Grooming is an extremely important, but much-misunderstood
art and science. Your ABKA professional groomer would like you to understand more about this service that can improve your
dog’s health, appearance and social acceptance. The following questions are the most frequently asked, and the answers should
help clarify some of the more common misconceptions about grooming.
Why should I have my dog groomed?
Most pet owners confuse “grooming” with “clipping.” Clipping (which is commonly done to poodles, spaniels,
terriers, as well as to mixed breed dogs), is only one procedure in the grooming process. Grooming also includes combing and
brushing, cutting nails, plucking hair from ears, and parasite control. (Many groomers feel that teeth cleanings are best
left to veterinarians, and in some states, groomers are not permitted to clean pets’ teeth). Although the most obvious
result of these procedures is an improved appearance, the major benefits to your pet are increased comfort and social acceptability,
and perhaps even improved health.
Do all dogs need grooming?
All dogs need an occasional
bath, but it is more important to keep your dog combed and brushed, especially if your dog has long hair. Matted hair can
easily cause skin problems and unnecessary discomfort for your pet. If neglected for too long, it might eventually necessitate
a lengthy grooming session, which could be uncomfortable for your pet and expensive for you. Regular brushing, on the other
hand, improves your dog’s skin tone and circulation, and makes the coat healthier and more attractive.
My
dog has a very strong odor. Bathing doesn't seem to help. Why?
It’s possible that your dog’s teeth, ears, or
anal sacs are responsible for the problem. Your groomer will be able to help you to determine the nature of the problem and
refer you to your veterinarian, if necessary.
What are anal glands?
They are small sacs located
on either side of the rectum. They sometimes need to be expressed or emptied. Some groomers accomplish this as a part of the
grooming service. If this is the cause of your dog’s odor problem, bathing alone will not solve it. Your groomer will be happy
to explain this procedure in more detail.
My dog doesn’t smell bad, but I bathe him once a week.
Is that enough?
More than enough, because over bathing will dry out the pets’ skin. Most dogs do not need
to be bathed more than once a month. Some do not need to be bathed more than once every six months, unless they get extremely
dirty. However, longhaired dogs should be brushed out properly at least once a week, in lieu of a bath.
What kind of brush should I use?
That depends on the type of coat. Please ask your groomer about
the equipment that is correct for your pet.
My dog scratches all the time, but I can’t find any
fleas on her. What's the problem?
Scratching is often caused by dry skin and not fleas. This could be the result
of excessive bathing, dry climate, nutritional deficiency, allergies, or the wrong type of shampoo. Discuss this problem with
your groomer or veterinarian.
Why do my dog’s nails get so long?
Because your dog
doesn’t walk on hard surfaces often enough to keep them worn down. You should have them checked at least once a month. Walking
on pavement will help wear them down naturally.
My dog doesn’t behave when I try to brush him.
How do you get him to stand still?
Most dogs tend to be on their best behavior with groomers, especially when
they sense the firm yet gentle touch that marks the experienced professional. It is rare for a groomer to encounter a dog
with a drastic temperament problem. In these infrequent cases, the groomer might ask the owner to have his or her veterinarian
administer a mild tranquilizer prior to grooming. This protects the pet from injuring himself and enables the groomer to complete
the grooming quickly.
Many times, a dog that
reacts badly to grooming at first will learn to accept and appreciate the process as the dog becomes more at ease with the
groomer, and realizes how much better it feels after grooming. Younger animals learn to accept grooming faster and enjoy it
more than a pet that is not groomed until an adult age or groomed infrequently.
I have my dog
clipped every six months, but she doesn’t look as pretty as my neighbor’s dog. Is that my groomer’s fault?
Your
neighbor probably has regular six- to eight-week appointments with the groomer, and keeps the dog well brushed between appointments.
This kind of regular attention enables the groomer to devote more time and effort to beautifying the dog, rather than to de-matting
and trying to salvage a neglected coat.
Should I bathe my dog before taking him to my groomer?
One of the worst problems that confront groomers is to work on a dog that has been bathed without being brushed
out completely. The result of such a practice is a coat that is so firmly matted that clipping is sometimes the only solution.
Ask your groomer if bathing at home prior to grooming is recommended, and always brush your dog properly before bathing.
How old should my dog be before she has her first grooming appointment?
Even though a three-month-old
puppy is not usually in need of grooming, you should take your pet to your groomer to get him or her used to full grooming
gradually. In this way, your pet will learn to accept grooming as a happy experience to enjoy.
Should
my cat be groomed?
Longhaired cats need combing occasionally to prevent matted fur. Many cats also need bathing
at times, if they are not capable of achieving the neatness that is usually attributed to cats. Check to see if your groomer
provides this service for cats.
Remember that professional ABKA groomers are specially qualified to advise you about
the type of grooming and grooming equipment that is best for your pet. They can advise you of techniques for grooming your
dog at home, and can provide the finest service available at their pet care facility. Many times, your groomer will be able
to detect potential health problems, which should be handled by your veterinarian, before you might ordinarily notice them.
Problems such as possible ear infections or mites, skin disorders, unusual growths, and parasites, are more easily detected
as a result of regular grooming. Your groomer is familiar with the type of grooming that will make your pet look his or her
best and can also provide special baths for fleas and ticks, dry skin problems, and, in cooperation with your veterinarian,
medicated baths for special problems. Good health and good looks go hand in hand with good grooming. The best team for accomplishing
this is your veterinarian, your ABKA professional, and you.
Your ABKA member is devoted to your pet’s well being.
Look for the membership certificate proudly displayed.
