How-to-choose-a-dog-groomer

How to choose a dog groomer

Finding a trusted groomer to take care of your dog's coat is not always easy for owners who are a little anxious about putting their dog in the hands of a stranger armed with scissors. However, dog grooming is a service that tends to be democratized and is now the daily life of many dogs.

The number of grooming salons is, in fact, relatively important, which offers to the owners the embarrassment of the choice to find the professional who will know how to take care of their faithful companions.

To help you in your search for the ideal groomer, this article proposes you to make a point on the criteria to be taken into account to choose the one who will take care of the fur of your best friend.

 

What is a dog groomer ?

A dog groomer is a professional of the maintenance of the dog's coat, able to emphasize its morphological qualities as well as to ensure its hygiene. If this can reassure you, you should know that not everyone is a groomer: a professional dog groomer must obtain a certificate and declare himself to the Chamber of Trades and Crafts.

Indeed, the groomer must not only learn to handle clippers and scissors, but also be able to make cuts designed to highlight each breed of dog. Nevertheless, his technical skills must not make us forget his relational qualities towards his canine clients: a good groomer must know how to show gentleness and apply himself to reassure your dog at every moment to avoid that he panics during the grooming.

This beautiful job requires both professional and personal skills, the latter being the easiest to observe when you first meet the groomer to whom you are considering entrusting your dog.

 

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Why use a dog groomer?

Grooming a dog is important to maintain a good body hygiene and preserve its health in the long term. Although veterinarians advise against frequent bathing, it is still recommended to wash your dog about once a month.

The groomer can wash and brush your pet's coat to keep it beautiful and healthy, as well as maintain its claws, teeth and body in general.

 

Brushing

Brushing your dog removes dead hair and massages the capillaries to promote circulation and hair growth. This little ritual should be an integral part of your pet's daily care, but unfortunately, many owners don't have the time to devote to it.

Removing dead hair allows your dog's skin to be aired and prevents him from developing certain skin diseases. It is also an opportunity to detect the possible presence of ticks or fleas that can transmit serious diseases to your dog.

 

Bathing

The bath allows you to wash your pet's coat thoroughly to remove more dirt and dead hair than brushing. Using a shampoo specially designed for dogs, this treatment makes the coat much shinier and silkier than a simple brush stroke!

However, if you brush your dog's coat regularly, the frequency of baths can be extended by a few weeks.

 

Clipping

In most cases, clipping a dog's coat is mainly for aesthetic purposes. However, it can also be necessary for dogs that have become overgrown with knots that are too numerous or too tight to detangle.

Shortening the hair around the eyes and in the ears may also be necessary to prevent your dog from developing eye infections and ear infections.

 

Cleaning the eyes and ears

Cleaning your dog's eyes and ears regularly is the best way to prevent infections. It's also an opportunity to do a thorough visual examination to make sure there are no parasites or lesions.

 

Trimming the claws

Nails that are too long can get in the way of your pet and even injure him when he moves. They must therefore be trimmed regularly to maximize your dog's comfort and reduce the risk of infections.

This delicate task should be entrusted to a professional to avoid cutting them too short, which causes great pain to the animal.

 

Teeth maintenance

Maintaining your dog's teeth is essential to avoid the formation of tartar, which can cause infections and tooth loosening.

Ultimately, having your dog groomed by a professional will both provide impeccable hygiene and detect any small problems that would go unnoticed without a thorough inspection of his coat.

 

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How to choose a dog groomer ?

Choosing a dog groomer is based on several criteria that are as much practical as they are about trust between the owner and the professional.

 

Geographical location

If your dog doesn't appreciate car trips, you will probably have to turn to a dog groomer located not far from your home.

In my opinion, the relationship with the professional and his competence in terms of grooming techniques and animal handling should take precedence over this practical aspect. Nevertheless, it is a point to take into account for the owners with busy schedules or whose poor doggies are sick in the car.

 

The rates

Dog groomers are free to set their own prices, which can vary from one provider to another by as much as double. Start by inquiring about the price list proposed by the dog groomer you are interested in to make sure it fits your budget.

 

The feeling

A first meeting with the groomer of your choice will allow you to see if he seems to care about the well-being and comfort of your dog during his grooming session.

This aspect is particularly important so that your dog does not experience this experience as a punishment and that the event does not turn into a trauma. A good groomer must listen to his four-legged clients, handle them gently and respect their character and the signs of discomfort they may show.

 

FAQ

Is the grooming salon clean and welcoming?
This type of structure must be properly maintained to avoid the spread of bacteria or parasites. It is indeed possible that the dogs groomed before or after yours are invaded by fleas or ticks, parasites that can gallop in the establishment in search of a new host. To avoid this kind of inconvenience, serious groomers take care to thoroughly clean their salon daily and to maintain a healthy environment.

Are cats and dogs forced to live together in the facility?
This should give you some insight into how the professional cares about your pet's welcome and the emotions he or she may feel upon entering the home.

Does this grooming salon have a good reputation?
One of the best ways to get an opinion on the seriousness of a dog grooming professional is to dig around on social networks to find reviews from owners about him. Whether it's on Facebook or on the Google Business page of his company, it's a safe bet that the groomer of your choice will have collected some reviews from his previous clients. I still recommend that you take a step back from any negative reviews, especially if they are rare. Disgruntled owners express themselves much more easily than satisfied customers, the number of negative reviews is rarely representative of the percentage of disappointed customers.

Can relatives recommend a professional?
Word of mouth is a great way to find a competent grooming professional you can trust. If you know people who also own a pet (cat or dog), ask them if they have ever been to a groomer and if the groomer made a good impression on them. Don't hesitate to look more widely within your circle of acquaintances: some people may not have pets, but may know other individuals who could give you information.

 

Finding the dog groomer who will make your pet happy and put your mind at ease can take a lot of research, but the result is worth it! Once you are sure that your dog is in good hands, you will not be able to do without his monthly visit to the groomer. Shiny coat, better hygiene, healthy teeth... Well-groomed dogs are often healthy dogs.

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