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Pet Grooming, Sedation and other issues
By: Pets Australia
What’s the issue?
Most people want their pets to have the best care possible, at appropriate cost. So with grooming. What’s the difference between a Groomer, Grooming Technician and Dog Washer? Why is “Sedation” such a big issue in grooming?
Most people want their pets to have the best care possible, at appropriate cost. So with grooming. What’s the difference between a Groomer, Grooming Technician and Dog Washer? Why is “Sedation” such a big issue in grooming?
When Is a Groomer A Groomer And Why Is This Important?
Just as you wouldn’t go to a surgeon to fix a splinter, you should match your pet breed, coat type and needs with the appropriate level of expertise.
Just as you wouldn’t go to a surgeon to fix a splinter, you should match your pet breed, coat type and needs with the appropriate level of expertise.
1. A Dogwash service. A mobile or a salon, these people usually wash dogs (only). They generally don’t offer clipping, grooming, nails, ears, eyes, or other services, but they may provide basic services and flea washes. Many have little qualification, or training in disinfection, but some do a really good job, especially for short coated breeds and prick eared breeds, or washing between formal grooming sessions.
2. A Grooming Technician. This person is qualified by studies and examination to maintain good hygiene, clean ears and eyes correctly, trim nails, brush according to coat type, use correct disinfection and use the hydrobath correctly, use correct drying techniques according to the breed, undertake “summer clips” (not to breed standard) and spot skin and coat problems. They may operate as a mobile business or in a salon may support groomers.
3. A Groomer. This is a person qualified by certification, qualification or experience to do all of the above, PLUS scissoring, clipping, breed standards, show grooming, pet grooms, coat stripping, finishing, identification and referral of skin and coat problems, and also client service, complaint management, Occupational Health and Safety. Many also offer cologne services, dyeing, nail polishing, shaping, hand stripping and creative grooming.
As a general rule, if you have a pet with a long coat (dog, cat or rabbit), see a Grooming Technician or Groomer regularly. If you have a pet with a coat that grows continuously (eg Poodle, Bichon Frise, Schnauzer or Labradoodle) see a Groomer regularly for proper shaping and coat styling. Badly matted coats need a qualified Groomer.
There is one higher level – the International Master Groomer. This person is a groomer who is tested by a panel of judges including breed specialists for excellence in grooming and styling all breed categories.
What’s wrong with sedation?
In short, nothing, provided that it is only used when it is appropriate. Sedation usually means the application of medicine to reduce stress and distress.
In short, nothing, provided that it is only used when it is appropriate. Sedation usually means the application of medicine to reduce stress and distress.
For anxious or aggressive pets, especially with severely matted coats, sedation is a logical choice for animal welfare reasons: that coat MUST come off and the pet must be cared for. It should, however, be a last resort.
Sedation is WRONG when it is used
- on every pet
- every time the pet visits (behavioural methods should be trialled)
- as an excuse for poor pet handing and care
- as a tool to “speed up” the grooming process
- to avoid referring a pet with sever skin and coat problems to a veterinarian.
Important - Read This: This information is intended to provide general information only which may not be applicable to your particular circumstances. You agree to access this information at your own risk and that First Point Media is not liable to you for the content of the information or any reliance by you on this information.
