Having trained in the USA and worked across the globe, Jessica Smith has joined The Hyde Park Veterinary Centre. She brings almost 20 years of experience to the brand new grooming parlour behind the Pet Boutique at 61 Connaught Street.
We talked to Jessica about why grooming is important and how we can make sure that mans best friend stays in tip top shape.
TELL US ABOUT THE NEW GROOMING SERVICE?
We now offer dog-grooming services 5 days a week, Monday to Friday. A full groom includes a natural shampoo and conditioner suited to your dog’s coat, tear stain removal treatment, ears cleaned, nails trimmed, glands expressed, dematting and undercoat removal. It also includes hair clipping, hand stripping or scissoring to the dog’s breed standard style or a different style, depending on our client’s preferences. Extra services that we offer are teeth brushing and breath freshener. For dogs with skin problems such as flaky skin or hot spots we provide the soothing Tropiclean oxymed treatment.
SO NOT JUST A WASH AND BRUSH THEN. WHY IS GROOMING IMPORTANT?
Grooming is essential to help your dog feel comfortable and to maintain a healthy coat. A full groom usually takes 3 hours, sometimes less depending on the breed and the amount of work involved.
DOG GROOMING IS SEEN BY SOME AS A DECADENT LUXURY. HOW WOULD YOU RESPOND TO THAT?
I wouldn’t consider dog grooming as a luxury. It’s a necessity to keep your dog healthy and happy. When a dog’s hair is left to mat it could cause skin problems and make the dog feel uncomfortable. It is always best to keep your dog clean and brushed as often as you can. You must not let a dogs nails grow too long because that can cause them pain and problems. Most of the services offered in grooming salons are for the dog’s health rather than vanity, such as ear cleaning, teeth brushing and glands express.
AFTER ALMOST TWO DECADES IN THE INDUSTRY, WHAT ARE YOUR FAVOURITE ASPECTS OF THIS JOB?
Getting to know the dogs and watching them grow up. I have many clients that have been coming to me for years. It’s great working with them and training them to love being groomed.
ANY GADGETS, LOTIONS AND POTIONS WOULD YOU RECOMMEND?
For a short haired dog either the Zoom Groom or Furmintor grooming tools are very good at preventing shedding. For most other dogs I would recommend a slicker brush and steel comb to help prevent matting.
