Scruffs
Scruffs
dog grooming salon
Q. How Often should my dog visit the groomer?
A. This really depends on the breed of dog and how much time you put into grooming at home. As a general rule most breeds should be washed and have their nails clipped at least every 12 weeks to keep the skin and coat healthy, but many breeds with longer coats should be seen more regularly to prevent matting and keep the coat in tip top condition. 4-8 weekly visits are recommended for longer coated breeds such as poodles and spaniels.
Q. How much will it cost me?
A. Again this will depend on what breed of dog you have and how often you visit. Bigger dogs with a lot of fur tend to be more time consuming and thus will cost more. We recommend 4-8 weekly visits for pets with long coats and the price is increased for every week over this time. If you are able to groom your pet at home in between professional grooms this will help to keep the price down, remember removing tough matts and tangles takes time and this can result in additional charges. Any prices quoted over the phone will be for dogs in good condition that are on a regular grooming schedule.
Q. I made an appointment but I can't make it now, its it ok to rearrange?
A. Of course it is, we understand that things change and sometimes it is unavoidable! We do however ask that customers give us a minimum of 24 hours notice for cancelations where possible, this is because we work on an appointment only basis and cannot fill appointments that have been missed or cancelled at very short notice. Because of this we do normally charge a cancelation fee if you cancel at short notice or miss an appointment.
Q. Should I still have my dog groomed in the winter or will it get cold?
A. Many people think that dogs only need haircuts when the weather is warm, however in the winter it is just as important to care for your dogs coat and skin. Wet, muddy fur becomes matted far more easily and matted coats don't dry out properly causing dogs to get cold. Once a dog is matted the only option is to shave all the coat off, meaning the dog really will be cold. If your pet lives indoors it is actually kinder to keep their coats reasonably short so that they do not overheat when the heating is on and if your pet is allowed to get dirty and not washed regular there also is an increased risk of skin infections. If you are worried about your dog getting cold when out on walks it is far kinder and more effective to get them a coat that can be removed once they are back in the warm. Imagine how uncomfortable it would be wearing your winter coat in the house and not being able to take it off!
Q. How long does it normally take?
A. Most dogs take between 1 and 2 hours for a full spa session, however if your dog is particularly large or hairy it may take a little longer. Dogs that have not been groomed for a long time may also take a bit longer, this is due to the extra coat and them not being used to the grooming process.
Q. My dog gets really dirty and I don't think he can go the whole 8 weeks without a bath, is it ok to bath him at home?
A. Yes of course, so long as he is fully dried and brushed through after to prevent matts from forming. Alternatively you can bring your dog in for mid way for a bath a tidy. This is cheaper than a full groom and will normally result in a discount off your normal groom price.
Q. I brush my dog regularly between grooms, so how come he always ends up with matts?
A. Most dogs are prone to matting up in certain areas, normally around collars and harnesses, under arms and around the paws. These areas are often more difficult to groom properly and require extra care when grooming out. Using the right equipment is vital and often matts occur when either the wrong type of equipment or the wrong technique is used. We can offer you advice on what to buy and how to use it properly, we also offer grooming lessons for the more high maintenance breeds.
Q. Can I stay with my dog?
A. Its actually better if you leave the salon as dogs are like children and will play up more trying to get to their owner. If your dog is new to the grooming process or is old or nervous we will not hesitate to call you if we think your dog needs to return home.
Q. How will I know when my dog is ready?
A. We will always telephone you 15 minutes before your dog is ready to leave and encourage owners not to return before we call as this can excite or upset the dog and may result in us being unable to finish the groom. If you are worried about your dog or feel it is taking a long time just give us a call and we can let you know how they are doing an how much longer they will be.
Q. Should I walk my dog before or after his grooming session?
A. We always recommend that dogs are given a little walk before they arrive so that they can relieve themselves and expel any excess energy, however we do not recommend long walks for most dogs as this can cause your dog to be too tired to stand during his groom.
Q. What if I don't like my dogs new haircut?
A. Just tell us, we really won't be offended. We keep detailed records of how each dog is styled for just this reason, but we can only change things if you let us know, and we always appreciate your feedback. Sometimes due to the condition of a dogs coat we have no choice but to perform a clip off/short style, however once we have done this we will be more than happy to show you how to groom your dog to prevent this happening again and hopefully will soon have you're pet looking exactly the way you want.
Q. My dog sometimes acts a little strange after he has been to the groomers, why is this?
A. Grooming can be quite tiring as it requires the dog to stand up and concentrate for long periods of time, this means that some dogs are very sleepy after their groom, while others can be a hyper or cranky like children get if they are over tired. It is perfectly normal and your pet should be back to himself by the following day.
Q. My dog hates visiting the groomers, would it be better if I didn't take him so often?
A. Actually the opposite is normally the case. The more often a dog visits the more he gets used to it and eventually will accept the process better. Also if a dog is left too long then there will be more coat and more tangles which in turn will take longer and be more uncomfortable for the dog to tolerate. We recommend dogs that dislike grooming visit more often for in between baths as well as regular grooms to keep things short and sweet.
Q. My bitch is in season, should I still bring her for a groom?
A. We recommend bitches in season are left until they have finished their season. This is normally 17 days after you first notice that she is in heat. This is due to bitches being more sensitive at this time and also the fact that we cannot always guarantee that there will be no boys around.
Q. My dog has just been spayed/neutered, should I still bring it to be groomed?
A. We recommend that dogs are allowed to recover fully before they are groomed. This is normally a little longer for girls, but on average at least 3 weeks after the operation. Always consult your vet if at all unsure.
Q. My dog had very sensitive skin, can it still be groomed?
A. Yes, we always take your pets health and condition into account, and we have special shampoos that are designed to help dogs with skin conditions. Please let us know when you call if your dog requires any special treatment.
Q. Do you groom cat?
A. No sorry I don't groom cats.
If you have any questions that are not listed here, just give us a call on 020 8487 3862, we are always happy to discus your dogs needs.