According to the experts, pet grooming is just as important as regular checkups with your vet. Regular grooming can maintain your dog's coat and skin health and can help you, your groomers, and your vet to catch early signs of health problems like skin disorders.
Grooming isn't as simple as giving your dog a bath every few months. The grooming equipment you use can actually make a big difference when it comes to the effectiveness of your grooming routine.
At Bubbly Paws, we're very selective about the grooming equipment we use and provide in our self-service dog wash station.
Today, we're going to talk about that equipment. Read on to learn everything you need to know about the different types of grooming equipment for pets and why we've chosen the pet supplies we use at Bubbly Paws.
Brushes and Combs
One of the most important tools in any grooming routine is the right brush or comb. The brush or comb that is best suited for your dog will come down to their hair type, as some dogs have thick undercoats and shed profusely while others have a single, short coat that requires less management.
If your dog has serious tangles, you may want to start with a rubber friction brush that will move through tangled hair without hurting the dog's skin. If your dog has a single coat and doesn't shed, you may be able to use a metal comb to detangle knots, but most owners won't have a ton of success with a metal comb. At Bubbly Paws, we provide all clients with FURminator de-shedding brushes, which can help to pull away loose hairs and significantly reduce shedding and discomfort.
Shampoos and Conditioners
If you're a new dog owner, let us be the first to tell you: your shampoo and conditioner are not right for your dog! They may contain ingredients that are harmful to your dog's skin and disruptive to the natural oil production that keeps their skin and coat healthy and itch-free.
At Bubbly Paws, we formulate our own shampoo and conditioner using colloidal oatmeal, an ingredient that is great for your dog's skin and coat. Oatmeal can help to reduce itchiness and dryness, create a smoother coat, and create a protective barrier to keep your dog's skin hydrated. We also offer a facial scrub and cologne so that your dog is fresh-smelling and clean from nose to tail!
Ear and Tooth Supplies
As humans, we brush our teeth and clean our ears on a regular basis. You may not realize it, but your dog benefits from those kinds of grooming steps, too! While they don't need daily tooth brushing and ear cleaning, doing so a few times a year can make a big difference.
Our ear cleanser helps to wipe away excess wax as well as debris that can lead to ear infections, especially in dogs that swim often or have heavy, floppy ears. Our toothbrushes and special toothpaste help to break down and wash away plaque that can cause discoloration, bad breath, and gum disease. By keeping your dog's teeth clean, you can lower the chances of dental diseases and tooth loss down the line.
Nail Trimmers
Unlike cats, dogs don't do much to manage their own nails. Yes, active dogs may experience some natural grinding on walks, but getting their nails trimmed or ground down at the groomers is the best way to combat overgrowth and residual pain.
Dogs have thick nails that grow from what we often call "the quick," an area at the base of the nail that contains blood vessels and nerve endings. When you're trimming or grinding a dog's nails, you should always use grooming tools designed for the job. Our nail trimmers have a safety guard that will prevent you from cutting past the quick, which can cause bleeding and, yes, pain.
Hair Trimmers
When you talk to dog owners, you may hear a lot of mixed opinions about when to cut a dog's hair and what breeds require regular trimming. Some believe that only dogs with long coats require this kind of grooming, while others believe that a double-coated dog never requires trimming at all. The truth is that all dogs can benefit from regular hair trimming, as long as you use the right tools.
We provide hair trimming as part of our grooming services because it can help your dog to look and feel their best. While over-trimming can reduce a dog's natural temperature regulation, under-trimming can reduce the air circulation that reaches their skin.
Blowdryers
Finally, after deep shampooing and conditioning, your dog may need a blowdry. If you've ever broken out your own hairdryer at home to use on your dog, you may have noticed that they're not always big fans of the sensation and noise.
At Bubbly Paws, we use professional blowdrying hoses that emit a light, warm gust of air. These hoses are easy to hold and navigate around your dog's body and won't cause them to overheat. The result is a fluffy, dry, good-smelling pup!
Need Access to Grooming Equipment? Come to Bubbly Paws
Grooming is an important part of maintaining your dog's health and well-being. The grooming equipment you use can affect everything from how your dog reacts to grooming to how clean they are in the end. Whether you're a new dog owner or looking for a change, you don't have to go out and buy all of this equipment for yourself.
Instead, consider visiting your local Minneapolis, Saint Paul, Saint Louis Park, or Maple Grove Bubbly Paws. We offer self-service options as well as professional grooming services so that you can be as hands-on or hands-off as you'd like. Make your reservation today to get access to some of the best grooming tools and services around!