Private dog and cat groomers: Benefits and common questions

Grooming is essential to keep your pet looking and feeling healthy. While some people prefer to groom their furry friends at home, having your animal companion professionally groomed can help you save time and energy. Here’s why you should take your pet to dog and cat groomers and what to expect when taking them to professional grooming.

Why Choose a Professional Groomer?

A professional pet grooming has a lot of benefits, including:

Their Expertise

They are trained individuals who know how to style properly and spot signs of illnesses in your furry companion’s eyes, nails, teeth and skin. While many owners struggle to clean their pet’s teeth, dog and cat groomers can also brush an animal’s teeth properly.

Their Tools

Trained stylists have all the right tools to get your pet looking their best. They also have various hygiene products to cater to different issues. Different coats require multiple brushes, and groomers have them all.

Their Confidence

A professional groomer knows to handle your pet gently, whether you have an anxious dog or an aggressive cat. 

What are the Benefits of Taking Your Pup to Dog Groomers?

The Humane Society of the United States recommends long-haired dogs to get professional or at-home grooming every four to eight weeks. However, a study shows that pups only got an average of four grooming sessions in 2021. Having your dog groomed has many benefits, including:

• Flea and tick prevention: Dogs who love exploring the outdoors are susceptible to nasty pests. Regular grooming can help mitigate the possible harmful effects of fleas and ticks.
• Healthy coat maintenance: If you want your furry friend to have a beautiful coat, add professional styling to your dog’s hygiene routine. 
• Early detection of health issues: You become more aware of your dog’s abnormalities, including rashes, bumps and lumps you may miss during brushing sessions.
• Better smell: Eliminating dead skin and dirt buildup is one of the many advantages of dog grooming, which can keep your dog smelling fresh for many days.

What to Expect During a Dog Grooming Session

You might wonder how groomers work if you have a new pup. Here’s what you need to know about professional dog grooming.

1. Bathing

One of the benefits of having your dog professionally groomed is it helps remove debris buildup from your four-legged friend’s coat. A groomer bathes your pup in warm water, cleans them with dog shampoo and rinses them thoroughly. They may also use a detangling conditioner for seamless brushing.

2. Brushing

Dogs love the feeling of being brushed. It helps maintain a healthy coat and prevent skin irritation. Regular brushing also helps manage loose fur floating around your place.

3. Nail Trimming

Getting nails cut helps prevent ingrown nails and improves your pet’s mobility. Long nails are prone to breakage, leading to painful injuries and poor body posture. One thing you need to know about professional dog grooming is that stylists can trim your pup’s nails quickly and calmly.

4. Haircutting

Trained dog groomers know best when it comes to haircuts. They begin by bathing and towel-drying your dog, using scissors and electric clippers to trim their fur. You can also request not to shave the coat during summer to help prevent heat stroke and sunburn.

What are the Benefits of Professional Cat Grooming?

Now that you know the basics of dog grooming, you might wonder if cat grooming is just as important. Many believe cats don’t need it because they can look after themselves. However, their self-grooming practices aren’t usually enough. Here are the benefits of taking your kitty to cat groomers:

• Fewer hairballs: Regular grooming sessions can help reduce shedding fur before your cat swallows it when self-grooming.
• Pest detection: Your feline companion can also catch fleas and ticks like dogs. A cat groomer can help eliminate them.
• Healthy coat: Matted fur hinders your cat’s ability to secrete natural oils. A professional cat stylist can painlessly remove it from your companion’s fur.

Can Cats Be Groomed Like Dogs?

The short answer is yes, especially long-haired felines. Here’s what you need to know about professional cat grooming.

1. Bathing

Cat groomers will slowly introduce your pet to water. The stylist will provide a good scrub once your furry friend acclimates to bathing.

2. Cleaning of Nails and Ears

Nail and ear care are essential for your cat’s overall health. A trained groomer will trim claws to protect you, your pet and your family. They will also check your kitty’s inner and outer ears, ensuring they’re clean and free from discharge, odor, swelling and redness.

3. Brushing and Trimming

Groomers tackle matted fur and knots to keep your pet’s coat healthy and silky. One advantage of professional cat grooming is that stylists can trim and shave your feline companion’s fur skillfully, depending on your preference.

Questions to Ask Dog and Cat Groomers

Your four-legged friend is your family, so it’s only natural for you to ensure they get the best grooming experience possible. Explore questions to ask professionals before booking an appointment.

Grooming Process

Inquire about the basic guidelines for styling dogs or cats. Ask if they also regularly monitor for signs of stress. For instance, if your pet becomes distressed when exposed to loud dryer noises, ask if they can use large, absorbent towels instead to keep them dry and happy after a bath.

Certifications

Another thing you should know about professional grooming is that stylists require certification, especially if you’re looking for someone who can handle a specific breed. Knowing that your pet’s handler is qualified will give you peace of mind.

Safety Measures

Negligence may cause injuries and death, so ask professional groomers about their equipment or the products they’ll use. Know their strategies for keeping animals safe from falling or leaping from the table. You can also ask if you can be present during the session to help calm your pet.

Preparation Tips

Ask for advice on how to make your pet more comfortable with professional grooming. A skilled stylist might suggest brushing your dog between appointments to acclimate them with tools like brushes and combs.

Special Requirements

Remember to state your preferences. For instance, if you have a senior dog, you might request a slower and more patient groomer. If your cat doesn’t like males, ask for a female pet stylist. Inform the professional about your furry friend’s quirks so that they may make proper recommendations.

Maintain Your Pet’s Health and Appearance

Reach out to trusted friends or your veterinarian for professional groomer recommendations. Remember to ask the right questions about their training experience and communicate your requests to ensure a safe grooming experience for your pet.