Pet Grooming FAQs are frequently asked questions and answers about grooming your dog or cat provided by the veterinarians at Plantation Pet Health Center (PPHC). PPHSC is unable to provide full grooming services at this time; however, we still stress that in certain breeds regular proper grooming services are essential to good overall health. For recommendations for groomers or grooming facilities please contact our office at Plantation Pet Health Center.
Pet Grooming Frequently Asked Questions and Answers
What exactly does "pet grooming" my pet involve?
Grooming involves routine brushing; bathing; conditioning, in some cases; clipping/shaving of the fur; styling of the fur; cleaning the face; trimming the claws; or some combination of these. Some aspects can be done by the owner, some by kennel or veterinary staff, and some by professional groomers.
Different fur types and different breeds do best with certain specific types of shampoos and conditioners; specialized blow drying techniques; and specific types of combs, brushes, and clippers. A professional groomer is the most qualified person to make those decisions and to use those items in the proper and most efficient manner.
Why do some dogs need grooming and others do not?
All dogs will need some level of grooming at some point in their lives, whether it be simple brushing or occasional baths on up to full clipping and styling regularly.
A quick and easy way to look at it is on average there are basically two types of dogs: those whose coat changes through fur that grows continually and so requires trimming; and those whose coat changes by losing and replacing fur, or shedding.
Also, the longer and/or thicker the fur, the more likely it will get tied in small knots ("matting") or that foreign debris gets caught and tangled in it.
What are the benefits of grooming?
Regular grooming of your pet has two main benefits: aesthetic, and health.
Aesthetic, or pleasing to the eyes, is the most obvious reason. They look better, they appear better cared for, they have fewer and less displeasing odors, etc.
The health reasons are many as well. The skin and coat act to regulate the temperature of the body, act as a barrier to lessen or prevent trauma to the inner organs, and act as a barrier to infection. If the fur is matted, it can trap debris and infection underneath the mat which can destroy the skin's protective abilities. Matting can also cause pain if the mats are tightly woven enough. Also, heavily matted pets can have trouble regulating their temperature, especially in the heat. Regular and timely grooming can also help with keeping a healthy balance of the pet's natural oils in the skin as well.
Some pets grow a lot of fur on the face and around the eyes. This fur, if not kept trimmed, can damage, scratch, or irritate the eyes chronically. They can also trap debris which can do the same damage to the eyes. If left unchecked and untreated, these can lead to impaired vision or even blindness.
How often do I need my pet groomed?
On average, most chronically groomed pets need some level of grooming every 2-4 weeks or so, but variations due to size, breed, activity level, environment, nutrition, and health status may alter the interval between grooms.
Is grooming recommended all year, or is it seasonal?
Grooming is usually a year-round issue. The coat needs to be properly maintained for cold and warm weather. When pets fur changes with the seasons, they do not just grow more in the winter and less in the summer. They actual change the type and character of the fur to better insulate them for the season. This means they usually replace their entire coat every major season change every year. Proper timely grooming can ease this process tremendously.
Why was my pet shaved completely this time? I asked for it to be "clipped short" but it looks like they shaved my pet, why is this?
To many, "clipping" and "shaving" are the same thing. Some pets' fur is in such disarray, so matted, matted too close to the skin, or too full of debris to be properly groomed any other way. In any case, the fur grows back unless there is some underlying medical or nutritional problem preventing fur regrowth.
I was told a negative stool sample was required for a grooming appointment, why is that?
We require proof of a parasite free stool sample within the last year to protect all of our grooming patients from inadvertently contracting a parasitic disease while at our facility for grooming. This will not get every parasite, but greatly diminishes the chances. The only way to efficiently limit exposure would be to require a fresh sample be taken at every groom, but this is overkill and would understandably not be well received.
The dogs all share the same yard for defecating when at our facility, so we need to keep disease transmission to the lowest possible level. They will be walked to make sure they do void as completely as possible so the chances of them eliminating in their cages and then getting it on themselves is diminished as well.
If you would like to learn more about Pet Grooming from the Plantation Pet Health Center, please call 972-731-0001 to schedule an appointment or complete an Online Appointment Request.
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