You may think your furry friend has the proverbial life of Riley but occasionally pets need extra special pampering and perhaps even a little nail varnish, says Fiona Adams
If, like me, you have been labouring under the misapprenhension that pet grooming was no more than a quick wash and blow dry with a possible nail clip thrown in for good measure, then you are in for a surprise. I am new to the pet pampering world, so imagine my delight (and to be honest shock) at the discovery that you can also have ears cleaned, bottoms clipped and, to compensate for the intimacy, treat your cat, dog or even guinea pig to a host of beauty treatments, including facials, nail painting and coat-colouring (wash-in/wash-out or semi-permanent, no less). Here are some of the
Perfect Pooch Grooming
This dog grooming specialist in Teddington has an impressive package of treatments ranging from organic aromatherapy bath massage to colour enhancing and whitening baths, as well as a blueberry facial scrub followed by a head massage, pawdicures finished with coconut oil, and a special occasion treatment with sparkle spray and ribbons or ties. Naturally, if your dog has just taken a dip in a nearby pond, the team can sort that out, too.
The Posh Pet Parlour
With stores located in Weybridge, Wimbledon and Chelsea, these parlous provide the usual fare of clipping, trimming and bathing for dogs and cats, as well as ‘creative design’ where your pooch can opt for a spray-on party colour which will last for one wash or semi-permanent treatments, which last 10 washes.
Catskingdom
Catskingdom is a mobile grooming service covering Guildford and surrounding areas, enabling your feline friend to be buffed up in their own home. Jan Littlemore originally trained as a graphic designer but decided to retrain as a cat groomer after one of her own pets developed issues with her coat. In addition to the grooming (claw trimming, wet or dry bath, clipping and brushing-out), Jan also incorporates therapeutic touch and massage. Sounds like the cat’s meow...
Scruffs
Set in lovely Maidenhead, Scruffs offers all the usual grooming packages, including nail trimming, ear plucking and teeth cleaning, but unusually also allows customers to bathe their own pets in the salon’s bath (for a small fee). In addition, Scruffs runs a pet/vet taxi service if you are unable to get to the vet (selected surgeries) and provides a regular taxi service for owners who wish to travel with their dog. Woof!
At The Pet Spa
Located on the Fulham Road, this pet spa takes thing up a gear, catering for most pets, from puppies to tortoises, rabbits, gerbils and hamsters. Among its top dog offerings are blueberry and vanilla facials and an oatmeal healing bath to revitalise dry, dull coats. Your pet can also enjoy a deluxe pedicure with painted nails and a 15-minute Sparkle treatment (shimmer spray and bow tie or ribbon) for dogs likely to find themselves at the Oscars.
Bonnie Dogs
Situated in Bookham, the store is a doggy mecca for all your canine grooming needs. In addition to the usual doggie accoutrements, including bow ties, bandanas and the option to design your own dog apparel, you can also treat your pet to a brush and bath, clipping and de-shedding. Finish off with an ear clean, nail cut and a spritz of cologne for extra pzazz. Home-baked dog biscuits also provided.
- Bonniedogs.co.uk
Pussies galore
Apparently the happy sound of purring is one of the most relaxing in the world but if you don’t have ready access to your own moggy, do not despair! If you’re a commuter and need to relax after a long day in the City, head to Lady Dinah’s Cat Emporium in trendy Shoreditch, which offers the purrfect (sorry) solution. Here you can have high or cream tea with the furry residents (vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options available for the health-conscious… human, that is, not cat), as well as book a colouring-in or knitting session, also in the company of felines. Lady Dinah’s has strict entry and welfare guidelines, so check the website before booking.
- From £6.50; ladydinahs.com
Barkers
Situate in Farnham, Barkers is a one-stop shop for all your doggie needs in a town famed in the local community for its love of dogs. Here you can deck them out in the latest Barbour coats or indulge them in the spa, which offers a five-star full groom, pawdicures, aromatherapy baths, mineral baths, a deep sea mud bath and the all-important flea defence bath. Fresh breath and coat brightening are also available.
Beauty for the Beast
Situated in bonny Old Windsor, Beauty for the Beast offers grooming as well as a pet hotel and shop. The latter providing treats such as sardine hearts (yum) and paw print keepsakes, as well as beauty items like shampoo, conditioner and aromatherapy sprays. There are grooming packages for puppies as well as old age dogs and special pamper treatments with deep coat conditioning and fragrance sprays. Cats, guinea pigs and rabbits also catered for.
Bath & Bone
Nikki Hill
Situated in Windsor this store caters for both cats and dogs, offering a dog-free zone after 3.30pm for its feline customers. For dogs, the company offers a free of charge bath for puppies of 12 weeks and under, as well as all the usual face and feet tidying, teeth cleaning and fresh breath treatments. A five-point health check, looking at ears, eyes, teeth, skin, any lumps and bumps is also given as standard.
Have dog, will run
Brighton Dog Photography
Do you feel like your mutt is taking you for a walk rather than the other way round? Then you need to try canicross – a social, off-road sport – using a special belt and harness that allows your dog to stay attached to you while running out in front. The exercise is suitable for all sizes of dogs, though they should be at least one year old, and there is no distance or speed set – you can both run at your own pace. Classes are provided by dogfit.co.uk and are available in Richmond, Wimbledon, Cobham, Guildford, Bookham, Dorking and Godalming.
WIN! A holiday for you and your dog
Travelling with your canine companion can be tricky, but Pets Pyjamas, the pet-friendly travel specialists, has solutions galore and can help you organise hotel or cottage breaks across the UK and Europe. Sound good? Well, you lucky things, we have a one-night Pets Pyjamas break to give away for two adults and up to two four-legged friends at the glorious Wheatsheaf Inn in Northleach, Gloucestershire (including breakfast and supper). And for your pooch? A pet travel treat box of goodies. You can enter online by clicking here.
Check out another one of the pet-tacular features from our special March Pet Issue
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