Reasons for grooming
Grooming is an important part of dog care. Depending on the breed, age and health of the dog, grooming may be a daily activity. Many breeds require significantly less grooming than this, but regular grooming helps to ensure the dog is healthy and comfortable. It is important to note, while many dogs shed, others such as the Poodle, do not shed (see Moult). Instead, their coat grows much like human hair, and requires trimming.
The main reasons for daily grooming include:
- improved health of the skin and coat
- decreases the chance of various health problems such as thrush, scratches, and other skin problems
- cleans the dog
- allows the groomer to check the dog's health, such as looking for cuts, heat, swelling, lameness, or a change in temperament (such as depression) which could indicate the dog is sick
- helps to form a relationship between dog and owner
Dog grooming is a great and fun job if you like working with dogs and generally love them. Dog groomers can make between £18000 to £20000 if they groom at least 3 dogs a day, and would make extra if they groom cats to.
Many dog groomers have turned there business to a mobile business and have included services such as colouring dogs fur and painting dogs nails. They may also sell products for dogs fur and other products such as clothes in order to make more profit.
Tools used for grooming
Curry or Currycomb: A tool made of rubber or plastic with short "teeth." The tool is rubbed or "curried" in a circular motion to loosen dirt, hair, and other detritus, plus stimulate the skin to produce natural oils. Metal currycombs are also available, but are designed for use on show cattle.
Shedding blade: for grooming certain types of harsh coats, a metal shedding blade with short, dull teeth is used to remove dead hair. The shedding blade is not used to cut the hair.
Scissors and Clippers: used to remove hair on certain types of coats or in sensitive areas.
Bathing
Dogs can be bathed by being wet down with a garden hose (careful, dogs like cold showers about as much as we do!), using a hand-held shower head, or with water from a bucket. Oftentimes, one bath will not make a dog truly clean. A second bath if excellent to ensure the entire body has been cleaned. Many types of shampoos and conditioners formulated for dogs are available, however, using a shampoo without mixing it with water may be a little strong for a dog who's just getting a touch-up bath. If your dog isn't filthy, add half water to your shampoo to make it easier on the dog and to make sure it rinses entirely. If not rinsed completely, it may become irritating to the dog. Most dogs do not require frequent bathing: too-frequent shampooing can strip the hair coat of natural oils and cause it to dry out.
Hair removal
The coats of many breeds require trimming, cutting, or other attention. Styles vary by breed and discipline. While some hair removal has its origins in practical purposes, much is based on the taste of the owner, whether or not the dog will be shown, and what work the dog does.
Stripping or hand-stripping is the process of pulling the dead hair out of the coat of a non-shedding dog, either by using a stripping knife or the fingers. A hard, wiry coat has a cycle where it starts growing and then sheds as it reaches maximum length. Hand-stripping coordinates the shedding and makes room for a new coat to grow.
Nail trimming
Nail trimming is absolutely necessary for maintaining good health. If a dog's nails are allowed to grow, they will curl over into a spiral shape; walking will become increasingly painful to the dog as they grow out. Uncut nails may curl so far that they pierce the paw pad, leading to infection and debilitating pain. If one does not trim a dog's nails on a monthly basis the quick will grow along with the nail, making it nearly impossible to cut properly. Owners may choose to trim nails themselves or may opt to take their pet to a groomer or veterinarian.
