Professional grooming is often overlooked as a luxury, but for many pets it should be a part of their routine care. Online ordering has made it much easier to purchase the appropriate grooming tools online, but these do not come with all the knowledge and experience your professional groomer has in providing optimal care.
So, is pet grooming worth the cost? While professional grooming is not a necessity in every case, it’s often worth the money you spend on it.
Does Your Pet Need Professional Grooming?
Not all pets need professional pet grooming.
If your pet has a short, easy to manage coat, it’s very likely that you can take care of them effectively at home. This also varies depending on your personal skill level, what grooming care you can effectively provide, and any limitations you may have in keeping your pet clean.
Generally, it is breeds with longer fur that require professional grooming. These include dog breeds like Standard Poodles and Australian Shepherds. Even some cat breeds, like Maine Coons or Himalayans, are at their best when they receive professional attention.
Professional grooming can also provide a greater deal of care for special conditions or situations, improving your pet’s situation.
Benefits of Professional Grooming
Even if you don’t necessarily need professional grooming, you (and your pet) can still benefit from professional services. While grooming may be a luxury for you, you may find that these perks make it well worth your time and money, and they often improve quality of life for both you and your beloved companion.
There are a few hurdles to jump to unlock these benefits, like opting for more comprehensive booster vaccines or spending more time socializing your pet, but they’re often par for the course.
More Efficient with Time and Energy
As professional service providers with access to more efficient tools and knowledge, a reputable groomer can often do a more comprehensive cleaning in less time. This means your pet gets a better baseline clean, spends less time stressed out, and you’re only out the payment for the service.
Having your pet cleaned at the groomer also saves you time, money, and effort in your own life. You can work on other things you’re more attuned for while they pamper your pet, and you don’t need to invest as much in quality supplies (you should still have quality basics and brushes on hand).
Perhaps the biggest bonus here is that you’re not responsible for cleaning up the mess your pet makes during bath time. No water splattered all over your bathroom and shed fur stuck to your shower walls. You get to go home with your fully-clean pooch, and your groomer handles that mess on their own.
Deeper Cleaning with Professional Tools
It’s not always feasible to purchase professional-grade grooming products for your pet, and the washing tubs at your local groomer’s are often more useful (and comfortable) than crouching over your bathtub at home.
Groomers have access to specialized tools and equipment that makes their job easier and the experience more enjoyable for your furry friend. Salon-quality shampoos and conditions may mean better coat condition, and high-velocity dryers mean less time with the noisy stress, all contributing to a better quality of life for your companion.
Professional groomers can also help you determine what specialized tools you need to invest in for at-home care and what gimmicks are best to avoid. They can set you up with secret gems to use at home, going above and beyond the shampoo you purchase alongside your weekly groceries.
Even paired with basic bathing knowledge, these professional tools go a long way.
Specialized Care
Specialized care forks off in a few different directions.
Maybe you own a breed that has specific cuts that you want to test out, like a poodle. Finding a groomer who specializes in these cuts means you are tapping into years of knowledge and experience they have in enacting these cuts. If you show your pets, this knowledge can be invaluable in action.
Specialized care also applies to medical conditions. A groomer who has experience with anxious dogs knows what to look for and how to respond to your pets stress, helping you to overcome a major hurdle in their life.
Dogs who have physical conditions, like arthritis or skin sensitivity, may also benefit from a groomer who understands their condition and how to keep them as comfortable as possible while getting them clean.
A Heads Up on Potential Problems
One of the most invaluable services a groomer provides is their professional experience with warning signs of major issues. These may include:
- Allergies
- Eye issue
- Lumps or bumps
- Sensitivity (pain or arthritis)
- Ear infections
- Dental problems
While your groomer is not a veterinarian, they have plenty of hands-on experience with animals and may pick up on specific patterns that you may not notice. Having an early warning can make a world of difference in receiving proper care, and that alone can make professional grooming well worth its cost.
