Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost???
The price is dependent on the breed, length of hair, and condition of the dog’s coat. Heavily matted pets will cost more than pets that are groomed, on a regular basis. All grooming comes with a bath, nails clipped, ears cleaned, and anal glands expressed, if needed. We also offer an entire line of Spa services for an additional cost.

How long will my pet have to stay at The Dog Spa, LLC?
We ask that your pet stay for a minimum of 4 hours. Of course, your pet can stay longer if you have things to do. Grooming is something that takes time and is done in stages. This allows your pet to rest between procedures. Please do not rush the groomers. A rushed job shows up in the grooming.

Do you use hot air dryers?
Absolutely not! We use a natural air, high velocity dryer to dry most of your pets coat. We then use a natural air dryer for the remaining dampness.

Do you express anal glands?
Anal glands are expressed externally at The Dog Spa, LLC. We will only use a small amount of pressure to see if the gland releases. Too much pressure can cause bruising and irritation. Please specify if your dog is having problems when dropping off. If your pet is continually dragging its rear on the ground, it may need its glands expressed.

What happens if I am running late?
At The Dog Spa, LLC we do not takes dogs after 10 am. Please call to reschedule.

Why are you booked so far in advance?
During the very busy seasons, we have been known to book appointments up to 8 weeks in advance. This is because we have many clients that book their next appointment in advance when picking up their pet. Almost all of our clients are on a 1, 2, 4 or 6 week regularly scheduled grooming. These appointments usually book up our calendar for the entire year. We recommend that you book your appointment in advance to ensure you pet is groomed on a regular basis.

Can I stay and watch you groom my pet?
Your pet is much calmer when you are not with them. When you try to stand with your pet while they are being groomed, they may become very excited and too fidgety to groom.

Why does my dog shake when it comes in the door?
I have found that dogs have a natural adrenaline rush when they get very excited or anxious. It is important when dropping off your pet to remember to make it a POSITIVE experience. Use encouraging words and make it exciting to drop them off. I usually recommend making it quick and not hanging around once your pet has been handed over. Once you are gone, your pet usually calms down and relaxes. I play classical music in the grooming room to relax them even more.

DID YOU KNOW???

• Did you know that if you cut your pets nail at home, you can use a bar of soap to stop the bleeding.
  
  
• Did you know that razor burn typically have nothing to do with the temperature of the clippers? It’s the skins reaction to being shaved. Razor irritation is more prevalent on white dogs because they have the most sensitive skin. Face and sanitary areas are the most commonly affected areas by razor irritation.
  
  
• Did you know that toenails that have just been clipped are actually sharper than before they were clipped~ this can be eliminated by getting them filed.
  
  
• Did you know that dew claws can sometimes grow much faster than the other toenails. This would require them to be clipped more often, as they are not being filed down on a daily basis as your dog walks.
  
  
• Did you know that the normal canine temperature is 102’F
  
  
• Did you know the oldest breed of dog is the Saluki, which is an Arabic word meaning noble one. Ancient Eqyptians raised these dogs as hunting dogs.
  
  
• Did you know that all dogs, regardless of breed, are direct descendants of wolves and technically of the same species?
  
  
• Did you know? Dogs have a sense of smell that is one of the keenest in nature. Humans might smell a pot of stew cooking on the stove. However, a dog can distinguish the smells of each individual ingredient.
  
  
• Did you know that a female dog and her offspring can produce 67,000 dogs in 6 years?
  
  
• Did you know an estimated 4-6 million dogs and cats are euthanized in shelters each year? PLEASE SPAY OR NEUTER YOUR PET!

Resourceful Links

Astro Kennels - www.astrokennels.net
The Dog Spa is located inside of AstroKennels.

South Carolina Foothills Search & Rescue - www.foothillssar.org
Dana Cowden is the owner of The Dog Spa and is a member of the South Carolina Foothills Search and Rescue orginization. Her Golden Retriever, Mango, is a trailing Search Dog who is used in Wilderness and Urban searches for Missing and Overdue people. Foothills is a Non-profit organization and solely depends on contributions for financial support.

PETA - www.peta.org
People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals

ASPCA - www.aspca.org
The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals

Map and Directions
Did You Know?