Reasons To Take Your canine buddy To A Groomer

Do you bathe your dog at home? Or are you one of the growing numbers of people who take their canine pals to the salon? While many people who choose to take their pups to a groomer do so as a matter of convenience, that isn’t the only reason to have your pooch groomed professionally. Read on as a local Helotes, TX vet lists a few of the advantages of taking your pup’s to a groomer.

What Are The Benefits Of Going To A Professional Groomer?

There’s definitely a lot to be said for the convenience of taking Your four-legged friend to the salon. You get to drop your canine pal, and pick up a clean, fresh-smelling, and pampered pup a little while later.

Here are some of the other advantages:

No Mess

Bathing your pooch at home may be cheaper, but it’s always going to be a bit sloppy. Even if Your Dog doesn’t splash around too much while he’s in the tub, he’ll inevitably spray water everywhere during that traditional after-bath shake. You may also find yourself having to mop up all that water from the floor, wipe the walls down, and clean your pup’s fur out of the tub. Going to a groomer means no muss, no fuss.

Keeping Your Dog’s Ears Healthy

Another reason that going to a groomer is a good option? You can have Your four-legged friend’s cute ears professionally cleaned. This is particularly important for pups that have those adorable floppy ears. That type of ear tends to be prone to infections, simply because those ear flaps make for a very moist environment. That, combined with all of the ridges in dogs’ ear canals, creates conditions that allow bacteria,  yeast, and unfortunately, infections, to thrive.

Some pups also need to get their ear hair trimmed or plucked. This is something that would fall under medical grooming, and needs to be done by a professional.

Less Shedding

Your furry buddy’s pretty coat makes him super cute, but he does tend to overshare it with us … by leaving fur absolutely everywhere. Grooming can help reduce the amount of fur that you find on your sofa, your carpets, and, of course, yourself.

Remove Mats Safely

Does your canine buddy have long fur? If so, your dog may be prone to getting tangled and mats. These can become quite problematic. They’re of course quite uncomfortable. They also interfere with the insulating properties of your pet’s coat, which will make it harder for him to stay warm in winter and cool in summer. Plus, they can even lead to skin problems. If your pet does get mats and snarls in his coat, you’ll need to be pretty diligent about brushing him and preventing mats from forming. If your pup does get matted, your best bet is to get them professionally removed.

Medical Grooming

Some pooches need more than a standard shampooing. For example, with some dogs, you’ll need to get their anal glands expressed. This is not something you can do at home; it must be done by a trained professional. Ear hair trims also fall under medical grooming. If your Helotes, TX vet recommends any sort of medical grooming, you’ll want to take the pup to a salon.

Keep Your Dog Comfortable

It’s not always easy getting dogs in and out of a tub … especially if he isn’t exactly thrilled about the upcoming bath, as is the case with many dogs. You’ll need to be extra careful with seniors. Dogs get quite stiff and sore as they age, just as we do. Even being held can be painful for them. They’re also much more fragile, which means they can get hurt very easily. This isn’t just a hassle: it can actually be a bit dangerous. If your canine friend was to slip or fall getting in and out of the tub, he could very well hurt himself. Large dogs can also be difficult to pick up or coax. Groomers have stations that are easy for pups to get in and out of, which makes the process easier and more comfortable for them.

Groomers Spot Things

Groomers can also be helpful in detecting medical issues. Groomers usually have a trained eye and a lot of practice, and can often spot things early on. 

The list of things they may notice includes things like fleas and parasites, lesions, swelling, skin problems and redness, bites and cuts, soreness, and puncture wounds, to name a few. 

That’s very important, because many things are best treated when caught early on. With some issues, such as a tumor, that can make a huge difference. And while a groomer should never be considered as an alternative to proper veterinary care, they may spot something and give you a heads-up that you may need to schedule an appointment for Your Dog immediately.

Socialization

Is your furry pal still a puppy? Even if you plan to mostly bathe and groom your pet at home, it’s a good idea to get him used to going to a groomer. 

This is something you would want to do during your pet’s socialization window, which will end when he’s about four months old. The more your furry friend gets used to being handled by different people, and having his paws, teeth, ears, and coat worked on, the more comfortable he will be with this down the road. That, of course, can make it much easier for you.

When should you bring your pet to the salon for the first time? We would generally recommend getting this in before your pet hits about 16 weeks.

It’s also worth noting that it can be helpful to start prepping your puppy for professional grooming by letting him get used to being brushed and having his ears and paws handled. This can also help with bonding. One thing you can do is to gently massage your pet’s paws, and run a clipper over them. You can also touch and pet your canine pal’s face. If he isn’t used to being harnessed, that’s also something you can do. Ask your vet for more information.

Pawdicures

Nail trims are very important for your canine bestie. Overgrown nails are very uncomfortable, and can make it hard for Your Dog to get good traction. This can also affect how he walks, runs, and holds his weight. Over time, long nails can exacerbate or contribute to bone/joint issues, such as arthritis. Ask your vet for more information.

Flexible Schedules

Dogs vary quite widely in their grooming needs. Some pups only need occasional baths and a light weekly brushing. Others need to be brushed almost daily. Your canine buddy’s coat length and type will determine how often he needs beauty treatments. Whatever that timetable is, getting into a groove of regular grooming appointments can help ensure that you keep on top of things.

One-Stop Shopping

If you have your pet groomed at your Helotes, TX vet, you also get to enjoy another perk: one-stop shopping.  You can pick up your pup’s meds or parasite prevention, or schedule an exam on the same day. That means less running around for you.

Getting Your Canine Buddy Ready For The Salon

While the groomer will take the bulk of the work off of you, there are a few things you’ll need to do to get ready. It’s a good idea to brush your pet before taking him in. Aside from that, talk to your groomer and see if they recommend or require anything else.

Make A Dog Grooming Appointment At Our Helotes, TX Pet Clinic

Is your canine companion getting a bit stinky? Does your pup need medical grooming? Please feel free to contact us anytime. As your Helotes, TX vet and groomer, we’re here to help!