Tips To Help You Prepare For Your Puppy's First Grooming
As the new parent of a puppy, you can look forward to an exciting first year with your new pet. It will include house training, socializing and important health care decisions. However, you will find that having a well-groomed animal is almost as important as having a well-trained and socialized pet. Therefore, it will be very helpful to be aware of the following tips as you get ready for your puppy's first visit to the groomer.
#1-Remember That Your Puppy Should Not See The Groomer Until He Or She Is Appropriately Vaccinated
It is important to note that most groomers, veterinarians, doggy daycare centers, etc. require all of their animals to be adequately vaccinated. That requirement is often due to state law, but may also exist to protect all of the animals in the care of the facility. However, the amount and type of immunizations that your dog needs to have can vary from one state to another. For instance, rabies vaccines are commonly required, but some groomers will also want your pup to be immunized against Parvo and Kennel Cough.
That means that since there are minimum age requirements for puppies to get certain immunizations, like the rabies vaccine that dogs cannot be given prior to 12 weeks, your dog will be unable to visit the groomer until that age. In addition, the immunizations often need a few days for an animal's immunizations to become fully effective, so plan to wait a few days after their medical visit for best results.
#2-Work Your Way Up To The Full Treatment
For a young puppy, being bathed, brushed and having their nails trimmed by a stranger can be very stressful. Since you want your dog to enjoy their spa day, or at least tolerate it without any major behavioral problems, it is a good idea to start off slowly.
Perhaps on the first visit, you can ask for your puppy to be groomed ahead of most of the other dogs. You can also elect to have just the bathing and brushing provided, but skip the nail trimming or other extra services. You can also make it a better experience for your young pooch by frequently brushing their fur at home, as soon as your vet gives you permission to do so. If you can desensitize them to that experience, you will find that it works out better for everyone.
In conclusion, taking your puppy to the groomer as soon as it is medically safe to do so can help him or her to recognize it as just a part of life and not to fear it as your pet matures. As a result, the information listed above will help you to prepare for that first momentous occasion. Click here for more information about dog grooming.