CLEAN Squeaky

Keep Your Pets Looking And Feeling Their Best

By Kevin Druley | Photos courtesy of Doggie Divine Pet Salon

“Conditioner” is rightly associated with the life of a dog groomer, but “conditioning” looms large, too. After all, maintaining the health and appearance of a pooch’s hair and coat often vaults the concept of “petting” to a different stratosphere.

“You’re on your feet a really, really long time. Most of the time. There’s a lot of lifting, a lot of bending up and down,” says Noel Turk, who operates The Country Clipper in Elburn. “So you want to make sure you’re keeping yourself in good physical condition so that you’re able to do all these things for the longevity of it.”

“We’re just really up close and personal with all the dogs, every day,” adds Amy Radez, owner of Doggie Divine Pet Salon in St. Charles. Still, she recommends pet owners prepare their dogs for their close-up, as well.

“Frequency is good,” she said. “The more often you bring your pet in to get groomed, the less likely they are to feel anxious.”

And the greater the chance the dog will look their sharpest, too.

Radez recommends that dogs have their nails clipped every 4-6 weeks. Depending on the breed of dog and the nature of their coat, hair maintenance may follow a similar schedule or operate over a slightly longer timetable.

At any rate, keeping regular grooming appointments might also help keep your dog at its best.

Recounting her own experiences and those of colleagues, Radez cites discoveries of various lumps, bumps, dental issues and ear infections that owners hadn’t noticed. There was also one case where a grooming appointment uncovered a concern that ultimately led to a bladder cancer diagnosis.

“We see these dogs frequently. We see them every one to three months, on average, so we’re used to seeing the same dog over and over again,” Radez said. “Generally, we can often tell different behavior in dogs. Feeling different things on their dog. How they act differently.”

To prepare pets for such experiences, Turk recommends owners be affectionate. If a dog is going for a face trim, for example, condition them by petting the dog’s chin more often. Does your dog have a nail grooming appointment? Ensure the groomer isn’t the first one touching the dog’s feet.

If being hands-on is your style already, just keep things up. Making the dog less nervous for groomers often starts with the owners.

“Dogs actually feed off of the anxiety of the owners,” Turk said, “which can actually make them behave worse. If the owner is coming in with a positive mindset, then the dog is not going to be as stressed out for the whole experience, as well.”

Radez and Turk also addressed the notion that certain breeds of dog said to be hypoallergenic – such as poodles and doodles – are more complicated to groom. In those cases, more frequent grooming can help limit the dander that may be allergenic.

Turk added that regular communication with a veterinarian can help determine whether groomers should use certain products.

Frequency is good. The more often you bring your pet in to get groomed, the less likely they are to feel anxious.

Open Daily

(weather & conditions permitting)

Dogs and their owners can choose from THREE places in town to run, play and socialize with others. Dogs must be supervised at all times, be current on all vaccinations, and have current rabies tags worn and visible. Maximum two dogs per person allowed. Dog owners visiting the park are asked to clean up after their pets, fill in any holes dug, and not bring food into the park. Dogs must be on a leash while in the parking lot.

For more info: stcparks.org/dog-parks

(not around pond)

• interactive play features with mulch surface

• separate area specifically for smaller dogs

River Bend Community Park

Courier & Geneva Avenues

Open 9am-Dusk

• 3/4 acre dog park

• doggy water fountain

• double-gated security entrance

James O. Breen Community Park

Campton Hills & Peck Roads

NEW! Lighted Facility

Open 9am-10pm

• 2.56 acres fenced dog park

• doggy water fountain

• double-gated security entrance

• dog-friendly equipment

• activity stations