Americans spend billions of dollars (approximately four billion, according to an American Pet Products Association survey) on pet grooming services and pet boarding each year. Of course, we want our canine friends to look their best. Plus, there’s just something special about a dog that has just returned from the groomer. They seem to hold their heads a little higher.
The most common dog grooming services
What kind of services can you expect from a dog groomer? Although specific menus of services vary by location, most dog groomers handle a core of common dog grooming services like the ones highlighted below:
- Nail clipping. Most house dogs need their nails clipped regularly, usually about once a month. Dogs that take regular walks on the sidewalk may not need their nails clipped quite so often. A good rule of thumb is to clip or have their nails clipped when they touch the floor. If they are allowed to grow too long, a dog’s nails can become ingrown and be painful to the dog. Some dog groomers offer a nail grind instead of clipping.
- Shampooing. Another one of the most common dog grooming services is shampooing. This usually includes a thorough cleansing with a gentle, “just for dogs” shampoo, a thorough brushing and a blow dry. Long-haired dogs also get a de-matting to remove any matted clumps of hair.
- Hair cuts and trims. Haircuts and trims can help long-haired dogs stay cool in the summer as well as not look so shaggy and see better in the winter. Haircuts can range from a light trim to a full shave.
- Ear cleaning. Ear cleaning is another of the more common dog grooming services. Like humans, dogs’ ears can get wax buildup, which can affect their hearing. Dogs can also get mites (tiny bugs!) in their ears, which makes them itchy. A gentle cleaning at the dog groomers can remove all of these issues.
- De-shedding. One of the more recent additions on dog grooming menus is de-shedding. This service involves using a special treatment to remove excess hair both from the top of the dog’s coat and from the under-coat. This process not only makes the dog more comfortable, but helps to keep dog hair off your furniture and out of the corners of your hardwood floor. In addition, de-shedding is said to reduce hair balls in dogs by more than 90 percent.
- Extra services. Other services sometimes offered by dog groomers include application of flea medications, teeth cleaning and sanitary clips (around the rear end of the dog.)
Going to the dog groomer can be like a day at the spa for a human. Your dog will leave the groomers with his nails immaculate, his coat clean and shiny and his face trimmed. He might even be sporting a new bandana. Don’t think you have to tackle all of your dog’s grooming needs yourself. Let a professional handle one or more of these common dog grooming services for you.
