Do you take your dog to the groomer for regular visits? There are a few things dog owners can do and ask to make sure their four-legged friend a safe visit, and comes away looking and feeling their best.
“You can’t just look at the credentials on the wall to say this is a good, safe place for me to bring my pet,” said Erica Elmore of Furkids Animal Rescue Shelter.
There are steps to take to keep your pet safer.
1. Know the risk
Brachycephalic dogs with short noses and smushed faces like English Bulldogs or Shih Tzus are more prone to injuries from rough handling, intense stress or overheating.
“There are special considerations especially with these breeds. That’s where owners can really become proactive,” Elmore said.
2. Choose your groomer wisely
In most states no certification is required, so do a safety check of your own.
Find out if how long the groomer has been working in the industry. Read online reviews and ask vets for recommendations. Get a sense of the groomer’s experience level. Experts say if you have a specific breed, you may find a groomer that has experience or specializes in that type of animal.
3. Ask questions
“You should never feel guilty as an owner for asking about the process, how will my dog be restrained, how will it be dried,” explained Elmore.
How do you know if a cage is safe? You can ask your groomer how your dog will be dried and if heat will be used. Also ask how your pet will be monitored.
For more peace of mind, animal advocates suggest asking if the groomer has cameras for live monitoring or for playback in case anything goes wrong.
Other questions to ask your groomer include:
- What will happen if there's a mishap or a medical emergency?
- Is the groomer trained in pet first aid?
- Does the groomer have a vet partner on stand-by?
The more you talk to your groomer, the better prepared you'll both be.