2 Ways To Get Your Pet Ready For Their First Grooming Visit
If you have a dog that needs a lot of brushing and other grooming work, you may want to occasionally take them to the groomer and have them do it for you. If you have a professional do the big work, then all you have to do is to maintain it over time, until it's time for the groomer to do the big stuff again. If you've never taken your dog to a groomer before, there are some things that you can do to help get your dog ready for their first trip to the groomers.
Get Them Used to Touch
Your dog may be used to being petted and loved on, but that can be different than being groomed. The groomer is going to be touching your dog in places that most people won't pet, and they are likely to have loud and buzzing tools that can be upsetting for your dog. It's important that you make sure that you spend the time to pet and rub your dog in any area they might be jumpy about, just so they are used to it. You can also associate being still when being handled with something good by giving them treats as they are behaving.
Practice With a Muzzle
Not all groomers are going to require your dog to wear a muzzle, but some will if your dog is a large breed or is quite nervous. The muzzles are going to be there for both your dog's wellbeing and for the safety of the groomer. They aren't cruel metal contraptions, but instead they are generally soft, made out of something like nylon, and just slide over your dog's snout. They then fasten behind your dog's head with velcro. It won't hurt your dog to wear it, but it is something that can be weird for your dog for the first time or two that they are wearing it. So, you can slowly practice with them. For example, you can just let them see it first, then the next day try putting it on them, but not fastening it. Once they are accustomed to this, have them wear it for a short period each day so they stay accustomed to it. Make sure you talk to the groomer you want to work with to see if they recommend a muzzle and what kind they generally use so that your pet is used to that kind.
Grooming is important to your dog's health. If their fur gets matted, it can cause pain and discomfort. It can even cause things like sores under the mats. Seeing a groomer can help with that. Contact a service, like All Creatures Inn, for more help.