Category Archives: Mobile Pet Groomers

Why Mobile Dog Grooming Is Growing In Popularity

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Why Mobile Dog Grooming Is Growing In Popularity

If you are a dog owner then you know that grooming is very important if your dog is to remain healthy and happy; especially if your dog has a lot of hair. Many toy breeds, like Shih-tzus and Poodles, require regular grooming. If you avoid regular grooming for these dogs, then you will end up with a matted dog that is no longer cute and fluffy. Because regular grooming is so important many dog owner’s have turned to MOBILE GROOMING because it fits in with their busy schedules.

What Is Mobile Grooming

MOBILE GROOMING is when a professional pet groomer comes to the dog owner, instead of the dog owner bringing their pet to an established salon. MOBILE GROOMING offers the pet owner the convenience of not having to drive to a salon, deal with their pet in the car, and having to deal with the stress of grooming salons.

There are two different forms of MOBILE GROOMING: “In-Home,” or “Housecall” Grooming, and Mobile Van Grooming. Both of these forms provide dog grooming services at the dog owner’s home or office.

“In-Home” or “Housecall” Grooming

With “In-Home” Grooming, the professional dog groomer visits the client’s home and performs the groom inside the home. They generally use the bathtub when bathing the dog, unless the owner prefers to bathe the dog beforehand. The groomer brings all the supplies and equipment and grooms in the dog’s familiar environment. Many dog owners enjoy being near their dog while he or she is being groomed. Many dogs enjoy being in their own environment as well; no new smells or scary van equipment for them to deal with. less fear for the dog means any easier groom for the groomer and the dog being groomed.

Mobile Grooming In A Van

Grooming performed in a mobile van is very popular as well. These groomers are able to drive their “pet salon on wheels” and travel to pet owner’s homes or office. These vans are equipped with a tub, dryer, grooming table, and all the other equipment that is required to groomed pets. Some groomers even use trailers that are towed by a truck or van and these trailers can stand alone when parked.

There are many different van models available to pet groomers who wish to go mobile. Mobile Van groomers enjoy the fact that everything they need to groom a pet is right there in their vehicle. Mobile Van grooming is great for pet owners who wish to have everything done at their home but wish to have the grooming services performed inside the pet groomer’s van.

Hear From A Mobile Dog Groomer

Olivia Johnston, of Mobile Dirty Dog Grooming in Kennesaw, GA is an In-Home/Housecall Dog Groomer. She has built a clientèle that allows her to perform dog grooming services inside the dog owner’s home. She worked in a fast-paced pet salon for 3 years, but she enjoys mobile grooming much more than being limited to a salon. She says, “I enjoy getting to know my clients and I love giving more one-on-one attention to the dogs. It is much harder to give that attention when you are so busy in a salon.”

As you can see, Mobile Dog Grooming offers a great deal of convenience for the pet owner and the dog, too.

Why Do Dogs Shed?

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shedding pug

If you are looking to become a dog owner then you must know that all dogs shed their coats. It’s a fact of life. Depending upon on the breed of dog or the climate they are in, a dog may not shed as much or may shed year round. There are many different contributing factors as to season the dog sheds his coat and how much a dog sheds.

Regular Shedding

No matter what breed you own, whether your dog is one that is considered to be a hypo-allergenic dog or if you have a year round shedder, all dogs shed. Regular shedding is the method by which your dog’s coat releases damaged or unhealthy hair and allows for the new healthy coat to grow in. Damage can occur from environmental factors, shampoos, dyes, or any number of other contributing elements. Your dog’s coat goes through various growth phases and it is the length of these various phases that determine how frequently your dog sheds. The four phases of hair growth are:

  • * Anagen is the phase of new hair growth.
  • * Catagen is a transition phase where the hair stops growing and the outer root sheath attaches to the hair
  • * Telogen is the resting phase where the hair doesn’t grow or shed.
  • * Exogen is where the hair falls out and the hair follicles move back into the anagen phase of hair growth.

Dogs that do not shed (Poodles), or those with coats that appear not to shed, are those dogs whose coats have longergrowth, transition and resting phases and have a brief shedding phase.

[affmage source=”amazon” results=”1″]Furminator[/affmage] Seasonal Shedding

Seasonal shedding happens during the transition from the colder months into the warmer, more temperate months. During this time, dogs go through an extended exogen, or shedding phase, of hair growth. The warmer weather triggers a reaction in the dog’s system, causing the hair follicles to release the heavier winter coat that many dogs develop.

Shedding Due to Health Issues

A dog may also have increased or excessive shedding due to a variety of health issues. If the dog is fed an improper diet, has a skin infection, or allergies and systemic infections then they can all cause your dog to lose his hair. It is important to see your veterinarian to determine the cause of the hair loss and implement a treatment to halt the excessive loss of coat.

The Importance of Grooming

One of the most important things you can do for your dog to help him maintain a healthy coat and good overall health is to properly groom his coat. Frequency is determined by the type of coat he has, as is the grooming tool used. Fortunately,  there are special dog grooming services available to help with the never-ending shedding. Grooming not only removes the hair that’s been shed and the environmental contaminants resting on the coat, but it also creates a time for bonding between you and your dog.

Regular grooming also allows you to see if there are problems with his skin or coat that may normally be hidden from sight. Learn more about dog grooming services and the amazing de-shedding tool called the “Furminator” at Mobile Dirty Dog Grooming.

Shedding is a natural process that is controlled by both breed and by external factors. Whether you have a Poodle whose coat sheds minimally or a Labrador Retriever whose coat sheds year round, keep in mind that this shedding process helps him to maintain a healthy skin and coat and in turn keeps him protected from environmental contaminants. A proper diet rich in essential fatty acids, regular dog grooming services and loving care all contribute to your dog’s beautiful coat, and just as important, his overall health.

Top Reasons Why It Is Medically Necessary To Have Your Dog Groomed

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From a Professional Mobile Dog Groomer

mobile dog groomerIt is vital to keep your dog healthy by paying regular attention to bathing, grooming and brushing which is why it’s a good idea to find a professional dog groomer. Even dogs with short hair will benefit from these essential grooming routines that are important to his health. You may be surprised to know that regular grooming does more than just make your dog look pretty and smell great. Here are the top reasons why it is medically necessary to regularly have your dog groomed so he stays healthy and feels his best.

The Better To See You With

When you keep your dog’s face free of long hair around the eyes you can prevent eye irritation and help him feel more comfortable. Many toy breed dogs, such as the shih tzu, Lhasa apso and poodle, have long hair that hangs in the eyes causing irritation and damage to the cornea. Check your dog to see if there are hairs lying on the eye. These longs hairs must be trimmed by a professional dog groomer or by calling a professional mobile dog groomer.The groomer knows how to safely trim around the eyes and face, and she can even draw the hair up into a bow to keep the eye area free of long hairs. NEVER use scissors or sharp objects around your dog’s eyes. Seek professional assistance.

Some dogs have a problem with drainage from the eyes.

Many toy breeds also suffer from drainage from the eyes that causes tear stains, which are dark discolorations under the eyes. This problem may have many causes. Check with your veterinarian to help rule out any medical conditions that can be solved. If the drainage is persistent, make sure you keep it wiped away. Skin and fur that stays constantly moist can discolor and become infected. To remove the discolored hair safely, call on a mobile dog groomer. She will use clippers to scoop out the hair and debris that can build up from the tear stains. This is an easy way to manage the buildup and your dog will also see better.

My, What Big Ears You Have

Those long floppy ears are endearing but they cover your dog’s ear canal creating a moist, warm environment that does not receive proper air circulation. This can cause your dog to suffer from chronic ear infections that can be difficult to cure and can re-occur. Cocker spaniels, shar-peis and golden retrievers are just a few of the breeds that suffer from this all too common problem. Infections that go unchecked can result in serious and painful ear disease. In addition, dogs such as Miniature Schnauzers and Poodles must have the hair that grows inside the ear canal plucked by a groomer. This hair can create buildup that leads to unwanted ear infections. Learn how to clean your dog’s ears to help prevent these problems. Your veterinarian can show you how to clean them properly and advise you on the use of an ear cleaning solution. Have your mobile dog groomer shave the hair from the inside of the pinna (the floppy part of the ear) to allow for air circulation, and gently remove any hair that may be growing in the ear canals. Once again, NEVER use scissors or sharp implements in or near the ears. A healthy ear should look and smell clean. Any foul odor, discharge or excessive scratching should be immediately investigated.

Say Cheese

Dental disease in dogs is common. Checking your dog’s mouth and teeth will help you spot trouble before it becomes a big problem. Your veterinarian can show you how to keep your dog’s teeth clean with brushes and toothpastes designed specifically for dogs. Your older dog may not think too much of dental care. If you can’t get him to accept having his teeth brushed, make it a regular habit to check his teeth for tartar, chipping or excessive wear, or any lump or bump that looks suspicious. Dental disease can be very painful and serve as a source of infection for the rest of the body, so check those teeth and tell your dog’s doctor if you find a problem.

Everybody Into the Tub

Most every dog will need a bath a few times a year. This need will vary depending on your dog’s lifestyle, breed and any skin problems he may have. Bathing helps remove old hair, dirt and oil from the skin. The physical action of being washed is pleasant to most dogs and it may make you aware of a lump or bump that may have appeared or changed suddenly. This is also a good time to check for parasites such as fleas and ticks. Dogs that swim in natural waterways such as lakes, ponds and rivers, or those lucky enough to visit the beach should be rinsed after every outing. There are a lot of different shampoos and conditioners for every type and color of dog. Your groomer or veterinarian can advise you if your dog has special needs. Be sure to protect your dog’s eyes with a little mineral oil or eye ointment before bathing.

Break out the Brush and Comb

Between baths, brushing and combing your dog will help keep the coat clean and free of hair mats. Mats can be irritating and cause skin disease under the hair. Longhaired dogs require everyday brushing to keep their coats healthy. To prevent matting, comb your dog first to detect any small tangles and then follow up with the brush. You should do this before and after the bath to prevent unwanted mats. Most dogs enjoy grooming and often wait eagerly to be combed. If your dog’s fur is badly matted, he may need to be shaved. This is a job for a mobile dog groomer. NEVER attempt to cut out hair mats with scissors at home; you may cut the skin as well if the mats are clinging to the skin. As your dog’s hair grows back, begin with daily brushing and combing to keep the new hair soft and tangle free. Your groomer can also recommend a spray conditioner to keep the coat shiny and soft.

Nails

By far the most dreaded grooming chore is trimming your dog’s nails. If you have a young dog, touch her feet and toes often to get her used to having her feet handled. Older dogs often are very frightened by the chore of nail trimming and may be completely uncooperative. Despite their protests, nail trimming is a must. Long overgrown nails often break at the base exposing the nail bed and they can get caught in soft bedding. Walking on long nails can be painful, aggravate arthritis and cause the toes to splay. Long nails can curve around and grow into the pads. A dog walking on overgrown nails is like you trying to walk in swim fins. Regular visits to your groomer will prevent overgrown nails.

Mentioning the Unmentionable

Lastly, there is your dog’s rear end. Most dog owners don’t make it a habit to check their dog’s bottom but it is an important place to look. Longhaired animals can get feces trapped in the hair surrounding the anus causing an obstruction. Have your groomer keep the sanitary area clipped short. Situated to the sides of the anus are two anal glands. These glands manufacture a foul smelling material that is normally expressed when your dog has a bowel movement. These glands can become painfully blocked and infected. Learn to recognize the sign of infection. Scooting is often a giveaway. Your veterinarian and groomer can help keep these sacs empty. And lastly, and most indelicately, your dog’s rear end is a place to attract parasites. It is easy to see fleas here, and those awful signs of a tapeworm infection, small white worms that look like grain of rice or cucumber seeds. Even the nicest dogs can get them. Have your veterinarian look at any suspicious life forms you find.

To Your Dog’s Health

As you can see, owning a dog requires much responsibility and careful attention to any sign of discomfort. Having a budget to regularly take care of your long or short-haired dog is a must if you are going to become a pet owner. Regular visits with a mobile dog groomer and veterinarian are important to the health of your new best friend.