Woof! Professional Dog Groomers-Dog Grooming

Why is professional dog grooming so important?

Apart from the routine cleaning we give our dogs at home, we’ve also got to get the professionals involved from time to time. The groomers at WOOF! understand that it’s not so much about vanity, but rather about cleanliness and comfort; plus, with regular grooming you can spot potential skin and coat concerns before they become costly problems.

What problems result from a lack of professional grooming?

Problems such as excessive shedding, skin and paw irritations, painful mats and horrible bad breath are just some of the most common concerns dog owners have when it comes to their pets. To ensure your dog is healthy and happy in between professional groom sessions, keep an eye out for the following:

Regular bathing keeps your pet’s skin healthy and his coat clean. It also helps to remove excess hair and keep your pet (and your house) smelling fresh and free of loose fur. Pets should be brushed thoroughly before bathing to remove excess hair, and when it’s bath time, shampoos specially designed for dogs should be used; human shampoos have a pH level that can be irritating to your pet.

When a dog’s nails are left unclipped they tend to twist and turn as they grow. Letting them grow is rather risky, as the nails can often cut into your pet’s tender pads when he tries to walk, leading to an ugly infection. Along with that comes a huge discomfort to the dog and possibly even posture problems. Overgrown nails can also split, break or be torn off all together.

Just like humans, dogs need their teeth brushed often. Besides freshening their breath, it reduces tartar and helps prevent disease. Use a toothbrush and toothpaste specially designed for dogs if trying the feat at home, otherwise your pet should see a professional groomer for teeth brushing six to eight times a year (every four to six weeks). For chronic problems, you should consult your veterinarian.

Frequent haircuts are even more important for dogs than for humans. Long coated dogs require regular brushing because they are more prone to matting. Some lucky breeds require little to no hair clipping or shaving, but a groom once in a while is still advisable. Remember that frequent brushing of your dog’s coat will help reduce shedding, stimulate blood circulation and prevent parasites such as fleas and ticks from setting up shop on your dog’s coat!

A dog’s ears are very sensitive and susceptible to infection, excessive wax build up and parasite infestation. A gentle cleaning with the proper products will eliminate most problems, but if constant itching, shaking of the head, scratching, redness or odor persists, you should see a veterinarian.