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Actually, let us come clean.
("grooming"... "clean"... get it? )

We do not have our own groomer in-house. We do, however, have good relationships with preferred third-party groomers.

We can make the necessary arrangements for your dog or cat to get a full grooming session with your preferred groomer or ours, including Collection & Delivery to/from that groomer's shop (although please do note that there will be additional charges for transport).

This said, all dogs and cats boarding with us always go home to you groomed, or what we call "lightly groomed": regular proper brushing and dematting, ears cleaned, teeth checked (see more on this below), and nails always checked too and, if needed, with your permission first, clipped. They even go home home with their laundry done!

If your dog stays 5 nights or more, he or she is bathed too the day before going back home to you, and of course no matter how short or long a time they stay with us, if playtime (or lifetime!) results in dirty-time, then it's definitely bath-time too! BUUUUUUUT... take note: between the time we've bathed them and the time you get them back, your lovelies do quite a bit of playtime in our sandy play yards, often with other dogs, so they won't be quite as just-out-of-the-bath-fresh as you might hope for; so that's when we pull out the doggie wipes and spritzers to freshen 'em up just before they leave us. If you have any concerns or questions about any of this, just let us know.

In fact, every single day we carefully and rather thoroughly check over all the pets in our care, including your birds, rabbits and all other critters, making sure they're clean, healthy and comfortable...
a-a-a-a-l-l-l-l over.

So rest easy. And if you would indeed like to go that one step further for your dog or cat by having us arrange a full grooming session with a local groomer, well that can happen too.

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Taking "one step further" just one more step further ~ Your Pet's Teeth

If you would like your dog's or cat's teeth given a brush while they're with us (yes, read that again ~ we're serious), just let us know. The latest pricing for this is in our Price List (where else would it be?).

But it doesn't stop there (oh my goodness! when will the fun end?!):

We also offer a 10% discount on DKC Veterinary Clinic's standard full veterinary dentals if arranged for during your pet's boarding stay with DKC.

Now, the cynical among you will probably think we're just trying to drum up business for our veterinary clinic (who needs a dental cleaning for a pet?!). Well, you'd be right!

And wrong. Try to trust us when we tell you that dogs and cats (and some other pets too) really do need their teeth properly checked and cleaned by a vet, usually once a year. Chronic bad breath, rotting teeth, sore and bleeding gums... and more/worse are on the cards for many of your lil' darlin's if you rely only on pet food (usually dry kibbles) and toys to keep their mouths in shape. So in addition to brazenly manipulating you, we're actually trying to do our little something towards promoting preventive dental care. Think about it.

Teeth Brushing ~ Should I or Shouldn't I?

Answer

Teeth brushing!!? For pets!!?? Oh my goodness!! What is the world coming to?!

Well, that'

<h5>Teeth Brushing ~ Should I or Shouldn't I?</h5><p>Teeth brushing!!? For pets!!?? Oh my goodness!! What is the world coming to?!</p> <p>Well, that's probably too philosophical a question for us humble pet owners, so just know this: the less effort and time you put into your dog's or cat's teeth at home, the more likely you will face serious dental issues (and costs) in the future. Yep, it's a sad truth.</p> <p>Dental plaque and tartar build up on your dog's teeth just like it does with us humanoids, so brushing your pet's teeth once daily is best.</p> <p>Once daily!? Can you even <i>imagine</i> doing it this often?</p> <p>It <i>is</i> a lot of work, that's true. Furthermore, some dogs and cats <i>really</i> don't like having their teeth brushed (especially those chompers at the back), which of course will make the job all that more difficult and tiresome, for both of you. But if you get the right tools of the trade (at pretty much any pet shop) and keep at it, the difference will amaze you. Truly. And in fact, if you can't manage it every day, or even every week, then just do what you can whenever you can, because within reason, in this case, <i>something</i> is always better than <i>nothing</i>.</p> <p>This said, there are alternatives to brushing (yay!)... but they're not quite as good (boo!). Dental gels can be rubbed on the gums, and there are products which you can put in their drinking water to help reduce the bacterial load in the mouth. And dental chews of various shapes and sizes do exist, which may or may not be beneficial ~ you'll need to try them and see!</p> <p>Ultimately, if you notice bad breath on your pet or are in any way worried about their teeth, a quick veterinary check will let you know if you need to have your pet's teeth scaled and polished (just like you do when you go to the dental hygienist yourself) ~ most pets will need this done as they get older ~ usually yearly.</p> <p>So what's the point of home dental care if you gotta visit the vet anyway? Well, seriously, frequency of need and cost ~ and the comfort of your pet, of course. You'd be very surprised how many dogs and cats are not feeling as well as you might think, until you see the difference after they've been to the vet for a cleaning and, sometimes, extraction of rotting teeth and sore gums.</p> <p>Sorry folks, but that's the tooth.</p>

Clipping my pet's claws ~ How often should I do it?

Answer

When to clip your dog's claws depends on the amount of exercise your dog gets and, importantly, t

<h5>Clipping my pet's claws ~ How often should I do it?</h5> <div class="faq_ans_img"><img loading="lazy" src="https://d12fifzdy7ujh4.cloudfront.net/images/faqs/faq_66.jpg"></div> <div class="faq_ans_text"><p>When to clip your dog's claws depends on the amount of exercise your dog gets and, importantly, the type of surface your dog exercises on. If you can manage to get some walkies time on rougher surfaces (such as roads (but be safe!)), this will usually be sufficient to maintain those claws at a good length. (Oh, and by the way, a good part of puppy training should always include playing with their feet ~ this gets them used to having their paws and claws touched, making it easier as they get older to clip those claws when necessary.)</p> <p>As for cats... well, they have retractable claws (very high-tech!), and so they keep them smooth by scratching on posts or (don't say it!!) your furniture... when they get their claws out! As for length, however, this usually requires a little hands-on maintenance on your part... or on the part of your vet... whichever of you has more confidence. <img alt="" src="/graphics/ic_wink.png" height="15" width="15"> (It's not too difficult, though, so why not ask for some training?)</p> <p>The amount to be cut off depends on the nail length and the length of the small blood vessel within the nail, all of which you need to learn a bit about and can ask any vet or a good kennels/cattery handler about, and then you're off and running.</p> <p>Oh, and by the way, don't forget to clip your bird's claws too!</p></div>

I think my pet is overweight (well... fat, actually)

Answer

<h5>I think my pet is overweight (well... fat, actually)</h5> <div class="faq_ans_img"><img loading="lazy" src="https://d12fifzdy7ujh4.cloudfront.net/images/faqs/faq_80.jpg"></div> <div class="faq_ans_text"><p>Don't be blue or embarrassed (well, maybe a little embarrassed) if your pet is overweight, or even just downright fat. So many pet owners just don't realise that their lovelies have become... ummmm... how shall we say it? Well, you get the idea.</p> <p>If you cannot feel your pet's ribs easily when you place your hands on the side of her chest, she may well be overweight; you should be able to feel her rib cage but not see the ribs. A complete body-condition score and weight-check can also be done by your vet (just for that little bit of added, OBJECTIVE, support).</p> <p>Now, most often weight problems are indeed because of over-feeding. (You'd be surprised how much your dog is eating without realising it ~ how many people in your family are sneaking her some snacks?) However, and importantly, obesity can also be the result of an underlying medical issue such as <i>hypothyroidism</i> (underactive thyroid) and other issues, so if adjusting her diet is not doing the trick (we all know that feeling, eh?), a consultation with a vet is probably a good idea.</p></div>

I think my pet is overweight (well... fat, actually)

Don't be blue or embarrassed (well, maybe a little...

Will you clip my pet's nails if needed?

Answer

Yes we will.

Our staff are well trained for this and we always check for such things with

<h5>Will you clip my pet's nails if needed?</h5> <div class="faq_ans_img"><img loading="lazy" src="https://d12fifzdy7ujh4.cloudfront.net/images/faqs/faq_42.jpg"></div> <div class="faq_ans_text"><p>Yes we will.</p> <p>Our staff are well trained for this and we always check for such things with all dogs, cats and birds... and anyone else that might need it. (Yes, yes, of course we'll clip yours too... but only if ask you <em>real</em> nice.) We won't do any actual clipping without your permission, however, so just ask us to and/or we'll let you know if we think it's needed.</p> <p>For dogs and cats, no charge!</p> <p>For birds, this can sometimes require sedation and, therefore, veterinary involvement, and therefore charges, but we'll talk to you about that if we think it's needed, of course, and don't hesitate to ask.</p></div>

Bathing my pet ~ Should I do this regularly?

Answer

<h5>Bathing my pet ~ Should I do this regularly?</h5> <div class="faq_ans_img"><img loading="lazy" src="https://d12fifzdy7ujh4.cloudfront.net/images/faqs/faq_65.jpg"></div> <div class="faq_ans_text"><p>No doubt much to your surprise, you should bathe your dog (or cat) only when really needed ~ in most cases never more than once a month unless there are medical needs which require it more often (i.e. vet-prescribed medicated shampoos, etc.). So unless your pet has been enjoying a mud bath or rolling around in something unthinkable, there really is no need for a scheduled scrub in the tub. Seriously ~ most pet owners, for all the loving reasons you can think of, simply bathe their pets too often. The thing is, you see, that dogs and cats have natural oils in their skin and fur to keep them feeling and looking healthy and shiny, and excessive bathing can remove these oils causing the fur to look, and indeed to be, dull and dry.</p> <p>More important than bathing, in most cases, and especially for long-haired critters, is a regular brushing out. Put your energy into THIS and you've got a good thing going.</p> <p>So restrain yourselves, you lovey-dovies!</p></div>

Bathing my pet ~ Should I do this regularly?

No doubt much to your surprise, you should...

Do you do grooming, dematting, simple "hair care"?

Yes we do. And no we don't.

Read all about it here: Grooming

Is it safe to bring my pet into the heat of the UAE?

Answer

<h5>Is it safe to bring my pet into the heat of the UAE?</h5> <p>Yes it is safe. In fact, thousands of pets are imported into the UAE each year; the vast majority do perfectly well here, regardless of the breed.</p> <p>What about those which don't do well? Fundamentally, when things go wrong (such as dehydration and/or heatstroke), it is about how these pets are managed rather than their innate inability to cope with the heat or the fact of the heat being prohibitive. Yes, the UAE is VERY hot for at least 4 or 5 months of the year, and yes you must be careful about this during these periods, but isn't it extremely cold in January in Canada? Or hot in Texas in July? Aren't there any number of locations around the world with extreme temperatures at certain times of the year? And aren't there pets in these places too? Of course there are.</p> <p>You should be aware of the dangers of the heat here, but if you're thoughtful about this, you should be neither worried nor overly concerned. Do some research on the internet and talk to your UAE-based vet for guidance about things to watch out for, and at the most basic level be aware of such things as not leaving your dog or cat outside during the hottest periods of the year for too long, and always make sure there is plenty of water readily available, even if you're going for a walk.</p> <p>There is more to learn about this and plenty of information available from any number of sources. But yes, in short, it is safe to bring your pet.</p>

My dog has itchy skin. Help!

Answer

A certain amount of itching and scratching is normal for all dogs (you knew that, right?), so it'

<h5>My dog has itchy skin. Help!</h5><p>A certain amount of itching and scratching is normal for all dogs (you knew that, right?), so it's really a question of <i>how much</i> itching and scratching. Persistent scratching and/or licking in the same place (paws are a favourite for dogs!) is usually a sign of itchiness that is causing discomfort, and this is not normal. Also, if you notice redness or scabs, crusts or pimples on the skin, these are signs that the dog should be seen by a vet. Skin allergies and parasites are very common in the UAE and sometimes dogs that have had no skin issues in other countries will come to this part of the world and suddenly experience allergies. So if you're thinking your dog seems to be itchy, he probably is, and it's better to get it checked out sooner rather than later.</p>

Are there good pet care providers, vets, pet supplies, groomers, etc. in the UAE?

Definitely yes.

The UAE has everything here you could wish for by way of quality pet care services. As with any industry, not every one of them is the best, but if you look around and look into it all, we know you'll find what you need.

grooming

Taking "one step further" just one more step further ~ Your Pet's Teeth

Teeth Brushing ~ Should I or Shouldn't I?

Clipping my pet's claws ~ How often should I do it?

I think my pet is overweight (well... fat, actually)

Will you clip my pet's nails if needed?

Bathing my pet ~ Should I do this regularly?

Do you do grooming, dematting, simple "hair care"?

Is it safe to bring my pet into the heat of the UAE?

My dog has itchy skin. Help!

Are there good pet care providers, vets, pet supplies, groomers, etc. in the UAE?

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