COURTESY OF THE MANITOBA DOG GROOMER’S ASSOC.
The word Grooming is described as, “to give neat appearance to”. We like to describe Dog grooming as, “The full process of attaining and maintaining a healthy & attractive coat on your pet.” This composes of; brushing & combing, shampooing & conditioning, drying, hair trimming, ear cleaning & (at times) anal gland expression.
WHY IS GROOMING IMPORTANT?
A well groomed dog looks and feels wonderful. Regularly brushing and combing a dog helps remove loose hair and debris, leaving the coat feeling healthy and clean. It helps to stimulate blood supply to the skin, strengthening the skin cells and it also supplements oils and colour to the skin and coat, leaving a shiny, healthy coat & skin. Routine grooming helps to prevent knots & mats. These mats & knots are unattractive and quite painful to your dog & may prevent air from reaching your dog’s skin, which may leave your much-loved dog more prone to infections & skin problems. Always make sure your dog is thoroughly combed out before bathing; never bathe a dog with mats or knots! This will only make the matt tighter to the skin and more difficult to remove. Instead work on the knot or mat to get it out or if you find the matting too difficult to remove or becoming more prevalent, call your professional groomer.
WHEN SHOULD I START TO GROOM MY DOG?
Start a grooming routine as soon as possible; puppies usually learn a groom routine quickly, so it is best to start when they are young, (even puppies as young as 8 weeks can start at home). Keep in mind though; it is never too late to start a regular grooming routine. You may find that, at first, your dog may be apprehensive at being groomed; don’t worry, this is perfectly normal! Initially, keep your grooming time short, give your dog plenty of praise & support & reward them when grooming is finished. In no time, you both will look forward to the next grooming!
WHO CAN I TURN TO FOR GROOM HELP?
If you are having any problems, talk to your pet groomer on advice to keep your dog well groomed, we will be happy to help you with any advice on your particular breed, dog & any grooming difficulties.
WHAT CAN HAPPEN IF I POSTPONE OR NEGLECT GROOMING MY DOG?
Grooming your dog is as important to their well-being as feeding your dog and should not be postponed or neglected. Grooming helps keep your dog’s skin and coat healthy. Neglecting to groom your dog regularly may result in matting, odours, debris, foreign bodies (burrs, etc) & pests. Postponing grooming may also result in higher grooming costs. Time is money, if your groomer has to spend more time combing, brushing, dematting, cleaning your pet or if your dog is more difficult to work on because he is not used to being groomed regularly, then you may be charged extra. Although most groomers have a set price based on breed and size of dog, this is if your dog is well trained and well groomed! The more time you spend at home maintaining your dog & used to the grooming process, the easier it is on your dog, your groomer & you. Your dog will have a healthier coat, your groomer will thank you for such a well behaved & well groomed dog and you will be rewarded with a happier dog and more money in your wallet.
TIPS TO MAKE YOUR GROOMERS JOB EASIER!
1. Brush and comb your dog regularly (1-3 times a week is best)
2. Book your grooming appointment in advance
3. Get your dog used to grooming as young as possible
4. Never bathe a dog with mats or knots!
5. Make sure your dog has emptied his bladder and bowels before going to the groomers.
6. Groomers have vast knowledge in their field, please respect their advice.
7. If your dog has mats, talk to your groomer, but if your dog is severely matted, please don’t insist we comb them out, it is too painful and unfair to your dog.
8. Control & Keep your dog on leash, your dog may be friendly but others are not.
9. Teach your dog grooming manners.
10. Do not allow your dog to bite while being groomed.
11. Please, be on time and make time to talk to your groomer.
12. Tell us if your dog has any health problems or concerns.
13. Don’t go longer than 3 months between grooming; yearly grooming is unfair to your dog and the groomer.
14. Give feedback on the grooming, if you like the job we do, tell us! (and yes, we do accept tips)