College Park Animal Hospital
What We Offer
We offer complete pet grooming & bathing services through our experienced and gentle groomer here at our veterinary hospital. We assure you that every effort will be taken to make sure your pet’s bathing & grooming experience is as safe, relaxing, and as pleasant as possible. Safety is the top priority for our team, as well as the fur babies in our care. Sarah is available to all varieties of cat and dog breeds and will provide lots of TLC while they are here in her care.
Dog & Cat Grooming Services by Sarah
Your pet’s grooming normally includes a bath, brush, nail clipping (traditional guillotine method), ear cleaning, as well as a haircut per your pet’s breed or your preference. Your pet is unique, as are their needs unique – so we may discuss alternatives to some services automatically included in the routine grooming services provided.
Pricing: Your pet’s groom price will depend on breed, size, coat type, and condition as well your pet’s temperament. Prices vary depending on the type of cat or dog as well as the grooming needed. I am happy to provide pricing upon your request – please don’t hesitate to let me know.
Top 5 Pet Grooming Basics
Pet grooming is essential to maintaining your pet’s health and well-being. Maintaining a regular grooming schedule appropriate to the breed of your dog or cat, including their coat type, will keep them in good condition, eliminate offensive odor, and prevent discomfort to your pet during and between grooming sessions. To ensure that grooming is not an uncomfortable experience for your pet, it is also important to use the appropriate grooming tools.
Here are some tips to help you provide for your pet’s grooming needs between appointments with a professional groomer:
1. Brushing
Most pets enjoy being brushed, and spending time grooming your dog or cat can strengthen the bond between you while maintaining your pet’s healthy coat. A pet’s minimum brushing needs depend on the breed. Choose appropriate tools and follow these guidelines.
Long-haired dogs and cats usually require daily brushing to prevent matting and tangling.
Medium-haired dogs and cats may be prone to matting and tangles and should be brushed at least weekly.
Short-haired dogs and cats might only need brushing monthly.
If your breed of dog or cat sheds excessively, or during shedding season, usually during the summer, brushing often will help keep shedding to a minimum and help keep your furniture free of unsightly fur.
2. Nail Trimming
Nail trimming can be a traumatic experience for dogs and cats, especially if they have experienced pain from having their nails clipped too short. It can also be uncomfortable for owners, who might have difficulty handling the process. Pets will develop an aversion to nail trimming once the experience has caused them pain or fear. If you choose to do it yourself, learn to trim nails correctly and exercise caution during the learning process. As an alternative to nail clippers, use a rotary tool. Nail clipping at your pet’s regular grooming appointment is usually sufficient to keep nails healthy and prevent discomfort or injury.
3. Bathing
Fun is not the word that comes to mind for most pet owners when it comes to bathing their animals, especially large dogs. Most dogs and cats are not too keen on the process either. Bathing does not have to be a daunting experience, though, if you get your pet used to the idea from a puppy or kitten and schedule bathing on a regular basis. Make sure you have all the tools you need to be prepared in advance, so you won’t need to run off to get a towel, etc.
Most pets need monthly bathing. Use a soap-free shampoo specifically formulated for dogs and cats. Depending on your pet’s skin and coat condition, we may recommend a specific shampoo tailored to their needs.
4. Ear Care
If not cleaned on a regular basis, your pet’s ears can accumulate bacteria and yeast. Some dogs and cats go their whole life without developing ear disorders. In this case, the only ear cleaning needed is during bath time. Ask the veterinarian for advice on the correct method to do this without causing discomfort or trauma to your pet’s ears. Other dogs and cats have chronic ear disease and require multiple cleanings a day, and possibly medication.
Many ear problems are related to allergies. A foul odor emanating from the ears along with a build-up of debris can indicate the need for medical care. Specialty ear cleaning products and medications can be prescribed by our veterinarians to alleviate these problems.
5. Haircuts
Some dog and cat breeds need a cut every 2-4 weeks to keep them looking and feeling good, long-haired breeds in particular. This type of grooming is best done by a professional groomer.
Whatever your pet grooming needs, our facility and professional grooming services at Michigan Road Animal Hospital are second to none. Our professional and compassionate groomers look forward to meeting the grooming needs of you and your family pet. Contact us today to make a dog and grooming appointment with Sarah in Indianapolis!
