Although consistent grooming is an important part of providing a healthy lifestyle for your dog, many of us may think that we need simply plunge Fido into the tub with our favorite shampoo and, voilà, out comes a clean pooch. That may be what we see in the movies, but the reality is that a well-groomed dog requires much more.

Grooming has many components
Proper grooming begins with canine-specific shampoo suited to the individual dog’s skin and hair needs. In addition, the nails must be trimmed, the paw pads groomed, the ears clipped and plucked, the anal glands expressed, the undercoat removed and the hair cut. Each of these steps requires special grooming tools as well as an extreme amount of patience.

Most of us have schedules so hectic that the last thing we have time for is wrestling Fido into the tub, let alone addressing any of the additional necessary steps. Enlisting the help of a professional groomer is not only easier, but also much better for our four-legged family members.

Grooming contributes to pet health
Frequent grooming reduces shedding and prevents a variety of skin problems. Keeping nails trimmed allows dogs freedom of movement. A large dog, for example, may struggle to rise from a hard wood floor if his nails are too long. If the thought of trimming your dog’s nails elicits anxiety, you’re not alone. There are veins in a canine’s nails and using “people” clippers or scissors virtually guarantees painful bleeding. Groomers, however, will use dog clippers or a Dremel tool to shape the nail without hurting the dog.

Beyond the nails, other issues that may arise in the paw area include an overgrowth of hair. If left unattended, especially in damp weather, the hair can become matted and be very painful to walk on. Again, without the proper tools, the fur is difficult to remove and the inexperienced owner can injure their pet when attempting to remove it.

Of course, unattended hair in other areas can become problematic as well and dogs that are not thoroughly brushed can develop mats. Most dog owners will brush the back of their dogs but fail to brush the legs, head, ears, tail and underbelly: all areas where hair can mat. Removing mats is painful for your dog — just think of mom combing gum out of

a child’s hair!

Brushing takes time to do properly and if brushing has been neglected for a long period of time, a groomer may have no choice but to shave a dog down. Some dogs like Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, Chow Chows and others are meant to have full coats and shaving the fur too short can, over time, damage it.

Even short haired dogs need thorough brushing, though, as they can also develop an undercoat that a bath and good brushing will remove. Undercoat is hair that has pulled away from the follicle and is mixed into the coat. A proper bath will loosen all the hair and it can be brushed away, allowing the skin to breath. It is far easier and less traumatic to remove it from a coat that is brushed often.

Always remember that every breed, even those known for their lack of shedding, need to be brushed. Otherwise, they develop a heavy undercoat. In addition to asking your groomer for the correct brush for your dog breed,

also request a demonstration on how to use it in between professional grooming appointments.

Choosing the right groomer
Word of mouth is an excellent way to choose a groomer, but even with a recommendation, make time to visit the groomer before your first appointment. Ask to tour the facility and meet the staff. Get a feel for the grooming environment and observe how the groomers interact with their clients. Ask questions about services. If for any reason you are uncomfortable taking your precious four-legged family member to that facility, visit another.

If your dog has special needs, it is very important to be sure the groomer you choose can accommodate those needs. Dogs with physical needs such as hip dysplasia or heart murmurs require special care. What’s more, dogs who fear water or have emotional problems require a groomer who has the patience to work with these issues so your pet has the best experience possible.

Preparing your pet for the grooming experience
Dogs that are touched all over and brushed frequently enjoy their grooming experience, so be sure you handle your dog! Rub his ears, stroke his legs, pick up his feet, handle his face and stick your hand in his mouth. When repeated on a regular basis, all this touching becomes natural for your dog. Otherwise, he may feel threatened and bite or growl at the groomer.

Rescue dogs may need extra attention in this regard and informing your groomer of your dog’s fears can help create the positive outcome you all want. An experienced groomer can work with your pet to overcome his fears.

How early should grooming begin?
Once a puppy has had his first set of shots is a good time to schedule his first grooming appointment. Again, if you have been handling your puppy, the experience will more likely be positive. Grooming not only keeps a dog healthy, but most groomers attest that their clients come to enjoy the experience.

How frequently should grooming be done?
Every four to six weeks is a good average, but some people prefer more frequently to insure their pets are really clean. Unless there is a skin issue, you can bath your dog as often as once a week.

How much does grooming cost?
The average cost of a professional groom can range from $45 to $65, but the size of the dog, coat condition and whether additional services are needed can add to the cost. Consult with the groomer beforehand regarding what services you prefer. Don’t forget that keeping the cost down often depends on how you groom your dog at home between visits!

Can I do this at home?
Yes and no. You can bathe your dog and brush him out. Properly combing out the undercoat will likely prove difficult, though, because your wet dog wants to move away and, without a proper grooming table, you may have difficulty keeping him still. Also, be aware that higher quality professional shampoos can only be purchased by groomers and pet shampoos from your local department store may not be right for your pet’s skin and hair needs. Most of us try to find the shampoo that gives our hair the best results by asking our stylists what they recommend — so it is, too, with groomers and their knowledge
of your dog’s fur.

If you purchase pet nail clippers, you can clip your dog’s nails at home, but correct technique is imperative. If done incorrectly, not only may the nails bleed, but severe injury is also possible. For at-home hair cutting, prepare to spend quite a bit of time to achieve less satisfactory results than you would by using a groomer. Many a dog owner has taken their pet to a groomer to have the poor haircut repaired.

Finally, be honest with yourself when considering how often you want to deal with swollen anal glands. This is why Fido occasionally drags his hind end across the carpet and, yes, thankfully, groomers are professionally trained to deal with this problem.

The final rinse
In the end, the choice is yours whether to groom at home or with a professional. Most dogs enjoy the experience of going to a professional groomer, but regular brushing at home is an excellent way to bond with your dog and keep him in good shape between professional visits. Most of all, though, the time you save by enlisting the help of a professional groomer can be better spent playing with your pet!

About the Author
Cindy Huff is a multi-published freelance writer who loves to bring her imaginary characters to life. In the midst of helping care for her grandchildren and tending to her grand dogs (two pit bulls and a mini-dachshund) she is not only working on her second novel, but also serving as president of the Aurora Illinois chapter of Word Weavers, a writer’s critique group. When she is not writing articles, editing posts or talking with her imaginary friends, she teaches Bible studies and conducts workshops both at home and in the Philippines. Cindy’s passion is to encourage other writers in their journey and believers as they grow in faith. Check out her blog Writer’s Patchwork at www.jubileewriter.com or visit her on Facebook at www.facebook.com/cindy.e.huff .