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Hernando Today

Grooming Is About More Than Just Beauty

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: January 11, 2009

Imagine how you would look and feel if you never bathed, brushed your hair or trimmed your nails. To be healthy and happy, your companion animal needs basic grooming, too.

Simple grooming procedures such as brushing you can do yourself. This type of regular grooming helps build a close bond between you and your pet, and keeps you informed of the condition of their fur, skin, teeth, nails and ears. In fact, it is not uncommon to discover lumps, infections, and other problems during a thorough grooming routine.

Debating whether to use a professional groomer? It depends on the type of pet you have and your comfort level. Many people feel comfortable grooming their short-haired cats, while owners of long-haired dogs prone to mats opt for professional grooming. If you fall into the latter category, this need not be a "hair-raising" experience for you, your pet or the groomer. The key is finding the right groomer to provide quality grooming care for your pet.

What is grooming? Grooming is more than just a hair cut. It may include bathing, combing, brushing, clipping nails, cutting or shaving matted hair, cleaning ears and controlling external parasites. Attention to these details promotes good health in your pet.

Cats are often overlooked for grooming. Groom your cat often to keep their coat healthy, soft, and shiny. Although it is especially important to brush long-haired cats to prevent their hair from matting, even short-haired felines need to be groomed to remove as much loose hair as possible. When cats groom themselves, they ingest a great deal of hair, which often leads to hairballs.

Why choose a groomer? You may not have the time, tools, experience or physical ability to adequately groom your pet. A pet may require regular or seasonal clipping, medicated or flea baths, removal of skunk odors or harmful substances, or removal of matted fur. Typically, a trained professional can more safely and humanely handle tricky procedures and temperamental or frightened animals. (Removing severe mats should always be done by an experienced groomer to avoid accidental cuts.) Keep in mind, however, that professional groomers aren't miracle workers; it's up to you to stay on top of your pet's grooming needs.

The best way to choose a groomer would be to start with a recommendation from friends, your veterinarian, boarding kennel, dog trainer, or animal shelter. You can also contact the National Dog Groomers Association of America; a link to its Web site is provided below.

Some groomers are registered or certified by a grooming school or professional association, but no government agency regulates or licenses pet groomers. Check with your local Better Business Bureau to see if any complaints have been filed against a grooming facility. After narrowing your search, call groomers to ask about services, costs, and hours of operation. Also request the names of a few current clients to interview.

How do I evaluate a grooming facility? Before selecting a groomer, request to tour the facility. Here are some factors to consider during your evaluation:

• Do they allow prospective customers to tour?

• Is the facility well-lit?

• Does it look and smell clean?

• Does the staff appear knowledgeable and caring? Do they handle pets gently?

• Are cages adequately sized? Are dogs and cats caged in separate areas?

• Are pets monitored regularly to prevent overheating during blow-drying?

• Does the groomer keep complete pet records (including grooming, medical, vaccination, and emergency contact information)?

How can I ease my pet's fears?

It's important for your pet to tolerate being groomed, regardless of how often you take him to a professional. To train your pet, groom him briefly when you're both relaxed.

For example, begin by gently massaging his coat each morning as you feed him. Gradually introduce a brush or comb. Each day, increase the grooming time and work on different areas. Reward your pet for cooperating.

The more comfortable your pet feels with home grooming and around strangers, the better he'll tolerate professional grooming.

Joanne Schoch is the executive director for the Humane Society of the Nature Coast, Inc. She can be reached at 352-796-2711.

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