As dedicated professionals committed to enhancing the well-being and beauty of our four-legged clients, it's imperative that we continually hone our skills and knowledge in every aspect of grooming. From selecting the finest products tailored to each pet's unique needs to mastering the most effective application techniques, there's always room for growth and improvement. From selecting the finest products tailored to each pet's unique needs to mastering the most effective application techniques, Teri DiMarino, ICMG, NCMG, ISCCMS, and PGC is here to let you know there's always room for growth and improvement.

The bathing area, also known as the wet room, is a crucial aspect of any grooming session:

The person responsible for bathing, drying, and brushing can greatly impact the quality of the final product. Over 50% of the final groom depends on the person handling these tasks. Pet groomers need to ensure that pets leave their salon smelling and feeling clean, as this is of great importance to their clients.

Choosing the right product for your clients can be subjective and dependent on several variables. One of the most important considerations is your water source, which can greatly affect product performance. Another factor is your client base. Are you grooming suburban Goldens and Doodles or small condo canines? The type of work you do is also important. Are you doing a lot of scissor work or basic ?shave down? pets? While product selection may vary, there is a shampoo and conditioner suited for every pet. It is the salon's responsibility to find products that are both effective and fit their budget. Nonetheless, certain industry standards should be followed.

Concentrated dilutable products are unique to the pet industry:

Note that I know of no concentrated products available in the human cosmetic or hair care industry. The manufacturer loses control over the product quality and consistency when we start adding water and breaking it down. Then along come us groomers, who want a product that performs well, dilutes 2000-1, and costs $9.95 a gallon! Chances are this is never going to happen. Proper application techniques and dilution rates are critical to product performance. Over-diluting a product may result in an incomplete job, while under-diluting wastes the product and requires additional rinsing. Diluting and mixing techniques vary, but the goal is always to achieve optimal results.

Many groomers pre-dilute their shampoos, filling their application bottles, and applying them as needed. This system has been used for decades and is considered safe and effective. However, groomers must be aware of the sanitation factor. Adding water to a concentrated product introduces pathogens and can quickly turn the diluted product into a bottle of bacteria-laden "yuck", which is the main reason there are no concentrates on the human side of the industry. Such products can cause serious skin issues if used on a dog. It is best to mix only the amount needed and discard the rest at the end of the day. Bottles should be rinsed daily and sanitized at least once a week using a 10% bleach solution or hydrogen peroxide. Dirty bottles can contaminate new, clean product, so be sure to clean them regularly.

Recirculating systems have been in use for a long time:

And many mobile grooming units have them installed as standard equipment. These systems recirculate diluted product over the pet, reducing the need for excessive scrubbing thus making it easier on your hands in the long run. They also allow for the stretching of shampoo products as less product is needed to achieve good results. Again, sanitation practices are essential. These systems must be rinsed out thoroughly after each pet and cleaned with a vinegar solution at the end of each day. Neglecting to clean them can result in a sour smell the next day as old, diluted products sit in the lines overnight and become a breeding ground for bacteria, yeast, and fungus.

The ?direct-draw? application systems are becoming increasingly popular and have made shampoo application much easier. They are ideal for a busy salon. These systems connect directly to your water source, and gallon-sized bottles of concentrated shampoo and/or conditioner have dip tubes that route the product directly from the bottles into the apparatus. The product is then diluted to a predetermined setting and distributed over the pet with a high-powered spray nozzle, which is perfect for double-coated dogs. These systems save time, as there is no mixing, filling, or cleaning of bottles required. They also save money, as there is no product wastage. You get the right dilution every time, and maintenance is much less than other systems.

Regardless of your application technique:

It is essential to remember that sanitation is a crucial factor. Proper sanitation practices ensure that your equipment and products are clean and free from harmful pathogens. Maintaining a clean and safe environment is essential to our clients' satisfaction. Proper shampoo sanitation is just one aspect of this commitment.