When Your Dog Has A Bad Hair Day
When Snoopy’s locks are droopy what can you do? Your first response may be to pull out the clippers and the kitchen shears. But do you really want the mess of hair everywhere and the trauma drama of home grooming? Picking a groomer that can turn your pathetic pup into a posh pup will leave you both feeling better.
Where can you start to find a groomer? Your regular veterinarian might be your first source. Many veterinarians practices offer grooming services. Next you might ask family and friends who use grooming services. Any one like your dog walker, boarding kennel or local pet supply personnel can also give helpful advice. If you own a particularly hard to groom breed a local breeder might be your best source of advice.
Remember groomers are not a regulated industry so you may want to check with your state’s attorney general’s office or other consumer advocacy group to check for complaints against a certain groomer.
Now that you have a list of potential providers of your pets grooming needs make a few phone calls. If the groomer is busy when you call ask them when you can contact them to ask them a few questions. Any reputable groomer will understand your need to have your questions answered before making an appointment.
What Questions to ask a potential Groomer.
Find out about the groomers experience
What kind of experience does the groomer have?
Do they specialize in any specific breeds and specific breed cuts? How many years have they been grooming? Where did they learn their craft?
Most importantly are there certain breeds that they refuse to work with and do they offer services for “special needs pets” like dogs that are excessively nervous or hyperactive.
What standard services does the groomer offer?
Does your dog simply need to be washed and combed out? Ask the groomer if they have a package that does not include fees for clipping if this is something your dog does not need. Also ask what services come with there standard grooming package. It could include cleaning the dogs ears or nail trimming. Some groomers charge extra for expressing the dog’ anal glands. Also if your dog has allergies ask if they charge extra for hypo allergic or organic products.
About Safety
It will be hard to judge the safety of a specific groomer without visiting the salon but here are some things to ask.
Will they use a hand held or cage dryer? A dog in a cage dryer needs to be watched for safety reasons. Also where will the dog be kept when not in the grooming room? Will the dog be in close proximity to other dogs? Lastly, what disinfectant policies do they use to stop the potential spread of unwanted skin disorders and pests such as fleas?
Ask about sedation policies, your pet should never be sedated without your knowledge or consent. A reputable groomer will also ask for your dogs medical concerns and allergies. Many require you show proof of vaccination for the protection of your and other pets. They should have the medical information of their k-nine clients on record. Lastly, ask what emergency procedures they have in place in case your pet is injured or becomes ill in their care. Most groomers will have at least basic first aid procedures for minor injuries.
Thank the groomer for their time and set and appointment.
If the groomer has been hesitant or acted to bothered to answer your questions I would move on to my next candidate. But if all has gone well I would make an appointment and look forward to seeing the results of my grooming quest on my dog. It is worth the extra time to find the rightonw because your best friend deserves less bad hair days
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Written by Becca1962
Poodle grooming demo of “Miniature Poodle Teddy Bear Clip” in the class of Pet Grooming School
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June 12, 2011 



