Dog grooming

As much as most human beings are bothered about their appearance when they venture out in public, dog owners can be equally concerned about how their furry friends look. But making your dog look all shiny and healthy is not necessarily about spending vast amounts of money. And the starting point is proper grooming.

What breed?

The first thing to realise is that the grooming requirements for you dog will depend dramatically on the breed. Some require daily brushing and combing while others require it less often. Some dogs may also need professional grooming, the frequency of which will also vary. The best starting point is to do some research – speak to your vet and look around on the Internet. Try and find a local or national association for your dog’s breed and find out what they are advising.

There are five main types of dog coat – long, non-shedding, silky, wiry or smooth. There are also a few others, namely the hairless breeds and those which have coats that are twisted into cords. Here are a few basic grooming pointers:

• Long coats need a lot of attention and should be groomed on a daily basis. German Shepherds and Golden Retrievers fall into this category.
• Non-shedding coats need to be clipped on a regular basis, as much as every two months. These types of dogs also need to have their ears plucked. Poodles and Bichons Frises, for example, are non-shedding dogs.
• Silky coats need a lot of care. The dead hair has to be removed or the dog will become very matted. Some trimming is also required. Silky haired dogs include Afghans, Spaniels and Setters.
• Dogs with wiry coats, which include most terrier breeds, need to be hand stripped, usually twice a year, or clipped regularly. Professional help will be needed for both these methods. These dogs should also have their coats combed on a regular basis to prevent matting.
• Smooth coated dogs have the easiest coats to groom. A grooming mitt is all you really need, maybe a comb for Labradors. Boxers and Dobermans are smooth coated dogs.

Grooming and bathing tips

Irrespective of the type of coat that your dog has, there are some general tips that you can apply when grooming.

If you have your pet from a young age, make regular grooming part of the puppy training process. That means they will become accustomed more easily and are less likely to make a fuss as they get older.

• Before you start brushing or combing, go through the coat with your hands in the opposite direction to hair growth – this loosens the dead hairs.
• Use the grooming equipment best suited to your dog’s hair type – check with your vet, a grooming specialist or supplier.
• If you are using scissors to deal with matted hair or to trim around the eyes or mouth, use caution in case the dog jumps.
• When grooming your dog, use the opportunity to check it over for any lumps and bumps. Also check for fleas or any red, sore or inflamed areas that may require treatment.
• Groom your dog before washing or bathing it as it removes the unwanted hair, and wetting hair that has knots can make it worse.
• When bathing, use proper dog shampoo that is suitable for your dog – and don’t overbathe your dog as it can strip natural oils.
• Use lukewarm water and wet the coat thoroughly before adding the shampoo – talk to your dog to reassure it. Start at the neck and back and work your way down – do the head last. Follow the same process when rinsing.
• The dog may want to shake itself while being bathed, if you notice that this is about to happen then place your hand on the back of its neck, the scruff, if necessary gently lift the scruff. This action should be enough to stop the shake from occurring.
• Once you have rinsed your dog, use your hands to squeeze excess water away, so that it doesn’t drip everywhere.
• Dry your dog with a towel or, if it will tolerate it, a hair dryer but make sure that it's on a low heat setting.
• After drying, groom your dog one more time to finish the process – et voilà! One shiny doggy!

When grooming and bathing your dog, you should also check the lip folds for food debris. These folds can become infected if left uncleaned. Not all dogs have these lip folds – the Spaniel is one breed that seems to have problems in this area. You should also check your dog's feet as the hair between the toes and pads can become matted and collect all sorts of debris.

If you don’t feel confident enough to groom and bathe your dog, or if you find it difficult, you can always approach a professional groomer – an Internet search should find one in your area.

Related information:

Pet pampering – if you think your dog deserves more than the usual weekly bath at home, have you thought about taking them to a dog spa? That’s just one of many more unusual ways people are treating their pets these days! Buying a pedigree – different breeds require different types of care. Make sure you fully research a dog breed before buying.