What is a Dog Groomer?

While there are many aspects of grooming that you can and should undertake yourself at home, such as brushing, there are other elements that many owners prefer to leave in the hands of a professional. That is where a dog groomer comes in.

A dog groomer is an individual who has been given training and obtained experience in undertaking grooming services for animals. As such, they can confidently handle and care for a variety of breeds, ages and temperaments of dogs. They will also have a genuine passion for the welfare and wellbeing of the dogs that come in to see them. A dog groomer is responsible for not only ensuring that your canine companion’s physical appearance is clean, tidy and presentable but also for the hygienic care of your furbaby. Many will also have sufficient knowledge and experience to be able to undertake a physical examination of your dog to check for any abnormalities.

Dog groomers operate in a variety of ways. While some will own or work in parlors, which are premises specifically designed for grooming animals, others will work from their home, or bring their services to you so that your dog can be groomed in the comfort of your own home.

While it isn’t essential for a groomer to be certified, having completed proper training shows that a groomer is committed to knowing the best way to care for the animals that they deal with, and to providing the best service possible. There are three major courses for dog grooming certification in the U.S including the National Dog Groomers Association of America and the International Society of Canine Cosmetologists. When your groomer receives these accreditations it shows that they have demonstrated and met the high standards required by these organizations.

Why is grooming so important?

Grooming is considered to be an integral part of the care of any dog and essential for overall health and wellbeing, which in turn could improve his lifespan. Exactly how much grooming an individual dog needs tends to depend on several factors including his age and his breed. For example, long-haired breeds tend to require brushing much more frequently than short-haired varieties.

While many people think that grooming is simply a way of improving the appearance of your dog, you might be surprised to learn that it has a variety of health benefits for your furriest family member - primarily by providing an opportunity to undertake a physical, nose to tail, examination of your pet. This is ideal for spotting issues such as skin problems, parasite infestations, poor coat condition and unusual lumps and bumps. By spotting these early at your regular grooming appointment, your pet can start treatment quickly and before the problems become much worse and harder to deal with.

What services does a dog groomer usually offer?

Exactly what services a dog groomer offers varies between professionals. However, typically you can expect options including:

- Bathing

- Ear clean

- Coat clipping/trimming

- De-matting service (ideal for long-haired breeds)

- Claw clipping

- Teeth cleaning

- Styling

Some groomers will even offer massages, facials and more luxurious treatments if you wish to spoil your beloved pooch. Many offer packages of different treatments, or a build-your-own option which allows you to tailor the services you need to your dog.

If you would like to learn more about dog groomer and dog grooming services, please don’t hesitate to contact us and get in touch.