Grooming by Kellye

03/12/2025

A picture is worth a thousand words 📷

If pictures could speak, these two would have so much to say! 🤎

I had this gem on my table today and I just LOVE the physical and mental transformation that occurred from the start of the groom, to the end. I mean, LOOK at her 😍🥰

This was this farm dog's first EVER groom as she lives in a barn on her owner's farm. She was in much need of a good bath! She was nervous/excited at first but quickly relaxed and really enjoyed her spa day 🛁💙
She cleaned up so good and left smelling fresh! 🫧

📷: Jill



ReTreat Doggie Day Care
517-320-2290

03/11/2025

Awesome narrative on importance of blow drying dogs ❤️

Why is it important that my dog allow me to blow dry them? Maybe your groomer has told you your dog is scared or Wiley for the dryer. These are reasons why the dryer is an important step in the process and should be mastered by your dog.
1. In order To give an even , not choppy, haircut the hair must be straight. We get the coat straight with the blow dryer.
2. During a deshed the dryer helps push any undercoat out making sure your getting the full service.
3. The drying process it the part of the groom where your groomer can see your dogs skin, therefore able to report any signs of allergies, skin abrasions and more.
4. The high velocity dryer helps loosen any matting your dog has, pushing it from the skin and giving us the ability to give a slightly longer cut in a lot of cases.

Ways we as groomers can help your dog to be more comfortable and calm for drying.
1. We utilize cotton balls and a happy hoodie. A happy hoodie goes over the dogs ears to lighten the sound and provide a comfort with compression.
2. Starting at the back end over a towel on the lower setting will help ease a dog into the process, getting them used to the sound and pressure of the dryer.

Ways you can help your dog at home.
1. Turn the vacuum on and pull out the treats. A high reward treat when the approach the vacumm will train them that the sound is not scary.
2. Baths and blowdryer at home. Simply going through the process with a person they know and trust will build their confidence.

03/06/2025

Can you believe this is the same puppy?!? 🤯

It was this little lady's first introduction to grooming and I can't wait to see how she progresses and grows 🌱😍

Puppy grooms include (depending on breed):
💅 Trimming nails
🐾 Paw pads shaved
🫧 Bath/ blow dry
👂 Ears cleaned
🪮 Brush out
✨ and she was introduced to face trimming and clippers being on her

Having puppies be comfortable and cooperative for their grooms is the main goal and each puppy takes to the process differently.

📷: Hannah



ReTreat Doggie Day Care
517-320-2290

03/05/2025

This special guy came in for a much needed grooming.
He's a 180 # Tibetan mastiff with a specific medical condition that affects his mobility (not good for such a big guy). Many groomers couldn't take him on but because at ReTreat, we are 1:1 and I have an awesome coworker who also grooms, we collaborated to get him the care that he desperately needed.

Most of his groom was done comfortably on the floor (no, he isn't sedated at all!), with him laying down and very tolerant. Standing was difficult for him, but we got the job done 💪. He enjoyed his spa day so much, he fell asleep for most of the drying and brushing 😆🥰

While our backs are killing us 😫, grooms like these truly make all the hard work, worth while. I'm so grateful for the help from Ariella Gillett, so we could get this groom done for this sweet boy and his owner.🫧✂️🐾

📷: ZZ



ReTreat Doggie Day Care
517-320-2290

03/04/2025

Transformation Tuesday! 💫🙌😍

📷:Sandy ❤️



ReTreat Doggie Day Care
517-320-2290

03/02/2025

https://www.facebook.com/share/1E4iwRdwhQ/

Many times when your dog is dropped off at your groomer's salon they may seem afraid, especially if it's a first time visit. Here are a few things your professional groomer wants you to know:

1. A first time visit to a new salon can be stressful for both you and your pet. Try to contain your stress however, as your pet will reciprocate these emotions and become stressed simply because you are. Try to keep a calm, confident feeling when entering a new salon so your pet doesn't feed off of your worry.

2. Dogs rely on their senses differently than humans, and their noses make a lot of determinations. Keep in mind that while humans have a measly 5k olfactory nerves, canines average 220k, and with some breeds this number is even higher. Your pet no doubt smells aromas you may not notice that can be unfamiliar to them. This too can be unnerving for them.

3. If your dog has had a bad experience at another salon, this can also be a factor. If you know or suspect your pet has been mishandled in the past, you must let your current groomer know.

4. Many groomers specialize in working with pets who are fearful and/or suffer from separation anxiety. In this case, it may be best to find a groomer who works by appointment only so your pet is in a calm, quiet atmosphere and is back with you quickly.

5. Some dogs remain fearful of grooming their entire lives no matter what. Others will begin to relax when worked with by a specialty groomer. If you are concerned about your pet during their stay, ask if the salon has cameras you can watch or if they can send you a quick video to see how things are going.

02/27/2025

New puppy added to your family?🐾
Call us for an appointment 💅

We are offering FREE nail trims for PUPPIES 5 months and under! 🐶 We will be offering this promotion starting March 1st and it will be available for a limited time 😉

Visit our website at retreatdoggiedaycare.com or call 517-320-2290 to book today! ❤️

02/26/2025

This handsome guy is a pro on the grooming table💁 and such a sweet heart! 🫶

✔️Out his before and after 😮🙌

📷:Caillou



ReTreat Doggie Day Care
517-320-2290

02/26/2025

I had the honor of having this special pup on my table last week 🖤💙
K-9 Deputy Mayson got all cleaned up for his meet n greet at Underdogs last week.

Even working dogs enjoy a spa day 😆🥰

Let me know if you stopped out to see them! 🥰🐾

02/22/2025

Yes, 🎯💯%

02/19/2025

When you give a husky a bath... They return the favor 💦😆

Ms. Dakota got a custom bath that makes her black more vibrant, white brighter and a de-shed.
She also got her nails trimmed and filed 💅, paw pads shaved 🐾 and ears cleaned ✨

She left feeling oh so soft and smelling 🤌

📷: Dakota



ReTreat Doggie Day Care
517-320-2290
https://www.retreatdoggiedaycare.com/

02/18/2025

It feels good to feel good! ✨🫶🐾

📷: Arlo



ReTreat Doggie Day Care
517-320-2290
https://www.retreatdoggiedaycare.com/

02/18/2025

This puppy had never been groomed before and his coat needed some care.
(The top picture was AFTER his bath and blow dry, but BEFORE his haircut ✂️ )

The end goal was to leave some length on him to give him a fluffy look but a fresh start 💅

He did so well for his first groom, even though being dried was very scary. We adjusted things to make him comfortable and he was a trooper! ✨

I love being able to help dogs build confidence through the grooming process by building trust with me. My heart was so full after this groom! 🥰🫶

**PS look at his color after his groom!! 🖤🤎😍🤗

📷: Reeces



ReTreat Doggie Day Care
517-320-2290
https://www.retreatdoggiedaycare.com/

02/14/2025

How can you not love that face?! 😍 This handsome guy loves his spa days 🫧💅 and pays in kisses ☺️🫶

📷:Turbo



ReTreat Doggie Day Care
517-320-2290
https://www.retreatdoggiedaycare.com/

02/14/2025

Happy Valentine's Day ❤️🐾

02/12/2025

Watch out ladies! This little cutie is ready for Valentine's Day! 😍🍑🫶

📷: Jagger



ReTreat Doggie Day Care
517-320-2290
https://www.retreatdoggiedaycare.com/

02/09/2025

Let's talk nails! 💅

Did you know, at ReTreat, nail cutting and filing are included in EVERY grooming session?

It can also be scheduled as a stand alone service if a groom isn't needed ❤️

Negative effects of neglecting nails:
👎 Paw pad damage (ingrown nails 😣)
👎 Loss of traction
👎 Injuries and infections
👎 Damage to joints and tendons (mobility issues ☹️)
And more!

So, how often should your pet get their nails trimmed??
👍 Typically every 4-6 weeks
👍 If your dog's nails are overgrown and have long quicks, a more frequent schedule may be necessary. (I'm happy to work one on one with you to get on an appropriate schedule for your pet)

📷: Raeley

✨ If you look at the bottom two pictures, you will notice that her long nails have affected her stance. (She typically needs her nails done every 2 weeks)

🌀Bottom left: Before her nail trim, she is standing and placing her weight on the back of her paw, which long term if not corrected, can cause damage to her joints and tendons, become painful and have long term effects. Her toes are also splayed.

🌀Bottom right: After her nail trim and file, her stance is more upright, her weight on the center of her foot evenly distributed. The angle of her wrist is appropriate to support her and not cause issues. And her toes no longer have a gap in-between them 🥰

📞Call or message us today to schedule your pets nail trim (or groom 😉)



ReTreat Doggie Day Care
517-320-2290
https://www.retreatdoggiedaycare.com/

02/09/2025

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/12EqnMka53h/

Skunk Alert!!!
A public service announcement from animal control:
February Through early March is skunk breeding season. Before you let your dogs out, make a little noise and give skunks time to move out of your yard.

If you come face to face with a skunk, stay calm and talk softly to let him know you’re there -- skunks have poor eyesight. Skunks are very sweet natured animals and don’t want to spray you. Go about your business and avoid startling them.
Skunks will give you several warnings if they are scared:
1. They will stomp their front feet
2. They turn their backs to you
3. They will do a handstand
4. They will spray up to 10 feet away

If a skunk DOES spray, here is a technique and recipe:
First, catch the dog (or the person!) as quickly as possible - don’t let them roll or rub on anything. If you have rubber gloves wear them. BLOT the spray off with paper towels.
Mix a paste from 1 teaspoon Dawn dish soap, 3% hydrogen peroxide and ¼ cup baking soda and spread it on the area. Do not add water! Let it sit for ten minutes then rinse off and repeat.
If this happens to be on a human or hairless animal, leave out the baking soda. The baking soda is sort of like an exfoliant and is really abrasive to bare skin.
Skunks are omnivores (eat both plant and animal material). They prefer to eat insects, particularly grasshoppers, beetles, and crickets. They also eat grubs and other insect larvae as well as bees and wasps. When the opportunity arises, they will take mice, rats, moles, shrews, young ground squirrels and rabbits, nesting birds, nestlings, and bird or snake eggs. Skunks also eat corn, berries, and other vegetation. In an urban environment, they may eat garbage or pet food that has been left outside.

Habitat Modification:
Secure garbage cans and close dumpster lids at night.
Control rodent populations.
Do not leave pet food outdoors at night.
Remove brush or wood piles.
Control lawn grubs.