Atchison Animal Clinic Grooming

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should my dog be groomed?

It all depends on the breed of dog you own, how much maintenance is done at home and how

important it is to you to have a clean and attractive dog. While high maintenance breeds like Wheaten

Terriers, Bichon Frise, & Poodles, should be seen every 4 weeks or so, other breeds like Golden

Retrievers, Australian Shepherds, and Shetland Sheepdogs can go every 6 to 8 weeks. On the low

maintenance end, Labrador Retrievers and Beagles may only require professional grooming every 12

weeks, though you'll want to have nails trimmed between professional grooms.

The last groomer I took my dog to shaved him!

Your dog's coat condition will be assessed when he is taken in for his appointment. We will give you

our best estimate of what can be done before you leave your dog. If your pet is matted, sometimes

clipping short is the only humane way to deal with a matted coat. We try to be sure that all of our

clients are employing proper brushing and combing techniques and will take the time to demonstrate if

necessary so that matting can be avoided in the future. Most coats require thorough brushing and

combing several times a week in order to maintain a tangle or matt free condition.

How much will my grooming session cost?

The total price of the session is based on time and difficulty. Several factors including breed, size,

temperament, coat condition & hair style contribute to the time it takes to groom your pet. A wiggly or

untrained puppy may take longer and cost more than an adult dog even if a full haircut could not be

achieved. The actual price can only be determined once the pet is groomed by the groomer. After the

initial session, we will recommend a grooming regiment to help maintain your pet's grooming needs.

I just adopted a pet & she is really scared of being groomed

In circumstances such as these, we like to have an initial consultation with you & your pet.We are not

in the business of torturing animals, so will not "man-handle" a dog in the name of vanity. If your dog

is showing extreme signs of stress or aggression, it may be recommended to break the sessions down

into smaller more tolerable doses, a short trim style or possibly having your pet sedated for the

process. We can also discuss desensitization techniques you can do at home to help your dog adjust to

being groomed.

My dog is shedding like crazy, can you shave him?

This is one of the main complaints that pet owners have.  Shaving does not stop shedding.  It only

makes the dropped hairs shorter.  De-Shedding is part of the standard grooming package for all dogs

who shed their coat. When done properly, regular grooming will reduce shedding.  This is one of the

most common reasons our clients have for bringing in their dog. In order to retain its effectiveness,

your pet will need to be seen at regular intervals (usually every 6-8 weeks). Most breeds drop their

coat twice a year, in preparation for the seasonal changes. This is when we notice the most pet hair in

our homes. At these times, we recommend making additional appointments to remove the heavy

shedding undercoat. Throughout the rest of the year, maintaining the coat with regular brushing &

grooming will greatly reduce the hair found on your furniture and clothes.

We've recently moved here and my old groomer used to give my Shih-Tzu a puppy cut. I can't

find anyone here who does it the same way that she did. Doesn't anyone around know what a

puppy cut is??

"Puppy cut" is a widely used but highly generic and non-specific term for something like a "one length

all over" with a cute head style. The only recognized puppy cut is that sported by Poodle puppies in

the show ring. A description of the body coat length and type of head style you would like to see on

your dog should give the groomer an idea of what you are looking for. You can always refine the

groom at subsequent appointments. Pictures can often help determine the precise look you desire.