Is it worth hiring a professional dog groomer?

21 June 2023 – 7 Minute Read

Header image - dog being groomed with shower

Everybody wants their dogs to look and feel good. With expert grooming, that’s possible. How exactly do dogs benefit from professional treatments, though?

Most dog owners complete some form of dog grooming at home. But is that enough to keep your dog healthy and comfortable?

Let’s examine whether or not treatments from professional dog grooming services are worthwhile.

We spoke to Dr Samantha Gaines, RSCPA dog welfare expert, to learn more about how grooming can benefit dogs.

Dr Samantha Gaines is the Head of the Companion Animals Science and Policy department at the RSPCA. She leads a team of animal welfare specialists who use science and other robust evidence to advocate for good lives for pets, working and sporting animals.

Her areas of expertise include dangerous dogs legislation, racing greyhounds, and dogs kept for working purposes. She delivers the secretariat for the Dog Control Coalition which is working towards effective and sustainable dog control as well as repeal of Breed Specific Legislation.

She is also the Chair of the Cut the Chase coalition, which seeks to phase out greyhound racing across the UK’s nations. Previously, she was awarded a PhD from Bristol University after studying the effects of housing and husbandry on the welfare of kennelled dogs.

Needless to say, Dr Gaines has plenty of worthwhile insights when it comes to the wellbeing of dogs.