Professional Grooming Equipment and Supplies
Your favorite brands and many more all in one place!
At Technogroom we are proud to supply our customers with an extensive range of professional grooming products from around the world.
Not only are we the sole importer of many popular brands, but we also develop and manufacture our own unique products in house at Technogroom. Our Service Center Will Help Keep Your Salon Running
Keeping your equipment in top working order is essential to your business.
We can service or repair any make and model of blasters, clippers, dryers, tables and sharpen all types of blades.
To find out more about our service centre, please call us or visit our website.
Hello readers!
November is officially here, and we’re starting to get a real chill in the air. Have fun turning these pages with your mittens on!
This issue, we’re looking at what you can start doing to warm up your grooming business for the festive Winter season. We’re also investigating the world of pet grooming apprenticeships, as well as reflecting on the past year from a technology perspective.
Our usual contributors, Katie Gwilt and Rachel Bean, are also back to give us some more fantastic pet-focused tips to pass on to your readers so, from myself, and everyone here at Total Grooming Magazine, we hope that you have a fantastic November and we’ll see you next month!
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Pet Drugs Online
With over 17.2 million pet households in the UK, a veterinary expert reveals how to care for your pet without breaking the bank.
With the number of pet households in the UK on the rise – increasing by 6.17% since 2023 – more owners than ever are investing heavily in their furry companions. New research from Pet Drugs Online reveals that Gen Z pet owners are spending an average of £936 annually on their pets, while Millennials aren’t far behind. As the cost of living continues to squeeze many households, balancing pet care with your budget can feel overwhelming.
To help you manage the costs while still giving your pet the best care possible, Dr Sarah Page-Jones, lead veterinary surgeon at Pet Drugs Online, shares her expert advice on where it’s important to invest and where savings can be made without compromising your pet’s health or happiness.
Food first: quality over quantity
“Nutrition is one of the most important areas to focus on. What your pet eats has a huge impact on their health and wellbeing.
“Cats, for instance, are obligate carnivores, meaning they need animalbased foods to get the rights nutrients. When it comes to pet food, it’s worth investing in quality – but that doesn’t always mean the most expensive option on the shelf. Look for foods tailored to your pet’s breed, age and activity levels to meet their specific needs.
Regular vet visits:
“Taking your pet to the vet at least once a year can catch early signs of illness and ensure vaccinations and treatments are up to date. A small investment in preventative care now can save you from expensive treatments later.”
Where to save: toys and treats
“While spoiling your pet with toys and treats is tempting, this is an area you
can scale back without guilt. Pets love attention and playtime with their owners more than anything.
“Pets also have different play styles, and understanding their preferences can help you focus on the toys they are more likely to enjoy.
“Common play styles include chewers, chasers, tug-of-war lovers and problem solvers.”
Holistic health on the rise
“More pet owners are exploring holistic treatments and supplements for their pets and while there is value in certain natural remedies, you should always
consult your vet first.
“Holistic treatments serve to treat your pet’s medical condition using both conventional and complementary medicine.”
Dr Sarah Page-Jones encourages pet owners to focus on the essentials – good food, regular vet care and plenty of love. Pets are part of the family and with a bit of planning you can ensure they get the care they need without breaking the bank.
For more tips on caring for your pet affordably, read The Top to Tail Report from Pet Drugs Online.
Photo by Gilberto Reyes on Pexels
Stress
Cats are known to be independent. They often enjoy their own space and company, thrive on a routine, sleep and are notoriously reactive to change and ambient stress from humans.
However, they are also extremely sensitive to changes, responding intensely to changes in their environment, like the addition of new family members, or even the emotional stress experienced by their owners. This vulnerability to stress is the reason why understanding and addressing their anxiety is so important.
With Stress Awareness Week approaching, from 4th November until 9th November, it’s an ideal time to reflect on how cats experience stress and what owners can do to reduce it. To raise awareness, leading pet insurer petGuard shares cat owner tips to help minimise stress and anxiety in cats.
“Cats are perceptive, intelligent, and sensitive. Just like us, they are easily impacted by the exterior environment and can easily get stressed” says Simon Bennett, Managing Director at petGuard.
Why do cats get stressed?
Cats can experience stress for many reasons, often linked to changes in their environment or daily habits. Sudden changes like moving to a new home, the arrival of a new pet or family member, or shifts in their daily activities can shake up their feeling of safety. Cats are also very sensitive to how their owners feel, if they sense stress or tension, they might start
feeling the same way. Health problems can also contribute to their stress levels, making it essential for cat owners to closely monitor their cat’s well-being. Understanding these triggers is critical for creating a peaceful environment that helps reduce stress in cats.
What are the signs of stress in cats?
Of course, it is always best to rule out any physical causes of apparent illness but, often cats are suffering from psychological issues. They are masters at what psychologists call ‘displacement activities’. In the same way that humans may cope with an issue by obsessively cleaning or over-exercising, cats will overgroom to the point of fur loss. They may become fixated by scratching furniture or hurl themselves at walls. Their breathing may be erratic, they may shake, pace, cower or growl. Crouching, nose-licking, flat ears, changes in appetite, hissing or vocalising can all be signs of feline stress or anxiety.
“There are many signs of stress and anxiety in cats, however it is always important to check with the vet if you are worried about your feline companion” adds Bennett.
Discover more about cat anxiety at petguard.co.uk/cat-stress-signs
PetQuip Awards
The awards dinner at PATS shone a light on the best of the petcare sector’s innovation, creativity and talent.
The PetQuip Awards dinner saw awards presented across 15 categories at a buzzing evening with 300 guests representing suppliers, retailers, wholesalers, distributors and industry trade exhibition organisers.
New awards for this year included two people-focused categories, Rising Star and Employee of the Year.
The Rising Star award, sponsored by Noble Futures, includes a bursary, courtesy of the sponsor, for the winner to use for personal development. The winner was Clara Hewson from The Muzzle Movement.
The judges found Employee of the Year so hard to judge that they awarded joint gold winners for two people who work in very different parts of the pet care sector. The awards went to Charmain Cane from We.pet Independent Wholesale and Michelle Williams from Associated Veterinary Services.
A delighted Charmain said: “I am over the moon. To hear myself described by my colleagues as ‘the glue that holds the team together’ was very special. I was shocked to be nominated, so you can imagine my delight at winning this award.”
An additional new award for best marketing campaign saw an excellent, high quality set of entries, which shone a light on the creativity and innovation from marketing teams across the sector. This category also resulted in joint gold awards, to Frozzys for its celebration pack campaign and Pawsome Pets Boutique for its Disney campaign.
Jackie Kirk, Marketing and Innovations at Frozzys commented:“The Frozzys team were delighted to pick up the gold award for Best Trade Marketing Campaign. The campaign was developed to mark our 10 year anniversary with the new Limited Edition Celebration Pack. Our small team achieved remarkable success in launching the pack nationwide, demonstrating the power of creativity, collaboration, and strategic thinking.
“We were so happy to see a marketing award added to the prestigious categories at the PetQuip awards, recognising the hard work that goes in to execute a successful, multi-channel campaign”
The awards evening included trophies presented to multiple, independent and overseas retailers, with the gold winner for international retailer of the
year represented by three of its senior directors, who were thrilled by this independent recognition of the high standards and expert personnel the company employs. Kölle Zoo has 24 experience stores, with welfare and animal friendly husbandry at its heart.
The UK multiple retailer gold award was won by Jollyes and UK independent retailer was won by Trusty Pet Supplies.
The final award of the evening, for Lifetime Achievement, was presented to Celia Hammond, whose original glamorous career focussed her attention on animal cruelties and who then used her high profile to change the views of the UK public on cruel animal practices. She then decided to devote her life to improving the care and lives of stray and feral animals in the UK.
With the move of PATS to the NEC in 2025, the PetQuip Awards dinner will take place alongside the exhibition as usual.
“Our whole team was delighted to celebrate so many successes in this innovative industry across product development, marketing, export, skilled team members and retailers. With a record-breaking attendance this year, we are looking forward to seeing even more
of the industry gathering to celebrate and network at the 2025 PetQuip Awards!”
The PetQuip Awards 2024 were sponsored by: Leopard Co, Group55, Law Print and Packaging, Interzoo, Zoomark, SUPERZOO, Noble Futures, Petface, Pedigree Wholesale, PBW News, PPM, CIPS, PATS, James & Steel and the charity partner was Nature’s SAFE.
List of winners: Supplier of the year
Gold: TRIXIE UK Pet Products
Silver: Mutneys Professional Pet Care
Business service of the year
Gold: Millin Luxury Dog Boarding
Silver: Four Paws Groom School
Most promising new starter business –sponsored by Interzoo
Gold: The Muzzle Movement
Silver: Pawionic
Product of the year - food & treats
Gold: Frozzys HAPPY GUT Softbakes
Silver: Dougie’s Pets Dougies Pure Veg
Blocks Highly commended: Wonderful World of Treats Collection
Product of the yearhealthcare and grooming
Gold: VETIQ Serene Calming Ointment
Silver: Woof and Brew Herbal Blended
Tonics
Product of the yearaccessories and technical
Gold: ROGZ Cat Safety Release Collar
Silver: DotDotPet Dog Eco Towels
Sustainability award –sponsored by CIPS
Gold: Benevo
Silver: Beco
UK multiple retailer of the year – sponsored by PATS
Gold: Jollyes
UK independent retailer of the year – sponsored by Pet Product Marketing
Gold: Trusty Pet Supplies
Silver: Marshalls Pet Food Store
International retailer of the year – sponsored by PATS
Gold: Kölle Zoo
Best trade marketing campaign – sponsored by
PBW News
Joint gold: Pawsome Paws Boutique
Disney campaign
Joint gold: Frozzys celebration pack campaign
Silver: My Anxious Dog #Dogsinyellow campaign
Rising star – sponsored by Noble Futures
Gold: Clara Hewson, The Muzzle Movement
Silver: Sophie Chesman, Pawsome Paws Boutique
Employee of the year – sponsored by Noble Futures
Joint gold: Charmain Cane, We.pet Independent Wholesale
Joint gold: Michelle Williams, Associated Veterinary Services
The Theresa Swann Award – exporter of the year –sponsored by Group55
Gold: Mutneys Professional Pet Care
Silver: James & Steel
Lifetime Achievement –sponsored by Leopard Co
Gold: Celia Hammond, Celia Hammond
Animal Trust
For details of PetQuip membership, please e-mail info@petquip.com or visit www.petquip.com
Festive Planning
December is drawing near, and pretty soon we’ll be seeing decorations up all over the place! That being said, here’s how you can get ahead of the planning with some handy tips.
Image by Elizabeth Smirnova on Unsplash.
It’s the most wonderful time…
As the holiday season draws nearer, let’s look at some marketing ideas to help prepare you for the festive season!
Due to the time of year, with more gatherings and family celebrations, it’s not uncommon that you’ll see a rise in requests from your clientele to spruce up their pup’s coat. As a groomer, it’s the time of year when you’ll see an influx in business. That being said, what are some of the ways that you can tailormake your marketing for the upcoming Winter months?
This time of year is one of the most ideal to reach new clientele, as people will be in the market and searching for something new. So how can you make yourself stand out from the crowd as potential new clients are scouring the internet for a new place to make their furry friends look fabulous?
There are so many different ways to cover, but the first one that we’d like to discuss is the idea of holiday-themed packages that you can market to your clients.
There is a limited time of the year when people might be looking to make cute family Christmas cards and festive photos a reality, and having their pets involved isn’t something to be missed! From cute cuts that represent the festive time of year to accompanying some props and outfits, this is the best time to put together some packages that you can focus on these points with.
Next up, we’ve spoken with some groomers who are offering things such as flash sales and even timed events within their business. Not only does this remind people to book sooner rather than later, but it also creates a sense of urgency that can only come with the feeling of making an appointment nice and early. Your clientele doesn’t want a repeat of that one time they waited until Christmas Eve to do their Christmas shopping. It’s important to have that urgency.
Flash sales are something that you can utilise social media for! Some people say the first weekend of December is the only time to get an amazing deal, some offer limited services that change daily throughout the month, such as discounts on trims or baths. Once again, it’s all about urgency, and people will be looking for a bargain around this busy
time of year as well as looking to invest their money on a fantastic Christmas cut! Speaking of social media, making the most of your pages is crucial in 2024! The internet is something that’s growing indefinitely, and you won’t want to sit around and wait for clients to magically fall at your doorstep. Posting about your amazing Christmas savings, deals, and
Photo by Alfo Medeiros on Pexels
FESTIVE PLANNING
events is one of the best ways this year to get your information out there and to remind people to book sooner rather than later!
Don’t forget to showcase your work, even from previous years, to really demonstrate that your business has the value that new clientele may be looking for.
Last year, we were able to chat with a couple of groomers who put together their holiday spa packages for the Winter months, as the cold air can not only have a negative effect on human hair and skin, but our beloved pets, also!
See what other treatments you can also provide that aren’t just grooms, as this can be something people are looking to do simply as a treat for their pup! Dogs having spa treatments is blowing up our trending pages at the minute, so be sure to spoil those dogs and make some fantastic reels whilst you’re at it and the algorithm will do wonders for your local community’s awareness.
To wrap things up, we want to remind everyone reading this that the holiday season may seem daunting at first, but when you think of it as another way to help your business grow, it really can change your perspective on the matter! Not only can you boost your friendly neighbourhood word-of-mouth reviews, but your revenue stream to boot!
When it comes down to it, making pets and pet owners feel festive is priceless, and it’s the season of giving after all. Don’t be afraid to show your clientele you care by adding some refera-friend discounts to their appointments, as well as small treats for the dogs to really bring home the Christmas spirit and demonstrate that you’re passionate about this fantastic industry.
Photo by Goochie Poochie Grooming on Pexels
Photo by Ali Pazani on Pexels
Photo by Lum3n on Pexels
JULIE HARRIS
1, 2, 3 Perfect Prep Trial Bundle Offer
1: Squeaky Clean Soap Bar for stubborn dirt & grease
2: Deep cleansing 2 in 1 Purify & Nourish shampoo
3: Coat Management spray to remove knots, smooth & strengthen for clipping and scissoring
With Pro-vit B5 for condition, strength, and shine
Suitable for all coat types
Loved by professionals & champion owners
Cold Pressed – a bowl full of goodness
As far as dry foods go, you’d be hard-pressed to beat cold-pressed. It’s becoming a favourite for dog owners wanting to feed a natural, nutritious dry diet. We’ve teamed up with Wilsons, the UK’s leading manufacturer of cold pressed to find out what makes this diet such a great option for our four-legged friends.
So what is cold pressed?
Cold pressed dog food is made by blending natural ingredients together under pressure for a short period of time at a low temperature, producing nutritious pellet-sized pieces of food.
Why is cold pressed often referred to as ‘more natural’ than other dry dog foods?
It’s all about the process; it’s very gentle. Extruded ‘Kibble’ is produced at high temperatures over a long period of time, reducing the nutritional value of the ingredients and requiring the need to use additives for flavour, colour and preservatives. Our gentle cold pressing preserves the ingredient’s nutrients, avoiding the need for additives.
Can you feed cold pressed on its own?
Our cold pressed recipes are complete, so they’re nutritionally balanced to provide everything a dog needs to stay fit and well. But it can make a great mixer with raw frozen dog food, which we also produce at our factories in Scotland.
Is cold pressed more expensive than standard dry dog food?
This depends on the quality of the food being fed. But in principle, it is no more expensive than any other diet containing good quality, nutritious ingredients, especially as a dog requires less coldpressed, due to its nutritional density.
A great start for pups
Wilsons new Chicken & Salmon recipe is tailored specifically for the growing needs of puppies. It’s packed with
everything pups need for optimum health; it’s gentle on tummies, supports developing immune systems and contains EPA and DHA to support growth and brain development. 2kg bag, RRP £15.99
Wilsons Cold Pressed Premium
Choose from nine tasty complete recipes, such as lamb, chicken, turkey & duck, salmon or haggis, each packed with natural, quality ingredients, including single-source proteins, vitamins and minerals. Available in 2kg and10kg bags, RRP from £15.99.
Wilsons Cold Pressed Working Dog
With a special blend of protein and carbohydrates to deliver slow-release energy, the complete recipes are ideal for active and working dogs. Grain-free recipes include fish, lamb, chicken, pork and beef; each combined with tasty vegetables, vitamins and minerals. 15kg bags, free from VAT, RRP from £56.99.
Dinner time taste test
With so many delicious recipes to choose from, why not let your canine companion choose their favourite feast, with a Wilsons cold pressed Sample Box, containing seven different recipes in 100g bags, Premium recipes RRP £7.99. Visit wilsonspetfood.co.uk
Do you love grooming but find the anxious dogs drain your energy?
Reiki for Dog Groomers can help! This comprehensive Home Learning course teaches you how to use Reiki energy healing to calm dogs and create a peaceful grooming environment.
• Discover hands-on techniques to soothe dogs before and during grooming services, making your job easier!
• Reiki can help transform your salon into an oasis of tranquility!
• Re-energize yourself between appointments. No more feeling drained at the end of the day!
• A deeper connection with the dogs in your care.
Learn Reiki from expert teacher Rob Fellows and unlock your natural healing abilities… and make each day a little more...aahhh.
Enroll today at www.robfellowsreiki.com/reiki-for-dog-groomers Any questions? Contact rob@robfellowsreiki.com
Apprenticeships
As 2025 draws near, you might want to consider what’s new to learn in the world of pet grooming. We discuss this over the next few pages. Photo by Tima Miroshnichenko on Pexels.
Apprenticeships in 2024
Something that I’m sure most of you have had some experience in, one way or another, is that of apprenticeship within the dog grooming industry. Let’s explore why apprenticeships are hugely beneficial within this dog grooming world, for both experienced and newcomers alike.
Professional pet grooming is something that you can’t just walk into. It requires strict knowledge of the correct procedures, various breeds, coat styles and the handling of equipment that may be used day to day in the world of a professional groomer.
Acquiring the right skills through training and development is a must, so let’s take a look at some of the most important aspects of what to look out for, for yourself and anyone else you’d like to inform!
Firstly, let’s talk about why apprenticeships are important. Apprenticeships offer hands-on training that you can acquire through specific courses or on the job, while you work. This will allow the learner to gain practical skills, a better understanding of techniques, knowledge on tools of the trade and overall have a better understanding of various dog breeds and whatever is needed for specific types of coats.
When you work in a practical grooming environment, you will not only learn by doing, but it’s a fantastic way to witness real-life action and learn how to apply it to your skillset. From practising learning the tools and watching how to handle specific situations in real-time, you can gain beneficial experience that may be crucial to your career as a dog groomer.
This is an experience that can really immerse anyone in the industry and help to learn in a hands-on way. Not only that, but it can also help build confidence in the skills that you practice. You can constantly learn, improve and put your new techniques into practice, and having some constructive criticism from a mentor is also something that can only
enrich a positive learning environment.
Groomers who have completed apprenticeship courses will have the knowledge and capabilities to put their new skills into play and should feel
confident in doing so as long as they have had the right training.
Something to note about apprenticeships within the dog grooming industry specifically is that
Photo by Artem Korsakov on Pexels
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GroomFest is a FREE to attend Education and Shopping event for Groomers.
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To attend the events visit www.groomfest.co.uk to register your interest or email mike@tgmpublishing.co.uk
we’re constantly seeing change. Every year there are new tools, techniques and other products that are constantly being entered into the fray.
Upcoming groomers who are in the midst of an apprenticeship course are able to learn these new ways of working in real-time, and they are introduced to the latest industry trends to learn the best practices when it comes to this cool new way of working.
Something else that you can hone your abilities on when in a learning environment doesn’t have to just be focused on practical grooming. Dog grooming isn’t solely the technical skills that you can learn, it’s also about running a business. Learning the correct way to interact with a client, and figuring out what is to be expected of you during business hours, are all vital parts of any business.
Learning how to run a business also aids in financial understanding, and you can even focus on niche things such as handling negative customer reviews or potentially unsatisfied customers. However, we don’t assume you’ll have many provided you’ve been paying attention during the apprenticeship!
Communication is key, and dog grooming is no exception to this! Simply learning how to interact with clients in the best way is one of the most crucial aspects of learning how to be a part of the industry, and we insist that you gain all of the experience you can get! Even by swinging by a business and being in the environment can really help you figure out some things that may not have been apparent to you before.
There are also many important things such as animal welfare that can be learned, which we encourage all of you readers to check out when you get the minute! Experts, such as Rachel Bean who is a monthly contributor of ours, are always willing to share so don’t be afraid to reach out if you have any questions!
Overall, running a dog grooming business can seem like a lot at first, but with the correct training under your belt, you’ll be doing amazing things and giving the best grooms in no time at all! The clients, their pups and your reputation will see exponential growth if you tackle it the right way, so do your research and we look forward to seeing you in our Groomers of the Month feature very soon!
Photo by Goochie Poochie Grooming on Pexels
Photo by Tima Miroshnichenko on Pexels
Nextmune
Elevate your grooming services with advanced dermatology and oral health solutions.
As a professional dog groomer, you’re more than just a stylist for pets—you’re a trusted source of advice for pet owners. Many clients turn to their groomers for recommendations on maintaining their dog’s skin, coat, and overall health between grooming visits.
At Nextmune, we understand this responsibility and offer a range of scientifically and veterinaryrecommended products that can be used by you to help support the health and well-being of the dogs you groom.
Nextmune is a leading company in veterinary dermatology, allergy management, and oral health solutions. Our focus is on creating effective, scientifically backed and clinically-proven products that address common pet health concerns such as skin issues, ear problems, and dental care.
Nextmune’s range of antibacterial, antifungal, and moisturising shampoos, foams, sprays and wipes are designed to tackle a variety of skin concerns from dry to greasy skin, to more complex issues caused by environmental and food allergies. Specially formulated to target the underlying issue in a variety of easyto-use presentations, our products leave dogs not only looking better but feeling better as well.
Ear problems are one of the most common reasons for owners to visit the vet. Dogs with floppy ears, allergies, or those that frequently swim are particularly prone to ear issues and effective ear cleansing is important to help maintain ear health. Our ear cleaners are formulated to help manage bacteria and yeast, whilst effectively cleaning the ear. Formulated with ingredients that do not irritate, they can be safely used to clean the ears of dogs in the grooming parlour and at home by your clients.
Oral health is another crucial area where your expertise can make a difference. Dental disease in dogs is a common but preventable issue that can lead to discomfort and more serious health complications. Nextmune’s
veterinary-approved dental products, including easy-to-use sprays and gels, help reduce plaque and promote better oral hygiene. By using and recommending these products, you can help ensure better long-term oral health for the dogs you see.
As a groomer, your clients deeply value
your opinion and may seek your advice before going to the vet. To help you understand the problems some dogs face and how our products can help solve these, Nextmune can support you with expert training in your grooming business.
Get in touch now to learn more!
Elevate your grooming services
Nextmune UK specialises in dermatology because we believe every dog deserves the best care. That’s why we’ve created a premium range of veterinaryrecommended shampoos, ear cleaners, and dental products, specifically designed to meet the unique needs of your clients’ pets.
Whether it’s dogs with dry or smelly skin, itchy feet, or bad breath, our products are trusted by veterinary surgeons and pet owners alike to provide effective, long-term solutions that support optimal health.
Why Choose Our Products?
● Trusted by veterinarians, including specialist dermatologists
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● Targeted care for specific issues, such as skin and ears prone to bacterial or yeast overgrowth
● Available in a variety of formats: shampoos, foams, sprays, and wipes
● Non-prescription, allowing for easy over-the-counter availability
Book your training now
We offer in-person training on all our products. To book a meeting with one of our representatives, please scan the QR code or email salesenquiries.uk@nextmune.com
Cats and their Claws
Welcome back to the regular Kat Column where we chat all about cats. This month we are taking a look at cats and their claws. They are pretty well known for not being shy about using their paws as a method of offence and defence, but they have other uses too. Luckily in the UK declawing is illegal, but you may encounter it in a cat that has been brought into this country from abroad. By Katie Gwilt.
Anatomy of a Cat Claw
Cats have white/clear claws only and generally 5 on the front paws (including a dew claw) and 4 on the back feet. They have a pink quick which will bleed if cut but is easier to see against the clear/white colouring of the claw. I have groomed a cat with 1 back leg dew claw and there are some breeds that are prone to extra paw pads and claws. This is called Polydactyl and a generic trait especially common in Maine Coon cats but can be in any cat of any breed. It can be either or both the front and the back paws that have extra toes and the most toes recorded was a ginger tabby cat called Jake who had 28 toes so an extra 10!
The claws can appear black if they have dirt on them but this should come off. Breeds like Sphynx and Lykoi who have little or no fur are prone to being very greasy/oily and often have darker claws which need a really good clean when they are bathed. The front claws have a natural curl or hook to them for hunting and climbing. They grow from the base like human nails but also they grow outwards and scratching helps to remove the dead claw sheath revealing the healthy thinner claw underneath. Clients may say their cat’s claw has come off, but it will be the hollow dead husk they have found (usually around places the cat scratches). Indoor and elderly cats or those with reduced mobility are more likely to have thicker claws which are more prone to becoming ingrown. They look similar to those in dogs, like a thick circular structure.
How Cats Use Their Claws
Cats use their claws when hunting. They typically go after smaller rodents
and birds but I have heard some interesting stories about cats going for roosters, chickens and squirrels which are bigger than their usual prey. I know one who managed to get an adult magpie alive through the cat flap somehow! They also use them for climbing and scratching behaviour. Scratching is an interesting one as it serves two main purposes. One is to keep their claws healthy and remove the dead outer husk to expose the fresh healthy claw underneath. They also use scratching as a communication method. The scratch marks themselves will give visual cues to other cats about how long ago a cat has been in the vicinity. Cats also have scent glands on their paw pads that leave messages by smell as well. This can give information about their breeding cycle, their health and where they are from etc.
Cat Claw Health
As I have mentioned ingrown claws can become an issue. They usually occur when the claw gets thick and the outer husk isn’t being shed. It can occur on the front or back claws and it is where the claw has curled around and pierced the paw pad. I have seen a couple where they have got right through and come out the other side! The best way to treat them is to have some Leucillin nearby and some cotton gauze as likely it will bleed and need cleaning. I cut the claw in the middle of the circle and then try to trim more off as needed. Usually when cut the part inside the paw will come out but I have had to remove it as well. If you aren’t confident then send the cat straight to the vet for them to do it. I usually let the paw pad bleed a little to make sure anything stuck near the entrance of the cut is cleared and
An ingrown claw on a cats front paw
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KATIE’S KAT COLUMN
then I go back and clean as needed with leucillin which is antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral. I never cover the pad and make sure the owner/guardian knows to keep a look out for any smells or green/yellow discharge which will need checking by a vet as a sign of infection. If the wound is quite open then keeping the cat inside for 24 hours is recommended to let the skin start to heal before getting dirt from outside in the open cut.
Something I have come across recently is a cat that has an infection at the base of the claw bed. The claws appeared black at the base like grease or dirt. When I removed the dirt though pus shot out of the claw bed and the skin all around the claw was visibly infected with the typical abscess type smell. They are now under vet care to see whether it is bacterial or fungal but likely it is something that is long-standing and has been recurring. The cat is a rescue who isn’t very cuddly so it has been difficult for her new family to check plus they would not be trained in what to look for. Hopefully, a biopsy will give more information and in the meantime, she will need regular claw trims and cleaning with Leucillin.
Declawing
This is a surgical procedure called onychectomy that fortunately is not legal in the UK but is in many parts of the world including some States in America. It doesn’t just remove the cats’ claws, but amputates the last bone of each toe. Declawing doesn’t serve any health or survival benefits, it is purely to stop them from scratching furniture. Many cats who have been declawed have an increase in biting as it becomes their first line of defence with their claws gone. Basically it causes a disability in the cat by removing part of the toe and can affect their mobility, posture and pain levels for the rest of their life. If you meet a declawed cat then take extra care with handling to accommodate for this.
Claw Caps
These are not used much in the UK but are found in countries like America where declawing is legal. They are plastic caps that go over the claws to protect furniture from scratching. They come in multiple different colours and attach with glue. As an alternative to declawing
then they serve a purpose. They do however stop normal cat behaviour and can cause behaviour problems as a result. Remember cats use scratching as a way of communication by scent and sight to other cats. If they can’t
scratch then they may move to other ways of communication like spraying and urinating in particular. My advice is not to use them in the UK as the disadvantages outweigh any advantages here.
Collage of Mooie and her infected claw beds. Shows the dried pus that I removed from her claws before trimming
An ingrown claw after being cut and removed
Smarty Paws
Leanne Stirland is a professional dog groomer, and is the owner and salon manager of Smarty Paws Chilwell and Beeston. This November, she is TGM’s groomer of the month!
Smarty Paws is an award-winning professional dog grooming salon, having recently opened a second salon. Both salons are in the heart of my home town of Beeston, Nottingham, that provide a professional but personable service.
To me, my work is more than just a job. I value each dog and owner individually and only groom one dog at a time so that my time and energy is fully dedicated to each client.
Both salons are equipped with the highest quality equipment including movable electric baths and tables, cordless clippers, stand dryers etc.
My salon is large enough to cater for breeds of all different shapes and sizes and, unlike many other salons, I have a free-roam policy. I strive to make the dogs as relaxed and comfortable as possible, and having the freedom to move around is better for their mental
GROOMERS OF THE MONTH
well-being. It allows them to express their personality. I also have a securely enclosed yard for the dogs to run around in at one of the salons where I absolutely love playing with them.
Dog grooming is a messy and smelly business, but I work hard to ensure my salon looks clean and smells fresh. Whilst many salons hide their workstations from view, I purposely installed a window between the reception and salon to allow my customers to see their dogs being trimmed and the other salon is completely open.
Dogs are my biggest passion in life and I have been working in dog grooming salons since I was 14 years old, starting out on Saturdays and progressing to full-time after I finished school.
After ten years of working in 3 different salons, I decided to set up my own, and in January 2015 I founded Smarty Paws at the age of 24.
I started out by renting a table in the salon I had previously volunteered in, managing my own clients and accounts. Over the next 18 months, I built up a regular client base and earned enough to become self-employed on full-time. Basis. In June 2016 I earned a Level 3 City and Guilds dog grooming qualification.
My ten years working in the industry gave me a strong understanding of what makes a good salon, and this gave me a clear vision of what I wanted my own salon, Smarty Paws to be.
Since opening my own salon in 2017, I have been able to pass on my expertise and experience training two members of staff into confident, competent groomers who still work at Smarty Paws.
Smarty Paws’ new and second salon has extra room/space to provide extra training days for staff and dog owners. We hope to provide animal first aid courses and seminars, to ensure we’re always equipped with the latest guidance and training.
My advice to anyone thinking about taking up dog grooming as a career, or just starting out, is to get as much hands-on experience within a salon. There are many great courses available now to learn and gain dog grooming qualifications but I feel they don’t offer a very realistic aspect of everyday grooming.
Each dog I groom is completely different, from coat care to personality.
Dog grooming requires lots of patience and understanding.
Outside of work, I enjoy spending time showing and competing with my standard poodles. There is Finnegan, a four-year-old silver standard poodle and Delilah a two-and-half white standard poodle who has competed at Crufts in recent years. Who are both often at the salons.
For me personally, the thing I love about dog grooming besides the
creative aspect and feeling a sense of accomplishment after each groom is the rewarding factor of making the dog feel better! The health benefits and seeing the difference in how the dog must feel and shows its gratitude in the way it suddenly becomes alive, light-footed and playful!
Customers on a daily basis thank me and tell me how differently their dog behaves in a joyful way!
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Technology Round Up
2024 saw some really cool new pieces of grooming tech! It’s about this time of year that it’s important to reflect, so let’s dive in! Image by Jamie Street on Unsplash.
Grooming tech
Over the years, the pet grooming industry has shown nothing but exponential growth, thanks to some of the remarkable developments within the technology portion of the industry. We can’t overstate the importance of how technology can affect business. So, let’s dive in!
The dog grooming industry, as with any industry, will rapidly embrace technology and growth to enhance the grooming process, as well as grant ease of access to the fantastic people who are working the business.
Today, grooming salons have been revolutionised with cutting-edge devices and software that have changed the way we work for the better! From innovative clippers to amazing systems and booking apps, technology is an indispensable part of this industry.
One of the biggest things that you’ll see as an improvement lately is just how precise our clippers and trimming tools have become! A lot of modern clippers and shears come with adjustable settings, which will ensure that groomers can achieve precise cuts for various coat types and styles.
Not only will these give you more bang for your buck, but they will also enhance your portfolio tenfold as well as aiding in how comfortable the dog is during their session. It’s these little things that
can help to work more efficiently and demonstrate to your clientele that you value the standard of your work.
Something that we’ve seen a rise in since last year is that of smarter dryers within the industry. Being able to adjust the temperature and airflow to accommodate the dog’s needs is something of the utmost importance during a grooming session. This can reduce stress for the dog, as well as prevent overheating.
Overall, this can create a more
soothing and relaxing experience for the dog, ensuring that there won’t be any sudden jumps or stressed-out canines within your salon. Happy pets make a happy home, and that makes a happy client who will want to return to you for more when it’s time for their next appointment!
The next thing that we want to touch on is how important booking software and similar apps have become for a dog groomer. Primarily, this can act as something to make booking issues
Photo by Valeria Boltneva on Pexels
Photo by Nataliya Vaitkevich on Pexels
a thing of the past and can handle appointments, scheduling issues, cancellations and reschedules with ease.
The word we’d like to use here is streamline. It can make the booking process easier for not only the business owner but the clients also. Fostering an environment that is easy for the client is one of the crucial steps in ensuring that they will want to return for more.
You can even keep track of previous grooms with apps and software, and searching for this information is kept even simpler when all you have to do is access a client’s profile to see any concerns or worries that they may have about their groom.
If you’re working in a salon with multiple groomers, online scheduling is also a good way for clients to read up and select which groomer they think would be best suited for their needs. If
a groomer, or in-house colleague has a specific speciality, the client will be able to select this person and make the whole process a lot easier for everyone involved! For customers, convenience is key.
Lastly, when focusing on software, scheduling phone calls can be considered a thing of the past! Direct messaging through booking apps and software makes managing your business easy and means that you can set times when you’re responding to messages to provide that quality customer service time.
This adds a huge personalised touch and will help build that customer-tobusiness relationship.
Make sure that when you’re utilising your social media pages, you’re reminding people that they can book through your app or software and
Photo by Caio on Pexels
Photo by Tranmautritam on Pexels
TECHNOLOGY
provide links where you can.
The next thing that we’d like to discuss within the world of technology is that of safety. The well-being of any animal should be at the forefront of every single member of staff on your team. From better guides to tools that have built-in safety features such as automatic shutoffs are an ideal upgrade that we’ve seen making the rounds over the course of the past year. Take some time to look into tech that can benefit the safety of both your animals and your staff members.
The last thing that you’ll want for your business is an injury, either for the animals or your team, and word of mouth can travel fast. All it takes is something small to really carry some weight if someone is leaving some negative reviews.
Use specialised safety features to give yourself that extra peace of mind when
working within your business.
So, from apps to tech, we encourage all of you to take a minute and review all of what makes your salon run within the grooming world. This industry is constantly on the move, with so many things changing and expanding every single day.
Overall, we can’t say enough about the importance of useful technology in this industry. Looking forward, it’s important to invest some time every now and then to review what you have and how you can make improvements for the ease of your grooms, the safety of your clients and staff, and to ensure that your business runs as smoothly as possible.
For more information on the latest tech, take to Google and search for a local distributor or show near you and reach out to find what you can do to improve your dog grooming business.
Photo by Steve Johnson on Pexels
Photo by SHVETS production on Pexels
Managing challenging behaviour
Hello again, and aren’t the autumn colours lovely at the moment?! My dog Chilli loves crashing through the crispy leaves and because of her fox red colouring she almost blends in at this time of the year!
It’s been really busy for Team Bean this last month, and I was in London last week supporting the Pet Industry Federation on their stand at the Garden Centre Expo at the Excel Centre.
My appearance was part of the PIF’s drive to get more garden centre workers clued up on the safety side of being more dog friendly.
It was such a huge event, and I was really proud to be using my skills to help spread awareness of this important issue.
So many places are now dog friendly which is so wonderful, and we believe that all of these venues should have someone on sight that can save a life if needed.
The Garden Centre Expo 2024 enabled business professionals to make strong and valuable connections for the future development of garden retail– from start-ups, small and growing businesses to large organisations, both groups and independents.
Was also a great opportunity for gardeners to check out the latest future trends, which will hopefully include more pet friendly measures for our canine companions!
As well as the big event, I’ve been on the road taking my canine first aid courses to groups and events around the country.
This included a visit to the amazing UK Sniffer Dogs, which myself and Chilli were proud to support on their Dragon’s Den appearance a few years ago!
UK Sniffer Dogs is a dog training company for pet dogs in Hertfordshire with a passion for Scentwork.
With a bursting timetable of scentwork classes they have found a formula that works for pet dogs and their owners.
The benefits of scentwork are endless
and can resolve countless issues with reactive dogs, nervous dogs, overly excitable dogs and some of our more challenging behaviour cases.
Which leads me into my top tips for the week which will surely strike a chord in the world of grooming, managing challenging behaviour...
While the majority of Britain’s dogs are good boys and girls, there are some common bad behaviours that a dog may display.
Here are some key tips to help you manage these unwanted behaviours in your dog.
Unwanted barking: “Barking can be really frustrating, but never tell your dog off for doing it. Don’t reward the behaviour, and focus on plenty of exercise, and teach your pup some calmer ways to tell you what they want.”
Pulling on the lead: “Patience is key and your walks will take longer, but every time the lead starts to tighten, stop. You need to teach your dog that they only
ever move forward with a loose lead. Don’t tell your dog off, just be calm and consistent and they will get the hang of it.”
Chewing: “Your dog may be chewing because they are anxious about something. Figure out why they might be chewing and when, then present them with a tasty distraction! This could be a puzzle toy which gets their brain working, or a fun reward game which will help to bond you too.”
Spitting out medication: “Like for humans some pills have a strange taste to our dogs, so masking this is key. Try hiding the medicine in a piece of cheese, or something slimy like gravy so it slips down their throat.”
Jumping up: “Don’t reward the behaviour with a reaction and also don’t get cross. Instead try teaching a behaviour that is incompatible with jumping up, like a strong sit and stay, reward them when they do it.”
www.rachelbean.co.uk
DotDotPet Award winning Shampoos
Multi-award-winning UK pet brand DotDotPet received a highly commended recommendation in the Grooming and Healthcare Product of the Year category at the 2024 PetQuip Awards for their range of calming, conditioning shampoos.
What is it about DotDotPet shampoos that makes them award-winning, given the vast variety of products within the shampoo category?
The first point of difference is their calming fragrance called “Shine Bright.” Shine Bright is the signature scent featured in all DotDotPet shampoos. It has been designed to smell great and is proven to be kind to a dog’s powerful sense of smell. By reducing olfactory irritation, the shampoos help keep dogs calm during and after bath time, making them the perfect choice for dogs who get anxious or stressed during the grooming process, whether in a salon or at home.
To develop the Shine Bright fragrance, DotDotPet worked with top perfume house Symrise, utilizing their extensive network of animal behaviorists, veterinarians, and pet owners. Through thorough in-home use and monitoring, experts and pet owners were able to see a noticeable difference in the behavior of dogs when using DotDotPet shampoos.
Shine Bright is hypoallergenic, avoiding the use of any essential oils. While essential oils are great for aroma, they can actually act as allergens for dogs, causing irritation to the skin. DotDotPet avoids using essential oils in their fragrance, instead opting for Neofresh technology. Neofresh works by eliminating all malodors, not just masking them, reducing the need for heavily perfumed shampoos.
DotDotPet shampoos also contain a prebiotic to help maintain a healthy coat and skin barrier. The formulation is natural, vegan, and free from SLS and surfactants, making them gentle on sensitive skin. Due to the natural ingredients, the shampoo doesn’t create a heavy lather, but this does not make it any less effective at cleaning those mucky dogs!
There are five types of shampoos, each designed for different hair types and giving a specific finish based on the needs of the coat: De-shedding, De-
tangling, Soothing, Volumizing, or Extra Sensitive.
The final jewel in the DotDotPet shampoo’s crown is the fabulously easy-to-use bottle, designed to make shampoo dispensing as simple as possible, further reducing stress for both pet and pet owner.
These shampoos are perfect for use in salons for nervous dogs or to recommend to your clients for home use.
For more information, visit www.dotdotpet.com or contact hello@dotdotpet.com.
Animal Talent & Casting Agency
Urban Paws UK
Urban Paws UK are the leading and award-winning animal talent and casting agency. We have a team of knowledgeable and experienced bookers with over 40 year’s experience in the pet industry who work with film producers, TV studios, PR agencies and in-house marketing companies to provide the perfect animal talent for any media brief. We are always looking for well-groomed pets for media briefs so get in touch today.
London: 020 8161 6556
Manchester: 0161 808 1667
E: info@urbanpawsuk.com
W: www.urbanpawsuk.com
Grooming Supplies
Artero
Artero has specialized in dog grooming and hairdressing products since 1909. With 113 years of experience, Artero has become a reference in both the Grooming and the Hairdressing worlds, Artero is now present in over 72 countries all over the world.
W: www.artero.co.uk/dog-grooming
Facebook: artero.grooming.uk
Instagram: @artero.grooming.uk
Petcetera
Petcetera have been supplying the nation’s professional dog people with new and innovative products for over 50 years! We pride ourselves on being a one-stopshop for all your pet, showing, grooming & breeding requirements. Request your FREE catalogue today!
T: 01948 668100
E: info@petcetera.co.uk
W: www.petcetera.co.uk
Facebook: petceteraetc
Instagram: @petcetera_etc
Industry Services
Pet Industry Federation
Open to all pet businesses in the UK, PIF is the membership association for the pet industry with a wide range of member benefits to support business growth and development.
T: 01234 273933
E: info@petfederation.co.uk
W: www.petfederation.co.uk
Facebook: petindustryfederation
Twitter: @PetFedUK
Instagram:@petindustryfederation
LinkedIn: Pet Industry Federation (PIF)
Monty’s Natural Treats & Wholesale Looking for extra income? Give our Natural Treats, Foods & Supplements a New Brand. Wholesale Products at low prices & Free White Label Services.
T: 0203 797 6308
E: trade@montysnaturaltreats.co.uk
W: www.montystreats.co.uk
Organic Grooming Products
Secret Weapon UK
Our unrivalled range of top quality dematting products, shampoos and conditioners are suitable for all coat and skin types. Organic and hypoallergenic our ethically sourced products make grooming easier, kinder and faster. Award winning and successfully selling worldwide for 8 years.
T: 07923 368137
W: www.secretweaponuk.com
Facebook: Secret Weapon UK
Instagram: @secretweaponuk
Burns Pet Nutrition
Founded by veterinary surgeon John Burns in 1993, pioneering pet food brand Burns specialises in using simple, healthy and wholesome ingredients to create award-winning recipes that pets love.
T: 0800 0181890
E: sales@burnspet.co.uk
W: www.burnspet.co.uk
Facebook: burnspet
Instagram: @burnset
Twitter: @burnspetfood
Raw Feeding
Natural Instinct
At Natural Instinct, we are all passionate about pets. We believe raw food is the best natural option, feeding as nature intended, free from artificial additives, colours, preservatives and fillers.
T: 01276 608500
W: www.naturalinstinct.com
Facebook: NIPetfoods
Twitter: @NIrawpetfoods
Instagram: @naturalinstinctfood
Shampoo
Bugalugs
Bugalugs Pet Care produces high-quality pet products trusted by professionals worldwide. Manufactured in the UK’s Lake District, our bestselling range includes grooming supplies, dental care items, and supplements for pets.
T: 01900 837942
W: www.bugalugspetcare.com
Facebook: @bugalugspetcare
Instagram: @bugalugspetcare
TikTok: @bugalugspetcare
For All Dogkind
Award-winning grooming and wellbeing range for all skin & coat types. Delivering natural, healthy and healing products that are ethically sourced and luxuriously kind to hounds & humans. (Trade discounts available)
T:. 020 7148 0316
E: info@foralldogkind.co.uk
W: www.foralldogkind.co.uk
Natural Pet Treats
Pet Food
Sharpening
Shear Ease
Shear Ease specialise in clipper blade sharpening, scissor/instrument sharpening and clipper service & repair blades and scissors sharpened and back in the post in one working day!
T: 01407 832 800
E: office@sheareaseltd.com
W: www.sheareaseltd.com
Leucillin
Healthy skin makes for a happy pet!
Leucillin keeps skin clean and clear tackling irritation, sore, itchy or smelly skin, safe for ears and eyes.
T: 0345 548 9800
E: info@leucillin.co.uk
W: www.leucillin.co.uk
Facebook: leucillin
Instagram: @leucillin_skincare
Training and Education
Capel Manor College
Train to become a qualified dog groomer; choose from full and part-time courses with free tuition for 16 to 18 year olds.
T: 0303 003 1234
E: study@capel.ac.uk
W: www.capel.ac.uk
Facebook: capelmanorcollege
Twitter: @capelmanor
Instagram: @capelmanor
Four Paws Groom School
Dog and Cat Grooming Training Courses and regulated Qualifications. Our friendly and knowledgeable Tutors will support you every step of the way. Locations in Cheshire, Kent, Herefordshire and Greater Manchester.
T: 01606 333765
E: info@fourpawsgroomschool.co.uk
W: www.fourpawsgroomschool.co.uk
Facebook: fourpawsgroomschool
Instagram:@fourpawsgroomschool
Haddon Training
Established in 1997, Haddon Training are an award-winning training provider specialising in dog grooming, animal care and equine. We offer qualifications which are all supported by our team of expert Trainer-Coaches.
T: 01672 519977
E: enquiries@haddontraining.co.uk
W: www.haddontraining.co.uk
Facebook: HaddonTrainingLtd
Instagram: @haddontraining
iPET Network
International Awarding Organisation, creating regulated qualifications for the Animal Care and Veterinary Science sector. We aim to improve animal welfare through education, successfully winning awards for our Dog and Cat Grooming qualifications.
T: 0800 433 4700
E: info@ipetnetwork.co.uk
W: www.ipetnetwork.co.uk
Facebook: @ipetnetwork
Instagram: @ipetnetwork
KD Grooming Studio
KD Grooming Studio, a multi-awardwinning pet grooming Studio, delivers flexible C&G/National Pet College & vocational courses. Train with Britain’s Best Groomer, Kelly Davis (BBC) and her highly skilled team. Enrol year round.
T: 01963 34110
E: info@kdgroomingstudio.co.uk
W: www.kdgroomingstudio.co.uk
W: www.kellydavis.uk
Facebook: KdGroomingStudio
Instagram: @kdgroomingstudio
National Pet College
Offering City & Guilds dog
grooming qualifications via our approved training centres around the UK. Also, Higher Diploma in Dog Grooming, teacher training and short courses including canine first aid.
T: 01234 984450
E: info@nationalpetcollege.co.uk
W www.nationalpetcollege.co.uk
Facebook: nationalpetcollege
Instagram: @nationalpetcollege
Pet Passion to Profit
Mentoring Pet Grooming Professionals to earn more money and have the business they dream of; changing lives of groomers and the grooming industry one business at a time!
E: info@petpassiontoprofit.com
W: www.petpassiontoprofit.com
Facebook: Petpassiontoprofit
Facebook: groups/doggrooming businesshelpandsupport
Instagram: @pet_passion_to_profit1
Rob Fellows Reiki
Help calm the dogs in your salon and make your job easier too. Easy to learn and simple to do Reiki training courses especially for groomers. Home Learning or Live Training and Qualification Day.
E: rob@RobFellowsReiki.com
W: RobFellowsReiki.com/reiki-fordog-groomers
Facebook: RobFellowsReiki
FB group: Reiki for Dog Groomers
Instagram: @reikirobfellows
Summit Groomer Training Group
Summit works with dog grooming training centres delivering quality tuition and City & Guilds qualifications. With centres across the UK there is one near you. See our website for details.
T: 01535 661776
E: enquiries@summitgroomer traininggroup.co.uk
W: www.summitgroomer traininggroup.co.uk
Skincare
