Why You Should Care For Your Fur Baby’s Coat.

I feel I should talk about this subject.

I’m finding with some people, definitely not all, that they don’t understand the reasons for regular brushing and combing and also for professional grooming on a regular basis for some breeds . For some people I understand that they have rescued a dog and haven’t thought too much beyond the vet visits, food, daily exercise and washing/brushing at home. They should be aware of the added care certain types of coats require. Some, when purchasing a new fur friend and companion haven’t done their homework completely on the breed with which they have fallen in love.

I, certainly, was one of these people a number of years ago. My husband and I rescued the Maltese in the feature photo here, responding emotionally to his previous owners comment that he was just going to dump him at the pound. So, for the first time in our lives, we have a little, long haired, mature dog who is unfortunately deaf as well. (We were obviously aware of him being deaf.)  With Ralph (our little boys name) we automatically turned to a professional groomer for help and lots of advice. (This lady and Ralph are the reasons I am a groomer now)

Whether you have one of the very popular Poodle cross designer dogs (they predominantly end up with curly coats), or any of the long haired purebred, double coated or cross bred dogs, large or small, they will all require regular combing and brushing; even if you also visit a professional groomer and keep your dogs coat short. This is also a win, win for you and your pet to not only bond but keep a check on their coat, skin, feet, ears, teeth and general wellbeing.

Unfortunately, I’m getting quite a number of clients (and their owners) coming to me not often enough and who have not been combed regularly at home. These poor babies end up badly matted; this is not good for your fur baby. The matting, if not addressed quickly, will not only pull more hair in but also starts to pull on the skin which will inhibit the blood flow to the area. This aggravates your fur baby’s skin enough to make them lick, rub and scratch the affected area in an attempt to relieve their discomfort only making it worse. A vicious cycle that could lead to trauma to the affected area.  I have even had situations where I have found it hard to get the clippers through the matting and found spear grass seeds that have worked their way through and burrowed into the skin. These horrible, unassuming, tiny things if not addressed could abscess and mean an expensive Vet visit.

Another reason to check the coat regularly, especially up here in the tropics.

For the professional grooming session it can be very stressful for your puppy/dog to get rid of these matts especially as they can occur in some very sensitive and delicate areas. To be honest, I find it very stressful also. I want my clients to be happy with their experience with me. Preferably not having to clip them really short all over which would be the easiest thing to do. Having said that, they definitely feel better after the pain and discomfort of the matting has gone. (The area will also feel warmer than normal but that is the improved blood flow coming back.) The up side is the grooming at home will be easier and their hair will grow back pretty quickly. So, as it was described to me, I, then, have a blank canvas to work with and I can work towards a good looking ‘do’ for your fur baby in future grooming sessions.

Another up side to professional grooming visits is you have someone who is working very closely with your fur baby. I keep detailed notes on each visit so I can inform owners of any changes from the physical to behavioural that need either to be addressed or kept an eye on. It’s a very satisfying feeling when I can help.