[News] Move Over, Rich Dog, Spas Are For All Pets
 

For Jessica Ingraham, owner of Pet Spa Grooming in Plymouth, being a dog groomer is more than just a career.

"It's not just a job," she says. "It's something I care about."

Grooming, once reserved for only the wealthiest of pets and show dogs, is now becoming a common trip for many dogs and cats to make. So, how do you know if your pet needs to get groomed? And how do you know which groomer to take your pet to?

We talked to Ingraham and Marty Woodruff, owner of the Dog Shoppe in Rochester Hills, and here's what they had to say.

Good reasons to get your pet groomed:

Mats: Dogs and cats, especially those with long hair, can develop mats, which can be extremely uncomfortable. The hair can actually get so tangled over time that it can begin to pull on the skin and eventually fall out. The only way to prevent matting is by regularly brushing and combing your pet's coat.

Ear cleaning: Dogs with flat ears need to have their ear canals cleaned regularly to avoid infection. Lay-down ears have little airflow, so bacteria can become trapped in the ear canal, causing infections that can become severely painful for your pup.

Anal glands: Dogs have anal glands, which were originally used for scent marking or to scare off predators. As dogs have become domesticated, they have largely stopped using them and, therefore, have lost the ability to express them voluntarily. If anal glands are left to build up, they can cause infections or even abscess. A groomer will manually express the glands, making for a more comfortable hind end for your dog. Signs your pooch needs this done include excessive scooting or licking of the region.

Nail trimming: Dogs' nails grow and need to be trimmed just like a humans'. If left to grow untrimmed, it can affect the way a dog walks, which can cause them to have back and hip problems. The more active the dog, the more the nails are naturally worn down, so indoor dogs may need trims more often.

General touch: You probably only see your vet about twice a year, which makes it difficult for them to notice problems before they start. A groomer has their hands on nearly every inch of the pet's body and sees the pet more regularly, making it easier to notice if something isn't right.

Things to consider before going to the groomer:

Do your research: Ask around and find out who your friends use. Then, stop by and meet the groomer to see if you feel his or her personality is one you want around your pet. Also, make sure the groomer has plenty of experience and that the shop is clean.

Start young: If you get a pet that will require grooming, start taking them in as a puppy or kitten so they become accustomed to the process.

Be hands-on: Start early on playing with your pet's paws and face -- two places animals traditionally don't like being touched. This will make it easier for the groomer to do his or her job.

Be prepared: If your pet has allergies or quirks, be sure to let the groomer know when you drop your four-legged friend off.

Shop around: Different shops will have different prices, which normally get higher as the size of the dog increases. But, you can expect to pay anywhere from $15 to $125 for basic grooming.

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Thanks for the post! Does everyone get their doggies anal glands expressed? Our old groomer use to do this (at no charge), but our new groomer (which we love) doesn't do it? I guess I will mention it to her.