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5 Ways Professional Grooming Is Preventive Health Care for Pets

Dog grooming as pet health care depicted by young groomer with an australian shepherd on a grooming table
As professional dog grooming educators, we teach a simple truth: dog grooming is health care you can see. Beyond the pretty finish, consistent, professional grooming supports a pet’s skin, coat, comfort, and overall well-being. When pet parents make grooming part of their routine—just like balanced nutrition, vaccinations, and exercise—they’re practicing responsible pet ownership. You can build your grooming business by educating your customers on the value of professional grooming for preventative health care.

1) Skin & Coat: The First Line of Defense

A pet’s skin and coat protect the body from heat, cold, moisture, allergens, and parasites. Professional groomers:
  • Use species-appropriate products and correct dilution to protect the skin barrier.
  • Remove loose undercoat to improve air flow and reduce hotspots.
  • Eliminate tangles and prevent matting, which can trap moisture, pull at the skin, and hide sores.
  • Dry correctly for coat type, creating a clean, lifted coat that stays healthy longer.

2) Early Detection: A Second Set of Trained Eyes

Regular grooms give your pet a full “hands-on” check. Pros often spot changes early, including:
  • Lumps, bumps, or skin lesions
  • Fleas, ticks, or evidence of mites
  • Ear redness or odor, excessive discharge, or wax buildup
  • Overgrown nails, cracked pads, or interdigital irritation
  • Dental red flags (odor, tartar, gum inflammation)
  • Groomers don’t diagnose—but they do refer. Catching concerns early can lead to faster veterinary care and better outcomes.

3) Ears, Nails, and Paws: Small Details, Big Comfort

  • Nails: Overgrown nails alter posture and gait, stressing joints and ligaments. Regular trims restore natural alignment and comfort.
  • Ears: Proper cleaning (and, where appropriate, trimming around the canal) improves air flow and helps reduce irritation.
  • Paws/Pads: Trimming excess hair improves traction and hygiene; checking pads prevents cracks from going unnoticed.

4) Comfort, Behavior & Bonding

Mats pull at the skin and make movement uncomfortable. Clean, trimmed coats reduce friction and overheating. Routine, low-stress appointments desensitize pets to handling and tools, so visits stay calm and positive. A comfortable dog is a happier family member—and easier to handle for vets and caregivers.

5) How Often Should A Pet Be Groomed?

Frequency depends on coat type, lifestyle, and health:
  • Short/smooth coats: Bath/brush every 6–12 weeks; nails and ear care as needed
  • Double coats (shedding breeds): Every 4–8 weeks, or more – especially during seasonal sheds or in a deshedding program
  • Curly/wool & doodle-type coats: Every 4–6 weeks to prevent matting
  • Silky/drop coats: Every 4–6 weeks to maintain hygiene and shape
Between appointments, pet parents should practice line brushing (share this video Quick Tip!), keep nails trimmed, and perform quick at-home checks.

Share This Line Brushing Video:

Choosing—and Partnering With—a Pro

Pet Parents should look for a certified professional dog groomer (like those who graduate Paragon’s dog groomer training programs) who follows safe handling, uses appropriate products for skin/coat type, and can explain why each step matters. They should share their pet’s history (allergies, sensitivities, mobility issues), and set a regular schedule. Consistency builds trust, maintains the coat, and keeps costs predictable.

Responsible Pet Owner Checklist

✅ Put grooming on the calendar at an interval suited to your pet
✅ Brush at home between visits (tools and technique matter—ask a pro)
✅ Monitor ears, nails, teeth, skin, and weight
✅ Communicate changes to your grooming and veterinary teams
✅ Reward calm behavior to make future appointments easier
At ParagonPetSchool.com, we’ve trained thousands of professionals to groom with health, safety, and efficiency in mind—because great grooming is more than a pretty picture. It’s a proactive investment in a pet’s comfort and quality of life.
Feel free to SHARE this with your customers!

Holiday Magic: How Rebooking Builds Your Grooming Business

Rebooking dog grooming appointment shown by customer with poodle and dog groomer in front of computerBy Melissa Verplank, CMG

It’s hard to think about “Next Year” when your grooming operation is preparing to go into Holiday Rush mode. However, it’s a great time to remember what you might leaving on the proverbial table besides fur. You can take steps to boost your business during the slow times by promoting add-ons, rebooking, and incentivizing repeat business through loyalty and referral programs. Prepare now and you can beat the January business blahs!

ADD-ON Service Menu

 If you went to a restaurant and the server did not hand you a menu, how would you know what to order? Pet grooming is very similar. Pet Parents know they’re coming to you to get their dog cleaned up, but they probably don’t know all the Add-On services that you offer. Add-Ons that could help them keep their pet looking and feeling great.

A well-organized Add-Ons menu makes it easy for the client to select a service. As a bonus, it also makes it very easy for you discuss optional Add-Ons such as de-shedding treatments, shampoo upgrades, skin conditioning treatments, tooth brushing, nail filing, or other add-ons.

Rebooking on the Spot

Offering to schedule an appointment at checkout is the best way to get a client to rebook and pre-book. Develop a couple different scripts and use the one that best fits the needs of that client. For best results, use the tips below.

  • Ask every time. Think of fast-food chains. They ask you every time if you would like something else with your order – every time. When the client checks out, offer to rebook their next appointment to ensure their pet continues to look amazing.
  • For the busy or in demand pet stylist, reschedule a number of appointments at once or book the entire year. This will guarantee the client will get the premiere dates they are looking for.
  • In areas that are price sensitive, offer incentives. Maybe it’s a small discount off their next grooming if they book within six weeks or less. Or maybe you offer them free add-ons like tooth brushing or a spa package upgrade.  Better yet, offer something special for their pet such as a bag of cookies!  After all, they probably care more about what you are going to do to reward their pet, not necessarily the few bucks they will save.

 

Consider Creating a Loyalty Program

The Holiday visit is a great time to offer clients a “loyalty program” incentive for pre-booking future visits and/or referring their friends. If you haven’t developed a program, you can use the post-holiday lull to create a package for 2024 and then reach out to your customers to generate winter traffic.

 

  • Connect with a Customer Experience Message

Whether you contact a recent client via phone, e-mail, text message, or through groomer software automation, you can take this opportunity to check on their satisfaction at the same time as offering a loyalty program incentive.

 

  • Connect through Wake-Up Calls/Contacts

Actively call (or email, or message) clients that have not returned to the salon in 8-12 weeks. In this case, you may wish to offer them an incentive to schedule the next few grooms.

 

  • E-mail Blasts and Social Media Posts

This is a great way to market incentive details to existing clients. If you are going into a slow day or week, offer an incentive to get clients in the door for those days. The key is to stay top-of-mind early in the year and schedule out as far as you are able.

 

Partner with Pet Professionals

Have you created a referral network to generate new clients for your business? If you have, the year-end is a great time to offer a thoughtful thank you note or gift.

If you need to expand your network, look for ways to connect with the following professionals in your area:

  • vets
  • pet supply businesses
  • rescue organizations
  • trainers
  • pet sitters

Create or update a welcome package that your referral partners can hand out to potential clients. Participate in, support and cross-promote their events. They are more likely to refer and support you in return.

Put these strategies to work now for a thriving grooming operation in the New Year!

 

Need to add Groom Techs to your team through industry-leading guided groomer training? Start here. Want continuing education so you or your team can keep your skills sharp? Join Paragon’s Groominar Network™ and unlock a stream more than 1,200 video Groominars™ designed for every level of groomer.

Listen In: Paragon Pet Pro Coach Joe Zuccarello Interviewed on the Pet Boss Podcast

Paragon Pet Coach Joe Zuccarello just had an incredible conversation with Candice D’Agnolo, aka @petbossnation on the Pet Boss Podcast!

Candice of Pet Boss Nation went on an incredible journey from struggling pet retail store owner to respected industry leader. Her journey shows what’s possible with the right support and strategies, and is now a sought-after speaker and consultant in the pet industry. Visit PetBossNation.com to get the full scoop! Read the rest of this entry »

Build Your Dream Team: The Power of Growing Your Dog Groomers

Infographic with icons demonstrating why growing groomers is beneficial for salon leaders from paragon's online dog grooming schoolIn today’s dog grooming industry, salons that thrive aren’t just those with skilled individuals — they’re the ones that grow skilled teams. As a salon leader, one of the smartest investments you can make isn’t in more marketing or equipment—it’s in growing your salon’s dream team.

When you take time to train a student groomer, you’re not just helping them—you’re building a stronger, more resilient salon. Here’s why training students isn’t extra work—it’s a winning strategy for long-term success:

It Elevates Your Leadership

Leadership isn’t about doing it all yourself—it’s about helping others rise.

Being a skilled groomer is important, but real impact comes when you guide and grow those around you. When you invest in a newer groomer’s development, you’re not just shaping their future—you’re strengthening your team, building trust, and creating a lasting legacy. That’s the kind of leadership that sets you apart and fuels long-term success.

Groom Techs & New Dog Groomers Lighten Your Daily Load

Students who are training as Certified Groom Techs and Pet Groomers can assist with bathing, prep work, drying, and cleaning—giving you more time (and energy) for complex grooms, higher-ticket services, or even a well-deserved break. A well-prepared student doesn’t slow you down—they support your salon’s flow.

It Creates Your Dream Team

Let’s face it—hiring isn’t getting easier. While Paragon handles the technical grooming training, you have the unique opportunity to shape your student into a future team member who aligns with your salon’s culture and standards.

Want a team you can count on? Start by recruiting individuals who show up with the right attitude, reliability, and professional appearance—then let us take care of the grooming skills.

It Helps You Plan for the Future

Rather than scrambling when someone leaves or retires, you’ll have a pipeline of trained talent ready to step up. Every student you support is one more layer of protection against staffing shortages and turnover. You’re not just grooming dogs—you’re grooming salon stability.

It Allows You to Hire for Time Blocks

Do you have hours in the day when tables sit unused? Bringing in a grooming student or entry-level team member for those specific time blocks can be a smart move. Hire someone for attitude, appearance, and availability—not just experience. If they’re available when your salon is underutilized, you have the perfect opportunity to train them while generating additional revenue. It’s a win-win: you grow a future groomer while making the most of your schedule and space. And you’re not letting a table go “cold.”

The Bottom Line?
 When salon leaders support students, everyone benefits. You sharpen your leadership, reduce burnout, and build a team that’s equipped to grow with you.

 

How Groomers Can Help Maintain Pet Dental Health

While February is the “official” month of Pet Dental Awareness, keeping canine (and feline) teeth clean and breath fresh is a year-round proposition. That’s because poor oral hygiene can cause a number of issues for dogs and cats — and they can’t tell us when it hurts. Approximately 84 percent of dogs and 70 percent of cats in the U.S. will develop some form of periodontal disease by the time they’re three years old, experts say.

The trouble begins with gingivitis, an inflammation of the gums caused by a buildup of plaque. If it is not removed, tartar begins to form, and over time, advances under the gum line, resulting in periodontal disease. Periodontal disease doesn’t just affect the pet’s mouth, it can also affect the heart and other organs of the body, and possibly shorten the pet’s life expectancy.

Dog Groomers First Line of Defense Against Dental Disease

Groomers can be the first line of defense to help pet parents stay ahead of pet dental discomfort and disease:

• When grooming, look for signs of red swollen gums and tartar accumulation and point these out to pet owners. Report any sensitivity or signs of mouth pain in the pet.

• Encourage the pet parent to seek veterinary assistance for a deep cleaning in obvious cases.  Educate pet parents about the risks of deferred treatment, which can include abscess, infection, bone loss and heart disease (endocarditis).

• Use the “sniff test” as a quick way to identify bad breath in the pet. If a dog or cat’s breath smells really bad, he or she may have an oral infection that requires inspection or treatment by a veterinarian. But if the pet simply smells ‘fishy’ from food, you can freshen their breath to a more kissable standard and win the loyalty of pet parents in the process.

• Offer a brushless cleaning service, dental care products, and dental chews as add-ons in your pet business to give clients convenient access to oral care products.

TropiClean Fresh Breath Program for Pet Business

Our friends at TropiClean have developed a program for groomers to use — and resell — their Fresh Breath treatment line. It’s a great way to help educate clients about pet dental health care and encourage daily maintenance. It’s also a good way to generate additional business revenue. Benefits of the Fresh Breath program include:

  • Easy, 2-step process
  • Oral gel reduces plaque and tartar
  • Foam fights bacteria and freshens breath
  • Get 20% Off Groomer Program bundles of the Fresh Breath Line – just tell them Paragon sent you! Learn More at TropiClean’s Groomer Center.

TropiClean also features its “Enticers” line of flavored dental chews and gel products with a 10% case discount for Paragon people. Learn more here: TropiClean Enticers.

Click on the image to download Fresh Breath program posters for use in your pet facility:

 

 

 

Ways to Build Your Grooming Business in the New Year

Are you ready to take your grooming business to the next level? In this Resource Roundup, we’ll show you how to map your plan, improve your workflow, create productive space and expand your team! Cheers to a prosperous New Year!

 

More Resources from Team Paragon:

 

Resources from Our Partners:

Check out this Blog from our partners at Gingr, home to great groomer software – How to Manage Pets + People at Your Dog Grooming Business

How to Use Notes From the Grooming Table

The “Bible” for Great Groomers

Do you own “Notes from the Grooming Table – 2nd Edition”? This book will help you build your grooming career, boost your communication levels with your peers and clients, while expanding your career growth! You can purchase a copy HERE or at any one of our partner book sellers.

Too Busy? What Now?

What do you do in a service-based industry like pet grooming when you’re too busy and booking way out? You have two choices: trim your clientele or expand your team. Melissa Verplank shares her secrets for balancing your workload. In this video, she’ll help you weigh the pros and cons of growth. How do you find a great groomer to grow your business? What are the pitfalls of trimming your clientele?

Want to read more about hiring professional groomers? Check out the Melissa Verplank library using this search.

Want to train a promising apprentice? Check out Paragon’s Distance Learning Program, where you can sponsor an employee to get the best pet grooming education available in the industry: Distance Learning

Transcript

Melissa: Hi guys, Melissa here. Today, I want to talk to you about what is one of the hardest things about running a business. Honestly, the hardest thing about running a business isn’t about grooming the dogs, it isn’t about dealing with customers. The hardest thing about running a business once you start to grow, and that is finding staff. Absolutely, hands down, the hardest part. Not only finding staff, but dealing with staff.

Melissa: If you are finding yourself on that cusp of you’re really, really busy, and you’re questioning, what do you want to do, do you want to grow, do you want to hire help, so that you can service more clientele, or do you just want to scale it back a little bit and just keep it being a one man show? Sometimes, the one man show is a little bit easier to deal with. Only you, only you, know what’s right. What’s right in your heart and what you want to deal with. My advice to you is, if you find yourself just way overbooked, booking clients out so far in advance, that you just can’t get all your customers in, and you’re just basically running out of bandwidth for your own personal self and your family, then it’s time to either scale it back or to hire.

Melissa: If you need it scale it back and you want to do it without having to hire somebody, then one of the easiest ways to reduce your clients is simply by raising your price. That naturally will thin out the number of appointments that you’re going to have. Now, sometimes it won’t fix everything, and there is no way to really thin out your appointment book. It’s always going to be painful, because you’re going to have to use that word no. No is hard. If we’re in the service-based business, if we’re dealing with customers, we want to be that yes person. We want to do it all. We want to handle all the appointments.

Melissa: You get around and you’ve got some experience under your belt, and you know that you just can’t sacrifice yourself for your customers, using the no word is a whole lot easier. Honestly, one of the easiest ways to thin out your appointment book is simply by raising the prices. When you raise your prices, it does a couple things. Melissa: Number one, it gets rid of the lowest clients, not always the lowest, but it gets rid of clients that you just get frustrated to service because maybe the value isn’t there. It also really tells you who truly appreciates what you do for them.

Melissa: When you raise your prices, when you get through the challenging part, what’s left are clients that really appreciate what you do. Those are the best kinds of clients to have.

Melissa: Think about that. If you do want to grow your business through staff, know that finding staff, maintaining staff, and keeping staff happy, and working as a well-oiled machine, there is a lot more to it than just saying, I need help, and bringing somebody in, because at some point, you are going to pour so much of yourself into that team member, because most of the time, when you’re growing your business, you don’t have the systems in place that training them and getting them to understand what you do, and when somebody comes into your business, it’s your business. It’s your reputation that’s on the line.

Melissa: That team member has to be trained up to provide the services that you have built your reputation on. So many staff members just don’t really seem to realize that, it’s your name, that is on the bottom of their check. You are the one who’s calling the shots. In order to have a staff member working with you, or multiple staff members, you’ve got to be the leader, because if you’re not the leader, one of those other team members will be the leader. More than likely, that is not a good situation. That’s where you start running into a lot of issues with morale, with authority.

Melissa: You’ve got to be fair, but very, very firm. You just have to really think deep and hard, whether, not only do you want to deal with the growth of your business, but do you want to handle what comes along with adding staff. Not only do you have the, just emotional part of training that staff member and putting systems into place, and making rules and holding people accountable, but then you’ve also got a lot of the legal kind of stuff that you’ve got to deal with. The taxes, and the workman’s comp, and insurance, and all of those things.

Melissa: Now, a lot of that stuff can be delegated. Don’t let that weigh too heavily on you. You do have to deal with it. Just, before you grow your business, think hard, what you want to do. Do you just want to keep it simple, and do you just want to be that one man show, and just do what you love to do, and focus on the dogs that you are enjoying doing? Or, do you want to grow? Do you want to scale your business?

Melissa: There’s good and bad with both. The only person that is going to be able to answer that question is you. You are the owner of the business. You are the one that gets to make that decision. Think about the opportunities that you have, think about the downfalls that come. There’s always pros and cons with everything that you do. Weigh them out and do what’s right for you.