Published:
12:45 14 April 2022
Bringing a puppy into your life can be an exciting and rewarding experience.
Along with providing them with a healthy diet, giving them plenty of exercise, and socializing them with the outside world, regular grooming is a key part of your new dog’s training and well-being.
We chat with Clare Homes, owner of Ipswich Dog Day-Care Creche and Dolly’s Dog Grooming, who answers some frequently asked questions about puppy grooming and tells us what you can expect from their luxury salon and spa.
Q: Why should I take my dog for grooming at an early age?
Clare Holmes, owner of Ipswich Dog Day-Care Creche and Dolly’s Grooming Salon and Spa, says getting your pup groomed from an early age is crucial.
– Credit: Ipswich Dog Day-Care Creche
A: It is important that all puppies are cared for as part of their development and general well-being. Not only does this help them get used to being handled by other people, but it also introduces them to the sights, sounds and smells of a living room. Grooming can be a traumatic experience for nervous dogs (and their owners), especially if brought in at a later stage in their development.
We offer desensitization sessions to get puppies used to all the equipment used in the salon (clippers, combs etc.) as well as smells and noises, such as hair dryers. If you don’t educate your puppy from an early age, it can scare him very much.
Q: At what age should I take my puppy to the groomer?
A: The ideal age to start grooming is around 12 weeks. We offer a puppy grooming package for their first session up to six months where they can come in and spend half an hour with the groomer and get used to being in the salon. This can then be followed by further desensitization sessions until their adult coat has grown out at around six months. Puppies’ fur should not be trimmed, but they will still need a brush, comb and bath – getting them used to this from the start is essential.
Q: What are the benefits of grooming?
A: Not only does grooming mean that your new puppy is clean and smells great, but it can also help maintain healthy skin and fur. Our groomers will perform a wellness check on your dog and look for things like allergies, skin irritations, bruises or cuts, as well as make sure his ears, eyes and paws are healthy.
Matted and neglected fur can make the skin feel tight and sore, which is why it’s so important for owners to comb and brush the coat regularly between grooms. Pay particular attention to the back of the elbows, the location of the harness and the chin area, which can easily become entangled when submerged in water.
Q: How often should dogs go to the groomer?
Curly-coated dog breeds such as Cavapoos and Cockapoos should be groomed every six to eight weeks
– Credit: Getty Images/iStockphoto
A: As an owner, knowing how often your dog needs grooming is essential when considering which breed to buy. Most dogs, especially curly coated breeds like Cockapoos, Miniature Poodles, and Cavapoos, require grooming every six to eight weeks. Even dogs with short fur such as French Bulldogs and Labradors will need frequent brushing, washing and general brushing.
If left longer than eight weeks, it will be more difficult for groomers to brush and trim the coat, especially for long-haired dogs.
Q: What can I do to help my puppy if he is nervous during grooming?
A: Getting your pup used to being handled and being around water, scissors and hair dryers can help make the grooming session much easier and less stressful. Our groomers have extensive experience and are adept at soothing puppies and facilitating their spa experience, so you can rest assured that they are in good hands.
Your dog’s well-being is our top priority, which is why we use no-force grooming. This means that we will only do what the dog allows us to do and if he shows signs of distress we will stop.
Q: What services does Dolly’s Dog Grooming Salon and Spa offer?
A: We offer different packages to suit different needs, ranging from a quick clean and freshen up to a full grooming service. Pet owners do not need to be a customer of our dog daycare to use the salon and spa – everyone is welcome. We also offer puppy training and socialization classes.
Our main grooming services include:
- ‘Dolly Dash’ – a refreshing, dry bath, brush and eau de cologne spray.
- Dolly Express – a bath, brush, storage of tampons, face, hygiene areas and nail clipping.
- ‘Complete Dolly Experience’ – all of the above treatments plus full trim and styling and/or detangling.
- Individual services – nail trimming, ear trimming, shampoo upgrades (fleas or meds) and a wax balm for the paws.
Dolly’s Dog Grooming is currently offering a 25% discount for first grooming sessions when you mention Ipswich Star. Call the team to discuss your needs on 01473 743737 or visit ipswichdogdaycarecreche.co.uk/dollys-spa for more information.
You can also find them at Unit 7, The Sterling Complex, Farthing Road. Ind. East, Sproughton, Suffolk, IP1 5AP.