GROOMING

Grooming is an extremely important, but much misunderstood art and science. Your Pet Pals professional groomer would like you to understand more about this service that can improve your dog's health, appearance and social acceptance. The following questions are the most frequently asked, and the answers should help clarify some of the more common misconceptions about grooming.

DOG GROOMING FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Why should I have my dog groomed?

Most pet owners confuse "grooming" with "clipping". Clipping (which is commonly done to poodles, spaniels, terriers, as well as to mixed breed dogss), is only one procedure in the grooming process. Grooming also includes combing and brushing, cutting nails, plucking hair from ears, teeth brushing, and parasite control. Although the most obvious result of these procedures is an improved appearance, the major benefits to your pet are increased comfort and social acceptability, and perhaps even improved health.

Do all dogs need grooming?

All dogs need an occasional bath, but it is more important to keep our dog combed and brushed, especially if your dog has long hair. Matted hair can easily cause skin problems and unnecessary discomfort for your pet. If neglected for too long, it might eventually necessitate a lengthy grooming session, which could be uncomfortable for your pet and expensive for you. Regular brushing, on the other hand, improves your dog's skin tone and circulation, and makes the coat healthier and more attractive.

My dog has a very strong odor. Bathing doesn't seem to to help. Why?

It possible that your dog's teeth, ears, or anal sacs are responsible for the problem. Your groomer will be able to help you to determine the nature of the problem and refer you to your veterinarian, if necessary.

What kind of brush should I use?

That depends on the type of coat. Please ask your Pet Pals groomer about the equipment that is correct for your pet.

My dog scratches all time, but I can't find any fleas. What's the problem?

Scratching is often caused by dry skin and not fleas. This could be the result of excessive bathing, dry climate, nutritional deficiency, allergies, or the wrong type of shampoo. Discuss this problem with your Pet Pals groomer or your veterinarian.

Why do my dog's nails get so long?

Because your dog doesn't walk on hard surfaces often enough to keep them worn down. You should have them checked at least once a month. Walking on pavement will help wear them down naturally.

My dog doesn't behave when I try to brush him. How do you get him to stand still?

Most dogs tend to be on their best behavior with the groomers, especially when they sense the firm yet gentle touch that marks the experienced professional. It is rare for a groomer to encounter a dog with a drastic temperament problem. In these infrequent cases, the groomer might ask the owner to have his/her veterinarian prescribe a mild tranquilizer for the owner to give the pet prior to grooming. This protects the pet from injuring himself or the groomer, and enables the groomer to complete the grooming quickly. (These tranquilizers are drugs, and can only be obtained by a liscenced veterinarian - groomers do not have access to these tranquilizers. Some people are under the misconception that a groomer may drug their pet without the owner's consent, and this is not possible, as the tranquilizers can only be obtained by a liscenced veterinarian.)
    Many times, a dog that reacts badly to grooming at first will learn to accept and appreciate the process as the dog becomes more at ease with the groomer, and realizes how much better it feels after grooming. Younger animals learn to accept grooming faster and enjoy it more than a pet that is not groomed until an adult age or groomed infrequently.

I have my dog clipped every six month, but she doesn't look as pretty as my neighbor's dog. Is that my groomer's fault?

Your neighbor probably has regular six to eight week appointments with the groomer, and keeps the dog well brushed between appointments. This kind of regular attention enables the groomer to devote more time and effort to beautifyng the dog, rather than to de-matting and tryng to salvage a neglected coat.

How old should my dog be before she has her first grooming appointment?

Even though a three month old puppy is not usually in need of grooming, you should take your pet to your Pet Pals groomer to get him or her used to full grooming gradually. In this way, your pet will learn to accept grooming as a happy experience to enjoy.

Should I bathe my dog before taking him to my Pet Pals groomer?

One of the worst problems that confront groomers is to work on a dog that has been bathed without being brushed out completely. The result of such a practice is a coat that is so firmly matted that clipping is sometimes the only solution. Ask your groomer if bathing at home prior to grooming is recommended, and always brush your dog properly before bathing.

CAT GROOMING FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Should my cat be groomed?

Longhaird cats need combing occasionally to prevent matted fur. Many cats also need bathing at times, if they are not capable of achieving the neatness that is usually attributed to cats.

Remember that professional Pet Care Services Association groomers are specially qualified to advise you about the type of grooming and grooming equipment that is best for your pet. They can advise you of techniques for grooming your dog at home, and can provide the finest service available at their pet care facility. Many times, your groomer will be able to detect potential health problems, which should be handled by your veterinarian, before you might ordinarily notice them. Problems such as possible ear infections or mites, skin disorders, unusual growths, and parasites, are more easily detected as a result of regular grooming. Your Pet Pals groomer is familiar with the type of grooming that will make your pet look his or her best and can also provide special baths for fleas and ticks, dry skin problems, and, in cooperation with your veterinarian, medicated baths for special problems. Good health and good looks go hand in hand with good grooming. The best team for accomplishing this is your veterinarian, your Pet Pals professional groomer, and you.

Pet Pals employs pet parents who love animals, and like you, want the best for your pet. Our pet stylists will greet you and your pet, and offer solutions for your pet's individual needs. We minimize customer wait time and groom turn around time, while providing high quality professional grooming for your dog or cat.