Recent Articles from Maggie Marton
Listen to this: Ear Care an Important Part of Dog Grooming, Health Maintenance
Ear cleaning seems simple enough, but it’s a deceptively complicated task because of the length of a dog’s ear canal. Because of that, and combined with canines having lots of hair or floppy ears, dogs are rendered susceptible to ear infections without proper care. Most vets recommend a professional cleaning—either at the veterinarian or by […]
Value of In-Store Washing
When it comes to self-service dog washing bays, you’re probably picturing the usual: a couple metal tubs with washing supplies tucked into the back corner of the store. And that model works—it draws customers into and through the store, and merchandised well, it can also create numerous upsell opportunities. However, one retailer shows that it […]
Elite Salon Grooming Products Should be Easy to Use
Clippers and blowers are foundational tools of the grooming trade. They’re also often an investment piece for the salon. When it comes to selecting the right one, ease-of-use and quality are key purchase drivers. Clippers “I love Wahl clippers,” said Jorge Bendersky, the celebrity dog groomer who’s been trusted to style the dogs of Ralph Lauren and P. Diddy. “They’re a compan[...]
The Right Stuff
The foundation of any good grooming regimen, whether done at home or in a salon, starts with the right tools. However, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution in this category. The key is matching the comb, brush, shear or clipper to the dog’s coat and to the owner’s desired outcome, and the needs of the pro […]
Grain-Free Options Abound
The grain-free movement has shifted from a health food fad to an expectation among many dog owners. While the origin of the grain-free trend among human health started with a combination of celebrity fad diets and an awareness of gluten sensitivity, the grain-free trend in pet food trickled down from there and gained momentum with the pet food scares of 2007. According to Brian Alt, [&he[...]
Safety First
Whether your retail customers are avid or novice at-home groomers, or your salon runs a bustling business, safety is paramount when it comes to dog grooming. A suite of products is available to keep grooming safe for both the groomer and for the dog. Repetitive motions—like brushing a dog—can strain joints and muscles, causing long-lasting […]
Effective Joint Care
Two factors are driving growth for joint products: First, dogs are living longer lives; therefore, dogs are experiencing more age-related health issues like arthritis. Second, dogs are integrated into the family fold, which includes being a part of the family’s lifestyle. Dogs go on more vacations, participate in more activities like hiking and running, and even compete in more organize[...]
Beyond the Brush
When it comes to grooming their pets at home, many owners struggle with a few key questions: Am I using the right tool? Am I using it properly? Can I accidentally hurt my pet? “Dog and cat owners want grooming tools that perform as promised and that you don’t have to be a professional to […]
Options for the Anxious Dog
According to a 2011 veterinarian survey published by ThunderWorks, nearly 23 million dogs in the United States suffer from anxiety or fear issues. Luckily, product development has kept up with the demand this has created. “During periods of anxiety, stress or fear, a dog’s brain releases an increased amount of adrenaline and cortisol, which decreases […]
Tables and Lifts
Safety is paramount when choosing tables and lifts for the grooming salon. While these pieces of equipment might seem like a static product—certainly less exciting than the ever-changing array of available shampoos and conditioners—these are arguably the most important aspect of the salon. Not only do these large-scale purchases keep the groomer safe and comfortable, they also ensure [...]
Trustworthy Treats
The singular trend driving sales and product development across the industry holds strong in the food sector: dog owners want products for their pets that are equivalent to what they purchase for themselves. Pets are integrated members of the family, and owners feed their pets accordingly. “It’ll probably come as no surprise [that] people want […]
The Eyes Have It
Eye care is a cross-over category. Products within eye care, whether at the salon or on the retail shelves, must meet the needs of both the health care sector and the casual pet owner. Tear stains, along with an increase in allergies among the pet dog population, mean big sales in the eye care category. […]