| FAQ's & Information |
| Frequently Asked Questions |
Q. What is a "HydroSurge" Bathing System?
A. HydroSurge Bathing Systems were originally developed by an innovative retired dentist to relieve his beloved Keeshound of severe hot spots. The bathing system consists of a powerful
recirculating pump that delivers a wonderful therapeutic massage that most dogs just love. It provides a far superior bath than traditional hand-scrubbing by actively removing dirt, dander, dead
hair and skin. We have seen first-hand many dogs who have had various skin problems clear up or show tremendous improvement when bathed frequently using the HydroSurge Bathing
System. It is also an amazing way to reduce excessive shedding. Our Do-It-Yourself Dog Wash customers are amazed by how much hair is removed during the HydroSurge bathing process.
Q. How often can I bathe my dog?
A. Dogs benefit from regular grooming, whether at home or professionally and most often we recommend that you bring your dog in once a month. Really the length of time between
professional grooming appointments depends on how much time you are able to devote to grooming your dog at home and how fast your dogs' coat grows. Dogs can be bathed as often as you
like (even daily) as long as you are using a gentle, pH balanced dog shampoo followed by a skin conditioner. Our #1 choices are: Tropiclean's Hypoallergenic Puppy & Kitten Shampoo and Mr.
Shampoo's Professional Skin & Coat Remoisturizer.
Q. When is my puppy ready to go to the groomer for the first time?
A. The sooner you get your puppy used to being professionally groomed (not just bathing at home), the better. You can help prepare your puppy by regularly handling his feet, ears and looking
inside his mouth. Basic obedience training will benefit everyone who comes into contact with your puppy. Never allow nipping or biting under any circumstances! Exercising your puppy and
giving him a chance to empty his bladder prior to his grooming appointment will also help ensure a pleasant experience. When bringing any dog or puppy to the groomer - don't act worried or
concerned because your dog will sense it and it will make him worry, too (dogs are very in-tune to their owners emotional state). Many owners unknowingly reinforce unwanted behavior by
stroking their anxious dog and telling them not to be scared - essentially telling the dog that they are supposed to be scared of going to the groomer. We do our best to make every dog's
experience at A Pet's Best Friend fun, safe and stress-free .
Q. How long will it take for my dog to be groomed?
A. We generally ask that you allow four hours for an average grooming appointment. If your dog requires extensive work, such as De-Matting or De-Shedding, and during exceptionally busy
times, it can take longer. There may be situations where we can finish your dog sooner. If your pet has special needs, please let us know.
Q. My dog is nervous - can I stay with him while he is being groomed?
A. Our liability policy does not allow any non-employees in our grooming area. In addition, pets are usually calmer and better behaved in the grooming shop when their owner is NOT present. It
is important for the groomer to bond with your dog and develop mutual understanding and respect. When the owner is present, the dog tends to be so focused on the owner that it disrupts this
process.
Q. I don't like for my dog to be in a kennel - Can you accomodate this request?
A. Kennels are necessary for the safety and security of our furry clients. While we hand-dry most dogs after the bath, we also utilize cage drying to finish the process; the dog is placed in a
ventilated kennel and room temperature air is circulated through. There will also be some "down time" before and after the groom, where the dog will be placed in a kennel to relax. Most
animals accept our roomy, comfortable kennels very well. In very rare cases, a dog will experience some stress when confined. For these individuals, we will do our best to arrange as little cage
time as possible and request that someone be available to pick up the dog as soon as he is ready.
Q. My dog is so itchy! What should I do?
A. Lets face it, dogs are itchy. Excessive itchiness can drive dogs and their owners crazy. The most common causes are: Fleas, allergies and dry skin. We use a natural Neem based,
chemical-free flea & tick shampoo and dip to kill these parasites and recommend Evolv by Wondercide for safe, effective, organic topical flea protection. It is also critical to clean and treat the
areas frequented by the dog - We now carry safe, effective, organic pest control for your home (Bio-Defense) and yard (Eco-Treat). Allergies can be difficult to resolve, but a simple solution to try
is switching to a high quality dog food that is free of corn, wheat and soy (please check out www.dogfoodanalysis.com) and possibly supplementing the diet with a fatty acid supplement such as
Nupro. Contact allergens can be reduced by simply rinsing the dog in cool water every day. We often recommend bathing a dog with allergies in Oxy-Med Medicated Oatmeal shampoo followed
by Oxy-Med Medicated Oatmeal Treatment Rinse. Dry skin can be relieved with a "Moisture Pack" using Mr. Shampoo's Professional Skin Remoisturizer/Coat Rejuvenator. We have been using
this Remoisturizer for over twelve years and are convinced that it's the best there is. We also sell the Skin Remoisturizer in a convenient 8 oz jar for use at home.
Q. My dog sheds so much. Can't you just shave him?
A. A healthy coat is constantly being renewed, which results in shedding of the old, dead coat. Regular grooming, both professionally and at home, will help keep daily shedding to a minimum.
There are many "Double-Coated" breeds of dogs that we will not shave. To do so will damage the coat and eliminate the dog's natural protection from the elements. Seasonal shedding can be
managed with our "De-Shedding Service" available in addition to a regular full service dog grooming. The De-Shedding Service consists of a thorough Hydrosurge bath using a special
De-Shed shampoo and solution to help loosen the dead coat, followed by a high-velocity blow dry (sometimes referred to as "Reverse Vacuuming). Next, we use our arsenal of De-Shedding
tools and lots of elbow grease to thoroughly De-Shed the coat. If you want to reduce your dog grooming expenses, spend some time grooming your dog at home between professional
grooming appointments - we'll even help you choose the best tools and show you how to use them. Also, keep in mind that diet plays a vital role in the condition of your dog's skin and coat.
Many commercial foods are lacking sufficient essential fatty acids that keep the coat healthy, and contain ingredients like corn, wheat and soy which so many dogs are allergic to. We
recommend feeding your dog the highest quality food you can afford. The cost is minimal in comparison to the amount of time and money spent at the vet trying to determine the cause of the
dog's poor skin and coat condition.
Q. I want to keep my dog's coat long, but he always ends up having to be shaved. Why?
A. We love to keep your dogs looking their absolute best and prefer not to shave them if it can be avoided. Our #1 commitment is to the safety and comfort of the dog which means that it is often
more humane to just shave the dog than it would be to de-mat him. There is a common misconception that if you have a "Non-Shedding" breed (such as a Poodle or Bichon Frise) that they
don't need to be brushed and combed. In reality, these types of dogs need daily grooming to keep their coats from matting. Other breeds that can become matted without regular grooming are:
Lhasa Apso, Shih Tzu, Maltese, Yorkshire Terrier, Schnauzers, Wheaten Terrier, etc. Many people bathe their dog at home in between professional grooming appointments, but by not brushing
and combing out their dog first, they are making existing mats worse. Also, be aware that when you use a harness or sweater on your dog, you MUST remove it daily and brush/comb him out.
Maybe you find yourself saying "Hey, I DO brush my dog at home so how can his coat be full of mats?" it may be that you aren't using the proper tools/techniques for your dogs particular type of
coat. We are more than happy to show you the best tools for your dog and how to use them, just ask us. If you find that your schedule is just so hectic that you need help maintaining your dog's
coat, we are here to help. We can get them on a regular grooming schedule or recommend an appropriate shorter clip. Many of our customers keep a standing appointment
(weekly/bi-weekly/monthly, etc.) which enables us to maintain their dog in their favorite style.
A. HydroSurge Bathing Systems were originally developed by an innovative retired dentist to relieve his beloved Keeshound of severe hot spots. The bathing system consists of a powerful
recirculating pump that delivers a wonderful therapeutic massage that most dogs just love. It provides a far superior bath than traditional hand-scrubbing by actively removing dirt, dander, dead
hair and skin. We have seen first-hand many dogs who have had various skin problems clear up or show tremendous improvement when bathed frequently using the HydroSurge Bathing
System. It is also an amazing way to reduce excessive shedding. Our Do-It-Yourself Dog Wash customers are amazed by how much hair is removed during the HydroSurge bathing process.
Q. How often can I bathe my dog?
A. Dogs benefit from regular grooming, whether at home or professionally and most often we recommend that you bring your dog in once a month. Really the length of time between
professional grooming appointments depends on how much time you are able to devote to grooming your dog at home and how fast your dogs' coat grows. Dogs can be bathed as often as you
like (even daily) as long as you are using a gentle, pH balanced dog shampoo followed by a skin conditioner. Our #1 choices are: Tropiclean's Hypoallergenic Puppy & Kitten Shampoo and Mr.
Shampoo's Professional Skin & Coat Remoisturizer.
Q. When is my puppy ready to go to the groomer for the first time?
A. The sooner you get your puppy used to being professionally groomed (not just bathing at home), the better. You can help prepare your puppy by regularly handling his feet, ears and looking
inside his mouth. Basic obedience training will benefit everyone who comes into contact with your puppy. Never allow nipping or biting under any circumstances! Exercising your puppy and
giving him a chance to empty his bladder prior to his grooming appointment will also help ensure a pleasant experience. When bringing any dog or puppy to the groomer - don't act worried or
concerned because your dog will sense it and it will make him worry, too (dogs are very in-tune to their owners emotional state). Many owners unknowingly reinforce unwanted behavior by
stroking their anxious dog and telling them not to be scared - essentially telling the dog that they are supposed to be scared of going to the groomer. We do our best to make every dog's
experience at A Pet's Best Friend fun, safe and stress-free .
Q. How long will it take for my dog to be groomed?
A. We generally ask that you allow four hours for an average grooming appointment. If your dog requires extensive work, such as De-Matting or De-Shedding, and during exceptionally busy
times, it can take longer. There may be situations where we can finish your dog sooner. If your pet has special needs, please let us know.
Q. My dog is nervous - can I stay with him while he is being groomed?
A. Our liability policy does not allow any non-employees in our grooming area. In addition, pets are usually calmer and better behaved in the grooming shop when their owner is NOT present. It
is important for the groomer to bond with your dog and develop mutual understanding and respect. When the owner is present, the dog tends to be so focused on the owner that it disrupts this
process.
Q. I don't like for my dog to be in a kennel - Can you accomodate this request?
A. Kennels are necessary for the safety and security of our furry clients. While we hand-dry most dogs after the bath, we also utilize cage drying to finish the process; the dog is placed in a
ventilated kennel and room temperature air is circulated through. There will also be some "down time" before and after the groom, where the dog will be placed in a kennel to relax. Most
animals accept our roomy, comfortable kennels very well. In very rare cases, a dog will experience some stress when confined. For these individuals, we will do our best to arrange as little cage
time as possible and request that someone be available to pick up the dog as soon as he is ready.
Q. My dog is so itchy! What should I do?
A. Lets face it, dogs are itchy. Excessive itchiness can drive dogs and their owners crazy. The most common causes are: Fleas, allergies and dry skin. We use a natural Neem based,
chemical-free flea & tick shampoo and dip to kill these parasites and recommend Evolv by Wondercide for safe, effective, organic topical flea protection. It is also critical to clean and treat the
areas frequented by the dog - We now carry safe, effective, organic pest control for your home (Bio-Defense) and yard (Eco-Treat). Allergies can be difficult to resolve, but a simple solution to try
is switching to a high quality dog food that is free of corn, wheat and soy (please check out www.dogfoodanalysis.com) and possibly supplementing the diet with a fatty acid supplement such as
Nupro. Contact allergens can be reduced by simply rinsing the dog in cool water every day. We often recommend bathing a dog with allergies in Oxy-Med Medicated Oatmeal shampoo followed
by Oxy-Med Medicated Oatmeal Treatment Rinse. Dry skin can be relieved with a "Moisture Pack" using Mr. Shampoo's Professional Skin Remoisturizer/Coat Rejuvenator. We have been using
this Remoisturizer for over twelve years and are convinced that it's the best there is. We also sell the Skin Remoisturizer in a convenient 8 oz jar for use at home.
Q. My dog sheds so much. Can't you just shave him?
A. A healthy coat is constantly being renewed, which results in shedding of the old, dead coat. Regular grooming, both professionally and at home, will help keep daily shedding to a minimum.
There are many "Double-Coated" breeds of dogs that we will not shave. To do so will damage the coat and eliminate the dog's natural protection from the elements. Seasonal shedding can be
managed with our "De-Shedding Service" available in addition to a regular full service dog grooming. The De-Shedding Service consists of a thorough Hydrosurge bath using a special
De-Shed shampoo and solution to help loosen the dead coat, followed by a high-velocity blow dry (sometimes referred to as "Reverse Vacuuming). Next, we use our arsenal of De-Shedding
tools and lots of elbow grease to thoroughly De-Shed the coat. If you want to reduce your dog grooming expenses, spend some time grooming your dog at home between professional
grooming appointments - we'll even help you choose the best tools and show you how to use them. Also, keep in mind that diet plays a vital role in the condition of your dog's skin and coat.
Many commercial foods are lacking sufficient essential fatty acids that keep the coat healthy, and contain ingredients like corn, wheat and soy which so many dogs are allergic to. We
recommend feeding your dog the highest quality food you can afford. The cost is minimal in comparison to the amount of time and money spent at the vet trying to determine the cause of the
dog's poor skin and coat condition.
Q. I want to keep my dog's coat long, but he always ends up having to be shaved. Why?
A. We love to keep your dogs looking their absolute best and prefer not to shave them if it can be avoided. Our #1 commitment is to the safety and comfort of the dog which means that it is often
more humane to just shave the dog than it would be to de-mat him. There is a common misconception that if you have a "Non-Shedding" breed (such as a Poodle or Bichon Frise) that they
don't need to be brushed and combed. In reality, these types of dogs need daily grooming to keep their coats from matting. Other breeds that can become matted without regular grooming are:
Lhasa Apso, Shih Tzu, Maltese, Yorkshire Terrier, Schnauzers, Wheaten Terrier, etc. Many people bathe their dog at home in between professional grooming appointments, but by not brushing
and combing out their dog first, they are making existing mats worse. Also, be aware that when you use a harness or sweater on your dog, you MUST remove it daily and brush/comb him out.
Maybe you find yourself saying "Hey, I DO brush my dog at home so how can his coat be full of mats?" it may be that you aren't using the proper tools/techniques for your dogs particular type of
coat. We are more than happy to show you the best tools for your dog and how to use them, just ask us. If you find that your schedule is just so hectic that you need help maintaining your dog's
coat, we are here to help. We can get them on a regular grooming schedule or recommend an appropriate shorter clip. Many of our customers keep a standing appointment
(weekly/bi-weekly/monthly, etc.) which enables us to maintain their dog in their favorite style.
 |  |  |  |  |  |
| "If there are no dogs in Heaven, then when I die I want to go where they went." --Will Rogers |
| Important tips to improve your dog's quality and length of life... |
Proper dental hygiene is critical to your dog's health and well-being!
When was the last time you checked your dog's teeth? Does his breath stink? Did you know its estimated that 80 percent of pets older than two years of age have some periodontal disease?
Good oral health helps ensure your pet a long and healthy life. Just as with people, improper oral care can lead to serious and often deadly conditions, not to mention premature tooth loss.
Proper care can add years and quality to your pet's life! For best results, have your pet's teeth professionally cleaned. Maintain their teeth regularly at home - brush as often as possible and
add an enzymatic solution to their drinking water. It only takes a few minutes a day to give your pet healthy teeth and gums, fresher breath and, possibly, a longer, healthier life. We will be happy
to show you how to brush your dogs teeth if you ask us in advance.
Canine obesity isn't cute, it's potentially life threatening!
Obesity is defined as 20% or more over the ideal weight. Obese dogs do not have a visible waist when viewed from above and when viewed from the side, their abdomen bulges. They often
have visible fat deposits at the base of their tail. Obesity reduces your dogs' quality and length of life by contributing to many diseases and health problems such as: Diabetes, Heart Disease,
increased risk of cancer, heat intolerance, difficulty breathing and damage to joints, etc...
If you suspect your dog is overweight, you are probably right. If you don't know your dogs' ideal weight, consult with your vet. Before beginning any weight loss program for your dog, make sure
your vet rules out any medical reason for the excess weight. Obesity is preventable and for the most part, it can be reversed if we, as their caretakers, can change our habits. To help your dog
achieve a healthy weight, here are some simple rules to follow:
You should easily be able to feel your dogs ribs when gentle pressure is applied and an obvious "waist" should be visible when viewed from above. You will feel better knowing you are doing
everything possible to help your canine companion feel his best and enjoy a long life.
When was the last time you checked your dog's teeth? Does his breath stink? Did you know its estimated that 80 percent of pets older than two years of age have some periodontal disease?
Good oral health helps ensure your pet a long and healthy life. Just as with people, improper oral care can lead to serious and often deadly conditions, not to mention premature tooth loss.
Proper care can add years and quality to your pet's life! For best results, have your pet's teeth professionally cleaned. Maintain their teeth regularly at home - brush as often as possible and
add an enzymatic solution to their drinking water. It only takes a few minutes a day to give your pet healthy teeth and gums, fresher breath and, possibly, a longer, healthier life. We will be happy
to show you how to brush your dogs teeth if you ask us in advance.
Canine obesity isn't cute, it's potentially life threatening!
Obesity is defined as 20% or more over the ideal weight. Obese dogs do not have a visible waist when viewed from above and when viewed from the side, their abdomen bulges. They often
have visible fat deposits at the base of their tail. Obesity reduces your dogs' quality and length of life by contributing to many diseases and health problems such as: Diabetes, Heart Disease,
increased risk of cancer, heat intolerance, difficulty breathing and damage to joints, etc...
If you suspect your dog is overweight, you are probably right. If you don't know your dogs' ideal weight, consult with your vet. Before beginning any weight loss program for your dog, make sure
your vet rules out any medical reason for the excess weight. Obesity is preventable and for the most part, it can be reversed if we, as their caretakers, can change our habits. To help your dog
achieve a healthy weight, here are some simple rules to follow:
- Always measure your dog's food and divide the ration into two (or more) servings per day. Reduce the amount of food in small increments gradually.
- Please be sensible about the table scraps that you feed your pets - there are many foods that are toxic and can cause serious, life threatening illnesses. We used to be strong advocates
against feeding "People Food" to dogs, but after quite a bit of research, we have changed our position. Due to the alarming nature of the commercial pet food industry and the amount of
recent pet food recalls, a properly prepared home-cooked diet can be appropriate for owners who have the time and desire to do some research and ensure their pets are receiving a
balanced diet. The majority of pet owners prefer a ready-made diet and, luckily, there are some responsible pet food manufacturers out there. Our top choices include: Thrive by The
Honest Kitchen, C.O.R.E. (grain-free diet) or Super5Mix by Wellness and 6 Fresh Fish (grain-free diet) by Orijen. Some excellent resources for finding the right food for your dog are www.
dogfoodanalysis.com and "Food Pets Die For: Shocking Facts About Pet Food" by Ann Martin. We are astounded by the number of clients who see nothing wrong with feeding their dogs
fast food (burgers, tacos, etc.) and don't understand why their dogs suffer from endless skin and health problems. They usually tell us that their dogs don't like "Dog Food" and won't eat
it. Solution: Purchase only the highest quality dog food you can afford and offer it to your dog. If they don't happily consume it within 30 minutes, take it away and DO NOT offer them any
snacks until the next scheduled feeding time. It won't take long for your dog to understand that he needs to eat what/when you feed him. Canine consumption of processed human food
leads not only to obesity, but also to diseases ranging from colitis to pancreatitis, skin disorders and ear infections. - Always provide plenty of fresh water for your dog (we only give our dogs filtered water due to our concern with the quality of San Diego's tap water).
- Exercise! If your dog is currently a "couch potato", begin with easy 10 minute walks on flat ground and work your way up to an hour a day. If your dog needs exercise and you are unable to
provide it, we are also offering dog walking service. Please call us for details.
You should easily be able to feel your dogs ribs when gentle pressure is applied and an obvious "waist" should be visible when viewed from above. You will feel better knowing you are doing
everything possible to help your canine companion feel his best and enjoy a long life.
| (619) 276-3047 or (858) 278-1909 apetsbestfriend@sbcglobal.net |
