Hello readers, and welcome to the latest edition of Grooming Magazine. After rolling out of a chocolate-filled April, I’m thrilled to be here with my first edition, and I can’t wait to keep creating exciting new content for you all, moving forward! Now that the rain has started to subside and the muddy paws are few and far between, I hope you and your fourlegged friends are all enjoying the spring weather we’re being treated to.
This month, tables and baths take centre stage as industry experts guide us through this feature. Followed closely by natural remedies, pet-friendly holidays, and CPD, we’re providing inspiration in abundance!
These features perfectly complement our regular features, such as Groomers of the Month, Rachel Bean Monthly and Katie’s Kat Column.
We hope that this issue provides you with a wealth of knowledge for yourself and clients alike.
If there’s anything you have a burning desire to read about, please don’t hesitate to get in touch at ailsa@tgmpublishing.co.uk. From myself and everyone at TGM, we hope you have a fantastic month, manage to enjoy some of the long-awaited sunshine, and we’ll catch you next month.
Rachel Bean Monthly: Team Bean share what to do in the event of a collapse in the salon, sharing vital
Commercial Director Mike Smith mike@tgmpublishing.co.uk 01795 509110
Design and Production
Grant Waters, James Taylor 01795 509110
Credit Facilities Manager
Gwen
UK PetQuip Awards Entries Now Open
PetQuip has announced a call for entries as the event moves from Telford to Birmingham to sit alongside PATS.
PetQuip UK trade association has revealed the category list for the PetQuip Awards 2025, with 16 awards across product, retailers, suppliers, marketing, sustainability and individual achievement.
“We are delighted to launch the 2025 PetQuip Awards in an exciting new venue, which gives us the opportunity to introduce more glitz and entertainment for the evening, so it’s not just a prestigious celebration, but also a place for the pet industry to party!” explained organiser Susan Fairley.
“Mindful that the number of awards needs to be kept tight so we can keep the evening moving, we have introduced only one new category, online retailer of the year, which we felt was important to include as there are so many online businesses out there who need a specific platform” continued Susan.
Leopard the marketing communications consultancy returns as headline sponsors of the awards, alongside Law Print and Packaging, CIPS, Interzoo, Petface, Copdock Mill, Pedigree Wholesale, Noble Futures, Zoomark, PBW News and PPM. The awards are organised in association with PATS, who are also sponsoring the international retailer award.
look forward to seeing and celebrating innovation and excellence from across the pet trade” commented Joe Denham, PetQuip’s new Director General.
The PetQuip Awards will take place on Monday 29 September at the National Conference Centre located just a few minutes’ drive from the NEC, to sit alongside PATS.
“We would like to issue a clarion call to all companies in the pet industry to put themselves forward for our awards. The profile our finalists and winners receive as a result of our marketing campaign across the PetQuip and PATS communities is superb, for companies of all types and size. We
PetQuip is lining up a panel of expert judges for the judging day in early August, which will also take place in a new venue, Birmingham Dogs’ Home in nearby Solihull. All sample product submitted for judging will be donated direct to the dogs’ home afterwards. The panel will be revealed in due course.
Closing date for entries is Thursday 26 June: www.petquip.com/uk/awardsenter.htm
For details of PetQuip membership, please e-mail info@petquip.com or visit www.petquip.com
National Pet Shop Day Returns
Following the success of the first ever National Pet Shop Day in 2024, Johnson’s Veterinary Products proudly announces the return of this landmark event on Saturday, 12th July 2025. This year, the campaign will reach new heights with the official support of the Pet Industry Federation (PIF) and the British Independent Retail Association (Bira).
National Pet Shop Day was launched by Johnson’s Veterinary Products in 2024 with a clear purpose, to celebrate the vital role that independent pet retailers play in local communities while encouraging consumers to rediscover the value of shopping local. More than 200 pet shops participated in the inaugural event, helping to foster customer loyalty and increase foot traffic to stores. Building on this momentum, the 2025 campaign will offer even greater support for independent pet businesses, while amplifying the message that pet shops are the heart of the pet-owning community.
“At Johnson’s, we have always held the tireless dedication of the nation’s independent pet shops in the highest possible regard,” said Paul Gwynn, Managing Director of Johnson’s Veterinary Products. “These stores are more than just places to buy pet products -- they are community hubs where knowledgeable staff offer invaluable advice and hands-on support to pet owners. We are committed to championing the valuable work they do, and with the support of PIF and Bira, we will continue to drive positive change for independent pet retailers.”
The involvement of PIF and Bira reflects a shared mission to strengthen and protect independent and smaller retailers on the high street.
A unified industry voice
The Pet Industry Federation (PIF), the leading trade association for the UK pet industry, is proud to formally support National Pet Shop Day. According to PIF, the partnership with Johnson’s aligns perfectly with their mission to advocate
for independent pet businesses and address the broader economic challenges facing the sector.
“We share a common goal: to champion independent pet retailers and encourage consumers to embrace the benefits of shopping locally,” said Nigel Baker, PIF CEO. “Independent pet shops play a crucial role in their communities, offering a level of personalised service and pet care expertise that cannot be replicated. We are excited to collaborate with Johnson’s and Bira to ensure National Pet Shop Day 2025 is an even greater success.”
Similarly, Bira’s commitment to supporting independent businesses makes them a natural ally in the campaign.
Andrew Goodacre, CEO of Bira said: “National Pet Shop Day (NPSD) is a great event focused on important community businesses, many of which are small independent retailers. Bira
is all about enabling the indie retailers to succeed – it is our one mission. Supporting NPSD shares the values of our mission by celebrating all that is good in the pet shop sector. It celebrates the hard working business owners who are passionate about supporting their communities. These people are equally passionate about helping customers get the best products and care for their beloved pets. I am often told that independents are at the heart of every good high street. I totally agree and pet shops are very much part of a vibrant high street.”
Pet shops and stores, selling pet products from across the UK are all invited to participate in this national day of appreciation.
For more information on how to get involved in National Pet Shop Day 2025, please visit the official campaign website www.nationalpetshopday.com.
The Northern Dog Barber
This month, we sat down with James Holberry, aka The Northern Dog Barber, as we discover how he’s gone from strength to strength creating dog grooming content and his motivation behind it all.
Please introduce us to your grooming business.
My name is James Holberry, but I think most people know me through my social media profile, ‘The Northern Dog Barber’ (NDB). NDB was created to provide a place to help, motivate and encourage other groomers within the industry. When I started grooming in 2020, I didn’t really feel I had many places to look for that motivation and reassurance that I was doing things the right way. I also wanted it to be a representation of my own growth within the grooming industry; if you look back far enough, you can see where it all began!
Since creating NDB, it’s gone from strength to strength, with a community of nearly 90k people that follow the progress and updates. I aim to offer an insight into how I work and how I achieve certain results via short-form videos,
pictures and live streams.
I took my first steps as a dog groomer back in 2020, when I decided that what I was doing as a career really wasn’t where I wanted to be. I ended up looking for courses in further education, and dog grooming really piqued my interest, so I signed up and immediately fell in love! I knew that this was where I belonged! Following my training I set up my salon ‘Holberry Hounds’, which grew pretty quickly and was soon awarded the number one spot in the ‘Three Best Rated’ for the Huddersfield area. I’d found my calling!
Unfortunately, we then had to close due to COVID, and following our reopening, I had a spinal injury that required major surgery, and I had to learn how to walk again. I had to come
to terms with a new way of life after being left with irreversible nerve damage and damage to my spine. I was so determined that I wasn’t going to leave the industry, and thankfully I was back to it after about 7 months.
I’ve gone on to compete at grooming competitions in Asian Styling, and I now also compete with my Bichon Frise, Romeo, in the pure breed class. I’ve been able to compete both nationally and internationally, gaining multiple placements from 1st to 3rd in the UK, Belgium, Italy and Vietnam. I’m now a proud member of the Hyponic World Team and also Team Utsumi, which has been such a great experience! I’ve been honoured to have received nominations at the International Grooming Conference for the ‘Asian Stylist’ and
‘Social Media of the Year’ categories. I was then humbled at being awarded a TDDC at the Groomphoria awards along with a nomination for ‘Best International Groomer’ by the Asian Style Magazine. I hold various educational webinars and seminars both in the UK and abroad. This is something that I absolutely love; being able to share my knowledge and experience with others and seeing them flourish is just the best feeling!
What would you say is your unique selling point?
I think one of my key attributes is that I try to keep things simple, streamlined and easy to follow with a focus on selfdevelopment and trying to provide that motivation and reassurance to others. The way I teach and the content you’ll find on my social media are presented in ways that are easy to follow and all about getting the foundations in place and building them up as we go. I want to share my knowledge with other groomers to try and help the industry grow stronger. You can still create a grooming masterpiece without making things overcomplicated and too technical in the everyday salon. It’s great to be able to step into the competition ring and perfect a groom, but at heart I’m a salon groomer, and I want to be able to help as many people as I can with their own salon journey!
Do you have any “hidden gems” you’d like to share with our readers?
The key to any successful groom is the prep! Without the correct prep, it will show in the groom. I’d always say that your prep is the one thing to really get to grips with. Once you do, the styling becomes so much easier, and the results will speak for themselves!
What advice would you give to other dog groomers who are just starting out in the industry?
The best advice I could give to anyone either new to the industry or even seasoned pros is to invest in yourself!
Knowledge is key to growth. Try to attend plenty of seminars and webinars from different groomers, as everyone has something to offer, and the smallest piece of the puzzle can often make the biggest difference to your grooms.
Are there any general thoughts you’d like to share?
I wish that I’d had someone to tell me that progress takes time! I was always in such a rush to be the best version of myself and sometimes lost sight of the progress I was actually making. I was too focused on the future; take your time, enjoy your journey and make it what you want it to be!
Tables & Baths
Essential Ergonomics
As a physically demanding task requiring long hours and repeated movements, we delve into the importance of ergonomics in grooming to reduce physical strain and to support physical health, but also to ensure the dog’s comfort and safety during grooming.
Height Adjustability
Tables and baths that can be adjusted allow the groomer to set the height at elbow level, the ideal position for maintaining a neutral and relaxed posture. This reduces unnecessary bending or overextending, decreasing the risk of repetitive strain injuries. Adjustable height systems, whether electric, hydraulic or manual, offer flexibility for different dog sizes, enabling groomers to switch between settings for different breeds.
Reach and Access
Efficient access to all parts of the dog is crucial for both grooming precision and safety. Having grooming equipment set up with optimum reach and access angles can positively impact a groomer’s efficiency and reduce the need for awkward stretching or twisting. Grooming tables that allow for 360-degree access help prevent awkward body positioning by enabling the groomer to move around the dog with ease. Similarly, grooming tubs with side or front cut-outs allow groomers to reach every part of the dog, including hard-toreach areas like the legs, underbelly and face, without twisting their body.
Texture and Tilt
A non-slip, textured surface ensures the dog remains stable throughout the grooming session, preventing sudden movements or slips that could lead to injury. For grooming tubs, a mild tilt can improve water drainage and help groomers work more comfortably when rinsing or washing the dog. A slight incline can also help the groomer avoid repetitive wrist strain when manipulating the dog’s body to ensure thorough cleaning. This feature is
especially useful when bathing dogs, as it improves both the comfort of the dog and the ergonomics of the groomer’s movements.
A Streamlined Process
Having easy access to grooming tools is essential for minimising repetitive movements and reducing physical strain. Groomers often work with a variety of tools, from clippers to brushes to shampoos, and constantly having to reach or turn to grab items can lead to unnecessary fatigue. Grooming tables and baths designed with integrated storage solutions, such as magnetic tool holders, built-in trays, or adjustable arm-mounted tool organisers, allow the groomer to keep all necessary items within arm’s reach. This setup not only boosts efficiency, but also minimises
the risk of injury caused by repetitive motions.
Safety First
Proper restraint prevents the dog from moving too much, which could cause injuries to the dog and the groomer. Restraint systems need to be ergonomically designed so that the dog remains comfortable while being secured. Grooming arms and nooses should keep the dog upright in a neutral position that doesn’t put stress on its joints or neck. Restraint systems should allow the groomer to work at a comfortable angle without having to constantly adjust the dog’s position manually. For smaller dogs, hammockstyle slings or lifts can help bring them to an optimal working height and reduce the need for excessive physical handling.
Scrubs Up
With grooming tables and bath equipment in heavy daily use, we discuss how to care for your equipment correctly to ensure longevity and performance, while ensuring your salon looks spick and span for those all-important first impressions.
Professional pet grooming equipment is the bedrock of your business, and so maintaining it is key! Maintaining tables and baths is essential not only for hygiene and professionalism, but also for ensuring the safety and comfort of dogs and groomers alike. Both tables and baths are integral to daily salon operations and proper upkeep can extend their lifespan, improve efficiency and, in turn, enhance client satisfaction.
Not only does a well-maintained grooming salon help to demonstrate your attention to detail and commitment to hygiene to clients, it also helps creating lasting positive first impressions. As we all know, first impressions count, so it’s important not to risk having clients shy away due to a hygiene blip.
It’s the nature of the job, but working with furry-friends means working with
an abundance of hair throughout the day. So much hair can lead your tables and baths to really take a battering throughout the day and can potentially lead to blockages. After every use, it’s critical to rinse out loose fur, shampoo residue and any debris left behind to prevent the build-up of grime, mould and bacteria. Hair trapped in drains should be emptied regularly to prevent clogs, which can lead to flooding or poor salon odours.
It’s important to note that typical pet shampoos aren’t pH neutral, meaning the residue can damage stainless steel over prolonged periods of time. Try to ensure surfaces remain clean by gently rinsing and drying the tub at the end of a workday, this extra cleaning and care will make a considerable difference by extending the lifespan of your equipment.
Much like dog baths, with grooming
tables in high-traffic work areas and coming into direct contact with skin, fur and bodily fluids, wiping down the surface in-between each client is a nonnegotiable. After time, finishing products and shampoo residue can build up, leading to damaged surfaces. To combat this, clean with mild cleaning solutions or
disinfectants and wipe clean for a longlasting shine. Try to avoid using harsh chemicals that may damage materials on the tables’ surface.
In addition to thorough daily cleans, schedule in a deep cleaning session every few months to thoroughly clean and inspect every part of the grooming table. During a deep clean, try to disassemble parts that are not easily accessible during a regular daily clean to help prolong the life of your equipment just that little bit further!
Cleaning aside, hydraulic or electric lift tables should be regularly inspected to ensure mechanisms are working smoothly and safely, which can help prevent mechanical issues causing harm to a pet or groomer. Looking after your table well extends its lifetime, and poor care, especially for electric models, can significantly shorten a table’s life. At the end of every day, take extra care to blow or brush out fur from under and around table legs, the motor and pedals, especially around any moving parts, to reduce the fur entering the mechanics. For hydraulic and electric tables, return them to their lowest position at the end of every day, or when being stored for longer periods, to help protect the mechanics. Over time, it’s important to check for wear and tear on tables non-slip surfaces to ensure dogs remain stable and secure during grooming.
In addition to regular cleaning and mechanical attention, organisation around these areas is a considerable factor in maintaining efficiency. Keeping shampoos, brushes, clippers and towels well-organised and within reach not only saves time, but also reduces the chance of accidents. Tidy workspaces are safer for dogs and humans alike, and reflect the highest standard of care to clients.
Ultimately, regular maintenance of tables and baths isn’t just about cleanliness, it’s a form of quality control, while also being vital for client satisfaction and repeat business.
Thorough cleaning routines also ensure every dog grooming experience is as stress-free as possible, while also protecting groomers who use the equipment day-in-day-out. Long term, this diligence helps protect your investment in equipment through a reduction in repair costs, while maintaining a professional, reputable salon.
Rewarding Customer Behaviour
During a time when clients are watching their spending, a simple loyalty reward can be just the nudge a customer needs to book their next visit rather than delay it. That’s where Payment Loyalty comes in, rewarding the best grooming customers automatically, just through their regular payment method.
Please introduce us to Payment Loyalty and what it strives to achieve.
Over the past decade, consumers have become far less tolerant of hassle — they don’t want to carry loyalty cards, download yet another app, or hand over personal data just to earn a freebie. Traditional loyalty schemes are falling behind because they ask too much.
At Payment Loyalty, We’ve built a seamless solution that allows merchants to reward their best customers automatically, just through their regular payment method. No apps, no cards, no friction — just instant, effortless loyalty built right into the way people already pay.
What benefits can Payment Loyalty bring to a grooming salon?
For grooming salons, rewarding loyal customers is essential — especially during times when people are watching their spending.
With Payment Loyalty, the customer’s card, mobile, or wearable becomes their loyalty ID. Points and reward progress are shown directly on the payment terminal, and customers are enrolled with a single tap. It’s this ease that drives strong results and we typically see 70–90% participation, compared to just 10–20% with traditional programmes.
It can also help increase average spend. Salons can set minimum spend thresholds that reward stamps once reached, encouraging customers to add on a product or service. This approach has been proven to lift average transaction values by around 18%.
In brief, how does Payment Loyalty integrate with LoPay systems?
Payment Loyalty is already embedded into the LoPay Business Terminal — no downloads, plugins, or hardware upgrades needed. It’s as easy as unboxing a phone and finding the apps already there.
Merchants simply log in to the LoPay Loyalty Portal, create a campaign with a few clicks, and sync it to their terminal. From there, it’s live and ready to go.
How does customisation help build brand loyalty?
Every campaign can be tailored to the salon’s brand — including logo, colours, reward rules, and duration. Merchants decide how much customers should spend, how often, and what they get in return.
Limited-time campaigns are especially
effective — they create urgency and give customers a reason to return sooner. It’s loyalty on the merchant’s terms, perfectly aligned with their brand and business goals.
How can our readers work with you?
To get started, readers can visit the LoPay website, where the setup process is clearly outlined. Or they can speak to the friendly LoPay team directly, who’ll guide them through creating their first campaign.
lopay.com/en-gb/loyalty
No Dog Left Behind
Gone are the days when pet owners have to scramble for pet-sitting services when heading away. Today, an increasing number of hotels are rolling out the red carpet for pets of all shapes and sizes, and we share what to look for when booking accommodation to house four-legged friends.
We’re a nation of pet lovers!
As more people consider pets a part of the family, and a part that doesn’t get left behind when it comes to holidays, hotels are opening up their doors to furry companions. With more travellers than ever looking to bring their four-legged friends along for the journey and the demand for dog-friendly breaks soaring, there is no surprise that the way dog owners plan their holidays is changing.
With a 13% increase in dog ownership in the UK1 since the start of the pandemic, the UK staycation market is booming with those looking to holiday with their furry friends. Campsites and holiday parks are traditionally popular options for those looking for a relaxed atmosphere welcoming dogs, but, more
recently, with hotels beginning to tap into this niche market, there is an array of stays available for whatever you desire!
With Brexit making it increasingly difficult to take dogs across the Channel to Europe, many dog owners are now on the lookout for dog-friendly staycations, with approximately 70% of owners taking their dog on holiday with them, according to Dogs Trust. With this in mind, we’re here to discuss what to look out for when booking a holiday for your furry-friend.
With the demand for dog-friendly accommodation soaring, it is easy to see why many hotels may jump on this trend without actual consideration for pets’ needs, and simply wanting to increase the likelihood of bookings. However, this often results in disparity
between the pet owner’s desires and the hotel’s ability to deliver them, with many owners reporting that options can be less dog-friendly in reality. So, be sure to check reviews from previous guests to check out just how dog-friendly the accommodation actually is. Even if dogs are permitted to stay in rooms, they may not be accepted in social areas, making the stay much more restrictive for owners, who sometimes pay double the price for half of the access!
Booking a pet-friendly hotel involves more than just allowing pets on the premises. Guests are recommended to look for hotels that implement petfriendly policies that prioritise the safety, comfort and well-being of both guests and pets. This includes providing clear guidelines for pet owners, maintaining
clean and hygienic facilities, and ensuring that pet-friendly rooms are adequately equipped to handle the needs of furry guests.
Now, understandably, bringing furry friends does lead to an increase in costs, with deposits and cleaning fees, but are owners paying over the odds? Instead of accepting the increased price for pets while accepting the minimum service, look for hotels that have successfully integrated pet-friendly policies, including pet-friendly rooms, pet beds, bowls and welcome treats. Consider hotels that are also partnered with local pet services, like dog-walking companies or veterinary practices, to provide further peace of mind. The majority of hotels will add a dog-cleaning surcharge to the booking in order to prepare the room for the next guest. I’m sure you all can appreciate this additional cost incurred after cleaning up after dogs at home, but scout around for prices that don’t take the biscuit!
Location is also a vital consideration, both in the hotel and geographically! In the hotel, consider booking a ground floor room, if possible, with easy access to outdoor spaces for those night-time toilet trips; nobody wants to be traipsing down four flights of stairs for a midnight wee. Geographically, remember that
the local area is an integral part of any dog holiday, so be sure to check out what facilities are nearby. It’s also well worth chatting to hotel staff and locals to find out any hidden treasures on their doorstep.
In a time when pets are considered as part of the family, hotels are redefining what it means to be pet-friendly. From offering specialised amenities to implementing pet-friendly policies,
hotels are going the extra mile to ensure that four-legged guests feel welcome and two-legged guests feel at ease without the worry of pets left behind. As dog ownership and staycations continue to boom, one thing is certain: pets are no longer just companions—they’re valued guests.
Today, pet owners are searching for more natural and holistic ways of improving the well-being of their pets. Here, we explore how natural remedies can be incorporated into part of a broader holistic approach to dog health.
Just as we’re seeing humans embracing holistic lifestyles with fewer chemicals and more plant-based, organic alternatives, many pet owners are extending the same philosophy to their furry companions. Natural remedies offer a more gentle, sustainable approach to managing pet health, while reducing the risk of reactions. For groomers, this provides an opportunity to incorporate natural care options into the grooming offerings, providing an added layer of service and consideration to promote canine wellbeing. Not only can natural treatments complement traditional services, but they can also help to address common issues such as dry skin, allergies and anxiety that groomers frequently encounter.
Natural remedies offer a way for groomers to support and enhance the overall well-being of dogs in their care, while also providing guidance to pet owners about the best natural products to use between grooming sessions,
enhancing dogs’ health and well-being. With this in mind, let’s discuss how natural ingredients can be incorporated into everyday grooms.
One of the most commonly used natural products for dogs is coconut oil. This versatile oil has antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal properties. When added in small amounts to a dog’s food, it can support digestive health, improve skin and coat condition, and even provide an energy boost. Applied topically, it can soothe dry, itchy skin and heal minor wounds. With this in mind, due to the high fat content, it should be introduced gradually and used in moderation.
Rich in omega-3 fatty acids, fish oil is a further powerful ingredient for dog health. These essential fats help reduce inflammation, making fish oil a go-to supplement for dogs with joint issues, skin allergies, or autoimmune conditions. Older dogs, in particular, benefit from the brain and heart support that omega-3s provide, potentially improving cognitive function and maintaining mobility as they age. Although these remedies are not applied during grooming, recommending them to dog owners can provide long-term benefits, including
NATURAL REMEDIES
reduced shedding and improved coat condition. Additionally, promoting digestive health can help prevent issues like bad breath, which you might encounter during grooming sessions.
Herbal remedies also play a significant role in holistic dog care. Chamomile, for example, is renowned for its calming effects, with a small dose of chamomile tea or a vet-approved supplement helping dogs suffering from anxiety. It also acts as a mild digestive aid, easing stomach cramps or nausea. Ginger is also an excellent addition for dogs prone to motion sickness and can help soothe gastrointestinal issues.
When it comes to topical care, natural remedies are often safer and gentler than their chemical counterparts. Aloe Vera gel, for instance, can soothe burns, insect bites and skin irritations. Calendula, known for its antiseptic and healing properties, can be used as a cream or diluted tincture to help with cuts, rashes or hot spots. Both remedies offer effective, plant-based alternatives to steroid creams and antibiotics for minor skin issues.
Natural remedies extend into a dog’s daily nutrition as well. Feeding a whole-food, balanced diet free from artificial preservatives, fillers and dyes can drastically improve energy levels, skin condition and overall vitality. Some dog owners choose home-cooked
meals or raw diets to ensure the quality of ingredients and to better control over their dog’s nutritional intake. While this route requires careful planning and veterinary guidance, it can be especially helpful for dogs with allergies or chronic health problems that don’t respond well to commercial kibble.
It’s essential to remember that not all natural remedies are safe for all dogs. Some herbs and essential oils that are beneficial to humans can be toxic to pets. For example, tea tree oil, while popular in natural products, is dangerous for dogs if ingested or applied in concentrated forms. Similarly, garlic, while used in very small, controlled doses in some natural dog supplements, can be toxic in larger amounts. This is why consulting with a professional before introducing any new supplement or treatment is crucial.
The growing popularity of natural
remedies is a reflection of a broader shift in how we view our relationship with animals. More than ever, pet owners are treating dogs not just as pets, but as members of the family. Natural remedies offer a wonderful way to support the health of dogs in your care, improving not only their physical appearance, but also their overall wellbeing. By integrating these remedies into your grooming practice and sharing your knowledge with pet owners, you can enhance your reputation as a holistic, health-conscious groomer. Always remember to use natural remedies responsibly, and encourage dog owners to consult with a veterinarian before making any significant changes to their dog’s health routine. With the right approach, you can provide a wellrounded, caring experience for the dogs you groom, helping them feel their best, inside and out.
Continued Professional Development
Anything is Paw-Sible
In the ever-evolving world of dog grooming, staying ahead of the curve is more than a professional courtesy; it’s a necessity. With this in mind, we discuss the importance of CPD in the industry and investigate the link between CPD and customer satisfaction.
With new grooming techniques, tools, health protocols, and client expectations emerging constantly, Continued Professional Development (CPD) has become essential for anyone serious about a career in this dynamic industry. CPD provides the opportunity for groomers to refine their skills and acquire new ones. Through workshops, seminars and online courses, professionals can deepen their understanding to improve the quality of grooming but also ensure the safety and comfort of the dog, particularly in handling nervous or high-maintenance breeds.
Continuous learning keeps you updated on trends, tools, and best practices, giving you a lasting advantage. Whether you aim to work in high-end salons, launch a mobile grooming business, or open your own shop, professional education lays the foundation for long-term success. In an era where pet ownership is at an all-time high, continued professional development has emerged as a cornerstone of career growth. CPD is more than just a buzzword; it is a structured and sustained approach to learning that ensures groomers remain knowledgeable and competitive in their field.
Whether it’s mastering the latest clipping technique or understanding changes in animal welfare legislation, CPD provides the platform to maintain professional standards and deliver the highest level of care. CPD ensures groomers remain informed professionals who can adapt to change with ease. At the forefront of championing CPD is iPET Network, an awarding
GroomFest is a FREE to attend Education and Shopping event for Groomers.
7th - 8th September 2025, The Kennel Club Building, Stoneleigh Park, Stoneleigh, Kenilworth, CV8 2LZ
To attend the event visit www.groomfest.co.uk to register your interest or email mike@tgmpublishing.co.uk
Do you love grooming but find the anxious dogs drain your energy?
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Lead Sponsor Seminar Sponsor To attend the event visit www.groomfest.co.uk to register your interest or email mike@tgmpublishing.co.uk GroomFest is a FREE to attend Education and Shopping event for Groomers.
7th - 8th September 2025, The Kennel Club Building Stoneleigh Park, Stoneleigh, Kenilworth CV8 2LZ
Not All Hypochlorous Products Are Equal
With over 15 years development and commercial experience, Leucillin, Lyvlee Ltd are experts in the field of Hypochlorous acid (HOCI) based antimicrobials. Leucillin has been developed for the use in cleaning and flushing minor wounds, a user-friendly solution which dramatically reduces pathogen loads.
With HOCl now a popular choice for topical skincare management, it is vital for optimum efficacy of function and value for money to understand its formulation, limitations and stability challenges; so you know what questions to ask when choosing your HOCl based antimicrobial. Leucillin is a is non-cytotoxic, broad-spectrum topical antimicrobial to accompany all dermatological protocols.
What is Hypochlorous acid?
Hypochlorous acid (HOCl) is a naturally occurring chemical in the mammalian body, produced by white blood cells in response to the detection of invading pathogens. Harnessing the body’s natural defences HOCl antimicrobials kill all known bacteria, viruses and fungal spores from MRSA, Clostridium difficile (C. Diff), E. coli and Salmonella. HOCls many applications mean it’s the perfect replacement for existing standard antiseptic and minor wound care products.
How is HOCl efficacy measured?
The effectiveness of a Hypochlorous product is measured by the strength of Free Available Chlorine (FAC) of the solution. FAC refers to the relationship between the Hypochlorous acid (HOCl) and hypochlorite ion. It is this free, uncombined form of Chlorine that is the active ingredient for effective disinfection, FAC is measured in parts per million (ppm)
A HOCl solution with a higher ppm formula of FAC translates to guaranteeing you a stronger solution,
providing a more efficient pathogen kill rate and faster results from the application.
pH Matters!
The positioning of a HOCl solutions’ pH is paramount to efficacy. The pH dictates the free chlorine species present in the aqueous solution. At a pH of between 5-6, the chlorine species is nearly 100% hypochlorous acid (HOCl). As the pH drops below 5, it starts to convert to Cl2 (chlorine gas). Above a pH of 6, it starts to convert to the hypochlorite ion (OCl-).
Many electrolysis-based formulations sit at a pH 7, this is perfectly safe and efficacious, however it is not optimum for peak efficacy because of the relationship between Hypochlorous and Hypochlorite. Leucillin has been developed and stabilised at a pH 5.5 – 6 which is the natural pH of the skins acid mantle, and the peak efficacy of HOCl.
What Other Factors affect the stability of Hypochlorous acid?
To ensure the effectiveness of HOCl as a disinfectant, it is important to understand and control many factors during manufacture, production, transport and
storage to maintain product integrity and activity of hypochlorous acid molecules. Temperature: too high or too low can accelerate the degradation causing HOCl to break down and lose its antimicrobial effectiveness.
Light: Exposure to sunlight or UV radiation breaks down HOCl molecules, thereby reducing disinfecting power.
Time: HOCl has a limited shelf life decreasing in efficacy over its shelf life.
Metals: Contact with metals, particularly ferrous metals causes rapid degradation of the product, this is a particular consideration during manufacture and bottling.
Organic Materials: HOCl reacts with organic substances such as proteins
HOCl: vs pH
The acid mantle is a very thin, delicate, slightly acidic film, covering the entire surface of the body.
and other biological materials this again causes rapid degradation.
Storage and storage receptacle are crucial for maintaining efficacy for the duration of shelf life. Leucillin’s packaging is RPET plastic (minimum 30% recycled plastic material) containing a UV inhibitor impregnated for light protection. With storage instructions on the bottle label we have made every effort for our customer to maintain the quality and value of their Leucillin formulation.
What is the difference
between 99% and 99.99999%
efficacy?
Log Reduction stands for a 10-fold (one decimal) or 90% reduction in numbers of live bacteria. For example a wound containing 1 million bacteria after an application of a Log 7 99.99999% (maximum measurable reduction in bacterial load ie. Leucillin) none would survive, using a Log 2, 99% effective, out of your 1 million bacteria 10,000 will still survive to continue to grow and multiply contributing to microbial resistance and rendering the product potentially ineffective.
The higher the log reduction, the more efficacious the solution, therefore the higher bacterial kill rate and the resulting skin disinfection providing an optimum environment for tissue recovery.
Understanding the difference been a medicine and a biocide:
All antimicrobials claiming effectiveness in the reduction of pathogens are regulated as biocides. Products claiming to have a further physiological effect i.e. to treat or restore are categorised as a medicine, only registered medicines can make medicinal claims, therefore requiring a licensed medical professional to prescribe.
Leucillin is a registered biocide, this allows Leucillin’s easy access of purchase as an over the counter product, for first aid and all general skin disinfectant applications for both human and animal skincare.
Proving Efficacy as a biocide, EN Standards testing
EN testing is a globally recognised standard to determine disinfectant
efficacy of a product, Leucillin has been tested but not limited to the following EN standards with proven >Log 7 efficacy in the reduction of pathogens tested against:
EN13727, EN1656 EN 16437, EN16437, EN1657, EN14476, EN14476:2013
A2:2019 Annex A*
Who are biocides regulated by?
To maintain the integrity of the products purchased for health care purposes, in the UK these are regulated by governing bodies: HSE (Health and Safety Executive), VMD (Veterinary Medicines Directorate, an executive agency, sponsored by the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs) and MHRA (Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency).
Who is it made by vs. who was it sold by?
Beware of white label products. Companies producing products under white or private labels are common place, including biocides as well as electrolysis HOCl. As previously discussed HOCl is inherently unstable, relying on many of contributory factors, essential for maintaining its stability as a viable product. From a practical, regulatory and legal perspective, biocides marketed by third party companies have many concerns: The shelf life of a HOCl product begins at manufacture. If a solution is
manufactured for private label; when was it made vs. when was it bottled and distributed? Was a bulk bought quantity bottled at varying stages? Was it stored in temperature controlled, UV protective containers? Did the contract bottler understand the product’s instabilities and requirement for specialist equipment? Does the end user packaging protect the product?
Leucillin is British Technology, owned, manufactured, bottled and distributed globally, rigorously tested inhouse and by third party laboratories, with every batch made archived and available for testing. Leucillin is compliant with European Biocidal Products Regulations, is Type 3 Veterinary authorised and is additionally also Type 1 authorised for Human use; not only under the European Biocide Directive through BAuA Germany; and also by The UK HSE which is the appropriate governing body within the UK. Leucillin being developed, owned, manufactured and distributed by Lyvlee Ltd has all the necessary approvals to be sold and marketed. Leucillin in addition to the EBD is authorised by the FDA (USA), Canada Health, Saudi FDA and EPA New Zealand, exported to most European countries, plus Iceland, Canada, America, Singapore, Hong Kong and Saudi Arabia.
For further information or to request Leucillin’s safety data sheet which details of all EN pathogen test results please email info@leucillin.co.uk or call 0345 548 9800
Log reduction graphic
How to Save a Life
Welcome to our regular feature from Rachel Bean, where, after an unforgettable journey to china, teaching Canine First Aid at the Qinglan Canine Behaviour Centre, Rachel shares vital advice on what to do in the event of a collapse in the salon.
What an experience! The team at the Qinglan Canine Behaviour Centre were incredibly passionate about improving animal welfare and education in their community, and it was heartening to be part of such important work on an international stage.
While I was there, I also had the joy of spending time with a number of wonderful dogs—both owned and street dogs—each with their own stories and spirits. I couldn’t resist bringing along my camera to capture some of their characters which I hope you enjoy.
There’s something so moving about seeing dogs in different parts of the world—how their needs are the same, even if their circumstances are not.
Back here in the UK, I know many of you are gearing up for the springtime grooming rush—those muddy winter coats don’t de-shed themselves! Amid the clippers, shampoos, and drying tables, I want to pause and bring focus back to something that should be on every groomer’s radar.
This month, I’m sharing a vital advice that could literally save a life. Let’s talk about what to do in the event of a collapse in the salon.
1. If a dog has collapsed in the salon, slowly lift the dog onto a large towel or a blanket and make sure it’s strong enough to hold the full weight of the dog.
2. First, check vital signs – Is the dog breathing? Has the dog got a heartbeat? Has the dog got a pulse? Do you know how and where to check these?
3. If the dog has no vital signs you may have to start with CPR straight away – Do you know how to do CPR correctly?
4. Call the Vet – you should have Vet’s details close at hand and at all times.
5. Ask another staff member to call the owner and inform them of what has happened and that you are on the way to the Vet.
6. Carry the dog carefully to your vehicle and place it on the back seat or
boot area if suitable. If a staff member is available, they could help and come with you to continue CPR or monitor the dog’s condition.
Imagine this scenario – are you prepared? Are your staff prepared? Have you done rehearsals in your place of work?
As always, I want to emphasise that while reading tips like these is helpful, nothing replaces hands-on learning in a real-life first aid course. When an emergency strikes, instinct and confidence matter—and that only comes from proper training.
If you’re not yet qualified in Canine
First Aid, or if it’s been a while since your last session, I strongly encourage you to consider taking a refresher. Whether you’re a solo groomer or part of a large salon team, being prepared could mean the difference between life and death for a dog in your care.
You can find details of my upcoming courses, including in-person and online options, at www.rachelbean.co.uk. I’d love to welcome you to a course soon and help you build the skills that every dog professional should have.
Until next time—stay safe, stay prepared, and keep up the amazing work you’re doing for our four-legged friends.
cat were a complete stranger. Sound familiar? You also see this very often after coming back from the vets where again their scent profile has changed. Different smells, different chemicals, and the homecoming can get frosty, fast.
That’s why in my grooming practice, I always prioritise unscented or minimally scented products. Oatmeal is a gentle and cat-safe option if you do want a light scent, but otherwise, the less, the better. Cats are perfectly capable of smelling clean without needing to smell like a spa. And let’s not forget—cats will groom themselves (and each other) after a session, so any residue left on their fur is going straight into their mouth. That’s another reason to be incredibly cautious with ingredients and fragrances. Cats are a lot more sensitive to certain toxins than dogs and anything they have rubbed against or stepped in let alone been bathed in is likely to be ingested. Think about how toxic many types of lilies are to cats. They just have to brush past and get a little pollen on themselves for it to be potentially fatal.
So next time you’re browsing for wipes, sprays or shampoos, do the sniff test. If it smells strong to you, imagine what it must be like to your client’s cat. You might just decide it’s not worth the risk. It is also worth thinking about the smells in your grooming environment. I don’t recommend diffusers or air fresheners where possible as some cats can have a really nasty reaction to them if the space isn’t well ventilated. I don’t wear perfume or strong scents on my body when working either for the same reasons.
If you are also a dog groomer it is worth having separate cat friendly products to your standard dog ones. Think about the scents of the space you groom in and if you are going straight from a dog to a feline client. I only work with cats so I never have to worry about smelling of dogs (just many other cats!) and having cat only days is a great shout. I have taught cat grooming in a dog grooming salon and I have to say the wet dog smell is overpowering even to me so imagine bringing a new cat into that environment.
If you’re grooming for clients, it’s a fantastic opportunity to educate owners on this too. Many people genuinely don’t realise how different cats’ senses are, and explaining this small adjustment and
choosing low- or no-scent products can have a huge positive impact on a cat’s wellbeing, health and their relationships at home.
There are some smells that cats just can’t resist you can use as treats for after your grooming session as well. Valerian root in particular which can smell a little like stinky feet to humans is always a big hit with cats.
They love to roll in it and can get quite playful before the sedative side kicks in and they relax. Many cats have a similar reaction to catnip. Catnip is linked with a gene though so if a cat doesn’t have the
catnip gene then they show no reaction to it at all. Many cats like the smell of chamomile and peppermint too. I work on a self selection basis and offer a few scents to cats and see how they react. That is a whole other topic though!
So, as the pollen swirls and our own noses twitch, let’s use this as a reminder: in cat grooming, scent matters. Less is more, and a gentle, respectful approach will always be appreciated by our feline friends.
Wishing you all a peaceful and sneezefree spring!
Older boy Smokey has some pain conditions and chose to sit with some calendula which has anti inflammatory properties
Oolie - Showing how to relax post groom with some valerian root
Spock enjoying some valerian root after his groom. When working in clients homes I always ask them to provide a large towel rather than bringing my own. This way it doesn’t have the scent of other cats on it
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