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Pet Grooming 1
Implication of Pet Grooming Trends to Societys
Aesthetic Norms
A Research Paper Presented to
(Mr. Edward Jay M. Quinto)
Mapa Institute of Technology
In partial fulfillment
of the requirements in
English for Academic Purposes 2
(ENG11)
byAstrid Pauline P. Casacop
Ellainne P. Castor
Gabriel B. Catapang
Noel Karlo T. Catimbang
June 2011
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Acknowledgment
This research would not have been possible without the
most appreciated support that the researchers have received from
the following people.
First of all, the researchers thanks to Ms. Terina
Viktoria Factura, for the selfless and generous assistance she
offered to the researchers during the video production week and
for her superb photography.
Of course, the researchers would like to express their
sincerest gratitude to their interviewee, Ms. Paula Czarina
Villanueva, DVM, for giving them quite an indulging experience
as they conducted their interview.
A million thanks (and admirations) to Prof. Edward Jay
Mansarate Quinto, a professor who never failed to inspire the
researchers and had put a lot of faith in each and everyone of
them, supervising the completion of the researchers paper.
And last, but most certainly not the least, the
researchers send their greatest gratitude heavenward to the
almighty God, whom they have asked for guidance and strength for
the entirety of this difficult-but-fruitful journey.
A.P.P.C.
E.P.C.
G.B.C.
N.K.T.C.
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Abstract
This research aims to identify the implications of pet grooming
trends towards the aesthetic norms of the general public and to
confirm that the practice of grooming has increased the
appreciation towards pets since it was first put to practice.
This study answers the query on, (1) the technical description
of pet grooming, (2) the origins and the foundations of this
practice, (3) the cause for the rising need of pet owners to
groom their pets, (4) the possible causes of the increased
appreciation towards pets since pet grooming was introduced to
the society, and lastly, (5) the definition of the societys
aesthetic norms through pet grooming trends. The researchers
provided with them different sources of information that answers
these aforementioned queries and with the gathered information
at hand, the researchers were able to formulate their own
conclusions based solely on their findings. That is, pet
grooming trends implication towards societys aesthetic norms
is ultimately visible on their pets and as well, the fact that
pet grooming has indeed increased the appreciation towards pets.
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Introduction
Background of the Study
Pets have been around for as long as people could
remember. They have been playing important roles in the lives of
many. And just like anything or anyone cared for, pets are loved
and maintained. Thus, pet grooming was introduced into society
to satisfy these things.
But, what is pet grooming? According to P.C. Villanueva,
pet grooming is the bathing, haircutting, and cleaning of nails
of pets, basically grooming per se i.e. bathing, nail
trimming, haircutting, ear cleaning, and tooth brushing
(personal communication, May 20, 2011).
Seemingly, it may be perceived that pet grooming is
merely centered on the physical appearance of pets but this is
not so. Pet grooming is also practiced for the benefit of the
pet.
Beauty is not the only aspect considered in pet grooming.
It is more of hygiene maintenance for pets. Nail and hair
trimming, ear cleaning and brushing of the teeth are the basics
but for some pet owners, aesthetic reasons are their motives
(Alejandro, 2008, p. 26).
Grooming a pet is as important as maintaining a house.
Without proper care, a pet may turn unattractive and/or at some
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cases turn sickly and die. Pet grooming is not done merely for
aesthetic purposes but for the sake of the pet as well.
In the late 1800s, dogs were given proper care and
importance. Even a book about dogs and dog grooming was written
at that time. Today, fashion in pets emerged and this increased
the appreciation towards pets. Pet groomers took this
opportunity and made pet grooming as a source of income
(petgrooming.net, 2010).
Needless to say, pet grooming isnt news for most people.
In fact, it has been considered a general term for the care of
pets. Society has adapted this trend since it also promotes pet
awareness and kindness to animals.
Statement of the Problem
As an established practice and trend, it is important to
identify the current standing of pet grooming in todays
society. The research study aims to find the Implication of Pet
Grooming Trends to Societys Aesthetic Norms.
To understand pet grooming (its trends and effects)
further, the researchers sought to answer the following
questions:
1. What is pet grooming?
2. What are the origins of pet grooming?
3. Why do people groom their pets?
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4. How does pet grooming change peoples views towards
their pets?
5. How does pet grooming define the aesthetic norms of
modern day society?
Significance of the Study
It is without doubt that pet grooming has been gathering
fame among pet owners and enthusiasts alike in todays
society. It is highly supported by people for both its aesthetic
and hygienic benefits towards pets, thus becoming a trend among
many of todays pet owners. And like any other trend in present
day society it does not fail to influence a number of peoples
lives. One of the studys aims is then to distinguish the
effects of this trend, focusing on the change in peoples
lifestyle, social lives, and norms.
Ultimately, the researchers intend to instill knowledge
about pet grooming and the change that it has brought upon the
public change in lifestyle, aesthetic norms, etc. to its
readers.
Thesis Statement
Not only does pet grooming affect the lifestyle of many
but it also affects the behavior of pet owners towards their
pets. And so, the researchers claimed that the practice of pet
grooming increases the appreciation towards pets.
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Body
As stated earlier in the studys introduction, pet
grooming is done based on various motives one of these mainly
being the maintenance of the pets health. As Alejandro (2008)
stated, the clipping of nails, cleaning of ears, trimming of
coat and bathing are the common ways to maintain the proper
hygiene of pets. At most cases, being disheveled-looking is
almost always an indication that a pet is sick or unhealthy. An
unkempt pet is most likely to contract diseases, turn sickly, or
at worst, die.
It has been evident that pet grooming is focused on the
well-being of a pet since it has been first put to practice.
However, it is inevitable that pet grooming be influenced by the
aesthetic norms of modern day society. And as a likewise
inevitable result, pet grooming has had a sudden change of
standards. Pet grooming has gone through quite a change of
priorities from the welfare to the physical appearance of a
pet. J. Filart (2008) reasoned that breeders tend to forget what
really drove them to this hobby the passion for pet keeping.
Contrary to the aforementioned adverse changes pet
grooming, in itself, brings about desirable effects towards the
pets physical appearance. Rather than your average scruffy-
looking pet, grooming brings out the best out of it. It is
therefore important to note that the practice of pet grooming
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kills two birds with one stone that is, keeping the pet
healthy and maintaining its physical appearance.
Pet grooming per se may not necessarily be done only
inside the confines of a clinic and is likewise not to be done
specifically by a pet groomer. The common housebound pet owner
can as well apply the basic grooming process, thus the pet owner
gets to spend more time together with his pet. As the owner gets
to interact with his pet more often, his affection towards his
pet grows. According to the Merck/Merial Manual for Pet
Health(Kahn et al., 2007) pets like being pampered and taken
care of by people, especially their owners thus, strengthening
the bond between pet owners and their pets, causing them to be
treated as family members and as friends contrary to their
classic roles as typical accessories to the common household. As
accounted by J. Filart (2008), One of the few things I learned
in this exciting world of pet keeping is the joy and fulfillment
of caring for pets that come largely from the responsibility and
cost attached to the hobby. Pet owners receive in themselves a
sense of profound accomplishment by merely being able to care
for their pets the way they see fit indifferent to the
expensive and laborious tasks at hand.
Not only do pets receive attention from their owners,
they also attract a great deal of excitement from the public.
Avid pet owners often bring with them their pets to almost any
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occasion. Even the usual stroll along the park is not complete
without a pet for some pet owners. Pets have become a must
have ornament to almost any pet lover/owner. Some owners enter
their pet in pet shows and competitions in which they can
showcase their pets talents in front of the public show off
their unique qualities, and prove that they are not just average
pets.
Pets expect to be loved and cared for as much as we
expect them to love us. Keeping a pet entails responsibility. To
care and love our pets is a promise made as we become pet
owners. Pets are not only a responsibility; hence, they are our
companions as well. (Pet Grooming, Microsoft Encarta, 2009)
Inside the four corners of the home, pets are treated and
considered as a member of the family. The special bond that a
pet owner feels towards his pet, as they start being together,
is what brings about the sense of familial kinship.
Owning a pet is not just a mere hobby. Studies reported
that having a pet improves ones mental and social health.
Having a pet relieves stress and depression. Making owners feel
loved and important. (Kahn et al., 2007) This pet-owner
relationship can be beneficial to both parties. Both are
nurtured physically and mentally. On the one hand, the pet
provides his owner with great joy just by spending time with
them - the feeling of love that people receive from their pets
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will help them minimize the stress that theyve had. And on the
other, it makes pets happy because pets receive quite a sum of
attention.
Today, the law does not only apply to humans. While
people have human rights, pets similarly, have animal rights.
These laws were formed and implemented by different
organizations. These organizations, in turn aim to protect
animals against harm and abuse. Organizations for animal
protection were formed due to the increased rate of animal abuse
cases (i.e. starvation, animal, violence, and killing). To
prevent the continuous increase of animal abuse cases, laws were
created for the protection of animals against domestic violence
and other animal-related crimes.
Presently, people look up to pet grooming as a means to
beautify and adorn their pets with exquisiteness and finesse
rather than to achieve health benefits. In fact, they are more
engrossed on how their pets look in front of people and gain
attention by showing off their well-groomed pets in public. In
addition, P.C. Villanueva stated that owners nowadays like
having their pets to be really beautiful thats why they groom
their pets (personal communication, May 20, 2011).
Unmistakably, pets are groomed to their owners
satisfaction if they look pretty enough depends solely on the
owners perspective. They want their pets to be as attractive as
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possible. And as such, it may be said that the owners concept
of beauty greatly affects the appearance of their pets. Many
owners want their pets to look exactly like them or in the
least, represent themselves. For instance, actors or actresses
who are present in social events often come with their pets in
similar attires, accessories and hairstyles. The same goes for
sport enthusiasts wherein they bring along their pets in the
same jerseys as they are wearing. Ultimately, it is more about
the personal perspective of people that is adopted by society.
Along with the changes in pet-owner relationships pet
grooming also brings forth another change a change that, in
part, solely concerns the owner. That change being the
modification of their perception of beauty. This influence is
greatly observed in the way the owners feel good in seeing their
pets. Pets reflect their owners. A shabby-looking pet reflects a
likewise unkempt owner. As P.C Villanueva ultimately put it,
pet owners look at their pets as status symbols so if their
pets look good, they feel good about themselves too. (Personal
Communication, May 20, 2011)
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Conclusion
Simply put, pet grooming was accepted into society as a
means of maintaining pets overall hygiene, keeping them free
from diseases and unwanted conditions. Matter of fact; pet
grooming has been practiced since the medieval times. Before,
pet grooming practices were done to maintain the cleanliness of
the pet. But today, in a more versatile society, the most
palpable reason for people to groom their pets is their
aesthetic motives being pretty and admirable to the eyes of
many. As a result, people began to treat their pets as more than
just animals. They began to treat them like humans being
dressed and pampered causing a change (in societal standards)
of how pets are viewed. Pets themselves define the aesthetic
norms of society through their looks. Pet grooming merely
adapted to these norms and dealt with the demands of the
populace.
The practice of pet grooming has been continued up to
present times. And not only have the world seen the marvels
(that is, well-groomed pets) that it has brought upon us to gaze
at, it has also brought about a multitude of changes. Changes
mentioned within the study and the have-not-been-mentioned
changes have all been significant in shaping our society,
modifying their values and as such, their views towards pets.
And so with these changes in mind, it is of course reasonable to
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say that in one aspect that is, the fondness towards pets is
where the most significant changes have been observed. And
likewise, it is without doubt that: the practice of pet grooming
has increased the appreciation towards pets. Ultimately, pet
grooming in itself was not the catalyst for the huge number of
these changes. Rather it is the people themselves who have given
rise to these changes evident in todays society. At the end of
the day, pets are merely the mold that the people have used to
reshape society and to serve as the catalyst for change a
change that would forever remain or inevitably change its course
in due time.
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Reference List
A Brief Look at the History of Pet Grooming (n.d.). Retrieved
May 12, 2011, from http://petgrooming.net/a870458-a-brief-
look-at-the-history.cfm
Alderton, D. (2008). How to Look After Your Small Pets. London:
Anness Publishing Ltd.
Alejandro, C. (2008, May). Pet Summer Grooming. Animal Scene, 8,
26
Borton, P. (Ed.). (2000 Reprinted 2004). Encyclopedia of
Questions and Answers. London, England: Octopus Publishing
Filart, J. (2008, March). Pet Keeping: For Better or For Worse?
Animal Scene, 8, 30 & 32
Kahn, C., & Line, S.(Eds.). (2007). The Merck/Merial Manual for
Pet Health Home Edition. NJ, USA: Merck & Co. Inc.
Microsoft Student with Encarta Premium [Computer Software].
(2009). Redmond, WA,: Microsoft Corporation.
Villanueva, P. (2011, May 20). Personal Interview.
http://petgrooming.net/a870458-a-brief-%20%20%20look-at-the-history.cfmhttp://petgrooming.net/a870458-a-brief-%20%20%20look-at-the-history.cfmhttp://petgrooming.net/a870458-a-brief-%20%20%20look-at-the-history.cfmhttp://petgrooming.net/a870458-a-brief-%20%20%20look-at-the-history.cfm8/14/2019 Implication of Pet Grooming Trends To Society's Aesthetic Norms
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APPENDICES
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Appendix A
(Final Outline)
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Final Outline
Research Topic:
Implication of Pet Grooming Trends to Societys Aesthetic Norms
1.Introduction1.1 Pet grooming is a means of maintaining proper care and
hygiene of pets, which traces its roots from medieval
times.
1.2 The practice of pet grooming increases theappreciation towards pets.
2.Body2.1 Pet grooming is done for various reasons.
2.1.1 Through pet grooming, pets hygiene ismaintained.
2.1.2 Pet grooming improves a pets physicalappearance, making it look good and attractive.
2.1.3 Pet grooming serves as a means of establishingcloser bonds between pets and owners.
2.2 Pets are a significant part of modern day society.2.2.1 Pets are showcased on many occasions, e.g. pet
shows, parties, media, etc.
2.2.2 Pets are considered a part of the family.2.2.3 Pets are protected by the law and by different
organizations that aim for their well-being.
2.3 Societys aesthetic norms are reflected through petgrooming trends.
2.3.1 Pets are groomed upon peoples varyingperceptions of beauty.
2.3.2 Pet grooming trends influence pet owners view ofthe concept of beauty when it comes to their pets.
3.Conclusion
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Appendix B
(Group Schedule Form)
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Appendix C
(Group Checklist)
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Appendix D
(Interview Questions)
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Interview Questions
1.Good day maam/sir, how do you do?2.In your own words, how would you describe pet grooming?3.Do you follow a procedure during pet grooming? Can you
explain it further?
4.As a pet groomer/veterinarian, can you explain why peoplegroom their pets?
5.Can you give your insight on this: A clean pet is a pethealthy pet?
6.How do pets behave while they are being groomed?7.Does pet grooming/pet care have an impact on the pets
personality and behavior?
8.Do you see any significant changes on pet owners who groomtheir pets?
9.Do you believe that pet grooming nowadays is more focusedon aesthetics rather than health care?
10. Do you recommend pet grooming to all pet owners?
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Appendix E
(Interview Transcript)
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Interview Transcript
An Interview with a DVM
Catapang: Hi! *Sitting and waving hand then stands*
Casacop: *Waves hands at Catapangs back*
Catapang: So through the wonders of video production editing,
here we now. . . I mean, a second ago the sun was high in the
sky and now like look at there the sun isnt even in the horizon
anymore. And were here now in *camera turns away* SM Mall of
Asia!
Catimbang: Wooh!
Catapang: *camera returns* Yeah! Yeah!
Casacop: *still smiling and waving hands*
Catapang: So join us in this journey as we rendezvous with our
interviewee *looks from side to side*. To talk about pet
grooming and its effects and whatever it is. Yeah! So, lets
join. Lets join, lets go! Dont mind her! *points at Casacop
and starts to leave*
*setting changes to within the mall*
Casacop: Good day everyone! And we are here to interview Ms.
Paula Czarina A. Villanueva, DVM. Shes a senior veterinarian atCasandra Care Animal Home. Shes going to say all about pet
grooming, its benefits and so much more.
Casacop: Good day maam, how do you do?
Ms. Villanueva: I-Im doing fine. *smiles*
Casacop: In your own words how would you describe pet grooming?
Ms. Villanueva: Well, pet grooming is basically the . . . uhmmm.
The bathing of dogs *giggles* and then maybe haircutting and the
nail cleaning. Basically . . .uhmmm, grooming per se i.e.bathing, trimming of nails, haircutting, and then ear cleaning
and then tooth brushing and then training.
*scene changes with new interviewer*
Catimbang: Do you follow a basic procedure during pet grooming?
If you do, can you explain this procedure further?
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Ms. Villanueva: Well for, in our clinic what we usually do
before cleaning is we do the checkup (basic checkup) like we
check for the skin if it has ticks, fleas or lice. And then we
take the temperature and the weight of the dog and then we just
make sure we ask the owner if the dog has gotten sick in the
past few days, if it has vomited or has-had diarrhea. Uhmmm . .
.so before we do the grooming procedure we do the basic checkup
and then we also check for the teeth (if it needs cleaning) and
the we do the uhmmm . . .recommendations to the pet owners on
what the possibil-possible uhmmm, procedures thats need to be
done. And then we just go to grooming if everythings okay.
Catimbang: As a pet groomer can you explain why people groom
their pets?
Ms. Villanueva: Well for . . . basically, what owners wanted is
to make their pets look good, smell good and then uhmmm,
basically they just want their pets to look healthy and happy.
Catimbang: How about your insight on this: A clean pet is a
healthy pet?
Ms. Villanueva: Well, a clean pet is a healthy pet. Well
thats true because uhmmm, a clean pet is a well taken care, is
well taken care of by its owner. So the owner knows if the pet
has been sick for a while and then . . . Well, basically if the
ceases to groom itself or is very dirty well . . . its uhmmm,
its a possible indication that the pet is sick.
*scene changes with new interviewer*
Catapang: How do pets behave while theyre being groomed?
Ms. Villanueva: Well some are behaved, well behaved. Some are..
Very rowdy, sometimes they get mad when their hair is being
brushed some dogs doesnt like to be bathed. Well for us thats
a challenge, but its still manageable *smiles*
Catapang: So does pet grooming-slash- pet care have an impact on
pets personality and behavior?
Ms. Villanueva: Well some dogs, uhh... I think it has a effect
on their behavior because sometimes when their hair is very bad
and theyre very iri-irritable, and after its shaved, theyre
basically happy pets and some dogs, are... just feels uhh...
when you look at them, they look happy when after bathing and
after grooming.
Catapang: Do you see any significant changes on pet owners who
groom their pets?
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Ms. Villanueva: Significant changes on the pet owners? Well for
the pet owners, when they, when they see their pets that are
very well groomed, theyre pretty, theyre beautiful, uhmm. I
think theyre happy because uhh you can see it in their faces
when they see their pets looking good, they also feel good about
themselves because uhhm well for now, what I noticed is uhhm
pets uhh pet owners, look at their pets as status symbols so if
their pets look good, they feel good about themselves too.
*scene changes with new interviewer*
Castor: Do you believe that pet grooming nowadays is more
focused on aesthetics rather than health care?
Ms. Villanueva: well for now, what Ive been uhmm noticing is
they like having their pets really beautiful, thats why they
groom their pet. Its not more on making pets freshened up or
for the pets skin; its really more focused on aesthetics.
However, uhm It also has health care benefits.
Castor: Would you recommend pet grooming to all pet owners?
Ms. Villanueva: Well, I would recommend grooming but maybe the
grooming per se that includes haircut, because it is more
focused on long hair breeds but the regular grooming like taking
a bath, shower and more, pet owners can do it on a regular
basis.
(on the video with background music)
That would be all. THANKS FOR WATCHING!
Starring:
Casacop, Astrid
Castor, Ellainne
Catapang, Gabriel
Catimbang, Karlo
Filmed on Location: Starbucks (Mall of Asia)
Special Thanks to: Paula Czarina Villanueva, DVM, Pizza Hut,
Starbucks
And above all, THANKS TO Prof Edward Jay Quinto
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Appendix F
(Documentation)
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