When you get a pet, there’s nothing you wouldn’t do for them – from getting comfortable dog beds or crates to making sure they’re well-fed and hydrated. But perhaps one of the crucial and earliest decisions you’ll make for your furry friend is whether to groom them at home or take them to a professional.
Now, it’s obviously possible to do both, and some pet parents prefer a hybrid approach. But if you’re stuck on whether to choose one over the other, you’re not alone. It can be tough to decide what’s best for your pet, especially when you’re first starting out. To help you make a decision, let’s take a look at some of the key considerations for both at-home and professional grooming services.
At-Home Grooming Considerations
In order to make sure your at-home grooming sessions are as enjoyable (for both you and your pet), there are a few things you’ll need to take into account. These include:
Bathing and Brushing Supplies
Pampering your pooch on your own is a bit different than entrusting them to someone else, even if that person is a professional. When you’re grooming at home, you have complete control over every aspect of the process – from what products you use to how long the session lasts. Of course, that also means you’re solely responsible for any mistakes that might be made.
Having the right supplies on hand is essential for any successful grooming session – no matter where it takes place. When you’re bathing and brushing your pet at home, you’ll need to have access to quality shampoo, conditioner, brushes, combs, and towels.
Most dog shampoos and conditioners have specific formulas for different coat types, so be sure to choose products that are appropriate for your pet. For instance, if you have a dog with sensitive skin, you’ll want to use a hypoallergenic shampoo. And if your pup has a double coat, you might need to invest in a de-shedding tool.
The same goes for brushing and combing tools. The breed requirements for coat care vary, depending on the type of fur your dog has. For instance, wire-haired breeds will need a slicker brush to remove mats and tangles, while short-haired breeds can get by with a bristle brush.
Nail Trimming
Another vital step in your pet’s grooming routine is nail care. Dogs’ nails grow quickly, particularly if they don’t have a lot of opportunities to wear them down – like when they’re running around outside or playing with toys.
If you don’t keep your dog’s nails trimmed, they can start to curl under and grow into the pads of their feet. This is extremely painful and can cause serious damage. In some cases, it may even require surgery to correct.
These days, there are all kinds of durable nail grinders for pets that make it easy to keep your dog’s nails at a comfortable length. This normally involves a few quick swipes of the grinder over each nail, effectively rounding them off.
Using a pet nail grinder is actually the preferred option over traditional nail clippers. That’s because it’s much easier to avoid the quick – the blood vessel in your dog’s nails – when you’re using a grinder. This vein is filled with nerve endings and serves as the main blood supply for nail growth. Clipping it would mean serious pain for your pup.
So instead of using traditional clippers, choose the safer alternative and stick to using nail grinders for pets. This will help you avoid any unwanted scenarios and ensure that your dog’s nails are healthy and growing properly.
Drying Methods
After you’ve finished bathing your furry friend, the way you dry them off can also make a big difference in the quality of your at-home grooming experience. Some breeds require special care when it comes to drying, as their fur is more prone to matting.
To illustrate, dogs with double coats should never be dried with high heat, as this can damage the hair follicles and lead to dry, brittle fur. Instead, it’s best to use a low-heat setting or let them air dry for as long as they need.
On the other hand, single-coated breeds can be dried with high heat without any problems. This will help you get rid of excess moisture quickly and efficiently, resulting in a softer, fluffier coat.
Professional Grooming Considerations
If you feel like the whole process of pampering your pet at home is an ordeal you simply can’t handle, especially purchasing and using the required supplies such as nail grinders for pets then taking them to a trained professional may be the best solution. This way, you can relax while someone else takes care of the hard work for you.
Naturally, this comes with its own challenges as well. After all, you’ll need to find a reputable grooming salon that offers the services you’re looking for and that you can trust with your beloved pet. Here are a few things to keep in mind when making your decision:
Visit Frequency
How often you take your pet to the groomer will largely depend on their coat type and how much maintenance it requires. Dogs with short coats can usually get away with a visit every few months. Long-haired breeds, on the other hand, may need to be trimmed more frequently – perhaps even every month or so.
Scheduling and Transport
Think about how easy it will be to get your pet to the groomer on a regular basis. If you work long hours or have a busy schedule, it may be more convenient to choose a salon that’s close to home. Alternatively, you could look for a mobile grooming service that comes to you and saves you the hassle of having to transport your pooch to and from their location.
Variety of Grooming Treatments
When it comes to professional grooming, there’s more to it than just a simple bath and brush. Most salons have numerous additional treatments that you can add to the basic package, such as ear cleaning, teeth brushing and even de-shedding. Think about which of these services would be beneficial for your pet and choose a groomer that offers them.
Cost
Finally, don’t forget to factor in the cost of professional grooming services. While it may be more expensive than doing it yourself at home, it makes sense to budget for it if it means giving your pet the best possible care.
When making the decision between at-home and professional grooming, there’s no right or wrong answer. It all comes down to what works better for you and your little friend. Consider all of the factors involved before reaching a decision.
