Beyond the Basic Groom: Why Specialty Add-Ons Create a Truly Custom Wellness Experience
As we know, late September marks a shift in the season across the GTA. After a summer of sun, swimming, trails, and humidity, changes in weather can bring different coat and skin needs for our dogs. While regular grooming provides the foundation for ongoing coat and skin care, some pets may benefit from additional support based on their individual needs.
At Paws in the Bath (PITB), pets always come first. Our core grooming services are designed to provide the care your dog needs, while specialty shampoos, conditioners, and treatments are available as optional add-ons when additional coat or skin care may be beneficial. Your groomer can help recommend the right options based on your dog’s individual needs.
When Does My Dog Need More Than Their Regular Groom?
Every dog’s coat and skin needs are different, and those needs can change with the seasons, age, lifestyle, and activity level. While regular grooming provides the foundation, there may be times when your groomer recommends an additional treatment to address a specific need:
- Sensitive, Dry, or Itchy Skin: If your dog has known sensitivities, seasonal itching, or dry skin, let your groomer know before the appointment. A SOOS specialty shampoo, such as a hypoallergenic or anti-itch formulation, may be recommended as an optional add-on.
- Dry or Brittle Coat: Sun exposure, swimming, and seasonal changes can leave some coats feeling dry or brittle. A Moisturizing Treatment may help condition and restore moisture to the coat.
- Heavy Shedding or Undercoat: Dogs experiencing seasonal shedding may benefit from a De-shedding Treatment to help remove loose and dead undercoat and better maintain the coat.
Talk to Your Groomer
Deciding whether your pet needs an add-on treatment is always a collaborative conversation between you and your groomer.
- Share What You Know: Let your groomer know about any skin sensitivities, allergies, itching, changes in the coat, or previous reactions before the appointment.
- Observe & Recommend: Your groomer can observe your dog’s coat and skin condition and discuss whether a specialty shampoo or treatment may be appropriate. Our role is strictly to observe and adapt the grooming service, and any medical concerns or diagnosis should be discussed with your veterinarian.
Personalized Care Across 9 Neighborhood Locations
With 9 locations across the GTA, PITB makes it easy to find personalized grooming care close to home. Visit us in The Beaches, Sherbourne, Leslieville, Aurora, Bradford, Keswick, Newmarket, King City, or Rouge Park (offering integrated daycare and boarding in partnership with Rosewood Pet Resort), where our groomers can help you understand your dog’s individual coat and skin needs and recommend the appropriate grooming services and specialty options.
Locals in Leslieville can visit our newest hub at 826 Eastern Avenue, Toronto *(located inside Soulmutts Toronto near Eastern Ave & Leslie St) for full 1:1 personalized care!
Not sure what your dog needs? Book your next appointment online today and talk to your groomer about the right care for their coat and skin.
FAQs
Q: How do I know if my dog could benefit from a specialty add-on?
A: Your dog’s regular grooming service provides the foundation for ongoing coat and skin care. If your dog has additional needs such as dry or brittle fur, sensitive or itchy skin, or heavy seasonal shedding, talk to your groomer. They can recommend an appropriate optional add-on, such as a specialty shampoo, moisturizing treatment, or de-shedding treatment, based on your dog’s individual needs.
Q: Are specialty shampoos and treatments automatically included in my dog’s groom?
A: No. Specialty shampoos and treatments are optional add-ons recommended based on your dog’s individual skin and coat needs. Depending on your dog, your groomer may recommend a specialty SOOS shampoo, moisturizing treatment, de-shedding treatment, or another appropriate option. Your groomer can discuss these with you before the service so you can decide what is right for your pet.
Q: Where can I find your new Leslieville location and what services are offered there?
A: Our Leslieville hub is open at 826 Eastern Avenue, Toronto (located inside Soulmutts Toronto near Eastern Ave and Leslie St). It offers the same personalized 1:1 grooming, no-cage sanctuary environment, and adaptive care options found across all PITB locations. Appointments can be booked conveniently through our online booking system.
