All About Dog Grooming

Modern life and the emergence of new trends in the world of dog fashion have led to the need for better quality pet care. Many owners do not cope with their obligations, which include not only combing and bathing the animal, but also creating creative haircuts, professional hair care, nail plates, eyes and ears.

Particular attention is paid to show breeds, in which the victory at competitions and shows depends on the appearance. A professional groomer can help ensure the perfect look for any pet.

Grooming is a popular and demanded service that is aimed at creating a flawless appearance for pets. The homeland of this direction is England. It is in this country that dog owners have been paying increased attention to their pets for decades. The list of services of these specialists is very extensive and consists of the following areas:

• examination, cleaning and washing of the auricles;
• adjusting the length of the nail plates with their subsequent filing and coating with protective agents;
• removal of mucus and purulent deposits from the eyes and nasal passages;
• carrying out hygienic water procedures;
• processing the animal with special disinfectants;
• the use of drugs for parasites;
• plucking out the old wool cover;
• hair length correction;
• creation of the required image and style;
• treatment of the oral cavity and teeth;
• removal of tangles.

Dog grooming is the main and most demanded function of groomers. This manipulation involves not only reducing the length of the coat, but also the following areas of work.

• Classic haircut Is a standard service that is performed using a special electric clipper or hairdressing scissors. This procedure makes it possible to give the coat thickness and splendor. Some breeds require a clip-first - shaving off the entire coat. To increase the aesthetic appearance of the animal, experts recommend using flatvek - equalizing the length of the coat at one level. These procedures can be performed both for hair growth and against it.
• Leveling - Correction of transitions between long and short hair. The craftsmen try to remove as much as possible all the thresholds and irregularities in the wool. This procedure is final and often involves the use of thinning scissors.
• Top notes - the procedure for creating the necessary image for dogs with long hair using elastic bands and hairpins. If the length of the hair in the head area exceeds 15 cm, then the use of these funds is mandatory.
• Custom haircut - an absolute departure from all standards. The craftsmen not only trim the animal, but also color, tint, weave and tattoo it.
• Trimming - plucking out dead hair. This technique is suitable for breeds with very coarse hair, where the animal cannot be clipped. Hair removal is carried out with special scissors-tongs, which help to make the structure of the coat perfect.
• Rolling - Removal of hair of different lengths using special tongs.
• Plaking - manual removal of dead hairs, which prevents tangles and skin rashes.

During the bathing process, specialists will not only rid the animal of dirt, but will also select a special shampoo and conditioner, as well as carry out decorative toning of the wool. After water procedures, the master will dry and style the hair as quickly as possible, and will also prevent water from entering the ears and hypothermia of the animal. Also, masters in the process of washing can notice the first signs of dangerous diseases.

Caring for the nail plates is an equally important manipulation, which consists of the following stages:

• removing hair between the toes;
• correction of the length of the claws.

Many owners often hesitate to cut their pets' nails themselves, due to the lack of practical skills and a special tool. Ignoring this procedure can lead to ingrowth of nails into the pads and the appearance of inflammation. Specialists will not only reduce the length of the nail plate, but also file and polish them, as well as cover them with special strengthening agents. Professional craftsmen recommend file the claws weekly, and then it will be possible to avoid visiting the salons.

To maintain an acute hearing and vision and a dog, it is necessary to take care of the ears and eyes throughout its life. It is better to entrust this procedure to masters who will remove hair near the eyes and ears, remove pus and mucus, and also flush these organs with special medications.

In order for the pet to easily endure all procedures, from an early age, owners should comb their pet daily, trim the claws 2 times a month, and clean their ears every month. Only animals accustomed to these manipulations behave calmly and adequately.

Cynologists distinguish two types of grooming: home and salon.

Advantages of salon procedures:

• availability of special equipment and experienced craftsmen;
• use of professional cosmetics.

Self-care for a pet will not give the desired result due to the lack of professional skills, so dog handlers recommend calling groomers home. Depending on the professionalism of the master, clients of beauty salons can use several types of grooming.

• Hygienic - This is a standard set of procedures, which consists of trimming and combing the coat, adjusting the length of the claws, cleaning the ears and eyes, taking care of the teeth and oral cavity, as well as bathing, removing ticks and treating mechanical damage.
• Aesthetic - procedures used by show dog owners. In order to make a pet beautiful, masters use tattooing, coloring strands, teeth whitening, body art, manicure and rhinestone decoration.
• Exhibition - a special look, which is aimed at creating an impeccable image that meets all standards, is used before competitions.
• Creative - an unusual procedure used by the owners of small decorative dogs. Tiny pets often play the role of status accessory, which should always have a flawless look and correspond to the latest fashion trends. Experienced specialists will be able to satisfy the most unusual requirements of the owners, and will make unique hairstyles and haircuts.

Particular attention should be paid to creative grooming, which makes it possible to make your pet unique and irresistible. The process of cutting patterns consists of the following steps:

1. creating a sketch of a pattern;
2. applying it to the body of an animal with a special dye composition;
3. clipping wool along the lines drawn.

The process of tattooing is less troublesome and tedious, and consists of transferring special pictures to a selected area of ​​the body. This jewelry can be on the dog's body for up to 30 days, and will not bring any harm to it. Among the latest services of specialists, one can single out piercing and drawing on nail plates.

For high-quality grooming, dog hairdressers need a large number of special accessories and devices. Professional establishments often resemble elite beauty salons, which contain a huge amount of modern equipment. Before entrusting your pet to a specialist, the owner must carefully examine the environment. In the master's office there should be special tables, which may differ in the following characteristics:

• the size;
• type of coverage;
• the presence or absence of an assembly mechanism;
• type of height adjuster;
• the presence or absence of a special drain.

Now let's see what you need for grooming:

• nail clipper;
• nail file;
• knife;
• bath;
• hairdryer;
• scissors: straight, with rounded ends, thinning, for eyes, for trimming;
• a hair clipper with a compressor (manual and electric);
• combs and brushes;
• gloves for grooming;
• cotton pads and sticks.

For the care of pets, it is strictly forbidden to use tools for people who not only do not bring the desired result, but can also cause pain and discomfort to the pet. Also, specialists should have a wide range of cosmetic products for different purposes and for different breeds of dogs. Particular attention should be paid to the choice of shampoos, gels, conditioners and styling products. Each office must have a first-aid kit with a full list of drugs for first aid.

In order for the aesthetic procedure to be quick and painless, owners should accustom their pet to it from an early age. If an adult dog was brought to the salon for the first time, and at the sight of tools it experiences aggression and stress, then the master has the right to refuse the owner to provide these services.

Pet grooming is a mandatory and necessary manipulation that must be carried out by the owner of each dog. Before you go to the salon or call a specialist, you must be sure to find out the price list of the master and select only the necessary items.

A rational approach to this event can significantly save the family budget. When trying to decorate their pet, all owners should understand that excessive use of decorative products can harm the pet and cause him a lot of unpleasant sensations. In all actions, it is important to maintain balance and moderation. Only in this case grooming will bring positive emotions to the dog and the owner.

You will learn how to properly trim your dog's nails in the following video.