Do you take your canine companion to a salon? This is one service that can definitely make things much easier on you. You get to bring in a dirty (and possibly stinky) pup, and pick up a clean, fresh-smelling pooch a few hours later. Even better, you won’t have to deal with any mess. As with any service provider, though, it’s important that you find someone you (and Fido) like and feel comfortable with. Good communication is also crucial. Read on to learn about some of the things you may want to ask a new La Porte, TX groomer.
What Pet Grooming Services Do You Offer?
This probably goes without saying, but it’s safe to assume that any groomer is going to offer the basics, such as baths and trims. Beyond that, you may find quite a bit of variation.
Here are a few of the standard services:
- Ear cleaning
- Nail trimming
- Brushing
- Gland expression
- Bath
- Haircut
- Brush
- Blow dry
- Hair brushing
- Express groom
- Dematting
- Shedding
- Flea control
- Hypo Shampoo
- Paw pad care
- Sanitary trim
It’s important to know exactly what is and is not on the menu. A full service groom can very quite widely from one place to another!
Are You Experienced With My Dog’s Breed?
Breed does play a fairly large role in Fido’s grooming needs. Your pet’s coat type is determined by his genetics. Different coat types require different grooming tactics. For instance, some terriers require something called stripping, which is when you pull dead fur out of their coats by hand. As you can imagine, this can be quite tedious, but it is also important, as pups that do not have their coats properly stripped will sport dead, odd-looking coats. A Pomeranian may need a summer trim, while a husky should never be clipped unless it’s absolutely necessary for medical reasons, such as surgery.
What Happens In Case Of An Emergency?
In a perfect world, this wouldn’t be something you would need to ask or worry about. However, accidents and injuries do happen. Fido could slip or fall, or a medical issue could develop at any time. It’s important to know what the procedure is.
Where Is My Dog Going To Be Kept Before And After His Appointment?
Typically, grooming kennels don’t keep dogs that long. However, Fido could be at his La Porte, TX pet grooming salon for several hours. Find out where your canine pal will be staying. He should, at the very least, be provided water. He may also need a walk. You’ll want to make sure that your pet will be kept comfortable and provided those basic necessities.
How Much Will My Dog’s Grooming Cost?
Price is typically one of the first things people inquire about. Don’t be surprised if the salon needs some information about your pet to give you a quote. An appointment for a pooch that needs an ear hair trim, paw shaving, and sanitary clipping is going to be more expensive than one for a dog that only needs a bath.
You would also want to look into things like cancellation fees, no-show fees, and cancellation/reschedule windows. Life happens sometimes, It’s not unreasonable for groomers to charge for missed slots, as that does impact their business. However, policies should be reasonable.
What Do You Call This Trim?
When it comes to doggy haircuts, there is definitely a lot of room for miscommunication. What one person may call a ‘puppy trim’ may mean something completely different to another. We always recommend bringing pictures of what you want to help ensure that you and FIdo’s stylist are on the same page.
It may also help to explain how much fur you want left on FIdo after his cut. You may think simply saying ‘leave an inch’ may be pretty clear. What one person thinks of as an inch may turn out to be three or four inches! Demonstrate as much as you can.
What Is Included With Basic Grooming?
Different grooming facilities include different things with their basic package. One place may include things like ear cleaning and ear hair plucking with their standard packages: another may only include a simple bath.
What Else Do Groomers Need To Know?
You may also need to fill out some basic paperwork. You can expect the groomer to also ask specific questions. For instance, they may want to know if your pet has any sensitive areas, skin problems, allergies, or skin tags. They may also ask about your canine buddy’s behavior, history, medical history, and personality.
Like kennels, groomers should require proof that a furry client is current on all required vaccines and parasite control.
What Credentials Do You Have?
Experience matters, and should definitely be taken into account, especially if your pooch needs medical grooming, such as anal gland expression. These things should only be done by professionals! Find out how much training Fido’s stylist has been though, and how much experience they have. This one is a bit tricky, as there are no national requirements for dog groomers. An NDGAA certificate is a green flag, but isn’t a must.
How Long Will Appointments Take?
This will vary depending on what you are getting done. Typically, you will be able to expect that Fido’s first appointment will take a bit longer than subsequent ones would. Fido’s new stylist will need to evaluate him, and discuss his coat, temperament, health, and grooming needs. It’s also good for the pup to get used to his salon.
What does FFF mean in dog grooming?
You may see this popping up on paperwork. FFF stands for “face, feet, and fanny”. As you can probably guess, it’s a shortened way of describing a very basic trim.
How Did My Dog Act?
It’s also not a bad idea to have a few follow up questions ready for after the grooming session. Find out how Fido did. If your pooch was a Very Good Boy, then great! You may want to give him a special reward. Stop at a drive through or dog park on the way home to get that tail going!
If your furry friend was nervous or aggressive, you may need to make some adjustments, such as perhaps giving Fido a calming treat before his next appointment, or tiring him out with a fun play session.
Did You Notice Anything Unusual During Pet Grooming?
Groomer appointments should never be considered as a stand in for proper veterinary care. However, many groomers do tend to notice things. That is only to be expected: they have a lot of experience with dogs’ bodies, and may notice something small, such as a lump, bump, lesion, redness, swelling, or soreness. These things may all be indicative of medical problems. If the groomer says that, for instance, Fido’s skin is irritated, take it seriously and make an appointment with your vet as soon as possible.
How Far In Advance Should I Book Dog Grooming?
If you want your pet on a steady schedule, it’s a good idea to book that next appointment while you’re there. Otherwise, find out how far out they tend to fill up.
Make An Appointment With Your La Porte, TX Groomer
Do you need to schedule boarding or grooming? Does your furry bestie need a glow-up? Please do not hesitate to reach out to us for all of your pet’s care needs. As your local La Porte, TX boarding kennel and groomer, we are here to help!
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