With 62% of households owning dogs, Australia continues to have one of the highest rates of dog ownership in the world. These incredible numbers, along with a robust economy, have created tremendous opportunities for the pet grooming sector.
So, if you're one of the many people who love animals and want to put that love into a career, starting a grooming business is a terrific and well-paid option. However, to maximise your practice and ensure you can service a large number of clients, there are a few grooming tools to always keep on hand.
The Importance of Having the Right Grooming Equipment
Whether a Shih Tzu with long, flowing hair or a Labrador retriever with a short, practical coat, grooming should be equally flawless to make clients want to come back to your salon. That’s why having high-quality pet grooming equipment is your arsenal for running your business smoothly and successfully.
Besides having in-depth knowledge as a professional, having the right pet grooming equipment will help you notice abnormalities such as rashes, skin discolouration, lumps, bald patches, gum discolouration and bleeding on the animal you are about to groom.
Owning all the essential tools, on the other hand, will give you the ability to spot illnesses' early warning symptoms. You can easily determine whether a pet has parasites in addition to recognizing early symptoms of illnesses, by being able to examine the pet's coat for fleas, ear mites, and other parasites that the pet owner might not be able to see.
Moreover, as pets have various needs, for instance, short-haired dogs need different grooming supplies than long-haired breeds, using the appropriate grooming supplies will leave you with top results without causing irritations.
Cleaning anal glands, shampooing a muddy or skunked dog, and removing fleas and ticks are not the most pleasant tasks most pet owners want to do. However, that shouldn’t be a problem for you as a professional as long as you invest in the appropriate grooming equipment.
So, if you’re starting your first salon, the following guidelines list all the essential dog grooming equipment you’ll need when you open your doors!
A Grooming Table
A good grooming table will make all the difference between a quick and easy grooming session and one that takes a long time and causes a lot of anxiety since the animal will require a comfortable platform to stand on. The strongest steel-framed table includes non-skid feet and a non-slip countertop for increased security, and it can support up to 300 pounds.
Many grooming tables include a tether to secure the dog and keep him in one spot, which simplifies the operation. However, choose grooming tables that collapse if you want to take your grooming business on the road. Additionally, premium models come with an integrated basket that keeps all the grooming tools close at hand.
Bathing Station
Getting rid of all the dirt and debris that has accumulated in the dog's coat between grooming sessions is one of the first tasks in dog grooming. Therefore, one of the best items to get when running a successful pet grooming business is a bathing station.
Even though dog fur will eventually clog drains and harm pipes, some professional groomers still wash dogs in regular sinks. Instead, invest your money in a large dog tub with a hose connection that can withstand weights of up to 250 pounds.
Bathing Products
You can make pets look beautiful when you return them to their owners by using a high-end selection of bathing products. Additionally, the more attractive they are, the more sessions their owners are likely to schedule with you.
So, when crossing shampoo and conditioner off your list of puppy grooming supplies, be sure to look for a wide selection of efficient conditioners, dog-safe flea shampoos, de-shedding shampoos, and shampoos for white coats. Equally important is to always ask your clients if their pets have any skin allergies that you should know.
Cleaning and Dental Kits
The eyes and ears of many pets are particularly prone to dirt and grime. And, if they aren’t adequately cleaned up, an infection might occur. To make the process as safe and simple as possible, invest in tools or kits made expressly for cleaning animals' eyes and ears. You may also get specialized eye medications to shield their sensitive eyes from shampoo or conditioner runoff.
Although dog groomers don't always offer teeth cleaning, if you do, it will make you stand out from the competition. You don't have to take something too far. It is sufficient to use a beautiful dog toothbrush and several regular dental supplies. However, you should have a new brush for every dog that enters your salon to prevent cross-contamination.
Combs, Brushes and Shears
Having in mind that different breeds have different fur, you'll need to employ a range of brushes and combs to achieve the best possible results. Slicker brushes are therefore used by professional groomers to remove dead hair build-up, which significantly improves your dog's coat lustre and decreases shedding. However, to perform grooming tasks safely and pleasantly, use brushes with a soft-grip handle.
You'll also require wire and nylon combs. When narrowing down your choices, stick with the stainless-steel ones. To get rid of mats, knots, loose hair, and filth, use them on dogs with long hair.
The biggest source of irritation for dog groomers is trying to complete a grooming session with dull shears. You can stay out of the trap by making sure your shears have a good rating.
In this regard, regular scissors are unsuitable for a superb coat-care routine and aren't sharp or accurate enough to safely trim your dog's fur. So, get professional grooming shears with comfortable handles and stainless-steel blades instead. Plus, they can be utilized to delicately trim around a dog's ears, toes, and other body parts.
