Should we go to the vet or a groomer?

Question

My cocker spaniel has been groomed professionally twice. We recently moved & now he seems to have gotten fleas. I'm wondering if I should take him to a vet that offers grooming services, or if I should go to a groomer. Which is more expensive? Can groomers treat fleas and skin problems?

Answer 1

You answered your own question. Take the dog to a vet with grooming services. Cost depends upon what you have done and your locality.

Answer 2

I have 2 Cocker Spaniels and have them groomed every 7 weeks. I have my dogs treated at the vet with Frontline and also shots for Kennel Cough to make sure they come home from the groomers healthy and flea free! A lot of vets will not do grooming, however a lot of groomers will not take your pup if it is not up to date on all it's shots and vet visit. If I had to say which I thought was better and cheaper...I would pick the groomer. Just make sure to do your homework and pick a reputable groomer who will love your pup as you do. Also, there are different cuts you can get for your Cocker Spaniel...I always ask for the puppy cut because it is more comfortable for my girls and there isn't any fur dragging around to attract critters. Hope this helps and feel free to E-mail me if you have any questions! Good luck.

Answer 3

Fleas are a frustrating problem that can plague even the best cared for pet. Deciding on who to use to help treat the problem can count on several factors. The most important factor to consider is the qualifications of the groomer who is going to be working with your dog whether they are at a vet clinic or are independent. Get references from those in your community to ensure your pup is in the right hands. Trauma from a bad grooming experience is much more detrimental than fleas. Once you choose a groomer, stick with that person as much as possible because there is a trust factor that needs to be established between pet and groomer. As for the pros and cons of using a clinic or independent there is not much difference in the services they offer except a vet can offer prescription medications and flea treatments a shop cannot. Also keep in mind that if there should be an accident or perhaps your groomer notices symptoms of an infection or other abnormality, medical help can be sought immediately. Make sure to keep your cocker in the best mental and physical health by getting him groomed at least every6-8 wks. as services such as toe nail trims and ear cleaning need to be addressed much more often than just long hair. A pup who is exposed to the grooming process often learns what to expect and does not react with fear as if he is fighting for his life! Good luck !

Answer 4

I take my dogs to a groomer who works at the vet's office. If anything looks odd or different than usual, the vet is right there to address it. There are flea dips and shampoos that the groomer can use to help, but I think the heartworm pills the vet puts my dogs on has helped keep my dogs from getting fleas. I would talk to the vet. It may be a little more expensive initially, but probably cheaper in the long run.Good Luck.

Answer 5

A groomer will only flea bathe the dog which is a temporary solution to eliminating fleas and they cannot treat skin conditions.

Unless your dog needs a clipping, take it to your vet to have the flea problem treated and the skin condition looked at also. It's probably the flea problem that is causing the skin condition in which case the vet can prescribe something to provide some relief for your dog until the fleas are gone. You may also want to take a fecal sample with you since one ingested flea by your dog can give him tapeworms.

Answer 6

Groomers can only give a flea bath or dip. They don't carry actual medications to kill the fleas. You should go to a veterinary clinic and get a vet approved flea treatment such as Frontline, Advantage or Revolution. These are topical treatments that go on the skin between the shoulder blades and kill fleas FAST! Dips and bathes have almost become obsolete for flea treatment because they aren't as safe or effective as the topical treatments. As far as price, it's probably cheaper to just go to the vet's office, since Frontline and Advantage aren't prescription and you won't need to have an exam done first.

Answer 7

Go to the Vet. They can give you something to get rid of the fleas. Frontline is very good and the vet can give you that. If they do grooming you could have that done after the vet check. You want to get rid of the fleas for good not just for a couple of days after the grooming. The fleas and the eggs must be killed.
Hope all works out for you and your dog.

Answer 8

Fleas are the priority, so take your dog to a vet. Ask around at the pet shop for 2-3 vets that they would recommend. Call the vet first to make sure the vet deals with fleas.

Groomers - Ask at the pet shops and ask your vet for 2-3 recommendations. Also check if you have a cocker spaniel rescue or club in your area. They would be a good source of info.

Answer 9

Probably your best bet is to purchase Frontline Plus from a Veterinarian in your area. I work at a vet and we highly reccomend Frontline Plus for cats and dogs. If you apply a dose every 30 days and you treat all of your pets than Frontline will treat your environment as well. Then you won't have to worry about flea bombs or anything. If your dog is having skin issues than it could very well likely be allergies. The allergies could be seasonal or a flea bite allergy, that would be something your vet should examine your dog for. He or she may give you meds to treat for your dogs skin. For temporary relief you can bathe your dog in an oatmeal based shampoo.

Answer 10

some groomers can treat fleas, but i'd go with the vet's groomer because they really take good care of dogs and the groomers outside they don't do it that carefully.

Answer 11

Groomers can temporarily remove the fleas, but a vet can prescribe meds that eliminate and prevent future fleas.