First trip to the groomer: how to prepare?

Grooming is not a waste of money and not just a beautiful haircut of an animal for the whim of the owner. The groomer tidies up the coat, claws, monitors the condition of the eyes and ears, the health of the skin, gives recommendations to the owners on caring for the animals.

Grooming is of three types:

• pet grooming (salon),

• exhibition (professional);

• hygienic.

Owners of small toy dogs most often choose cosmetic haircuts to save their pet from abundant “fluffiness” and give him a cute, funny haircut.

If the owner only wants to shorten the pet’s claws, brush its teeth and cut off the tangles, then hygienic grooming is enough. Moreover, care procedures are necessary not only for long-haired, but also for short-haired breeds.

With some problems, the owner cannot cope without a professional. For example, a serious tangle can only be removed with a special tool that will not damage the skin of the animal. It is impossible to leave tangles on the wool: the skin under them melts and parasites can start.

Professional groomers have their own ways of handling pets. A good master knows how to calm an agitated cat or dog and make the procedure safe. However, accustoming a pet to grooming and socializing it is the task of the owner, not the groomer.

Introducing the baby to care procedures should be from the first days after moving to a new home. At first, such procedures can be symbolic: you do not need to thoroughly comb your pet or try to trim the already tiny claws. It is enough to gently touch the wool with a comb, and the paws with a nail cutter, so that the baby gradually gets used to it and understands: there is no threat. Having got used to the tools, the pet will not be afraid of their appearance in the cabin. It is also important that the four-legged comrade does not spin during the procedures, but stands calmly and patiently waits until all the manipulations are over. If you do not teach self-control to a puppy or kitten in a timely manner, then in adulthood there will be problems with this.

Plan to go to the groomer only after the quarantine is over after the first vaccination. If everything is fine, the animal can be safely walked on the street and taken to the salon.

Groomers recommend bringing dogs and cats to them from 3-4 months of age. It is not worth pulling with this matter, because. grooming is a kind of first steps towards the socialization of a four-legged. The sooner he is taken to the salon for “beautification”, the better for everyone. A small pet will get used to a new environment and procedure much faster than an adult. In the future, trips to the groomer will be perceived by the pet adequately, calmly and, most likely, with pleasure.

Don’t forget to bring a treat with you to cheer up your pet after meeting the groomer.

• It is better to take kids who live with their mother to the salon with her. So the cub will be calmer, and the mother can be put in order at the same time.

• Little visitors of grooming salons need to be washed only with children’s cosmetics: it is more gentle and does not cause allergies. From 1 year old you can switch to adult products.

• The first visit to the groomer should leave the pet with a pleasant impression. If something disturbs the four-legged or frightens, then it will be difficult to bring him to the salon next time. Before starting work, the master must communicate with the pet, gain confidence so that he calms down and does not perceive the new person as a hostile stranger. It is from this visit that depends on the mood with which the subsequent procedures will proceed. So it is important to choose a professional groomer with experience.

• Before going to the salon, take care of the comfortable transportation of your dog or cat: get a carrier, lay a disposable diaper on its bottom. Do not forget to take your ward’s favorite treats with you: with sweets, he will not be so scared.

Follow our recommendations so that not only the first, but also subsequent trips to the groomer go smoothly and without unpleasant surprises:

• Do not bathe your pet before visiting the salon. You can do it wrong and make it much more difficult for the master. It is better to comb the four-legged a little the day before. And that’s it.

• 2-3 hours before grooming, you can not feed your pet. If you have an appointment for the morning – do not give the dog or cat breakfast. If for a day or evening, feed in advance so that the pet has time to digest food and go to the toilet. If this condition is not met, the four-legged will want to need it right during the procedure, it will worry, show activity or aggression. Or he may not be able to restrain himself and empty himself right where he is being cut or washed.

• Dog grooming should take place only after walking. Most procedures last at least 1,5-2 hours. All this time, the dog should be calm and even a little tired so as not to interfere with the groomer’s work.

• Tell the master about all the features of the pet. Before the procedures, the groomer carefully examines the four-legged for dandruff, the presence of parasites, damage to the skin, etc. But the groomer does not know about allergies, diseases and behavioral problems. If your pet has allergic reactions to cosmetics, be sure to report it immediately. Do not hush up about the negative experience of visiting other grooming salons, about excessive distrust or aggressiveness of the pet. A professional will definitely take everything into account and find an approach to your pet.

• Do not bring a female in heat into the salon. This will greatly complicate the procedure for all parties and alarm the animals waiting in line.

• Ask the groomer all the necessary questions about the care of the animal. For each breed and individual pet care is individual. An experienced specialist will tell you about all the features and give practical advice on how to maintain the appearance and health of your pet at home.

Be sure to check out the reviews on the grooming salon where you are going to go. Feel free to ask the master about his work experience, education, certificates. It is very important. It’s not just about looks, it’s also about the health of your four-legged family member.

Be wary if the groomer “off the door” offers you procedures under anesthesia. Firstly, tranquilizers are prescribed only by a veterinarian and only in extreme cases. For example, if the animal’s hair is covered with huge and multiple mats and their removal will be painful. Or the animal is overly aggressive and does not give in to any persuasion.

If all this does not apply to your pet, and the groomer insists on anesthesia, then he is not able to win over the animal and only wants to make his job easier. At the same time, a person does not think about the health of the pet and possible negative consequences. It is better to find another specialist.

Pay attention to the reaction of the dog or cat to the groomer. If the pet is not given to him, snarls and looks worried (although he treats other people kindly), it is better not to irritate the furry friend and leave the salon.

In no case do not leave the institution, even if the master urges you to do so. Let all the manipulations with the pet take place in front of your eyes. Usually there is a camera in the salon – and you can watch the actions of the master from the waiting room (or corridor). If there is no opportunity to observe the process, take your pet and go look for another salon.

During the work of the groomer, pay special attention to the following points:

• How the master treats the pet. An experienced specialist does not make sudden movements.

• How a groomer maintains composure. In no case will a professional raise his voice to a dog or a cat, he will not pull it. The groomer will talk to his four-legged client affectionately and calmly, and if he turns around and tries to leave, he will gently return him to the right position.

• How does the pet behave during the next visits to this salon. If he looks frightened and dumbfounded, it means that he did not like the master. If he willingly walks on his hands, wags his tail, calmly reacts to touch – everything is fine.

When choosing a groomer, rely not only on the level of the master and reviews about him, but also on your intuition. If something confuses you – do not trust the person of your pet and look for another master.