TV Dog Expert Victoria Stilwell Warns Owners Over 'Dangerous' Training Advice Online
The star of It’s Me or the Dog has warned that viral videos can disguise fear and emotional shutdown as obedience, putting dogs and their families at risk.
TV dog expert Victoria Stilwell has spoken out about the dangers of unqualified social media trainers promoting punishment, intimidation and supposed “quick fixes” to struggling pet owners.
The Certified Dog Behaviour Consultant and host of global TV sensation It’s Me or the Dog warned that a large online following should never be mistaken for professional expertise.
Britain’s dog-training industry remains unregulated, meaning anyone can legally describe themselves as a trainer or behaviourist, regardless of their qualifications, experience or understanding of animal welfare.
Experts fear this lack of oversight has created fertile ground for self-styled trainers to share dramatic transformation videos without revealing the effect their methods have had on a dog’s emotional wellbeing.
Victoria Stilwell, Certified Dog Behaviour Consultant and host of It’s Me or the Dog, said: “Social media can be a wonderful place to learn, but it has also given a platform to self-proclaimed experts who have little understanding of canine behaviour.
“A large following is not a qualification, and a dramatic transformation captured in a 30-second video tells you nothing about how that dog is feeling.
“Before following advice, ask who is giving it, what education they have and whether their methods are supported by modern behavioural science.”
Victoria said one of the most troubling online trends was the presentation of frightened or emotionally shut-down dogs as calm and obedient.
She said: “One of the greatest dangers online is that fear and emotional shutdown are being presented as obedience.
“A dog who suddenly becomes still after being frightened, physically restrained or punished has not necessarily learned anything positive. They may simply be too scared to respond.
“Suppressing behaviour might make an impressive before-and-after video, but it does not address why the behaviour was happening and can make the underlying problem much worse.”
The warning comes as millions of families across Britain struggle with their dogs’ behaviour.
Recent estimates of the UK dog population vary, with Dogs Trust research suggesting there are around 13 million dogs, while UK Pet Food’s 2026 survey put the figure as high as 15.5 million.
According to the Dogs Trust National Dog Survey 2025, 90 per cent of owners experienced at least one behavioural problem with their dog during the previous year.
Common difficulties included pulling on the lead, poor recall, barking, fear, reactivity and distress when left alone.
But people searching online for help can encounter a bewildering mixture of conflicting advice, often presented by individuals whose knowledge and practical skills have never been independently assessed.
Victoria warned that advice which appears to have worked for one animal could be entirely unsuitable for another.
She said: “There is no universal training hack that will work for every dog. Behaviour is communication, and the same outward problem can be caused by fear, pain, frustration, anxiety or an unmet need.
“Applying advice from a video without understanding the individual dog is a bit like taking somebody else’s prescription medicine: it might be completely inappropriate and could cause real harm.
“If a problem is serious, seek help from a qualified, positive trainer or veterinary behaviour professional.”
The Animal Behaviour and Training Council has previously warned Parliament that incompetent behaviour work can cause mental suffering and make existing problems worse.
The Blue Cross has also cautioned that inexperienced trainers are increasingly using social media to spread bad and potentially dangerous advice.
Victoria urged owners to be particularly wary of trainers who claim dogs must be dominated or frightened into submission.
She said: “If an online trainer tells you that you must dominate your dog, become the ‘alpha’, frighten them or cause discomfort to gain respect, that is a huge red flag.
“Dogs do not need to be bullied into behaving. Effective training teaches them what we want them to do while
building confidence, trust and emotional stability.
“Kindness is not weakness, and there is simply no excuse for using pain, fear or intimidation in the name of training.”
Behavioural difficulties are among the leading reasons dogs are relinquished to rescue organisations, with some animals losing their homes after families feel they have exhausted every option.
Experts believe many of those relationships might be saved if guardians receive appropriate, evidence-led support before problems escalate into a crisis.
Pet Remedy and Companion Animal Wellness have launched Ask the Professional, a service giving dog and cat guardians affordable access to experienced, qualified behaviour professionals who offer humane, welfare-centred guidance.
The service is intended to cut through the confusion surrounding online advice and help families understand what their animals are communicating.
Andrew Hale, emotional wellbeing expert at Pet Remedy, said: “When people are worried about their animals, they need compassionate, individual guidance rather than a viral training formula which takes no account of the animal in front of them.
“Behaviour does not happen in isolation. We need to consider the animal’s emotional experience, physical health, environment, relationships and unmet needs before deciding how best to support them.
“That is why services such as Ask the Professional are so important. They give guardians access to experienced, qualified professionals who will listen without judgement and offer humane, welfare-centred guidance before difficulties reach crisis point.
“Seeking help should never feel like an admission of failure. It is one of the most responsible and caring things a guardian can do.”
Junior Hudson, of Companion Animal Wellness, said: “Guardians are being bombarded with confident-sounding advice, but confidence on camera is not the same as competence.
“A guardian may follow a viral video believing they are doing the right thing, only to see their dog become more fearful, defensive or shut down. Advice should always be given, and taken, with the individual dog in mind. By the time they reach an experienced, qualified professional, both the dog and the family may be in crisis.
“No dog should lose their home because their guardian was unable to distinguish credible help from harmful online opinion. We urgently need higher standards, greater accountability and much clearer direction for guardians on accessing help they can trust.”
The UK Dog Behaviour and Training Charter, supported by both Companion Animal Wellness and Pet Remedy, has also highlighted the difficulties owners face when trying to find appropriately accredited professionals.
The Charter brings together leading behaviour and training membership organisations under a shared code of conduct, ethics and methodology.
Its signatories commit to modern, science-led and positive approaches, alongside transparent complaints procedures and professional accountability.
Concern about misleading advice comes as the RSPCA’s Kindness Index 2026 found animal welfare was Britain’s second most important cause, with almost a third of people placing it among their three greatest concerns.
Zooomy Returns to PATS for a Second Year – Showcasing Massive Growth, Veterinary Innovation and Its New Mobility Tracking App
Zooomy, the fast rising veterinary developed joint care supplement for dogs and cats, is returning to PATS 2026 (Stand O2) for its second consecutive year—this time with even greater momentum, a significantly expanded customer base, and the launch of its pioneering mobility tracking web app.
Developed by veterinary surgeons Humphrey and Joanna Grimmett, Zooomy has rapidly become one of the UK’s most disruptive joint support brands. Zooomy is a ground breaking health supplement for dogs and cats which is designed to support their joint care using “long chain Hyaluronic Acid as the key ingredient. This science-backed formula has reshaped expectations of joint care for pets and established Zooomy as a real alternative to glucosamine, chondroitin and short chain HA products.
A Year of Exceptional Growth
Zooomy’s second appearance at PATS comes on the back of extraordinary commercial performance:
Since launching in May 2024, Zooomy has grown quickly and consistently, with sales this year running 40% ahead of last. That growth comes from a steady flow of new customers, and repeat customers who keep coming back for more. A large and growing share of owners now buy on subscription, and the majority of customers reorder several times over. August 2026 was the company's strongest month to date and Zooomy now serves many thousands of dog and cat owners across the UK through its own website and Amazon. Much of that reach has come through word of mouth in raw-feeding communities and senior-dog groups, and through recommendations from physiotherapists, hydrotherapists and behaviourists, which has helped establish Zooomy as a trusted name in mobility support.
Zooomy has evolved from a newcomer to one of the fastest growing joint support products in the UK. Its second year at PATS marks a major milestone in its national expansion.
Introducing the Zooomy Mobility Tracking App
Zooomy’s presence at PATS 2026 will spotlight its new digital innovation: the Zooomy mobility tracking web app, designed to help owners monitor their dog’s joint health over time. The app strengthens Zooomy’s identity as a knowledge led mobility brand.
This digital tool offers retailers and professionals a new way to engage customers and reinforce long term mobility care.
Veterinary Led, Science Driven Joint Support
Zooomy’s long chain Hyaluronic Acid formula replenishes depleted HA levels in joint fluid—an issue that can reach up to 90% depletion in older, severely diseased joints. The mega chain HA is produced via microbial fermentation, ensuring purity, consistency and suitability for pets with allergies or sensitivities.
The liquid is odourless and tasteless making it ideal for fussy eaters and is administered by a syringe to the mouth which avoids the battle with pills, powders and chews.
Award Winning Brand Recognition
Zooomy’s second year at PATS follows a series of industry accolades:
- Finalist: Pet Industry Federation Awards 2025
- Finalist: Pet Product Marketing Retail Awards 2026
- Winner: Branding Award – Veterinary Marketing Association Awards 2026
The VMA win highlights Zooomy’s standout identity, scientific clarity and veterinary credibility.
Deepening Community Loyalty
Zooomy has cultivated strong loyalty among raw feeding communities, senior dog owners, physiotherapists, hydrotherapists and behaviourists. The brand’s affiliate programme gives professionals access to veterinary guidance, ensuring recommendations are based on welfare and science—not trends.
Zooomy’s vet team provides direct Q&A support, responding to every query and comment. As Humphrey says, “we are always on call to help.”
Sustainable, Responsible, Evidence Based
All Zooomy packaging is fully recyclable, including PET bottles, HDPE syringes and recyclable cardboard. Ethical sourcing and evidence based education remain central to the brand’s mission.
Zooomy at PATS 2026 – What Visitors Will See
At this year’s show, Zooomy will present:
- The Zooomy mobility tracking app
- Live veterinary led demonstrations of HA joint support
- Senior dog mobility guidance
- Trade and stockist partnership opportunities
- Affiliate programme information
- Exclusive PATS offers for retailers
Zooomy’s second year at PATS marks a new phase in its national growth—cementing its position as one of the UK’s most exciting, scientifically credible and fast advancing pet health brands.
Britain's Pet Nutrition Blind Spot: 1 in 4 Haven't Checked if Their Pet's Food Meets Their Needs
Millions of UK pet owners could be feeding their dog or cat a diet that no longer meets their nutritional needs, without realising it, according to new research from Pets at Home.
Despite 85% of dog and cat owners believing they are providing the best possible nutrition for their pet, one in four (25%) - equivalent to 3.4 million owners - have either never reviewed their pet's food (14%) or can't remember the last time they checked it was still meeting their pet's needs (11%).
The findings reveal a growing pet nutrition blind spot, with many owners confidently sticking to the same food even though a pet's nutritional requirements can change over time.
The research also found that one in ten (10%) owners don't know how their pet's nutritional needs change as they get older, while 9% wouldn't know the signs that it's time to review their pet's diet. More than one in ten (11%) say they don't actively seek nutrition advice from anywhere.
Dr Samantha Butler-Davies, MRCVS, Veterinary Director at Pets at Home, says: "Owners care more about their pets' nutrition than ever before. We're seeing many of the same trends that have shaped human nutrition, from tailored diets to functional ingredients, making their way into pet food too. But with more products, more claims and more advice online than ever, it's understandable that choosing the right food can feel overwhelming.
Every pet is different, with many variants like breed and exercise levels affecting what nutrition your pet needs. What suits them at one stage of life might also not be the best fit later. That's why it's important to review their diet regularly, particularly as they grow older or if you notice changes to their weight, appetite, behaviour or health. Our Petcare Advisors are on hand in store to help owners cut through the confusion and find the right nutrition for their pet's individual needs."
While vets remain the nation's most trusted source of nutrition advice, with almost a third (32%) of owners turning to them first, advice has become far more fragmented, with owners relying on pet food packaging (11%), friends and family (9%), pet retailers (8%), online articles (7%), brand websites (5%) and social media (5%).
The findings also highlight why owners may struggle to stay on top of their pet's nutrition; 15% say there are simply too many pet food options to choose from, 10% feel there's too much conflicting advice available, 9% find information online confusing, and 7% struggle to even understand pet food labels.
Despite appearing confident, two in three (60%) admit they're not completely confident they are feeding their pet the right food. Pets at Home is debunking some of the biggest pet nutrition myths:
- Myth: Grain-free is always healthier.
- Reality: Most healthy dogs can digest grains well, and they provide valuable energy, fibre, vitamins and minerals.
- Advice: Don't focus on a single ingredient. Compare the overall nutritional value and quality of the complete diet.
- Myth: Raw is always best.
- Reality: Raw diets can be a great option when they're complete, balanced and handled safely, but they aren't automatically healthier than other high-quality diets.
- Advice: Compare all feeding options based on nutritional balance, food safety and what best suits your pet's individual needs.
- Myth: Science-led diets are only for pets with health problems.
- Reality: Many are designed to support everyday health and wellbeing at every stage of a pet's life, not just manage illness.
- Advice: Look for diets developed to support your pet's life stage, lifestyle and long-term wellbeing, not just the latest feeding trend.
- Myth: Home-cooked meals are always the healthiest option.
- Reality: Without careful planning, home-cooked diets can lack essential nutrients that pets need to thrive.
- Advice: If you're thinking about home cooking, seek professional nutritional advice, to help ensure your pet gets everything they need.
Pet owners can access tailored nutrition advice from trained Pet Care Advisors in every Pets at Home store, while any concerns relating to weight management, health conditions or other medical matters should be discussed with a veterinary professional.
Jo Wallace tells us about her online seminar Happy Cat, Happy Groomer™
- What do you think is the biggest misconception owners have about cat grooming, and how do you help educate them?
Owners generally don't know how to handle their own cats and also they will groom the top line of the cat which is the main part of the body however they will forget the underneath areas that can become matted on longer haired cats. We help owners by advising them on the tools that they should use and also how to hold their cats in certain positions where the cat is feeling comfortable so most owners will want to pin the cat down to be able to groom them and UK cats actually hate being restrained
- What signs of stress or discomfort do you look for when grooming cats, and how do you adapt your approach when you see them?
Cats show their stress in different ways it can be part of their body communication with key stress indicators such as their ears eyes tail and body movement it can be vocal stress indicators that can cause the cat to meow or hiss. They can become aggressive as part of the fight and flight process which can be difficult for groomers to manage however if you solve the cat's problems and its stress indicators it will be a lot easier for groomers to manage the cat and their behavior and we do this with enrichment treats and a home from home experience
- Have you noticed any changes in the demand for professional cat grooming in recent years, and what do you think is driving that growth?
The cat grooming industry is growing this is due to the fact that people are buying more cats so cat ownership is on the rise as cats are easier to keep indoors so we have seen a rise in Maine Coons, ragdolls and persians for example where owners are buying dog like cats to have in their homes as pets however they are not equipped to groom them. The cat grooming industry has grown there are more cat groomers now and there are more grooming tutors and there's a recognition of the fact that cats need specific grooming and it is totally different to dog grooming therefore training has become at the forefront of the grooming industry. I have been working with iPET Network to develop our cat grooming training and also promote it to dog groomers and dispel the myths that cats are all aggressive, this is simply not true most will just sit and let you brush them, if you handle them correctly.
What grooming tools, techniques or products do you find most effective when working with cats, and why?
It has become hard to find products and tools for cat grooming specifically therefore I have put together a shop for my students to be able to purchase products all in one place the most important thing about cat grooming products is that they are tested on cats and they are a natural product, due to the cats licking their own fur we have to be really careful with what we put on them also they have a different pH level to dogs as well as humans. Product wise I use Milla and Max and I use Colin Taylor scissors and combs as well as Chris Christian products. I particularly like Unicorn powder that freshens the coat but also detangles and degreases taking out any debris from the coat and as this is combed and brushed through it comes out of the coat therefore not leaving much residual product on the coat
- Are there any products, innovations or specialist tools that have become particularly popular with feline groomers, and why?
Milla and Max products are really good for cats it's a nice product and they are very interested in the cat's coat and skin as well as the welfare of the cat they believe in welfare driven cat grooming which is also in line with my ethics for cat grooming and I am one of their cat grooming ambassadors in the UK and I also sell their products
- Looking ahead, what developments or innovations would you like to see in the cat grooming sector over the next few years?
I have produced a seminar, an online cat grooming seminar for groomers called happy cat happy groomer™ I would like to see more cat grooming training options and online seminars for dog groomers as well as cat groomers to support welfare lead grooming very much in a similar the way we talk about holistic grooming for dog groomers cats require their own handling methods and I would love to see us move away from restraints in the future I always trying to treat every cat as an individual understand it and what the owners requirements are and deliver a grooming experience that suits that individual cat one size doesn't fit all and it would be great to see some more seminars come to market for Catwoman that represent this.
To find out more visit https://jwpetservices.com/happy-cat%2C-happy-groomer%E2%84%A2
The Paws Lab Secures New Retail Stockist Wins as Demand for Daily Pet Hygiene Innovation Accelerates
The Paws Lab, the fast‑rising newcomer transforming the daily pet care and hygiene category, has announced a series of new retail stockist wins as demand grows for its patented SilverTi+ technology and modern approach to everyday pet wellbeing.
The new partnerships significantly expand access to The Paws Lab’s range of simple, effective and science‑led hygiene products, designed to support both professional groomers and pet parents at home. This follows the brand’s recent listing with Mutneys, one of the UK’s leading distributors to the grooming industry, marking another milestone in its rapid growth trajectory.
The new stockists include:
- YoHome - Major Chinese lifestyle supermarket over 8 prime locations in London
- 69b Pet Boutique in London
- Mutt and Hound Dog Grooming in Wellingborough and Knuston
- Maya Grooming, Westhampstead, London
- Lily’s Club, in both Wood Green and Harrow
At the heart of The Paws Lab’s range is SilverTi+, a patented formulation combining nano silver and titanium dioxide. This advanced antimicrobial technology delivers superior protection compared to traditional colloidal silver — a breakthrough that is already resonating strongly with retailers seeking credible, high‑performance solutions for their customers. “The Paws Labs’ products are designed to support daily care at home and complement the work of professional groomers,” the brand states in its product overview. “All formulas are fragrance‑free, alcohol‑free and free from harsh chemicals,” making them suitable even for pets with sensitive skin.
The new retail partners will now offer The Paws Lab’s full daily‑care portfolio, including ear and skin cleansers, dental care, tear‑stain and daily cleansing wipes, dry shampoo and coat‑protection products — all validated by leading global laboratories including FDA, Microbac Laboratories and SGS.
Co‑founder Daniel Fernandez says the momentum reflects a clear shift in what modern pet owners expect from everyday hygiene products: “Daily pet care should feel safe, effective and easy to maintain at home. Retailers are recognising that customers want products that are both scientifically credible and genuinely practical for real life.”
Co‑founder Andre Goon adds: “We’re building The Paws Lab with a long‑term vision — to become a trusted name in modern pet hygiene. These new stockist partnerships help us bring that mission to more homes across the UK.”
With the UK pet hygiene market valued at USD 1.15–1.24 billion in 2024, and forecast to grow at 4.8%–6.7% CAGR through 2030, retailers are increasingly seeking brands that combine innovation, credibility and commercial opportunity. The Paws Lab’s premium positioning, modern presentation and strong customer reviews make it a compelling addition to shelves nationwide.
As the business continues to scale, The Paws Lab remains focused on its core mission: to simplify daily pet hygiene without compromising on quality, credibility or care.
For further information, visit www.thepawslab.co
The College of Animal Welfare is set to launch a new annual campaign celebrating the dog grooming profession this July.
Dog Grooming Awareness Month (DGAM) aims to shine a spotlight on the vital role dog groomers play in supporting the health, comfort and wellbeing of dogs, as well as raise awareness of the training and career opportunities available within the industry.
The month-long campaign aims to bring together groomers, students, employers and dog owners to celebrate the dog grooming profession and support its continued growth. Throughout July, participants will be encouraged to share their experiences, promote the benefits of professional dog grooming and help inspire the next generation of groomers.
The theme for the inaugural campaign is Love Dog Grooming, celebrating everything that makes dog grooming such an important and fulfilling profession. Throughout the month, the campaign will highlight the skill, dedication and creativity involved in every groom, alongside the positive impact groomers have on dogs and their owners.
Taking part in Dog Grooming Awareness Month
To support the campaign, a range of free resources have been developed for groomers, training providers and employers to use throughout July. These resources can be shared on social media, displayed in salons, or used at careers events and open days to help spotlight the profession.
Dog groomers are also encouraged to get involved online by sharing their work, experiences and career journeys using the hashtag #DogGroomingAwarenessMonth. Campaign content will be shared throughout the month across the college’s social media channels, helping to raise awareness of the profession and the opportunities available within it.
For those considering a career in dog grooming, or existing groomers looking to develop their skills, Dog Grooming Awareness Month also provides an opportunity to explore the wide range of training and professional development options available within the industry.
Lesley Wilson, Head of Animal Care at The College of Animal Welfare, said: "Dog groomers make an enormous contribution to the health and wellbeing of dogs. Dog Grooming Awareness Month is an opportunity to celebrate the skill and dedication that groomers bring to their work every day, while encouraging more people to consider a career in this rewarding industry.” She added: “We hope the campaign will help raise awareness of the profession and inspire groomers across the UK and beyond to share what they love most about their work."
Further information about Dog Grooming Awareness Month, including free campaign resources, can be found on the college’s website at www.caw.ac.uk/dgam
GroomScore Launches as the Global Home for Dog Grooming Competitions and Seminars
United Kingdom — GroomScore, the fast-growing platform powering competitive dog grooming results, judging and rankings across the UK, Ireland and Europe, today announced a major expansion of its team features. The release introduces dedicated hubs for all four UK & Irish national groom teams and a new Teams subscription tier built for salons, distributors and grooming academies.
Four nations, one home
Until now, GroomScore’s team coverage centred on Groom Team England, with live points scraped automatically from groomteamengland.com. The new “Groom Teams” hub brings England, Wales, Scotland and Ireland together under a single, easy-to-navigate page — each with its own branding, social links, news updates and current team roster.
- Groom Team England — live points board, member badges, and points-claim workflow.
- Groom Team Wales — dedicated landing page, branding, and current member directory.
- Groom Team Scotland — the home for Scottish team news and rosters.
- Groom Team Ireland — representing Irish groomers on the international stage.
Each nation has its own dedicated team manager role on GroomScore, allowing the team’s leadership to add or remove current members directly. Members earn an official “Current Team Member” badge that appears on their public groomer profile, linking the wider grooming community back to the people behind each national flag.
“Groomers don’t compete for one country in isolation — we’re a community spread across these islands. Bringing all four national teams together in one place finally reflects how the sport actually feels at a show.”
— GroomScore Founder
Introducing GroomScore Teams
Alongside the national rollout, GroomScore is launching a new Teams subscription aimed at companies that field multiple groomers — salons, distributors, academies and product brands.
- £15 / month or £150 / year per team.
- Manager-led checkout: one billing relationship covers the whole roster.
- Branded team profile page with logo, bio, social links and member directory.
- Aggregated team leaderboard — results and rankings combined across every member.
- New “Teams by Country” and “Global” leaderboards for international visibility.
Teams join the existing GroomScore line-up of personal subscriptions: £7/month or £150/year for individual groomers, plus dedicated £5/month Judge Training and £12/month Pro Training tiers for educators and seminar leaders.
Why this matters now
Competitive grooming has grown rapidly across Europe, with more shows, more judges and more international travel than ever. GroomScore exists to give that sport the digital backbone it deserves — verified results, transparent judging feedback, and a single profile that follows a groomer through every show, every season.
The Teams release closes the loop for the businesses behind those competitors, giving brands and academies a clean, branded way to celebrate and support their groomers without spreadsheets, screenshots or ad-hoc social posts.
Built for the whole sport
GroomScore now powers an end-to-end ecosystem for competitive grooming:
- Live results entry, judging sheets and show packs for organisers.
- Multi-language judge feedback with a 5-category, 10-point scoring system.
- Automatic Golden Scissor Awards tracking and a public GSA hall of fame.
- EGA integration with daily sync from European events.
- Verified profiles, before/after class photos and competitor portfolios.
- Personal vanity URLs at groomscore.co.uk/your-name.
- Show Planner with checklists, judge invites, vendors and budgeting.
- Email + push notifications, results sharing cards, and printable forms.
“We’re building one platform that respects how complex this sport really is — and how proud groomers are of the teams, countries and salons they represent.”
— GroomScore Founder
Availability
Both the new national team hubs and the GroomScore Teams subscription are live now at groomscore.co.uk. National team managers can be appointed by the GroomScore team for any of the four UK & Irish national teams. Existing personal subscribers do not need to do anything — the new Groom Teams hub is available to every signed-in user. Visit www.groomscore.co.uk for more information.
The Paws Lab introduces new Pet Tear Stain Wipes with revolutionary SilverTi+ technology.
London-based, The Paws Lab has introduced a new range of tear stain wipes for dogs which are designed to provide a gentle and effective solution for removing unsightly tear stains and build-up around the eyes. Infused with advanced antimicrobial ingredients, Pet Tear Stain Wipes help maintain a clean, fresh face without irritation, even for the most sensitive pets.
Wiping a dog's eyes is a vital part of home grooming that supports both their comfort and long-term health. While some "eye gunk" is normal, regular cleaning prevents several health issues and helps you monitor your pet's well-being. It helps to prevent infection by removing trapped dirt, dust, and pollen which can cause irritation and lead to bacterial or fungal infections if left to accumulate around the eye. It removes uncomfortable dried discharge (rheum) which can become hard and crusty, which is painful for a dog and can eventually cause skin irritation or dermatitis underneath the buildup. It removes red or brown stains which are caused by porphyrins in tears that oxidise when exposed to air. Routine cleaning also makes you familiar with what is normal for your dog, allowing you to quickly spot signs of redness, cloudiness, or abnormal discharge that require a vet's attention. Some flat-faced breeds like Pugs and Bulldogs have shallow eye sockets and skin folds that trap moisture and debris, often making daily cleaning essential.
Formulated with SilverTi+ – a combination of nano silver and titanium dioxide together with, deionized water. aloe extract and vitamin E, The Paws Lab®, has taken pet care to the next level with their new Tear Stain Wipes which offer antibacterial and antifungal protection while targeting the root causes of tear stains. The soft, alcohol-free formula gently lifts away tear residue, dirt, and debris, helping to prevent staining and reduce the risk of irritation or infection. Perfect for daily use, these wipes are safe, soothing, and specially designed for the delicate eye area.
For further information please visit: www.thepawslab.co
April Issue 'Groomer of the Month'
Kelly Davis, owner of KD Grooming Studio, is our April Groomer of the Month. From early hands-on experience to building a business rooted in trust, education, and wellbeing, Kelly shares her journey, her mentors, and her passion for shaping a more professional, respected grooming industry.
How did you first get started in grooming, and what inspired you to choose this as your career path?
I first got started in grooming through work experience at Canine Design with Lesley, just three weeks into my journey working with dogs, being hands-on in a real salon environment gave me early exposure to the skill, care, patience, and trust required in professional grooming. At the end of those three weeks, I was offered a job, which confirmed for me that grooming wasn’t just a job, but a career path I wanted to fully commit to and grow within.
Have you had any stand-out mentors along the way?
I’ve been lucky to have some truly special mentors along my journey. My dad was my very first mentor and my biggest supporter throughout my business career. Losing him last year was incredibly hard, but his guidance, encouragement, and belief in me still shape everything I do. His influence will always be a part of my journey.
Professionally, I’ve also had the benefit of learning from highly respected industry mentors, including Lesley Garrett, Julie Harris, and Denise Westbrook. Each of them has contributed to my development in different ways, helping to shape my skills, confidence, and professional standards over the years.
Can you walk us through how you run your business day to day—what makes your salon or service unique?
My business is built on quality, education, and meeting the individual needs of each pet. Every day is designed to ensure dogs and cats are groomed in a calm, respectful environment, with their comfort and wellbeing always the top priority. What truly sets my salon apart is the focus on building trust—with both pets and their owners—and the commitment to teaching and mentoring students, all while providing a grooming service with caring, attentive customer care.
What have been some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced in your grooming career or business, and how have you overcome them?
Like many groomers, balancing the physical demands of the job with running a business is tough—especially in today’s climate. On top of that, maintaining high standards while teaching clients and students adds another layer of challenge. I tackle this by continuously learning, streamlining my processes, and surrounding myself with supportive professionals who are as committed to growth and education as I am.
What do you love most about being a pet groomer, and what keeps you passionate about the work?
What I love most is the bond I build with every dog and cat I groom—earning their trust is incredibly special. I’m also passionate about the skill and creativity involved in grooming, while always prioritizing the health and wellbeing of every pet. Helping students learn the craft, grow in confidence, and build their own successful grooming businesses is just as rewarding as the grooming itself.
What tips or lessons would you share with aspiring groomers to help them build both their skills and confidence?
Knowledge is everything. Never stop learning, whether that’s breed standards, handling techniques, animal behaviour, or business skills. Confidence comes with education, experience, and being open to growth.
Where do you see the grooming industry heading in the next few years, and how do you plan to evolve alongside it?
I hope to see more regulation, education, and professional development within the industry. As grooming continues to evolve, I plan to evolve with it, by continuing to educate myself and others, adapting to higher standards, and helping shape a more informed and respected grooming profession.
