NYC Dog Groomer Thinks It Should Be an Essential Business
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Someone once said that no matter how poor you feel in terms of lack of money or possessions, once you have a dog, you feel rich. For this reason, just like you would ensure that your wealth is safe and well-invested to last you a lifetime, you should do everything possible to ensure that your furry friend is healthy. During this coronavirus pandemic, dog grooming businesses have been closed, which is giving dog owners a hard time since not everyone is equipped to groom their canines at home. One dog groomer in New York City is feeling their pain, so here’s more about his opinion on dog grooming as well as other tips to keep your dog well-groomed at home.
Why dog grooming should be an essential business
Some people take their jobs seriously, and one dog groomer, Edward Alava, who operates in New York City, is sympathetic towards the plight of his customers. He has been serving about 20 clients per day at his store and even gets around eight house calls from those living in the Hamptons. Unfortunately, dog grooming has been classified as a non-essential business; hence his store is only selling foods and supplies for dogs. As a result, his phone is constantly ringing as he tells the New York Post because his clients are wondering why he cannot assist them anymore. He, therefore, opines that the government has not understood how grave the situation is at dog owners’ homes and would like dog grooming to be in the essential business category.
He added that even if his clients bathe the canines, basic grooming such as clipping bails would be disastrous because sharp scissors can hurt either the dog or the owner. On the other hand, if the clients fear such outcomes and choose not to do the grooming, then the dogs will end up suffering. Edward, however, is not ready to leave his clients to their own devices; hence he has started giving them FaceTime tutorials. He is also sending them a grooming kit that comprises a comb, brush, automatic filer for nails, and de-matter.
The importance of grooming dogs
Edward explained that grooming helps to keep both the owner and the dog healthy since they are always in contact with each other. Four Paws is in agreement saying that as you wash or brush the canine’s fur, you will most likely see skin problems on the body such as sores that may require a vet’s attention. The same applies to brushing their teeth when you might observe their bleeding gums, or when cutting their nails and spot something stuck in the paw pads that make them uncomfortable.
Dog grooming also helps in protecting the canines’ health because long nails not only make dogs look unkempt, but they also can change their gait since they will choose to walk on the sides of the feet. As a result, your furry friends will develop joint problems and bone deformation. In some cases, the nails grow so long that they curve inwards into the dogs’ paw pad, causing unbearable pain. Edward also said that cleaning the eyes and ears is crucial to avoid painful infections. Some dogs have so much hair in their ears that mites and excessive wax get trapped in it; thus, you should have the hairs plucked and ears cleaned.
Moreover, it is during these grooming times that you bond with your canine, so regular bathing and brushing will improve your relationship with your dog. Also, as you massage their coats, you stimulate healthy blood circulation. Besides, if you want children to play with your dogs, regular grooming will ensure they are not afraid of being too close to them since a clean dog is good-looking. Additionally, grooming helps to keep the house clean by preventing excessive shedding or bringing fleas into the bed.
Tips for grooming your dog
If your canine is among the many that will run away at the sight of water or hates having the nails clipped, then you should try and break down the entire grooming process and do it over several days. Nails usually require once a month trimming, but it depends on your dog; dogs that walk at least an hour everyday wear down their nails on sidewalks hence need less frequent trimming.
Since they have a quick (the vein that starts bleeding when the nail is cut too short), then you should trim the nails a little every week if the vein is too long so that it can shrink back into the nail. Using a nail grinder instead of a nail clipper reduces the risk of cutting the vein, but since it is noisy, you should introduce it to your dog gradually. If, by accident, you cut the vein and it starts bleeding, you can use cornstarch or styptic powder to stop the bleeding.
Brushing your dog’s fur is essential regardless of how short the fur is, and Dogviously outlines the best brushes for different breeds. Using the right brush ensures the dog’s natural oils are spread evenly for a smooth, shiny coat. If you have a poodle or a breed that grows hair continuously, then you should have it cut monthly.
As for the teeth, you should brush them every day using dog toothpaste. However, if your dog has never had his teeth brushed or generally dislikes toothpaste, you can use tooth wipes or dental sprays. Introducing a dog to brushing requires patience so you can begin by letting them sniff the toothpaste and lick it while it is on your finger. You can then use your finger to rub the toothpaste on the teeth, and once he gets used to the finger rub, later, you can try a toothbrush.
Finally, ensure you give your dog a regular bath; at least once a month since too often will strip the coat of its natural oils. Use a gentle, unscented shampoo and keep it away from the dog’s eyes to avoid damaging them. Use lukewarm water and place a mat on their feet to prevent slipping, then rinse thoroughly to avoid skin irritation. Once done, you can pat it dry with a towel and leave the fur to air dry or use a blow dryer with a cool setting.
