Getting started with grooming 

 

Most dogs (and some cats) really do enjoy being groomed. Begin brushing and examining your puppy or kitten when it is very young, to get it acquainted with being handled.  This will help your pet interact with the veterinarian, groomer, children and new people.   Be positive, patient and gentle, offering treats for positive progress and breaks when your pet becomes frustrated or antsy.

Grooming is a part of your pet's general health care and hygiene routine. It includes brushing, combing, nail-clipping, ear and dental care, bathing and scissoring, stripping or clipping of hair coats, and is as necessary as proper food and medical care.   Regular grooming stimulates circulation, improves appearance and reduces shedding. It also enables you to discover lumps, lesions, cuts, scratches or external parasites as well as creating a strong bond with your pet, creating a very comfortable partnership.

Use the proper grooming tools for the job. Consult your groomer, breeder, veterinarian or other pet professional for guidance before there is a problem and as soon as any questions arise.
 
A full grooming may include a bath. Water for your pet's bath should be warm.  Be sure to test water on your inner arm to be certain it isn't too hot for their sensitive areas.  Be sure to use a non-skid mat  in the tub to make them feel more secure.  Hook the dogs leash to the back of the tub or a secure location so the pet doesn't fall out of the space and to free up your hands for scrubbing!

Choose a shampoo that is specially formulated for your pet's needs.  Conditioner is recommended for pets that are not hand stripped.  Conditioner allows the shedding coat to come out more easily, eliminates static electricity and seals the coat from excessive dirt and pollen.  Blow dry on warm/low setting after towel drying.  Long coated breeds should be thoroughly brushed.  Bathing without removing all tangles will cause your pet to mat and may require shaving!  Dematting your pet is a very painful process and can turn an otherwise gentle pet into an aggressive, biting animal.  While shaving leaves your pet looking a bit odd for awhile, the hair will grow back.  An animal that has been de-matted sometimes carries the negative behavior with it for a lifetime.  Please ask questions of your groomer, but understand our decisions to shave or de-mat are based on the health and safety of your pet, as well as the beauty.

Set aside a particular time and place for your regular grooming sessions.  Put all your supplies in a bucket or basket for easy access.  There isn't much worse than a soapy escapee because you left a tool in another room!

A waist-high table or bench with a rubber mat for your pet to stand or lay on will make the grooming session more comfortable.  You can purchase a 'grooming arm' that will attach to any table, from most grooming websites.  Also consider looking into a 'self serve' pet washing facility.  These places usually have raised tubs to save your back, high velocity dryers to get out all the water and hair, and (the best part!) they will clean up the mess for you!  We partnered with The Dawg House!

Keeping your pet well-groomed doesn't have to take a lot of time, especially if you do it regularly.   Grooming more often also cuts down on shedding hair, mats, fleas and skin problems,
 
To locate a professional groomer, ask your breeder or veterinarian, pet professional, friends or other pet owners for a recommendation. Visit the shop before your appointment, see.  Ensure you have chosen someone you can trust.  Ask to watch them work with another client. (Remember - watching your own pet get groomed can be very stressful and dangerous for your pet.  If your pet knows you are there, they will want to be with you, causing wiggling and stress that would otherwise not happen.)  You should strive to find someone you can stick with for the long term.  The more comfortable your pet is with your chosen groomer or vet, the easier it is on them and the smoother the work goes for the care provider.  Check for a grooming portfolio, visit with other customers and ask for client references.  The safety of your pet should be their greatest focus!  A perfect haircut, while important, should be their second concern.  
 
 
 I welcome questions from any pet owner, not just my clients.  E-mail is the best way to reach me, unless you are scheduling an appointment.