As 2012 winds down to its exit, it's naturally a time to reflect on the past year. We've had a tremendously successful year at Wag Zone and are both excited and humbled by our growth and the enthusiasm and trust that our clients place in us. It's also been a difficult year as we've had to say goodbye to a few longtime friends whose wagging tails and wet noses filled our hearts with their very presence. It's amazing the holes they leave, even in such large and happy packs. It makes us all the more grateful for our newcomers who bring new paws and kisses and ears and smiles to our days. We love forming and deepening these bonds - it's what makes our work so worthwhile. 

 

All of us at Wag Zone wish you, your pets and your families the best this holiday season. We hope that 2012 has been a year of fulfilled wishes and full hearts for each of you and that the New Year brings you prosperity, joy and wonderful new adventures. Oh, and wagging tails. 

A fancy new 'do' can put an extra spring in your Springer's step and make your Terrier less hairier, but beyond the aesthetics regular grooming can go a long way to maintaining your dog's overall health and psychological well-being.

 

Professional groomers are trained to do more than just clip here and there. The act of bathing and brushing and clipping gives them the opportunity to notice potential health issues like skin lesions, parasites and hot spots. And regular grooming allows them to notice changes in temperament or sensitivities which can hint at health concerns. But at its core, regular grooming keeps your dog comfortable in his own fur which helps makes for a happy, healthy pooch.

 

Eyes

As anyone who has ever worn bangs can attest, there comes a time in the life stage of a hair style when those bangs dangle in the eyes and make everything more challenging. Dogs are no different. Here at daycare you can plainly see the difference in the mood of a dog whose eyes are hidden behind otherwise adorable overgrown brows and that of a dog who has just had those brows clipped and can actually see the butts she is sniffing. Okay... poor visual. Dogs who can't see are frequently louder, more reactive, and crankier. Aside from the benefits of simply being able to see better, a well-trimmed face also keeps the eyes from being irritated and possibly injured by hair constantly poking into them.

 

Ears

Floppy ears are adorable but the dark, moist environment they create for the ear canals can cause painful infections. Professional groomers shave the hair inside the floppy portion of the ear and gently pluck out the hairs from within the canal to promote improved air circulation and assist in keeping the ears clean of the bacteria that can lead to ear disease.

 

Mats

Speaking of transformations that can dramatically alter moods, a dog whose coat is heavily matted, once freed from those mats, can be downright gleeful. And it's easy to understand why. Mats are literally tangles and movement can tug on those tangles, causing discomfort. The dog may choose to move around less to avoid the discomfort. It's not uncommon to see a newly shaved dog literally race around the playroom, free of the tangles that had held him back. Mats can also often form in between the pads of the feet. A good trim can keep your pet stepping happy. Unfortunately mats are the prime cause of grooming anxiety. Having mats removed is like having mom comb out your tangles - not a fun experience. Regular grooming and brushing can keep mats to a minimum and making grooming visits less traumatic for everyone.

 

Nails

Nail trims are often dreaded events for both dog and owner but are an absolute necessity. Long nails can cause difficulty in walking and, if left untended, can curl into the pad causing painful injury. How can you tell if your dog's nails need a trim? Have your dog stand on all four paws and see if you can slide a piece of paper under the nails. If the paper can slide underneath, the nails are at a good length, otherwise it's time for a trim!

 

Looking for a full-service bath, without a full groom? Our Basics: Bath & Tidy will get your pup sparkly clean and looking fabulous! Includes:  

For our medium and longer haired guests, we offer a full grooming package that will put an extra strut into your dog's daily walks. Includes Basics: Bath & Tidy PLUS: