GROOMING

Pawlished Pets Grooming with Darlie Krueger

South Side Animal Hospital is fortunate to have a full-time groomer with a wealth of experience as both a groomer and dog trainer. Darlie Krueger of Pawlished Pets has an amazing rapport with animals and works hard to make the grooming experience as pleasant as possible for you and your pet.

Why Regular Grooming Matters

Regular grooming is essential for maintaining your pet’s overall health, comfort, and hygiene. Professional grooming provides benefits that go far beyond looking good.

Health Benefits

  • Prevents and treats painful matting that pulls on the skin
  • Removes dirt and dead skin that can cause irritation
  • Leads to early detection of skin issues, ear infections, and parasites like fleas or lice
  • Promotes healthy coat oils for a shiny, beautiful coat
  • Reduces the risk of skin infections by keeping fur clean and dry

Nail Care Benefits

Regular nail trims:

  • Reduce the risk of breaking nails or catching on things
  • Improve mobility and comfort
  • Decrease the chance of scratching other pets or humans
  • Prevent painful overgrowth that can affect how your pet walks

Home Benefits

  • Less shedding in your home
  • Your pet smells fresh and clean
  • Reduced allergens in the home

Meet Darlie

Darlie has been with South Side Animal Hospital since January 2023 as our on-site groomer. She brings 14 years of grooming experience, with the last eight years working within a veterinary setting.

Working in a veterinary hospital allows Darlie to work with pets who have special needs and may require medical attention. Her previous career in Emergency Medical Services provided her with medical background knowledge and the ability to work under pressure.

Darlie has also studied dog behavior training, mentored by Cheri Lucas and Brian Agnew. This knowledge is used daily with pets who need some extra coaching through the grooming process. She understands that not every dog loves being groomed, and she uses positive, patient techniques to help anxious pets feel more comfortable.

Growing up on a small hobby farm, Darlie tended to cats, dogs, horses, chickens, ducks, geese, rabbits, and one pig. She has always had a pet under her care, so the move into grooming was a natural one.

Darlie’s little princess, Penny, comes to work with her every day (unless it is too cold outside, which Penny decides for herself after checking the weather).

Grooming Services

Darlie provides a full range of grooming services tailored to your pet’s coat type, age, and hygiene needs.

Full Grooming Packages

A complete grooming session includes:

  • Bath with high-quality shampoo and conditioner
  • Blow dry
  • Brush out and de-matting (if needed)
  • Haircut or trim based on breed or your preference
  • Nail trim
  • Ear cleaning
  • Sanitary trim
  • Teeth brushing (if tolerated)

Bath and Tidy

For pets who do not need a full haircut:

  • Bath
  • Blow dry and brush
  • Nail trim
  • Ear cleaning
  • Sanitary and paw pad trim

Add-On Services

  • Nail trim only
  • Nail grinding (for a smoother finish)
  • De-shedding treatment
  • Flea and tick shampoo
  • Medicated shampoo (for skin conditions)
  • Teeth brushing

Grooming for Pets with Special Needs

Working in a veterinary hospital allows Darlie to safely groom pets with medical conditions or behavioral challenges.

She has experience grooming:

  • Senior pets with mobility issues
  • Anxious or fearful pets
  • Pets with skin conditions requiring medicated baths
  • Pets recovering from illness or surgery
  • Pets with arthritis or pain

If your pet has special needs, please let us know when you book the appointment. Darlie will work with you and our veterinary team to create a grooming plan that keeps your pet safe and comfortable.

How Often Should My Pet Be Groomed?

Grooming frequency depends on:

  • Coat type (long-haired breeds need grooming more often)
  • Lifestyle (active outdoor pets get dirtier faster)
  • Shedding patterns
  • Individual needs (some pets have oily skin or ear issues)

General guidelines:

  • Long-haired breeds (Poodles, Shih Tzus, Yorkies, etc.): Every 4 to 6 weeks
  • Medium-haired breeds: Every 6 to 8 weeks
  • Short-haired breeds: Every 8 to 12 weeks or as needed
  • Cats (if they tolerate grooming): Every 8 to 12 weeks

Darlie can help you set up an appropriate grooming schedule based on your pet’s individual needs.