Keeping your pet's fur and nails clean and looking good is an important part of being a pet owner. You spend time clipping nails and brushing fur, but have you ever thought about whether or not you're doing a good job? 

Some people may see using a professional pet groomer as a luxury. The truth is that pet grooming services may be a necessity for some pet owners. 

Are you on the fence about whether or not you should use a pet groomer? Let's take some time to dive into the reasons why some people choose to go to the pros. 

Should I Use a Professional Pet Groomer?

The answer to this question is going to be a matter of personal preference and pet care needs. 

It's possible that some pet owners may not want to bring their pet to a groomer for their pet's personal comfort. Nervous dogs and cats may not like being in the car or being in a strange new place. 

There are a few pets that are relatively low maintenance. They rarely shed, they have short hair, and they don't mind getting their nails clipped. If grooming takes a minute or two for you each day, then professional services may not be worth it. 

For many pet owners, grooming can be a chore. Their pets have long and easy to tangle fur and brushing takes too long. They hate having their nails clipped and every grooming session turns into a battle. 

In the long run, pet grooming could drastically help both you and your pet. They'll get the care they need, and you won't have to devote more time to a long grooming routine. 

Benefits of Using a Groomer

In truth, almost every pet owner could benefit from using pet grooming services. There are plenty of benefits that come with professional grooming services that go beyond having a clean pet. 

Once you see all of the ways using a groomer can benefit you and your pet, you may wonder why you haven't used grooming services sooner!

Breed and Coat Knowledge

How much do you know about your pet's breed? Do you know a lot about their fur type and the best way to care for it?

A professional groomer will be much more knowledgable about the best ways to care for your pets. They'll have better equipment and will know just what kind of care your pet needs.

Home Service

Are you reluctant to bring your pet to the groomer because you know they're more comfortable in the house?

Mobile pet grooming services have become much more popular. It's possible to get your dog or cat the grooming they need without having to leave your house!

Thorough Cleaning 

Do you know how to clean the hair between their toes? Would you know how to properly clean anal glands? 

You know how to brush your pet's fur and the best way to shampoo it, but that's where your care knowledge stops. A groomer can give your pet truly thorough grooming.

Start Grooming Today 

Finding a trustworthy professional pet groomer could be the best thing you do for you and your pet. Your pet will get the care they need in the comfort of their own home, and you won't have to dread grooming time. 

Are you ready to start working with a groomer you can trust? Schedule your appointment today so we can start giving your pet the care they need. 

Many people take good care of their dogs but overlook dog dental care. 

Over 80% of dogs older than 3 show signs of dental disease. Many diseases can not only give your dog bad breath but can also impact their general health and wellbeing. 

So what can you do to help keep their mouths clean?

If you're wondering about how to keep dogs teeth clean, keep reading for a full breakdown on some different things you can do.

Brush Your Dog's Teeth

Over time, plaque and tartar can build up. To remove it, look into different dog toothbrushes and toothpaste that you can buy. Make sure you don't use toothpaste meant for humans, as it contains chemicals that can be harmful to pets.

Although your dog might find it strange as first, they can get used to it over time, like with nail cleaning. If you need help or advice, talk to your dog's vet. 

Try to brush their teeth as often as possible, but if they're not too keen on the idea, once or twice a week can be a good place to start.

Wipe Their Teeth

If your dog isn't excited about the idea of a toothbrush being in their mouth, consider wiping their teeth instead.

Wiping teeth isn't as effective as brushing them as wipes can't get into the hard to reach places that a toothbrush does. But it can still be a good way to remove the majority of the plaque that has built up.

Give Your Dog a Dental Treat

Dogs love when you give them treats. Why not give them something they enjoy that also benefits their dental health?

Many treats are made to combat plaque buildup, and can also work to give your dog better breath. 

Dental treats can be the easiest way to get your dog's teeth looking nicer, without having to worry about wipes or toothbrushes. 

Let Your Dog Chew

Buying your dog some good chew toys not only helps them from gnawing on your couch but can also help them improve their oral hygiene. 

Many chews scrape plaque off of their teeth, and some are made with enzymes that promote dental health. They also keep your dog busy and happy, and don't contain calories!

Get Some Professional Help

To really protect your dog's dental health, consider making a trip to the vet. This can be a more expensive option, but will also be the most effective.

A dedicated dog owner who brushes their dog's teeth can still miss certain things. On the other hand, a vet is trained to find and treat these sorts of problems.

Schedule a professional visit with your dog's vet to ensure everything is in order!

How to Keep Dogs Teeth Clean? Let Us Help You!

There are a variety of at-home tactics you can try to promote dog dental care. But if you're wondering how to keep dogs teeth clean, sometimes the best thing to do is let a professional help you. 

If you're in Oregon and are looking for a pet groomer to take care of any grooming needs, contact us today.

Do you want your cat to be in the best health possible? Feeding and playing with your cat isn't always enough to keep it in purrfect condition, and if you want your kitty to have a long and healthy life you might need to add some cat supplements into its routine. 

But what do you choose? There are plenty of options on the market, and your cat might not do well with all of them.

If you're unsure where to start, you're in the right place. Keep reading for some of the most popular kinds of cat nutrition supplements that can keep your kitty strong and happy.

Standard Vitamins

If your cat eats relatively high-quality cat food, it's unlikely that it needs any supplemental vitamins or minerals. These foods are made with cat nutrition in mind and it should contain everything the cat needs to stay happy and healthy.

That said, if you know that your cat hasn't been acting right recently, talk to a vet about what might be amiss. 

Cats can have deficiencies just like humans. While some of these may be fixed by adjusting their normal food, they may also need to take a daily vitamin. For example, they make iron supplements for cats that have anemia, though vitamin deficiencies are often a sign of a greater problem in your furry friends. 

Probiotics

Probiotics are good for your digestion and overall gut health. They keep your body balanced with good bacteria that can help to keep the bad bacteria at bay. They do the same thing for your cat!

If you have a cat that always has a sour stomach, ask a vet if probiotics are right for you and your friend. 

Some cats have sensitive stomachs and they need special high-quality food to get the appropriate nutrition. Other cats will have upset stomachs no matter what you feed them. For the latter group of cats, choosing a probiotic before making the jump to a handmade diet is a good choice. 

Fatty Acids

Cat food does contain a lot of omega fatty acids. These fatty acids come from fish which is present in a lot of cat food, but it's also supplemented into the food itself.

It doesn't often contain enough omega-3 fatty acids though, which may make you want to supplement. These fatty acids are good for the cat's joint health, fur, and the brain. They can help with alertness and overall cognitive ability. 

They're also good for your cat's heart health and they can help with any issues with high cholesterol. 

Are Cat Supplements Right for Your Pet?

Not all cats require cat supplements, but if you're worried about the health of your cat, you might want to consider supplementing its diet with a few extra nutrients. 

Always talk to a vet before adding anything new to your pet's diet. 

If you're interested in keeping your cat shiny, soft, and groomed, make an appointment for professional grooming services. 

A dog's coat can tell you a lot about the health of the dog. If a dog's fur is shiny without any dryness in the skin, that is one sign that the dog is in good health. 

Besides paying attention to your dogs' appetite, eyes, ears, and bathroom habits, you need to pay attention to how they look. 

What does a healthy coat for dogs look like? If your dogs aren't looking as good as they should, stick with us to learn how to make sure they all have a beautiful, healthy coat.

Dog Hair Care

Besides providing your dogs with good quality food, water, and shelter, don't forget proper grooming. This is especially important for dogs with long or thick hair or for double-coated dogs. What can you do to ensure your dog has the shiny, glossy coat he or she should have without a lot of shedding?

1. Feed a High-Quality Food

Proper nutrition shows on the outside. Dogs have specific nutritional needs. Whether you choose to cook for your dogs or buy commercial dog food, it is important to give them the proper amount and type of protein and a mix of fats, vitamins, minerals, and carbs. Balanced nutrition will keep them healthy on the inside and will show on the outside. 

2. Brushing 

Depending on the type of coat your dog has, daily brushing helps to keep the coat nice and shiny. Brushing stimulates the skin and hair follicles which leads to the secretion of the natural oils in the skin. 

3. Exercise

Just like humans, dogs need daily exercise. Get into the routine of taking your dog on a daily walk or a run around the dog park. 

4. Regular Baths 

Don't bathe your dogs too much. You may dry out the skin. If you use a groomer regularly, only bathe your dogs if they get into something or get dirty while outside. 

5. Check for Parasites

Check your dog regularly for fleas and ticks. Their bites may irritate the skin and cause itching and hot spots. 

6. Healthy Oils 

Vitamin E, coconut oil, or olive oil added to your dogs' food can keep their coats looking healthy and moisturized. 

7. Herbal Supplements

Consult your vet first, but supplements like horsetail and spirulina will give your dogs soft fur and healthy skin. 

8. Oatmeal Bath

If your dog has allergies or some other irritant on the skin, an oatmeal bath will soothe the skin. 

Now You Know How to Achieve a Healthy Coat for Dogs 

If you're craving a healthy coat for dogs in your home, now you know what you have to do to get there. Do you know who can help you keep your dogs looking dog-show ready? 

We at Trimmed Pets offer full in-home pet grooming. We come to you for stress-free grooming for your four-legged friends. Our services include dog and cat grooming, petsitting, anal gland extraction, de-shedding, and flea and tick treatment. 

Call us with questions or contact us to set up an appointment. Your furry friend will thank you. 

Choosing an excellent dog groomer is never easy. You want to ensure that your pet is receiving the attention and care it deserves, but you also don't want to spend your life savings.

Many people are attracted to flashy advertisements, but oftentimes these companies don't care about the wants or needs of you or your pets.

So what are some other mistakes and warning signs you should look out for?

Here are five mistakes you should avoid when looking for a dog groomer in Beaverton, Oregon.

1. You Don't Ask Around

Every time a dog leaves the groomer they essentially become a walking advertisement.

You should always ask around when searching for a reputable pet grooming service. Asking your vet, your neighbor, or your kennel manager may give you the recommendation you were looking for.

If on the street you see a particularly handsome dog, don't be afraid to ask the owner where their dog's grooming is from. 

People love to talk about their pets, and odds are they'd be happy to answer you!

2. You Don't Contact the Groomer Before Using Them

After selecting a groomer, give them a call before your first meeting with them. This is your chance to ask them questions.

How much experience do they have grooming pets? Why did they choose to become a pet groomer? What is their favorite part of their job?

If you sense any red flags or hesitations, it may be best to walk away.

3. They Refuse to Work With Difficult Pets

Everyone likes to think that their dog is perfect, but dogs are like people. They can suffer from anxiety, insecurity, and a variety of other emotions that might make them act out.

Some companies will refuse to work with these sorts of pets, and may even charge a fee if your dog's behavioral problems were not made clear at the start.

At Trimmed Pets, we have plenty of experience working with anxious and scared pets.

4. Prices Are Unclear or Not Listed

While the most important part of the grooming process is the wellbeing of your dog, you still don't want to pay an arm and a leg.

This can be particularly unpleasant when hidden fees are revealed after the grooming has already taken place.

Check the groomer's website to see if they offer a clear estimate as to how much it will cost. If they don't, ask them upfront!

5. Reviews Are Hard to Find or Non-Existent 

As with any service, it's what people say that matters the most. When choosing a dog groomer, it's best to work with one with plenty of reviews and testimonials you can trust.

In-person reviews and recommendations are even better. If you can't find those, check their website or head to Google to see what people are saying.

Check out some of the many reviews past customers have left for Trimmed Pets.

Choose the Top Groomer in Beaverton, Oregon 

Asking around before selecting a groomer, checking that they can work with your dog for a fair price, and looking at reviews will ensure that your pet receives high-level care.

If you're looking for a groomer in Beaverton, OR, contact us today and give your pet the love it deserves!

Are you missing the companionship that comes with being a pet owner?

If you're thinking about getting a cat, you may be wondering about everything that goes into a cat's regular grooming schedule.

Cats are cute, lovable, and independent creatures, but when not properly groomed, they can start to look unkempt and even wreak havoc on your furniture!

Here is what you need to know about cat grooming.

Brushing Your Cat's Fur

Healthy cats will regularly clean themselves, but it's often not enough, especially if your cat is overweight or has depression. Brushing can easily fit into a cat grooming budget!

It's important to brush your cat at least once every week to ensure your cat's coat doesn't become matted. This is especially important with long-haired cats and you may want to brush them more often. Regular brushing can lead to less shedding and fewer hairballs, too!

Try using different brushing techniques to untangle knots all over.

Bathing Your Cat

Most cats won't have to be bathed too often, if you choose to bathe them at all. However, bathing may be necessary if your cat has gotten dirty outside, has come into contact with something that could harm it, or is too unwell to take care of itself.

When bathing your cat, keep the bath as short as possible. Use a gentle shampoo for cats and a few inches of warm water in a sink to work the dirt out of your cat's fur. Rinse off your cat until the water runs clear and dry your cat with a towel.

You can brush your cat's fur once it's dry for a more thorough grooming.

Giving Your Cat a Haircut

Haircuts are usually unnecessary, but your cat can benefit from one if it has a matted coat or lives in a warm environment. Whether it's a belly shave to get rid of matted fur or a lion cut for fun, a haircut can really make a difference in your cat's appearance!

Like regular brushing, a haircut will also cut back on matted fur, hairballs, and shedding.

Trimming Your Cat's Nails

It's in a cat's nature to claw at things, and that may eventually become apparent on your furniture! Cutting cats' nails can be a tricky operation, but one that will be beneficial for your home.

Using a pair of cat clippers, snip off the sharp tips of your cat's nails every two weeks. Before attempting to trim your cat's nails, get them accustomed to having their feet touched. Pet their legs and press on their toes to familiarize them with the feeling.

If you're not sure you can handle trimming your cat's nails, consider scheduling an appointment with a mobile pet groomer that can come to your house!

Useful Cat Grooming Tips

Now that you know how to properly care for a cat's appearance, you just need basic supplies and the cat itself! Keeping your pet and home clean will be easy with these cat grooming tips!

If you're in the Beaverton, Oregon area and would like to have your pet professionally groomed, contact us!

Are you tired of vacuuming every day so you're not living in a sea of dog hair?

While having dog hair everywhere isn't necessarily a problem (unless you're allergic), it can be incredibly annoying to deal with.

Here's the thing, it's possible to stop this problem at the source, sweet Fido. Taking a few extra steps in your dog's health and hygiene routine can make all the difference to reduce dog shedding. 

What Causes Shedding?

Dogs shed naturally, and a certain amount of shedding is normal and expected when you have a dog. The amount a dog sheds is heavily dependent on the breed of dog.

If you notice that your favorite furry friend is shedding more than normal, there may be something else going on. Excessive shedding can be caused by parasites, poor diet, allergies, licking, infections, and more.

Excessive shedding can be indicative of a health problem, so make sure to contact your vet.

5 Simple Steps to Reduce Dog Shedding

Is your dog shedding a lot? Follow these tips to give your pet the best and healthiest coat possible!

Let's take a look at how to control dog shedding in five easy steps.

1. Brush Regularly 

The most important step in reducing dog shedding is to brush your dog regularly. 

What regular means to you depends on the type of dog you have. Dog's with shorter and finer coats may need to be brushed every other week while thicker coats may need to be brushed every single day!

2. Get the Right Brush

Believe it or not, there are multiple types of dog brushes on the market. A great way to reduce shedding is by using the best brush possible for your dog's coat type.

Combs are great for removing hair in short-haired dogs. Wire-pin brushes are great for wool-like dog goats. Slicker brushes are perfect for detangling mats of hair. 

Bristle brushes are great for all coat types, but you will find that certain styles of these brushes work better with longer hair. If your dog has coarse hair, you may need stiffer bristles to get an effective brush. 

3. Change Diet

Certain nutrients can benefit your dog's coat, and in turn, your floors. Make sure your dog has a complete and balanced diet. If you're not sure what that looks like, you can ask your vet for advice.

If your dog's food needs an extra boost, a supplement may be a good idea. Your vet may recommend an omega-3 fatty acid supplement to start. 

4. Frequent Baths

Baths make your dog smell and look nice and clean, but also has many benefits for their coat! Baths remove dead hair and dirt.

Special doggy shampoos exist for those who want a stronger, healthier coat. 

Don't have time to soap up? Find a groomer to help keep you on track. 

5. More Water

It may sound too simple, but just giving your dog more water can actually help reduce dog shedding. 

Encourage frequent trips to the water bowl, just don't forget that they may need to go out a couple more times a day because of the increased water consumption!

A Trimmed Pet Is Best

At Trimmed Pets, we know what it takes to keep your pet in the best shape possible. Schedule an appointment to start your dog grooming journey today. 

It can seem like a challenge to reduce dog shedding, but for the sake of a healthy dog and a clean house, it is worth a try. 

We also offer a professional shed-less treatment to keep hair and your home under control.

If your pet could talk, what would they say about your choice for their haircut?

You may never know the answer, but by visiting a reputable dog and cat groomer you can be assured your pet will be healthy, happy, and clean.

Before you invest in grooming services for your pet, there are a few questions you should ask. You want the person grooming your pet to care for them as attentively as you do.

Read below for 5 things you should ask dog and cat groomers before making your decision.

1. Where Are The Pets Groomed?

Dog and cat grooming often takes place at a facility much like a hair salon. Sometimes veterinary offices, short-term or long-term boarding facilities, or mobile facilities offer dog and cat grooming too.

You can ask to take a tour of the facility to see where the dogs and cats are kept before, during, and after their grooming. Check to make sure the facility is clean, spacious, and suitable for your beloved furry friend.

More recently companies have started to offer in-home pet grooming which is not only convenient for you, it is more comfortable for your dog or cat to stay in an environment they are used to.

2. What Types of Products Do You Use?

If your dog or cat has sensitive skin or any other type of allergy, you may want to know what products (if any) the groomer is planning to use.

If natural, organic products are important to you, you may be able to buy your own products and ask the groomer to use those. 

3. Do You Have Experience With My Dog's Breed?

Grooming a dog can be a tricky business, especially with some of the long-haired breeds. You should ask the groomer if they have experience with your dog's breed before dropping off your pet.

Just because they don't have experience, doesn't mean they won't do a good job, but it is something to consider when picking a dog groomer.

4. What Does the Grooming Package Include

You should know what exactly you are paying for in a grooming package before you purchase. Some packages come with just a bath and hair trim, others with nail trim and ear cleaning.

You can sometimes find a list of services if the groomer has a website, but if not, you can ask about different package offerings and pricing. Keep in mind that package prices may vary based on the size of your dog. 

5. Can I Be Present During the Grooming?

Plenty of concerned pet parents want to be with their dog or cat during grooming. Some groomers will allow you to be there or to watch through a window, but some will not. It can be distracting for the animal and therefore more difficult for the groomer.

If you have a mobile groomer come to your house it is more likely that you will be allowed to be present for the grooming.

Find the Right Dog and Cat Groomer Today

Using these questions will allow you to narrow down your search for a dog and cat groomer. Make sure that both you and your pet feel comfortable in the facility.

If you are looking to find a mobile dog and cat groomer in the Portland area, you can make an appointment online today!

And for more pet grooming information, check out some of our other blogs!

Around 80 million households have either a dog or cat, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association. With this number of pet owners, you’d think that everyone already knows everything there is to know about pet grooming.

However, if you ask the question, “how frequently should you bathe your pet?”, you’ll likely get a bunch of different answers.

There are many misconceptions about the proper way to groom a pet. Some of these myths aren’t just factually wrong but also detrimental to your pets’ health.

As a pet parent, you only want the best for your furry friends. To help you separate fact from fiction, here are some of the common myths about grooming that you should avoid.

Myth 1: Weekly Bathing Is Harmful to Your Pet's Skin

Let’s start with the question we asked earlier. How often should you give your pet a bath?

Some would say that regular baths would dry out your pet’s skin and leave them with a dull coat. There’s a grain of truth in that argument if we’re talking about grooming back in the days. Before, owners use harsh detergents such as lye soap or even dish soap to clean their pets.

Today, grooming products are gentle enough to be used weekly without harming the skin and coat of your pet.

So to answer the question above, you can bathe your dog or cat whenever they need it. Regular bathing helps them shed less, manage or protect from some skin conditions, and most importantly, smell better! Some may need weekly bathing, but doing it every four to six weeks is the common ground for most pets.

Myth 2: People Shampoo Is Just as Good or Better Than Pet Shampoo

Your shampoo or soap may claim to be “gentle for use even on baby’s skin” but that doesn’t mean that it’s appropriate for your pet. Human and dog or cat skin have very different pH balances (human skin is more acidic). Also, your pet’s skin is more sensitive because they have fewer layers of skin cells than us.

Since your pet’s hair and skin have different needs compared to ours, they need different shampoo. If you’re unsure of what product to use, consult your vet or your professional pet groomer.

Myth 3: Pet Grooming Is Only Reserved for Certain Breeds

You may have heard that some breeds don’t shed and because of that, don’t need grooming. For example, it seems obvious that Collies or Poodles need regular grooming because they have long or thick coats. That shouldn’t be the case for breeds like the Dachshund or the Labradoodle, right?

The fact is all breeds shed, some more than others, but they all need grooming! No matter what the breed, grooming is essential to help them look and feel their best. They’ll all benefit from bathing, brushing, nail care, coat maintenance, and other services.

Grooming Is What We Do Best

Hopefully, we’ve dispelled some of the myths that are out there about pet grooming. However, we understand that not all pet owners have the time to learn all about the ins and outs of proper grooming.

That’s why we’re here! We’ll make sure that your pet is taken care of and shines like a Hollywood star. Schedule an appointment with us today.

Do you treat your pet as part of your family? Did you know that treating pets as part of the family actually has physical and mental health benefits? 

If your pet is part of your family, professional grooming is one way to show them that. Pet grooming is more than just a bath and hair cut. To learn more about the grooming process, read on. 

1. Meet and Greet

If this is your first time taking your dog to a groomer, they'll want to spend some time talking to you about your dog, their behaviors and tendencies, and how you want them groomed. Professional groomers know how to groom dogs of different breeds, so be clear on what you want, whether it's the traditional cut and style for that breed or something else. 

They should also ask you about any medical conditions your dog has, any areas they should be aware of, and will want to review copies of your dog's vaccination records. Most groomers will not take a pet without the records or if they are not up-to-date on their vaccines, so keep that in mind. 

2. Bath

The grooming process will generally begin with a bath. Your pet is bathed using a special shampoo for them that won't strip their coat of natural oils or irritate their skin. 

After they are bathed, they will be dried with a towel and then blow-dried, so they are fully dry for their hair cut. Once they are dry, they get brushed out, and then they are ready for their cut. 

3. Hair Cut

How your pet gets their haircut depends on your preferences, their breed, and the time of year. In some hotter locations, people may choose to have dogs with longer hair cut very short or you might opt for a lion cut for your cat.  

To do the cut, groomers use special tools including special combs for getting out mats, brushes, clippers, and scissors for areas around the face. 

4. Nail Clipping

Nail clipping is an extremely important part of the grooming process. If you allow your dog's nails to get too long, they can start to grow into their paw pad, causing pain and potentially an infection. Nails that are too long can also make it difficult for your dog to walk. 

5. Other Services 

Your pet groomer may also offer other services, such as anal gland expression if your dog needs it, tooth brushing, special shampoos and conditioners for certain skin conditions, and ear cleaning. 

Some groomers may include these in their standard grooming package while others may have them available as ala carte options. 

The Grooming Process For Your Furry Family Member

The pet grooming process can be nerve-wracking for your dog, so make sure you have a groomer who is gentle, will take their time, and truly loves animals. Otherwise, getting groomed will be a traumatic experience for your dog (and you). 

To ease the fear of getting groomed, Trimmed Pets offers in-home mobile grooming services for your dogs and cats of all breeds and sizes. Skip the car ride and let us come to you and your pet. We offer full-service grooms as well as pet sitting. 

Check out our services and use our convenient online booking tool to book your pet's next groom today.