Do you bathe your four-legged friend at home? Or are you part of the growing number of people who bring Fido to the salon? Although convenience is probably why many dog owners choose professional grooming services, there are other compelling reasons to consider having your furry buddy cared for by a professional. Continue reading to learn about the advantages of taking your beloved pet to a professional groomer, according to a local Winchester, NV veterinarian.

What Are The Benefits Of Going To A Professional Groomer?

There’s no denying the convenience of bringing Fido to the salon. You can leave your favorite dog and receive a well-groomed, pleasant-smelling, and pampered puppy in exchange within a short amount of time! There are various other benefits as well though. 

Here are a few:

There’s No Cleanup

Although washing Fido at home is less expensive, things are bound to get messy. Even if Fido behaves well in the tub, he will undoubtedly shake off the water and make a mess later. You may also need to clean up the water on the floor and get your canine buddy’s fur out of the bathtub. Visiting a groomer guarantees a hassle-free experience.

Take Care of Fido’s Ears

Another advantage of hiring a groomer? Fido’s adorable ears can be cleaned professionally. This is especially important for puppies with irresistibly adorable floppy ears. That ear type is more prone to infections due to the form of the ear flaps, which produces a moist environment. The many ridges in Fido’s’ ear canals also provide an ideal environment for the growth of bacteria, yeast, and, unfortunately, infections.

Some puppies may need their ear hair to be clipped or plucked. This task clearly necessitates the skills of a skilled professional in the field of medical grooming.

Not As Much Shedding

Fido’s gorgeous coat is definitely charming, albeit he does have a habit of liberally distributing his fur about the house. Regular grooming can substantially reduce the quantity of fur that winds up on your couch, carpets, and even you.

Safely Remove Mats

Does your animal companion have lengthy fur? In that circumstance, Fido is more likely to acquire knots and matting. These can be very uncomfortable. They also damage your furry pal’s coat’s natural insulating capabilities, making it more difficult for them to maintain their body temperature in both winter and summer. Additionally, they can cause skin concerns. To keep your canine friend’s coat in good condition, brush it on a regular basis and take preventative measures to avoid mats and snarls. If your canine companion becomes tangled, have a professional remove the matting.

Medical Grooming

Certain pups require more than a usual bath. Some of our canine friends may need to have their anal glands expressed. Medical grooming includes trimming ear hair. This should be performed by a trained professional and is not appropriate for home execution. If your veterinarian recommends any form of medicinal grooming, take your pooch to a salon.

Keep Fido Comfortable 

Getting Fido in and out of the tub might be difficult, especially if he isn’t particularly happy about the forthcoming bath, as many dogs are. It can be difficult to lift or persuade large pups at times. It’s also necessary to be cautious with seniors. Dogs, like humans, can develop stiffness and discomfort as they age. Even being held can be painful. They are also relatively fragile, which makes them susceptible to harm. If Fido slips or falls while going in and out of the bathtub, he may sustain an injury. Groomers provide stations that are easily accessible to puppies, resulting in a smoother and more enjoyable grooming experience for them.

Another Set Of Eyes

Although a groomer should never be considered a substitute for competent veterinarian care, they are often adept in identifying potential health issues. Fido’s stylist most likely has a good eye and significant experience, and may very well discover issues early on. Some of the things they may notice include fleas and parasites, sores, swelling, skin problems and redness, bites and cuts, pain, and puncture wounds. Keep in mind that early discovery frequently results in the most effective treatment. Even getting a heads-up about something may prompt you to make an appointment right away, which could make a huge difference. 

Social Interactions

Is your canine friend still a puppy? Even if you plan to bathe and groom Fido at home, it’s a good idea to get him used to going to a professional. It is strongly advised to participate in this activity during your furry pal’s socialization stage, which usually ends at four months of age.

As your furry buddy gets accustomed to being handled by different people and having his paws, teeth, ears, and coat groomed, he will become more comfortable with these experiences in the future. That will undoubtedly make things much easier for you both.

As far as when the best time to bring Fido to the salon for the first time is…it is generally recommended that you do this before your furry friend reaches 16 weeks of age.

If your canine pal is just a puppy, you can do some things to get him used to being handled. Combing Fido and touching his ears and paws can prepare him for professional grooming. Gently massage his paws and trim those nails with a clipper, and softly pet his furry face. If Fido isn’t used to wearing a harness, this is also something you can work on at home. Ask your veterinarian for more information.

Pawdicures

Regular nail trims are essential for your canine friend’s well-being. Overgrown nails can be painful and can impair Fido’s ability to maintain proper traction. They can also affect his gait and weight distribution, exacerbating or contributing to bone and joint problems, such as arthritis. 

Of course, many people are uneasy trimming their pets’ nails themselves. You may want to ask your vet to demonstrate proper techniques. Of course, you can also bring your furry buddy in for a quick pawdicure!

Adaptable Schedules

Grooming requirements might vary greatly amongst pets. Some puppies can get by with only occasional washes and a gentle weekly brushing. Others demand daily brushing. The frequency of Fido’s beauty treatments will be determined by the length and type of his coat. Regardless of your schedule, creating a pattern for grooming sessions will help you stay organized and keep Fido looking sharp and well-groomed.

It’s Really Easy!

Having your furry buddy groomed at your vet comes with an added bonus: the ease of one-stop shopping. You can quickly pick up Fido’s meds or parasite prevention, or even book an appointment for him on the same day. 

Conclusion: While most people likely go to groomers for the convenience, that isn’t the only reason to take your dog to a professional. Groomers can also help with medical grooming and socialization. They also may often spot a medical issue developing early on, though this isn’t guaranteed.

Make An Appointment For Dog Grooming At Your Winchester, NV Vet.

Is it time to give your canine friend a bath? Is your canine companion in need of medical grooming? Please do not hesitate to contact us at any time. We are here to help you as your Winchester, NV veterinarian and groomer!