Do you give Fido his baths at home? Or are you part of the growing group of individuals who bring their beloved dogs to the salon? There are numerous benefits to having your furry friend groomed by a professional, beyond just convenience. Continue reading to discover the benefits of bringing your furry friend to a professional groomer, according to a local Neshoba County, MS veterinarian.
What Advantages Does One Gain From Visiting A Professional Groomer?
There’s no denying the convenience of taking Fido to the salon. You can drop your beloved canine buddy off and pick up a well-groomed, pleasant-smelling, and pampered puppy shortly afterward.
In addition to these benefits, there are several other advantages:
Less Mess
Washing Fido at home may be more cost-effective, but things might inevitably get a little messy. Even if Fido is well-behaved in the tub, he will probably make a mess with his post-bath shake, spraying water everywhere. You might also need to clean up the water on the floor and remove your dog’s fur from the tub. Visiting a groomer ensures a hassle-free experience.
Fido’s Cute Ears
Yet another advantage of visiting a groomer? Professional ear cleaning services! This is one perk that we are happy to see available for Fido. This is especially crucial for puppies with those irresistibly cute floppy ears. That particular ear type is more susceptible to infections due to the shape of the ear flaps, which creates a moist environment. Numerous ridges in dogs’ ear canals also create an environment conducive to the growth of bacteria, yeast, and unfortunately, infections.
Additionally, certain puppies may require their ear hair to be trimmed or plucked. This task requires the expertise of a trained professional in the field of medical grooming.
Not As Much Shedding
Fido’s adorable coat is undeniably charming, although he does have a tendency to generously distribute his fur throughout our living space. Regular grooming can significantly decrease the amount of fur you’ll find on your sofa, carpets, and even on yourself.
Safely Remove Mats
Does your furry friend have long fur? If that’s the case, Fido might be more susceptible to developing tangles and mats. These can be quite troublesome. They can be especially uncomfortable, and also disrupt the natural insulating properties of your pet’s coat, making it more challenging for them to regulate their body temperature during both winter and summer seasons. In addition, they may also contribute to skin issues. It’s important to be diligent in this grooming routine to prevent the formation of mats. If your pup becomes tangled, it’s best to have a professional remove the mats.
Medical Grooming
Certain dogs require more than just a regular bath. Some of our canine pals need to have their anal glands expressed. This task requires the expertise of a trained professional and is not something you can (or would want to) try at home. Ear hair trims are also considered a part of medical grooming. Pups that need medical grooming should always go to groomers.
Make Sure Your Dog Is Comfy
Getting Fido in and out of a tub can sometimes be a challenge … particularly if he isn’t exactly excited about the impending bath, which is often the case with many dogs. It is important to exercise caution when interacting with seniors. As dogs age, they can experience stiffness and soreness, similar to how humans do. Even being held can cause discomfort for them. Plus, senior dogs are also quite delicate and susceptible to injury. If your pet were to slip or fall while getting in and out of the tub, he might get injured.
Groomers provide stations that are designed to be easily accessible for pups, ensuring a smoother and more comfortable grooming experience for them.
Spotting Warning Signs
Groomers are skilled at identifying potential health concerns. They may observe a variety of things, such as fleas and parasites, lesions, swelling, skin problems and redness, bites and cuts, soreness, and puncture wounds, among others. Potential issues should be addressed as soon as possible, as early detection often leads to the best outcomes.
Although a groomer should never be seen as a substitute for proper veterinary care, they can possibly alert you to any potential issues and advise you to promptly schedule an appointment for Fido. This of course isn’t guaranteed, but it’s a nice plus to consider.
Social Skills
Is your adorable companion still a puppy? Familiarizing little Fido with visits to a professional groomer is highly recommended, even if you intend to handle most of his bathing and grooming needs at home. This is best done during your pet’s socialization window, which typically closes around four months of age.
As your furry companion becomes more accustomed to being handled by various individuals and receiving grooming attention on his paws, teeth, ears, and coat, he will gradually grow more at ease with these experiences in the future.
When to start? The ideal time to take your pet to the salon for the first time is generally before your pet reaches around 16 weeks of age.
It’s important to mention that it can be beneficial to begin preparing your dog for professional grooming by familiarizing him with brushing and handling his ears and paws. Give your pet’s paws a gentle massage and trim their nails with a clipper. Feel free to gently stroke and caress your furry friend’s face. If little Fido isn’t accustomed to wearing a harness, that’s also something you can work on. Consult your veterinarian for further details.
Pawdicures
Regular nail trims are crucial for maintaining the well-being of your furry companion. Overgrown nails can be quite uncomfortable and make it difficult for Fido to maintain good traction. It can also have an impact on his walking, running, and weight distribution. Over time, long nails can worsen or contribute to bone and joint issues, such as arthritis. Consult your Neshoba County, MS vet for further details.
Adaptable Schedules
Grooming needs can vary significantly among dogs. Occasional baths and a light weekly brushing are sufficient for some pups. Some other breeds require almost daily brushing. The frequency of Fido’s beauty treatments will depend on the length and type of his coat.
No matter what your schedule is, establishing a routine for grooming appointments can help you stay organized and maintain a well-groomed appearance.
Convenient And Hassle-Free Service
Having your pet groomed at your vet also offers the convenience of one-stop shopping. You have the option to conveniently pick up Fido’s medications or parasite prevention, or even schedule an exam on the same day. That translates to reduced running around for you.
Preparing Fido for His Salon Visit
Although the groomer will handle most of the tasks for you, there are still a few preparations you’ll need to make. It’s a good idea to brush your pet before bringing him along. Your vet and groomer can advise you on anything else you need to do or bring.
Schedule An Appointment For Dog Grooming At Our Neshoba County, MS Pet Clinic
Does your furry friend need a little freshening up? Is your dog in need of medical grooming? Don’t hesitate to reach out to us at any time. We are here to assist you as your Neshoba County, MS vet and groomer!
