Why It's Often Advised to Take Your Pet to a Professional Groomer

A responsible pet owner might assume that they can groom and bathe their own pet if they invest in the right tools and have a calm pet that doesn't squirm and scratch or try to get away. However, even if you think you can manage pet grooming on your own, there are some very good reasons to always take your pet to a professional and let him or her perform any grooming and bathing that needs to be done. Note why this is, and then discuss your pet's grooming and other healthcare needs with your veterinarian.

Type of brush and hair removal techniques

As with human hair, dog and cat hair may require a different brush, depending on its overall thickness and texture. Using a brush that's too coarse on very fine, short hair can result in scratching your pet's skin, whereas that same brush may not even make it through thick and coarse pet hair.

In some cases, a groomer may even use a type of blower that blows away loose hairs, leaving your pet with a much more manageable coat that they can brush or trim down as necessary. To ensure your pet's comfort and to get the job done more quickly, have a groomer do any pet brushing and hair removal for you.

Shampooing

As with brushing, each pet and each type of hair on a pet will require a different shampoo. Outdoor pets may require a stronger shampoo that will remove dirt and everything else that may be clinging to your pet's hair, whereas indoor pets may be more sensitive and will need something a bit more mild. It's also vital that a pet be shampooed gently, without pulling or tugging at the fur and without irritating their skin. A groomer will have more experience in the best techniques for shampooing each type of pet and pet hair.

Examining pets

Grooming pets is a way chance to examine them for any type of skin abnormalities, including bald spots, lesions, rashes, fleas and sores that are not healing properly. An animal can also be examined during grooming for any tenderness in their joints, back and elsewhere. A professional groomer will know how to do this, and they will know what signs of injuries or other health concerns to look for while grooming. While their grooming may not take the place of a veterinarian's exam, they can alert you to any concerns they notice with your pet, so you can then follow up with your vet as needed.