You have decided to take your dog to a professional dog groomer. There are some guidelines to follow when making your decision. Proper grooming keeps your dog healthy and happy.

The normal grooming chores are best left to the pet owner so that bonding can take place. Regular grooming is also pleasurable for both the dog and owners.

There are many reasons why pet owners decide to use a groomer for specific grooming needs or for when there is a special event in the dog’s life.

You want to find a dog groomer that can give you and your pet the experience that will make both of you comfortable.

Grooming can include a haircut, bath, combing and brushing, clipping of nails, cutting or shaving mats, ear cleaning, and parasite removal.

Dog groomers are used when pet owners lack the physical ability or strength to groom the dog, when they lack the tools to groom the dog, or when they require a quality, professional grooming.

Some dogs require regular or seasonal clippings, medicated or flea baths to remove parasites and a professional can do these tasks in a humane way so that animals that may be frightened or temperamental during some of the grooming proceedings can be put at ease.

You can locate a quality groomer by asking for a recommendation from your vet, a boarding kennel, a dog trainer, pet supply store, or from your neighborhood dog shelter.

The local phone book should also have a listing under, “pet grooming.” Some groomers are registered or certified by a grooming school or professional grooming association.

You can check with your local Better Business Bureau to see if there are any complaints against the one you locate before making the appointment to check out the facility.

When making the decision to use a groomer or not look at the following:

Cost

Services

Hours of operation – are they convenient to your schedule

Can you get references from current clients?

Is the facility clean and well lit?

Is the staff knowledgeable and compassionate towards the dogs in their care?

Are the cages big enough for the occupants?

Are dogs and cats separated?

Are pets in the care monitored to prevent overheating during blow-drying?

Are there pet records kept by the groomer?

Are there mobile services?

Expect to pay different costs depending on location, services, your dog’s species and size and also for any degree of difficulty for the job required (severe matting, parasite removal). Extensive grooming services will cost extra.

Dogs that are not used to being groomed can be trained to accept grooming much like they are trained to accept other behaviors.

Basic grooming like brushing or combing can be done when the pet is calm and ease the dog into longer periods of touching until the pet accepts the attention without being nervous. Reward the pet with small pieces of food or dog treats.

Let the groomer know about any special needs your pet may have in advance of the appointment.

If your pet needs to be sedated before grooming it is better to use the services of a groomer associated with your vet’s office.