Caroline - Glamour Pooch

Since leaving high school, my education and career have been deeply rooted in the animal world, whether working with horses, dogs, or both. I’ve always felt a special connection to animals and a passion for their well-being. After earning my BSc (Hons) in Animal Behaviour and Welfare, I began working in a veterinary laboratory within the biochemistry department. There, I learned from veterinary pathologists about test results and RSPCA cases. It was an invaluable experience, but I realised that working in a laboratory wasn’t my true calling. Luck struck when I saw an advertisement for a lecturer position in animal care at a land-based college. I was fortunate to land the role and subsequently completed my Postgraduate Certificate in Education. I eventually became the assistant head of the centre, overseeing its redevelopment and expanding the course offerings for students. This phase of my career introduced me to dog grooming, which quickly became a passion. I invested in training to teach students, but my desire to pursue this field full-time grew stronger. Eventually, I took the leap, resigned from my position, and opened my own grooming salon. I opened Glamour Pooch Dog Grooming Salon in Kirkham about 15 years ago. We are well established in the community, but I recently decided to evolve the business beyond styling alone and introduce a whole-body approach to dog well-being that now includes Emmi-pet teeth cleaning.

I wanted to move forward with the times and offer more than just grooming. My teeth cleaning felt like a natural next step for a wellness-focused salon — but I wanted to do it properly. I first considered adding teeth care back in 2018–2019 but held off because I didn’t feel the training available gave me the confidence to move forward with it. After completing training with The Dog Tooth Fairy, I gained the confidence and knowledge to integrate teeth cleaning into my salon services.

The training was the turning point. I started using it on my two standard poodles, Walt and Disney. While I initially used various teeth health products to maintain their dental hygiene, I found it wasn't enough until I started using Emmi-Pet. 

While I initially used various teeth health products to maintain their dental hygiene, I found it wasn't enough until I started using Emmi-pet. The improvement in their dental and gum health has been remarkable, and the difference is so clear. I truly believe this will help keep their teeth healthy and hopefully prevent the need for dental vet visits in the future. Since introducing the service, I have seen clear benefits. Financially, teeth cleaning has created an extra revenue stream. More importantly, the health improvements are so clear to see that many dogs now have visibly cleaner teeth and healthier gums after just a few sessions. Introducing a new service has meant some extra conversations with owners. I always emphasise that teeth cleaning is a It's not a magic quick fix. It’s a preventative, ongoing care plan. We’re not vets, and we don’t replace veterinary treatment. Some dogs are understandably wary at first, so I use positive reinforcement and gentle handling to help them settle. By the second session, they often lie down and relax. That calmness not only makes treatments easier, but it also shows the dogs themselves are more comfortable, an important sign that the cleaning is improving how they feel, not just how they look. Some owners expect dramatic results after just one appointment, so I take time to explain realistic outcomes and the importance of maintenance. I provide advice on at home care and offer Emmi-pet leaflets to help owners understand why early, regular attention prevents more serious problems later.