Dog Grooming: What’s Involved?

All dogs need at least a little of grooming to maintain a healthy coat and improved appearance and smell. The amount of grooming your particular dog requires depends on their breed and the type of coat they have.

What’s involved when a groomer washes my dog?

Highly trained and skilled in all aspects of pet pampering, PETstock Groomers use positive reinforcement techniques so you can be confident your buddy will leave the salon fresh, calm, happy and oh-so good looking!

When getting a wash in one of our salons, your dog can expect:

A good brushing to remove all dead hair and mats.
A thorough wet through with a spray hose. The groomer will take care not to spray directly in to your dog’s ears, eyes or nose.
A gentle shampoo massage, working from head to tail.
A thorough rinse off with a spray hose; again, carefully avoiding the ears, eyes and nose.
A dry off with a large towel and then a blow dry under carefully monitored heat.

What’s the difference between a clip and a trim?

If your dog gets a ‘trim’, their hair will be trimmed slightly shorter than its usual length (just alike a human haircut). A ‘clip’ involves your pet’s body and sanitary areas being shaved with clippers.

Pet owners quite often confuse the process of ‘clipping’ with ‘grooming’. Clipping is most commonly done to dogs whose hair grows continuously, but is actually only one step in the grooming process.

Grooming covers all of the following:

• Bathing and drying
• Brushing and combing
• Coat clipping
• Nail cutting
• Parasite control

How much does grooming cost?

Grooming costs vary depending on your dog’s needs. We recommend giving your local salon team a call or visit to discuss your options when making an appointment.

Can I groom my dog myself?

There are several actions you can take at home to help maintain your dog’s coat in between professional grooming appointments. In addition to keeping them looking and smelling great, bathing and brushing your dog will strengthen your bond and teach you about your buddy’s behaviours.

1. Check your dog over – The first step in the grooming process is to carefully check your dog over for any cuts or wounds, unusual lumps and bumps or skin irritations. Check for fleas or ticks and look at the condition of your dog’s eyes and overall health.
2. Brush – Brushing your dog’s coat every couple of days will help to keep it shiny and soft. It’ll also give you the opportunity to check your buddy’s skin for unwanted guests like fleas and ticks.
   Purchasing a high quality slicker brush will help you get right into your dog's coat and remove shedding hair, as well as detangling any knots. Be thorough when you brush, but not too hard as this may irritate your dog.
   Brushing your buddy regularly will help them become used to the experience and relax during their grooming sessions. If your dog doesn’t enjoy it at first, be patient. Rewarding your dog with treats and praise for behaving calmly during the brushing will also help change his mind!
3. Comb – After you’ve brushed your dog thoroughly, comb them thoroughly. Ensure you’re reaching down to the skin to try and eliminate any knots that are beginning to form. If your dog has a long coat, you may need to part their hair and comb them in sections to achieve this.
   It is vitally important that you remove any knots or matts before bathing your dog. If knots get wet, they get worse. Matts can then occur, requiring professional clipping. A matted coat causes your dog discomfort and can contribute to a range of health problems.
   
4. Bath – Aim to bathe your dog around every four to six weeks, unless he is particularly dirty! This will keep your buddy’s coat clean without robbing it of essential, natural oils which help it from drying out.

Petstock stocks a wide range of dog shampoos, created for all types of coat and skin conditions. If you’re unsure about what will best suit your buddy, chat with a Petstock Person or a member of our grooming team for some free advice.



Tip


Place a towel in the bottom of the bath tub to prevent your dog from slipping.


5. Dry – Towel drying your dog is the best method if his coat is short and the temperature is not too cool. Some dogs do not appreciate being blow-dried. Especially if it’s your dog’s first time being bathed, towel drying is probably the best option to avoid the whole experience becoming overwhelming.
   If towel drying your dog, keep the room temperature comfortably warm. Be aware that when a dog’s skin and fur are wet, they’ll easily catch a chill, especially in the cooler months. If opting to blow-dry your dog, keep the dryer on a low temperature setting and continue to move the dryer back and forth to avoid your dog becoming hot. Watch your dog carefully during the drying process and cease immediately if he becomes anxious or nervous at any stage.
   If you’re tempted to trim your dog’s coat, our advice is to instead book in with a professional groomer; they have all of the tools and knowledge to keep your dog safe during the trimming process.