Grooming at Becky’s

04/04/2024

From sparkly clean and wet, to a little fluff ball, to all trimmed and scissored back into style. The gorgeous ruby is looking and smelling amazing again 🐾💕😀

03/04/2024

These two gorgeous girlies are so adorable, they give the best cuddles and kisses. Now looking all smart again and we can see their gorgeous eyes again 🐶🐾💕😀

31/03/2024

29/03/2024

Important Easter reminder for dog owners

They may be delicious to us, but some Easter foods can be dangerous to dogs such as Easter chocolates and Hot cross buns.

New Statistics reveal that cases of grape and raisin poisoning in dogs were 117% higher than chocolate poisoning during Easter 2023.

Read more about this crucial reminder on pet safety here: https://bit.ly/3VBVF9R

As well as further advice on how to ensure you have a safe and enjoyable Easter with your dog at thekennelclub.org.uk/easterdangers.

28/03/2024

A transformation turning dexter the hairy lion with very hairy feet into a smart boy again. A nice neat cut all over, deep clean and condition, nail trim & file, ear cleaning and a spritz of cologne. Patrick is spring ready. Patrick definitely gets the award for the hairiest paws 🐾🐶☀️💕

27/03/2024

Today is National Terrier Day 😍

Feisty, energetic, determined and courageous is how we would describe the terrier breeds, and we love them all the same!

Drop a comment below if you own a terrier ⤵️⤵️

Looking to gain more skills and experience on how to groom terriers? Visit our website to see how you can get qualified today 🩵🐾

www.thegroomersspotlight.com

26/03/2024

Z is for Zygomatic arch

This is the bony ridge forming the lower border of the eye socket.

The cranial portion of the zygomatic arch is formed by the zygomatic bone, and the caudal portion is formed by the zygomatic process of the temporal bone. The zygomatic arch forms the ventral and lateral rim of the orbit.

The zygomaticus major muscle is a muscle that controls facial expression, drawing the mouth's angle upward and outward.

The function of the zygomatic arch is protection of the eye, origin for the masseter and part of the temporal muscles, and to provide an articulation for the mandible. The zygomatic arch is approached by an incision made along its ventral border.

25/03/2024

Even the older doggies need a pamper session. TIlly who is a very old lady came for her groom today. A deep clean, proton enriched conditoner & spring facial, full hair cut, ear clean, nail cut & file, paw balm, a spritz or cologne and lots of cuddles. Tilly is feeling all fresh and looking even more gorgeous 🐶🐾🐣💕😀

25/03/2024

Y is for Yorkshire Terrier

The Yorkshire Terrier is a small dog but they have a very big personality. They are known for their yappy tendencies. They are feisty and loving, and they make great companions for people of all ages. Although they have Terrier in their name, they are categorised as a toy breed and are the most popular toy dog breed in the United States.

All dogs have specific health conditions they are more at risk to. The Yorkshire terrier are generally healthy dogs, but like all breeds, they can be prone to certain health issues. Some common health concerns for Yorkies include dental problems, patellar luxation, and tracheal collapse.

The Yorkshire terrier traditionally has a long silky coat. To maintain the coat a full brush out 2 to 3 times a week, with baths every 1 to 2 weeks. A few tips to help maintain the coat, nerve brush a dry coat, always lightly mist with a hydrating spray.

There is the choice to keep their coats in a shorter clipped or scissored trim. This is more practical for pet owners. Yorkshire Terriers kept in a shorter trim, still need weekly brush outs and routine baths.

24/03/2024

Natty came for her pamper session today. She was a very hairy girl with a very thick coat, but is now looking super smart and a lot less hairy, as well as smelling divine 🐾🐶💕

24/03/2024

X is for Xoloitzcuintle which is also known as the Mexican Hairless Dog

The Xoloutzcuintle dog is part of the utility group and comes in three sizes, all descending from the standard size which originated it is thought from the Colima dog of Western Mexico.

Its name which is pronounced sholo-its-quintli means dog of the god Xolotl who was the Aztec god of deformed things, and the hairless body qualified the breed for that description.

It has long been thought that the breed has curative powers: it was known as a healing dog thought to help with asthma, rheumatism and migraines, and with its hot skin providing comfort against the cold.

Known for its hairless appearance, though some Xolos do have a coated variety. Xolos make devoted companions and family pets with their calm and affectionate temperament. While their hairless skin requires some special care to protect them from sunburn and cold, Xolos are a versatile breed suitable for various living environments.
Their rich history and distinctive appearance make the Xoloitzcuintli a captivating and cherished breed worldwide.

Grooming the Xoloitzcuintli, the coated variety requires occasional baths and minimal brushing (the hairless variety needs no brushing). The hairless variety does need frequent baths to remove oily buildup on the skin, followed by a moisturizing lotion rubbed all over the skin. Some Mexican Hairless might need a pet-safe sunscreen. Their skin is in thick, tough and protective.

23/03/2024

Woody is just too cute, he was pampered with our Easter range of products today. A refreshing springtime shampoo, nourishing carrot cream conditoner, spring chick facial and a refreshing spritz. He went home smelling amazing and looking very handsome 🐾🐶💕🐣

23/03/2024

W is for Wire Coat

A Wire Coat Consists of harsh and often wiry outer jacket with a softer dense undercoat. They have a wiry outer layer of rough hair. You'll notice these coats feel quite different than the soft silkiness of a smooth coat.

Common coats that have a wire texture include:
Airedales, Wire Fox Terriers, Border Terriers, Brussels Griffon, Daschund, Jack Russel Terrier, Irish Wolfhound, Westhighland White Terrier.

How to maintain the coats: To groom a wiry haired dog breed we use a method known as handstripping. This is a time intensive grooming technique that requires older hairs to be pulled out of the coat by hand or using a grooming knife.

Handstripping helps support the healthy growth of hair. The four stages of hair growth are:

Anagen Phase – this is when hair follicles move into the GROWTH PHASE
Catagen Phase – this is the TRANSITION PHASE when hair stops growing and the outer root sheath attaches to the hair
Telogen Phase – the RESTING PHASE when the hair is at a standstill and does not grow or shed
Exogen Phase – this is the FALLOUT PHASE where the hair falls out and new hair grows

Handstripping targets the older hairs that are in the exogen phase of growth. These older dull hairs are easy to pull out and by doing so they leave room for new stronger hairs to grow through. This ensures that the coat will have a fuller, shinier texture and a more vibrant colour.

22/03/2024

The gorgeous Milo was a brave boy having his groom. He was very unimpressed, and very hairy, but he is now feeling a lot better and like a puppy again after a nice neat short cut. 🐶🐾💕😀

22/03/2024

V is for Von Willebrand Disease

Von Willebrand Disease is an inherited bleeding disorder that makes it difficult for blood to clot. It is the most common inherited bleeding disorder that we see in dogs. The most common breeds are: Doberman, Pinschers, Pembroke and Welsh Corgis, Poodles, Bernese Mountain Dogs, Irish Setters, West Highland White Terriers.

It is caused by a deficiency in the amount of a specific protein needed to help platelets (the blood cells used in clotting) stick together and form clots to seal broken blood vessels. The deficient protein is called von Willebrand factor.

Many dogs with this disease will never show outward evidence of having the disease. In other cases some may spontaneously hemorrhage from the nose, va**na, urinary bladder, or oral mucous membranes.

Other common signs are prolonged bleeding after trauma or surgery, and bruising or bleeding after a surgical spaying or neutering procedure is common when the first time any abnormality may be noticed. Females may bleed excessively after giving birth.

A screening test can be performed called buccal mucosal screening time, this has to be performed by a veterinarian. This will confirm a diagnosis.

As a groomer we need to know about this disease as when we cut the dogs nails if we catch the quick this could cause excessive bleeding from the blood vessel in the nail.

21/03/2024

U is for undercoat

Dogs have three different types of hair on their bodies: guard hairs (primary hair, or topcoat), undercoat (secondary hair), and tactile hair (whiskers,which have special powers).

The undercoat is the part of a dog’s coat that grows closest to their skin. It’s got a softer, downy texture which is suited to its primary function, providing insulation for the dog.
The undercoat actually has the function to help keep the dog warm in the winter but also cool in the summer.

A dog’s cooling systems works very differently from the way human bodies work. Removing a dog’s coat by clipping them can make them hotter, shed worse, have skin problems, expose them to too much sun, and more.

Dogs cool off a few different ways, of course, there is panting. A major way dogs cooldown is that their blood flow is increased. Blood carries excess heat to the skin where it circulates. There are muscles in the dog’s skin that help raise guard hairs and allow for the heat to dissipate off the dog’s skin. When that hair is removed it changes the way air flows over the dog’s skin. This is how shaving a double-coated dog can make a dog hotter.

Without proper coat care then this will contribute to a dog becoming too hot. Not brushing out dead and or shedding coat and allowing it to become stuck in the other hair, blocks airflow to the dog’s skin.

One key point is we do not cut double coated breeds. Cutting a double-coated breed’s hair really short can actually increase shedding later as well because the way their coat and skin function is so disrupted when the coat is clipped very short. When you notice your dog starting the excessive spring shedding it’s time to get it to the groomer for a good bath, de-shed, high-velocity drying, and brush out.

Double coated breeds, like German shepherds, huskies, Bernese mountain dogs, collies, corgis, and many others, have an undercoat.

Dogs without that undercoat, or single-coat dogs, are breeds such as the Afghan hound, the poodle, Maltese, whippet, poodle crosses, and others. These dogs have a longer cycle of hair growth which makes it seem as if they do not shed, or shed lightly. In comparison most double coated breeds leave a bit more hair around the house, and some “blow,” or shed their entire undercoat, every 6-8 weeks.

20/03/2024

Mr stanley is looking super shiny after his grooming session. He was particularly hairy but a de shed mud pack, combined with a deep clean and condition, he is looking super shiny and smelling amazing 🐾🐶💕

20/03/2024

T is for Tails

A dog's tail is an extension of its body, but also its feelings. The tail has a vertebrae known as the coccygeal and can have up to 23 vertebrae. Puppies don't start wagging their tails until they're four weeks old and begin interacting with their littermates.
Historically, every type of tail served a purpose for working dogs, so we selectively bred our pup's bodies to suit the task at hand, whether hunting, swimming or herding.
Most of our dogs are not used to work for us anymore, but their tails still serve to help our pups communicate with us through their body language.

Tails aid in movement

When a dog makes a quick turn, his front body moves in a new direction while his back body stays in the same direction. Before their back body catches up, their tail turns in the new direction, too.
The tail helps to counterbalances the dog's body weight to help the dog remain steady during these agile movements. This is useful to prevent the largest to the smallest dog breeds from tumbling all over the place.

Tails aid in communication.

A dog's body language is essential to help us I understand their feelings.Dogs primarily use their tails when communicating with other dogs, as they both speak the same language and can easily pick up invitations or warnings by what another dog's tail is doing.

Some common tail gestures, a dog will put its tail low between its legs when it's nervous or upset and wag its tail when excited and happy.

Dogs also wag their tails when they're making their presence known as a sign of domination, as it releases their scent, located in their a**l glands.

The tail and balance.

When walking along narrow or challenging surfaces the dog uses it’s tail to aid in balance. As the dog tilts one way or another, the tail moves in the opposite direction to counterbalance the weight.

Types of Tails

Curled Tail.
Snap Tail.
Sickle Tail
Swimmer or Otter Tail.
Carrot or Whip Tail.
Bobbed Tail.
Gay Tail.
Docked Tail.
Saber Tail

19/03/2024

Let’s look at an condition today,

S is for Syringomyelia

Syringomyelia is a condition that results in the development of fluid filled cavities that develop within the spinal cord, causing an abnormal sensation in affected dogs.

The underlying issue is Chiari-like malformation (CLM). CLM represents a mismatch between the size of the brain, which is too big, and the space within the skull, which is too small. This then leads to crowding of the back part of the brain and brainstem. This leads to the obstruction of the flow of the cerebrospinal fluid that bathes the brain and spinal cord. The most common sign that is a result of this is altered sensation, typically at the back of the head and the neck, which may progress to pain.

Dogs that develop syringomyelia, will often develop withdrawn behavior. This may have the anticipation of pain upon being handled. They may cry out when jumping or running, defecating, due to the increased pressure inside the skull with the abdominal press to pass a stool, or when they are picked up. Affected dogs may also seem sensitive when touched near the shoulder, ear, back of the neck, or breastbone. Some dogs will get to scratch themselves while walking, often without any apparent stimulus.

This is very common in Cavalier King Charles Spaniels but has also been seen in; Brussels Griffon, Maltese, Yorkshire Terrier, Chihuahua
Pitbull Terrier (unusual because this is not a toy breed)

Treatment for syringomyelia is pain relief. A surgical procedure can decompress the rear of the skull of severely affected dogs, but surgery has a very high failure rate. Dogs with syringomyelia should have the efficacy of their pain management regularly assessed by a veterinarian as their symptoms may progress over time.

19/03/2024

A transformation of a very hairy princess pheobe into a sparkly white neatly trimmed westie again. Back into her neat and tidy westie cut, pheobe is looking goregoes and smelling amazing again 🐶💕🐾

18/03/2024

Look at those pearly white teeth 🦷 🪥
A super teeth cleaning session for Chessy, no more bad breath for her now 🐶🐾😀

18/03/2024

R is for Retriever

There are several types of retrievers, six in total, these include:
golden retriever.
labrador retriever.
chesapeake bay retriever.
curly-coated retriever.
nova scotia duck tolling retriever.
flat-coated retriever.

They were originally bred to help hunters. Like in the name retrievers were tasked with finding birds or other game and bringing them back undamaged. For this sort of job, the dog needed a “soft,” gentle mouth, where they would carefully carry the prey without damaging it. Also required characteristics were strength and agility to navigate a rugged landscape or work in water, as well as intelligence and a great willingness to please and obey. With the development of the retriever breeds over the years, all these qualities combined to make some outstanding breeds, among which are deservedly among the most popular dog breeds today.

Some common health problems in Golden Retrievers include hip dysplasia, cancer, thyroid, heart issues as well as seizures. Skin issues such as hot spots, cataracts and progressive retinal atrophy are also common.

Their coats vary dependant on their type but they all have a double coat that needs regular grooming to prevent their undercoat building up. A deep clean, deshed is essential to keep their coat in tip top condition.

Can you identify which retrieve is which below.

17/03/2024

Looking back at anatomy Q is for Queen Anne Legs

Queen Anne legs’ is a term used to describe a certain form of deformity of the forelimbs between the elbows and wrists, in which the legs below the elbows are turned inwards and the paws are turned outwards. The deformity is part of ‘normal’ anatomy for terriers and dachshunds, but when severe it can become a problem, resulting in elbow osteoarthritis and wrist osteoarthritis. In addition this is termed ‘buckling’ where the wrist collapses forwards during loading because it is twisted so far around.

It happens because one bone grows faster than the other, twisting the leg and making the legs bow and the foot turn out. It is relatively common in Dachshunds because they are a dwarf breed that tends to have deformed legs. If the 'Queen Anne leg' angle is particularly pronounced, then it can cause severe pain and may even eventually need an operation. Prevention is better than cure, so responsible breeders will not breed from a dog with very noticeably turned out feet. The Dachshund Breed Council also gives good advice and recommends only walking 5 minutes per month of life as over-exercise can cause all sorts of issues with growth plates.

17/03/2024

The gorgeous indie came for a Sunday morning pamper session. A deep clean & condition, hair cut, nail clip, file & paw balm, ear clean, teeth clean, spritz of cologne and lots of cuddles. Indie is looking gorgeous. 🐾🐶💕😀

16/03/2024

P is for Poodle

The Poodle used to be one of the most popular breeds in the world, known as a great companion to people of any age or activity level.

Poodles were thought to have originated in Germany but were widely associated with France, where it is hugely popular breed.
The Poodle was developed as a water retriever, and the distinctive clipping of its heavy coat was initiated to increase the animal’s efficiency in the water. The breed has been used for such diverse undertakings as performing in circuses and hunting for truffles, water retrieveing, and an elegant pet dog.

It appears that grooming first began to evolve into an art form in and of itself once we began to see the curly coats, the early Poodles in 16th century in France.

There are several poodle style cuts, the Continental Cut” of the Poodle – shaved legs with ankle “bracelets” and “rosettes” on the hips, a pom-pon on the tail, and longer hair on the “jacket” covering the front part of the chest and torso. This cut was not as highly stylized as it is today, but there are pictures of it from hundreds of years ago that show it in the same pattern, much more scruffy looking than today, because it protected the joints and vital organs. Less hair on a poodle meant less matting and tangling. But the dog needed the protection of its coat, especially on the hips, ankles, tail, and chest where the vital organs are located, and so hair was left there. The poodle was a water retriever so this cut was eminently practical. Today it has become the standard of art in the grooming profession.

In the late 20th century, breeders began to cross Poodles with other purebred dogs in what was called the “designer dog” fad. The goal was to incorporate the Poodle’s intelligence and low shedding coat into the offspring. This is west our cockapoos, labradoodles, cavapoos, multipoos have evwloved from.

The Poodle’s and poodle cross coat can be a challenge to maintain. The breed sheds a little, but its wool coat easily becomes matted. Daily brushing down to the skin with a slicker brush and comb is needed to prevent a shell of matted hair from enveloping the dog’s body. The coat must be clipped, every four to six weeks.

16/03/2024

Two gorgeous girlies Olive and Mabel looking sparkly clean again and ready to go home. It’s always a great afternoon when Olive and Mabel come for a pamper 🐾💕🐶

15/03/2024

O is for occiput, let’s have a look at some anatomy 🐾

The occiput in dog terms is the bump or protuberance clearly seen at the back of the skull.
The occipital bone is a very complex bone that serves primarily to protect the cerebellum and the occipital lobes of the cerebrum and to provide attachment to several muscles and ligaments. It is trapezoidal and shallowly curved on itself.

The occipital bone is important as it overlies the occipital lobes of the cerebrum. At the base of the skull in the occipital bone, there is a large oval opening called the foramen magnum, which allows the passage of the spinal cord.

The occipital bone is more prominent in dogs with a Dolichocephalic shaped skull, long nosed like Dobermans or Collies.

The other skull shapes are: Mesocephalic, an intermediate length and width of the skull. Examples include Beagles, German shepherds, Labrador.

Brachycephalic; short nosed, flat faced breeds whose skulls are broad. Examples include Pugs, Boxers, Bulldogs.

14/03/2024

N is for Nails

Let’s talk nails.

Dogs usually have four toes on each paw and some have a dew claw on their wrist/ankle also known as their pattern joint. The dew clews are commonly on the front Pastern, but can also be present on the hind legs too.

Each toe has a nail which consists of the outer hard shell, the inner shell, and the central pink quick which contains the blood and nerve supply. Nails are made of Keratin which is a protein, and the main component of hair, feathers, horns, claws, and beaks.

Dogs nails should be checked and trimmed regularly. If you see your dog licking or nibbling at a nail, check that it is not overgrown, damaged, or causing a problem.

If your dog does very little hard surface (road) walking or is doing less exercise as they get older, or due to an injury, or is very lightweight. These are all contributing factors that may mean the nails may need cutting even more regularly, as they are not naturally being worn down.

Did you know untreated or overgrown nails could hide other underlying diseases such as arthritis and cause mobility problems.

If a nail becomes severely overgrown and grows into the pad or surrounding tissue, then it is very painful and could also become infected. If the nails are splaying out on the ground, or the nail beds are being pushed upwards, or the toes are becoming distorted then a visit to the vet will be needed.

All dogs who come for a groom or bath and dry have their nails clipped if they need them doing. Also if you just want to come for a pawdicure, I will
Happily clip and file your doggies nails and along with the package they get a nourishing paw balm and spritz or cologne. Chip in my picture comes to see me regularly for a pawdicure 🐾🐶💕

13/03/2024

M is for Mats/ Matting

Matting occurs when dead fur wraps around live, causing dense tangles and knots. It is painful and unhealthy for the dog and can lead to other health concerns such as infections or skin irritations and can also mask other health issues or parasites.

Mats cut off the air flow in your dog's hair and can trap moisture, which can cause irritation and sores. Even mild matting can be painful, but in severe cases, matting can cut off circulation to the dog's skin and cause hematomas. In some circumstances, matting may be so severe that you would need to take the dog to a veterinarian for treatment.

Some dogs have coats that are higher maintenance and more vulnerable to matting. Any long hair dog can get matting, but certain breeds and coat types are more prone to matting, such as Poodles, Doodles, Curly coats, Cocker Spaniels, Bishon, ShihTzu and any variation of these breeds. Dogs with long silky coats such as Yorkies can also get matted as well as double coated dogs.

Causes

Friction - Matting is typically found in areas of the dog with the most friction. This includes armpits, where the collar or harness sits, legs where they lay down or come in contact with wet grass, behind the ears or areas of the body where they might be scratching.

Allergies – Long hair dogs who have allergies that cause them to lick and itch will almost always develop some matting.

Fleas – If your dog has fleas and itches, the scratching will result in matted fur.

Water - Water can also contribute to matting. If a long haired dog goes outside after rain and there belly rubs the wet grass, its likely to get matted between the legs or belly. If the dog enjoys swimming, chances are, some matting will occur. Washing and drying a dog with mats will only cause them to get tighter. It is recommended the mats are brushed out before getting wet and then the dogs coat will need to be throughly dried and brushed out after bathing to prevent matting.

Treatment

If the matting on a dog is mild, it can sometimes be brushed out with the use of detangling sprays, products, and slicker brushes. This is time-consuming and can sometimes be painful.
Dematting is like trying to brush out dreadlocks in your own hair! It would not be comfortable! The dematting process involves taking small sections of hair at a time and working to release the mats utilizing dematting tools and products and then brushing.

If the matting is severe, the safest and most humane way to remove the mats would be to clip the hair short. The length of his hair will depend on how tight the mats are. If the mats aren't too tight, sometimes we can get longer blades underneath the mats to salvage some length, but if the mats are tight to the skin, we would need to use our shortest blade which would result in very short hair.

12/03/2024

Tilly got very much involved in all the grooming today 🐾💕🐶