- What is your background in dog grooming, and what motivated you to pursue this profession?
- Why is regular grooming important for a dog’s overall health and well-being?
- What are some basic grooming tips that pet owners can use at home to keep their dogs healthy and comfortable?
- How often should different dog breeds be groomed, and what factors should owners consider when scheduling grooming sessions?
- How do you handle anxious dogs during grooming sessions to ensure a positive experience for both the dog and the groomer?
- What are some recommended grooming tools and products that pet owners can use effectively at home?
- What are some common grooming mistakes that pet owners make, and what advice do you have to help them avoid these pitfalls?
In this insightful interview, we sit down with Sharon Wright, the proud owner of Pets Parlour, who transitioned from the corporate world to pursue her lifelong love of animals. With extensive training from a respected mentor, Sharon shares valuable knowledge and tips on maintaining your dog’s health and happiness through proper grooming practices.
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What is your background in dog grooming, and what motivated you to pursue this profession?
I have had an amazing affinity with animals since a very young age, so after working in the corporate world for some time, I decided to follow my passion. I was very lucky to have had training from a well-experienced and respected groomer who has since sadly passed away. I, therefore, have excellent knowledge of the right way pets should be groomed.
Why is regular grooming important for a dog’s overall health and well-being?
Regular grooming is very important to a pet’s overall health as it allows us to check the coat and body thoroughly while in the bath. During the drying time, we can see any issues like growths, skin problems, ear and eye issues, ingrown nails that become infected, and nails that are too long, which affect the dog’s posture and, ultimately, its bone structure. We can then report what we see back to the human client.
What are some basic grooming tips that pet owners can use at home to keep their dogs healthy and comfortable?
Brushing your dog every day promotes good circulation and keeps the dog free of matting, which can cause problems in that it tightens around the skin and becomes very painful. It can also cause sores and hot spots, which are costly to treat at a vet.
How often should different dog breeds be groomed, and what factors should owners consider when scheduling grooming sessions?
If you do not groom your dog at home, dogs with more than one layer of fur need to be groomed around three to a month or every six weeks, depending on their home environment and habits. Smooth-fur dogs don’t need to be groomed often; the owner can decide how and when they want these pets groomed. Brushing is very important for these breeds, too, at least two times a week.
How do you handle anxious dogs during grooming sessions to ensure a positive experience for both the dog and the groomer?
I have the advantage in that I am studying Animal Iridology and so I can see much information just by looking into their eyes. I then use specific pure essential oils to calm them, and I am also an Animal Communicator, so I can read their behaviour quite easily. The anxious pet must be handled with much patience and love, de-sensitizing the pet to the parts that make them fearful. LOVE is of paramount importance so the pet feels safe and happy. I also use a modality called Reiki, which I studied purely to help the animals. Animals pick up emotions from people, so if you are trying to groom a dog and you are angry or impatient with them, this is going to result in a dog winning over the groomer situation. This will result in a dangerous scenario and one can be bitten by an anxious pet.
What are some recommended grooming tools and products that pet owners can use effectively at home?
For long fur coats, you will need a slicker brush, comb, rake, and de-shedding tool for after the bath. You can also use a rubber mitt to bathe your pet so as to remove the excess fur from the coat while bathing. A good pair of nail clippers is also essential unless you regularly bring your pet to a grooming parlour.
What are some common grooming mistakes that pet owners make, and what advice do you have to help them avoid these pitfalls?
People try to use human clipping tools on the pets which are nowhere strong enough and can actually do damage. They do not brush the dogs enough and forget to clean their ears. Some breeds need the fur pulled out of the ears as it causes ear infections due to no air getting into the area. If double coated dogs are not dried properly, this can cause hot spots which are very sore for the dog.
Regular grooming is vital for a dog’s health and well-being. With the expert advice shared by Sharon in this interview, pet owners can confidently take steps to ensure their dogs remain healthy, comfortable, and well-groomed at home. Remember, patience, love, and the right tools can make a world of difference in your pet’s grooming routine.
About Sharon Wright
Pet Groomer
Sharon has proudly owned Pets Parlour Assagay for 20 years, having had a deep affinity with animals since childhood. Her passion began with playful interactions with her family’s Dobermann and other pets. At Pets Parlour Assagay, she takes a holistic approach, using pure essential aromatherapy oils and gentle massages to ensure pets have an enjoyable experience. Sharon’s dedication is evident in her roles as an animal communicator, animal iridology student, and Reiki consultant. For her, the best reward is seeing dogs leave the parlour with wagging tails.