This blog highlights the various add-on services we provide outside of our standard grooming packages. From specialized treatments like desheds to innovative therapies such as ozone treatment and hydro-massage, our comprehensive offerings aim to enhance both the appearance and well-being of your beloved pets. Explore the array of services we provide to ensure your pet receives top-notch care.
Note: All of the services below are available for dogs. Add-ons that apply to cats are our Deshed Treatment, Blueberry Facial, Flea Treatment, Extra Scissoring and our Exfoliating Skin & Coat Detox (in locations serving cats).
Tooth Brushing
Maintaining good oral hygiene is crucial for a fresh and healthy mouth. Regular brushing not only eliminates unpleasant odors but also effectively removes plaque and helps prevent the accumulation of tartar. Our enzymatic toothpaste is formulated with advanced enzymes, refreshes breath and supports overall oral health. By targeting plaque buildup and tartar formation, it ensures your dog’s mouth stays clean and their smile radiant. Adding tooth brushing to your dog’s grooming session can be a great way to add an extra boost to your dog’s regular brushing routine.
Tooth brushing can help in conjunction with regular grooming sessions, but to get even better results, brushing your pet’s teeth at home consistently can greatly impact your pet’s oral health. We always recommend when they get teeth brushing to also keep up with it at home as well.
Note: This is not available as a stand-alone service and must be purchased as an addition to either a basic or complete grooming package.
Anal Gland Expression
This add-on service is not included in our grooming packages because not all dogs routinely need help expressing their anal glands. Many pets are able to naturally express their own glands, though some do occasionally need help with this. Smaller dogs are more likely than large dogs to need help with anal gland expression.
Smoochie Pooch groomers are trained to perform external expressions of the anal glands. The service provided involves a gentle external expression, ensuring it is never forced. While this method may not always be fully thorough, it serves as a helpful maintenance measure. For internal anal gland expression, it’s advisable to seek assistance from a licensed veterinarian.
Note: This is not available as a stand-alone service and must be purchased as an addition to either a basic or complete grooming package.
Nose to Tail
This grooming add-on service is a cost-saving bundle of tooth brushing and anal gland expression, and is offered at a discounted rate for performing both services during the same visit. The inclusion of tooth brushing helps maintain dental health, while anal gland expression addresses other specific wellness needs. For more information about these individual services, please reference the descriptions above.
Note: This is not available as a stand-alone service and must be purchased as an addition to either a basic or complete grooming package.
Nail Trims
Nail trims involve cutting the nails with nail clippers followed by buffing with a Dremel. The added step of buffing allows our groomers to safely make the pet’s nails as short as possible while also making it more difficult for pets’ nails to split or crack. Buffing also softens and eliminates the nails’ sharp edges which in turn helps decrease scratches on wood floors and skin.
Nail trims are included in all grooming packages for cats and dogs. Nail trims may also be done as a stand-alone service, and this is our only service offered for walk-ins. We run a special called Manicure Mondays every week where pets may receive discounted walk-in nail trim services.
Note: if it is toward the end of our work hours, you may want to call ahead to confirm we will be open for your walk-in service. Aside from nail trims, our groomers work by appointment only, and they are permitted to leave and close the store after their last appointment for the day.
Extra Scissoring
Every “basic” groom includes a light trimming of the cat or dog’s face, feet and “potties” (sanitary trims). If your pet does not need a full haircut (a “complete” groom) but would benefit from extra trimming beyond the face, feet and “potties”, consider purchasing a basic groom with an Extra Scissoring add-on.
Extra scissoring may involve trimming furnishings/fringes on both front and rear legs, the chest, the belly, the rear and tail. Some breeds, like Pomeranians and golden retrievers, may require more intricate trimming which encompass a full body sculpture. This extra service confirms that specific grooming needs are met, tailored to the unique characteristics and requirements of individual pets.
Note: Most trimming/scissoring is not available as a stand-alone service and must be added to a basic grooming package. This service is already included inside a complete package. On rare occasions, we’ve been asked to do a sanitary trim or face trim (corners of the eyes on breeds like Shi Tzus, bichons, or doodles for example) or a visor trim (bangs), and those unique scissoring requests may be done without the purchase of a grooming package.
Hand Stripping
For certain breeds, like wire-coated terriers and sporting dogs, hand-plucking dead hairs from the excess topcoat is an essential part of their grooming routine. This meticulous process stimulates the hair follicles, encouraging the regeneration of a healthy new coat. This process typically takes about 1-2 hours, varying in duration depending on the breed’s specific needs. For optimal results, it’s recommended to schedule this grooming session every 1-4 weeks. Not only does hand stripping keep your pet looking their best, but it also promotes overall coat health and comfort.
Note: This is not available as a stand-alone service and must be purchased as an addition to either a basic or complete grooming package.
Exfoliating Skin & Coat Detox
Smoochie Pooch’s Exfoliating Skin & Coat Detox is a 3-step cleansing regimen featuring a gentle exfoliating scrub, hydrating shampoo and deeply moisturizing conditioner, designed to alleviate dry skin and skin allergies. The Mineral Red products utilized in our Detox treatment offer a comprehensive solution for all coat types, free from Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS). Enriched with keratin and nettle, the products provide a dual-action approach to coat and skin care. Keratin works to nourish the coat and rebuild the protective layer of the skin, safeguarding against environmental toxins. Meanwhile, the soothing properties of nettle combat eczema, hives, excessive grease and hair loss, leaving the coat luxuriously soft and shiny. This unique combination of vital ingredients ensures a thorough coat cleanse. This add-on service is available to cats and dogs.
Note: This is not available as a stand-alone service and must be purchased as an addition to either a basic or complete grooming package.
Deshed Treatment
Our Deshed Treatment add-on service involves a 3-step bathing process (condition, then shampoo, then condition again) coupled with extra brushing and carding to effectively reduce shedding by over 50%. Each step requires nearly double the amount of shampoo/conditioner and water than a normal bathing session to ensure the pet is extra moisturized and the dead undercoat is loosened. This is followed by a blow-drying session and simultaneous brushing to further eliminate excess coat. Once dry, our professional pet groomers utilize specialized grooming tools to significantly reduce hair buildup.
Your pet will shed more significantly after the Deshed Treatment due to the loosened hair follicles. Shedding will subside in 24-48 hours.
Note: This add-on is available to both cats and dogs. This is not available as a stand-alone service and must be purchased as an addition to either a basic or complete grooming package.
Blueberry Facial
Our blueberry facial is designed to illuminate facial hair and provide an indulgent aromatherapeutic experience. The pH-balanced formula is designed to preserve your pet’s natural skin balance, promoting optimal skin health with each use. Whether it’s enhancing brightness for your furry friend’s face or providing a serene moment of relaxation, our blueberry facial offers significant benefits to any bathing session.
Our Blueberry Facial is offered year-round. We occasionally offer other facial scents, as well, including Mango Maui, Tropical Breeze, Cucumber Melon, Hotty Toddy and Harvest Apple. These scented facials are not available year-round and are only offered as part of a monthly special.
Note: This is not available as a stand-alone service and must be purchased as an addition to either a basic or complete grooming package.
Flea Treatment
Dealing with fleas on your beloved pet can be a frustrating experience. Not only can these tiny parasites cause irritation for your dog or cat but they can also quickly infest your home if left untreated. In instances where a pet is found to have fleas during their grooming appointment, this is a mandatory add-on service for the groomer to administer our flea treatment shampoo as part of the grooming process. Designed to kill fleas on contact, our safe and non-toxic flea shampoo provides effective relief for your pet without exposing them to harmful chemicals.
Note: This is not available as a stand-alone service and must be purchased as an addition to either a basic or complete grooming package.
Ozone Treatment & Hydro-Massage
This cutting-edge pet skin therapy goes beyond mere oxygenated bubbles, utilizing an advanced machine that generates ozone to address skin conditions that traditional micro-bubblers may not effectively treat. The benefits for your pet include alleviating stress, enhancing vitality, stimulating circulation, soothing joints and muscles and addressing skin and coat concerns.
What is Ozone?
Ozone, an oxygen molecule (O3) with an extra oxygen atom, occurs naturally through the interaction of ultraviolet rays from the sun with oxygen molecules (O2) in the Earth’s upper atmosphere or via electrical discharge like lightning. It can also be artificially generated with an ozone generator, as in the case of our add-on service. Ozone acts as a potent and rapid oxidant, capable of breaking down bacteria, mold, yeast spores, organic material and viruses. It serves as a highly effective non-chemical disinfectant. Smoochie Pooch utilizes the ozone system Iv San Bernard developed for pets.
Note: This add-on is only available at our Crown Point, Fort Wayne North and Fort Wayne Southwest locations.
Note: This is not available as a stand-alone service and must be purchased as an addition to either a basic or complete grooming package.
Skin Therapy
Smoochie Pooch’s Skin Therapies are designed to find effective relief for pets with persistent skin issues such as dryness, itchiness, flakiness, crustiness or inflammation. Modeled after the work of Dr. Faver, DVM, our approach leverages the science of skin and hair coupled with specialized techniques and Iv San Bernard products in order to alleviate animal suffering.
Our canine skin and coat care therapies begin with a consultation by a certified Pet Aesthetician (CPAe) who has extensive knowledge and experience in the art of restorative skin and hair care. There is no one plan or process for skin therapy that we utilize for all dogs; each therapy treatment is uniquely designed for a specific pet, and options vary depending on the scenario.
Depending on the particular pet and their skin issues, treatments may take 2-6 months or longer. Such treatments have led to remarkable results previously deemed unattainable by pet parents. The ultimate goal of this program is to alleviate animal suffering by preventing and resolving skin issues effectively and compassionately. Note: Our therapies are not intended to replace veterinary care or diagnosis, but instead are designed to complement it. For more information on skin therapy options for your dog, contact us to schedule a one-on-one consultation.
Color (Dye)
For pet owners looking to add a touch of flair to their pet’s appearance, some of our locations offer creative grooming. Our artsy pet stylists use semi-permanent color to dye the hair, commonly applied to areas like the ears or tail. All of the dyes we utilize are pet safe, and many are vegetable-based products.
The coloring process typically involves allowing the dye to sit for 20-30 minutes before proceeding with bathing and drying. This method allows for vibrant and long-lasting color without causing permanent changes to the pet’s coat.
Note: Prior to application, it’s essential to ensure the coat is thoroughly clean, so a purchase of a grooming package is required to accompany this service.
Note: This service is not available at all locations. Contact your nearby Smoochie Pooch location to inquire whether Dye Color is available in your area.
Color (Airbrush)
Unlike semi-permanent dyeing, airbrushed color offers a more temporary solution, perfect for those seeking a fun, changeable look. Applied with precision and creativity, airbrushed color allows for vibrant and eye-catching designs that reflect your pet’s unique personality. It’s important to note that this form of coloring is water-soluble and will wash off when your dog gets wet.
Note: Prior to application, it’s essential to ensure the coat is thoroughly clean, so a purchase of a grooming package is required to accompany this service.
Note: This service is not available at all locations. Contact your nearby Smoochie Pooch location to inquire whether Dye Color is available in your area.
Nail Polish
Add vibrant colors to your dog’s nails with our nail polish add-on service. Our selection offers an array of fun hues. Rest assured, we prioritize the safety and well-being of your canine by exclusively using animal-safe nail polish. After the pet’s groom is complete, the pet stylist takes the time to paint the animal’s nails and allows time for them to dry.
Note: This service is not available at all locations. Contact your nearby Smoochie Pooch location to inquire whether Dye Color is available in your area. This service is available as a stand-alone service or in addition to a groom.
Personalized Care with Add-On Services
Your pet’s grooming experience at Smoochie Pooch isn’t just about aesthetics-it’s about holistic care and pampering tailored to your cat or dog’s individual needs. Our goal is to provide a personalized and enriching experience for every pet that walks through our doors. That may include removing their dead undercoat, giving them a blueberry facial or adding a touch of flair with creative grooming options like nail polish or airbrushed color. Trust Smoochie Pooch to go above and beyond in the care of your furry companion to make sure they look and feel their absolute best.
