Dog 'N' Comb

09/01/2025

It is with a heavy heart I am writing this post but unfortunately it hasn't been a great start to 2025 here at Dog 'N' Comb HQ! My very first day back (I was mobile) 'Betsy' (my van) started smoking heavily from the engine bay filling the cab with fumes that smelt like diesel! Having spoken to a mechanic it is unadvised to drive Betsy until the issue is resolved (suspected head gasket or injector issue). Luckily I managed to limp her to The White Swan before knowing the extent of what I am calling her 'Smoking issue'! So I can still work but I am utterly devastated having only had Betsy since September due to my last van also breaking down. I will keep everyone up to date and will be contacting all my customers with mobile appointments booked to keep them informed. Please bear with me while I attempt to retain some form of sanity.
Many thanks
Fran x

30/12/2024

This is my full list of availability for January at The White Swan:

Monday 13th: 2pm
Tuesday 14th: 10am, 11.30am
Saturday 18th: 11.30am
Friday 24th: 10am, 2.30pm
Saturday 25th: 3.30pm
Friday 31st: 10am, 11.30am, 1pm, 2.30pm

29/12/2024

27/12/2024

Did you know dogs with different coat types have different grooming requirements?
Short coats:
Short coated dogs like Frenchies, Labradors, Staffies and Pugs do not need clipping like long coated breeds do but do require bathing, de-shedding, nail clipping and ears cleaning.
Short coated dogs will shed more when the seasons/temperature changes, de-shedding is the removal of as much dead coat as possible allowing for the new healthier coat to come through.
Quite often after a de-shed treatment at the groomers a dog will shed more for a couple of days as the treatment encourages the dead and dying hair to fall out.
You may also find a short haired dog will smell more 'doggy' as there is less hair to absorb the natural odours produced by naturally occurring oils, dirt, pheromones and sweat - did you know dogs can and often do have cheesy feet!

24/12/2024

That's me all done until the New year! I would like to thank all my wonderful customers that have given me and Henry Christmas presents (I may share some of the biccys/choccys with my husband 😈). I would also like to thank everyone that tipped me this year. Whenever I have a holiday I empty my tips jar and my tips go towards holiday spends and this year I have treated myself and my husband to a lovely massage and spa day.
I look forward to seeing you all in the New Year and I hope you all have a wonderful Christmas!
With love Fran xx

13/12/2024

Did you know there are literally hundreds of different dog shampoos and conditioners?

When I first started training I was given a catalogue for a groomer supply company and I was gobsmacked at the amount of different shampoos there are, the first maybe 50 pages was just full of different shampoos and conditioners for different coat types and skin types with different fragrances.

As a general rule I carry at least 4 different types of shampoo, they are:
A Whitening shampoo - which helps bring up all solid colour coats and helps them shine
A Sensitive shampoo - for puppies, dogs with sensitive skin and allergies
A Deep cleaning shampoo - for greasy and dirty coats
A Conditioning shampoo - to help keep coats healthy

I will often mix shampoos together to get the best from different types of shampoo for example if I am bathing a white dog with sensitive skin that has been rolling in the mud I will mix the whitening shampoo with deep cleaning shampoo and sensitive shampoo to help get the coat clean while bringing out the whiteness while protecting the skin.

If I am bathing a dog quite regularly I will mix the sensitive shampoo with the conditioning shampoo to help prevent the coat and skin from drying out.

Dogs skin has a different pH level compared to humans (typically between 6.2 and 7.4 compared to humans 4.5 to 5.5) so using human shampoo (even baby shampoo) can cause skin irritation or dryness.
If you need advice about products for home bathing please feel free to contact me.

13/12/2024

All my appointments for this year have now been filled.
I get my diary for Christmas so as soon as I have sorted out the days that I can work around my husbands shift I will post and message those who have asked to say my diary is open.

06/12/2024

Did you know...

The cold weather can worsen arthritis and joint issues in dogs.
There are ways to make your dog more comfortable in the cold weather:
Shorten walk times to prevent body temperature from dropping too low.
Wrap your dog nice and cosy - a well fitted coat/jumper can help keep your dog warm and dry.
Stiffness, especially on cold mornings is common for older dogs or dogs with joint issues. Please reach out to your vet for advice if your dog shows any signs of pain or discomfort.

04/12/2024

These are the last appointments I have left this year!
Thursday at 11.30am and 4pm
Friday at 2.30pm and 4pm

02/12/2024

I have a variety of jumpers I have knitted available for sale, I am also taking orders.
The stripy jumpers have a black under panel to help keep them cleaner.
All jumpers can be washed on a 30 degree wash and dried flat (not in the tumble drier)
The Snowflake jumpers can be knitted with split colours, one main colour with a different Snowflake or as a plain jumper without the Snowflake.
If you are interested in ordering a jumper pop me a message and I can help measure for the right size.

30/11/2024

I am down to my last 4 appointments left this year!
All of these appointments are at The White Swan

Thursday 5th: 11.30am, 4pm
Friday 6th: 2.30pm, 4pm

I still have a few Mobile appointments available so if you would rather a mobile appointment please get in touch.

29/11/2024

Did you know....

I am a woman of many talents! - I also knit dog jumpers of different styles and sizes - from tiny Chihuahuas to Labradors!
I usually have a few pre-knitted that I carry with me in the van or you can request a certain colour/style.
If you would like more information please feel free to drop me a message or ask at your appointment :)

24/11/2024

I am down to the last of my appointments at The White Swan.

December:

Thursday 5th: 11:30am, 4pm
Friday 6th: 2.30pm, 4pm
Wednesday 11th: 11.30am

22/11/2024

Did you know...

The salt that we use to grit the roads and paths can be dangerous for our doggos - Why?

When we take our dogs out for a walk they walk on the salt, this can irritate their skin causing skin irritations - causing them to lick their feet which can cause them stomach issues.

Once the gritters come out and the weather turns cold my dog Milo has little boots to wear (the same boots he wears in the summer to stop him from burning his feet) these little boots are great for two reasons: 1) they keep his feet safe from the salt. 2) they keep his feet dry so his fluffy feet aren't soggy and all over my nice dry sofa!

If you need help with getting some little dog booties please feel free to message me or mention it at your grooming session - I can help measure to get the right size.

20/11/2024

Cancellation space available next Thursday! (28th Nov) at 12.30pm can be a single or double appointment please contact me for more details

17/11/2024

All of my November appointments have been filled.

These are the last appointments I have at The White Swan this year:

December:
Wednesday 4th: 12:30pm, 3.30pm
Thursday 5th: 11:30am, 2:30pm, 4pm
Friday 6th: 10am, 1pm, 2.30pm, 4pm
Wednesday 11th: 11.30am

For mobile availability please get in touch. Nail and face trimming is still available most mornings.

15/11/2024

Did you know? I provide more than just a haircut?

Every full grooming session with me includes a thorough wash in my top of the range hydrobath, a blueberry facial, fluff dry, sanitary trim (bottom and privates), hair cut to your requirements (as long as coat condition allows), nails clipped, ears cleaned if they need cleaning and a cologne/perfume to finish.
While carrying out the groom I also do a health check, where I check the skin for lumps/bumps/irritation, ears, eyes, nose, nails.
I can also offer advice on lots of dog related things, I have worked with dogs since I was a teenager and have lots of knowledge of dog related topics. If there is anything you wish to discuss I always ensure I have plenty of time to chat to my customers at the time of their grooming appointment.