Why is regular dog maintenance important for my pet’s health?

Routine dog maintenance helps prevent painful matting, overgrown nails, ear infections, excessive shedding, and skin problems before they become serious health concerns. Regular grooming also allows trained professionals to spot early signs of lumps, parasites, or irritation.

How often should my dog receive maintenance grooming?

Most dogs benefit from maintenance grooming every 4–6 weeks, depending on their breed, coat type, and lifestyle. Consistent appointments help keep coats healthy, reduce shedding, and make grooming less stressful over time.

Do you work with anxious or behaviorally sensitive dogs?

Absolutely. Barks & Bows Pet Spa is known throughout Chillicothe and Ross County for working with anxious, fearful, and behaviorally challenging dogs. We use calm, compassionate handling techniques to create a safe and positive experience.

What is included in a dog maintenance appointment?

Our maintenance appointments include a full bath, breed-specific brushing and de-shedding, nail trimming and Dremeling, paw pad care, ear cleaning, and teeth brushing. Additional wellness-focused services like ultrasonic toothbrushing and anal gland expression are also available.

Can regular maintenance help with shedding and matting?

Yep. Regular brushing and de-shedding treatments are especially important for double-coated breeds and long-haired dogs. Consistent maintenance helps prevent painful mats, reduces loose hair in your home, and keeps your dog more comfortable year-round.

What makes Barks & Bows different from other dog grooming salons?

Barks & Bows combines nearly 30 years of grooming experience with Certified K9 Aesthetician expertise focused on skin, coat, and wellness care. We’re also known for transparent recommendations, accessibility, LGBTQ+ inclusivity, and specialized care for anxious pets.

Dog Grooming & Maintenance | Chillicothe, OH

Proper dog maintenance is not just about looks. At Barks & Bows Pet Spa, we treat grooming as a health necessity for your cherished companion. Our full- baths, skin-friendly shampoos, and breed-specific brushing routines help manage coat health, minimize matting, and reduce the risk of skin issues and infections. Regular nail trimming and paw pad care keep your dog comfortable and safe, especially on hardwood floors. By focusing on routine maintenance, we help prevent problems like painful matting, ear infections, and dental disease. Our certified team identifies early signs of lumps, parasites, or skin changes during every session, ensuring your pet gets the attention they deserve. Whether your dog is a double-coated breed blowing their coat, a senior with mobility concerns, or a puppy getting used to the grooming environment, we make maintenance a positive, stress-free experience. Our Chillicothe location serves families from Waverly and Circleville who value wellness-first care.

Trust is earned through experience and results. Our owner, Stacia Schaffer, has been grooming since 1995 and leads a certified team focused on skin and coat science. As the only Certified K9 Aesthetician in Chillicothe, Stacia ensures every maintenance is grounded in medical knowledge and animal welfare. Our spa is known for welcoming dogs that other grooming shops turn away, especially anxious pets and those with behavioral challenges. We use premium products, like Hydra, for sensitive skin and allergies, and practice pain-free techniques for ear cleaning and nail care. Our commitment to wellness extends to every detail, from using a new toothbrush for each dog to offering ultrasonic toothbrushing for advanced tartar removal. We are women-owned, LGBTQ+ friendly, and fully accessible, providing a safe and affirming space for all families. Clients routinely travel from across Ross County for our unique combination of technical skill, empathy, and honesty.

Each maintenance session at Barks & Bows Pet Spa is a two-hour pampering routine designed with your dog’s health and comfort in mind. We start with a full- bath using hypoallergenic or medicated washes, followed by gentle hand drying. Brushing and de-shedding treatments are customized for your dog’s breed and coat type, targeting seasonal shedding and preventing matting. Precision nail trimming and Dremeling, along with paw pad shaving, help prevent slips and keep feet healthy. Ear care involves gentle cleaning and, where needed, careful plucking of only dead hair, never painful extractions. We include teeth brushing with a fresh toothbrush for each dog, and offer ultrasonic toothbrushing for dogs needing extra tartar removal. Anal gland expression is available by request at no extra charge. For puppies under one year, our free Puppy Play Time introduces them to grooming sights and sounds, building lifelong comfort. Our maintenance clients benefit from optimized pricing on a 4-6 week schedule, making regular care easy and affordable.

Choosing the right partner for your dog’s maintenance means trusting their expertise and values. At Barks & Bows Pet Spa, we see ourselves as your ally in keeping your pet healthy, happy, and comfortable. Our approach is radically transparent: we only recommend s that benefit your dog’s well-being, and we’re upfront about what’s safe and what’s not. We do not offer de-matting as a rescue for neglected coats. Instead, we prioritize your dog’s comfort, sometimes recommending a 'reset' shave if needed. Our cage-free, play-based boarding setup means no stressful kennels for your pet if they stay with us. The spa is fully accessible, offers gender-neutral restrooms, and is recognized as a transgender safe space in Chillicothe. Our reputation as “Anxious Pet Specialists” and “Skin & Coat Experts” is backed by awards and loyal clients from all over Ross County. For families who want more than just a haircut, our essential dog maintenance is the trusted choice.

Why is regular dog maintenance important for my pet’s health?
Routine dog maintenance helps prevent painful matting, overgrown nails, ear infections, excessive shedding, and skin problems before they become serious health concerns. Regular grooming also allows trained professionals to spot early signs of lumps, parasites, or irritation.
How often should my dog receive maintenance grooming?
Most dogs benefit from maintenance grooming every 4–6 weeks, depending on their breed, coat type, and lifestyle. Consistent appointments help keep coats healthy, reduce shedding, and make grooming less stressful over time.
Do you work with anxious or behaviorally sensitive dogs?
Absolutely. Barks & Bows Pet Spa is known throughout Chillicothe and Ross County for working with anxious, fearful, and behaviorally challenging dogs. We use calm, compassionate handling techniques to create a safe and positive experience.
What is included in a dog maintenance appointment?
Our maintenance appointments include a full bath, breed-specific brushing and de-shedding, nail trimming and Dremeling, paw pad care, ear cleaning, and teeth brushing. Additional wellness-focused services like ultrasonic toothbrushing and anal gland expression are also available.
Can regular maintenance help with shedding and matting?
Yep. Regular brushing and de-shedding treatments are especially important for double-coated breeds and long-haired dogs. Consistent maintenance helps prevent painful mats, reduces loose hair in your home, and keeps your dog more comfortable year-round.
What makes Barks & Bows different from other dog grooming salons?
Barks & Bows combines nearly 30 years of grooming experience with Certified K9 Aesthetician expertise focused on skin, coat, and wellness care. We’re also known for transparent recommendations, accessibility, LGBTQ+ inclusivity, and specialized care for anxious pets.