Dog groomer reveals which breed loves getting pampered

• Searches for ‘how to wash a dog properly’ have increased by +100%
• Canine Cottages offers tips on how to wash and clean your dog at home
• Dog groomer reveals the breed that love pampering the most, and which breed hates it

This summer has been filled with numerous rainy days, and we have to continue to prepare for muddy dog walks with autumn approaching. This means owners might have to groom their dogs more often than usual. In fact, UK searches for grooming-related questions including ‘how to wash a dog properly’ (+100%) and ‘how often should I groom my dog’ (+33%)¹ have increased in the past 12 months.

For pet owners looking for the best ways to groom and dry their pooch at home after rainy walks, dog-friendly holiday letting specialist, Canine Cottages has worked with dog groomer, Armine Ansari from Doggy Styling to reveal top tips on grooming your dog.

What to consider when grooming your dog

Considering the weather forecast predicts rain in parts of the UK, Canine Cottages asked Ansari how to groom a wet dog. “Short or double coats can be towelled off and allowed to drip dry, but silky or wool coats should be brushed after towelling to avoid matting becoming tight.”

Some other things to consider when grooming your dog are:

• Brush before washing: If your dog has got dirt in their fur that simply won’t come out, the best procedure is to brush them before washing. Comb through the fur with a good brush. If your dog’s fur is very wet, use your hands to brush through the fur, as using a brush can cause discomfort for your pooch.
• Avoid air drying: Letting your dog air-dry is perhaps the easiest solution, but it can cause problems. Leaving your dog’s fur to dry on its own can increase the risk of matting, and leaves room for fungus and bacteria to grow, which results in a stronger odour! For short-coated dogs, drying on their own is usually not a problem, but long-coated dogs may struggle. Instead, try drying your dog the old-fashioned way with a towel, but use a soft cloth or sponge on their face.
• Avoid shaving where you can: Shaving your dog’s coat might seem like a good option when it’s hot outside, but removing parts of your dog’s fur can lead to sunburn and sun rash. The coat helps regulate your dog’s body temperature in hot and cold environments, so it is wise to consult a dog groomer before you shave your dog at home.

Armine also revealed that, “Cavalier King Charles Spaniels seem to love pampering, while Chow Chows are the only breed where we’ve been unable to finish a groom because they’re so badly behaved.”

Source: unsplash.com

Asking Ansari what the most common dog grooming mistakes people make at home, he said, “Not brushing thoroughly. You should separate the coat with your hands and brush from root to tip, and check with a comb. When you take your dog to the groomer, be honest about what you can maintain at home and bring a photo for the groomer to reference.”

Ansari also explained how to groom your dog in the summer, “The cut a dog needs in the summer will depend on the type of hair they have, how susceptible they are to heat stress and the overall health of the dog.”

Commenting, Sarah Pring, Digital PR Manager at Canine Cottages says, “With the weather forecast having shown rain a lot this summer, pet owners have had to embark on some muddy walks while on holiday in the UK this summer. Getting your dog clean and dry is not always easy, but it’s important to properly clean them to hinder any matting and bacterial growth and keep them super comfortable. Hopefully, these tips will help pet owners understand how best to groom their pooch.”

Even when they are soaking wet, our pooches continue to capture our hearts. Check out Canine Cottage’s blog on The UK’s Cutest Wet Dogs! For some of our favourite soggy pups.