Once the groomer or bather review the services for your dog with you the dog is taken to begin the process requested.

• Your dog is brushed
• De-matted
• Inspected for any skin conditions such as fleas or dry skin

1. The pet is then take to the bathing area where he receives two or more shampoos with a deep cleaning, exfoliating shampoo. During the deep cleaning the dog's glands are expressed, eye white (to remove tear stains) is applied and the ear canals are cleaned.
2. After the deep cleaning your dog is bathed in a moisturizing shampoo followed with a ph balancing rinse and deodorizer. Once the shampoo process is complete a conditioner for the skin and hair is applied. The dog conditions for five or tem minutes before the final rinse. This ends the bathing process.
3. The dog is then towel dried and fluffed with a brush. The pet is dried with a force drier to help remove any loose hair. For a few minutes after the force drier is used your dog is dried with a fan type drier and fluffed once more. The final stage of drying your dog is when the hand held blow drier is used while brushing the hair. You dog is blow dried until ready to groom.
4. At the grooming table the pet is brushed again to fluff the hair for the haircut. Clippers and shears are used to create the hair cut. It is during the haircut that the nails are cut and buffed. Any mats which have formed in the paws are removed. Ear hair is pulled (if any is present). Medicated ear powder is applied to help remove any moisture and to protect the ears.
5. To finish the dog is fluffed and brushed one final time. A finishing spray is applied to help repel dirt and lock in moisture. Bows and/or bandanas are put on your dog. Fragrance application and any finishing touches are done at this time.

A Shih Tzu, Schnauzer, or poodle usually take at least two hours to complete the grooming process. Please check with your groomer for exact grooming times.

NOTE: At no time during your pet's stay are they allowed with another client's pet. Cages, trays, and towels are cleaned and sanitized between each pet.

Other Sites of Interest:

• Ask Susan Peters (click here)

This site will link you to all of the articles written by Susan Peters.

• Pet Care Information (click here)

Great articles on pet safety, grooming advice, nail care, and just about anything you might need to know.