Do you groom your own dog? There are common dog grooming mistakes pet owners often make, and you might be doing some of them.
Here are some things you should avoid when grooming your dog.
Grooming Schedule
First, there’s the issue of how often you groom your dog. If it’s only once a year, no wonder your dog is so full of anxiety when you try to get him or her near a showerhead of water. Dogs need to get used to being groomed, and if the groomings are “rare” in your house, they’re going to be ridden with anxiety and not like the process.
It’s better to establish a connection with a professional groomer who will get to know your dog over time and be someone he or she sees every few weeks… that way it’s like giving your dog a play date– a chance to socialize with someone else whom they come to like seeing! Professional dog groomers also serve as health checkers– if they spot anything unusual, they’ll let you know so you can have a vet check the dog out.
Brushing Techniques
Next, consider how you brush your dog and what you use to brush him or her. Most people make the mistake of brushing the dog only after they’re wet. However, doing a thorough brushing before the dog is wet will help detangle the fur before water makes the tangles worse. Brushing at the right time removes tangles, fleas and debris, like stickers. Meanwhile, different dogs require different brushes. A professional groomer knows which brush works best for your dog, whereas you might have picked “whatever was available (or cheapest!) at the store.”
Finding the Right Clippers
Also, what about grooming clippers? Like brushes, there are certain clippers for certain dogs. Many do-it-yourselfers use whatever clippers the local pet store had in stock– but they’re usually not the right kind of clippers for their pet! Professional groomers, on the other hand, have all the right tools for clipping a wide variety of dogs. Ever clip your dog’s fur only to find it looked “a mess?” It’d be better to have a professional do it (much like cutting your own hair versus going to a barber/stylist).
Seeing It Til’ the End
Finally, there’s rinsing, which often involves a pet owner giving up in frustration mid-rinse… and then soap lingers. Have you ever made the mistake of not getting all the soap residue off your dog? Then their skin is irritated, and they itch. Dryness helps lead to further matting. A professional groomer uses the right equipment, water pressure and water temperature to properly rinse a dog.
D’Tails Grooming in Augusta, GA, is where you should take your pet dog for regular grooming sessions. Please call 706-731-0089 to make your appointment.
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