A Happy Nose to Tail Experience
Why to Professionally Groom Your Fur Kid
For those pet parents out there that already pamper their pups or felines at a local groomer, this blog isn’t for you – nothing to see here. 😊
This is for all the pet parents that choose to groom your beloved pooch DIY style and those that don’t feel that their dog or cat need grooming at all. And I can tell you that I used to be one of those that fell squarely into this latter category until I learned all of the benefits my pups were missing out on.
While some parents prefer grooming their pets at home, several challenges to consider include temperament, mats, coat type and necessary tools. Before you commit to fulfilling this need, consider the advantages of entrusting a professional groomer to care for your pet, saving you time, effort, and perhaps most importantly, stress and anxiety.
What are some reasons it’s time to hire a professional groomer?
Your fur baby is itching like crazy.
The fur around your pet’s paws is starting to look a little Grinch-like, causing your pup to slip-n-slide.
The last time you tried trimming your pet’s nails at home, you clipped too close and got blood. Ouch!
Your fur baby is starting to look like Cousin Itt.
You're tired of hunching over the tub in a wrestling match to bathe your dog.
Your pup got skunked! Ewwwww!
Grooming isn’t as simple as snipping some fur here and there. There’s a method for each type of dog or cat. Owners who try to groom their pets themselves could risk hurting their pet’s skin. In addition, a professional dog groomer inspects your dog’s paws for cuts, thorns, and the like. If any are found, then they apply antiseptic to help heal those paws. They’ll also apply the right skin products for pets who have skin conditions that need extra TLC. A professional groomer welcomes all of these challenges and takes their time to tailor the pampering treatment to each individual pet.
A Professional Groomer Does It All!
A grooming session with a professional is more than just a bath or haircut for your pet. It’s often a nose to tail pampering experience!
You may elect to just have your pet bathed by a professional. In this case, the groomer will match the right shampoo and conditioner with your pet depending on coat type, skin sensitivities and length. The groomer will also look for and trim out any mats, making it easier to brush and bathe your furry pal at home in between grooming appointments.
Now, if you schedule the works for your fur kid, a full-service groom includes a bath plus trimming, clipping, or shaving your pet’s hair/fur, depending on breed, coat type, and your preferences. Groomers also typically trim the fur around a dog's eyes, the tips of the ears, and the bottoms of the feet.
In addition, most full-service grooming packages include a check of the ears for infection along with a cleaning, if needed. Plus, nails are trimmed and teeth will be cleaned. It’s a full service pampering experience.
They Take Care of the Yucky Stuff
Let’s face it. Pets aren’t afraid of dirt and some even love rolling in it. And who likes cleaning goose poop or skunk from your pet’s coat? Not it!
This is where a professional groomer saves you from having to do the yucky stuff. Taking care of anal glands, washing a muddy or skunk-sprayed dog, and even removing fleas and ticks aren't the most enjoyable parts of dog ownership. Fortunately, professional groomers are equipped to handle these essential but less-than-pleasant care tasks.
The Right Tools and Patience
Have you been to a salon and noticed all the different brushes, combs, and other hair tools used by the stylists? This is because humans have different hair types, and the same applies to dogs and cats. Know that when you hire a groomer, they will have the right tools for your particular dog or cat. They also know how to trim different breeds, such as huskies, with unique coats that can be permanently damaged if cut by untrained individuals. The proper grooming instruments increase the comfort your dog will feel during the treatment and ensures no unnecessary damage is done to their skin or coat.
A professional grooming business also has adjustable tables, leash stands and hair drying stations to make the process more feasible than at home. Groomers usually have various shampoos on hand to address allergies, fleas and ticks, skin irritations and even some that combat skunk spray.
In addition, groomers understand that patience and proper handling is key to a positive experience at the pet salon. Older dogs or those that become anxious or aggressive during grooming require gentle and confident handling. Great groomers will take their time to get to know each pet on their level and not rush into the experience. Those that groom cats are skilled at bathing and grooming our less than cooperative feline friends.
A Multitude of Health Benefits
Hiring a groomer to care for your pet’s coat will certainly save you the hassle of wrestling in the tub and help you avoid back pain. There are also lots of benefits to your pet:
Healthier Coat and Skin: A dirty pet can quickly become a stinky pet. And a stinky pet could be a sign of skin issues. A regular bath and brush have a number of benefits for your pet including, removing excess debris, dirt and dead skin; distributing the pet’s natural oils for a shiny healthy coat; and removing damaged or dead hair to allow for new hair growth.
Decrease Risk of Ear Infections: Ear infections are common in dogs and cats and can be quite painful. One frequent cause is the accumulation of dirt and debris in the ear canal. The best prevention is regular and proper cleaning. A professional groomer trims and removes any excess hair and ensures a thorough cleaning keeping the ears healthy and infection free.
Control Shedding: Shedding is a normal part of pet life, though certain breeds that have a thick undercoat shed more than others. Regular grooming with the right shampoo, conditioner, and grooming tools can help manage and control shedding. Not only will your furniture and clothing thank you for the reduced amount of fur, but your pet will also feel lighter and more comfortable. And you’ll be able to manage a regular brushing schedule at home to remove any loose hair.
Healthy Nails: Dogs and cats can be fussy about a nail cut because claw-cutting can hurt if done wrong. Plus, overgrown nails can cause significant pain and discomfort for your furry friend and may also lead to other health issues, such as infections due to cracks and tears. It is important to have your pet's nails trimmed on a regular basis by an expert who will be careful and not cut too close, caring for the sensitive blood vessels in the nail. Most grooming salons offer this as a simple and inexpensive walk in service.
Reduce or Avoid Matting: Pets with longer or fluffy coats are more at risk for matting of the fur into knots and tangles. Matted coats come with a variety of health concerns, as it does not allow adequate air circulation to the skin. This may cause pain, skin sensitivity, or tears on your pet’s skin. A professional groomer is equipped to deal with a matted pet and can provide the best way to address the condition and make recommendations if any pre-existing conditions, such as hot spots, sores, and other skin issues are found.
Find Hidden Parasites: Fleas, ticks, and all sorts of little freeloading pests can suck the life out of your dog without ever being seen. When you hire a dog groomer, they know to look for these annoying little bugs. Well-trained professionals will be able to instantly tell if there is anything crawling in the fur, on the skin, or even around the ears.
Check for Lumps and Bumps: Groomers get hands-on with pets while providing a bath or haircut. This close touch lets them identify any lumps, bumps or potential skin issues that a pet parent might not have noticed.
Massage is Good for the Soul: Though massaging your dog isn’t the main goal, groomers are so gentle with your dog that they are practically getting massages. The hands-on strokes throughout the experience helps them calm down and relax.
How to Find a Great Groomer
Before you make an appointment with a professional groomer, it’s a good idea to ask some questions or even tour the salon to ensure your pet will receive the best care.
Things to look for when you select a groomer:
What are the fees and scheduling requirements?
What preferred products and tools do they use?
What types of training and experience does the groomer have?
Do they have pet first aid training?
Do they have adjustable bath stations, tables and leash stands?
Do they disinfect supplies and stations between pets?
Will your pet be crated and if so, for how long?
How does the groomer greet and interact with pets arriving?
Taking the time to find the right groomer ensures peace of mind for you and an enjoyable experience for your fur child. When you go, be sure to clearly communicate your requests or concerns.
Ready to Pamper Your Pet?
There's nothing quite like a fresh haircut and a spa day to make your pet feel content! At a pet salon, your furry friend will be treated to a range of grooming services, from a simple bath and brush-out to a full-service grooming package. Your pet should leave feeling happy, relaxed, and thoroughly pampered.
At our groovin' grooming salon, we offer a variety of walk-in and full-service options. Use the link below to check them out or give us a call to speak with one of our professionals about what's best for your fur baby.
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