Important Information
About Grooming Your Pet

Grooming Your Dog and Cat – Factsheet

Pet grooming remains a frequently misunderstood yet vital aspect of animal care. Professional groomers provide services that extend well beyond aesthetics to support your pet’s overall wellbeing. This guide addresses common questions to help clarify misconceptions about professional grooming services.

The Importance of Professional Dog Grooming

Many pet owners mistakenly equate grooming solely with haircuts. While coat clipping (commonly performed on poodles, spaniels, terriers and various mixed breeds) represents one element of grooming, the process encompasses much more. Complete grooming includes:

• Thorough combing and brushing
• Nail trimming
• Ear hair plucking
• Parasite prevention measures

Cat Grooming Needs

Longhaired cats typically require periodic combing to prevent matted fur development. Some cats, particularly seniors, may benefit from occasional bathing when they struggle to maintain their typical feline cleanliness. Check whether your local groomer offers specialised feline services.

Grooming Requirements for All Dogs

All dogs benefit from periodic bathing, but regular combing and brushing are particularly crucial, especially for longhaired breeds. Matted hair can lead to skin complications and unnecessary discomfort. If neglected extensively, matting may necessitate a lengthy, potentially uncomfortable grooming session that becomes costly for pet owners.

Consistent brushing improves skin condition, enhances circulation, and promotes a healthier, more attractive coat. Owners of longhaired dogs should perform a proper brush-out at least weekly. Starting this routine during puppyhood helps acclimatise your dog to the process, making it a pleasant experience for both of you.

Choosing Appropriate Grooming Tools

The optimal brushing tools depend entirely on your pet’s coat type. Consult your professional groomer for recommendations specific to your pet’s needs.

Addressing Persistent Odour Issues

When bathing doesn’t resolve strong pet odours, the cause may relate to dental issues, ear infections, skin conditions, or anal gland problems. Your groomer can help identify potential sources and refer you to veterinary care when necessary.

Understanding Persistent Scratching

Scratching behaviour doesn’t always indicate fleas. Dry skin often causes itching and may result from:

• Excessive bathing
• Arid climate conditions
• Nutritional deficiencies
• Inappropriate shampoo selection

Discussing these concerns with your groomer may provide solutions.

One of the most common scratching triggers is allergies/atopy. Like humans, pets develop various allergies causing discomfort. This is a common condition in domesticated animals and not the result of owner neglect. While humans typically experience respiratory symptoms from inhaled allergens, dogs and cats more commonly develop contact allergies manifesting as skin irritation, redness and itching. These conditions warrant veterinary consultation, as multiple treatment options exist to control and alleviate allergic responses.

Managing Nail Length

Excessively long nails often result from insufficient walking on hard surfaces that would naturally wear them down. Monthly nail checks are recommended. Regular walks on concrete provide natural wearing, but professional trimming may be necessary. Your groomer can establish an appropriate nail maintenance schedule.

Handling Grooming Reluctance

Many owners worry their pets won’t tolerate professional grooming if they resist home grooming attempts. Most animals respond positively to the confident, gentle handling of experienced professionals. Severe temperament issues are rare in grooming settings.

In exceptional cases, groomers might recommend veterinary-prescribed mild sedation before appointments. This protects the animal from self-injury and allows for efficient grooming completion. Often, initially resistant pets gradually accept and appreciate grooming as they become familiar with the groomer and experience the comfort of proper maintenance.

Young animals typically adapt to grooming more readily than pets first exposed to professional grooming as adults or those groomed infrequently.

Pre-Grooming Home Preparation

One significant challenge for professional groomers is working with pets bathed without thorough pre-brushing. This practice can create firmly matted coats that may require complete clipping as the only solution. Consult your groomer about whether home bathing before appointments is recommended, and always brush thoroughly before any bath.

Introducing Young Pets to Grooming

While three-month-old puppies rarely require full grooming services, introducing them to the grooming environment early helps them gradually adjust to the experience. This early exposure helps them view grooming as a positive, enjoyable activity throughout their lives.

Key Takeaways

• Your professional groomer can best advise on appropriate grooming techniques and tools for your specific pet.
• Early introduction to regular grooming routines helps pets develop positive associations with the process.
• Consistent grooming enables early detection of potential health concerns, allowing prompt veterinary intervention when needed.
• Optimal health and appearance directly correlate with proper grooming maintenance.