Grooming is an extremely important, and often misunderstood, art/science.Your professional groomer would like you to understand more about this servicewhich can improve your dog’s health, appearance, and social acceptability. Thefollowing questions are the most frequently asked, and the answers should helpclarify some of the more common misconceptions about grooming.
**Why should I have my dog groomed?
Most pet owners confuse “grooming” with “clipping”. Clipping (which iscommonly done to poodles, spaniels, terriers, as well as to mixed breed dogs),is only one procedure in the grooming process. Grooming also includes combingand brushing, clipping nails, plucking hair from ears and parasite control(many groomers feel that teeth cleaning is best left to veterinarians).Although the most obvious result of these procedures is an improvedappearance, the major benefits to your pet are increased comfort and socialacceptability, and perhaps even improved health.
Should my cat be groomed?
Longhaired cats need combing occasionally to prevent matted fur. Some catsalso need bathing at times, if they are not capable of achieving the neatnessthat is usually attributed to cats; this is most common in older cats. Checkto see if your groomer provides this service for cats.
Do all dogs need grooming?
All dogs need an occasional bath, but it is more important to keep your dogcombed and brushed, especially if they have long hair. Matted hair can easilycause skin problems and unnecessary discomfort for your pet. If neglected fortoo long, it might eventually necessitate a lengthy grooming session, whichcould be uncomfortable for your pet, and expensive for you. Regular brushing,on the other hand, improves skin tone and circulation, and makes his coathealthier and more attractive. Longhaired dogs should be brushed out properlyat least once a week. It is best to start regularly brushing your dog as apuppy, this with acclimatising your dog to the process, and make it a pleasantexperience for you and your dog.
Which kind of brush should I use?
That depends on the type of coat. Please ask your groomer about whichequipment is correct for your pet.
My dog has a very strong odour. Bathing doesn’t seem to help. Why?
It is possible that your dog’s teeth, ears, skin health, or anal sacs/glandsare responsible for the problem. Your groomer will be able to help you todetermine the nature of the problem and refer you to your vet if necessary.
My dog scratches all the time, but I can’t find any fleas on him. What’s theproblem?
**** Scratching is often caused by dry skin rather than fleas. This could bethe result of excessive bathing, dry climate, nutritional deficiency, or thewrong type of shampoo. Discuss this problem with your groomer.
One of the most common causes of scratching in pets is allergies/atopy. Pets,just like people, have various allergies that can cause them to itch andscratch. Unfortunately, this is just a common thing we see in domestic petsand there is nothing you have done to cause it. When people get allergies,they typically get inhaled allergens which result in runny eye, nose andsneezing. Dogs and cats get contact allergies which results in itching,scratching and redness of skin. These issues are best discussed with yourveterinarian as there are multiple treatment options available to control andrelieve allergens in you dogs and cats.
Why do my dog’s nails get so long?
**** Often, this is because your dog is not walking on hard surfaces oftenenough to keep them worn down. You should have them checked at least once amonth. Walking on concrete will help wear them down naturally, but if you findthat they are too long, get your groomer to trim them regularly for you.
**I worry that my dog will not allow the groomer to brush or clip them, asthey hate it when we try. What should we do?
**** Most dogs tend to be on their best behaviour with groomers, especiallywhen they sense the firm yet gentle touch which marks the experiencedprofessional. It is rare for a groomer to encounter a dog with a drastictemperament problem. In these infrequent cases, the groomer might ask theowner to have his or her veterinarian administer a mild tranquiliser prior togrooming. This protects the pet from injuring himself and enables the groomerto complete the grooming quickly. Often, a dog who reacts badly to grooming atfirst will learn to accept and appreciate the process as he becomes more atease with the groomer, and as he realises how much better he feels aftergrooming. Younger animals (puppies) learn to accept grooming faster, and enjoyit more, as opposed to a pet that is not groomed until of adult age or that isgroomed infrequently.
**I have my dog clipped every six months, but he doesn’t look as good asmy neighbour’s dog. Is that my groomer’s fault?
**** Your neighbour probably has a regular six to eight week appointment withthe groomer, and keeps her dog well brushed between appointments. This kind ofregular attention enables the groomer to devote more time and effort tobeautifying the dog, rather than de-matting and trying to salvage a neglectedcoat.
Should I bath my dog before taking him to the groomer?
**** One of the worst problems that confronts professional groomers is that ofworking on a dog that has been bathed without being brushed out completely.The result of such a practice is a coat which is so firmly matted thatclipping is sometimes the only solution. Ask your groomer if bathing at homeprior to grooming is recommended, and always brush your dog properly beforebathing.
**How old should a dog be before he has his first grooming appointment?
Even though a three-month-old puppy is not usually in need of grooming, heshould be taken to your groomer to get him used to full grooming gradually. Inthis way, he will learn to accept grooming as a happy experience that he willenjoy.
Summary of Points:
- Your professional groomer is best qualified to advise you about the type of grooming (and any equipment) that is best recommended for your individual pet.
- The earlier in life you start regular grooming routines for your pet, the better as it will help them adjust and enjoy the process.
- Regular grooming will ensure that you (or your groomer) are able to detect any potential health problems going on with your dog as early as possible and seek veterinary treatment.
- Good health and good looks go hand in hand with good grooming!
_For more information, contact the Australian Pet Care Association anytime byemailing us [email protected] _
_Further Factsheets can be found by visiting usathttps://www.australianpetcareassociation.com.au/factsheets/ _
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