Do you have a pet that needs to be groomed quite often? This usually applies more to dogs than it does to cats, but cats can still have a need for a groomer.
So here’s the question: Are cat and dog groomers worth the expense? Here are some tips to help you make the decision about whether to groom at home or hire a professional.
Are you showing?
If you have a purebred dog or cat and are planning to enter him in shows, learning how to groom yourself is a smart and frugal idea. You’ve seen what it’s like backstage at a dog or cat show — owners and handlers are constantly grooming their animals. And having your own set of grooming tools will make the process go that much faster and be more hygienic for your pet.
Do you have the right tools?
Even if you are not planning to have a show dog or cat, having some personal grooming tools at home will be helpful in between grooming visits. If you have a cat or small dog, you can bathe them in the kitchen sink without too much trouble. One very important tool is a non-skid mat to put in the bottom of the sink. This will make your pet feel much more secure and it’ll be easier on you, too.
For a long haired dog that you’re bathing in the shower or tub, make sure you also have a plastic bristle brush to help remove excess hair when he’s all soaped up. To get ears nice and clean, all you really need are some moist Q-tips and ear cleaning pads. Be careful not to push that Q-tip down too far; just enough to get the dirt and wax out.
For both dogs and cats, you will want to have a good set of nail clippers. For cats, you can probably use fingernail clippers just to take the pointy and off. For dogs, you’ll need to get a specific pair of toenail clippers.
Is the groomer’s place or your home safer?
One thing to consider when thinking of this is whether or not your home is prone to drafts. On the flip side, you might be afraid to transport them in the bad weather as they can catch cold very easily.
So, is a groomer worth the price?
The answer to that is yes, especially if you are extra busy with other things like getting ready for a family holiday. And while grooming your animal yourself at home saves money, having a professional work on your pet at least 2 to 3 times a year is a good idea and money well spent.
Photo Credit: istockphoto.com
