Tips from a Onekama groomer to keep your pet's coat looking its best in summer

A dog's hygiene is an integral part of their wellbeing, but sometimes keeping our dogs clean is easier said than done.

Regular grooming is important for all dog breeds and is necessary not only for the pet's appearance, but also for its health and well-being, according to professional groomer Kate Lippert.

"The most important thing to me is to keep your dog clean, bathed, and dry regularly," he said.

Lippert is the owner of The Groomery, a new pet salon at Onekama. She believes educating pet owners about proper care is important and shared some of her 10 years experience with News Advocate earlier this week.

See Also : Onekama Pet Grooming Business New Owner Says Not To Sue Enough Dog Groomers

TOILETS

As a general rule of thumb, Lippert recommends bathing the dog every six to eight weeks to maintain a shiny, tangle-free coat.

"People think that once or twice a year is fine, but the reality is that almost all breeds should bathe at least every eight weeks," he said.

Regular bathing with animal-approved shampoos will help keep their fur healthy and can help reduce the amount of time your pet spends in the groomer.

Specifically, Lippert said that double-coated or underlaid dog breeds require even more frequent attention.

The ASPCA recommends the following steps for bathing a dog:

1. First brush the animal thoroughly to remove any dead hair and carpets, then place it in a tub or sink filled with about four to four inches of warm water.

2. Next, use a spray hose, large plastic jug, or shatterproof glass to thoroughly moisten the animal.

3. Be careful not to spray or pour water directly into your ears, eyes, or nose.

4. Gently massage head to tail with shampoo, rinse and repeat if necessary.

5. Dry them well by rubbing the animal well with a large towel.

Dogs with sagging skin or facial wrinkles, such as Shar-Peis and Pugs, also need special attention. To prevent dirt and bacteria from causing irritation and infection, clean the wrinkles with a damp cotton ball. Always dry the areas between the folds well.

BRUSHED

Frequent brushing with a brush or comb will help keep the pet's coat and fur in good condition by removing dirt, tangles, and mats. Additionally, brushing can help spread the natural oils onto animals' fur, according to the ASPCA website.

Some breeds, like poodles and poodle mixes, may need daily brushing, according to Lippert.

"A lot of times it seems that (humans) have a puppy just for how it looks and they don't know how much work it takes. It is a daily chore for Doodle owners to brush, comb, their ears, mouth, under ears, neck, legs and ankles. You need to brush and comb your dog every day if you want a long coat, "he said.

The way you brush your pet will depend on the type of fur they have. The ASPCA website offers the following tips for brushing layers of different lengths and densities:

• Short, Smooth Coat If a dog has a short, smooth coat, it may only need to brush once a week. Use a rubber brush to loosen dead skin and dirt, and use a bristle brush to remove dead hair.

• Short, dense coat If the dog has short, dense fur that is prone to matting, like a retriever, it is okay to brush it once a week. Use a soft brush to remove knots and pick up dead hair with a bristle brush.

• Long, silky coat. When a dog has a long, luxurious coat, such as a dog. For example, a Yorkshire terrier needs daily grooming. Every day you need to untangle the knots with a softer brush. Then brush the fur with a bristle brush. If you have a long haired dog with a coat like a collie or an Afghan hound, follow the steps above but also be sure to comb the coat and cut the hair on the legs.

• Long hair has a tendency to tangle A daily grooming routine is essential for dogs with long hair to remove tangles and avoid tangles. Carefully untangle the knots with a softer brush, then brush the animal with a bristle brush. If the braids are particularly tight, then you can try cutting the hair, being careful not to get too close to the skin.

Brushing an animal also gives pet owners a great time to check their pets' eyes, teeth, and ears for signs of potential health problems. Things like inflammation, unusual smells, and irritation can be reasons to see your veterinarian.

Getting a dog used to a regular grooming schedule can take a bit of work. Many dogs need encouragement and patience to get used to their new routine. But good grooming practices like regular baths and regular brushing will help keep your dogs clean and healthy.

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