Feeling Fabulous with #PetSmartGrooming

This post is sponsored by PetSmart® and the BlogPaws® Professional Pet Blogger Network. I am being compensated for helping spread the word about PetSmart Grooming Salons, but Barking from the Bayou/mkclinton.com only share information we feel is relevant to our readers. PetSmart is not responsible for the content of this article.

   There are two things that I take very serious when it comes to my dogs. I want the best veterinarian and the best groomer. Being a White West Highland Terrier, Pierre needs regular grooming appointments. I have always taken him to the same groomer. He was used to them and they did a good job. When there was a change in owners a few months ago, the service was not the same. I thought it was the perfect time to search for a new dog groomer. My city may not be the most dog-friendly place, but there are dog salons everywhere. The trick is finding one that I trust. Enter PetSmart® Grooming Salon. I had seen their work with other dogs while shopping and at adoption events. I decided to give them a call and it turned out to be a terrific decision.

   I made my appointment over the phone because I wanted to discuss the options available and ask some questions. Now that I know what fabulous dog groomers they employ, I will be able to book future groomings online. The website even allows me to choose my groomer and select from a variety of grooming packages. You can find a PetSmart groomer in your area by checking here. We chose the Top Dog℠ add-on which includes a premium shampoo, milk bath conditioner, cologne spritz, teeth brushing, and a bandana. They will give you a Pawgress Report with all of the services that were performed. It is the perfect way to make your dog feel extra special! You can also get text alerts or emails to let you know when your pet is ready! Of course, you are welcome to wait and watch. They accept walk-ins for services, but to minimize the waiting time, it is best to book an appointment.

   Chris was our groomer and he made us feel at ease from the moment I opened the door. It was obvious how much he loves his job. He has been a PetSmart groomer since completing his 30-day academy training and the additional 400 hours of hands-on training back in 2008. All of the groomers are required to take additional coursework where they learn about dog anatomy, signs of stress and common medical problems. He was so friendly and was happy to answer all of my additional questions about his training. For instance, did you know they have to do an internship where they groom 100 dogs? That is because there are 5 categories of dogs and each has to be groomed differently. They have to groom 20 in each of those categories.

   At my other groomer, I dropped Pierre off and he was whisked off to a back room. I had no idea what was taking place. At PetSmart, you can watch your dog’s grooming. They will take them to the back for their bath and blow dry. If you have any concerns of the type drying they will use, feel free to discuss it with your groomer. Pierre was blown dry which is what I do at home. In case you have never seen what happens after you drop your pet off to be groomed, I will take you through the steps with our groomer Chris along with Pierre.

After greeting Pierre, he began combing out mats. The matting becomes worse if they aren’t removed before bathing.

He gets his “private parts” shaved, then it is off for his bath and blow dry. They also cleaned his anal glands.

Wow! He looks so much better already. He was bathed with a whitening shampoo. Chris gives him another good brushing to ensure he won’t have any tangles. He spoke in a calm soothing voice the entire time.

Then, he used thinning scissors on Pierre's sides. PetSmart sells everything they use for grooming in the store.

Chris began shaving Pierre’s back in a standard Westie cut.

A trim around the eyes makes seeing so much easier!

The hair on his ears gets so long that it makes cleaning them difficult. They were taken care of with some expert scissor work.

A pedicure for the hair on his paws and nail grinding is part of the process.

It looks likes Pierre has a new friend!

PetSmart offers a "Look Great Guarantee." You can see from this before and after picture, Pierre definitely looks great!

 A few reminders before your appointment:

*All pets need proof of current rabies vaccinations.

*Rabies vaccinations need to be administered at least 48 hours before grooming.

*They cannot perform services on pets 8 weeks or younger.

*You can’t go behind the double doors separating the Salon lobby from the grooming area. This is a safety issue.

   I realize that everyone’s pet is different and so is their experience with grooming. I was extremely happy with Chris at my local PetSmart. Pierre and I will definitely be visiting him for our future grooming needs.

   You can follow PetSmart on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook for contests, sales, and fun!
Please be sweet and share our tweet. ♥

RT ~ Pierre the Westie is feeling fabulous after his #PetSmartGrooming! See the before & after photo! #ad @PetSmart https://t.co/oi9Pk8ajXV

— M. K.Clinton (@mk_clinton) November 4, 2015