There may be times when you want your Shih Tzu groomed by a professional. Although you can keep up the appearance of your Shih Tzu with the right products, a professional at a grooming salon offers good services with the best equipment.
But can you afford taking your Shih Tzu to the groomers? The answer will depend on how many pet groomers live in your area. However, you may be surprised at the range of prices for the services that they offer. Just remember that you get what you pay for even with a pet groomer.
Packages
Although there is quite a bit of variation in terms of what individual pet groomers offer, most of them have basic packages that provide one or more of the following.
- Brushing of Fur and Teeth
- Bath, Haircut, and Nail Trimming
- Cleaning of Eyes, Ears, and Anus
The bath often includes anti-flea and anti-tick treatments. You can perform many of the services at home, but a professional groomer has the experience and equipment to do the job properly time and time again.
Experience
That experience comes in handy not only for the proper grooming of your Shih Tzu, but also in identifying potential issues that you might overlook. Because in addition to checking for pests such as ticks and fleas, spotting a small issue early may prevent a big problem from happening later.
Attention
Some dogs depending on their breed may have more issues to resolve than others. For example, dogs with long, curly hair generally need more grooming and attention compared to dogs with short, straight hair.
Cost
There is no one cost, but basic packages can be found from $30 to $90 depending on what is included. There are often introductory prices for those who visit the dog groomer for the first time. Plus, there may be coupons or other discounts for additional services for your dog.
What to Keep in Mind?
If you have never taken your Shih Tzu to a groomer before, then you should ask yourself a few questions first so that you are best prepared.
- What exactly does my Shih Tzu need for grooming purposes?
- Is my Shih Tzu aggressive or angry around strangers?
You should pay for a basic grooming package even if you do not believe all the services are necessary. After all, they are part of the lowest priced package of services, so you probably will not get much of a discount.
However, the more important question is how your Shih Tzu acts around other people. While most dogs that are taken outside the home tend to be docile, there are exceptions. If your dog is an exception, then the pet groomer may not want to take the risk. An alternative is pet grooming services that come to your home. Being in a familiar place with you present may help calm them down.
In any event, it is a good idea that at least so often to take your dog to the pet groomer. Think of it as spring cleaning for your Shih Tzu.
