Dog Grooming Hints

Working in a kennel and working with a dog groomer has not only given me a greater appreciation for what dogs really need in the way of personal hygiene and “styling”, but also a greater appreciation for what groomers are required to do to keep our dogs healthy AND happy.

A good groomer has to know more than how to give baths, clip nails and trim hair:

1) They should be a dog lover AND something of a dog expert.

2) They must have an ability to work with potentially difficult dogs who are distressed, uncomfortable and unhappy.

3) Unless they are a breed-specific groomer (for example, specializing in Poodles), they need to understand the grooming requirements (nails, coat AND what works best for the particular breed, at the time of year) of a variety of breeds (not all dog fur is alike).

4) They need a basic grasp of dog anatomy, so they don’t accidentally injure a dog while moving them around to trim and clip.

5) They need to have a basic understanding of the skin conditions common to dogs, and the types of shampoos for treating and preventing problems.

6) If you have special requirements, (for example, if you want a puppy-cut for a dog that isn’t going to be shown), they should honor your request.

7) They must have the patience of several saints.

So how do you find the perfect groomer for you and your dog?

As with any other service, get references. Talk to friends, talk to local rescue groups, talk to your vet. Don’t just ask about how they rated cost and the end result, ask about how the dog interacted with the groomer when they were dropped off and picked up.

When you find one or two groomers you think might fit the bill, call and ask to speak to the person who will be actually working with your dog – especially if you have a potentially difficult dog (coat-wise or temperament-wise). If you have any concerns about the skill-set listed above – ask. Ask about their training and or experience – experience is crucial. In particular, ask about their experience with the breed or breed-cross you have. If you like what you hear, ask them for additional references, and call them!

Don’t just consider a grooming salon or the salons in pet super-stores. If you use a kennel regularly, they may have a good groomer. And consider getting your dog groomed when you leave your dog for any length of time – especially if the dog needs a bit of work, the job can be divided over several days, so there is less stress.

When you bring your dog in, don’t be surprised if the groomer recommends more work than you originally intended to have done – often owner’s don’t realize that their dog’s nails and coat needed attention.

Even if you are pleased with the results of your first visit, don’t assume everything went well. When your dog comes home from their first groom, especially if your dog needed an extensive trim or long nails done, give them a thorough examination – there should be no nicks or cuts, and they shouldn’t be suddenly shy of having their paws handled (the nails may have been “quicked”, the equivalent of having your nails trimmed into the “pink).

Having “assisted” in several difficult groomings, I have a new appreciation for what groomers do – I don’t believe that a six-week correspondence course or corporate training is sufficient. Groomers deal with stressed, often uncooperative dogs, and they need to know how to keep those dogs calm and comfortable, as well giving your dog a bath and a trim.

Dog grooming refers to the practice of maintaining the appearance of a dog for public showing or personal hygiene reasons. Grooming dogs includes things like shampooing, hair clipping, hair styling, powdering, nail clipping and teeth cleaning. Grooming is healthy for your dog and can be somewhat pleasing to the owner. It also helps reduce shedding and odor. Grooming further serves to reduce allergies for both the dog and their owner.

The health benefits derived from regular grooming are numerous. It keeps the dog’s coat glossy and the skin healthy. It also serves to improve circulation and helps keep the their coat free from fleas, ticks and other parasites.

The first step in grooming dogs is to find a clean and comfortable area with adequate lighting to use as a workspace. Being groomed must not be a traumatic experience for your dog. It’s also very important to purchase high quality pet grooming equipment and supplies.

Dog grooming and dog health go hand in hand. If you have a dogs that sheds a lot, regular grooming will speed up the shedding cycle and stop all those floating hair tufts. Dog grooming is not only healthy, it helps you to create a bond of trust and love with your dog. Pet grooming is an expression of your affection and if started early in your dog’s life will server to establish a regular routine that will contribute greatly to the future health and well-being of your pet.

Here’s a dog grooming tip; when trimming your dog’s coat, don’t forget about the hair around legs, ears and eyes. However, these areas are important to remember. Dogs should be bathed about once a week. Be sure to remove any tangles before starting a bath and don’t get water and soap in their ears or eyes. You can clean the ears with a damp cloth or use a dog ear cleaner that can be purchased at any pet store.

Clipping your dog’s nails once every month is enough to keep them in fine condition. However, be sure to use only good quality nail clippers. Trim each nail while be careful you don’t cut back too far as this may result in pain and potential infection. If you’re uncertain how far back to cut, just cut back to the point where the nail starts to curl and you should be okay.

Dental health is very important for dogs as well as humans. Even though you are having your dog’s teeth look at on your regular vet visits, you still need to take care of their teeth at home also. You should brush your dog’s teeth once a week with one of your old discarded toothbrushes. You can find special dog toothpaste at your local pet store. Don’t use your toothpaste because dogs do like the taste and will fight having their teeth brushed.

Regular dog grooming can become a integral and relaxing part of your life and your pet will love the extra attention. Regular grooming provides many positive health benefits and helps the dog to understand its place within the family social order. This leads to a healthy, happy and well adjusted pet who will appreciate your affection.