Pitstop for paws in need of pampering

Pitstop -

for paws in need of pampering

If it’s good enough for humans, there’s no reason - in fact there’s evidence - that regular grooming and bathing has many health benefits for our canine friends. By Kieranne Grimshaw

Anyone who doesn’t know how soap tastes never washed a dog.

Close your eyes, lie back, relax and let the bubbles soak away the aches and pains and the soap gently exfoliate your skin - pure heaven, but wouldn’t you want to share this experience with those you love?

Of course some dog owners simply cannot face the thought of popping their pooch in a bath, anticipating an element of canine chaos with their inexperience. Fortunately, help is at hand for a paw in need of pampering. Dog groomer Alexa Dodds from Paws Pitstop in St Peter firmly believes in a good health and grooming regime. She trained in a top Salon in London and is Level 3 City and Guilds qualified. Alexa reminds us we shouldn’t only think of dog grooming as just cosmetic or for vanity; it should be part of normal pet care, similar to providing exercise and shelter. ‘Good skin care is as important to many dogs as for humans.’ she said.

‘In the summer when pets are walked on hot surfaces, especially in town on tarmac, their paws get very hot and dry out. A good cream will help moisturise and protect them.’ You could also combine a paw massage with moisturising your own hands too. “ Introducing

your puppy into grooming slowly with our introductions is so important for them as they get used to the process, before doing a full groom, to ensure they fully enjoy it

The products on offer are fit for any top beauty salon, from moisturisers and sugar scrubs to deep sea mud baths and ear cleaning solutions. For a special treat, Alexa provides a blueberry and oatmeal facial treatment which cleanses and exfoliates, whilst reducing any tear staining. This is predominately to treat dogs prone to tear staining, such as Shih Tzus. Regular grooming and keeping the area dry are the best prevention methods in between salon visits.

Different breeds require individual health care. Flat face breeds, especially Bulldogs and Pugs, are considered high maintenance regarding grooming. They often need facials to get rid of debris and moisture as this can build up in their wrinkles and skin folds, including their ears.

Skin problems are one of the main reasons owners take their dog to the vet. Alexa stresses the importance of a good relationship with her customers and the need for her team to identify any dog with ongoing issues. She offers advice and a maintenance programme - not just a shampoo and set - ‘It’s cheaper in the long run to keep on top of home grooming, then you can have your dog as fluffy as you like.

Living in Jersey also influences the type of cut, as dogs are often walked on beaches and in woods so their coats are kept shorter than a ‘city dweller.’ These type of cuts aim to keep our pooches comfortable and ‘matt’ free. However, some dog groomers do offer a more fashion motivated service. ‘Fashion is not just for humans. One recent trend is for hair colouring - such as the pink poodle - more for style than for welfare and comfort. We don’t offer this service,’ she added.

The changing seasons bring a variety of issues for dogs’ coats. Alexa explained: ‘At the end of a wet winter season, dogs are often brought in with lots of mats. Owners think as spring is on its way a hair-cut is due. In reality, it’s better to maintain the trimming and grooming to prevent mats and other problems.’ A regular grooming routine also presents the perfect opportunity to identify parasites such as fleas and also remove debris - especially those stubborn burrs - from the coats. If done regularly it helps keep everything on track and can be quite therapeutic for both the dog and owner. For owners with new puppies, it can be quite daunting to say the least. Paws Pitstop offer a unique ‘Under five months go free’. You can pamper your pup while helping them socialise at the Salon - ‘Introducing your puppy into grooming slowly with our introductions is so important for them as they get used to the process, before doing a full groom, to ensure they fully enjoy it,’ said Alexa.

With so many mixed breeds around today, Alexa’s advice is to ‘Know your breed, do some research and keep up the home maintenance. We have 500 clients, the dogs love it - they come into the salon with their tails wagging.’

Maybe that’s because they know they’re worth it.

“Know your

breed, do some research and keep up the home maintenance. We have 500 clients, the dogs love it - they come into the salon with their tails wagging

Contact 01534 724378 or Facebook: Paws Pitstop Jersey