Especially for people owning big dogs, getting them into the tub for a bath may be challenging, causing a lot of trouble and headaches ? and arm ache, probably. This is why finding a good groomer will be very helpful in the process of cleaning your dog and making him look fluffed and gorgeous, using very safe methods.
So, how do you select a good dog groomer?
1. Find a salon and visit it
You need to do this in order to decide if it meets the standards when it comes to organization, hygiene and provided services.
2. Talk to groomers and find out about their level of education and experience in the business
This can be a bit tricky because states do not typically license pet groomers, so anyone can read some instructions, get a clipper, a pair of scissors and call themselves a pet groomer. But those people who are professionals took at least some courses and obtained basic certification in pet grooming, which include bathing, ear cleaning, nail clipping, proper brushing etc. Medical training is even a greater asset. There is no set standard, but taking time to check the facility and ask the right questions will help you make an informed decision.
3. Ask if the grooming salon belongs to any organization
There are several professional grooming organizations out there and being a part of them is proof of being truly interested in getting the latest information and keeping up with new trends, techniques and methods.
4. Ask about the products that will be used on your dog
Make sure they are high quality, gentle and as natural as possible, to protect your furry friend from health complications caused by harsh chemicals.
5. If the salon has a website or an account on a social network, make sure to check it and read comments from other people, reviews etc. If possible, try to obtain recommendations from previous clients; after all, word of mouth referral is the best advertising.
6. Make sure the groomer has experience
to deal with different breeds, with distinctive temperaments and unique sets of particularities. The grooming approach and quality will depend on all these factors. For example, flat faced dogs should not be put in drying cages, considering that many of them already have breathing problems. Drying cages are not suitable for old, sick or fearful dogs either.
7. Carefully check the services
Some sophisticated salons may offer spa treatments, but remember that most of these things are designed to make money and make the people feel better instead of their dogs.
Some salons will require that your dog is up to date on shots, at least against rabies and bordetella. Make sure you bring with you the necessary documentation.
If you have an aggressive dog, or particularly fearful, make sure you talk to the groomer about all these issues. In most cases, you will not be allowed to assist (in order to prevent your dog from reacting to your presence and disturb the grooming process) and you need to know that the groomer will be able to handle any situation that may occur and that your furry friend will be safe.
Some groomers will also express the anal gland sacs, but this is one service that should be done by a veterinarian. Here?s why:
Anal gland problems are common in dogs; these glands are prone to be affected by abscesses or infections, requiring special treatment.
Dogs have two anal glands located on each side of the anus, which look like two small sacs with a diameter of about 1 cm, leading to an opening right next to the anus. These glands contain a brown-yellow-ish liquid with an unpleasant odor. Actually, the foul odor is the first sign of anal gland problems, so if your dog smells bad even after a bath, take him to a vet for investigations.
All predators - canine, feline in the wild, or skunk in the backyard - have anal sacs, but each uses them differently. For example, skunks release the secretion from these glands as a form of defense, while dogs use it to mark their territory. In addition, dogs recognize each other by smelling the anal area, due to the same unique odor that emanates from the anal glands.
In the case of healthy animals, these glands self-clean during defecation, but there are also cases when the animal suffers because of different problems that may occur with them.
Various affections of anal glands
For different reasons, such as body conformation, the density of glands? secretion or hardness of the excrements, the anal glands and canals may be temporarily obstructed. When this happens, the dog has a specific behavior: he scoots the floor on his bottom and licks in excess his anal area. Also, you can notice an oily liquid around his tail and the entire area seems to be painful for the animal, so explore it very gently.
The anal glands may also present infections and abscess due to the penetration of bacteria into the sacs, through the canals. These affections are also very painful and the animal will try to bite or scratch the area around the tail. They have little to do with the overall health of the pet; the main problems that may occur are the possibility of injuring the anal area, eliminating that secretion on the carpet or floor and the very unpleasant smell.
Prevention and treatment of anal gland problems
When an affection of anal glands is detected, the veterinarian or the owner of the animal must empty and clean the glands of the animal regularly (once every 1-2 weeks), followed by cleansing and disinfecting the entire anal area, using specific substances, depending on how severe is the problem. Infections and abscesses should be treated by the vet and normally the animal is put on antibiotics for a period of 1-2 weeks. It is also recommended to apply warm compresses locally because they help to reduce pain and inflammation.
If anal gland problems are only occasional, they can be treated as they occur. For animals with chronic and recurrent problems, surgery is an option: through surgery, the anal glands will be completely eliminated. This is a good method to get rid of the pain, and the dog will be able to lead a perfectly normal life even without anal sacs.
