March 19, 2024
As summer is now on the horizon, now's a great time to pop down to your local groomer and have a day pampering your pooch. But don't worry if that all sounds too extravagant as here at Doggie Solutions, we provide you with all the dog grooming essentials you'll need to maintain a healthy coat that should shed less!
Did you know that grooming promotes healthy skin by stimulating blood circulation and distributing natural oils? This helps to reduce the risk of skin infections, hot spots, and other dermatological issues.
It's worth noting that different dog breeds have unique grooming requirements. Some breeds, such as poodles and bichon frises, require regular haircuts, while others, like Labrador retrievers, need minimal grooming. Understanding your dog's breed-specific grooming needs is essential for maintaining their health and appearance. If you're unsure, it may be a good idea to ask a professional groomer for more information!
Dog grooming tips:
- To maintain a healthy coat, you should ideally brush your dog at least once a week using a quality dog brush or dog comb. Brushing is the best way to prevent matting hair and is also great for removing dirt and debris. It also distributes natural oils that help keep the coat and skin healthy.
- Clip your dog's nails using dog nail clippers as necessary. This tends to relate to the amount of exercise they get on certain surfaces, as a dog that walks constantly on hard surfaces will need far less attention than a dog who walks on grass, woodland tracks etc.
- Your dogs' dental health is just as important as your own. Dental chew treats and puppy teething toys can be beneficial in exercising your dog's jaw and clearing the dog's mouth of debris.
- Once every month, you should treat your pet for fleas, and every two to three months, or even more frequently, for worms. Be sure to invest in a quality flea comb to remove traces of fleas, nits and debris!
- Although dogs typically shake off excess water instinctively following a wet encounter, it's likely that you'll need to assist them further in drying. This Danish Design Robe, made from luxurious cotton towelling, will keep your dog warm and dry without restricting their movement! Following this step, most dogs can be permitted to air dry without intervention.
- During grooming sessions, inspect your dog's ears, eyes, and teeth for any signs of infection, discharge, or dental issues. Cleaning ears and brushing teeth regularly can help prevent problems.
- Ear Care: Following on from the above, thoroughly check your dog's ears regularly for signs of infection or debris buildup. Clean with a veterinarian-recommended ear cleaner and cotton balls, being careful not to insert anything deep into the ear canal. Wipes are also a great option!
- For grooming around the eyes, use a small comb and gently comb the fur around the eyes up and away from the eyes. This should smooth out the fur and get out any tangles. Let your dog sniff your scissors before using them. Gently trim around your dog's eyes with these scissors.
- Need help with detangling? Lightly spray a quality detangler over your dog's fur to tease out knots and tangles with a brush. Most sprays can be used on wet or dry hair and there is no rinsing involved to make grooming easier for you and your dog.
If you're unsure about how to groom your dog properly or encounter grooming tasks you're not comfortable with (e.g, trimming certain areas), don't hesitate to seek assistance from a professional groomer or veterinarian! It is important that you establish a regular grooming routine that suits both your and your dog's needs. Consistency helps keep your dog's coat and skin healthy while strengthening your bond through regular grooming sessions!
Happy Grooming!