With Crufts coming up on the 7th of March, many dog owners will be feeling inspired to get their pooch a makeover. But there is an art to getting your pup looking like a Crufts winner
For pet owners looking for the best ways to groom and dry their pooch at home after muddy 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.
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.”
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.
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.
