All About Dogs Professional Pet Styling Salon

by Karen Fetter

All About Dogs Professional Pet Styling Salon is the perfect name for this grooming salon located at 121 Post Avenue in New Stanton; because, it truly is all about dogs.

Special care and personal attention are given to each dog to make the experience as pleasant as possible. Owner Crystal Foschia believes in what she does and stays current with new products and supplies to give dogs the utmost care. The atmosphere is quiet, and dogs feel like kings and queens. 'During the time your dog is with us, he or she receives all of our attention,' said Crystal.

What does All About Dogs offer? A typical visit includes a shampoo, ear cleaning, and nail trimming. Specialty services include massage, exfoliating, and teeth cleaning as well as toenail painting and airbrush designs! Anything is possible to create that special look for your special dog.

Owners are welcome to stay and watch or they can drop the dogs off and arrange for a pickup time. Each dog's appointment lasts about two hours depending upon the breed. Dogs with more hair, like a sheep dog or poodle, can take longer.

There are two grooming rooms visible upon entering the facility. Once the dogs are finished, the dogs are kept behind a gate for safety. Crystal usually phones the owner about 20 minutes before everything is completed so the dogs do not have to wait long.

Larger dogs such as collies and golden retrievers can be accommodated by bathing them on the floor as opposed to the bathtub. However, Crystal has a hydraulic lift to get heavy dogs into the bathtub without any complications. Leashes and other restraints are used to make sure dogs do not fall and remain safe during the bath. If your dog is need of special tender loving care there are other services available.

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Common questions customers ask include:

What can I do about my dog's dry flaky skin? You should try the exfoliating treatment that uses a tropical exfoliate with crushed walnut shells.

How can I help my dog have a shiny, healthy coat? You need to try a hot oil treatment with a conditioner.

What can make my dog stand out? Try some of our extras that include teeth cleaning, airbrush designs, stencils, toenail painting, and eyeliner. And to complete the look All About Dogs has scarves, bows, and bandanas!

How often should dogs be groomed? Once a month or every six weeks helps maintain the look of the pet and it's a nice treat for the dog.

One service that many dog owners enjoy from All About Dogs is deshedding, which can help keep dog hair loss at a minimum. Crystal massages the dogs while they are being bathed to help loosen the hair. Then she uses a deshedding blade after the hair is dry. Crystal said she is even able to help show pet owners how to use the tool to help keep up the process at home.

Crystal also discusses how to comb your dog's hair and how to grow the hair to get a desired look. In fact, Crystal has a photo album of past and current dog hairstyles that she created to help people decide which look is best for their dog. She can also work from pictures that people find. She said it's a lot easier to discuss a style with a photo to consider instead of attempting to explain it in words.

Another popular service is flea treatments. The treatments are all natural and not at all harsh like a flea dip. The treatments are so safe that they can be used on puppies and kittens.

One service most dogs enjoy is when their hair is dried. After getting bathed, the groomer uses large hair dryers to dry the dog's hair. This helps keep the smell fragrant and fresh. In fact, Crystal says that she gets many compliments on the scent of her shampoos and conditioners. Clients are pleased and said the smell can last for nearly two weeks. Crystal sells the shampoos and treatments she uses along with combs and deshedding tools. In addition, a special doggy treat is given once your pet is ready to come home, that is, if you give permission.

It's best to call 724-925-1577 for an appointment because Crystal likes to devote all of her time to one dog at a time. Hours of operation are Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Within the next few months evening hours will be offered to accommodate those who work during the day.

Crystal loves dogs and feels like taking care of them is a skill she was born with. She opened All About Dogs two years ago. She says people in Westmoreland County and in the New Stanton area are wonderful and she gets referrals from current clients. The location is prime for her and for clients because it is located right off of the Pennsylvania Turnpike at New Stanton. The location is accessible for those coming from Pittsburgh and other areas. Crystal also keeps prices very reasonable so that all dogs can be treated.

Crystal learned a lot about the business from her mother who was also a dog groomer. Crystal is a qualified dog groomer who has established herself in the profession. She is a member of the 2006 National Dog Groomers Association of America, the Humane Society of the United States, the American Society of Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, and is certified for pet first aid through the Red Cross. Crystal is committed to the well-being of pets, especially dogs. She recommends that people find out how to take care of a pet or what type of care is needed for a certain pet before committing to it so it will decrease the need for shelters and abuse. This way pets will be received and welcomed into homes. Give your dog a special treat this month and schedule an appointment with All About Dogs Professional Pet Styling Salon by calling 724-925-1577.