Pets Benefit in Many Ways from Professional Grooming

By Emily Seymour owner Barkingham Palace

In addition to the eye-pleasing appearance of a freshly groomed dog, professional grooming also offers pet owners a helping hand in maintaining a healthy pet.

When providing grooming services, the professional groomer examines your pet from nose to tail. A groomer can find a health risk that a pet owner might not have noticed.

Groomers find many conditions by touch or smell. Unusual odors are sometimes a sign of potential infection. While bathing your pet, a groomer will run their hands all over the body, where they may find warning signs of a medical condition such as bites, lumps, swelling or sores.

Proper nail cutting is another service provided by the groomer. When nails are not trimmed regularly and correctly, they may overgrow, preventing the dog from placing its full body weight down and as a result, the dog can develop joint discomfort.

Ear cleaning is another benefit of regular grooming. Many breeds have hair inside the ear. If it is not removed, ear problems can result and can become very serious. Skin and coat health also requires regular grooming with the right product for each pet’s individual needs. Groomers know the various skin and coat types and are able to choose the appropriate products from a wide array of choices.

Of course, it is the role of your veterinarian to make in-depth health inspections, but sometimes during the grooming procedure a groomer may notice a condition that may require medical attention. Ideally, pet owners should set up a preventative health maintenance program with their veterinarian.

Emily Seymour is the owner of Barkingham Palace, a mobile pet grooming spa. For information, call (310) 999-9787 / (805) 405-5495

Published in The Argonaut October 13, 2005-Your Best Source of Local Information for: Santa Monica, Venice, Marina Del Rey, Playa Del Rey, Westchester, Playa Vista, Mar Vista