Stand out with Organic Dog Grooming - The Path to Success as a Dog Groomer

With these blogs we aim to help you, the dog groomer embrace big trends in dog care, improve your offer for clients and ultimately become more successful with your business.  

Background
Dog owners are embracing more than ever their pets as family members. Many people have decided for a variety of reasons to have an animal instead of children. Often they lavish their pets as they normally would their own children.
The expenditure on food, supplies, and services highlights the growing trend of treating pets as family members. Many pets now sleep in their owners' beds, eat organic food, celebrate birthdays, receive seasonal  presents, drink bottled water, get monthly or even weekly toy and treat subscriptions, watch pet-specific television, travel, have social media accounts... Some even hold memberships in clubs.

Data from USA*
71% of pet owners allow their pets to sleep in bed with them.
64% of pet owners purchase birthday and holiday gifts for their pets.
22% of pet owners occasionally dress their pets in clothing.
12% of pets accompany their owners to work.
31% of pet owners cook meals specifically for their pets.

* while the situation in EU is not the same, we do follow same trends closely.

According to a NielsenIQ report, pet owners are prioritising their pets' needs even in times of tighter budgets. This underscores the importance of staying abreast of industry trends and adapting your services accordingly.

Why is this important for dog groomers?
In the ever-evolving world of pet care, dog groomers play a vital role in ensuring our furry friends look and feel their best. As a dog groomer, your success is not only about your technical skills but also about understanding the pet industry's trends and adapting to them. One mega trend is the demand for organic dog grooming products.

Skin Problems in Dogs are on the rise
Dogs, like humans, can experience a variety of skin issues. Some of the most common ones include allergies, which can result in itching, redness, and rashes; parasites such as fleas, ticks, and mites that can cause irritation and infections; and dermatitis, which is inflammation of the skin that can be caused by various factors. Other issues include hot spots, dry and flaky skin, and hair loss. These skin problems can be distressing for dogs and their owners. Regular grooming AND using the right grooming products can help prevent and manage many of these skin issues. The demand for organic and natural products is not limited to human use anymore. Dog owners are increasingly seeking organic grooming products for their dogs, driven by concerns about their pets' health and the environment.

Many Dog Grooming Products are questionable
While this example describes the situation in Germany, sadly the same applies to a number of EU countries. Under German law dog shampoos are classified as cleaning products rather than cosmetics or medicine. However, some ingredients found in cleaning products can be dangerous if absorbed through a dog's skin or accidentally ingested during grooming.
When a groomer in Germany took time and effort to launch a petition to German Parlament for dog care products to be regulated as cosmetics or medicinal products. German politicians flatly refused to ensure dogs are protected from potential risks in their shampoos. 

Why is this important?
Manufacturers of human cosmetics make safety tests and prove that their products do not cause harm. Ingredients lists have to be provided for every product. Surely the same should apply to dog shampoos...

Benefits of using Organic grooming products 

1. Health Benefits: Organic grooming products are safe to use compared to many currently commercially available options.  They have high concentrations of natural ingredients. They are free from harsh chemicals, artificial fragrances, and dyes, allergens thus reducing the risk of skin irritations and allergies in dogs. They also promote a healthier coat and skin. 

2. Environmental Impact: Organic grooming products are typically biodegradable and have a lower environmental impact. This resonates with pet owners who are conscious about their ecological footprint.

3. Premium Pricing: Offering organic grooming services allows you to charge a premium price. Pet owners are willing to pay more for products that they perceive as healthier and safer for their pets.

Embrace Organic Grooming to boost Your Dog Saloon Business