Pampered Pet Grooming & Supply

11/14/2025

08/31/2025

✨ Clear Communication = Happy Groom & Happy Pup ✨

When it comes to grooming, every pet owner has a vision for how they’d like their dog to look and feel. 🐾 But it’s important to remember:

💬 It’s up to the pet owner to understand what they want and clearly communicate that to the groomer.

If you’re unsure of the style, length, or options best for your dog, don’t worry! That’s exactly why we offer consultations. During a consultation, we’ll go over coat types, maintenance needs, and style options so you feel confident in your choice and your pup leaves looking their best.

👉 Tip: Never be afraid to ask questions! Your groomer is here to guide you and help find the look that works for your lifestyle and your dog’s comfort.

At Zen Paws Pet Spa, we believe grooming should always be a collaboration between owner and groomer—for the health, happiness, and wellbeing of your furry family member. 💜🐶

08/30/2025

Why It’s Important to Use the Same Groomer

1. Trust & Bonding

Dogs build trust through consistency. If they see the same groomer each visit, they learn to recognize the person’s voice, touch, and handling style.

This bond helps reduce stress and makes the grooming process smoother over time.

2. Consistency in Handling

Every groomer has their own techniques, tools, and way of working. Switching groomers often means your dog must adjust to a new person’s style each time, which can increase anxiety.

A familiar groomer knows exactly how your dog responds—whether they dislike nail trims, need breaks, or are sensitive around their ears or tail.

3. Health Monitoring

A regular groomer gets to know your dog’s skin, coat, and body condition. They are more likely to spot early changes (like lumps, rashes, ear infections, or parasites) because they know what is “normal” for your pet.

Consistency means issues can be caught and addressed sooner.

4. Better Results

Grooming is part art, part skill. When the same groomer works with your dog consistently, the trims and styles stay more uniform.

Regular scheduling with one groomer helps maintain the coat in better condition, avoiding drastic shave-downs.

5. Reduced Stress for Owners & Pets

Dogs sense owner stress. If you’re confident your pet is in trusted, familiar hands, your dog feels more at ease too.

---

✅ In short: Using the same groomer is like taking your child to the same pediatrician or your family to the same doctor. The relationship, familiarity, and record of care build trust, improve behavior, and keep your dog healthier and happier.

08/29/2025

Why Regular Grooming Helps Your Dog’s Behavior 🐾

Did you know that skipping grooming can affect more than just your dog’s coat? Dogs groomed only once or twice a year often develop fear, stress, and resistance at the salon. Here’s why:

✨ Familiarity Builds Comfort – Dogs thrive on routine. If grooming only happens once a year, it feels new and scary every time.
✨ Less Stress, Less Struggle – Infrequent grooms usually mean mats, overgrown nails, and longer sessions, which can be uncomfortable.
✨ Handling Confidence – Regular grooms get dogs used to being touched on paws, ears, and tails—reducing anxiety and reactivity.
✨ Trust & Cooperation – Shorter, more positive sessions every 6–8 weeks help dogs build trust with their groomer.

At Zen Paws Pet Spa, we believe in humanity over vanity. Keeping up with regular grooming means your pup is happier, healthier, and calmer—inside and out. 💜🐶

📅 Ask us about scheduling your dog on a 6–8 week rotation to keep them looking AND feeling their best!

08/20/2025

🐾 Important New Research on Spay/Neuter Timing 🐾

A recent study published in Biology of S*x Differences looked at how the age a dog is spayed or neutered may affect their long-term health.

🔹 Key Finding:
Dogs (both male and female) who went the longest before being spayed or neutered were 3 to 10 times more likely to be healthy in their senior years compared to those who were fixed earlier.

🔹 What This Means:

Longer exposure to natural hormones was linked to better late-life robustness.

The effect was strongest in males (nearly 10× more likely to be healthy in old age).

This study focused on Rottweilers, but adds to the growing research showing that the timing of spay/neuter can make a difference in health outcomes.

🔹 Why It Matters:
Every dog is different. While spaying/neutering has important benefits (such as preventing certain cancers and unwanted litters), it’s important to talk with your veterinarian about the right timing for your pet based on their breed, size, and lifestyle.

📖 You can read the study here: https://bsd.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s13293-025-00735-2

🐶 At Zen Paws Pet Spa, we care about whole-body wellness for pets. We’ll continue to share the latest research to help pet parents make informed decisions.

08/16/2025

Gandalf




Keep your fur-babies cool and make it easier to spot fleas and ticks. Also, it's more manageable for swimmer's.

07/25/2025

🌟 How Often Should You Brush Your Dog? 🐾
At Zen Paws Pet Spa, we often get asked, "How often should I brush my dog?" The answer depends on your pup’s coat type—but one thing’s for sure: regular brushing is essential to keep their skin healthy, coat shiny, and grooming appointments smooth and stress-free!

🧴 General Brushing Guidelines:
🐶 Short-haired dogs (like Boxers & Pit Bulls): Once a week
🐕‍🦺 Medium to long-haired breeds (like Goldens & Collies): 2–4 times a week
🐺 Double-coated breeds (like Huskies & Shepherds): Several times a week—daily during shedding season!
🐩 Curly coats (like Poodles & Doodles): Daily brushing to prevent painful matting
🎀 Silky-coated dogs (like Yorkies & Shih Tzus): Daily brushing to avoid tangles and mats

✨ Bonus tip: Always brush after your dog gets wet—whether it’s a bath, rain, or swim—to avoid matting!

Need help choosing the right brush or want a professional brush-out between grooms? We’ve got you covered! 💜

📍 Come visit us at Zen Paws Pet Spa—where grooming meets gentle care.
📞 Call or message us to book your pup’s next spa day!

07/23/2025

🧘‍♀️🐾 Why We Sometimes Charge Extra Handling or Muzzle Fees at Zen Paws Pet Spa 🐾🧘‍♂️

At Zen Paws Pet Spa, we believe every dog deserves a calm, compassionate grooming experience. While we strive to make every visit stress-free, some pups need a little extra time, care, or safety measures — and that’s where extra handling or muzzle fees may apply.

💛 What are Extra Handling Fees?
These fees help cover the time and specialized care required for dogs who:
✔️ Struggle with anxiety or fear
✔️ Show signs of aggression or extreme resistance
✔️ Have matted coats or poor hygiene
✔️ Are seniors or have special medical needs
✔️ Wiggle constantly or aren’t used to being groomed

🐶 What about Muzzle Fees?
For everyone’s safety, we may need to gently muzzle dogs who:
✔️ Have a history of biting
✔️ Attempt to bite during grooming
✔️ React suddenly or aggressively mid-groom

🧘 Our goal is always “humanity over vanity.” We never judge — we just meet your pet where they’re at and do our best to make the experience as safe and soothing as possible. These fees help us give your pup the focused, skilled care they deserve.

---

🐕‍🦺 How Dog Training Can Help

Many of the behaviors that lead to extra handling or muzzle fees can be greatly improved through training — especially when practiced regularly and with positive reinforcement.

💡 Training helps your dog:
✔️ Feel more confident during grooming
✔️ Stay calm during nail trims, brushing, and drying
✔️ Get used to being handled (paws, ears, face)
✔️ Learn to follow cues like “stand” and “stay”
✔️ Build trust with both you and the groomer

Even simple at-home routines like brushing, gently touching paws, or rewarding calm behavior during bath time can make a big difference. If you need tips or local trainer referrals, just ask — we’re here to support both you and your pup!

---

✨ Thank you for trusting us with your furry family members! Every dog is different, and we’re committed to working with each one at their comfort level — with kindness, patience, and lots of love.

📞 802-862-5334
📍 Pampered Pet Grooming & Supply — soon to be Zen Paws Pet Spa

07/11/2025

🐾✨ Why We Charge a Dematting Fee — Even for a Shave Down ✨🐾
At Pampered Pet Grooming and Supply (soon to be Zen Paws Pet Spa), your pet’s comfort and safety are always our top priority. We often get asked,
“Why is there a dematting fee if my dog is just getting shaved?”

Here’s why:

🌀 Matted coats aren’t just a tangle — they’re a health risk.
Mats can pull tightly on the skin, causing pain, bruising, and even infections. Removing them safely requires time, patience, and care.

✂️ Shaving through mats isn't fast or easy.
Clippers can’t glide through mats — they jam, dull quickly, and require slow, careful passes to avoid cutting or burning your dog’s sensitive skin.

💔 More stress = more skill needed.
Dogs with matting may be more anxious or uncomfortable, requiring extra handling, support, and frequent breaks.

⚙️ It wears on tools and groomers.
Mat removal causes extra wear on equipment and adds significant labor to our day — even if the finished look is short.

🙏 Our dematting fee helps cover the time, expertise, and gentle care your pup needs to get back to feeling good again — without unnecessary pain or trauma.

We believe in humanity over vanity, and we thank you for trusting us with your furry family member.

🛁💗 – Your team at Pampered Pet Grooming and Supply (soon to be Zen Paws Pet Spa)

📍 802-862-5334 | Burlington, VT
📅 Book early — appointments fill fast!

07/09/2025

🐾☀️ Dirty Dog Days of Summer Are Here! ☀️🐾
Is your pup looking more mud puddle than pampered pooch? Let us help them shine again!

🛁 From August 1st–11th only, enjoy 10% OFF all bath & blow packages during the Dirty Dog Days of Summer special at Pampered Pet Grooming & Supply — soon to be Zen Paws Pet Spa!

✨ Your pup’s summer spa day includes:
✔️ Bath
✔️ Blow dry
✔️ Brush out
✔️ De-shedding treatment
✔️ Nail trim
✔️ Ear cleaning
✔️ Teeth cleaning with a gentle herbal oral gel 🌿🦷

That’s a full-body refresh your furry friend will love — and your furniture will thank you too! 😉

📅 This special runs August 1st through August 11th, so don’t wait!
📍 Pampered Pet Grooming & Supply
📞 Call us at 802-862-5334 to book your pup’s appointment!

💬 Message us or give us a ring — because clean dogs have more fun!

07/08/2025

🚨 Taking Your Dog to the Groomer? Read This First! 🐶✂️

Bringing your dog to the groomer without proper training can lead to more than just a stressful appointment. It can cause real issues for your pup — and the groomer too. 😰

Here’s what can happen if your dog isn’t used to grooming:

🐾 Fear & Anxiety – Loud clippers, dryers, and strange smells can overwhelm your dog.
🐾 Aggression – Fearful dogs may growl, snap, or bite.
🐾 Injuries – Sudden movements can lead to nicks, cuts, or falls.
🐾 Long-term Aversion – One bad experience can make future grooming harder.
🐾 Health Impacts – Stress increases cortisol, which affects their immune and digestive systems.

And for groomers, an untrained dog means:
⚠️ Handling difficulties
⚠️ Higher risk of injury
⚠️ Incomplete grooming sessions

💡 Important Reminder:
It is the owner’s responsibility to help prepare their dog for grooming — not the groomer’s job to train your pet. Groomers are there to provide care, not behavior training. A little time and effort at home can make a world of difference!

✅ What Can You Do?
✔️ Get your pup comfortable with touch (paws, ears, tail)
✔️ Play grooming sounds at home (clippers, dryers)
✔️ Reward calm behavior during practice sessions
✔️ Start grooming early — puppy stage is best!
✔️ Try mobile groomers if your dog gets anxious in busy salons

🛁 A little prep goes a long way in making grooming a safe, stress-free experience for everyone. Got questions about how to start? Drop them below! 👇🐕