The ‘Groomability Top 10’ essential grooming tips to leave your dog feeling clean, tidy and fresh all year round
1). Long haired dogs may require daily (or even twice-daily) brushing to keep the coat free of knots and tangles. With the right brush and a gentle hand, this can become quite a relaxing and enjoyable experience for the dog and its owner.
2). Dogs with medium length hair can be equally prone to matting, especially if they enjoy off lead country walks. Their coat may require a daily brush to keep it at its best.
3). Short haired dogs can be brushed as little as once a week, but this depends on the texture of the dogs coat and any regular activities which the dog participates in.
4). During the shedding season, brush your dog more frequently. This will help to prevent hair build up throughout the home. We will happily advise on the correct brush/tool for the job as there are many types to choose from.
5). Bathing up to once a month is optimal for most dogs, and there is no evidence to suggest that increased bathing is detrimental to the dogs coat.
6). Always use a specialist dog shampoo, and carefully select a shampoo which suits your dogs skin and coat for the best results. Human shampoo and washing-up liquid are both unsuitable as alternatives.
7). Regularly check your dog for ear problems. They are often be genetic and can occur in long-eared breeds where the ear openings have less air exposure. If the ears are not kept clean, bacteria and yeast can build up, causing bad odours or infection.
8). Without regular trimming, nails can quickly overgrow, causing pain and possible infection. Check your dog’s nails regularly and look out for nails which may have split, as they could require specialist care. The speed in which nails grow can largely depend on the breed of your dog, the age and the type of exercise which is undertaken, so some dogs may need more regular checks than others. If your dogs normal exercise doesn’t keep their nails short, using a nail file/emery board whilst having a cuddle on the sofa will help, and strengthen that bond between you.
9). The hairs between the pads on a dogs paws can be susceptible to matting. In muddy weather these matts can form a ball which then dry out and harden, and in snowy weather they can form little ice balls, both of which can be very painful. It’s like getting a small stone in between your toes which you can’t get out. Always keep a look out for this occurring.
10). Grass seeds might look innocent, but they can cause serious problems. Always check your dog’s paws after a trip in a field or even after a short walk across roadside verges. A grass seed can pierce the dog’s skin and actually work its way through your dog’s body, which requires a major (and expensive) operation to remove. A quick check can prevent all of this from happening.
Regular maintenance between professional grooming sessions will maintain your dog in peak condition, hopefully cutting down on expensive vets bills.
