Poppy's Grooming Studio

06/07/2024

An interesting read for any double coated dog owners 🤓

Double coats play a role but DO NOT magically cool a dog down. Let’s break it down and let’s remember a one size (quite literally) doesn’t fit all.

The undercoat traps air against the skin. If that air is cool or there is a breeze this will be very effective in helping our dogs. When they leave the home where the air is cool and enter 22c heat that undercoat will help to keep them cool for sometime and those guard hairs (the top coat) will act like leaves on a tree - shade. BUT as the air becomes hot the undercoat will move and trap warm air against the skin and the guard hairs will make it difficult for that warm air to leave unless it’s windy. So this double coat will only be effective if it can move (very regular grooming needed) AND the weather is windy. Otherwise it’ll keep the dog cooler for longer but then heat them up making it hard for heat to escape.

But the double coat does protect that fragile skin, so if you keep it well maintained, your dog is not overweight, you don’t subject them to hot temperatures, and they aren’t a giant breed who is a bigger risk of overheating. Then clipping is not necessary, especially if they are young (older dogs find it harder to thermoregulate).

Remember that double coat keeps them warm in the winter, how many hot days do we get here in the U.K.?! Can you make more effort to groom/get them groomed, provide a fan, plenty of cold water drinking options, get their weight down, and avoid waking when over 20c? If so then clipping is potentially not necessary!

If there is existing skin disease clipping will help you to apply topical products, if there isn’t clipping can expose fragile skin. Some undercoat must be left to protect it. And you have to be prepared to apply sunscreen and potentially be ready for an increase risk of skin disease.

For some the guard hairs can take 4 years to grow back! Yes that may look aesthetically unpleasant. That’ll also mean less protection against the wet and dirt. They’ll need a winter coat on. The double coat helps them maintain optimum body temperature.

Like everyone I.e. neutering there is not a one size fits all. You need to assess every dog, here is an example. I was asked would you clip a double coated breed who appears to be struggling with the heat and has cancer and not predicted to survive past the summer, well yes I would clip if all other cooling options have been explored. But generally it’s not a yes for all you need to ask questions, discuss pro’s and con’s. But ultimately a clipped coat will cool but could mean other problems may arise…

www.animallovepetfirstaid.co.uk
One vet, always balanced, always trying to be better to help you learn and help those wonderful animals ❤️

18/04/2024

‼️Important news ‼️
As if by magic, my road has been reopened early! 🎉
But….. before you get to excited there are still roadworks and traffic lights in Dibden Purlieu. You can now access my road as normal but please be aware you may still have a slight delay.

I look forward to seeing you all soon. 🐾🐾

Happy Sunny Thursday ☀️
Just to make you aware, If you are booked in this week and next there are roadworks which have closed Watermans Lane. You can access my house via the diversion, which takes you past to the roundabout at Lower Mullins lane, up Whitewater Rise on to Partridge Rd, Heatherstone Ave, Corbould Rd, Crete Rd then to me. Or if coming from The Heath you can go down Roman Rd, Arnewood Ave, Heatherstone Ave, Corbould Rd, Crete Rd then to me.

Please leave a bit of extra time to get to me on drop off and pick ups 😅😮‍💨

04/01/2024

Hi all,

Existing clients- remaining emails were sent out on Boxing Day with appointments for your grooms. If you haven’t received them please do let me know as it appears some haven’t come through.

Many thanks
Jo

31/12/2023

Better late than never 🫣
I would just like to wish you all a very happy and healthy new year. 🙏🏻
Thank you for all the gifts and tips and for your continued support and I look forward to seeing you all soon.
(If I have your email address you should have received some appointments for 2024. There have been some teething troubles with the new system, which will hopefully be ironed out soon, me and computers have a challenging relationship 😮‍💨)
Some festive photos below, who can you spot?! 💖🐶

18/11/2023

14/11/2023

‼️🐶Note for existing clients🐶‼️
Hopefully you will have all received a link via email with new terms and conditions and asking for up to date details. This will hopefully make it easier to get you all booked in for next year (I’m slightly behind on admin 😬, but trying to catch up)
The link will be from Top Line Dogs. Any problems, or if you haven’t received an email, please drop me a message.
Thank you in advance and fingers crossed it’s worked as me and tech don’t normally get along 🙏🏻🤞

07/11/2023

**Understanding Your Puppy's Fear Periods**

Puppies go through two critical fear periods essential for their socialisation. These phases, around 8-11 weeks and 6-14 months, are rooted in their evolutionary heritage, originally serving as protection in the wild. Despite domestication, these innate behaviours persist. Early socialisation familiarises them with their environment, while learning fear later on safeguards them from potential dangers.

The initial fear period aligns with the transition to a new home, demanding caution to prevent frightening experiences. Supervision is crucial when children or other pets interact with the puppy, as their exuberance might inadvertently intimidate the young dog. It's essential to slowly introduce new stimuli while allowing the puppy to retreat if anxious, as learned fears during this phase might persist and lead to lasting behavioural issues.

The second fear period, occurring around 6-14 months, varies with the dog's size. It's more about unfamiliar situations than specific individuals. Pushing a fearful puppy into an intimidating situation is counterproductive. Patience, kindness, and gradual exposure while encouraging positive behaviour using food based rewards or toys help build confidence and mitigate fears. Ongoing training during this time aids in their development and confidence.

Socialisation is an ongoing process beyond the puppy stage. Consistent reinforcement of positive behaviours and good choices is crucial, acknowledging that some dogs might naturally be more anxious and require extra time and patience. If progress seems hindered, seeking guidance from a veterinarian or behaviour specialist is advisable.

Investing time and effort now significantly impacts your dog's lifelong behaviour.

03/11/2023

So, as I’m sure you’re all aware there is an issue with water locally, this obviously means I am unable to open. I will be in touch with those booked in to discuss your appointments. And breathe!!! 😅

29/10/2023

We know many groomers who get slated for bad grooming, when the reality is far different! Especially doodle hair! It needs brushing! The mats become extremely painful for the dog and can cause bruising and skin tears!
The only option they have is to shave, alternatively they could report you to the RSPCA for leaving your dog in a matted state, you as an owner are breaking the law buy leaving your pet to get matted and ultimately suffer.
As a rescue when we have dogs that need to be groomed daily (even if they don’t like it) we make sure any new owners know the time and care required and the consequences if they don’t.
Remember pets are a luxury not a necessity!
Rant over ###

21/10/2023

🤣😂

19/10/2023

Promised to post this cheeky girl. Always a pleasure 😛

31/08/2023

‼️Looks like the water has been restored, fingers crossed it lasts! Quick work by , thank you. Hopefully won’t have to rearrange anymore appointments 🙏🏻🤞‼️

As you may have seen, Dibden Purlieu has a burst water pipe. This means I currently do not have water. Obviously making it super difficult to groom as I cannot wash the dogs (or me! 🥴😂)

It’s ironic that it’s raining and we clearly haven’t been short of the wet stuff for most of the summer 🙄
If you are booked in today I will be in touch shortly.
Fingers crossed it can be fixed asap 🙏🏻🤞🙏🏻

25/08/2023

😔

ABTC Statement on Augusto Deoliveira’s dog handling practices.

18/08/2023

This weekend is the start of the annual round up or drift season in the New Forest.

A round up or drift is where commoners bring in their ponies and check, collar and mark them with their individual tags.

This is vital for the welfare of the New Forest ponies. There are 32 round ups, covering the main areas of the New Forest. We appeal to the public to avoid the areas on the days the drifts are happening.

Forestry England staff will put out notices in the areas, giving you warning when car parks and cycle tracks will be closed.

THIS IS FOR A FEW HOURS, ON JUST ONE DAY.

Please respect the notices, and if it effects you, please walk somewhere else that day. Do not block car parks or slip gates as they are needed for access.

Due to the risk to the public, and those taking park in the drifts, please do not be offended if you are asked to move on, and if you are in immediate danger, those warnings may be blunt.

Our first drift is on Sunday at Ipley, so avoid that area. This drift starts at 9am.

We know that you all support us as Commoners, and hope that you will continue to help us maintain the livestock.

We will update you, as each drift it happening.

11/07/2023

❌Apologies for the graphic video but really important to be aware ❌
Picked a few of these out of coats already this year. Please check you pups over to make sure they don’t have the chance to embed in to the skin, it will be super painful for your dog and expensive for you 👀 Pay particular attention to feet, in between toes and pads!

29.1K likes, 261 comments. “Grass seeds are everywhere and coming to a pooch near you! Bertie is exactly the wrong colour, perfect to camouflage this scourge of Summer. Check your dog after every walk, that five minutes will save you time and money, and your canine companion a lot of discomfort. ....

09/07/2023

NEXT WEEK!!
WEBINAR - CPR IN DOGS AND CATS only £6.

There are still spaces left:

https://www.animallovepetfirstaid.co.uk/educational-webinars

You may just need a refresher, or perhaps this is all new to you. you may need to understand how to deal with choking, electrocution, heart disease, and how to read vital signs. It’s all here in this webinar. The LATEST up-to-date info on CPR will be covered ❤️

You will be emailed a certificate of completion. CPR should be understood by ALL pet owners and pet professionals. Webinar will be recorded so don’t worry if you cannot make the date!

26/06/2023

Had the privilege of grooming this boy last week. He’s an elderly chap, with minimal sight and hearing. As you can see, the groom is not perfect but it’s all about doing what’s right for him. He is now more comfortable in the heat and feeling much younger again 💙 what a lovely boy 💙

15/06/2023

Hopefully all of you lovely regulars should have received your next lot of appointments, if not please check your emails 📧 🙂

Just to let you all know, the studio is nice and chilled with the air con working it’s magic 🪄 so pooches will be comfortable during their groom and I won’t be a sweaty mess when you collect 😅😂

06/06/2023

Just because 💙🐾

06/06/2023

A few more 😅😅

06/06/2023

Better late than never! I’ve been a bit quiet on here recently coz life’s got in the way so I’m going to post a few now 😅

05/06/2023

This lady is fab and offers lots of learning opportunities 📚

Just over a week to go! There are still tickets available here https://www.animallovepetfirstaid.co.uk/educational-webinars

Obesity is a chronic disease. It is responsible for other diseases and can lead to a poor quality of life and a shortened life span. How can we recognise the problem and look to solving it? Honestly I’m adding a lot into this webinar! I’ve been spouting facts all day to anyone who’ll listen 🤣. I’m sure you’ll learn a lot.

Slides, a certificate of completion, and the recording will all be emailed after the event ❤️

09/04/2023

A bit late I know, but I’ve enjoyed a lovely week off with the kids and we even had the sunshine!
We’ve shopped, eaten, baked (cookies, cakes and mini egg cheesecake) been on the scariest rides🎢, eaten a bit more, beach walks, eaten even more, spent time with family and eaten loads more 🍫🍫🐷😂

Back to work on Tuesday for a rest! 😴

Happy Easter! I hope you’ve all been able to enjoy some R&R and the weather! 🌤️

09/03/2023

This lovely girl helped me today as I was assessed for an additional qualification. We smashed it! 🥳🥳