Every dog is different, but after grooming St. Louis pups since 1990, we can usually put a new client on a schedule after one visit. Here is how we think about it.
Start with the coat
Short, smooth coats — a beagle or a boxer — stay comfortable with a bath and brush every four to six weeks. A full haircut is rarely needed.
Double coats, like a golden retriever or a husky, need more. We brush them out regularly and schedule a de-shedding service when the coat blows in spring and fall.
Curls and long coats — poodles and doodles especially — need the most attention. Every four to six weeks keeps the coat from matting, and matting is the one thing that turns a routine appointment into a long one.
Consider the dog, not just the breed
A dog who swims, rolls in the yard or joins you on trail walks will need a bath sooner than a dog who naps on the couch. Older dogs and puppies are their own case — senior dogs do better with shorter, gentler sessions, and a puppy's first visits are about getting comfortable with the clippers before they are about the haircut.
Nails, ears and teeth between grooms
Nails grow faster than coats. Most dogs do well with a nail trim every three to four weeks, and we keep walk-in nail appointments available on select days. Ears and teeth are worth checking at every visit too — a quick ear cleaning and teeth brushing go a long way between full grooms.
Our rule of thumb
If you can run a comb through the coat and it glides without snagging, you are on schedule. If the comb catches, book sooner. Bring your dog in and we will tell you honestly how often they need us — some dogs need six weeks, some need eight, and a few only need us a handful of times a year.
Call us at 314-487-7277 to find a time. We are open Tuesday through Saturday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, at 3221 Lemay Ferry Road.