Wagtastic Dog Grooming Stoke-on-Trent

31/08/2025

Your dog's behavior during grooming can tell you a lot about how they're feeling — physically and emotionally. Here's a breakdown of common behaviors and what they might mean:

🟢 Relaxed and Cooperative

What it means:
Your dog feels safe, trusts you (or the groomer), and is used to being handled.
Signs:
•Loose body language
•Tail wagging softly
•Sitting or standing still
•Leaning into the touch

🟡 Mild Discomfort or Uncertainty

What it means:
Your dog might not love grooming but is tolerating it. They may be a little anxious or unsure.
Signs:
•Licking lips
•Yawning
•Turning head away
•Holding tail low or tucked slightly
•Trying to move away gently

🔴 Stressed or Fearful

What it means: Grooming is overwhelming or scary. Could be due to past trauma, unfamiliar tools, or sensitive areas (e.g., paws, ears).
Signs:
•Trembling
•Whining or growling
Panting excessively (not hot)
•Dilated pupils, wide eyes
•Trying to escape or hide
•Aggressive responses (snapping, biting)

🔵 Pain or Discomfort

What it means:
The dog may have an injury, skin issue, joint pain, or you're touching a sensitive spot.

Signs:
•Flinching or pulling away suddenly
•Yelping or growling when a specific area is touched
•Sudden change in behavior when you touch certain parts (like hips or ears)
•Limping after grooming or licking at one spot

👃 Obsessive Sniffing or Licking Grooming Tools
What it means: Curiosity, anxiety relief, or unfamiliarity. Not necessarily negative but worth monitoring.

🐾 Zoomies After Grooming
What it means:
Release of pent-up energy or stress — a common, harmless reaction.
Normal unless: The dog seems overly frantic or is rubbing excessively (could signal irritation from products).

Tips if Your Dog Shows Stress:

Use positive reinforcement (treats, praise).

Keep grooming sessions short and calm.

Use desensitization techniques (gradual exposure).

Check for underlying issues (e.g., pain, allergies, skin infections).

Consider a professional groomer or vet if the behaviour worsens.

If you want, you can describe exactly what your dog does, and I can give a more specific interpretation.

27/08/2025

Grass seeds (like foxtails or other barbed seeds) can be a real danger for dogs, especially in late summer and early autumn when grasses dry out. These seeds are small, sharp, and designed to burrow—making them easy to catch on a dog’s fur and even pe*****te skin, ears, eyes, or other openings.

🔍 Where to Look for Grass Seeds on Dogs

Check your dog thoroughly after walks, especially in grassy or weedy areas. Focus on:

1. Paws & Between Toes

Very common entry point.

Signs: Licking/chewing paws, limping, swelling, redness.

2. Ears

Seeds can get deep inside the ear canal.

Signs: Head shaking, pawing at ears, tilting head, whining.

3. Eyes

Can get stuck under eyelids or in corners.

Signs: Squinting, tearing, redness, pawing at eyes.

4. Nose

Seeds can be inhaled.

Signs: Sudden sneezing fits, nasal discharge (possibly bloody), pawing at nose.

5. Armpits & Groin

Hidden areas that trap seeds easily.

Signs: Irritation, swelling, sudden sensitivity to touch.

6. Fur & Skin (especially long-haired breeds)

Seeds can stick and then burrow in.

Signs: Local swelling, small abscesses, licking/biting a specific spot.

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🛠️ How to Deal with Grass Seeds

✅ Immediate Steps

1. Inspect after each walk – Use your hands and eyes to feel for any seeds stuck in fur, between toes, or on skin.

2. Brush your dog – Regular brushing helps remove seeds before they embed.

3. Use blunt tweezers – If the seed is visible and easy to grab, gently remove it. Be careful not to push it deeper.

🚫 When NOT to DIY

If the seed is deep in a wound, inside the ear, in the eye, or causing symptoms – go to the vet.

Attempting to remove it yourself could make things worse.

🩺 Veterinary Treatment

The vet may sedate the dog to remove the seed safely.

Antibiotics may be needed if infection is present.

Imaging (like ultrasound) might be used if the seed has migrated under the skin.

🛡️ Prevention Tips

Avoid tall, dry grass during peak seasons.

Use protective booties or light clothing for dogs in high-risk areas.

Keep long hair trimmed—especially around feet, ears, and belly.

Train your dog to allow thorough inspections after walks.

25/08/2025

20/08/2025

20/08/2025

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19/08/2025

18/08/2025

18/08/2025

🐾 “We don’t offer discounts on first grooms because that first visit is actually one of the most time-consuming and important ones!
We take extra care to get to know your pet and make sure they feel safe and comfortable.”

🌟 “First grooms usually take the most time and patience—especially if it’s a pup’s first-ever spa day!
We focus on making it a positive experience instead of rushing through it or cutting corners.”

❤ “We totally get that everyone loves a discount—but that first groom is when we go all-in learning about your pet’s coat, behaviour, and needs. It’s a big job, and we want to do it right.”
🚫 “No first-time discounts here, only first-class care! 😊
That first groom sets the tone for all the ones after, so we take it seriously (with lots of treats and tail wags, of course).”

🐕 “We don’t do intro discounts because we give each pet the time and attention they need, especially on their first visit.
Our prices reflect the love, patience, and professional care we put into every groom.”