Dirt, grass, sand, and swimming – the perfect recipe for some dirty dogs! When it comes to grooming advice for dogs, the lessons are as varied as the breeds themselves. Here are some simple rules for summer dog grooming to keep your dog looking and feeling its best.
Do bathe your dog. Everyone likes a clean dog! In the summer, all those outdoor adventures can leave your dog dirty and stinky. Naturally, your dog probably naps on your couch and sleeps in the bed with you, and if they stink it’s no fun. If you don’t want to deal with hair all over your bathroom keep up with those regular scheduled grooming appointments!
Don’t over bathe your dog. Be extra cautious especially with dogs prone to dry skin. Bathing them too much will make dry skin worse because washing strips off the healthy natural oils on their skin. We do carry a wide range of shampoos that you can buy that work for all dog skin types.
Do check your dog regularly for fleas and ticks. This is something that we mention often because it is important. You see, the problem with fleas is that where there is one there are many, and they multiply quickly. They are also a total headache to get rid of. If they are on your dog, they are mostly likely also in your house and in your yard. You will have to treat all those areas and the dog to get rid of them.
Ticks don’t come in great numbers like fleas, but they can carry very serious and life threatening illnesses. Check your pet regularly for these parasites. They often hide on their bellies, around their ears, in their “arm” pits, and near the base of the tail. For long haired dogs, run a flea comb into the grain of the hair under good lighting to check for fleas and ticks.
Do talk with your groomer about an appropriate summer haircut. Dogs come in so many different breeds and types of coats that is impossible to say make broad statements about what kind of summer cut is best for your pet. So when you schedule your grooming appointment talk with your groomer about what kind of haircut would be best for your particular dog and your particular lifestyle. All our groomers will help you with your decision.
Do check your dog’s ears regularly, particularly if swimming is on his play list. Dogs whose ears fold over are prone to ear infections, which wet ears promote. After your dog takes a dip, wipe the inside ear flap gently with a cotton ball.
Do keep up with nail trims. Since your dog will be spending more time romping outside, it’s important to make sure nails are properly trimmed. Long nails may catch or break, causing injury and pain.
Do pay attention to your pet’s paw pads. The pads on your pet’s feet are very sensitive. Hot concrete, asphalt, rocks, gravel and sand can be painful and damaging to your pet’s pads. Heat blisters, rips, and tears in the pads can all occur. Be mindful of the temperature of the ground you’re walking your pet on and avoid hot surfaces that might bring harm. Pawdicures, paw wax and even booties are good things to have to protect your dog’s paws!
Do brush your dog. Regular grooming with a brush or comb will help keep your pet’s hair in good condition by removing dirt, spreading natural oils throughout her coat, preventing tangles and keeping her skin clean and irritant-free. Plus, grooming time is a great time to check for fleas and flea dirt—those little black specks that indicate your pet is playing host to a flea family.
Dog grooming takes a little bit of work — but, in the long run, proper care leads to a happy and healthy pet.