Grooming Mistakes Pet Owners Make at Home
Grooming your pet can be a fun activity, but without the proper training, it can be quite the opposite. Many pet owners make the mistake of grooming their pet, and this is because they do not pay close attention to their pet’s comfort, skin, and health. Knowing the drawbacks of at-home grooming and the benefit of taking your pet to the groomer can help your pet and make sure they’re healthy.
- Using Products Meant for Humans.
A pet grooming mistake that we see commit is using human shampoo or soap. Human products disrupt a pet’s skin pH, which can lead to the following: skin dryness, irritations, and even infections.
DIY pet grooming consequences: Allergies to skin and other serious skin issues.
- Over-Under Bathing
When we do not bathe our pets for a long period of time, we all sorts of nasty things building up on their skin. This can be a build up of things which include: dirt, bugs, and even bacteria living on our pets skin. However, on the flip side, if we bathe our pets too frequently we can strip away the natural oils found on their skin which are meant to protect their skin.
The positive side of professional grooming: Groomers are trained to know the correct amount of baths based on the pet’s breed, activity, and skin type.
- Poor Brushing
The wrong brush can make it painfully to your pet and your pet can even hurt themselves. If you do not brush your pet correctly, you can even hurt your pet and even hurt their skin.
Grooming mistake: Matts and tangles which can conceal infections and pull on skin.
The Risk of DIY Pet Grooming: If you do not have the proper tools, you can creating a painful experience for your pet when removing mats and tangles.
- Fur Cutting Mistakes
Shaving is not a way to keep pets cool. It can make pets too hot and sunburn their skin. Exposed skin is vulnerable to sunburn and overheating.
The benefit of professional grooming is knowing breed specific grooming needs and how to maintain proper coat length.
- Nail Cutting Mistakes
At home grooming is stressful for both pets and owners. Nail cutting is a fear causing problem. Bleeding and fear caused by cutting nails too short can lead to a total avoidance of nails being cut.
Injury, Infection, and long term anxiety around nails are risks of DIY pet grooming.
Calm and safe nail trimming is part of the professional grooming package.
- Uncleaned Ears and Teeth
Skipping ear cleaning and dental checks is a serious grooming error. Infections can occur due to dirty ears. Overall health can suffer from poor dental hygiene.
Groomers can spot causes of bad breath, dental issues, and problem ears before owners identify them.
- Ignored Health Problems
At home grooming usually misses health problems. Infections, ticks, rashes or bumps are common and easily overlooked.
Health concerns that are often ignored and lead to advanced symptoms are seen by professional groomers. Groomers have training and experience to see the issues that arise. They are often the first to bring attention to them.
When to Pick Professional Grooming.
Although light brushing at home and DIY grooming can be helpful, there are times when professional services are strongly recommended.
- Pet has extreme matting
- Nails are long and overgrown
- Skin or ear infections or irritations
- Your pet displays stress or anxiety during grooming
Knowing the risks associated with DIY pet grooming illustrates the need for professional care.
The Take Away
Grooming is about the look, health, comfort, and safety for both the pet and the pet owners. Professional pet grooming services increase safety for both the groomer and the pets. Pet grooming professionals can remove injuries and potential long-term health issues for a fee. When in doubt, trust the professional groomers. Your pets will look great and enjoy better health.
