Introducing our new series Pawfit and Pals where we get together with an expert in the pet industry to find out more about what they do and to get answers to some FAQs.
For our first segment, we got together with Pawfit Pal Tom, owner and director of Tail-ord Groomers pet salon in Liverpool.
We spent the morning at the salon with Tom to find out more about the grooming service and pet grooming in general.
What’s the first thing that happens in the grooming session?
The first thing that happens is the groomers health check. This is where the groomer checks over your dog to assess their general health. They’re looking for:
- Any lumps or bumps on the body
- Black gunk in the ears which might be a sign of infection
- A build-up of plaque on the teeth
- Advice on dog washing
- Any matting in the fur or paws
Do groomers have special products for dogs with skin conditions?
If their dog has a special skin condition, owners have the option to bring in their own preferred shampoo and conditioner, especially if they have products that have been prescribed by a vet.
At Tom’s salon, he uses vegan, non-scented products made with natural ingredients which are suitable for pups with sensitive skin. He also has an antibacterial shampoo suitable for dogs with rashes to kill bacteria in the skin and the fur.
Conditioner is what gives your dog’s fur that soft and shiny finish at the end. Tom likes to lather the dog in the conditioner as the fur feels nicer for longer, rather than be shy with it.
How often should you wash your dog at home?
Tom advises washing your dog no more than every other week. Ultimately it depends on what your dog gets up to on walks and how dirty they get and if you have a smelly dog, you might want to wash more regularly.
Do you have any tips for washing and drying dogs at home?
Some dogs don’t like being washed in a bath, so Tom advises using a detachable shower head and holding it closer to their body, rather than holding it high above them.
Once washed, gently squeeze the excess water out of your dog’s fur by running your hands across the body and down their legs.
Groomers use a range of dryers to quickly dry your dog’s fur but at home, most dogs can be left to dry naturally, especially if the heating is on.
Alternatively, you can towel dry your dog or use a regular hair dryer on a low heat seating. If you’ve got a curly haired pup, remember to brush their fur as it dries to avoid tangles and matting.
How often should dogs visit the groomers?
Every dog is different but generally its recommended you take your dog to the groomers every 4-6 weeks. If you’re unsure, your groomer will be able to advise what’s best.
When should puppies have their first visit to the groomers?
There’s no specific time frame for when you should take your puppy to the groomers, but Tom advises the sooner the better. Grooming can be a scary experience for some dogs, so getting your dog used to the experience sooner rather than later can help prevent problems developing in the future.
Once your puppy is settled in your home, take your dog to be introduced to the groomer. Let them sniff out the salon and get used to being handled by someone new and all the strange new sounds.
What should owners be doing in between grooming visits?
Ensure that you’re doing regular health checks on your dog. This means checking their body for lumps and bumps and their ears, teeth and gums for sign of infection, etc.
How important is at home grooming?
A lot of the problems groomers like Tom see are the result of owners not taking the time to maintain their dog’s fur at home.
Without regular brushing curly or long-haired breeds like German Shepherds will have issues with their fur matting. This can cause a lot of discomfort and eventually result in skin problems for the dog if not sorted out. If matted fur cannot be brushed out, it all has to be shaved off.
Dogs like Huskies with fur that shed also need regular brushing at home. This will gently remove all the excess fur meaning you won’t find it all over your home.
Tom advises brushing your dog at least once a week and more regularly if needed.
Are there any low maintenance breeds that need minimal grooming?
Short haired breeds, like Staffies, are all considered low maintenance as their fur doesn’t need cutting. As part of the groom, these dogs need to be washed, have their ears checked and cleaned and their nails cut.
If dogs don’t walk on concrete regularly, you’ll find that their nails grow rapidly and so will need regular trimming to prevent discomfort and injury.
What would you class as high maintenance breeds?
Curly coated and long hair dogs are considered to be high maintenance. These breeds will need cutting more regularly and regular brushing at home to prevent.
You can find Tom at @Tailoredgroomers on Instagram
We hope you enjoyed the first instalment of our Pawfit and Pals series. If you have any suggestions on pet experts you’d like to hear from, please let us know by getting in touch on our social media or by emailing pawfitpals@pawfit.com
