GROOMING Q&A

 

At We Talk Dog, Jeanette and the team answer questions about the grooming process daily. Below are some of our most frequently asked questions and information to consider when deciding if its time to schedule your pup a grooming appointment.

 

“How often does my dog need to be groomed?”

Most dogs need a bath or groom about once a month, but some breeds require more extensive grooming than others.

Dog breeds with long hair and thick fur that easily mats need consistent grooming to keep their coats looking great and your pup feeling their best. This includes breeds such as Yorkies, Poodles, Wheaten Terriers, Collies, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Doodles, Sheepdogs, and Lhasa Apso among many others. These dogs need to be groomed every 4-6 weeks depending on their activity level. All long hair dogs need daily brushing and professional brush outs every week or two.

If your pup has a thick undercoat and is prone to constant shedding,  you should get your dog FURminated, which removes the loose undercoat and cuts down on excessive shedding. Breeds that benefit from this: Labs, Golden Retrievers, Lab-mixes, Chows or any dog that sheds. Dogs should be FURminated every 2-4 weeks depending on the time of year – dogs shed about twice a year so they may need it more during these times. At We Talk Dog, we use a comprehensive FURminating system starting with specialty shampoo and conditioner that releases the undercoat. Then, we use a master blaster and FURminator comb that removes all of the loose hair.

 

“Should I be brushing my dog at home?”

Dogs with long hair or thick undercoats need daily brushing between groomings to remove dead hair, reduce shedding and prevent tangling. Regular brushing or a quick rub down with a grooming mitt will cut down on shedding for shorter haired dogs as well.

 

“My dog has mats, but I don’t want it shaved. Can you just remove them?”

Dematting is no fun for a dog – it is stressful and painful. Brushing your dog daily will help avoid this process but inevitable life happens and therefore, mats happen.

Matting in dogs can lead to hot spots and severe skin irritation, they are a nesting ground for insects, and mats hold in heat making dogs very uncomfortable. The safest, most humane solution is to shave or comb out mats – never cutting with scissors. Using scissors can be dangerous, because you may not know where the mat ends and skin begins. If your dog is matted, it is best to have the groomer shave the dog and let the coat grow back again.

 

“Can I cut my dog’s nails at home?”

Dogs nails need to be trimmed about once a month to prevent overgrowth; you want to keep the nails at least 2mm from the quick. Dogs that run around a lot on concrete will naturally wear down their nails more than a couch potato and may need their nails trimmed less often. If you are uncomfortable trimming your dog’s nails, chances are they are feeling your energy and are uncomfortable to. In this case, leave it up to the professionals. It can be a simple, quick process for your dog at WTD.

 

“When should I start grooming my puppy?”

Puppies need “training to be groomed”. Your puppy should start coming in when they are 12 weeks old, once they have their shots and are allowed We Talk Dog. We strive to make this a positive experience for your puppy and they will get a lot of attention, treats, and rewards – making grooming a positive experience for your pup. Depending on the breed, puppies should start with either a Tidy or a bath as well as getting their nails done once a month. Additionally, owners should brush their puppy once a day and reward them with treats/play/love for good behavior. Often, clients wait too long to bring puppies in for grooming which leads to fear and stress. “The sooner the better” is the rule making the grooming room a normal part of their routine.

 

If it is time for your dog to be groomed you should give the grooming team at We Talk Dog a call at (205) 588-4709. All grooming services include a bath, a brush out, nail trim, ear cleaning, and anal gland expression. Your dog will come home looking good and smelling great!