5 Things Your Dog Groomer Wants You to Know

Take a moment to think about the things you enjoy most about your pet. We cherish the companionship and eagerness to be included in our day-to-day life. Now, think about the physical aspects you admire about your pet. The coat pattern, their cute ears and little teeth, the little chin hairs or mustaches, and wagging tails. How about the smell of a freshly cleaned coat? Free of mats, ears cleaned, nails trimmed and filed to perfection. The maintenance of a dog is usually where a dog groomer comes in. Want to make the most out of going to a groomer for your dog? Here are important things they want you to know about grooming.

Brushing is a Two-Part Process

There are so many options and different styles for each and every type of dog coat (with the exception of hairless breeds). The right kind of brush for your dog can make a world of difference. Your groomer may point you in the direction of a long pinned slicker brush with a metal comb combo. Just like that you’ve been shown the secret to keeping coats mat free. The long-pinned slicker breaks up the very top coat and allows the comb to complete the job by getting down to the skin and pulling out any dead hair that will become a tumbleweed of a mat if left in your pet’s hair. This two-part process may take a little extra time, but think of it as a bonding moment for you and your pet, and if done properly, could save you a few extra dollars in dematting fees.

The Truth Behind the Shave Down

Any groomer who is truly passionate about what they do typically starts this career due to an appreciation for not only animals but the beauty and creativity that come with a beautiful coat. They take so much pride in their work and will always do what they can to save the hair, so long as it does not compromise the well-being of the animal on their table. When mats form on your pet, simple things in their day-to-day life can cause the mats to grow closer to their skin. Things like friction from their collar or harness, even being out in the rain, and swimming during the summer can all cause matting if not properly maintained. These mats eventually cause tension on the skin underneath and can be quite painful for your pet to have removed. Situations like this call for a shorter blade that can easily slide under the mats releasing them quickly, which minimizes stress and pain for your pet. If you don’t want your dog to be shaved down, make sure you understand what is best for their coat type and try to keep up with it at home as best as you can.

Pricing is Determined by Many Factors

Pricing has always been quite controversial in the pet grooming world. The phrase “Time is Money” is quite relevant for them, and yet there is a struggle to push salons forward with charging what they need in order to keep their doors open while keeping up with inflation. Not only does their pricing need to be competitive but here are some factors that will determine what you pay to have your pet professionally groomed.

• Size/surface area of the pet being groomed
• Current condition of the coat, including frequency of grooming
• Behavior that can slow down the pace of the groom
• Quality of product used on the pet
• Average pricing of the area
• Level of experience offered by the groomer

These are all factors that are considered when figuring out pricing, which is why it may fluctuate a bit from pet to pet. Everything that makes your pet unique plays a factor in its pricing for grooming when completed by a good, professional, experienced groomer.

Rushing Your Groomer Causes Stress to Your Pet, Too

Dogs are smart creatures who can be very in tune with their human counterparts and have developed the ability to pick up on certain emotions and energies we expel. Combine this fact with the knowledge that every time your pet visits the groomer, there are a number of dogs on the schedule with the same individuality, which fluctuates with each visit. It is the groomer’s job to use their expertise to safely tailor the experience of each pet. While groomers need steel nerves to take sharp instruments to the faces and bodies of many different dogs, they are only human. Phone calls, texts, and especially showing up early before you have received word from your groomer only cause stress in the environment where serenity is most needed. Your pet can feel this stress which typically leads to behavior that only slows the process down more. Be sure to inform your groomer of any appointments or deadlines that need to be met for that day in order for them to plan the day properly to prevent a stress-free interaction for you and your pet.

Conclusion: The Bond Between Your Pet and Their Groomer

The last and final piece of information your groomer wants you to know is that they love your pets dearly. Groomers are rarely lucky enough to have a client all the way from puppyhood into senior years, simply because life happens. It’s hard for them to see clients go. If life ends up happening and a groomer switch is necessary, don’t be afraid to give them a call and let them know when you’re scheduling your pet’s last visit. They cherish every tail wag, unexpected face lick, zoomie, and everything that makes your dog unique.