Ask The Groomer: 10 Most Helpful Dog Grooming Questions Answered
Your Doggie Is Famous!!!
How many times does your puppy get approached by a stranger for petting when you go out for a walk? With that adorable face, people must constantly surround him with “Oh, how cute? Can I take you home?” (No, You Can’t!). But Oh it takes effort to keep up with all that style!
Your dog needs to be properly groomed to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Irregular grooming may lead to various health issues and inconveniences. This is why we’ve asked one of the leading pet groomers in Mumbai, Shweta Verma to answer a few of the top dog grooming questions.
Background on the groomer!
The owner of Yes Says Doggie, Shweta has attained specialization in pet grooming from Starwood Art Of Dog Grooming School, Thailand. With an experience of over 7 years, a National Prize, multiple certifications and accolades to back her up, she is now stepping into new ventures of opening a pet retail store and grooming salon as well.
Let’s see what Shweta has to say!
1) How can you tell when your dog needs to be groomed?
Ideally, your dog needs to be groomed every day. You must include basic cleaning habits in your dog’s daily routine.
Every morning, especially for furry dogs, check for any boogers that may get collected around the eyelids. Clean it up with a soft cloth dipped in saline or rose water. Do not use cotton or tissue for wiping purposes as they tend to get disintegrated when in contact with a moist surface. This can be harmful if entered into the eye. You can use special cotton pads or facial tissues that do fall apart.
Besides, you must check his coat and paws for any debris every time you return from a walk. Clipping the nails from time to time, brushing the coat, bathing every 7-10 days, etc. are healthy sanitation practices.
As for professional grooming, we recommend a 4-6 week schedule. You can also take your pet to the salon whenever you feel the need for a good trim and makeover.
2) During the monsoon, many dogs get infested with ticks and fleas. What can we do to prevent this from happening? What should I do if my dog gets infected anyway?
Anti-tick shampoos, dry shampoos, sprays, collars, creams, etc. can be used to prevent infestation of ticks and fleas. You can also make a homemade solution by mixing apple cider vinegar with 1/10th water and spray it on your dog’s coat. This will naturally repel ticks.
Always be on the lookout for any signs of ticks and fleas on your dog so that you can catch them early on. Simultaneously, check your house for any signs as well. Ticks are quick to find hiding places in crevices and your dog’s toys, bed, etc. You must make it a point to clean and disinfect them from time to time as well.
However, if somehow your dog still gets infested, you can use ticks and fleas solutions to kill them or consult your vet. Nowadays, there are drug based/ natural solutions available. So, pick one that is suits for your dog.
I recommend getting him dog shoes for paw protection when going on walks. One less place to look for ticks.
3) What other rainy day diseases should I be on the lookout for?
Most infections transpire when the wet takes hold of your dog. So, the No.1 advice for taking care of dogs during the rainy season is to keep them dry.
Skin infections are common and difficult to get rid of. So, if you notice any redness, scabs, or swelling in your puppy’s hide, take him to the vet immediately.
Besides, precaution is better than cure. Everyday cleansing will do wonders for your dog and protect them from catching any dreadful bacteria or viruses.
4) I am sure you must have had clients who weren’t as calm during the grooming process. So, how do you comfort the doggo at times like these? What can we as dog parents do to soothe our dog's grooming anxiety?
Most pet groomers do not allow pet parents to be with them during the grooming session. This is because your doggo is too excited when his favorite hooman is around. Grooming requires care and precision that is difficult to attain when the dog is jumpy.
We understand that it is very difficult to leave your baby with a stranger. The best thing you can do here is to do your research regarding the groomer. Make sure that they are credible and trustworthy. Once you are at peace, your dog will automatically calm down. If you are hesitant, your dog will understand and be skeptical as well. Talk to him and make him feel secure. After all, your heartstrings are attached!
Dog grooming is similar to going to school for the first time. You are scared to leave your child and the child is worried about staying alone. But slowly and steadily, you get used to it, and there comes a time when you love it. Be patient. It will be worth it!
ALL ABOUT PAW GROOMING!
5) What should I do if I find some rashes or burns on my dog’s paw?
Do not self-medicate. Seek professional help.
I do not recommend following the advice of other pet parents either because all dogs are different. Skin infections may look similar but are different and what may have worked for their dog may not work for yours. Thus, it is best if he is taken care of expertly right from the start.
6) How do I manage my doggie’s overgrowing paw hair?
Buy a blunt pair of scissors. Comfort your dog and make sure that he is not wiggly. Let him play with his toys and superficially trim that extra bunch. Be very careful while doing this, so that you do not end up hurting his paw.
Take him to a groomer if he is uncomfortable and difficult to groom at home.
7) How often should I trim my dog’s nails? What is the best way to clip nails at home?
Image Credit- Dog Lovers on Pinterest
Most dogs need a monthly trim. However, some dogs do not need it as often. This is because their nails get trimmed naturally when walking on rough surfaces, etc. Although, you will still have to clip their toenails as they have a tendency to grow faster.
While clipping your dog’s nails at home, you can make use of specially designed nail clippers available in the market. Make sure it is fitting to your puppy’s size.
You must not clip your dog’s nails till the very end as they have a quick right wherein lies the nerve ending. You can see a faint pink line in dogs that have clear, visible nails. Dog nails need to be trimmed only till that line.
If your dog’s nails are black, Vet or Groomer assistance is recommended. This is because the line is less visible and cutting their nails beyond that will lead to bleeding.
Be careful while trimming their nails because even one cut will make them associate the entire ordeal negatively.
If you have a wiggly dog, seeking professional help is the better option. However, if you are unable to do that for some reason, get a nail filer instead of a nail clipper as a safer alternative.
8) Do you think dog shoes are helpful?
Absolutely! But make sure that they are of the correct fit. If your dog is comfortable wearing them, dog shoes have multiple benefits.
I especially recommend rainboots. Walking barefoot on the muddy and dirty pathways results in cuts and wounds. Harmful reptiles, germs, and parasites may also attach themselves to their feet causing infection. Also, during summers, concrete roads get extremely hot and can cause paw burns. Paw burns take long to heal and can be painful. A set of breathable shoes will prevent this ordeal.
Shoes help to keep their feet dry. You won’t need to always clean his paw after returning from walks. You will just need to wash his shoes.
9) Are there any special practices that we should include in their daily paw care routine?
If your dog has a dry paw, you must moisturize them with a paw balm. Massaging his feet with coconut oil will provide nourishment.
Ensure that the product you use is lick-safe.
10) Finally, do you have any grooming and hygiene tips to share with us?
Image Credit- PetGuide on Pinterest
Make grooming a fun activity for your dog! Don’t make it a chore. Start with smaller sessions and then move on to daily grooming time-table.
Having a daily grooming schedule is a compulsion. Keep it simple and comfortable. After all, it is his pampering time. Include treats, games, etc.
Dog Grooming Time = Dog Bonding Time.
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