If you're a dog owner you will want to read this. Deonte Smith is the owner of Scenthound, a dog wellness business focused on keeping dogs clean, healthy, and comfortable through consistent monthly care. Scenthound provides routine services like skin and coat checks, ear cleaning, teeth brushing, nail care and bathing - helping catch common issues early that are often missed in traditional grooming visits, so dogs can look and feel their best every month. Becoming a member is easy and the staff works with each pet parent to help them take good care of their dog, and you do not have to sign long term contracts as memberships are month to month.

            This is a clean, well-appointed storefront location that has everything to take care of several dogs simultaneously. They set up appointments at intervals so there is no nose-to-nose contact and have house rules that help every pet parent get the experience that is best for their dog.

            When you enter the facility, you first choose the shampoo of your choice, they have ones for dry, sensitive, allergies and scented. Then when you check in, they will chat with you about any changes in your dog’s behavior or signs of pain, confirming your dog is feeling good. This is also important as they keep track of your dog’s health with a grading system on a 1-5 scale. The staff is trained to watch for skittish behavior and will take steps to make sure that any issues that may arise are dealt with.

             After checking in, the pet parent, who is required to bring the dog in on a leash and each dog must have paws on the floor, exchanges leashes with the team member who will in turn put on a Scenthound provided leash. This creates a sense of trust that is crucial for dogs to feel that you are putting your trust in the groomer. The same groomer is with your dog throughout the process, and your dog is always with a person who is taking the time to make your dog feel good.

            They start by weighing your dog and keeping a record of this number so from appointment to appointment they can track it. Weight loss is an early sign of possible health issues, so it’s important to have that information being monitored. The team member will also do a six-point check of the dog’s skin, coat, ears, nose, teeth and glands.

            When the first shampoo is completed, they leave the dog covered in the suds so that the soap is allowed to penetrate the skin, a step commonly not observed but necessary as this gives the shampoo a chance to work on the dog. This is also when they clean their ears and brush their teeth. After they check the dog’s glands they rinse and repeat another round of shampoo, then they’re given a blowout. If the dog parent has requested other services such as haircut or treatment for shedding, these services will be provided at this time.

            Members also have access to 24/7 virtual chat with a veterinarian for added peace of mind, making it easier to stay on top of their dog’s everyday health and wellbeing between visits. The staff is very interested in making the entire experience calm and enjoyable, and they are trained in professional hygiene and wellness protocols. There are also specialists who are certified in grooming.

            It is Scenthound’s mission to not only treat your dog with care and provide them a comfortable grooming surrounding, but Deonte also stressed that this is a whole dog treatment facility where the health and happiness of every dog that comes in is of utmost importance. This is what truly separates them for ordinary grooming businesses.

            Deonte grew up in the Chicago area, has an MBA and has spent his whole life with dogs. He is passionate about providing the best care for each and every dog that comes into Scenthound. “Our main focus is to make sure that each dog parent gets the knowledge necessary to keep their dog healthy,” Deonte told me. “We are very interested in providing each dog with the respect they deserve and will make every effort to help the dog have a great experience.”

             You can make appointments day-of with the Scenthound app provided to members and can request specific treatments or groomers by calling them. They are open Monday thru Saturday 9-6.  Simply make an appointment to bring in your dog and they will go over all the services available.