Due to the pandemic, pet grooming shops are all closed across the country because they are considered non essential.  My husband and I strongly disagree for many reasons.  Maintaining proper nail length for your pet is essential - if too long the nail grows into the pad making it painful to walk and when finally cut causing it to bleed which is also painful and traumatizing for the pet.  The long nail can also get caught resulting in a janking motion causing pain and injury to the paw.  Coat bathing and cutting is also essential.  Pets can go a few extra weeks without being groomed but this has been going on for too long.  When mats start to form and aren't removed on a timely basis,  they can start twisting into the skin resulting in sores, hot spots and infections.  This becomes very painful for the pet causing stress and anxiety for them.  Also if the whole coat is matted, it becomes felted where the pet has to be shaved.  This is a slow and painful process which can result in nicks due to the closeness of the shave.

We are getting many messages asking us how to cut nails and trim their pet, especially around the eyes and bumb area.  If you have never cut nails you can easily cut the quick and cause bleeding.  In some cases the bleeding won't stop and you have to go to the vet.  The vets are busy taking care of the pets' medical needs and this can be avoided by using a professional such as a groomer.  We are also  being asked how to trim a dog's eye area.  If done by the owner, they can accidentally injure the pet resulting in a trip to the vet.  Restraining a pet is challenging enough with the proper equipment but made more dangerous when the owner has scissors in their hands.  Leave it to the professionals.

It is not safe for a pet to be groomed by an inexperienced owner which may result in injury to the pet or the owner or both.   We are essential to pets because we are their first line of defense regarding their health and well being.