Great Dane Dog Grooming in San Antonio

Meet Kahn, a 170 lb. Great Dane!

Grooming Great Danes is much easier than grooming long-hair dogs.  You just need to give them a good bath a few times a week.  They love it!  But really, the best way to keep a shiny coat on your Great Dane is to feed him nutritious food.

Tips on Selecting a Dog Groomer in San Antonio TX

Imagine how you would look and feel if you never bathed, brushed your hair, or trimmed your nails. To be healthy and happy, your companion animal needs basic grooming, too.

You can handle the brushing and other simple grooming procedures yourself. This type of regular grooming helps build a close bond between you and your pet, and keeps you informed of the condition of his fur, skin, teeth, nails and ears.

In fact, it is not uncommon to discover lumps, infections and other problems during a thorough grooming routine. Grooming may include bathing, combing, brushing, clipping nails, cutting or shaving mats, cleaning ears and controlling external parasites.

Is this a job for a professional?

(All information provided by the National Humane Society)

Should you take your pet to a professional groomer? The answer depends on the type of pet you have and your comfort level.

For example, many people feel comfortable grooming their short-haired cats, while owners of long-haired dogs prone to mats opt for professional grooming. You may not have the time, tools, experience or physical ability to adequately groom your pet. For example, some animals (like poodles) have their fur groomed into particular styles that require a professional. Or a pet may require regular or seasonal clipping, medicated or flea baths, removal of skunk odors or harmful substances or removal of matted fur.

Typically, a trained professional can more safely and humanely handle tricky procedures and temperamental or frightened animals. (Removing severe mats should always be done by an experienced groomer to avoid accidental cuts.) Keep in mind, however, that professional groomers aren't miracle workers; it's up to you to stay on top of your pet's grooming needs.

Finding a groomer

Start with a recommendation from a friend, veterinarian, boarding kennel, dog trainer, pet supply store, or animal shelter. Check online or in the Yellow Pages under "Pet Grooming." You can also contact the National Dog Groomers Association of America.

Some groomers are registered or certified by a grooming school or professional association, but no government agency regulates or licenses pet groomers. Check with your local Better Business Bureau to see if any complaints have been lodged against a grooming facility. Then, after narrowing your search, call groomers to ask about services, costs, and hours of operation. Also request the names of a few current clients to interview.

Evaluate a grooming facility

Before selecting a groomer, tour the facility. Here are some factors to consider during your evaluation:

•     Is the facility well-lit?
•     Does it look and smell clean?
•     Does the staff appear knowledgeable and caring? 
•     Do they handle pets gently?
•     Are cages adequately sized? Are dogs and cats caged in separate areas?
•     Are pets monitored regularly to prevent overheating during blow-drying?
•     Does the groomer keep complete pet records (including grooming, medical, vaccination, and emergency contact information)?

How much does grooming cost?

Grooming costs vary depending on where you live, your pet's species and size, the severity of matting, and the simplicity or difficulty of the cut. Fees for a shampoo and brushing and/or cut can range between $40 to $60, depending on those factors. More extensive grooming services cost more. Expect to pay more for mobile grooming services that come to your home.

How to ease your pet's fears

It's important for your pet to tolerate being groomed, regardless of how often you take him to a professional. To train your pet, groom him briefly when you're both relaxed. For example, begin by gently massaging his coat each morning as you feed him. Gradually introduce a brush or comb. Each day, increase the grooming time and work on different areas. Reward your pet for cooperating. The more comfortable your pet feels with home grooming and around strangers, the better he'll tolerate professional grooming.

Preparing for the first visit

For the health and safety of both your pet and the groomer, make sure your pet is up-to-date on veterinary treatment, including vaccines and sterilization. Spayed and neutered pets are generally calmer, and sterilized dogs are less likely to bite. (Sterilized pets also enjoy many health benefits and do not contribute to pet overpopulation.)

A pet who is particularly nervous or difficult to handle makes the grooming process stressful for both your pet and the groomer. If this sounds like your pet, work with an animal behavior specialist or dog trainer.

Give them the 411

When making the appointment, inform the groomer about your pet's needs. To provide special handling, the groomer must know in advance whether your pet is geriatric or has a chronic health condition.

Also warn the groomer about any habits that could interfere with safe and successful grooming. Keep in mind that groomers are not licensed to dispense tranquilizers; if your pet needs sedation to be groomed, find a veterinarian who employs a groomer.

Short and sweet goodbyes

Finally, when you drop your pet off at the groomer, bid your pet good-bye quickly: Emotional departures will increase your pet's stress level. When you pick up your pet, both of you will enjoy that clean, mat-free coat that makes pets—and their people—more comfortable.

San Antonio Dog and Puppy - Big Dogs

Shh.. Don't tell mommy we are hot! 

Don't forget about the big dogs San Antonio!  They can be groomed too. These large dogs can get some relief from the heat with a short trim or simply enjoy a nice bath.  Check back for San Antonio's best groomers both mobile and storefront.  Meet the specialist and happy customers, pictures galore!

San Antonio Dog Grooming Tips

San Antonio Dog Grooming Tips

Tina is all about it! 

TIPS AND ADVICE

1. Start your dog young.

One of the biggest concerns with a new dog is training: "sit," "stay" and "no barking" are just a few of the commands dog owners hope their pets will master. Grooming shouldn't be any different. That's why it's so important to start your pup young and be consistent, according to Linda Erickson, grooming expert and PetSmart salon manager. "We always recommend that if you have a new puppy, and you're able to, start at an early age and get them comfortable," she says. "And if you adopt an older pet and they haven't experienced a bath, [give them treats] in the tub and let them know it's a positive experience before even turning on the water." Photo: Fuse / Getty Images

2. Make sure your cat feels safe. 

Anyone who owns a cat knows it's difficult to get them to do what you want them to do. But that doesn't mean it's impossible—you just have to make them want to do what you want. "Cats live in the realm of ‘You're not going to convince me that this is what I want to do,’" says Alexandra Mason, groomer and marketing manager at Dogtopia. "Catnip is the way to go. And don't try to put them in the sink; a dry bath is fine. Let them sit on the couch or their favorite spot—wherever they're happy—and use a chamois cloth, like you'd use with a car." Cats are much more sensitive than dogs, both emotionally and physically. "You want your cat to feel secure; that's the biggest thing for a kitty, to feel secure. You always want to be really gentle with them, too. Their skin is different; it's much thinner than a dog's," Erickson says. Photo: Shutterstock

3. Brush and then bathe. 

"One big mistake I see pet parents make is neglecting to comb their pet before a bath. It is super-important that people do this, because whatever tangles the pet might have, if they get wet, that makes them hard to dry, and then when they do dry, their fur cinches up," says Mason. Whether they're canine or feline, be sure to run a comb or brush through their fur before they’re cleaned to get rid of any tangles. Photo: Jamie Grill / Getty Images

4. Detangle slowly, and with care. 

If you had long hair as a child, you probably know what it feels like to have someone carelessly yanking a comb through your tangled tresses. Now imagine that all over your body! So take care when brushing your pet. "Toss some cornstarch on those tangles, which loosens them up and provides friction. Then you can pull them apart with your hands so you're not pulling at their skin," Mason advises. Photo: iStockphoto

5. Wash and rinse in the right order. 

After wetting your pet, soap her up from back to front, washing the face last. "What pets don't like is water in their eyes and ears, so the head should be the last part you bathe because they like it least," Erickson says. Then when you're rinsing, reverse the order. "Start at the head, and rinse everything off their face, and be very diligent about rinsing all the soap off. A lot of people don't think about it, but you should rinse from the top down." Francine Barnes, owner of Carriage Hill Kennels in Glenview, Illinois, agrees, emphasizing how important it is to protect your pet's eyes. "You don't want to burn the eyes. They'll tear and scratch and rub their face on the carpet," she says. "Which will cause rug burn, so then you've created another problem." Photo: Don Mason / Getty Images

DOG GROOMERS IN SAN ANTONIO

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6. File their nails. 

Cutting your pet’s nails can be a challenge, whether it’s because they fight you or you're afraid you'll cut them down to the quick (the upper part of the nail that contains blood vessels and nerves). To prevent any problems, use a standard nail file that you can get at any drugstore instead of clippers. "You can get the same results if you buy a 99¢ emery board," Mason says. "Just use a nail file and sit on the couch." If you do decide to clip, go slowly and have the right tools on hand. "People are afraid to cut their dog's nails, especially the black ones because you can't see where the quick is," Barnes says. "Just be sure you have Kwik Stop [a styptic powder], so if you do cut a nail too short…it will stop bleeding." Photo: Shutterstock

7. Take teeth-brushing slowly. 

Periodontal disease is a huge problem for many pets—especially dogs—and often occurs because owners overlook the importance of daily (or even weekly) oral care. Brushing your pet’s teeth should be an essential part of their care—but it can be tricky. "You can start by putting a little toothpaste on your finger and letting them lick it off," Erickson suggests. (Use pet toothpaste, such as C.E.T. by Virbac Animal Health.) "Then slowly lift up their lip and run your finger around their mouth, giving them a treat if they did a good job. A lot of dogs love the treat and it can be a good bonding experience, as well." Erickson says that once your pet is used to having you touch their mouth, you can either use a rubber finger toothbrush or a regular bristle brush. "The finger toothbrush can break down more quickly, but personally I like it because a dog sees a long toothbrush come at them and is like, 'Whoa! What's that?' So it might be good to start with the finger toothbrush."

8. Choose a brush based on the type of fur. 

What kind of brush you use depends, of course, on what kind of fur your pet has. But how do you choose? "There are many different types of brushes on the market. A slicker brush helps distribute the skin's oil; it's square around the top with multiple tiny pins, so it's great for any kind of coat," Erickson says. Use a slicker brush for both long- and short-haired cats, as well as a comb for long-haired cats. A slicker brush also works well for an undercoat, if you have a double-coated dog breed. There is also a pin brush, which has wider pins, and works well for dogs like a Shih Tzu, as well as a rubber curry brush, which is great for dogs with a short coat, like a boxer or a beagle. With this brush, Erickson recommends using a "circular motion on your pet to remove the hairs and stimulate the skin," Erickson says.

9. A healthy coat starts within. 

Just as what humans eat affects the health of their skin, the food your pet eats will make a difference in their coat. To ensure a thick, shiny coat, opt for wholesome foods that feature meat and meat meals as the first two ingredients. Recommended brands include Nulo, Wellness and Castor & Pollux. You can also supplement their diet. "You might want to include some fish oil. For a cat and a small dog, only give a quarter of a teaspoon per day. For a medium to large dog, give a teaspoon mixed in with their food," Mason recommends. "Within a few weeks you should see a bit of a difference." You can also add shine to a dog’s coat by applying olive oil to it. “An olive oil treatment works pretty well for dogs,” Mason says. “You just wet their coat, apply a little layer of olive oil all around—be careful of their eyes—and let it set for 15 to 20 minutes." Then rinse them off as usual. Photo: Shutterstock

10. Don't forget their eyes and ears. 

Eyes and ears need regular cleaning as well. For the ears, Barnes recommends using rubbing alcohol. "I like to put it on a cotton ball, then gently go around the outside of the ear, and then [lightly around the inside edge] because if there's any bacteria, it kills it. If your dog is a swimmer, it will also dry out any water in the ear," she says. For the eyes, water or saline solution should do the trick. "If your dog's eyes are runny, take cotton [soaked] with warm water and instead of pulling the gunk off, let it get moist first, then pick at it," she says. "You can also use eyewash, especially if [you’re in an area] with pollen, to flush their eyes out."

SAN ANTONIO DOG GROOMING