Grooming dogs and cats: who needs hair care procedures?
When it comes to animal grooming, we certainly think of cutting a dog or cat. However, there is much more included in this concept. Grooming is caring not only for the fur, but also for the eyes, ears, teeth, and other parts of the body of our pets. Of course, these include haircuts – hygienic ones or for participation in exhibitions. For some dog breeds, a groomer is a specialist who cares for animals and also uses trimming - plucking hair.
Representatives of this profession first appeared in England and at that time were mainly engaged in caring for horses. Nowadays, groomers often care for dogs and cats.
Grooming long-haired dogs
Content
Why is grooming needed?
Creative grooming
Trimming
Tools a skilled groomer uses
Dog grooming and cat grooming – are there any differences?
Why is grooming needed?
The responsibilities of a pet groomer include:
Grooming a cat in a salon
quick and high-quality washing of the pet;
combing;
drying;
a haircut;
trimming (plucking hairs);
nail trimming;
wool dyeing (decorative grooming), etc.
A professional in his field must have a good understanding of care products and advise the animal owner on issues of caring for the pet, and, if necessary, recommend high-quality tools, hygiene products or cosmetics.
Of course, you can take care of your dog or cat yourself, but there are times when this is too burdensome - then they turn to a groomer.
Decorative grooming
The most common reasons why pet owners choose grooming salons:
if the dog is a large breed with long or problematic hair (Newfoundland, Afghan hound, etc.), which is difficult to care for;
if you want your pet to look neat and well-groomed;
the animal is preparing to participate in the exhibition;
the cat has thick fur, which is why it suffers from the summer heat;
if your pet has tangles that are difficult to untangle, which will subsequently cause irritation and diaper rash;
the pet has a difficult temperament and does not allow you to cut/care for its fur;
thick long hair prevents the animal from seeing, moving, running, swimming, etc. For example, in the old days, poodles were cut not only for beauty, but also so that fluffy, airy hair would not interfere with their swimming while hunting ducks;
if you need help caring for your pet during shedding;
the animal has problems with oily skin, dermatitis, fleas have appeared - in such cases, a professional haircut will often not hurt;
If you have ear mites, careful ear care is also important – and a specialist will help you with this.
Grooming a dog for a show
Types of grooming:
Hygienic: designed to cleanse wool and skin for hygienic purposes. For example: cutting hair in the groin area / under the tail, cutting thick long hair between the toes, combing (including mats), cleaning ears, teeth from tartar and much more, in addition to cutting the entire body of the animal;
Exhibition: to prepare the animal for participation in the exhibition. At the same time, special cosmetics are used for grooming, the advantages of the breed are emphasized and the shortcomings are hidden;
Decorative (model): appearance care + haircut, and also includes: manicure for animals, whitening teeth and fur under the eyes from tear stains, styling and decorating fur, tying ponytails (“top note”);
Creative: this includes the most daring, memorable bright haircuts and colors.
Creative grooming
Creative grooming
This branch of grooming is still quite new, but has already managed to acquire both its fans and opponents.
You can be very imaginative when it comes to cutting and coloring a pet's fur, and a groomer will allow you to bring any idea to life. The result will be a bright and memorable image of your pet.
Opponents of creative grooming believe that dyeing fur is harmful to animals. But in fact, there is nothing to fear if you choose the right groomer - a professional in his field. He will choose absolutely safe, gentle care products for your animal - and they certainly will not harm your health.
A dog with a bright style will gather many admiring fans around him. So, if your pet loves attention (the more the merrier!), it’s time to get a little creative with a grooming salon specialist!
Trimming
The hair plucking procedure is often not necessary for every dog breed. Only dogs that have a thick, very short and non-shedding undercoat need this.
Trimming
Full trimming is required:
dachshunds with rough hair;
griffins;
schnauzers;
schnauzers;
terriers: Fox, Scotch, Welsh and Airedale terriers.
Partial trimming may be necessary:
Afghan hounds;
black terriers;
retrievers;
cocker spaniels.
Tools a skilled groomer uses
Creative dog haircut
Every caring owner (especially those who are going to visit a grooming salon with their animal for the first time) wants to know what tools a specialist uses. It also happens that a pet is very timid, does not make contact well with strangers, and a suspicious weapon in the hands of a stranger can cause him extreme stress.
Don't be afraid. If you have carefully chosen a groomer, his professional responsibilities include, among other things, establishing contact with the animal. He will be able to cheer him up or calm him down, he knows how to establish a connection and win over anxious cats and dogs.
Many cats are afraid of water, while dogs can show aggression towards a stranger... Both of them often do not like to sit in one position for a long time without moving. An experienced professional should be able to handle all this.
Knowledge of animal anatomy also helps the groomer quickly and safely perform all necessary grooming procedures.
Groomer Tools
Creativity and imagination. An experienced specialist always has something to offer you and your pet. He is aware of fashion trends and is ready to tell you everything about coloring and hairstyles and haircuts that are suitable for your animal.
If the groomer discovers symptoms of any disease (for example, lichen) during his work, he may strongly recommend that you consult a veterinarian. Animals are not treated in grooming salons. It may also happen that a specialist will refuse to interact with your pet until the animal is completely healthy. Usually, before visiting the groomer, the owner must show the groomer a certificate from the veterinarian stating that his pet is healthy.
Love for our smaller brothers. Anyone who has chosen caring for animals as their profession must truly love them. And how could it be otherwise? After all, cats, and especially dogs, react instantly: they show aggression if they feel that a person is releasing adrenaline into the blood (this happens if the groomer experiences fear or hostility from contact with the animal).
The working tools of the “dog and cat hairdresser-stylist” include:
Dog washing process
nail clippers;
thinning scissors;
hair dryer;
furminators;
rotary machines;
wool rake;
massage brushes;
scallops;
tool for plucking wool (trimming).
Dog grooming and cat grooming – are there any differences?
Of course, there are some. Cats are natural groomers and regularly spend their time grooming their fur. But for a dog, the priority is getting positive emotions from running through puddles rather than keeping itself clean. That is why the most frequent guests in the grooming salon are dogs.
To avoid mats, long-haired cats also have to be taken to a groomer, more often than females, since males are less clean. Older cats may also need help with grooming because, due to their age or frailty, they may no longer care for themselves as thoroughly.
Grooming dogs and cats - differences
Pets with thick, long and/or curly hair also need bathing, brushing and trimming much more than others. If you are the owner of a poodle, collie or Persian cat, you will think about visiting a groomer more than once.
So, as you can see, grooming is not a whim at all, but the help of an experienced specialist in caring for a pet for those who need it. And its undeniable help is the ability to promptly identify skin problems, fleas and ticks in a pet’s fur.
Grooming is the transformation of a shaggy, “unidentified animal” with matted fur into a clean, neat and contented cat or dog.
In general, this set of procedures is definitely worth trying for your pet! Shiny, beautiful, silky and well-groomed coat, free from plaque, strong teeth, trimmed claws - not only pleasing to the eye, but also a necessary condition for maintaining hygiene (and therefore health) of your pet.
More details on the website https://e-zoo.com.ua/blog/zdorove-i-ukhod/grooming-sobak-i-koshek-komu-neobhodimy-protsedury-po-uhodu-za-sherstyu E-ZOO
