Many dog owners view professional grooming as an aesthetic indulgence, either to manage the piles of fur running rampant through the house or to make Fido look dapper and smell amazing. Truly, what dog doesn’t spruce up with a fresh cut and a colorful bandana? Aesthetics aside, regular grooming is essential to your dog’s health, happiness and overall well-being.
The significance of consistent grooming for your dog cannot be overemphasized. Different dog breeds require different types of grooming regimens depending on their coats. Some dogs need minimal care, such as regular bathing, nail trims, and occasional combing. In contrast, certain breeds are much higher-maintenance, requiring more frequent visits to the groomer and more involved grooming regimens, including regular trimming, deshedding, dematting, and additional services and treatments. When choosing a grooming salon, many base their decision on proximity to home, recommendations, referrals, or price shopping. However, there are additional considerations to keep in mind when making a good selection
Before booking an appointment, visit the salon to assess cleanliness, safety protocols, and the groomer’s interactions with the dogs they care for. The facility should look and smell clean. A well-ventilated salon may smell like wet dog, but it should not have any foul odors, and humidity should be in check. While there may be hair on the floor during active grooming, hair is swept, and tables are sanitized between clients. Bathing tubs and tables should be sturdy and in good repair to prevent slips, falls, or other injuries.
Don’t be afraid to ask about written safety protocols to guide care in the event of an unexpected medical issue.
Many groomers start their careers with hands-on learning under the tutelage of an experienced resident groomer. Unlike the hair styling industry, the pet grooming trade is largely unregulated.
There are no requirements for licensing or certifications to confirm competence before a groomer sets hands on your dog. Look for a groomer and salon that go the extra mile by earning additional certification through the American Kennel Club (AKC). Achieving the AKC safety grooming certification demonstrates a commitment to the profession and holds pet safety in the highest regard.
Using high-quality bathing products is vital for maintaining your dog’s skin and coat health. Often, well-meaning owners choose a dog shampoo based on brand and scent—should Fido smell like lavender or vanilla? Sadly, some unknowing owners use human shampoos with parabens, fragrances, sulfates, dyes, and harsh chemicals that can harm sensitive dog skin. These products can cause rashes and dry skin and, in some instances, may even be toxic.
Not all dog shampoos and conditioners are equal. A professional grooming salon will stock a variety of high-quality, pH-balanced products that address different coat types (e.g., Silky Coats, Harsh Coats, Double Coats, etc.), common skin issues (e.g., Sensitive or Dry Skin), and other concerns, including medicated and whitening products. Professional groomers can evaluate your dog’s coat and skin and choose the best type for your pup. Additional benefits of regular bathing by a certified groomer include their expertise in the early detection of health issues, such as lumps, bumps, parasites, and even skin cancer, that you or your veterinarian might miss.
All dogs benefit from regular brushing. Brushing helps remove old dead fur and prevents an accumulation of dead skin cells and dander. It also helps distribute natural oils to create a beautiful shine. Brushing your dog is also a great way to enhance the bond with your furry buddy. In the wild, many pack animals groom one another to strengthen social bonds. The rhythmic touch helps release Oxytocin, a feel-good natural hormone that helps them relax and destress. As a bonus, regular brushing reduces the fur left behind in the house.
Dogs with long or double coats need regular brushing or combing to keep their coats silky, healthy, and free of painful knots and matting. Depending on your dog’s breed, they might need brushing every other day or even daily. Shorter-haired breeds without the double coat feature may only require weekly brushing.
Your groomer can guide you on brushing frequency and the best brush, rake, or comb for their fur length and type. A regular grooming schedule, with brushing at home between appointments, keeps them looking and feeling great throughout the year. Besides, your vacuum will thank you during shedding season.
Dogs need regular nail care to avoid issues caused by overgrown nails. Investing in a good pair of nail clippers and a rotary grinding tool such as a Dremel helps keep them in tip-top shape between grooming appointments.
Overgrown nails can cause undue joint pain for your pet by forcing them to redistribute their weight onto their paws, leading to skeletal misalignment and increasing the risk of arthritis. Keeping their nails short allows for better balance and traction.
Dogs with unkempt nails may develop a fear of walking on slick surfaces, such as kitchen floors, due to slipping or feeling unstable. Keeping your dog’s nails short and smooth not only prevents them from snagging on carpets, clothes, and skin but also prevents them from painful splitting, tearing, or breaking.
A good nail trimming schedule is roughly every 3-4 weeks. However, it is largely dependent on your dog’s activity level. More active dogs naturally wear down their nails more than their less active counterparts. If you hear a clicking sound when your dog walks across a hard surface, their nails need attention. Another way to tell if it is time for a trim is to look at your dog’s nails while your dog is standing. The nails should not touch the floor while standing still. Even if it isn’t time for a full groom, most salons will offer nail trimming services between routine full-service appointments.
Many dog owners rarely consider their dog’s ears until a problem arises. Frequently, owners don’t realize that their dog is experiencing ear pain or irritation until they notice unrelenting head shaking or constant ear scratching.
Breeds with long, floppy ears (e.g., Golden Retrievers, Labrador Retrievers, Basset Hounds, Doodles, etc.) have a higher incidence of ear infections due to narrow ear canals and ear hair growth.
However, all dogs, even those with stiff standing ears, can experience problems. Regular ear care not only prevents the buildup of earwax, dirt, and moisture that can lead to ear infections but also enables early detection of ear mites. Trimming hair inside the ears improves air circulation, keeping the ears drier and preventing yeast overgrowth. Not only will your dog feel better with scheduled ear cleanings, but their ears will also smell and look better.
Your groomer should be familiar with various dog breeds and be able to advise you on optimal grooming intervals for your dog. Using the right tools, grooming products, and expert know-how makes a worthy difference when your dog’s health and well-being are at stake. Regular nail trimming and brushing between appointments can make scheduled grooming easier on your pup. Even if you choose to fully groom your dog yourself, consulting a trusted groomer for advice, tips, and tricks can be very helpful.