Dog groomers have a variety of tools, techniques and expertise that are a welcome addition to any dog owner’s life. But how will you choose the right groomer? What when you watch out for? What should you expect for your money? Why should you even go to a dog groomer?
Contrary to what you may believe, maintaining your dog’s coat bright and shiny doesn’t need to be a major expense. Understand how to find the appropriate groomer for your dog’s unique needs.
The Health Benefits of Regular Dog Grooming
Why go to a groomer? Taking your dog to a professional groomer has many benefits. A professional haircut will enhance your dog’s coat, improve overall hygiene and make sure your pet is clean and comfortable. Experienced groomers should be able to:
Thoroughly clean and bathe your dog’s coat
Remove hair mats or tangles
Clip nails
Trim hair around sensitive areas, like eyes and feet
Alert you to skin problems or more serious medical issues
If you or your dog groomer Located in Maryland have concerns about your dog’s health, contact your vet and schedule a checkup.
How to Choose the Right Groomer for Your Dog
When seeking a new groomer, speak to other dog owners. If you see a dog that looks particularly good, speak to the owner and discover where they go for grooming. Your local vet or doggy day care may recommend local dog groomers, too. You can also search online for groomers in your area and read reviews from customers on reviewing websites and social media.
Once you have a few names, check out their websites, and then give them a call and enquire a few questions:
How long have they been in business?
What qualifications and experience do they have?
What professional organizations do they belong to? For example, they may be members of the National Dog Groomers Association of America or International Professional Groomers, Inc.
How many regular clients do they have?
What type of products do they use?
Different dogs require different grooming techniques, so you need to make certain your groomer has experience with your breed. If your pet needs a special cut or has medical needs they should be aware of, ask if the groomer is knowledgeable about your dog’s needs prior to making an appointment. If they’re experienced professionals, they are going to happily answer any questions you might have.
When you visit your chosen dog groomer for the very first time, research and ask yourself:
How clean are the facilities?
How does it smell?
How up to date is the equipment?
Does the staff disinfect the gear?
Is the staff calm, relaxed and professional?
How does the staff connect to their clients’ dogs?
Don’t be afraid to ask questions, specify how you want your pet groomed or give special instructions. If you don’t speak up, the groomer won’t necessarily really know what you expect.
With some brief research, a few recommendations from fellow pet owners plus your own intuition, you’ll find a dog groomer that will pamper your pet and leave them looking their finest.