Month: April 2021

Why Mobile Dog Grooming Is in Such High Demand

Post author By Smoochie Pooch
Post date April 20, 2021

Did you know that mobile dog grooming continues to be a quickly growing trend within the pet grooming sector? If you aren’t familiar with this type of grooming, mobile services travel to a pet owner’s home to perform dog grooming services in a specifically designed grooming van that has been outfitted to allow pet grooming to be done safely from inside the vehicle.

Why is this newer type of grooming service becoming more popular? Simply put, many pet owners are willing to pay a bit more for the convenience of having dog grooming in Valparaiso brought right to their doorstep. While it may cost a bit extra, the benefits outweigh the higher cost for many pet owners.

Could Local Mobile Dog Groomers Be the Right Choice for Your Pet?

As mentioned, busy pet owners are willing to pay more for convenience, but there are many other reasons why mobile dog grooming is growing in popularity. Let’s take a closer look at why bringing a grooming service to your home is the right choice for many.

Seniors with lower mobility don’t have to worry about being able to take their companion to the groomer.
Those who rely on public transportation can have dog grooming come to them and not have to worry about bringing their pet in a taxi or boarding a bus or a train with their dog or cat in tow.
It’s much more convenient for older or special needs dogs who may need a quieter environment.
For dogs who don’t tolerate car rides well, having the groomer come to them alleviates some of the stress of the experience.
For pets that find grooming stressful, the one pet at a time mobile dog grooming experience can be much more relaxing and put them at ease.

What to Look for in Mobile Dog Grooming in Valparaiso

It’s important for pet owners to know that mobile grooming providers should still be certified groomers with proven experience and expertise. While the convenience of having someone come to you is valuable, you still want to ensure that you’re leaving your dog in the best hands possible for their regular grooming. To find the right mobile option in the Valparaiso area, here are some questions to ask:

What kind of training do you have?
Can I see inside the mobile van/unit?
How long does a mobile appointment take?
What products do you use in the grooming van?
Do you provide a full grooming service, including baths, nail trims, etc.?

Smoochie Pooch: The Best Local Mobile Dog Groomers

When you book an appointment for mobile pet grooming services with Smoochie Pooch, rest assured you’ll receive the same level of service as you would in any one of our salons. Our mobile team is comprised of highly trained groomers that will treat your pet exactly as you’d want them to be treated. All of our mobile equipment and surfaces are properly cleaned and disinfected after every spa service, ensuring that your pet receives a safe and relaxing experience at every mobile appointment. To book mobile dog grooming, contact us today!

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What You Need to Know About Grooming for Your Yorkie

Post author By Smoochie Pooch
Post date April 13, 2021

Looking for the best Yorkie dog groomers in the Schererville area? Before you settle on a groomer, make sure you know what you’re looking for when it comes to grooming your pet’s specific breed. Yorkies, formally known as Yorkshire Terriers, are a very small breed of dog with strong personalities. As with any specific breed, they have their own needs when it comes to caring for their hair and skin.

Yorkies tend to have sensitive skin and soft, silky coats. They don’t shed much, but they can be prone to allergies, which most often shows up as itchy skin. When it comes to dog grooming styles for this particular breed, there are several hairstyle options your groomer should be able to offer.

How to Find the Best Yorkie Groomers near Me

A professional groomer should be able to offer breed-specific grooming. In fact, this should be one of the first questions you ask when looking for a groomer. Yorkie dog groomers should be well versed in the structure of a Yorkie’s coat and what products will be tolerated by their sensitive skin.

So, are you wondering how you can find the “best Yorkie groomers near me”? Here are the steps you should expect a qualified groomer to take when determining the best approach to groom your tiny pup.

Examine the texture and number of layers your Yorkie’s coat has. This will help choose the right brush that won’t irritate your dog’s skin.
Use the right Yorkie shampoo and conditioner. While their coat type will help make this decision, your dog’s daily activity can also be a factor.
Determine if a natural moisturizing conditioner is needed to replenish any natural skin and hair oils lost due to allergies.
Speak with you to determine what dog grooming style you want for your Yorkie and not make assumptions about how you’d like them cut.

Basic Steps for Grooming Your Yorkie At Home between Appointments

While professional grooming appointments are very important, it’s a good idea to do some basic grooming at home in between appointments. While your Yorkie dog groomers are still the best ones to groom your pup on a regular basis, here’s what you can do at home:

Brushing. This should be done every day and possibly twice a day if your dog has a longer cut for their breed. Don’t brush your Yorkie’s coat when completely dry. Instead, spritz some water or conditioner first and brush when damp.
Bathing. Remember, because your dog is so small in stature, you really only need a very small amount of shampoo. Make sure you really rinse them well before moving on to the conditioner.
Trimming. You may need to trim their nails and face at home. Ask your groomer for tips on how to do this safely.

Top Dog Grooming Styles for Your Yorkie at Smoochie Pooch

Any one of our Indiana salons, including our new Schererville location, would be pleased to welcome your Yorkie. At Smoochie Pooch, our groomers are highly trained in breed-specific grooming and know that every dog is unique. Our gentle and thorough approach means we can deal with all coat types, as well as any issues and concerns, all while ensuring your dog has a positive grooming experience. Make an appointment for your pet today and find out why Yorkies love Smoochie Pooch!

Dog Grooming

Skin Therapy – Itchy Scratching Dogs

Post author By Smoochie Pooch
Post date April 7, 2021

When you make an appointment for local dog grooming services, you’ll not only be helping to keep your pet’s hair and coat in good condition, but you’ll be taking steps to care for their skin too. In addition to a routine groom, many professional groomers also offer skin therapy treatment options that can help relieve itching and scratching in your dog.

Finding the right dog grooming services in Fort Wayne is important. You want to find a groomer that uses high-quality shampoos and conditioners and knows how to handle any skin issues or irritations your pet may be dealing with. Unfortunately, using the wrong products on their coat and skin can only serve to make their itching worse. Searching for “dog grooming services near me that treat skin issues” can help you research the best grooming spot for your pet.

What Causes Dogs to Itch and Scratch?

As a pet owner, it would certainly be helpful to know what’s causing your dog to itch! The tricky part lies in the fact that there are many reasons why a dog may suffer from itchy skin.

Here are some of the most common reasons why you may see your dog scratching an itch:

Dry skin. Your local dog grooming service may let you know they’ve noticed white flakes or cracked skin when your dog’s in for their appointment.
Allergic reactions. These can be caused by the food they eat or by environmental factors.
Fleas
Mites
Anxiety or stress
Hormonal imbalance
Nutritional deficiencies, specifically in zinc, copper, and omega-3 fatty acids.
Skin infections
Genetic disorders. Some breeds are more likely to suffer from conditions that can cause scratching than others.

Speaking with your veterinarian and your dog groomer can help you get to the bottom of your pup’s skin concerns. The important thing to know is that there are several things you can do to help provide them with relief, such as changing their diet, trying natural remedies, or skin treatments such as hydro massage ozone spas.

Dog Grooming Services Near Me That Can Help with Itchy Skin

If you’re looking for dog grooming services in Fort Wayne that can help you manage your dog’s skin, look no further than Smoochie Pooch. All of our pet stylists undergo training to become Iv San Bernard (ISB) Certified Pet Aestheticians, giving our team the expertise that allows us to provide solutions to skin and coat issues. From dry, flaky skin to sores and inflammation, we’ll discuss which treatment options will benefit your dog’s individual needs and then create a treatment plan that works for you. To learn more about our grooming services, contact us today!

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5 Things You Need to Know About Pet First Aid

Post author By Smoochie Pooch
Post date April 1, 2021

Were you aware that April is National Pet First Aid Awareness Month? Designed to help pet owners learn how to provide emergency care, knowing what to do until you can get your pet to a veterinarian can make a significant difference if they are sick or injured. From regular pet grooming to keeping your first aid supply well stocked, there are many things to remember when it comes to being a responsible pet owner.

Even if you think you and your pet never venture too far from home and their risk of injury or illness is slim, you should still always be prepared for an emergency. Pet first aid is different than first aid you may need for a human, so be sure you have the right supplies on hand.

Pet First Aid – Helpful Tips for Pet Owners

When you take your dog or cat in for pet grooming, you can count on your Valparaiso groomer to alert you to any lumps or bumps that seem out of the ordinary. But are there things that pet owners can do at home to help ensure their pet stays as healthy as possible?

Here are five helpful tips in support of National Pet First Aid Awareness Month:

One of the best first aid tips comes from understanding that prevention is the best medicine. While you obviously can’t stop all accidents from happening, you can take steps to reduce dangers and risks. To start, make sure you are familiar with household items that can cause choking, injury, or accidental poisoning in dogs and cats.

Making appointments for regular pet grooming services can help reduce the risk of needing first aid. When your pet’s hair, coat, nails, and skin are in good condition, you’ll reduce their risk of matting, overgrown nails, and skin irritations, all of which can lead to wounds and infections that may eventually require first aid.

Have a pet first-aid kit stocked and easily accessible. If you haven’t checked your kit in a while, now is a good time to do that so you know you have everything you may need. Be sure to also remove any expired products.

Know how to use the items in your first-aid kit. It’s not enough to just have them in your home. Would you know how to properly wrap a burned paw or handle a cut on your dog’s face?

Learn about emergency procedures like the Heimlich maneuver and CPR. While you can find tutorials online, ask your Valparaiso veterinarian for resources, information and instructions.

Smoochie Pooch Supports a Happy and Healthy Pet

At Smoochie Pooch, we know how important grooming is when it comes to your pet’s health and happiness. Whether you choose our mobile grooming service or visit one of our Indiana salons, our highly trained team takes your pet’s well-being seriously. After all, regular grooming, proper first aid, and excellent nutrition can significantly support your pet’s quality of life! To find out more about our exceptional pet grooming services in Valparaiso, contact us or call (219) 312 7362 to speak to one of our team members.

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