Dog grooming can be a both highly entertaining and rewarding profession at the same time. While it is not always easy to tame these little pet babies and groom them according to their parents’ requirements, it is always nice to see the good results and the faces of happy pet parents. Dog grooming is essential for the health and well-being of the dog in the long run – and even for short durations as they need their nails to be trimmed regularly (if not, it might lead to trouble in posture and many more unpleasant health implications). In spite of the joy and happiness this profession brings, there are also a lot of things that can go wrong while the job is being done. There is a sense of greater responsibility to ensure that the dog (or yourself) is not harmed when the session is in progress.
Since owners are rightfully protective about their dogs, even small mistakes can cause big losses in career and money. It is also important to ensure that the session goes smoothly and there is no residual hurt or wounds left (dog grooming mistakes) that might affect the dog later (even if it is not apparent during the session). Although the temperament and cooperation of the dog can be specified earlier by the pet parent, a lot of things can still go wrong at the last minute and will end up being the highlight of the entire dog grooming session. This is why it is better to know the things that can go wrong during a dog grooming session. Here are a few things you need to avoid as a dog groomer –
Brushing their fur with knots – It becomes super important that you be careful while you are brushing their fur out – both before and after bathing them. This is because if you wet the fur without bathing them, you might end up tangling them worse and forming complicated knots. After bathing them, although it might seem easier to brush wet fur if you are not careful, you might pull out their hair and cause burns that might be painful for them for quite some time. Therefore, while doing this essential step in dog grooming, exercising caution to ensure minimal or no pain to the pet is very essential aspect to keep in mind.
Cutting dog nails – This is quite a tricky activity as the dogs struggle to stay still the most when you are trying to cut their nails. One of the main things that can go wrong when you cut their nails is that you might end up cutting it off too deep till the ‘quick’ of their nails, causing them pain and bleeding. Additionally, if you use blunt nail clippers, you might crush the dog’s nails as opposed to cutting them, which again becomes agonizing for them and they will start cooperating less and less.
Dog Shampooing – First, you will have to make sure that the shampoo you use is not harmful and too chemically laden. Most dog shampoos are made to be safe for the eyes so even though it might not cause serious damage to the eyes, it will cause irritation and itching which will lead the dog to be agitated and move around a lot. It is important to note that you might also have to make sure what allergies the dog has – you will have to ask the pet parent and avoid using shampoos with ingredients and smells that might cause an allergic reaction with the dog.
Cutting and shaving dog hairs – When cutting and/or shaving a dog’s fur, it is vital that you do not end up shaving them too close to the fur. These will cause shaving burns that will leave them uncomfortable for long after the grooming session. The unhappier the dog is, the unhappier the pet parent is with the service, therefore avoiding common dog grooming mistakes becomes vital. If you use sharp or harsh tools improperly, such as scissors or clippers, or if you tug or pull on the dog’s hair or skin too roughly, it will cause a lot of damage. It’s important to always use the right tools for the job and to be gentle and patient when grooming your dog. Additionally, make sure to keep your dog calm and comfortable during the grooming process, as an anxious or agitated dog may be more likely to move suddenly and accidentally get hurt.
Forgetting to clean their ears: Dogs’ ears can accumulate a lot of wax and debris, leading to ear infections if left untreated. Make sure to get your dog’s ears cleaned regularly with a vet-approved ear cleaner. No complete grooming session is over without the dog’s ears being cleaned. A good groomer always ensures maximum comfort for the pet while cleaning their ears as it is a comparatively sensitive part of their body.
Ignoring dental hygiene: Dental hygiene is important for dogs’ overall health, as poor dental health can lead to infections, bad breath, and even heart disease. Make sure to brush your dog’s teeth regularly and give them dental chews or toys to help keep their teeth clean. A good grooming session without any dog grooming mistakes should automatically include dental care for your dog as it is vital to their overall well-being.
Choosing the right groomer for your pet is an important decision that requires careful consideration. Research your options, take the time to research different grooming businesses or individuals in your area, and read reviews and testimonials from previous customers. Ask about safety protocols, make sure that the groomer you choose has safety protocols in place to ensure the well-being of your pet, including measures to prevent the spread of disease and injury prevention strategies. Communicate your preferences, be clear about your preferences for your pet’s grooming and ask the groomer to explain their process and techniques.
By taking the time to carefully consider your options and choosing a qualified, safe, and experienced groomer, you can help ensure that your pet receives the best possible care and grooming services.