How frequently should I go to the groomers?

How frequently should I go to the groomers?

How frequently should I go to the groomers?

How frequently should I go to the groomers?

If you are new to pet parenting, you will probably have a lot of questions about their care. Aside from the basic requirements such as food, water, shelter and medical care, there are a number of other responsibilities that you will have to perform. One of these is grooming, which needs to be performed both at home, and by a trained and experienced professional. Madison Animal Care Hospital has put together this easy guide on understanding when to groom your pet.  

 

About pet grooming

If you have ever seen an animal licking their fur or rubbing up against items, there is a good chance that they are doing so as a way to groom themselves. It surprises many new animal owners to find out that grooming is actually a highly important part of your pet’s well-being, and not just a way of keeping your pet looking healthy and attractive.

Regular grooming provides owners with the opportunity to catch any underlying diseases or health conditions early, before they require extensive and expensive treatment, and before they can have an irreparable effect on the health and wellbeing of your furbaby.
 

Why visit a professional groomer?

Many pet owners mistakenly believe that they can fulfil all of their pet’s grooming requirements in their own home. While this is certainly true of some of the most basic aspects of the grooming process, such as brushing out your pet’s fur, other fundamental elements require the skill and precision of an experienced groomer.

Here are some of the most common key services provided by professional pet groomers.

  • Bathing. Over-bathing your pet is detrimental to the health of his skin, often drying it out and causing irritation. However, in addition to bathing your pet on his visit, your groomer can recommend a bathing schedule for you to follow at home, as well as products that will support healthy, supple skin.
 
  • Brushing. Proper brushing has a number of unique benefits. Not only does it remove any matting or tangles from your pet’s fur, but it also removes dirt dandruff and dead hair, and stimulates the production of natural oils that give your pet’s hair that glossy shine associated with good health. Brushing also provides an opportunity for you to inspect his skin for any abnormalities such as rashes, swellings or parasites.
 
  • Ears. Ears are a delicate part of your pet’s anatomy and thus should be treated with extra care. Some animals are particularly susceptible to ear-related problems such as infections and parasites like mites, especially those breeds of dog with long, floppy ears. Your groomer will be able to do a thorough check on the health of your pet’s ears while giving them a thorough clean.
 
  • Eyes. The hair around the face of your furbaby can grow quite long, and sometimes it can irritate his eyes, causing problems such as infection. Due to the location of these hairs, it is essential that your pet is totally still for these hairs to be trimmed – something an experienced groomer can manage with relative ease.
 
  • Nails. Animal claws can grow very quickly, and if not trimmed on a regular basis, can cause you or other members of your family serious injury. Again, trimming requires your furbaby to be extremely still, and your groomer will have the experience needed to make this process as quick and safe as possible for your pet.
 
  • Teeth. Proper dental care is just as important for your pet as it is for you, and good oral health can protect your beloved animal from a range of unpleasant symptoms and even some general health conditions. If your groomer offers pet dental cleanings, you should definitely find out more about this service.

How often should I take my pet to the groomers?

The exact frequency with which you should ideally take your furbaby to the groomers can vary, and is largely dependent on the length and thickness of your pet’s fur. Shorter, finer hair requires much less maintenance than long, thick fur. Most owners of cats or dogs with longer fur opt to take their pet to the groomers once every 4-6 weeks, while shorter-haired breeds may only visit every 8-12 weeks.

 

You will also need to take into consideration the speed at which your pet’s claws grow. Keeping these in check can save your furniture and the humans and any other animals in your home from harm. If your pet’s nails grow considerably faster than her fur, your groomer may recommend that you stagger appointments into individual treatments rather than waiting and trying to combine all elements of the grooming process into one session. At Madison Animal Care Hospital in Madison, AL, we offer pet grooming on-site, so you can have all of your pet’s needs taken care of under one roof. Schedule an appointment today at 256-461-7575.