Implication of Pet Grooming Trends To Society's Aesthetic Norms

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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.cfm


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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.


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.


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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Documents

Implication of Pet Grooming Trends To Society's Aesthetic Norms