Pets of all hair coat lengths and types can benefit from a professional grooming every now and then. However, you may not know all the services that a professional groomer provides, and what they can do for your furry pal. So, we want to introduce you to Diana Carver, one of our Pet Resort professional groomers

But first, let’s take a look at how a professional groomer can help you monitor and improve your pet’s skin and coat health—and don’t worry, you will get to know Diana later.

How is a professional groomer essential to your pet’s care?

Because they work so closely with pets, professional groomers learn to detect common issues that can be apparent from the surface. However, some of their services can help detect hidden problems, enabling you to schedule a veterinary appointment before your pet’s situation worsens. Here are some issues your professional groomer may spot:

  • Ear infections — By cleaning out your pet’s ears during their grooming session, a groomer can spot inflammation, excess hair and debris, and other potential infection signs. Left untreated, ear infections can become painful for pets, so your groomer can help by spotting that a problem may be brewing.
  • Skin infections — If your pet’s fur is prone to matting, skin infections can form below the mats. Or, if your pet has many wrinkles, especially around their face, they may develop an infection between the skin folds. As your groomer clips and bathes your pet, they can identify the signs of irritated, inflamed, and possibly infected skin, and warn that veterinary treatment is needed.
  • Skin growths — Spotting small lumps and bumps under your pet’s thick hair, or in areas you don’t routinely examine, can be difficult, but your groomer can find hidden masses as they brush, clip, and bathe your pet. All skin growths should be checked by a veterinarian to determine if treatment is necessary.
  • Anal gland issues — One unpleasant task that your groomer performs is anal gland expression. Many small dogs and dogs with allergies have problems expressing their anal glands fully, and during a pet’s grooming session, your groomer can identify redness and excessive licking around the rectum, which can signal anal gland issues. Additionally, the groomer may find the anal gland fluid is difficult to express, is thick and pasty, or contains blood, all indications that your pet needs veterinary care.

Meet Diana Carver, pet groomer

Now that you know the importance of professional grooming for your pet, we’d like to introduce Diana Carver, one of our pet groomers here at The Pet Resort at Stone Ridge. Here is her story:

Question: Where are you originally from?

Answer: I was born and raised in Montgomery, Texas.

Q: How and when did you decide to become a pet groomer?
A: Like most pet care professionals, I have always loved animals and caring for them. However, I developed a love for grooming when I began bathing pets at a doggy daycare.

Q: How did you land at The Pet Resort at Stone Ridge?
A: I came on a recommendation from a friend as a way to broaden my horizons.

Q: What is your favorite part about being a pet groomer?
A: My favorite part is leaving every pet in the best condition possible, so  they feel happy and healthy.

Q: Tell us about your pets.
A: I have a retired service dog named Ruby and a crested gecko named Midas.

Q: Tell us about your human family members.
A: My family is small but close-knit. My sister and I are inseparable.

Q: What is something about you that might surprise others?
A: Outside of work, I often indulge in skirts, dresses, and makeup. Those things don’t hold up well in the wet and furry world of grooming!

Q: What is your favorite food?
A: My favorite food is peanut butter!

Q: What is your favorite hobby?
A: I like to draw in my free time.

Q: Do you prefer the mountains or the ocean?
A: I would rather head to the mountains than relax by the ocean.

Q: Which is better: Coke or Pepsi?
A: Coke products are much better, since I love Sprite.

Q: Would you rather indulge in a spa weekend or rough it camping?
A: I’d definitely pick a camping weekend over time at the spa.

Q: What is on your bucket list?
A: One bucket list item is to shave my entire head.

Q: Do you have any unexpected talents?
A: My unexpected talent is that I am a sharp shooter. In high school, I earned many awards for marksmanship.

When you schedule a grooming appointment for your furry pal at The Pet Resort at Stone Ridge, Diana may be the one to turn your pet’s unkempt hair into a luxurious, clean fur coat!