While some people find comfort in grooming their dog or cat at home, it’s not exactly an easy feat – especially with the busy schedules and hectic everyday lives most of us lead. Naturally, pet owners only want the best care and attention for their furry friends, but sometimes they’re unable to give them the level of love they need and deserve.
This is where professional grooming salons can jump in and take charge of regular upkeep and maintenance, which can oftentimes be quite tedious and time-consuming. As trained professionals, groomers know how to properly handle different breeds and give them some extra care whenever necessary.
What Tools Do Pet Groomers Use?
While your expertise plays a central role in the success of your grooming salon, your tools can help you precisely execute each task and offer a pleasant experience for your furry clients.
Pet Crates
Our four-legged friends are undoubtedly a cherished and sentimental part of our lives, which is why pet owners often feel reluctant to put them in situations that may cause stress or harm them in any way. While using a crate while grooming may sound intimidating, most options have evolved greatly from their limiting and oftentimes stress-inducing designs.
Nowadays, using a robust and animal-friendly cage for pet grooming creates a safe and convenient environment for professionals to get the job done right while preventing unnecessary stress. For instance, salons may put animals in pet cages while they’re waiting their turn to prevent them from running away or getting into a scuffle with another furry client.
This also makes the job a lot easier for pet owners since they don’t have to be alert all the time and keep track of any warning signs that their four-legged friend might flee. This way, they’re safely placed in a thoughtfully designed and well-ventilated crate to keep things in order and keep them out of harm’s way.
Moreover, some furry clients may feel anxious or scared when taken to a salon, so using a cage for grooming may give them a sense of security and safety. They may also offer a familiar space for pets that have been groomed previously, which can help ease their nerves. After all, most pet owners have used their own crates to transport or house their pets, so being in a crate may feel like home to them.
As for the grooming process itself, crates help keep pets in check and limit their movements so professionals can safely use their trimming tools and clippers. This prevents any sudden movements or distractions and minimizes the chances of injury.
Groomers can even place nylon mattresses at the bottom of the cage to increase comfort and ease some of the anxiety pets may be feeling. They may also throw in some support toys or treats to keep furry clients occupied and happy while they’re being groomed.
Grooming Table
Where you place your client is just as important as the grooming process itself. You can choose among static, hydraulic or electric models – each one with signature specifications and benefits.
Static options are a no-frills and low-maintenance solution that are exactly what they sound like – they’re regular, non-moving tables that offer a fantastic starting point for up-and-coming salons.
As for hydraulic models, you can raise or lower them using built-in foot pumps. This allows you to prevent back problems from leaning over a low table for several hours during the day and adjust its position for greater flexibility during the grooming process.
Finally, electric tables are basically minimal-effort versions of hydraulic options – you can easily raise or lower them without any physical strain and have greater control over the height at every stage.
Clippers and Blades
You can use regular clippers to trim longer or thicker fur whereas smaller blades may come in handy for more detailed work like trimming around the paws or eyes. Either way, you should practice consistent care and maintenance to ensure they’re both in mint condition to prevent injuries or unexpected mishaps.
Scissors and Shears
Regular brushing keeps a pet’s coat healthy and shiny by distributing natural oils and removing dead hair. Brushes come in various styles such as slicker, bristle, pin, and shedding brushes, each serving a different purpose. Combs are also essential for detangling mats and removing loose hair from the undercoat, which can cause discomfort if left untreated.
You can inspect and handle the tools before purchasing to ensure they are comfortable and easy to use. If you are unsure, you can always ask for recommendations from experienced groomers or attend grooming classes to learn more about the different types of grooming equipment available.
Nail Clippers and Grinders
While nails may seem like a small detail in pet grooming, they are crucial for a pet’s health and well-being. Long nails can cause pain and discomfort when walking or even lead to joint problems if left untrimmed. You should proper nail clippers and grinders specifically designed for pets to ensure safe and effective trimming without causing any injuries.
Look for easy-to-use clippers with safety guards to prevent cutting the quick of the nail and causing bleeding. Grinders are a great alternative for pets who are afraid of clippers, as they file down the nail gradually without any sharp movements.