Do all dogs need grooming?
All dogs need an occasional bath, but it is more important to keep your dog combed and brushed, especially if your dog has long hair. Matted hair can easily cause skin problems and unnecessary discomfort for your pet. If neglected for too long, it might eventually necessitate a lengthy grooming session, which could be uncomfortable for your pet and expensive for you. Regular brushing, on the other hand, improves your dog’s skin tone and circulation, and makes the coat healthier and more attractive.
My dog has a very strong odor. Bathing doesn't seem to help. Why?
It’s possible that your dog’s teeth, ears, or anal sacs are responsible for the problem. Your groomer will be able to help you to determine the nature of the problem and refer you to your veterinarian, if necessary.
What are anal glands?
They are small sacs located on either side of the rectum. They sometimes need to be expressed or emptied. Some groomers accomplish this as a part of the grooming service. If this is the cause of your dog’s odor problem, bathing alone will not solve it. Your groomer will be happy to explain this procedure in more detail.
My dog doesn’t smell bad, but I bathe him once a week. Is that enough?
More than enough, because over bathing will dry out the pets’ skin. Most dogs do not need to be bathed more than once a month. Some do not need to be bathed more than once every six months, unless they get extremely dirty. However, longhaired dogs should be brushed out properly at least once a week, in lieu of a bath.
What kind of brush should I use?
That depends on the type of coat. Please ask your groomer about the equipment that is correct for your pet.
My dog scratches all the time, but I can’t find any fleas on her. What's the problem?
Scratching is often caused by dry skin and not fleas. This could be the result of excessive bathing, dry climate, nutritional deficiency, allergies, or the wrong type of shampoo. Discuss this problem with your groomer or veterinarian.
Why do my dog’s nails get so long?
Because your dog doesn’t walk on hard surfaces often enough to keep them worn down. You should have them checked at least once a month. Walking on pavement will help wear them down naturally.
Should my cat be groomed?
Longhaired cats need combing occasionally to prevent matted fur. Many cats also need bathing at times, if they are not capable of achieving the neatness that is usually attributed to cats. Check to see if your groomer provides this service for cats.
Remember that professional ABKA groomers are specially qualified to advise you about the type of grooming and grooming equipment that is best for your pet. They can advise you of techniques for grooming your dog at home, and can provide the finest service available at their pet care facility. Many times, your groomer will be able to detect potential health problems, which should be handled by your veterinarian, before you might ordinarily notice them. Problems such as possible ear infections or mites, skin disorders, unusual growths, and parasites, are more easily detected as a result of regular grooming. Your groomer is familiar with the type of grooming that will make your pet look his or her best and can also provide special baths for fleas and ticks, dry skin problems, and, in cooperation with your veterinarian, medicated baths for special problems. Good health and good looks go hand in hand with good grooming. The best team for accomplishing this is your veterinarian, your ABKA professional, and you.