April 1st, 2020 by Becky Calvert

Are you wondering how often you should groom your dog? There are many different factors that can come into play, so there isn’t really a set answer. It is important to groom all dogs regularly as this can keep on top of a number of things – finding new lumps, bumps and tics that you might not have noticed and also you can check for the beginnings of any skin conditions – all the things that can hide in your dog’s fur. Grooming isn’t all about making sure your dog has a nice shiny coat, it’s also important for their physical health too!

Type of Coat

The type of coat your dog has will play a big factor in how often it needs grooming – and also the type of grooming it will require.

Short coated

Short coated dogs (Vizslas, Staffies, French Bulldogs) don’t typically require a massive amount of grooming. Their coats can easily be cleaned down with a damp cloth to remove any dirt they’ve attracted whilst out on a walk or in the garden, followed by a quick brush when they seem to be shedding heavily. This is important to do; however, it doesn’t need to be done as often as some other coat-types!

Curly-Coated

Curly coated dogs (Bichon Fries, Poodle, Poodle mixes) require a lot of grooming for their coat to look it’s best. Daily brushing is required for the majority of these dogs to keep their curls from tangling and tightening. Their coats can hold debris and dirt in the curls so regular grooming is essential to prevent your dog from smelling and looking grubby. Many people choose to have these coats clipped short to keep maintenance at home as easy as possible but areas prone to matting such as the ears, underbelly and armpits still require frequent attention!

Double Coated

Double coated dogs (German Shepherd, Labrador Retriever, Husky) are also high maintenance when it comes to grooming! These coats cannot be clipped short as this can damage the hair so brushing daily can help with easing shedding and preventing tangles and knots to build up. These breeds should only really be bathed when required (such as when they’ve been rolling in something unpleasant!) so as not to strip the oils from their coat. Our Doggy Deo spray can help to freshen up your dog’s coat between baths to keep them smelling fresh and clean! It can also be used on other coat types as its gentle formula is suitable for all pups aged over 6 weeks.

Pretty Pooch Doggy Deo Deodoriser Spray 250ml - Twin Pack

Price: £12.97

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Time of Year

The time of year can affect how often your dog needs grooming. Summertime, unfortunately, signals a massive shed of coat for many dogs, but on the plus side, there’s not as much mud for your dog to be playing about in! Some dogs have a major shed when the weather heats up which requires brushing every day to stop hairs from flying around your house and landing all over everything. So regular brushing at this time of year is essential, but bathing won’t be required as often as your pooch should stay pretty clean.

Wintertime means more baths. Mud everywhere, even if you think you’re sticking to good hard paths you’ll find most dogs are just attracted to those muddy puddles! I find myself washing off my dog’s underbelly and legs after nearly every walk in the winter months! It’s important that you do this as any mud left to dry can cause itchy skin complaints. Our Gentle Touch shampoo is perfect for winter baths, containing a unique formula that incorporates natural wheat proteins and glycerine oil – meaning your dog’s coat isn’t prone to drying out from overbathing! It also helps to detangle knots so makes brushing afterwards easier.

Pretty Pooch Dog Shampoo 2L - Baby Powder Fragrance

Price: £12.95

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Other Aspects of Grooming:

Grooming doesn’t just stop at your dog’s coat. Your dog’s nails, teeth and ears also require your attention.

Nails

Your dog’s nails should be regularly inspected to assess how long they are. Many dogs don’t need their nails cutting frequently, as walking on hard floors can keep them naturally worn down and short. Some dogs don’t ever need their nails clipping because of this! Other dogs, however, especially elderly dogs who perhaps can’t walk much anymore can be prone to long nails and therefore, theirs need to be clipped. This is something many people prefer to let their vet or a professional groomer do, as cutting the nails too short can lead to them bleeding and causes your dog discomfort. Your dog’s nails should be kept short enough that they don’t affect the natural position of their feet. If this is the case then they definitely need some attention!

Teeth

Many people like to keep their dog’s teeth clean by brushing them – this is something your vet could advise on. Of course, there are many natural ways to keep your dog’s teeth clean – dog chews, raw bones and one of my dog’s personal favourites; frozen carrots! These help to remove plaque and keep their teeth strong and healthy.

Ears

Cleaning your dog’s ears should only be done when they are looking grubby or start to smell a little ‘off.’ It’s best to inspect them regularly but not to clean them unless necessary – as like human ears, if we prod around in there too much, we can cause damage to the ear drum! Our Pretty Pooch Ear Wipes are perfect for when your dog’s ears are looking dirty. With a hypoallergenic pH balanced formula, you can remove dirt and wax easily from around your dog’s ears and help reduce skin irritation and infection around the ears.

Pretty Pooch Dog Ear Wipes Pack of 80

Pretty Pooch Ear Wipes work to keep your dog’s ears clean and in good condition, helping to reduce skin irritation and infection around the ears. Clean dirt, wax, and other residues from your dog’s ears with these natural cleaning wipes to keep your pooch’s ears in peak condition.

Price: £7.98

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