Advantages of Taking Your Pet to a Professional Groomer

Do you give your pup a bath at home? Or are you one of the growing numbers of people who bring their pet dogs to the salon? Although convenience is among the primary motives why dog owners choose professional grooming services, there are other compelling reasons to have your furry buddy trimmed by a professional. In this informative article from Fairfield Animal Hospital, your Cypress, TX pet hospital, a local veterinarian discusses the advantages of taking your cherished pet to a professional groomer.

What Benefits Can You Get From Visiting A Professional Groomer?

There’s no doubt that taking Fido to the salon is convenient. Shortly after leaving your favorite dog, you receive a well-groomed, pleasant-smelling, and pampered puppy. It’s hard to beat cuddling with a freshly-washed dog! 

In addition, there are various other benefits to bringing Fido into the salon for his doggy glow-up: 

There Is No Cleanup

Although washing Fido at home is less expensive, things are bound to get a little messy. Even if Fido behaves well in the bathtub, he will eventually shake off the water and make a mess. You may also need to mop up any water on the floor and remove your dog’s fur from the bathtub. Visiting a groomer ensures a stress-free experience.

Social Interactions

Is your canine friend still a puppy? Even if you intend to bathe and groom Fido at home, getting him used to professional grooming visits is a good idea. This is a great thing to do with your pet during its socialization stage, which usually ends around four months of age.

As your furry buddy grows accustomed to being handled by different people and having his paws, teeth, ears, and coat groomed, he will become more comfortable with these experiences. This is certain to make things much easier for both of you.

We usually recommend that you take your pet to the salon for the first time before he or she reaches roughly 16 weeks of age. However, you can do things before that to help little Fido get used to being handled.

Prepping your dog for professional grooming can begin with brushing and handling his ears and feet. This can also help people connect more effectively. One solution is to gently massage your pet’s paws and carefully trim their nails using a clipper.  If Fido is not used to wearing a harness, that is something you can work on. For more information, consult with your veterinarian.

Care For Fido’s Ears

Yet another advantage of hiring a groomer? Professionals can clean Fido’s lovely ears. This is especially important for puppies with the irresistibly adorable floppy ears. The form of the ear flaps, which produces a wet environment, makes that ear type more prone to infections. The various ridges in dogs’ ear canals provide a suitable environment for the growth of bacteria, yeast, and, unfortunately, infections.

Some puppies may need their ear hair cut or plucked. This task also necessitates the skills of a skilled professional in the field of medical grooming. It’s definitely not something to try at home! Ask your Cy-Fair vet for more information on medical grooming. 

Pawdicures

Regular nail trims are essential for your furry friend’s well-being. Overgrown nails can be highly unpleasant and impair Fido’s ability to maintain proper traction. They can also affect his gait, running, and weight distribution. Long nails can aggravate or worsen bone and joint problems, such as arthritis, over time. For more information, consult with your veterinarian.

Many people are uncomfortable with clipping their pets’ nails themselves. This is understandable: if you cut too far, you may cut into the quick. As you may know, that can be quite painful for Fido. If you want to learn how to do it properly, ask your Cy-Fair vet to demonstrate. 

Adaptable Schedules

Grooming requirements might vary greatly across canines. Some puppies require only occasional baths and a gentle weekly brushing. Others require brushing on a daily basis. The length and type of Fido’s coat will determine how frequently he receives beauty treatments. Creating a pattern for grooming sessions, regardless of your schedule, will help you stay organized and keep Fido looking smart and well-groomed.

Of course, every pup is different, so you’ll want to talk to your vet about Fido’s grooming needs. Doing some breed research may also help. 

Less Fur …. Everywhere

Fido’s lovely coat is definitely charming, yet he has a habit of liberally distributing his fur about the house. Regular grooming can dramatically reduce the quantity of fur that winds up on your sofa, carpets, and even your body. 

Safely Remove Mats

Does your pet have lengthy fur? In this instance, Fido may be more prone to knots and matting. They can be rather uncomfortable. Furthermore, they interfere with your pet’s coat’s natural insulating capabilities, making it more difficult for them to maintain their body temperature in both the winter and summer. Additionally, they can lead to skin problems. Brushing your pet’s coat on a regular basis and making proactive efforts to prevent mats and snarls are essential for keeping it in good condition. If your dog gets tangled, it’s better to have a professional remove the matting.

Medical Grooming

Some puppies require more than a simple bath. Some dogs need anal gland expression, or Trimming of ear hair, which is also part of medical grooming. This should be performed by a trained professional. If your vet recommends any form of medical grooming, it’s best to take your dog to a salon.

Keep Fido Comfortable

Getting Fido in and out of a bathtub might be difficult at times, especially if he isn’t particularly happy about the approaching bath, as many dogs are. Lifting and persuading large dogs can be difficult at times. It’s also necessary to use caution when dealing with elderly pets. Dogs, like humans, can get stiff and sore as they age. Even just being held can be painful for them. They are also quite fragile, and vulnerable to harm. If Fido slips or falls when getting into and out of the tub, he may be injured. Groomers feature stations that are meant to be easily accessible for puppies, resulting in a smoother and more comfortable grooming experience.

Another Set Of Eyes

Groomers aren’t a replacement for vet care, and should never be considered a substitute. However, they can often spot warning signs of an issue developing early on. That just makes sense: Fido’s stylist most likely has a good eye and significant experience. They may notice things like fleas and parasites, sores, swelling, skin problems and redness, bites and cuts, discomfort, and puncture wounds, among other things. This only makes sense given that early detection can make a huge difference in positive outcomes.

It’s So Simple!

Having your pet groomed at the vet has an added benefit: the ease of one-stop shopping. You may quickly pick up Fido’s meds and parasite prevention, as well as schedule an exam for him on the same day.

Make An Appointment for Dog Grooming at Vet

Is it time for your pet to get a bath? Does your dog require medical grooming? Contact us here at Fairfield Animal Hospital, your Cypress, TX pet hospital, anytime.