Did you know that dog groomers can do more than just brush and cut your pooch's fur? If your furry friend is due for a bath and a trim, here are four additional grooming services you should ask your dog salon about.
1. Nail trimming
Nail trimming is one of the most important grooming treatments your dog needs to keep them happy and healthy. Since dogs these days are primarily raised indoors, they don't spend enough time naturally wearing down their long nails on hard outdoor surfaces. This is especially true for small, less active breeds that spend more time inside. Not only are long claws unsightly on a pet, the longer they get, the more likely they are to break or tear off, which can be very painful for your pup. Unfortunately, cutting your dog's nails on your own can be daunting as it's relatively easy to cut into a vein, especially if your dog has dark nails. As such, it's a great idea to ask your groomer to do it for you while your dog's booked in for a cut.
2. Teeth brushing
Just like humans, dogs must have their teeth brushed to prevent various dental problems and risks, including tooth decay, gum disease and bad breath. Thankfully, deep cleaning the teeth is another service some groomers provide. During a professional dog tooth cleaning session, your groomer will rinse and inspect your dog's mouth, then use a brush or cleaning tool to remove any tartar or plaque. They'll also let you know if your dog needs to visit a vet for a full dental check-up.
3. Ear cleaning
Ear infections are a painful condition many dogs suffer from. If you don't want your pooch to be one of them, make sure they get regular professional ear cleanings. During this cleaning, your groomer will also be able to spot any ear issues (such as ear mites) before they get too serious. It's important to leave this service in a professional's hands, as a trained groomer knows how to clean the ears correctly without causing any irritation to the dog's ear canal.
4. Flea and tick treatments
Flea and tick treatments are preventative measures that can greatly improve your dog's quality of life. If left untreated, fleas and ticks can cause everything from itching to serious sickness. That's why you should ask your groomer if they can apply an external parasite treatment to your dog's fur after bathing and trimming them. Contact a pet grooming service to learn more.