Whether you share your life with a Cavoodle, a Mastiff or a “special breed dog”, the long and the short of it is that ALL pets need to be groomed. Some breeds/types may benefit from regular visits to the groomer, but home grooming is vital for the whole fur-family.
HOME GROOMING
Shedding – all pets lose hair daily and if this dead hair is not cleared away through brushing, one of two things happen. Depending on the length and type of coat, it will either end up all over your furniture, clothing, car and any free surface, or it clumps together in uncomfortable mats that tighten with time and rip the hair out of the underlying skin, causing pain and bruising. Regular brushing (daily for long-haired pets, and a few times a week for short-hairs), is essential and helps prevent shedding and matting issues.
Hairless Wonders – even hairless breeds like Sphynx cats and Mexican Hairless dogs require a specialised skin-care regime. They produce excess oil and need to be bathed regularly to prevent a sticky build-up.
It’s social – grooming is a perfect bonding opportunity that allows you to spend quality time with your pet (especially important in multi-pet households – regular grooming ensures that each pet gets to share some special one-on-one time with you.) Plus, interaction of this nature with animals is proven to have health benefits to humans, including lowering stress, blood pressure and cholesterol. So grooming is great for everyone!
You pick up problems – if you groom your pets often, you’re super familiar with every bump and fold. You know how their eyes look, how their ears smell, what’s happening with teeth and paws, etc. You’ll know immediately if something’s not quite right and be able to seek veterinary advice early.
PROFESSIONAL GROOMING
A trip to the pet spa may be a luxury for short-haired pets with basic grooming needs, but it’s essential for animals with longer hair unless you really are religious about a daily grooming routine at home.
Breed cuts – even if you don’t show your dog or cat, you may wish to have them styled according to their breed origin. Yorkies, Poodles, Bouviers, Spaniels, Westies, Scotties, Schnauzers, to name but a few, are breeds that are traditionally clipped to breed standards. Top grooming facilities are specialists in these breed cuts and will make sure your pet is always the talk of the town.
Or not? Many people prefer not to have their pet clipped into a breed style because they find it impractical when the pet is not on show and enjoys a rough ‘n’ tumble lifestyle out in the garden. Again, your groomer will advise on the recommended “pet clips” for your breed.
De-matting and Brush-Outs – despite our best efforts, the coats of long-haired can get out of control and require regular professional grooming to remove mats and thin out the unruly undercoat.
Cleanliness, coat health and parasite control. Quality hypo-allergenic, conditioning products with tick and flea control ensure that your pet’s coat is kept in glowing good health. Dirty pets who smell and have itchy, scurfy, skin and parasites sadly don’t get many cuddles…. We want pets to be allowed on lounges, laps and beds and involved in all aspects of family life.
Pets deserve to look and feel amazing. Commit to special grooming time with them at home and then entrust them to a reputable groomer for a few hours a month to be styled and pampered. We’re happy to give our recommendations.