6 Tips to Help Pet Parents Choose a Local Dog Grooming Salon

Groomers are the lifeline of the canine world. They are here to make sure that your dog is looking his best. For many dog owners, the best groomer is a saviour from life-threatening infections and their costly treatments. Not only this, a nicely shampooed and trimmed dog looks and feels its best. Relying on a professional for pet grooming saves time for the owner.  

But groomers can be a tricky business to navigate. Many are inexperienced and lack the necessary knowledge to give your dog the services it needs. Some charge exorbitant prices, while others are more concerned with making a profit than giving your dog the best care.

To help you find the right dog grooming centre, check whether your dog grooming salon offers these 8 things or not:

Facilities

A dog grooming service station must be well-lit, well-ventilated, well-taken care of and equipped with all the essentials. A dingy, dark, congested grooming centre with minimal space prevents pets from free movement. 

Many local dog groomers can help pet parents with ear cleaning, nail trimming and mat removal. A licensed, knowledgeable grooming expert can also make the owner aware of conditions such as skin disease or decaying teeth. 

A full-service dog grooming salon must deal with all-purpose or personalised products. The grooming products also change based on the dog breed, age, coat type, quality and weather. If a salon fails to do so, it’s not a centre that pet owners can trust.  

Safety

A dog grooming salon is a place where multiple dogs are primed every day.  Therefore, it is essential to look for a grooming station that is clean, hygienic, and offers good customer service. Negligence of the safety protocols can severely impact your pet's health. Wondering how? Dogs are often carriers of diseases or infections that other dogs contract from them. Regular cleaning of the grooming tools or right after each cleaning session is vital. Look for one that performs all these steps. 

Pet Handling Technique

Groomers usually spend a great deal of time with pets. They know how to handle your pet with care, compassion, and understanding. But this is not true for all dog groomers. Many become too rigid or constrain them too much. Such behaviours only make the dogs fearful and aggressive. Thus, choosing a grooming professional who is well-versed in pet grooming techniques is crucial. Once you find out the best-matched groomer, stick to him/her.  Dogs feel agitated and stressed being managed by new handlers or groomers during every visit.

Experience and Certification

The world of dog grooming is fast-paced and competitive. Every day several new salons are entering the pet grooming industry. Random selection of a grooming salon can hurt your dog instead of improving its health. Keep your dog in the best health by choosing a salon that is operated by a licensed professional. Check his/her certificates, training centre details and experience. 

Experience counts when you are allowing a stranger to take care of your furry friend. A novice might be as careful as an experienced but the former lacks the knowledge that the latter possesses. A skilled groomer might have worked with your dog breed. It’s also a vital quality that you should consider. A dog groomer that has only worked with small or mid-sized pets might not be a suitable specialist for your large breed. Specific breed experience counts. So seek out someone or check our gallery who has handled your dog breed.  

A Visit Can Reveal A Lot

It may not count as a qualification or quality of the groomer, but it helps the pet parent take an informed decision. Visiting the dog grooming salon offers you better insight into the environment you are sending your dog. Let your dog accompany you during the first visit to the groomer. It helps it get familiar with the smell and sound of the space. If you choose the space as your grooming centre, future sessions will be stress-free for your pup.

A visit also helps a dog get used to the groomers working there. During this visit, you might understand who bonds with your furry friend the best. Appointing him/her for the puppy can make the dog grooming service fuss-free.

Check Products

Ensure the groomer only uses cleaning items that do not irritate your dog. Several so-called grooming experts compromise with the shampoo and conditioner quality to cut down costs. Low-quality, chemical-filled treatments can flare up skin diseases in your dog. Book a dog grooming salon that stocks high-quality, specialised dog grooming products.

End Notes   

As a dog owner, it is your responsibility to ensure the health and welfare of your dog. If your dog needs grooming, use the tips to find the most suitable local dog groomers to ensure that you are getting the best possible service. Cambridgeshire has many accredited dog groomers working all over the county. Check them!