Question of the week

Why do you groom me so often?

Grooming aerates the coat and stimulates the blood supply to the skin. It removes dead hairs that are continually being shed by most breeds. This contributes to a healthy, glossy coat which has a sheen on it.

Dogs love to be petted and cuddled and this grooming time gives you and your dog time together to enhance your relationship. It also gets the dog accustomed to regular handling and is also an excellent opportunity to check the dog’s coat, skin, eyes, ears, feet and teeth. Lumps, bumps and scabs that might go unnoticed can be detected. Regular bathing removes build-up of grease and grime that can lead to skin irritations and blocked pores. Remember to use a shampoo specifically formulated for dogs as the pH-balance of human skin is not the same as that of a dog - so no human shampoo and definitely no washing up liquid.

Breeds that need clipping should be professionally groomed on a regular basis, usually every six to eight weeks depending on the and coat length and general maintenance. Regular brushing in between appointments is essential. Pay close attention to the parts of the coat that can get matted and your dog will thank you. It only needs to take five minutes and it also gives you a chance to have a lovely cuddle! It can be a long and difficult job to de-tangle a badly matted coat and often kinder and usually the only option for the dog just to have it’s coat clipped-off and to start again.

Short haired breeds need minimal coat care but still benefit greatly from regular bathing and brushing.

Most dogs love being groomed, especially if they are accustomed to it from puppyhood. It is a time when they have sole attention of the owner and it can be a pleasant and relaxing exercise for both dog and owner.

A well groomed dog is a happy dog because it feels clean, beautiful and admired and a responsible owner is always glad to see their pet that way.