Top Grooming Tips from the Experts at Eastcutt Groomers

To help with all your grooming needs, TGtS have been chatting to the experts at Eascutt Grooomers. Here's their advice on how to keep your pooch's coat in tip top condition...

It is always best to start grooming your dog at an early age to get them used to handling. If your dog is a breed that needs clipping, getting them used to the sound of clippers and dryers is also important. It is also a good idea to get your dog used to having their tail, ears and feet touched as it will make grooming and examinations at the vets much less stressful.

Regular grooming not only keeps the coat in good condition but it also allows you to give your dog a regular general examination. This is when you might spot parasites, injuries, skin and ear infections, lumps and bumps and changes in body condition. Grooming is a great way to bond with your pet and should be something that your dog enjoys.

For dogs that are new to visiting a groomers, it may take time for them to adapt to the new smells, noises and surroundings. In these instances a ‘little and often’ approach may help. The groomer can gently get a dog used to them and the equipment over a few shorter visits. This will ensure that the dog sees grooming as a positive experience and something that they look forward to.

There are 5 main coat types

1: Short/Smooth (Boxer, Labrador & Weimaraner)

These coats are quite low maintenance.

Brushes that you could use are rubber mitten/glove, rake and Zoom Groom.

2: Wool (Bichon Frise & Poodle)                                       

These dogs can be ‘none moulting’ breeds. These coats can be high maintenance both in terms of grooming, bathing and clipping.

You can use a small slicker brush and Greyhound comb.

3: Wire (Border Terrier, West Highland White Terrier and most terrier types with some exceptions e.g. Kerry Blue)

This coat type can be high maintenance both in terms of grooming, bathing and clipping or pulling.

You can use a slicker brush, Greyhound comb, Zoom Groom or Furminator.

4: Silky and Long (e.g. Spaniels and Setters)

This coat type can be medium maintenance depending on coat length and walking habits.

You can use a slicker brush, pin brush, greyhound comb, Zoom Groom and Furminator. 

5: Double/Dense (e.g. Collie, Retriever, Shih Tzu, Old English Sheepdog and Labradoodles)

This coat type can be medium to high maintenance.

You can use a slicker brush, pin brush, Greyhound comb, Zoom Groom and Furminator.

How often should a dog visit the groomers?

Of course this will vary according to the type of coat, how often the owner grooms the dog and to a degree, a dog’s walking habits. Generally visits to maintain a good coat length and condition should be approx. every 12 weeks.

How often should a dog be bathed?

If you wish to bathe your dog you should not need to do so more than every 2 weeks. Some breeds or dogs that mud wallow may require bathing more frequently. Bathing too often may strip some of the coat’s natural oils.