GROOMED

From a mobile Groomer’s perspective with tips for keeping your dog or cat looking purrdy.

Q1 - How did you become a groomer?

Personally, I knew from a young age that I wanted to dedicate my life to animals. I’ve always done jobs working with animals, from pet sitting to volunteering at the Phoenix Zoo. But in High School, I started to work at Petsmart as a Bather and fell in love with the Art of Grooming. This allowed me to work with pets and their parents to make them feel good, comfortable and healthy.

Q2 - At what age should you start having your dog professionally groomed?

As soon as you get your pet, you can start desensitizing your dog or cat to grooming by get- ting a vibrating toothbrush and petting your animal with it all over, especially on his feet/ paws and rewarding them with treats. You can also start brushing as well; once your puppy has all his/her shots, they can start getting professionally groomed. This is usually about 3-4 months of age.

Q3 - What are the benefits of mobile grooming?

I have been grooming for approximately 20 years. And I have worked both in a shop and as a mobile groomer. I have found that a lot of pets prefer to be groomed by a mobile groomer. I do tell clients that mobile grooming is a luxury service, so it typically costs more than if you take your pet to a shop. However, the benefit of mobile grooming is that your pet will get one on one attention, they will not go in a kennel, and the professional pet stylist (groomer) can in a year and can help see or feel abnormal symptoms to point out to your Veterinarian. I have saved a pet’s life by noticing a bump the pet’s parent didn’t detect. This turned out to be a cancer lump, and the Vet was able to remove it, focus on providing the best experience for your pet. The pet can also still see their home and not have to stress about car rides, other barking dogs (especially with cats), or other typical distractions that are in a shop.

Q4 - Why is professional grooming important?

Professional grooming is very important because we are trained professionals that see every single aspect of your pet. We will have our hands on your pets more times than your veterinarian will and the pet is happy and healthy today. We can also aid in the overall health of the pet by maintaining coat and nails.

Q5 - How often does a dog need grooming?

This question depends on the pet. A normal hair cycle of a dog’s follicles is about 21 days. Typically, we recommend 4-6 weeks for full grooming. This allows trimming of the nails on a monthly schedule to help keep the quick (blood vessel) in the nails back. It also allows the removal of the undercoat or for a thorough brushing of the pet. Another positive aspect of a regular grooming schedule is that this is a positive mental regimen for the dog’s schedule. They will begin to view grooming as a part of their routine versus a punishment. Also, allows us to pamper your pet!

Q6 - What can people do themselves to help with grooming and avoiding matting, etc?

This question depends on the type of breed you have. For example, most Doodles, Shih Tzu, and Maltese/Yorkie need regular brushing with a metal comb and a slicker brush to prevent matting. Labs and short hair breeds would need a de-shedding rake or a rubber brush. Another “homework” that I give a lot of clients is called the toothbrush homework, which is petting your dog’s feet and body with a vibrating toothbrush. This is the same feeling and sound as our dremel and clippers. You should also play with your pet’s feet, ears, and tails as well.

Q7. What do you like best about your job?

Honestly, the best part of my job is to develop a relationship with the pet and their parents. It’s truly as if I get to become a small part of the family, and I’m so thankful for each one of them. The best part of my day is when we are all done and come back inside, and the pet parent is like, “Oooh my gosh! You are so beautiful!” It specially makes my heart happy when a pet gets tail wagging excited, and they are just so impressed they want to show off!

Q8. What is the #1 grooming tip for pet owners?

To make grooming a positive, regular routine in the pet’s life.

Q9. Why is professional grooming important? Can’t people just groom their pets at home themselves?

Professional grooming is so important because this job really is an art and a skill.

Professionals Pet Stylists spend hours, days, and years learning and honing their skills. It takes patience, experience, and a whole lot of love to do it right. We take classes on different breeds, skin, health, and coat care. Additionally, we learn first aid and CPR. We’re knowledgeable about animal behavior, how to safely handle and groom the pet, and so much more.

There’s a whole convention geared towards the pet care industry, especially groomers, where we can take classes and learn about the newest products to bring back to our community. This helps to contribute to and improve our pets and their families’ lives.