In 2023 Maggie came to live with me – a beautiful, sweet, cheeky, Maltese Poodle cross.  Maggie is the first dog I’ve lived with who needs regular haircuts, so the world of dog grooming was new to me.  Sure, I knew about baths and toenail cutting and brushing, but not haircuts.

I had entered the world of dog massage and nutrition in 2013 to help my dog Chloe with her musculoskeletal problems, and it was natural to expand into the world of dog grooming for Maggie.  

I love the process of grooming:  working gently with the dog to trim away the hair that might be causing them to slip on clean surfaces (because of the hair under their paws).  Or that might be falling in front of their eyes and blocking their vision.  Or the hair that catches the goopy bits out of their eyes or the remains of their breakfast around their mouth.  

One major difference I’ve found between massage and grooming is that almost all dogs love a massage, whereas most dogs only tolerate being groomed (and unfortunately some hate it, especially if they were a bit older when they were introduced to the process).  

There are synergies though.  Understanding the impact on muscles, tendons, joints etc when I’m moving the dog around on the table, to be able to access everywhere that needs a trim.  The importance of holding their feet firmly to trim their nails without squishing the tiny bones in their paws.  The impact long nails and long hair under their paw pads have on their movement.  Being able to feel where muscles would benefit from a little bit of work.  

Lots of people suggest that I offer dogs a mini massage before or after a groom.  What I’ve found, though, is that by the time I’ve finished grooming a dog they just want to get off the table and back to their parents! 

Dog grooming and dog massage are very different, and I love doing both.  Either way, the best part is being able to hang out with dogs.