Dogs have a way of finding mess, whether they’re running through mud, rolling in grass or splashing through puddles. While a quick clean-up at home can help between appointments, some grooming tasks are best left to the professionals.
Here’s how to know what you can manage yourself, when to book a professional groom, and how often your dog may need one.
What counts as grooming, anyway?
Dog grooming goes beyond a basic bath and trim. It helps keep your dog clean, comfortable and feeling their best. Depending on your dog’s needs, grooming may include:
- Bathing and drying
- Brushing, combing, and deshedding
- Nail clipping
- Ear cleaning
- Coat trimming and styling
This all includes cuts and stylings suited to specific dog breeds.
What you can easily handle at home
There are plenty of simple grooming tasks you can manage at home to help keep your dog clean and comfortable between appointments.
Regular brushing
Regular brushing is one of the most important things you can do between professional grooming appointments. The frequency of brushing will depend on their coat type, but the overall benefits are the same: it helps with shedding, prevents matting, and can strengthen the bond you have with your four-legged friend.
Quick rinse baths
A muddy field or pond with stagnant water is no match for an adventurous dog. So when they make a mess of themselves and are threatening to stink up the house, it’s the right call to give them a quick bath. All you need to do is use a dog-specific shampoo and properly dry them afterwards.
Staying on top of the basics
Between grooms, it’s also worth checking your dog’s paws after walks, wiping around their ears when needed and keeping an eye on their nail length.
If your dog has previously had a groom you loved, take a photo and keep it on your phone for future appointments. It gives your groomer a clear visual guide, especially if you prefer a certain coat length, face shape or style.
Where a professional groomer makes a real difference
Along with at-home grooming, dogs can greatly benefit from professional grooming from time to time. There are several areas where a professional groom can make a real difference, so let’s take a look at each now.
Breed-specific cuts and styling
Some dog breeds have coat needs that are tough to replicate at home, such as schnauzers, poodles, and the ever-popular oodle family of dogs. Professional groomers have access to the necessary tools and know-how to best cut and style different breeds.
A trained eye on your dog’s health
Because groomers regularly see dogs up close, they can often notice if something is off. For example, they could spot early signs of skin irritation, unusual lumps, ear infections, or even parasites. And if they spot any of these, they’ll let you know so you can respond accordingly - whether that’s with a vet visit or getting treatment for fleas, ticks, worms, and other parasites.
Tools and techniques that work
Professional groomers have all the tools and technical know-how to keep your dog clean, stylish, and happy. Something as simple as a comprehensive deshedding will reduce the amount of fluff floating around your home.
Handling the tricky stuff
Certain aspects of dog grooming can be trickier than others, and many dog owners would rather have a professional handle them. Tasks like nail grinding and clipping, as well as deeper ear cleaning, can be uncomfortable for your dog if handled incorrectly. Groomers are trained to handle such tasks safely and efficiently.
Keeping anxious or wriggly dogs safe
Petstock groomers are trained to support dogs who are anxious, wriggly or unsure about being groomed. For dogs who find grooming overwhelming, a calm and experienced groomer can help make the process safer and more comfortable. It can also make the experience less stressful for you.
How often should your dog see a professional groomer?
How often your dog needs a professional groom depends on their coat type, lifestyle and grooming needs. Coat type is a good place to start, but dogs who spend lots of time outdoors, at the beach or on farms may need more regular grooming.
As a general guide, professional grooming may be recommended every:
- Short and/or smooth coat (Staffy, Boxer, Dachshund): Every 8 to 12 weeks
- Medium coat (Labrador, Border Collie): Every 6 to 8 weeks
- Long and/or silky coat (Cavalier, Maltese, Shih Tzu): Every 4 to 6 weeks
- Curly and/or wooly coat (Poodle and Oodle crossbreeds): Every 4 to 6 weeks
- Double coat (Husky, Golden Retriever, Malamute): Every 6 to 8 weeks
- Wire and/or rough coat (Schnauzer, Westie, Jack Russell): Every 6 to 8 weeks
If you’re unsure how often your dog needs grooming, you can always ask one of our Petstock groomers when you see them for an appointment.
What to expect at a Petstock grooming appointment
If you book a grooming appointment with our Petstock team, you can expect a calm and supportive grooming experience for your furry friend. We offer a range of packages that include services such as bathing and drying, brushing and combing (including deshedding), hair clipping, nail clipping, hygiene clips, ear cleaning, and styling appropriate to your dog’s breed.
When you book a service with us, the grooming session can take anywhere from one to four hours, depending on the service.
Making grooming easier at home
To make at-home grooming easier, try these simple tips:
- Start early: If you’ve got a puppy and want them to feel more comfortable with grooming, it’s a good idea to get them used to being handled. Touching areas such as their paws, ears, and mouth can all help them feel calmer during at-home and professional grooming sessions where they’ll be handled in similar areas.
- Make sure you have the right brush: Different dog grooming brushes are suited to different coats and purposes. Using the wrong brush can be ineffective or even upset your dog. If you’re unsure, a professional groomer can point you in the right direction.
- Make bath time a positive experience: Keep your dog happy by being calm as you groom them, and reward them with treats for good behaviour. If at any point your dog is expressing unhappiness, simply stop - don’t push through, as this will only distress them more.
Grooming is a key part of your dog’s health and wellbeing, and finding the right balance between at-home and professional grooming is an important part of this process.
Is your dog due for a professional groom? Book a dog grooming appointment with Petstock today!