Looking Smart

Taking care of your special friend is an important way to prevent and identify heath problems, so they live a long and happy life. Looking good means feeling good for you both too.

Grooming lets you see and feel your dogs skin, which can help you spot any irritations or growths.

Of course, if you would rather someone else did the brushing and bathing, search for groomers on the MY DOG® website services page.

• You can incorporate grooming time with playtime as this can help re-assure and reward your dog and help you bond. Grooming should be a positive time for you both.
• Give your dog a gentle, but thorough brush to remove any knots, dead hair or debris from the coat before putting them into the bath. It's always best to start from the bottom of the coat and gradually work upwards to avoid pulling too much.
• Make sure water temperature is not to hot or too cold. Lukewarm water is best.
• Always use a good quality shampoo specifically for dogs as our shampoo is too strong for their sensitive skin and can have a drying and irritating effect.
• Take the opportunity to give your dog a massage and talk to them in a reassuring and soothing tone. Feel for any lumps or bumps that you may need to speak to the vet about.
• Avoid using soaps around the eye area and try to avoid getting too much water inside the ear canal. You may prefer to use a facewasher to clean around their face and eyes.
• Rinse all shampoo thoroughly in clean water. If your special friend has a longer coat, that is prone to tangling, apply a conditioner specifically made for dogs. This will help you with brushing later.
• Residual soaps may cause irritations later, so make sure your pooch has been rinsed really thoroughly.
• You can remove the majority of the water with a thick towel, but they'll want to shake the water off themselves. Be sure to put them somewhere suitable for them to do this i.e. outside, the laundry or even inside the shower.
• Using a hairdryer on your dog can be frightening for them if they're not used to it, so drying naturally in the sun or on a cold day inside where it's nice a warm is a good option.
• To make their coat nice and fluffy, be sure to brush them regularly as they dry.
• A spray of doggy cologne adds a nice touch to a pampered little friend.

Of course, if you'd rather someone else did the brushing and bathing search for groomers on the MY DOG® website services page.