Do you bathe your canine companion at home? Or are you one of the growing numbers of folks who bring their pets to the salon? While many owners opt to take their dogs to the groomer for convenience, that isn’t the sole reason to get them professionally groomed. Continue reading as a local Marietta, GA veterinarian discusses some of the benefits of taking Fido to the groomer.
What Are The Advantages Of Going To A Professional Groomer?
There’s a lot to be said for the convenience of taking Fido to the salon. You get to drop off your canine companion and pick up a clean, fresh-smelling, and pampered puppy a little later. But that isn’t the only reason to take Fido to a professional.
Here are some of the other benefits:
Keep Your Pet’s Ears Healthy
Another good reason to go to a groomer? You can have Fido’s adorable ears professionally cleaned. This is especially crucial for puppies with those cute floppy ears. That sort of ear is prone to infections, simply because the form of the ear flaps creates a damp, warm environment. That, combined with the ridges in dogs’ ear canals, creates conditions that are very favorable to the growth of bacteria, yeast, and, unfortunately, infections.
Some puppies also need their ear hair cut or removed. This falls under medical grooming and should only be done by a specialist. Ask your vet for more information.
Less Shedding
Fido’s pretty fur coat is adorable, but he has a habit of leaving hair all over the place. Grooming can help in lessening the amount of fur on your sofa, carpets, and, of course, you.
No Mess
Bathing Fido at home may be cheaper, but it will always be a little messy. Even if Fido doesn’t splash about too much in the tub, he will undoubtedly spray water everywhere during his post-bath shake. You may also have to mop up the water on the floor and clean your dog’s fur out of the tub. Going to the groomer means no mess or fuss.
Remove Mats Safely
Does your canine companion have long, fluffy fur? Fido is more likely to develop knots and matting if this is the case. These can become very painful and problematic. They are, of course, uncomfortable. They also interfere with your pet’s coat’s insulating characteristics, making it difficult for him to stay warm in winter and cool in summer. Additionally, they can cause skin problems.
If your canine pal is prone to developing mats and snarls in his coat, you will need to be very persistent in brushing him and preventing mats from growing. If your canine friend becomes matted, your best bet is to get them professionally removed.
Medical Grooming
Some canines require more than a standard shampooing. For example, some dogs’ anal glands must be expressed. This is not something you can accomplish at home; it should be done by a skilled professional. Medical grooming includes ear hair trims.
If your veterinarian suggests medicinal grooming, you definitely need to take the puppy to a salon.
Keep Your Dog Comfortable
Getting Fido into and out of a bathtub might be challenging, especially if, like many dogs, he isn’t looking forward to his forthcoming bathtime. Large dogs might be difficult to pick up and coax. You’ll also need to take extra precautions with elderly dogs. Dogs, like people, get stiff and sore with age. Even being held can cause senior dogs discomfort. Plus, older pooches are also significantly more brittle, making them susceptible to injury. This is more than just an annoyance; it can also be dangerous. If your pet slips or falls when entering and exiting the bathtub, he may injure himself.
Groomers have stations that are easy for dogs to enter and exit, making the grooming process easier and more comfortable for them.
Groomers Spot Things
While a groomer should never be regarded as an alternative to professional veterinarian care, they can sometimes alert you to any problems and warn you that you may need to arrange an appointment for Fido right away.
Fido’s hairdresser has a trained eye and a lot of experience, and may be able to identify things early on. They may detect fleas and parasites, sores, swelling, skin problems and redness, bites and cuts, discomfort, and puncture wounds, to mention a few. That is significant since many conditions are best treated when detected early on. With some ailments, such as a tumor, this can make a significant difference.
Socialization
Is your furry friend still a puppy? Even if you intend to bathe and groom young Fido at home, it’s a good idea to get him used to visiting a groomer. This is something you should accomplish within your pet’s socialization window, which ends around the age of four months. The more your furry friend becomes accustomed to being handled by different persons and having his paws, teeth, ears, and coat worked on, the more at ease he will be with this in the future. That, of course, can make things easier for you and him.
When should you bring your canine companion into the salon for the first time? We normally recommend getting this done before your pet reaches 16 weeks.
It’s also worth noting that preparing your dog for professional grooming will help. Take some time to help him get used to being brushed and to people touching his ears and paws.
This can also promote bonding. Gently massage your pet’s paws and then run a clipper over them. You can also touch and pet your canine companion’s face. You may also want to put a harness on little Fido if he is not used to it. Contact your veterinarian for further information.
Pawdicures
Nail trims are essential for your canine companion. Overgrown nails are extremely painful and might make it difficult for Fido to gain traction. This can also impact his walking, running, and weight-bearing abilities. Long nails can even cause bone and joint problems, such as arthritis, over time. Contact your Marietta, GA veterinarian for further information.
Flexible Schedules
Dogs’ grooming needs vary greatly. Some simply require infrequent baths and a gentle weekly brushing. Others need to be brushed virtually every day.
Fido’s coat length and type will dictate how frequently he needs beauty treatments. Whatever your schedule, establishing a routine of regular grooming sessions can help you stay on top of things.
One-Stop Shopping
If you get your pet groomed at the vet, you will also benefit from one-stop shopping. On the same day, you can pick up Fido’s medications and parasite prevention, as well as schedule an exam. This means less running around for you.
Getting Fido Ready for the Salon
While the groomer will perform the majority of the work for you, you will need to do a few things to prepare. It’s not a bad idea to brush your pet before taking him in. Ask your groomer for more information.
Schedule A Marietta, GA Dog Grooming Appointment
Is your canine partner becoming stinky? Does your dog require medical grooming? Please feel free to contact us at any time. As your Marietta, GA veterinary clinic and groomer, we’re here to help!
