Easy Dog Grooming Tips
During the Winter, you want your pet to keep all his or her hair so they keep warm. During the Summer, you want to keep your pet cool. Dog groomers do not get much of break during the hot months. It is best to do your research before Summer and lock down a good groomer before the seasons change. (For tips on how to choose a good groomer, see our piece, “Choosing a Dog Groomer.”)
There are some steps to take to make the grooming trips easier on everyone involved.
1-Know the cost before your take your dog to the groomer. The average grooming costs between $40.00-$60.00. The price depends on the service, so just a wash is one price, and adding in blow-dry can cost more. More extensive grooming or additional services can cost more. A grooming at your home will always cost more.
2-Try to stay calm so you can keep your pet calm. Your pet has to be tolerant of grooming because it is a necessary evil to maintain their comfort and good health. If you are relaxed, your pet is more likely to be relaxed. Leading up to a first grooming. gently massage his or her coat during feeding. Gently comb or brush the pet’s coat at night, for just a few minutes. Give a lot of praise for cooperation.
3-If you have missed the boat and not made your dog stranger friendly, take the dog by to meet the groomer a few times before the actual appointment. Let the groomer take a sniff or two, and allow them to give your dog treats. If you have an aggressive dog, you need to consult your vet and the groomer before making an appointment. You should never put a groomer in the path of an aggressive dog.
4-Be prepared for the first visit to the groomer. Have your medical records with you and make sure your dog has received all his or her vaccinations. Sterilization is best case scenario for visits to the groomer, but not required. Sterilized dogs are calmer.
5-Never take an out of control dog to the vet. Never leave a dog that is exhibiting serious illness related to nervousness to the groomer. If your dog is a jumble of nerves outside the realm of reason, consult a trainer or behavioral specialist before you visit a groomer.
6-Keep the groomer informed. Tell the groomer about all the aspects of your pet’s life. His health, mental state, and personality quirks. Do cell phones make him crazy? Do hats make him aggressive? Do sunglasses send him spinning? The groomer needs to know everything, for their safety and the safety of your pet.
7-Groomer are not allowed to prescribe nor administer medication. If your dog needs sedation, find a vet with a groomer in the office.
8-Keep your goodbyes brief. Do not cry, do not hang on, and do not repeatedly look back. Say goodbye and keep walking.
9-A cat is never impressed when you come home. The same can not be written for the groomer. Your cat wants out and get back to being the boss of you as soon as possible. Pick up on time.
10-Dogs are so happy to see you when you get home. It is as though they thought you would never come home. When they go to the groomer, they really are convinced you are never coming back. Please, pick your dog up in a timely fashion.
After you find the right groomer, follow these steps and you increase your odds of having an uneventful grooming. A happy dog is as important as a good-smelling dog.
