Grooming Frequently Asked Questions
Why do dogs need their nails clipped?
Dog's nails have a quick (the nail bed) which is basically a blood supply. The quick grows with the nail and if their nail's get too long, when they are clipped, the blood supply can be clipped which is incredibly painful for dogs. Also, if the dog's nails get too long, this can warp the way they stand which can then warp their skeletal structure. Dog's nails should be short and off the walking surface.
How often do dogs need their nails clipped?
Once every 4 to 6 weeks, 8 weeks minimum. If a dog's nails and nail bed (quick) are overgrown, they will need clipped every 1-2 weeks until the issue is dealt with.
Why do dogs need their ears cleaned?
Dog's ears, especially long ears, can get bacterial infections so it's important to pluck all of the hair that's ready to come away and clean them out to remove anything that can potentially cause infection. ​
How often do dogs need their ears cleaned?
Once every 4 to 6 weeks, 8 weeks minimum. Some dogs may need their ears cleaned more regularly, such as those with long ears.
Why do dogs need to be groomed?
Dogs with different coat types need different types of grooms for different reasons. However, grooming is required for most breeds to prevent matting of the hair, over-heating, and infections and to keep their coats shiny and healthy.
For all dogs, washing removes all of the dander that builds up on their coat and drying blasts away any excess hair to help with brushing and de-shedding. Drying also gives groomers good visualisation of the skin to check for any skin conditions, ticks, and potential issues with a dog's coat.
How often do dogs need to be groomed?
Once every 4 to 6 weeks is ideal for keeping on top of matting, making sure your dog is used to the grooming process, and getting a thorough check over for any potential ailments such as skin conditions, ticks, lumps, and changes to their coat. Groomers may not be able to diagnose illnesses but we can catch any potential issue early and recommend a vet visit which could be crucial to your dog's health.
How do I know what type of groom my dog needs?
You don't have to know, we will! The type of groom will depend on the type of hair your dog has, whether you are looking for a breed standard cut or a pet cut, whether the type of cut you have in mind will suit your dog's body shape and hair type. Before the first groom, we will meet you and your dog and discuss with you what groom will be best for your dog.
I read that cutting dog's hair can cause over-heating and is bad for them, is that true?
Yes and no. Dogs don't sweat and air moving through their hair is important to help regulate their temperature. Therefore, shaving a dog's hair too short, particularly during summer, can cause overheating and potentially sun burn. However, the coat also needs to be healthy and free flowing to enable air to move through their coat so regular grooming is important to facilitate this. That's not to say you can't cut your dog's hair short, it just can't be too short!
What happens if my dog's hair is matted?
Matting happens when the hair gets twisted and tangled together. If not combed out quickly, the hair will continue to get tighter and tighter until it is so tangled it pulls at the dog's skin. Bacteria can get caught under matting which causes infections in the skin. Combing out matting can be very painful for your dog which is why groomers recommend cutting the matting out.
What causes matting?
Matting can happen very easily. Typically anything that disturbs the hair can cause matting, such as: when the hair gets wet, it clumps together causing matting as it dries; if your dog rubs themselves on carpets or furniture it can cause the hair to tangle; and harnesses, collars, and clothes will rub the hair underneath them.
Do I still need to brush my dog's hair if they are being groomed regularly?
Yes. Home care is necessary for a lot of breeds, especially if you like your dog's hair long. It's essential that your dog gets used to the routine of being combed through if you want to keep a luscious coat. It will not only make your groomer's job easier, it will make your dog a lot happier and less likely to get scared of the equipment during their appointments.
How often should I brush my dog's hair at home to prevent matting?
Dogs like Poodles, Cockapoos, Labradoodles, Bichon Frise (e.g., with wool coats or combination coats that are more prone to matting) will need combed through every day at home. It should only take about 5 minutes to make sure you can get the comb through everywhere and take out any small knots you find.
Dogs such as Pugs, Beagles, Huskies, Pomeranians with easier coat types (e.g., smooth and course) can be combed through once a week and any time they get wet. Drying and combing can drastically reduce the risk of matting.
Be sure to use a comb with close teeth. It doesn't need to be a flee comb but you want to be able to part the hair and see skin then take the comb from the base all the way to the tip. Hold the hair tightly underneath the knot, as close to the base as you can, so if there's any resistance you're not pulling at the dog's skin.
Does handstripping hurt?
No, handstripping doesn't hurt. The hair that is being removed during a handstrip is at the end of its cycle, meaning it's either falling out or imminently ready to fall out of the hair follicle. If the dog is showing signs of distress, there is possibly an underlying issue with the skin.
Won't the hair just fall out on it's own?
Yes and no. A lot of it comes out as the dog is moving about but most of it will remain in the coat which adds extra weight to the dog and can cause overheating or matting.
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