GROOMING FAQ

A: The advantages to regular bathing are many:

• In non-shedding breeds, bathing cleanses the skin, conditions the coat, and the finishing process of brushing and drying removes tangles that lead to matting. Shaving to the skin is the only choice when neglect and matting have ruined the coat over a period of months. Some owners use a brush on the surface of the coat without realizing that below the surface, a thicket of matting lurks. Only a comb run down to the skin will bring those mats to your notice. Non-shedding breeds would include Poodles, Lhasas, Yorkies, and many of the designer dogs to name just a few.
• In the shedding breeds, bathing also cleanses the skin, conditions the coat, and removes loose shedding hair. Then the finishing process of brushing and drying removes even more shedding coat. Indoor dogs of the shedding breeds will usually follow a 6 week shedding cycle giving rise to the complaint that “He sheds all year long!” By bathing and grooming every 4-6 weeks, the shedding comes out in the tub, not on the furniture, not on your clothes, or in your car! Healthier skin and coat is also an attractive benefit. Shedding breeds include: Labrador and Golden Retrievers, German Shepherds, Siberian Huskies, and many rescues who share their heritage, to name only a few.

A: That would depend on who is doing the bathing and what products are used on your pet. A good bath consists of safety procedures, expert technique, proper equipment, and quality products.

• Safety comes FIRST. Pets have been hurt from improper procedures, broken or jury-rigged equipment, lack of training or knowledge, and from cheap/inappropriate products. Here at Easdale, we have made a substantial investment into providing the best. Don’t take for granted that every other facility has done the same! Ask and we’ll be proud to tell you about our precautions and training. Our Pet Care Tech Certification course is a nationally recognized accomplishment and includes proper handling in the tub and on the table.
• Our technique and our high quality equipment go together in providing a wonderful spa experience for your pet. The shampooing is done with a water massage pump/sprayer and our guests like the sensation. The rinse is vital to keeping the skin and coat healthy by removing all product. The water should run off clear. The water is even conditioned and tested to be as effective as possible with our all natural products. We can dry in four different ways appropriate to coat type.
• Quality all natural products such as shampoos, conditioners, detangler, coat polish, and other formulas are essential to a great bath and finish. Our medicated and herbal shampoos soothe irritated skin and can promote healing. All in one pricing means that your pet will get the right product for his/her breed and coat condition. With our gentle cleansing and conditioning, bathing can be repeated as often as needed.

A: Yes! Grooming is a year round process. Some people prefer to let their dog’s fur grow longer during the winter months but that doesn’t mean the coat should be neglected.

• Longer fur has a greater chance of developing mats and tangles. Mats do not allow proper airflow through the coat and this can lead to spring shave downs, skin health issues, and other health problems.
• Short haired breeds also need attention in the colder months. Pet skin can become irritated and flaky due to the dry winter air. Regular shampooing, conditioning and brushing can help stimulate the natural oils to ease the dryness.
• The nails continue to grow!  Potential problems include:  breaking off into the quick, curling under or to the side–affecting the entire foot, or even curling into the leg and penetrating the skin of the leg in the case of dewclaws–this is painful and risks infection.
• Many dogs need their ears cleaned regularly to avoid potential health issues.
• We recommend that regularly trimmed dogs continue to have baths and brush out appointments in the winter even if growing out coat for the colder weather. This allows nails and ears to be maintained for health. In the spring, the coat will be ready for the usual trim without damage or added expense from mat removal.

A:

Natural Shampoos from Natures’ Specialties, guaranteed non-toxic, biodegradable and cruelty-free. We offer conditioning, soothing, deodorizing and other formula products:

Plum Silky - Our most popular for shine, smooth soft coat, incredible clean scent.

Yard Dog - Our Second most popular formula, great for degreasing oily coats with a refreshing lemongrass scent that lasts for days.

Almond Crisp - Creates volume and texture for curly and wire coats.

Quick Relief Neem - Soothes, heals and hydrates sensitive skin; based on the South American oil.

Truly Hypo Shampoo - A completely dye, fragrance, and sulfate free formula for sensitive pups!

Wham! - A soothing healing spray for sensitive or irritated skin.

DeShed Conditioner - Very popular with our double coated breeds to encourage the removal of shedding coats.

Happy Ears Alcohol Free Ear Wash - Gently removes wax and debris while reducing unpleasant odors in a Non-irritating, alcohol-free formulation

Fresh & Gentle Dental Spray - A mild, easy to use oral spray that works to reduce bad breath odors while assisting to reduce plaque and tartar buildup.

A: What if you could see flakes of dead skin, loose hairs, and oily crusted material around the base of many of your dog’s individual hairs. Bacteria and yeasts get down into the follicle along the side where the hair is growing out of the skin–this leaves enough of an opening in the skin for them to gain access. Pores may be capped and clogged with oily crust or red inflamed skin, a bald area or a wet seeping hot spot…is it any wonder than your pet is smelly, itching, biting itself, and scratching? What are the causes of these problems? Diet does play a role as health begins with the building blocks of nutrition. Next, allergens such as grass, pollen, seasonal air pollutants, new carpeting in the house or other environmental triggers can wreak havoc on the skin. Many rescue pets have long standing health issues that need extra time and attention. Injury, surgery and infections also need proper veterinary attention, clean conditions and time to heal.

A good bath and shampoo help but not all of the oily crust or dead skin cells are removed. But what if your pet or you are sensitive to the products used? Shampoo can also irritate already sensitive skin. TheraClean® is a gentle shower of tiny bubbles only 3 to 20 mm making the water is white with them — only air inside the bubble, no chemicals are present. The micro-bubbles, charged with negative ions, begin to cluster on the oily crust and dead skin cells floating them towards the surface. Even the yeast and bacteria begin to lift away. The pores are cleared and able to function properly again. Across the surface of the water above, a scum appears consisting of all the dead material lifted from your pet’s skin. Even chemicals and cleansers from previous baths are removed!

What powers this lifting cleansing action? Negative ions and plant enzymes which attach to organic matter at the level of micrometers–the size of a blood cell! Negative ions are what you smell in the air after a hard rain…. when you take a long shower…when you sit at the ocean with the waves breaking. Researchers are finding that negative ions aid in many health issues including recuperation from stress, reducing inflammation, aiding in normal respiration and more. Veterinary prescribed medicated shampoos can now be more effective when applied after the follicles and pores are more open. I can tell you that we love giving the baths! We notice pets’ eyes are half closed with sheer appreciation in the micro-bubble bath. After a series of Thera-clean micro-bubble sessions, many skin issues are improved or resolved! Can’t believe it? Please visit the gallery at www.thera-clean.com and see amazing before and after examples! Easdale: the best pet care is the only service provider of the Thera-clean® system in NE Ohio. Book your appointment locally at www.bestpetcare.net or give us a call!