Reviewed by Dr Sylvia Shortreed BVSc
A professional groomer gives your dog a coat with a super shine, as well as a cut that’s just right for its breed and comfort.
How to choose the best groomer for your dog
Dog groomers have a plethora of tools, techniques and expertise that are a welcome addition to any dog owner’s life. But how do you choose the right groomer, what should you watch out for, and what should you expect for your money?
The dog grooming industry is a fast-growing area of pet care with many pet owners around the globe paying top dollar to keep their dogs looking their best, but keeping your dog’s coat bright and shiny doesn’t have to be such an expense. Not only show dogs benefit from a regular groom, and there are many different grooming options to suit your pet and lifestyle.
If you find washing your dog under the hose in the garden, or in the shower, bathtub or laundry basin a wet and messy business, check out your local pet store which may have a hydrobath. This allows you to shampoo, condition and blow dry your dog in a DIY fashion, with specialised equipment.
The health benefits of regular dog grooming
For complete care, taking your dog to a professional groomer has many benefits. A professional clip will enhance your dog’s coat, improve overall hygiene and ensure your pet is clean and comfortable. Experienced groomers will be able to:
- Remove fur mats and knots
- Clean ears
- Express anal glands
- Remove the undercoat from double-coated dogs
- Alert you to skin problems or other medical issues
If you or your dog groomer have any concerns about your dog, or suspect they may have a health issue, contact your vet and schedule a professional health check.
How to choose a great groomer
When seeking a new groomer, talk to other dog owners. If you see a dog that looks particularly good, talk to the owner and find out where they go. Your local vet or kennel owner may recommend local dog groomers. You can also search online for groomers in your area and read reviews from customers on reviewing websites and business social media pages.
Once you have a few names, check out their websites, and then give them a call and ask a few questions:
- How long have they been in business?
- What qualifications and experience do they have?
- What professional organisations do they belong to?
- How many regular clients do they have?
- What type of products do they use?
Different dogs require different grooming techniques, so it’s best to make sure your groomer has experience with your breed. If your dog needs a special cut or drying technique, then ask if the groomer is able to do it before making an appointment. If they are experienced professionals, they will happily answer any questions you may have.
When you visit your local dog groomer’s salon for the first time, look around and ask yourself:
- How clean is the salon?
- How does it smell?
- How up to date is the equipment?
- Are the staff calm, relaxed and professional?
- How do they interact with their clients’ dogs?
Don’t be afraid to ask questions, specify how you want your dog groomed or give special instructions. If you don’t speak up, the groomer won’t necessarily know what you expect!
With some brief research, a few recommendations from fellow dog owners, and your own intuition, you’ll find a dog groomer that will pamper your pet and leave them looking their best.
For more advice on keeping your dog’s coat healthy, check out our guides to keeping your dog free of fleas, ticks and intestinal worms.
