The Ultimate Guide to Dog Grooming: Keeping it Fresh

Welcome to our ultimate guide to dog grooming, where we'll dive into everything you need to know about keeping your canine companion looking and feeling their best.

Grooming isn't just a cosmetic endeavour; it's a fundamental aspect of responsible pet ownership, ensuring your dog's overall well-being from nose to tail.

Whether you're a seasoned dog owner or a first-time puppy parent, dog grooming involves more than just keeping your pup's coat pristine and tangle-free; it encompasses vital tasks like nail trimming, teeth cleaning and ear cleaning, all of which we'll explore in depth below. 

How often should a dog get groomed?

Depending on your canine companion's breed, coat type, length, and lifestyle, we recommend getting your dog groomed every 4-8 weeks to keep their coat in prime condition. Additionally, having your dog groomed on a regular basis allows for early signs of potential illnesses or any recent bumps that may have developed.  

How much is dog grooming? 

Dog grooming prices can vary widely, ranging from £30.00 to upwards of £100.00 or more depending on the size of your dog, breed, coat, and the specific services requested, such as breed cut, creative haircut, teeth cleaning and nail trimming. 

Is dog grooming stressful for dogs? 

Dog grooming can be stressful for some dogs, while others may find it enjoyable or even relaxing. The level of stress experienced during grooming depends on various factors, including the individual dog's temperament, past experiences, and the grooming environment itself.

It's essential for owners to remain calm when dropping off their dogs, as displaying stress or worry can inadvertently signal to the dog that there is something to be concerned about. 

For some dogs, the unfamiliar sights, sounds, and sensations of the grooming process can cause anxiety or fear. However, with proper handling, positive reinforcement, and gradual desensitisation, our canine companions learn to tolerate or even enjoy their visit to the local dog grooming salon.

Do dogs feel better after grooming? 

Oh, absolutely! After a grooming session, dogs bounce around with a bit of extra pep in their step. Grooming helps to maintain their physical health and hygiene by keeping their coat clean, free of tangles, and trimmed to a comfortable length. It will also address issues such as matting, which can cause discomfort or even skin problems if left untreated. Additionally, a healthy coat will help your dog regulate its body temperature. 

Grooming often includes activities like brushing, which can stimulate blood flow to the skin and distribute natural oils, promoting a healthy coat and skin. Trimming your dog's nails can also prevent overgrowth, which can lead to discomfort. 

How long does dog grooming take? 

Typically, grooming a dog takes two to three hours. Depending on temperament, coat condition, and the type of haircut, some pups breeze through their grooming appointment like it's a walk in the park, while others might need a little extra time. 

Is it best to brush your dog wet or dry? 

Remember, it's always best to brush your dog's coat when it's dry before hopping into the bath. Those sneaky knots and tangles? They like to tighten up and become even more stubborn after a soak if you haven't tackled them beforehand. 

How do you clean dog teeth naturally?

Placing your dog on a raw diet, paired with bones and dental chew toys and treats, is ideal for cleaning your canine companion's teeth naturally. 

Raw diets consist of natural, unprocessed foods that not only help maintain healthy teeth but also promote gastrointestinal health and minimise the risk of chronic diseases.

We fully appreciate that not everyone has the time to prepare a raw diet for their canine companion. That's why we recommend checking out Nutriment or Bella & Duke, which offer the convenience of creating a tailored menu for your dog and having it delivered straight to your door. 

Should you clean your dog's teeth? 

Yes! Taking care of your dog’s teeth is a big deal for their health and happiness. Dogs can run into dental troubles like plaque, tartar, and gum issues if we don't keep their chompers in check, just like us humans.

How can I get plaque off my dog's teeth? 

We suggest scheduling your furry friend for an ultrasonic teeth cleaning session at your local dog salon every six weeks to eliminate plaque buildup effectively. This should be paired with a healthy gum diet of raw bones, lean meats, and dent chew toys and treats. In severe cases, your groomer will recommend seeking the expertise of a vet. 

What are the best dog teeth cleaning products? 

From our experience, we recommend using enzymatic dog toothpaste to clean your dog's gnashers. Enzymatic toothpaste contains baking soda, which helps to keep your dog's teeth clean while the enzymes work on tartar and plaque. 

What Are the Different Dog Grooming Cuts?

There are various dog grooming cuts or styles, each tailored to suit different breeds, coat types, and owner preferences. Here are some popular grooming cuts:

Breed Cut: A breed cut is all about accentuating your furry friend's genetic build and muscle structure, showing off their unique personality and charm in the best possible way! 

Hand Stripping: For our wire-coated companions, hand stripping involves delicately plucking or pulling out dead hairs in the direction of growth without clipping. This creates space for the fresh, healthy, soft new coat to shine through.

Kennel Cut: This is your classic shave-down style, perfect for low-maintenance grooming. The coat is trimmed short all over the body, from top to tail, making it a breeze to manage and keeping your dog looking neat and tidy.

Teddy Bear Haircut or Asian Fusion: Lovingly known as the "teddy bear illusion," this haircut delicately sculpts your dog's facial hair into a flawless circle. Meanwhile, the legs are trimmed to resemble bell bottoms, and the body hair is cut to accentuate the head's size. 

Lambs Trim: Similar to the teddy bear trim, but less exaggerated, the lamb cut includes a short sculpted body. At the same time, the legs and head are left longer and expertly scissored for a stylish finish, the ideal choice for keeping your furry friend feeling cool and comfortable during warmer weather.

Lions Trim: This style entails shaving the body and base of the tail short while leaving the chest, head, feet, and tip of the tail long to mimic lion features. It's a majestic transformation that can give your Pomeranian a truly regal appearance.

Neaten: Also referred to as a "Tidy up" or “maintenance groom”, typically involves scissoring rather than clipping, focusing on tidying up those pesky stray hairs around the feet, face, and other areas of the body as needed. 

Final Thoughts 

In conclusion, maintaining your dog's grooming routine isn't just about appearances; it's a crucial aspect of their overall health and well-being. From regular brushing to professional teeth cleanings, each grooming task plays a role in keeping your furry friend happy and healthy from nose to tail. 

Remember to consider your dog's breed, coat type, and individual needs when scheduling grooming appointments and selecting products. With the proper care and attention, you can ensure your dog stays fresh, comfortable, and looking their best for years to come. 

Embark on your journey with us today by scheduling a Puppy Talk session. During this personalised consultation, using positive reinforcement, we'll introduce your dog to the salon environment by cutting their nails, lightly trimming around the feet for exposure to the scissors, and running the clippers along their body without cutting the hair, allowing your dog to familiarise themselves with the vibrations and sounds. 

Our Puppy Talk session also includes a 30-minute one-on-one chat with our groomers, offering an ideal opportunity for you to discuss any questions or concerns. Additionally, it allows your dog to explore the salon environment's smells and sounds with you by their side.