When you have a pet, it is important to take care of their needs, including grooming. Grooming your animal at home can save you time, money, and energy overall. However, experienced groomers will be able to help you maintain healthy skin and coat, paws, nails, and ears.
It is no secret that finding a good groomer for your pet can be tough. There are so many options available that it can be difficult to decide who to trust. And let’s face it, you aren’t giving your pet over to just anyone, right? So, we decided a check list full of tips to help you find the best groomer for your furry friend may be useful.
But first - Why does pet grooming matter?
Regular grooming not only helps your pet look and smell their best, but it is also an important part of their overall health. Proper brushing and combing can help to remove dirt, mats, and tangles from your pet's coat along with stimulating the skin and hair follicles, which can improve circulation and promote healthy coats. By including Health Extension’s Lifetime Vitamins and Skin & Coat Oil, you can promote the healthiest skin and shiny coats for your furry friend!
Additionally, regular grooming can help to with skin problems and parasites, like fleas and ticks.
If your pet suffers from anxiety or is afraid of the bathing process, a good groomer will be able to put them at ease and make the experience as pleasant as possible. Health Extension also offers support for those stressful times. For more info or to try the Stress Relief Supplements click here.
Ok! It matters… But how often does your pet need grooming?
The best way to determine how often your pet needs grooming is to consult with your veterinarian or a professional groomer. They will be able to assess your pet's individual needs and make recommendations based on their experience.
Standard grooming practices occur every 4 – 6 weeks based on your pets’ specific requirements and lifestyle.
The type of coat your pet has will also dictate how often they need grooming. Dogs with short hair and smooth coats, such as Labradors or Chihuahuas would not need grooming as often as dogs with long, thick coats, like Golden Retrievers or Afghans.
Can’t forget the nails! Dogs who are frequently walked compared to those who just roam their yard, will need nail clippings less frequently than those who aren’t. Taking your dog for long walks outside naturally files their nails on the pavement so trips to the groomer for this service will be less often.
Similarly, cats with short hair require less grooming than cats with long hair. However, all pets should be groomed regularly to remove any mats or tangles from their coat and prevent skin problems.
Whoa… Why use a trained professional?
A good pet groomer is necessary to keep your pet healthy, happy, and looking their best. More importantly, it helps keep them safe. They will have the experience and knowledge to properly groom your pet, regardless of their breed, coat, or temperament type.
In addition, a good groomer sometimes identifies any potential health problems and help you address them before they become serious.
Here ya go! How to find a good groomer for your pet?
Now that you know why grooming is so important, it is time to find a groomer who can take care of your pet. Here are some tips for finding the best groomer for your furry friend:
Tip #01 - Ask around
The best way to find a good groomer is by word-of-mouth. Ask your family, friends, and neighbors for recommendations.
Tip #02 - Check with your veterinarian
Your veterinarian is a great resource for finding a good groomer; they may even have one on staff. If not, they should know who the reputable groomers are in your area and be able to recommend someone who is qualified to take care of your pet's specific needs.
Tip #03 - Do your research
Once you have recommendations, take the time to research each one. Read online reviews and check out their website or social media page. This will give you good insight into who would be a good match for your pet’s needs.
Tip #04 - Make sure they are qualified
When you are looking for a groomer, make sure they have the proper qualifications. They should be able to show you proof of their training and certification. If they cannot, move on. They may be underpriced for a reason.
Tip #05 - Ask about their experience
In addition to being qualified, you will want to make sure the groomer has ample experience. Ask them how long they have been in business and how many pets they have groomed.
Tip #06 - Find out what services they offer
Most groomers offer a variety of services, from bathing and brushing to nail trimming and ear cleaning. Make sure the groomer you choose offers the services you are looking for.
Tip #07 - Ask about their prices
Groomers typically charge by the services provided, so it is important to ask about their rates before you book an appointment. Be sure to get a written estimate and make sure you understand what is included in the price. You may want to calcify that you want to be contacted for approval before they do anything else that will change the cost.
Tip #08 - Check for insurance and liability
Before booking an appointment with a groomer, be sure to ask if they have liability insurance. This will protect you in the event something goes wrong during the grooming session.
Tip #09 - Ask for references
If you are still not sure which groomer to choose, ask for references. Most groomers will be happy to provide a list of previous clients who can vouch for their work.
Tip #10 – Look for these qualities in a groomer
- Patience: even if your pet is not the easiest to work with.
- Gentle: You want this to be an enjoyable or at least tolerable experience for your pet. Not a traumatic hurtful one.
- Mindful of details: You don’t want to ask for a trim and pick up a shaved dog (or cat)! And certain breeds have specific grooming styles you may desire to maintain.
- Ability to communicant: any of your questions should be easily answered about the grooming process and easily address any special needs for your pet.
- Trust: they should also be someone who you and your pet are comfortable with.
Time to pick your groomer!
Now that you know how to find a groomer, keep in mind if you are not satisfied, you should have enough confidence to communicate your concerns. Building a trust and expectation of service goes a long way in a lasting relationship with your pet’s groomer.
Grooming is an essential part of your pet’s overall health and wellbeing, so do not take this process lightly. By following these tips, you will be sure to find the best possible groomer for your furry friend.
