Dogs
- How To Groom A Long Haired Dog
By Suzanne Alicie You know how pretty your long haired dog is after going to the groomer, all smooth and fluffy with no snarls or mats? Wouldn’t you like for your favorite canine to look that put together all the time? It’s actually quite easy to...
- Getting Ready For Spring: Shedding
It's that time of year again... When your vaccum is ready to quit...When your home feels like the wild west with all the fur tumbleweeds drifting through it...When you can't sit on your furniture without putting a fur sweater on... That's...
- Brushing And Combing Tips For Dog Owners
Brushing or combing a dog’s coat is very important for good grooming. Long haired dog breeds need every day brushing while short-haired dogs may require combing at least once or twice a week. Here are tips on how to make grooming a fun and enjoyable...
- Grooming Havanese Dogs
Havanese dogs are also known as Bichon Havanais, Havana Silk dog and Bichon Havanese. They are known as non-shedding dogs as they shed less compared to other dog breeds. These are low shedding dogs that require high dog grooming sessions. Caring...
- Miniature Schnauzer Grooming
Miniature Schnauzer is a small dog breed that is characterized by its small, square shaped furry body. It is basically a mix dog breed of Standard Schnauzer and small dog breeds like Poodle and Affenpinscher. Dogs of this breed are usually 12 to...
Dogs
Keeping Your Dog's Coat Beautiful: Brushing
Brushing is one of, if not the, most important thing you can do to help your dog's coat and skin stay shiny and beautiful. Brushing helps to prevent matting which can be uncomfortable, and even dangerous to your dog's health.
Many pet parents do not realize the severity of mats. Often, a will matted dog will be brought in for "just a trim" and it will end up having to be shaved. Asking your groomer to brush out mats is like asking a hairdresser to brush out dreadlocks. It just isn't going to happen without causing an unnecessary amount of pain to your pet.
Aesthetics aside, matting is extremely uncomfortable for your dog. Imagine grabbing a clump of your own hair, twisting it taught then yanking. Ouch!
In addition to being uncomfortable, the biggest concern with mats comes when they proliferate and whole patches form on their body, concealing other issues. Matting can also trap moisture, dirt and bacteria which can lead to infections and sores. It’s very easy for fleas and other pests to hide under a matted coat, leading to even more discomfort for your furry friend. Here is a great article with information on why paying attention to your dog’s coat (and not just for matting) is a great way to keep and eye on their overall health
Finally, shaving a dog with mats is dangerous. As the mats are pulled tight to the skin, there is the chance that the groomer’s clipper can snag skin that has been pulled up by the matted fur. This is, of course, something every groomer takes precautions to avoid, but unfortunately accidents do happen.
In addition to being uncomfortable, the biggest concern with mats comes when they proliferate and whole patches form on their body, concealing other issues. Matting can also trap moisture, dirt and bacteria which can lead to infections and sores. It’s very easy for fleas and other pests to hide under a matted coat, leading to even more discomfort for your furry friend. Here is a great article with information on why paying attention to your dog’s coat (and not just for matting) is a great way to keep and eye on their overall health
Needless to say, it’s in your pet’s best interest to keep a close watch of their coat for matting. For most dogs, matting is easy to prevent, a quick brush all over (don’t forget the legs!) once or twice a week and they’ll be fine. Other dogs' coats are a little higher maintenance and may need daily brushing. It's important to make sure that you're using the best brush for your dog's coat type; for help with this click here. And this is a basic brushing tutorial.
There's no better time of year to give your dog's coat a fresh start than spring. Many dogs are clipped short in the spring and summer to keep them cool anyway, so your dog will blend right in!
- Peter
- How To Groom A Long Haired Dog
By Suzanne Alicie You know how pretty your long haired dog is after going to the groomer, all smooth and fluffy with no snarls or mats? Wouldn’t you like for your favorite canine to look that put together all the time? It’s actually quite easy to...
- Getting Ready For Spring: Shedding
It's that time of year again... When your vaccum is ready to quit...When your home feels like the wild west with all the fur tumbleweeds drifting through it...When you can't sit on your furniture without putting a fur sweater on... That's...
- Brushing And Combing Tips For Dog Owners
Brushing or combing a dog’s coat is very important for good grooming. Long haired dog breeds need every day brushing while short-haired dogs may require combing at least once or twice a week. Here are tips on how to make grooming a fun and enjoyable...
- Grooming Havanese Dogs
Havanese dogs are also known as Bichon Havanais, Havana Silk dog and Bichon Havanese. They are known as non-shedding dogs as they shed less compared to other dog breeds. These are low shedding dogs that require high dog grooming sessions. Caring...
- Miniature Schnauzer Grooming
Miniature Schnauzer is a small dog breed that is characterized by its small, square shaped furry body. It is basically a mix dog breed of Standard Schnauzer and small dog breeds like Poodle and Affenpinscher. Dogs of this breed are usually 12 to...