Pets are precious to us. We bring them into our lives and they become a part of the family. As they grow older, they may have challenges with discomfort or not be able to move around as well. Sometimes this makes it harder for them to groom themselves. That is why it is so important to get them groomed by a professional, especially by a professional like us at Wags & Whiskers Pet Salon who understand the challenges older pets might face.
Here is a list of challenges your pet might have as they get older:
- Arthritis Arthritis is a problem for both older humans and animals. It becomes hard to move or turn for grooming convenience. Animals, at this age and state, may refuse to stand for extended periods, causing delays and hassle for groomers. From stiff joints to pain, arthritis negatively affects the well-being of animals.
- Skin Tumors As pets get older they develop more skin lumps and bumps. These are mostly harmless and nothing more than cosmetic. But, if groomed carelessly, these tumors could be ruptured, leading to bleeding and irritation. Caution is important when grooming an older pet.
- Longer Nails Older pets need their nails trimmed more often. This is because with age animals are less active and don’t wear down their nails as much.
- Dry and Thin SkinWith age, skin becomes dry, flaky and irritable. Dry skin on animals is usually worse around the nose and feet. Conditioner and shampoo are important to make your furry family member’s skin moisturized, soft, and healthy.Along with the challenges listed above, your pet may experience:
- Uncontrolled Urination or Defecation
- Barking in a monotonous tone
- Dirty Ears
- Odorous mouth
The Considerations of An Ideal Groomer
An ideal groomer should be able to treat any pet with both care and respect. Experienced groomers know that the less stress a pet is in, the more cooperative and calm they will be. Animals, especially senior ones, will respond better when treated better. For an older pet, a groomer needs to understand the different challenges and be able to address them appropriately. They will talk to the owner and reassure them of what will happen before the pet is groomed. The groomer should also ask about any type of complications the pet may have so that they can be prepared to handle the pet with care. They will also keep an eye out for any complications that may unexpectedly happen and be able to handle them appropriately. At Wags & Whiskers we are Pet Tech certified in CPR and first aid. So, in the unlikely event of an emergency, you can feel confident that your precious animals are in the hands of well-trained and caring salon technicians. We also understand the types of challenges an older pet might have, and we are ready to care for them and groom them with care.
Your pets are important to you and they are family. At Wags & Whiskers, we understand this and take every precaution to ensure that your pet is truly taken care of with love and luxury. Call us today at (520)405-0077, if you need grooming attention for your furry friend!