picture of how I want my pet styled or groomed?

Absolutely!  We love to see pictures of what you might want for your pet!  We may give you our professional recommendations on different stylings similar to the picture, or help you alter it to suit your specific pet.

Can I stay and watch you groom my cat or dog?

While we understand that you’re curious, we perform better as groomers when left alone with your pet.  We ask that you trust us in the care of your pet, and know that your pet is in loving hands at Dogwood Grooming Spa.

How old should my puppy be before his or her first groom?

As soon as they are able to be vaccinated, typically 12 weeks.

Is my pet too old to be groomed?

Nope!  No pet is too old for a trip to Dogwood Grooming Spa.  As long as your pet is able to withstand the grooming process and has no serious health issues, they are welcome here.  We do recommend that elderly pets not undergo a long grooming session, so some styling options may not be available.

How often should I get my dog groomed?

Depending on your dog’s breed and coat type, anywhere from every 4 to 8 weeks. Ask our professionals for their recommendations on your specific dog.

What are anal glands?

Anal glands are two small glands located on each side of your pet’s anus.  Fluid can build up in these glands in a liquid or sometimes paste-like secretion.  By squeezing these glands, we release the built-up liquid.   If you notice your dog scooting their butt on the carpet or licking around the area excessively, they may need their anal glands squeezed.  You may also notice a pungent smell or brownish spots wherever your dog sits.

How often should I get my cat groomed?

Most cats can go as long as 8 weeks between appointments, but for long hair breeds, we suggest every 4 - 6 weeks.

Why do you groom cats when they can groom themselves?

While cats do clean themselves, they tend to only focus on specific areas that are irritating them at the time.  That means that dead hair, dirt, and debris may build up over time, causing matting in their fur or, at the very least, increasing the possibility of irritating those with sensitive allergies.  Professional cat grooming helps lower allergens coming from your cat while also taking care of fleas, matted or oily fur, and dandruff.

How do you get cats to let you groom them?

Because cats are notorious for being anti-groomer, we always suggest that clients who may want their cat groomed start their grooming appointments at 12 weeks old, just like with puppies.  While we can make our best attempts to work with older cats, it’s best to get them used to it from a young age.

How do you handle fearful or aggressive pets?

At Dogwood Grooming Spa, our top priority is to gain the trust of any pet who comes in scared or aggressive.  If we find that we cannot gain your pet’s trust, you will be notified to come and pick up your pet.

Can I bring my own shampoo and/or grooming products?

Yes, especially if it is something recommended by your veterinarian. 

What kind of grooming products do you use?

Tropiclean is our favorite pet shampoo and conditioner because it works well with nearly every dog and cat breed.  The brand has been used in our salon since we opened in 1999.  Tropiclean was green before green was a thing, and has wholesome ingredients intended to help every pet’s coat and make them smell great, including coconut, papaya, aloe, pomegranate, mango, and oatmeal.

How do you dry my pet? Do you use drying cages?

We prefer to dry your pet by hand, using a force dryer and hand dryer.  If we are busier than usual, we may utilize a cage dryer.  Your pet is monitored at all times during the drying process.

Will my pet be kept in a kennel? What are the kennel conditions?

Some pets may be placed in a kennel.  We have sizeable kennels that can accommodate most breeds, and though we would prefer to keep all pets out and about, lack of space or a pet with potential to become aggressive toward other animals may be placed in a kennel.  All of our kennels are kept clean and sanitized, and we monitor any pets placed inside a kennel.

Will my pet be sedated?

No, we do not sedate pets for their grooming.  However, if your pet has anxiety or behavior issues, you may want to find a way to calm them before their appointment so that they are more comfortable during their grooming session.

Does my pet need to be spayed or neutered to be groomed at your salon?

No.  Whether fixed or not, we welcome your pet to our salon.

Can you assess basic health issues in my pet?

Should we notice any health issues or skin concerns during your pet’s grooming appointment, we will be sure to let you know about it.  Please keep in mind that we are not veterinarians, so we can't diagnose any ailments or give you medicinal advice.

How can I tell if my pet enjoyed their spa day?

When your pet returns time and time again with their tail wagging!  When you come to pick up your pet, they’ll be bright-eyed and bushy-tailed, and when they get home, they’ll be relaxed and sleep like a baby.  We have many clients call us just to tell us how they’ve never seen their fur babies so calm and happy!

What if I want something changed or redone when I come to pick up my pet?

We will be happy to change or redo something if we have the time available.  If we are assisting another client at the time you pick up your pet, our top priority is to the client we are serving at that time.

What happens if I’m not satisfied with the grooming service?

It is always our top priority to guarantee each and every one of our clients are happy!  If you are not happy with your service, we ask as a family that you give us the opportunity to make it right.  We’re glad to hear when you’re not happy, because it means we can find a solution!