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Is Dog Grooming Physically Demanding?
- 22/10/2020
Before you start dog grooming at home, you should also consider whether you’re physically up to the task. Did you know that grooming your dog could take up to four hours depending on the breed and the amount of work that needs to be done? And during the grooming process there are tasks that are physically demanding including:
Lifting the dog
There is a lot of picking and lifting of the dog involved in this job. If you are using several stations for the different stages of grooming, it means you may be carrying the dog from one station to the next. Depending on whether you have a height-adjustable grooming table, you may be bending at an uncomfortable angle to groom your dog. In fact, one of the common complaints by dog groomers is backache because of all the bending, lifting, and awkward angles that can be involved in the task.
Restraining the dog
Dogs can be anxious during grooming so you may need to restrain them to keep them still and safe. Groomers have to hold the dog in place using tethers looped around the dog’s waist or under the front leg especially with very anxious dogs that fight back.
As a groomer, you have to be prepared to physically restrain such a dog which is a demanding task because the dog may not react well to a restraint.
Extended periods of cutting
If you are working on a dog with very long hair or a double coat or very matted fur, you can expect your arms to get tired. Cutting through all that hair is physically demanding. You may even experience carpal tunnel syndrome because the continuous cutting motion can irritate the median nerve. This repetitive action is very hard on the hands so some groomers end up wearing night braces to help with their hands.
Bathing
Bathing is perhaps the hardest task on the hands while grooming. There is a lot of massaging of shampoo into the fur and the dog’s coat can get very dirty. To get all the dirt out you must really work the shampoo into the coat and lather it properly. Five to ten minutes of shampooing is usually sufficient but you may need to spend more time depending on the condition of the coat. If you are bathing several dogs all throughout the day your hands will be exhausted.
Brushing
Brushing tends to go hand in hand with bathing and you can spend a good amount of time detangling the hair and getting rid of matted dirt. But even if you are not giving your dog a bath long-haired dogs and dogs that tend to shed a lot need to have their furs brushed daily. This means you are spending at least half an hour daily working through their coat and if they are fidgety you have to physically restrain the dog. The matted hair needs time and skill to safely and comfortably work through.
Final thoughts
While dog grooming is not a glamorous job it is a fulfilling one especially if you love your furry friends. The secret is not to rush the process, use the right equipment, and to understand your dog’s personality. Although it can be physically demanding, it can also be a rewarding experience and a valuable way for you to bond with your beloved companion.
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