No matter what kind of dog you have, it is important to have them cleaned and groomed at least several times a year. For many pet owners, though, the thought of taking their dogs to the groomer evokes dread - for both dog and owner. By choosing the best groomer for your pet, however, this task can become more like a special treat for everyone.

Although you might prefer to avoid the whole task or do it yourself at home, let's start out by reminding everyone the best reasons to choose a professional groomer.

5 Good Reasons to Use a Professional Dog Groomer

1. Save time and energy.

A professional groomer works with all types of dogs every day and most likely has been doing so for at least a few years. By now they've gotten pretty good at it. Let them do the hard work while you can relax, take care of errands, or enjoy some time at the park (and you won't even have to play fetch.)

2. Leave the fur balls behind.

As seen on your carpet and sofa, your dog has LOTS of fur and hair. Even short-hair dogs drop their coats regularly - as any pet owner who still thinks they can wear black will attest. Let a professional take care of the problem at its source.

Professional groomers have the tools and training to thoroughly remove the undercoat, loose hair, and dander from your pet - leaving you with a much more enjoyable companion.

3. All the better to hear you with.

Short of nail-trimming, perhaps the most foreboding task for dog owners is the regular ear-cleaning. No matter how much your dog protests, these tasks are absolutely essential - don't listen to any dog that says otherwise. The best way to make sure these tasks are taken care of on a regular basis (and without having to discuss the issue at length with your dog every single time) is to let your groomer take care of them - the good ones can even speak dog.

4. For their health.

Most veterinarians will tell you that grooming is cosmetic only and has no health value. While this is true, your dog groomer is well-trained in spotting early signs of tooth decay, skin cancer, infections, and parasites - all conditions that are best treated when found early.

5. Bringing up the rear.

This may be an embarrassing topic for you and your dog, but we need to discuss anal glands. These scent glands often get clogged or infected without regular cleaning and checkups.

We all love our dogs, but wouldn't you rather have someone else take care of this for you?