What To Look For In A Pet Grooming Service For Dogs

By Dawn Williams


Many dog owners rely on the services of a pet grooming business to keep their canine companions looking neat and tidy. There are different types, so pet owners have to determine which one is best suited to their needs and those of their dog. It's important to choose carefully for the safety and well-being of the animal.

Most groomers work at a pet salon. These facilities usually place each dog in a holding cage until its turn to be groomed comes up. The results are usually high-quality yet reasonably priced, the main concern is that salons can become quite noisy and busy sometimes, which may be upsetting to some dogs.

Mobile groomers will come to the person's home and do the grooming there, others work out of a mobile trailer or van and also come to the customer's home. What's good about this type of service, although it normally costs slightly more, is that the dog receive one-on-one attention and its owner is close by as well.

Many veterinarians can recommend a competent groomer, and one can also ask other people if they can suggest someone. Checking out any grooming service with the Better Business Bureau is advisable, to make sure it doesn't have any past complaints against it. The customer should then call each groomer and ask about their certification, experience, and if they cater to all types of dogs.

Customers will also want to inquire about the fee for their type of dog, and find out if the groomer offers a choice in trim styles. Sometimes they also include bows or other accessories free of charge, and will provide specialized services such as removal hairs in the ear canal or expression of anal glands. Not every technician possesses these more complex skills, so the owner must confirm that they are qualified in this area.

The safety of the dog must come first. Salons sometimes use drying cages for quickly drying the animals, however if these machines are not handled properly it can be dangerous to the dogs, only competent staff must operate this equipment. Dogs with flat faces are prone to breathing problems, as are sick and elderly animals, and they should not be placed in these dryers. Groomers must be trained in animal first aid and be insured in case they were to accidentally harm a dog and it required the care of a veterinarian.

Before scheduling an appointment, the owner must visit the salon or mobile unit and meet the groomer who will be doing the work. The facility should be free of odors and well-lit, cages if used, should be large and clean. All equipment should be thoroughly disinfected after each use, the people must handle the dogs with care and patience, and acknowledge any concerns the customer may have.

Overall, the best way to recognize a quality pet grooming business is to trust one's gut feeling about it. Both the groomer and the facility itself need to invoke a sense of peace in the owner, knowing that his or her dog will be in good hands.




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