Do you take your dog to the salon when he needs a makeover? Fido is undoubtedly in good company. According to Dogster, up to one-third of pet owners take their dogs to the groomer. In this article, a local Ocean Springs, MS veterinarian discusses why dog groomers should be celebrated.
Dog Groomers Provide Convenience
Convenience is the most popular reason why consumers visit groomers. You’ll save the mess and hassle of cleaning up the restroom, and you won’t get soaked. You’ll also avoid having to rush your dog out the door for a dry-off stroll or trying to keep him off your furniture. You’ll simply drop Fido off, and pick him up a few hours later, soft and clean and ready for snuggles and belly rubs. (And bacon, of course.)
Fashion-Forward Pooch
Some dogs simply prefer a cute cut in hot weather. You may also need to clip Fido’s fur if he gets mats or to keep him cool in the summer. Groomers can help you select the ideal cut for your canine companion and ensure that he appears sleek and elegant. Professional cuts should only be performed by someone with sufficient training and experience. Not all dogs can sport cute cuts. You could even damage Fido’s coat by trimming it improperly, so this is definitely one for the pros.
A word for the wise? If you want a particular style, bring a photo of it. That can significantly reduce miscommunications.
Pet Grooming Salons Are Safe
Taking Fido to the groomer may also be a safer option. If your dog is thin, old, sick, huge, or simply wiggly, he may get an injury while entering and exiting the bathtub. If your dog is huge or fragile, you may have difficulty getting him in and out, which raises the risk of slips and falls. Some dogs find it uncomfortable to be carried up and held.
This is a safety hazard for both humans and pets, especially larger dogs. You could potentially slip and injure yourself. Dog groomers offer stations that are easy for even the largest dogs to enter and exit.
Groomers Have A Practiced Eye
We cannot emphasize enough how important it is to never view a groomer as a substitute for adequate veterinary treatment. Nonetheless, many groomers have extensive experience analyzing and handling animals. That means they have keen vision and may be able to detect skin disorders, lesions, tumors, or swelling before they become visible. This can be quite useful because it may alert you to an issue that needs to be addressed. The sooner an issue is identified and addressed, the better.
Your Pooch May Need Medical Grooming
Some of our canine companions require more assistance in this area than others. For example, some puppies require ear hair removal or anal gland expression. These things are not necessary for all canines. However, they should always and exclusively be performed by professionals.
How Do You Select A Good Groomer?
Of course, you must first find a decent groomer in order to appreciate them. This could take some time! After all, you don’t want to leave your pet’s care to just anyone!
Here are some suggestions for discovering the ‘pawesome’ person:
Ask For References
Word of mouth is still a wonderful way to identify high-quality service providers. No matter what technology, social media apps, or websites people use, it’s difficult to top a positive review, or, better still, a succession of them. Ask your friends, family, coworkers, and neighbors for referrals.
Check The Facility Out
Before sending Fido to a new groomer, it’s a good idea to inspect the facilities. The white glove test is optional. You just want to make sure it’s clean and that the cages and surfaces look to be disinfected on a regular basis.
Inquire About Services And Add-Ons
In recent years, dog grooming businesses have seen a significant increase in business. Each works a little differently. One may provide exotic animal grooming services, while another may be affiliated with a dog daycare. Discover what extras are available.
Learn More About Training
Assess employees’ backgrounds and experience levels. There is no clear industry standard for diplomas here, thus specific courses and certifications may differ. Essentially, you want to search for someone who is genuinely engaged in this profession and is hence furthering their knowledge.
It’s also a good idea to ask if anyone at the facility has been trained in pet first aid. Hopefully, this will never come into play, but it is better to be safe than sorry.
Inspect The Facilities
You should also look at the place where Fido will stay before and after his appointment. We’d also recommend asking questions to get a sense of how the puppies are cared for. Are they walking? Do they have any fresh water? You don’t want your pet being uncomfortable.
Inquire About The Dog Groomer’s Requirements
You can also learn a lot about a kennel by inquiring what its requirements are. Any reputable kennel will demand specific papers, like as evidence that Fido is registered. They should also request copies of his vaccination record. It’s a major red flag if a kennel does not need this.
Ask About Prices
This is generally one of the first questions people ask, which is understandable. Make sure you understand not only the basic price structure, but also any add-ons, cancellation fees, rescheduling policies, and so on.
Look At Turnaround Time
In some aspects, pet salons resemble human beauty salons. Some book months in advance, while others are routinely available for last-minute appointments. You’ll want to know how long in advance you should book. (Note: the initial visit may take longer than the next ones. This is because Fido’s hairdresser will be examining his coat and condition while also getting to know him.)
Let Fido Have His Say
Finally, consider your pet’s perspective. Some dogs are naturally more outgoing than others, so it is not necessarily a bad thing if Fido appears uninterested at first. However, if your dog is frequently afraid of the groomer, you may want to look for a new grooming location.
Conclusion: Dog grooming facilities may make your life much easier by taking on the messy task of bathing your dog. It’s critical to find a good groomer, so do your research when looking around.
Contact Our Ocean Springs, MS Grooming Kennel
Do you want to learn about our grooming services? Is it time to give your dog or cat a new look? Please contact our Ocean Springs, MS pet hospital today!
