Does your dog's coat start to look scruffy long before their next grooming appointment? While groomer visits are essential in keeping your dog comfortable and looking great, that doesn't mean you won't have to do any maintenance yourself.
Here are four simple ways you can help to maintain your dog's coat and overall hygiene in the interim.
1. Bathe regularly, but not too much
Just like humans, dogs need regular baths to stay clean and fresh. Short-coated breeds who spend most of their time indoors may only need bathing at groomer's appointments, but that's not the case for most pups. If your dog loves to spend time in the great outdoors, or they have a long coat that seems to attract dirt and debris, you'll probably need to bathe them every month or so.
Just remember not to give your dog too many baths. Washing the coat too frequently can strip it of all its natural oils. Not only do these oils keep your dog's coat looking luscious, but they also protect the fur and skin against bacteria.
2. Wipe down between baths
Since you shouldn't wash your dog too often, what else can you do to keep them clean? You're not alone if your dog seems to get dirty every day. Thankfully, there's an easy solution: wet wipes.
If your dog ever gets dirty while playing outside, give their coat and paws a quick wipe down afterward. This will help prevent buildup and prevent matting. Ideally, try to use special dog or pet wipes rather than baby wipes. Since a dog's skin and fur have a different pH level to a human's, wipes will be better for their coat health and quality.
3. Don't forget to go beyond the fur
Did you know that your groomer does far more than trim your dog's coat? If you've never watched the grooming process before, you may be surprised to learn how many additional services a groomer may perform. During a visit, they may trim your dog's nails, clean their ears and eyes and even brush their teeth.
So, when maintaining your dog's hygiene between appointments, don't forget to top up these areas yourself. You can wipe your dog's eyes and ears with fresh water and a clean cloth or cotton ball, though there are also specially formulated pet washes to help prevent infections. If your dog doesn't take well to tooth brushing, look for meat-flavoured toothpastes or dental chews in the meantime. And, if you're wary about trimming your dog's nails, you can always take your pup for quick trims at the groomer or vet.
4. Visit the groomer often
Finally, if your dog still seems to get matted, overgrown or particularly dirty between appointments, you may not be visiting the groomer often enough. While some dog breeds only need professional grooming a few times a year, long-haired or curly-haired dogs may need far more frequent appointments. Your groomer will be able to advise you on how often you should bring your pooch in for a trim.
For more information, contact a local company that offers pet grooming services.
