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The number of families with pets has significantly increased over the previous ten years. With 62% of households owning a dog, Australia has one of the highest rates of dog ownership in the world. That said, animal pharmacies, pet shops, grooming salons and other animal-related companies are lucrative business opportunities in Australia.
Starting a salon is a great idea if you love animals and want to take advantage of the fantastic opportunities available in the pet grooming industry. However, to run your business successfully, you’ll need the right grooming supplies in your arsenal. Professional groomers use tried-and-true, robust tools and supplies for grooming that can withstand daily wear and tear. Here’s a list of the most important ones.
Pet Shampoos
Have you ever wondered how groomers manage to make dogs’ fur perfect regardless of its type or length? The secret is in using specially formulated gentle pet shampoos to do the job.
These grooming shampoos have a unique formula that cleans, moisturises, hydrates, and strengthens the dog’s coat. A gentle pet grooming shampoo is also free of parabens, sulphates, and phthalates. Moreover, they’re vegan and cruelty-free.
Shampoos with harsh ingredients, on the other hand, may damage dogs’ skin, coat, and even their internal organs because a pet’s skin is much more sensitive than that of humans. Also, stay away from pet shampoo that contains soap. These products can dry animals’ skin and coats which can lead to unhappy pets and unsatisfied clients. And, who wants that?
Chemical or medical shampoos for pets should only be used in certain cases, not on regular basis. These shampoos contain active ingredients intended to cure particular skin conditions or infections. In other words, turn to them only if your pup has serious health issues that you can’t treat by natural means and require medication unless the vet recommends the opposite.
Using a dog grooming shampoo with a sensitive skin formula is another way to leave a great impression on your customers and make your business thrive. The natural ingredients in the shampoo will help the dog even if it doesn’t have delicate skin as these products frequently include marshmallow root, Aloe Vera, coconut oil, colloidal oatmeal, and avocado oil.
Another thing to consider when choosing the best pet shampoos for your grooming salon is the type of fur dogs have. For instance, when washing breeds prone to mats, a detangling shampoo will work best.
Grooming Table
You’ll also need a comfortable surface for the animal to stand on so you can tend to its needs when grooming them. This is done on a grooming table, and picking a good one can make all the difference between a fast and easy grooming session and one that is frustrating and takes a long time.
Not all grooming tables on the market are created equal. Some models come with a tether and can be easily attached to the table to keep the animal in place. There are also collapsible designs which are a fantastic solution if you want to take your grooming business on the road.
The strongest steel-framed table can hold up to 300 pounds and has non-skid feet and a non-slip countertop for added security. Additionally, premium ones come with an incorporated basket that keeps all grooming items within easy reach.
Bathing Station
One of the first steps in grooming is to remove all the dirt and debris that has accumulated in the dog’s coat between appointments. Because a traditional bath is the best way to achieve this, a bathing station is one of the main elements to include in your salon.
Dogs’ fur will ultimately clog your drain and damage your pipes. Therefore, you should invest in a sizable canine tub with a hose connection that can support up to 200 kilos of weight.
Ear and Eye Cleaning Kits
A dog’s eyes and ears are especially susceptible to dirt and grime. If this residue isn’t cleaned correctly, an infection could occur! To operate a successful dog grooming business, you should get ready to meet those requirements.
Invest in tools or kits that are specifically designed for cleaning dogs’ eyes and ears to make the process as safe and easy as possible. There are even speciality eye drops you can buy to protect your eyes from shampoo or conditioner discharge.
Dental Supplies
Not all dog groomers provide teeth cleaning, and if you do, it may help you stand out from the crowd. You don’t have to get a lot of fancy dental supplies. A decent dog toothbrush is all you need. Cross-contamination with toothbrushes should be avoided, so you should use a new toothbrush for every animal that enters your salon.
Combs, Brushes and Shears
Different breeds have different fur. Depending on the coat, you’ll need to use a variety of brushes and combs to get the best outcomes.
Professional groomers use slicker brushes to remove dead hair build-up, which greatly enhances the coat’s lustre and reduces shedding. You’ll also need combs, both nylon and wire. Dog combs are available at any pet supply shop, but professional groomers favour stainless-steel models because of their ease of maintenance. These are best used on long-haired breeds to get rid of mats, knots, loose hair, and dirt.
For trimming dogs’ coats, you will need high-quality scissors. Attempting to finish a grooming session with dull shears is a big source of frustration for dog groomers. By making sure your shears are high-quality you can avoid falling into that trap.
Additionally, regular scissors aren’t sharp or accurate enough to safely trim dogs’ hair and aren’t ideal for a quality coat-care routine. That’s why you should consider professional grooming scissors with ergonomic handles and stainless-steel blades. They can be used to accurately cut around a dog’s ears, toes, and other parts of the body.
