Should I Hire a Professional Groomer?

For many dogs, the basic grooming that they need is more than the dog owner can easily provide – such as brushing the coat, teeth cleaning, trimming nails, paw pads care and regular baths.

Let’s be honest here. Regular grooming maintenance can be a daunting task to many dog owners especially if you lack the time or skill. It can be quite nerve-wracking experience when your dog senses your uneasiness of handling the grooming tools.

For dogs with high-maintenance coat, engaging professional grooming service is a must since regular dog owners don’t have the skill of handling electronic clippers on dog.

If you don’t foresee yourself in learning basic grooming procedures (aren’t difficult to acquire anyway) any time soon, then paying a groomer to bathe and clip your dog once every two to four weeks isn’t extravagant; it’s a necessity! It’s in your best interest that your dog is continuously taken care of in the ways of health and personal care.

What will the groomer do for my dog?

A groomer will take care of all aspects of your dog’s grooming needs unless you give specified instructions or requests. Generally it includes:

• Ear Cleaning (includes extracting hair within)
• Nails Trimming (nails painting is optional)
• Empty Anal Sacs
• Clipping Coat (including paw beard for those long coated dogs)
• Stripping and Plucking Coat (Mostly in Terriers group, Schnauzer, and Wirehaired Dachshund)
• Bathing (regular or aromatherapy)
• Controlling External Parasites (fleas and ticks bath)
• Removing odor (skunk) and harmful substance (car oil)

How often should I bring my dog to the groomer?

How often your dog requires professional grooming depends on the cut you desire to have. For example, if you opt for a Poodle clip on your Bichon Frise or a Schnauzer trim on a Maltese. In general, the puppy cut (which most adult pet dogs go for) should be trimmed every 6 weeks before it gets too messy or out of shape. Certain cuts may only require once every 3 months. For dogs with long coat, they will need to have their coat trim on a regular basis. Show dogs usually do a light trim before the show. Most days, they are usually in wraps to prevent the coat from breaking.

How much will it cost to hire a professional dog groomer?

What you pay will vary based on the breed and its coat, the amount of coat involved, and its condition. It ranges from $35 to $60. Whatever your situation, do not wait until your dog is filthy and heavily matted. The groomer will charge you more for that, and detangling severe mats may test your dog’s patience. Keep in mind that if you dog has a long coat or require more clipping, it will cost more than one with a shorter coat or one whose cost has been regularly maintained.

What are the benefits for hiring a professional groomer?

First and foremost, it’s an excellent stress reliever for both you and your dog. Trained groomers have the necessary tools and experience in order to perform the task adequately, without traumatizing you and your dog should you opt to do it yourself. They are able to handle tricky situations (problematic or frightened dogs) more safely and humanely.

During the grooming process, experienced groomer is able to detect some subtle health problems (i.e. lumps or infected areas) or any abnormality behavior (if the dog has been a regular client) in dogs which owners may have overlooked.

Remember, not all groomers can provide the same level of expertise. Therefore, it’s your responsibility to prescreen your potential groomer before entrusting them with your dog.

Stay tune for the following issues.

Part 2 – Where Can I Find Good Professional Dog Groomers?

Part 3 – How Do I Evaluate the Groomer and the Facility?

Part 4 – How Do I Prepare my Puppy for his First Grooming Visit?