Bathtime Paws by Caitlan

19/08/2024

IMPORTANT UPDATE

Firstly, a huge thanks to everyone for their supportive messages over the last week, I’m so appreciative of you all 🫶🏻

Harley is stable at the moment and on lots of meds, I’ve changed his diet and started him on supplements in hopes it will further slow the growth of the tumour. I’m not sleeping great due to the times of his meds and making sure he’s ok so I’m shattered. At the moment i’ll be updating my diary weekly/ daily as I’m working based on how he is doing, as well as my parent’s work schedule so he isn’t alone at any time. I hate letting anyone down, especially last minute but right now things can change at any moment. So, of course I want to spend as much time as possible with him as he’s been estimated to have 1-2 months left, but I can’t not work for that length of time. So, for anyone booked in, if you are happy to go to another groomer temporarily or your dog can wait a while for another appt, please let me know as this means more precious time I can spend with Harley. I can provide recommendations of local groomers. However, if you’re really apprehensive about trying another groomer and want to stay with me, I will try my best to make it work. But, please understand this is a really rough time for us and Harley is my priority right now so be aware things can change last minute. Also, I have rescheduled my holiday from September to March, so I have that extra week to fit clients in if need be, which I will do so nearer the time.

Thanks,
Caitlan x

14/08/2024

UPDATE

Harley is home, very clingy as expected, he’s super wobbly and partially blind now due to the location of the tumour. He’s on multiple different medications and we’re just taking it day by day.
Absolutely heartbreaking to see him this way as he’s really not himself but so thankful he’s home and we can give him the best last few weeks he’s got left. It’s been estimated at 1-2 months. I’ve barely slept as I’m just so worried about him and want to keep a close eye at all times.
Being truthful, I’m really not sure when I’ll be back working, I’d hate to carry guilt of working when he really needs me right now and in a way I’m grieving already so I’m in no fit state to be seeing clients or grooming dogs as I’m an emotional wreck.
I appreciate more than ever that most clients want to wait for me to come back, but I honestly don’t know when I’ll be back. For now, if you have an appt in the next week or so, I’d highly advise you to try to get in with another groomer as a one off. Unless you’re prepared to wait a few weeks at least. I hate letting anyone down but my dog needs me. I have an upcoming holiday which I’m likely going to cancel as well.
Below are a few fantastic groomers that have kindly offered appointments to you all. Please don’t be worried about trying other groomers, they’re all lovely and I will discuss grooming info with them too. Let me know if you’re going to wait for me or get an appt with another groomer please so I can sort my diary. Once my books are back open or if I can fit a few dogs in here and there, I will let everyone know and priority will be in order of bookings.

Mobile groomers
* Lorraine 07795 951757‬
* Alishia 07716 792332

Shops or 1-1 groomers
* Charlotte 07701 340103 (Grays)
* Amber 07584 561398 (Ockendon)
* Nikki 01708 938125 (Hornchurch)
* Maria 07595 691175 (Ockendon)
* Emily ‪07891 210254‬ (Stapleford Abbotts - if you’re willing to travel)
* Nina - 07519 629464 (ockendon)
* Natalie - 07563 071083 (Harold hill)
* Sally - 07947751929 (Upminster)

13/08/2024

UPDATE

Harley is coming home this evening and we’re going to discuss next steps. If anyone booked for this week wants to come down now for their dog to be groomed please let me know. (FULL GROOMS ONLY as these are more priority than short haired dogs). Latest I can take you today is 12.15 depending on the breed/ style they have. Appointments this week will likely be rescheduled so I’d recommend taking this opportunity. First come first serve. Only one slot is available x

12/08/2024

UPDATE

Hi,
Unfortunately we’ve found out my dog has a mass in his brain and is very unwell. He’s currently still at the vets and we’re awaiting some results but it’s likely going to be palliative care. This is an incredibly difficult time at the moment as I’m sure you can all imagine.

Regarding appointments - I’m having to reschedule most clients this week due to everything being unclear at the moment and not knowing when I need to go up and collect him. I’m trying to keep afternoons free so i’m able to collect him if needed. I may have to cancel at very short notice and I can only apologise for the inconvenience but my dog is my top priority right now as we don’t know how long he has left. I want to spend as much time with him as I can once we’ve got him back so please bear with me. I will try my absolute best to get everyone in but i really can’t guarantee it at the moment so if you have an upcoming appt and you’re worried I may cancel, I won’t be offended if you go to another groomer or I can recommend some.

Thanks all x

10/08/2024

UPDATE ON MY DOG AND APPTS FOR NEXT WEEK

Afternoon all,

Quick update on my boy as I’ve had lots of messages and I’m honestly so grateful for all the supportive messages regarding him.

He stayed at the vets overnight and is on anti seizure meds, he’s had no more seizures so far. We’ve decided to keep him in there till Monday for monitoring and for an MRI scan on Monday to check there’s no problems with his brain. But so far so good. I’d love to have him home but for the sake of one day I’d rather him be safe and settled in the vets hands instead of going back and forth there.

APPTS NEXT WEEK
I am rescheduling some appts to ensure my dog is not left alone at any time. If you haven’t received a message from me then your appt is going ahead as planned. Obviously if anything changes I may need to cancel at short notice, as right now my dog is my top priority. But hopefully all will go as planned. I’m working all the hours I can being in and outside my working hours/ days to ensure you’re all booked in so please bear with me.

A huge thanks to all my clients who have been so understanding with me moving appointments at late notice 🫶🏻

09/08/2024

Morning all,

I just wanted to make a post to raise awareness regarding an upsetting event I’m currently dealing with and the importance of first aid training.
Sadly, one of my own dogs had a seizure on Wednesday, which he’s never had one before.
Thankfully, and mostly due to my job, I’m first aid trained and knew exactly what to do in that situation. Even knowing what to do in such an event, I was of course still petrified, shaken up and overwhelmed as it was so unexpected, but I managed to remain calm in the moment and go through the necessary procedures.
Now, I dread to think how much more terrified I’d have been if I wasn’t first aid trained and didn’t know what to do? I could’ve done everything wrong and prolonged the seizure or even made it worse.

We never know the importance of first aid until we’re in that horrible scenario and by then it’s too late.
My opinion - all parents and pet owners should be first aid trained before getting a pet or having kids. It’s so important and can literally be life saving!!

So, please if you’re not first aid trained, look into it. It’s worth every penny and you never know when you may need it. I took Sophie Bell’s first aid course which I have linked for you to look at. You can also buy keyrings with key first aid information on, which are super handy as it’s easy to forget it in emergency scenarios.

Animal Love Pet First Aid

https://www.animallovepetfirstaid.co.uk/online-canine-first-aid-course

Please bear with me as replies may take longer during this stressful time. We are currently awaiting test results for my boy and hope to get to the bottom of it soon ❤️

A unique online dog first aid course designed, produced and presented by vet Dr Sophie Bell. Learn life saving techniques and how to spot illness along with preventative health care

02/08/2024

So why should groomers charge more than hairdressers?
Please watch the video to find out!

I know a lot of hairdressers that charge more than me and they don’t have to deal with a lot of what we do 😂
I honestly have never seen anything more accurate than this 😂

Credit to: britneyrmackgrooming

01/08/2024

Please be careful with these nasty things!! A few of my clients have already been victims to a grass seed ☹️

31/07/2024

Today I am grateful NOT to be working in clinic. No not to enjoy the sunshine, but to be away from the devastation that heatstroke still causes despite multiple warnings. I am grateful not to be battling to save lives, and witnessing unnecessary deaths of wonderful dogs who would have quite happily missed a walk today.

To all my veterinary colleagues, I just hope you do not have to see too many tragedies today. Sending lots of love and healing as it’s part of our job which should no longer be part of our job and has a huge negative mental impact.

KEEP THOSE DOGS IN THE COOL, AT HOME!

20/07/2024

•Daisy
•Jack
•Lenny
•Booboo & Bunty
•Daisy & Rosie
•Bimba

19/07/2024

•Rolo & Leo
•Teddy
•Lola
•Dyson
•Eddie

18/07/2024

☀️ Now the warm weather is upon us it's important to be mindful of our pets! Our pets are not acclimatised to heat and for something preventable, heat stroke is still too common for us to see this time of year, particularly in dogs.

Signs of heat stroke in dogs include:
☀️ Heavy panting
☀️ Drooling or foaming at the mouth
☀️ Weakness or collapse
☀️ Vomiting and diarrhoea
☀️ Confusion
☀️ Bright red or pale gums
☀️ Shaking or seizures

First aid measures you can take if you suspect heat stroke:
● Move the dog into the shade
● Poor cool water slowly over their body
● Offer them small amounts of water
● Create a breeze
● Then call the nearest Vet

The quicker your dog is cooled the better! Prevention is also key by not going for walks at the hottest time of day and NEVER leave your dog in the car. Keep them cool with water, cooling jackets or mats and fans indoors.
Extra caution should be taken if your dog is elderly, obese or a flat-faced breed.

Remember, missing a walk won't kill them!

18/07/2024

*Client notice*

Afternoon appointments tomorrow will be rescheduled due to the hot weather. Even with using my air con, cool water and turning the heat off on my dryers, it’s just too much in this heat and I’d rather not jeopardise the dog’s wellbeing.

Please do not walk your dogs in this heat!!! You might love it but our dogs don’t, they’re not used to it and can easily burn their paws.
Remember ‘Your dog will not die from missing a walk.’ You can always use mental enrichment at home to tire them out such as puzzle feeders, lickimats, hide & seek with treats, etc.

Ways to keep them cool:
•Provide fresh water at all times (you can put ice cubes in IF they’re NOT suffering from heat stroke)
•Provide spots of shade
•Put fans/ air con on
•Ensure they are brushed through, and are matt free. Matts do not allow the skin to ‘breathe’ and so they will struggle to maintain their temperature, leading to overheating
•Make some ice treats - there are plenty of dog friendly recipes online
•Paddling pools
•Cool mats

I hope this helps! 🫶🏻

18/07/2024

•Domino
•Jasmine & Mia
•Buddy
•Ellie
•Bella
•Norman

17/07/2024

•Brian
•Bella
•Mollie
•Hugo
•Beau
•Bella

16/07/2024

•Oreo
•Macy
•Teddy
•Sonny & Max
•Brian
•Alfie

15/07/2024

✂️ Happy Monday ✂️

•Bertie
•Nessa
•Alfie
•Douglas
•Rolex
•Coco & Cody

13/07/2024

Good teeth cleaning results with Bella!
This is after one session 😁

13/07/2024

🫶🏻 Happy Saturday 🫶🏻

•Izzy
•Jake
•Chester & Charlie
•Sabby
•Teddy
•Princess

12/07/2024

•Daisy
•Lottie
•Alfie
•Lulu
•Bobby

11/07/2024

💔

Our hearts go out to a fellow groomer who was taken far too soon in the awful murders of Louise, her sister and mum also.

Let’s remember her in the industry and all the love and care she would have given to the dogs just like us.
Dog groomers are one of a kind and we are such a small community it’s hard to hear this happen to one of us.
Louise your legacy will live on through dog groomers 💕🫶🏻

We are all thinking of her family and friends at this sad time

11/07/2024

Catching up on a few weeks of pics! 🙈

•Star
•Daisy & Alice
•Milo & Millie
•Mabel
•Teddy

20/06/2024

🪥 Emmipet teeth cleaning 🪥

Photos 1 & 2: Doug - First Emmipet session, really good results as shown 🤩

Photos 3 & 4: Rosie - Maintenance session to maintain her clean teeth. Fab results again 🦷

19/06/2024

•Makita & Mindy
•Ira & Benny
•Gerrard
•Bear & Benson
•Elsa
•Rosie

🫶🏻🥰🐶

18/06/2024

•Poppy
•Penny
•Lola & Paco
•Dexter
•Tommy

🫶🏻🐶

17/06/2024

New week, new goals 🫶🏻

•Bailey
•Harley
•Reggie
•Minnie
•Ripple