Do you bathe your canine companion at home? Or are you one of the growing numbers of folks who bring their dogs to the salon? While many owners opt to take their dogs to the groomer for convenience, that isn’t the sole reason to get them professionally groomed. Continue reading as a local Syracuse, UT veterinarian discusses some benefits of taking Fido to the groomer.
What Are The Advantages Of Going To A Professional Groomer?
There’s a lot to be said for the convenience of taking Fido to the salon. You get to drop off your canine companion and pick up a clean, fresh-smelling, and pampered puppy a little later.
Here are some of the other benefits:
Less Shedding
Fido’s beautiful coat is adorable, but he has a habit of leaving fur everywhere. Grooming can help reduce the amount of fur on your sofa, carpets, and, of course, you.
Remove Mats Safely
Does your canine companion have long fur? If this is the case, Fido is more likely to develop knots and matting. These can become very problematic. They are, of course, uncomfortable. They also interfere with your canine’s coat’s insulating characteristics, making it difficult for him to stay warm in winter and cool in summer. Additionally, they can cause skin problems. If your pooch develops mats and snarls in his coat, you will need to be very persistent in brushing him and preventing mats from growing. If your pup becomes matted, your best bet is to get them professionally removed.
Medical Grooming
Some dogs require more than a standard shampooing. For example, some dogs’ anal glands must be expressed. This is not something you can accomplish at home; it should be done by a skilled professional. Medical grooming includes ear hair trims. If your veterinarian suggests medicinal grooming, take the puppy to a salon.
Keep Your Furry Pal Comfortable
Getting Fido into and out of a bathtub might be challenging. Especially if, like many dogs, he isn’t looking forward to his forthcoming bathtime. You’ll need to take extra precautions with elderly. Dogs, like humans, get stiff and sore with age. Even being held can be painful for them. They are also significantly more brittle, making them more susceptible to injury. This is more than just an annoyance; it can also be harmful. If your canine buddy slips or falls when entering and exiting the bathtub, he could seriously injure himself. Plus, large dogs might be difficult to pick up and coax.
Groomers have stations that are easy for dogs to enter and exit, making the grooming process easier and more comfortable for them, and safer for all parties.
No Mess
Bathing Fido at home may be cheaper, but it will always be a little messy. Even if Fido doesn’t splash about too much in the tub, he will undoubtedly spray water everywhere during his post-bath shake. You may also have to mop up the water on the floor and clean all of that wet dog fur out of the tub. Going to the groomer means no mess or fuss.
Keep Fido’s Ears Healthy
Another good reason to go to a groomer? You may get Fido’s adorable ears professionally cleaned. This is especially crucial for puppies with those gorgeous floppy ears. That sort of ear is prone to infections simply because the shape of the ear flaps creates a wet environment. That, combined with the ridges in dogs’ ear canals, creates an environment conducive to the growth of bacteria, yeast, and, unfortunately, infections.
Some puppies also need their ear hair cut or removed. This falls under medical grooming and should be done by a specialist.
Groomers Spot Things
While a groomer should never be regarded an alternative to professional veterinarian care, they sometimes can also notice signs of medical concerns. Fido’s hairdresser has a trained eye and a lot of experience, and may spot things early on. They may detect fleas and parasites, sores, swelling, skin problems and redness, bites and cuts, discomfort, and puncture wounds, to mention a few. That is significant since many conditions are best treated when detected early on.
Socialization
Is your furry friend still a puppy? Even if you intend to bathe and groom young Fido at home, it’s a good idea to get him used to visiting a groomer. This is something you should accomplish within your canine friend’s socializing window, which ends around the age of four months. The more your pooch becomes accustomed to being handled by different persons and having his paws, teeth, ears, and coat worked on, the more at ease he will be with this in the future. That, of course, can make things easier for you.
When should you bring little Fido into the salon for the first time? We normally recommend getting this done before your puppy reaches 16 weeks.
It’s also worth noting that preparing your dog for professional grooming will help him become used to being brushed and having his ears and paws touched. This can also promote bonding. You can gently massage your canine friend’s paws and then run a clipper over them. You can also touch and pet your canine companion’s face. If your pooch isn’t used to a harness, putting one on him may help him get used to it. Ask your veterinarian for further information.
Pawdicures
Nail trims are essential for your canine companion. Overgrown nails are extremely painful and might make it difficult for Fido to gain traction. This can also have an impact on his walking and running, and how he holds his weight. Long nails can cause bone and joint problems, such as arthritis, over time. Contact your veterinarian for further information.
Flexible Schedules
Dogs’ grooming needs vary greatly. Some puppies simply require periodic baths and a gentle weekly brushing. Others need to be brushed virtually every day. Fido’s coat length and type will dictate how frequently he needs beauty treatments. Whatever your schedule, establishing a routine of regular grooming sessions can help you stay on top of things.
One-Stop Shopping
If you get your canine buddy groomed at your Syracuse, UT vet, you will also benefit from one-stop shopping. On the same day, you can pick up Fido’s medications and parasite prevention, as well as schedule an exam. This means less running around for you.
Getting Fido Ready for the Salon
While the groomer will perform the majority of the work for you, you will need to do a few things to prepare. It’s always a good idea to brush your canine friend before taking him in. Aside from that, the groomer may have suggestions for you.
Schedule A Dog Grooming Appointment In Syracuse, UT
Is your canine partner becoming stinky? Does your pup require medical grooming? Please feel free to contact us at any time. As your Syracuse, UT veterinarian and groomer, we’re here to help!
