Protecting your dog’s skin from sunburn and harsh products using hypoallergenic products only for optimum care and comfort of your dog!

Your dog’s skin is very sensitive.  For that reason, we only use oatmeal or other very natural products when bathing your dog. Heavily perfumed shampoo can cause irritation.  We just don’t use it!   Yes, it smells good, but frankly it is not worth the risk of irritating your dog’s skin.  After grooming especially, your dog’s skin is more exposed to the elements and therefore it is important to only use the best products during his or her bath.  That is a big priority for us.

When combing or brushing the coat, count five strokes in each area.  More than that directly on the skin can cause irritation.  Comb away from the skin where possible.  This is easy if your dog has long hair.  Try to remember how combing feels on you and it will help you to be conscious of the affect on your dog.

Dogs are animals and that they are going to smell like dogs even after a thorough shampooing, drying and brushing.  No amount of fancy, fragranced product is going to change that.  If your dog’s coat is soft and looking nice that is all that should count.   His or her health is much more important that smelling like a daisy!!!

We are very careful when drying your dog’s coat with the blow dryers that is it slightly warm and held far back from the actual skin.  We constantly monitor this.  Yes, we like to use a warm towel when he/she gets out as they can be shaking a little, but again, we are very careful that it is cozy but never hot.  They are much smaller than us and we have to take every precaution to make sure they are protected.  Maybe we go overboard, but we always want each dog to see us as a safe haven and not something to be feared in any way.

Also remember to protect your dog for UV rays.  Just like people they can become sunburned.  You can use sunblock on your pet.  The type to use is what we would use on a small child, which is easily found.  Make sure to put it on the ears, nose, and belly. You can use it all over if your dog is hairless or thin coated. Make sure to avoid sunscreen containing Zinc Oxide which is toxic to pets.Shaving down your pet who loves to bask in the sun isn’t always the best approach as their coat is there to protect their skin.  Trim instead or thin out a thick coat.  If your dog’s nose is pink, remember he/she is extra sensitive to the sun. Make sure to put it on the ears, nose, and belly. You can use it all over if your dog is hairless or thin coated.

Your careful groomers, Caitlin and Sharon  

EXECUTIVE PAW SPA

At Executive Paw Spa, we take the utmost care with all of our guests. We see a lot of pets and to be honest, some of them are sadly lacking in daily grooming.  Certain types of pet hair is absolutely critical to keep tangle and therefore mat-free.  Tangles, if left, become mats and mats become huge painful skin irritations.  It is important to understand that there is only so much a groomer can do at this point and regular upkeep certainly makes things more comfortable for your pet in this process.

We recently saw a Teacup Maltese that was all of 3 or 4 pounds.   This little doll was about one year year old and was completely matted right down to the skin.  The owner was a 10 year old girl who clearly didn’t understand the huge responsibility she had to her little dog.  We very carefully took the clippers to the body to remove strips of matted hair that was like a carpet.   This not only was uncomfortable for the little dog, but is we uncovered some some sores on the skin that would now be able to start to heal.  We didn’t want to make the owners feel badly, however, this was the result of not being groomed properly on a daily basis.

When we explained to the little girl and Mom that now that the dog was shaved it was very important that she be brushed daily, we asked to see the brush that she was using.  It was brought to us and we were concerned to see that the brush which was used on the dog causing her to cry, was completely the wrong type of brush, recommended by a groomer who obviously didn’t know the type of dog it was going to be used on.  It was a very sharp wired brush that would never be used on such a fragile breed.

The dog had been matted and bathed, which makes the mats tight and more uncomfortable.   Water must never be taken to a dog which is matted.  It is essential that they be removed at the tangle stage and if mats happen, that they be removed as quickly as possible by a professional groomer.

So, if you have one of those breeds with curly, tangled, fine, long hair, you MUST take good care to do a daily brushing, just like you would do to your own hair.  Make sure you are using a soft brush and not combing the same area more than 5 times.  Take sections and don’t tear, but take small strokes out from the longest part and them comb in carefully so you don’t rip the hair.  It’s very much the same as you would do with your own hair.

If not, you pet will be uncomfortable, possibly develop sores and run the risk of close shave scratches to his or her skin which is so avoidable.  There is only so much a groomer can do to remove mats in odd places and if you have a very small or older pet with thinner skin, it is really unfair to them to let them be at risk like this.

They deserve to be clean, fresh and comfy, don’t they?

Help us keep your pet safe and comfortable by taking 2-5 minutes of your time daily to make sure they are tangle free!

Thank you for caring to invest this time in your beloved and precious pet!

Caitlin and Sharon, your loving groomers!

EXECUTIVE PAW SPA

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Don’t hesitate to e-mail or call us using the Contact page.

We thank you for your patience at this time.

- Executive Paw Spa

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Dear clients,

Effective April 15, 2012, V’n'T Petcare will be changing name, owner and location.  We will remain in the Thornhill area.

I have been training a new groomer, Caitlin Minton, who brings a wonderful passion for animals to the service.  Our service has always put the comfort and care of your pets at the forefront of our goals; this will undoubtedly continue.  As you know, we don’t “force” your pet, but instead offer encouragement, breaks and play time as needed.  We will continue to observe and report on in connection with your pet’s health.  We rarely use a cage and try to limit the number of pets we have in-house at one time.

I will continue to be involved as a director to assist Caitlin as needed.  As you know, I am very fond of each and every pet that I have had the privilege of grooming and getting to know.  Caitlin will continue on this basis.

If you have any questions at all, please know that I am only a phone call away.

Victoria

V’n'T Pet Care Services