Why We're Different

Pawsh Boutique is a different kind of grooming salon.  We are dedicated to excellent service.  One of the things that we have done to help our clients, is offer low cost boarding.  It isn't something we originally intended to do, but many people asked for it, so we agreed.

When you leave your dog with us, whether for grooming, or boarding, we try our best to make sure they are happy and comfortable.  We know that many people sometimes have things come up last minute, and really depend on us to help them out.  We're glad we can help watch your pets in times of need.

We also realize that happy pets is what we are in business for.  We aren't a huge corperation that can afford to have one customer here, or two there leave angrily.  We depend on the money we make.  Each appointment, each groom, each night we watch a dog enables us to pay our bills.

Our quality of care for your pets is our highest priority.  It has to be, or we go out of business. 

We just wanted to thank all of our loyal customers for the great way they have also treated us.  Our clients are the best; so are their pups.  And we love, love, love to take care of them for you.

Summer is Heating UP! And so is Business!

With almost every day being over 90 the A/C seems to be running almost 24hours a day.

Also, we have been booking full every week on a regular basis.  Remember to get a guaranteed appointment when you want it, prebook.  It saves you money too!  And you get an email reminder.

We are at capacity for most Saturdays up to a month in advance.  Keep in mind when prebooking appointments we will shortly no longer allow anyone who isn't already prebooked on Saturdays to choose this day.

Flea Treatments

This Summer we decided to use a new product on our pups to see if they work.  Typically a quality flea treatment could cost upwards of $50 dollars for a 3 pack.  Since we have 3 dogs our selves, that would cost us $50 a month!

We heard about a product called PetArmor, and decided to buy it!

The verdict:

1.  Great price.
2. Contains the same active ingredient as Frontline.
3.  Killed all the fleas within days.
4.  Worked for over 30 days.
5.  Didn't irritate the dogs skin (Pumpkin got a sore with a knockoff brand before, not this time).

You can buy it at many stores, and even order it for a great price at Amazon.  Here is a link http://www.amazon.com/PETARMOR-Topical-Flea-Treatment-Puppies/dp/B0074HMMEY/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top

Grooming Seminar

We recently attended a grooming seminar at the Hampton Inn in Hurst.  The seminar was hosted by King Scott, our local grooming supplier based in Euless. 

There were speakers from Best Shot, and Espree talking about their shampoo.  Also veterinarian Joe Allen from Boulevard Animal Hospital in Colleyville spoke about various skin problems and solutions for them. 

Deb Stover

Finally there was a coat stripping expert, Deb Stover, who showed us how to perform a show quality coat stripping job (not fun looking!).

Here are some of the keys we learned:

1.  You can’t tell just from looking at a dog what skin issue is bothering them.  In the words of the vet, you can’t make a microscopic diagnosis without a microscope.

2.  Many skin problems are from internal causes.  Food allergies, malnutrition, and seasonal allergies are examples.

3.  You can’t fix a skin problem in one bath every 4 to 6 weeks.  If your dog has an issue, try to bring it in once a week until the problem becomes resolved.  Think dry skin, flea allergies, and hot spots as an example.  (We would be willing to discount this if it is something a client needed)

4.  Many skin irritations are from people not rinsing their dog properly after a bath.  You do not want ANY residual shampoo on a dog after a bath.  The shampoo will have a drying effect, especially on the belly and armpits.  Rinse your dog well if you bathe at home!

5.  Human shampoo should never be used on dogs.  It is a different PH balance.  It is not designed for their skin or hair.  No exceptions; never use it!

6.  Always follow the dilution ratio for shampoos.  Many dilute at 10:1 ratios.  That is 10 parts water, and 1 part shampoo.  Not following the dilution ratio leads to incorrect cleaning.  Think of this as wetting a dog down, then putting a glob of shampoo on the dog.  That glob will not efficiently or effectively clean the dog all over its body.  Mix it first for best results.

Joe Allen

7.  There are many different brands of shampoos.  It is an unregulated industry.  You need to be careful when buying shampoos and be wary of any claims they make.  We trust Espree and that is the primary product we use.  It is made locally in Grapevine.  (www.espree.com)

8.  We can never stop learning.  There is always a new product, different technique, or new research that becomes available.  We dedicate ourselves to learning so that we can do the best job we can.

And they called it, Puppy Love

Molly came in to get here hair done.  While she was here she decided she wanted to get something fancy.  We think she loved it!

Bath Time

Some pups who came for a visit, bath, and trim.

Sometimes it seems like we get a whole brigade of dogs in for bath time.

I'm not sure if they like it, but from the looks in their eyes it seems they could be enjoying something like playing at the park, eating treats, of chasing each other around much more.

With the grass growing taller outside, and dogs getting dirtier, it is going to be a LONG Summer full of dirty dogs needing a bath time.

In Texas we see a lot of dogs getting hotspots in the Summer time.  These are caused by inflamed skin, which can lead to infections.  Biting, licking, fleas, and scratching can turn a small irritation into a huge problem.  Getting your pet bathed and groomed on a regular basis can help alleviate the risk of hot spots.

It will leave them clean, fresh, and smelling great too!

Summer FUN! Pool time for Pups!

One way Wizard likes to cool down in the Summer is to take a dip in the pool.  He doesn't like swimming, but he loves his floating boat!

Getting a better view of his friends poolside

A lazy day on the water, Wizard enjoying the pool

Wizard, Pumpkin, and Wendy - Our Pups

Wizard, Pumpkin (Baby), and Wendy.

 

While our dogs might look like perfect little angels, they are anything but.  That isn't to say they are bad dogs, but they all have their little issues.

Wizard the Shih-Tzu is an active little boy.  He gets dirty, sticky, and messy so quickly.  When he drinks water he seems to attack it, and slurps and gulps for minutes on end, walking away from a puddle on the ground where he dripped.  He also likes to get out of the backyard, but instead of running away he waits and scratches on our front door, seeming to beg, "Let me in!"

Pumpkin, (or Baby as we call her) the Rat Terrier, loves to be the center of attention.  She will push her head into your hand until you pet her.  She also loves to bark at people when they come to visit.  She loves to chase, run, and cause a ruckus.  When she is annoyed by something, she makes a high pitched sigh.

Wendy the Poodle mix, doesn't like to walk on tile, or anything that makes her nails tap.  She hates it when sirens sound when firetrucks are in the neighborhood, (she starts howling like she is being killed).  And she likes to spend most of the day we are grooming all alone in the house sleeping on our bed with our cat.

But most of all, they are some of the sweetest, and most loyal friends anyone could ask for.

Clipping dogs toenails - Black Nails

Keeping your dogs toenails trimmed is something that is important.  The pad of a dogs foot is like a pair of shoes, but unlike our feet, the bones in their toes slope down.

Anatomy of a dog's paw.

Because of this, it is important to be sure their nails do not become long enough to touch the ground.  Doing so would cause their nails to bear weight, which is painful.  Imagine walking on your toenails.

One thing you can do to keep your pet healthy, and pain free is to clip their nails at home.  Here is a great video about clipping dogs toenails.

Things to keep in mind:

1. Start off slow.  You can clip a little, and then a little more.  BUT you can't add back what you've already clipped off.

2.  When you see the white circle inside the nail (easier to see in black nails), don't clip any further.  Beyond that is the quick.  If you clip that, their nails will bleed.

3.  A trimmed nail equals a happy and healthy dog.  In the wild, wolves walk/run over rocks, sticks, sand and who knows what else.  Domestic dogs walk on carpet, blankets, and pillows.  Their nails don't stay trimmed naturally.

4.  Use the right equipment.  Nail clippers for dogs, and styptic powder in case you accidentally clip the quick.

5.  If you can't do it at home, or are worried about it, have a professional do it.  Pawsh Boutique charges $5 for nails only.

Blue Lacy - state dog of Texas

The state dog breed of Texas is the Blue Lacy.  Here is Daisy, a dog we groomed today.

 Today we have a few Before & Afters to share!! 

This is Penelope!

                    ..........Her before











                              Her After...........










          
        ......... Penelope Before

Penelope After...........

Mushu & Penelope after their grooms.

This is Sadie she is shy but oh so sweet.
... Before














After... she got a bath, nails, ears, and a light profile trim.......

Cleaning your dogs ears. Like Odie!

It is important to keep your dogs ears clean.  This video shows you how to do that.

Some things to bare in mind:

1.  Use ear cleaning solution, such as "Espree Natural Ear Care for Dogs".

2.  Don't let water or debris sit in your dogs ears, it will cause infection.

3.  If there is an offensive odor in the ear canal, or any discharge, you may want to consult a vet.

4.  Some breeds of dogs need their ears cleaned more often then others, especially if their ears flop down like a Cocker Spaniel, Pug, or Shih Tzu.

How to Brush your dogs ears

One thing we see a lot is people neglecting to brush out their pets ears.  Here is a grooming video we made to help.

Things to remember:

1. Use the right equipment, use a slicker brush first, and a comb last to find any mats or tangles you might have missed.

2. Don't brush too hard or too long.  The ears are very sensitive, you can easily irritate the skin, and cause cuts.

3. Don't leave mats in your dogs ears.  It is painful, and it can cause them to get ear hematoma, a very serious and painful condition.

4. Don't use scissors to cut out mats.  You can easily cut your dogs ears with scissors, especially if you pull at a mat.

A new client visiting Pawsh Boutique

Ralph came to Pawsh Boutique for a makeover!

He is a cute little terrier mix... shy but oh so sweet.





Lets see what his Owners wanted today!

There he is! A schnauzer cut was the request for the day!





Looking good at Pawsh Boutique.

Pumpkin show off her flower

This is the back of the flower.  It is very easy to slip on the collar.

Here is Pumpkin our rat terrier showing off her flower!

Flower Accessories

Jackie recently began making these beautiful flowers to put on dogs collars.  They are a good alternative to bows and bandanas, especially for short haired dogs.

They can be made by taking apart any artificial flower you can find at the store.  They are held together by stringed beads in the front, and they are attached to a small rubber-band on the back that attaches to the collar.