How to choose the right groomer for your dog

Is your dog starting to look more and more like a shaggy dog? If so, it might be time to look for a groomer (dog groomer). Grooming means that your dog will be with a person using scissors and clippers for a while, so it’s important to be well prepared and find a groomer you can trust. Here are some tips on how to find the right groomer for your pet.

Do I need a professional groomer?

The need for professional grooming services depends a lot on your dog and how well you do the grooming yourself. At a minimum, the animals need regular bathing, brushing, ear cleaning and nail trimming, all of which are relatively easy to do at home. Even if your dog is a long-haired breed that needs regular grooming, or if it has a thick, tangle-prone coat, you can still groom your dog yourself. Keep in mind that in addition to specialized tools such as nail clippers and combs for detangling fur, you will also need a lot of time and patience and perhaps a partner to hold your pet in place. If you don’t have any of the above, it’s probably best to leave more complex grooming routines like trimming and tangle removal to the professionals. Otherwise, you run the risk of accidentally injuring your dog and developing a fear of grooming.

Choosing a dog groomer

PetMD recommends the following steps when choosing a reliable groomer:

1. Ask around. The easiest way to find a groomer you can trust is through referrals. You can ask your friends, relatives, colleagues and acquaintances, as well as your veterinarian at a familiar veterinary clinic, animal trainer or any other pet specialist you know.
2. Shorten your list. There are review sites on the Internet that will let you know what other people think about the services of a particular groomer.  
3. Talk to potential groomers. After narrowing down your list, call the remaining candidates. Ask about the prices and services they provide, their policies or restrictions for new clients, hours of operation, and other specific questions regarding your dog’s needs. It also doesn’t hurt to ask if they give the animals a break to go to the bathroom or play and ask for recommendations from the customers they serve. It is worth asking if it is possible to inspect the salon before bringing the dog. If the groomer refuses, you should probably cross him off your list. A specialist with a reliable reputation will be delighted with the opportunity to show his salon.
4. Check out the salon. Pay attention to aspects such as the cleanliness and lighting of the grooming area, the availability of enough space for the dog to move comfortably, the friendliness of the staff and their attentiveness to their four-legged clients. While there, make sure pets left under the hair dryer are checked regularly to avoid overheating, and ask what paperwork the groomer keeps. Ideally, groomers keep not only grooming records, but medical and vaccination records as well as emergency contact information.

Alternative grooming services for dogs

Traditional dog grooming salons are not the only affordable option you should consider. Mobile groomers provide grooming services right at home, providing personalized care for your pet. If your dog has special needs, you may need to look for a specialized groomer who can cater for them.

Most veterinarians offer a standard set of grooming services, including nail trimming, teeth cleaning, and ear and eye checks, and some veterinary clinics have begun offering a full range of grooming services, including bathing, combing, tangle removal, cutting and styling. Not all groomers are licensed to administer dog sedatives, so if your dog is very anxious during grooming, a veterinarian is your best bet. Another benefit of visiting a veterinary clinic for grooming purposes is the fact that if the groomer finds anything suspicious, such as a lump or cyst, your veterinarian can check it out on the spot.

Specialized groomers typically deal with pets with special needs, such as pets with physical disabilities or older dogs who have temperature sensitivity, joint or mobility problems that make it difficult for them to stand or sit in one place for long periods of time. time. These groomers have specialized tables and equipment designed to give your pet maximum comfort. Some groomers also specialize in puppy grooming, offering special mini-grooming sessions designed to help four-legged babies learn social skills and get used to grooming.

Even if you’re well-informed about the process, your dog’s first visit to the groomer can be a little exciting. But if you consider your dog’s needs and temperament and carefully choose a groomer with an excellent reputation, you can relax and be happy with your choice. The more often you take your pet to the groomer, the better you will know what instructions you should give him. For example, if you do not want the haircut to be too short, or if you want to leave a more fluffy ponytail. And after the correct and comfortable guidance of beauty, your pet will look one hundred percent.