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WHY DOES MY DOG NEED TO BE GROOMED?
The dead hair in the coat of an ungroomed dog prevents air from getting to his skin, providing a breeding ground for fleas
and lice, encourages infection and skin disease and trapping debris such as grass seeds, thorns and twigs (which can cut into
your dog's flesh). Skin disease/infections and/or ear infections can all be hidden under a long, ungroomed coat.
An ungroomed dog may be in pain from infections, thorns and twigs or twisted toes bent by overlong toenails. Long coated
dogs can even become immobilized by the mattes in their coats. Faeces and urine trapped between the tail and hind legs can
cause many diseases and it is unhealthy for him (and you!). It is never a dog's fault if he is not groomed often enough.
DOES MY SHORT-HAIRED DOG NEED TO BE GROOMED?
Yes. Regular grooming removes dead hair, stimulates strong healthy hair growth, a shiny coat, healthy skin and will greatly
reduce the amount of hair around the house.
DOES MY NON-SHEDDING DOG NEED TO BE GROOMED?
Absolutely! Poodles, Bichons and other "non-shedding" breeds all have hair that grows continuously and it is
very prone to matting. Their coats will need close attention once a week, or at least once a month. They do not necessarily
need to be clipped this frequently, just usually brushed out.
HOW OFTEN SHOULD MY DOG BE GROOMED?
For a short haired dog, a full groom by Kip once a month will keep your dog's coat in excellent order and ensure that
ears are kept clean and nails trimmed. Less frequent visits are okay, but most dogs need their nails trimmed at least once
a month (unless your dog walks on concrete often).
A long haired dog will benefit from a monthly visit, as well - especially if you are able to brush your dog yourself between
visits. Leaving your long haired dog any longer than this can cause the coat to become very matted. Grooming a matted dog
will be very uncomfortable, even painful, for him. In addition, fleas, debris and skin problems may be going unnoticed.
DOES GROOMING HURT?
Generally grooming should be a pleasant experience for your dog, and every effort is made to ensure that this is so.
However, removing bad mattes and knots is not easy and there may be discomfort, even pain, for your dog - if you have left
it too long. The best way to avoid this is to keep your dog well groomed. Please see our "Maintenance Grooming"
Page for details on scheduled grooming appointments. In some cases it is better to cut mattes out (which can spoil the look
of the coat) or have the hair clipped short.
MY DOG MAY BE DIFFICULT TO HANDLE...
It is important to be honest and up-front about your dog's behavior and temperament. A dog that shows any aggression will
be muzzled - not just for human safety, but also to relax the dog. He will be closely monitored while muzzled to ensure that
he is comfortable. Biting, squirming, screaming and refusing to cooperate may mean that the final grooming result will be
far from perfect. Over time, regular grooming sessions by the same Groomer, in the same place often relaxes nervous, temperamental
dogs.
WILL YOU SEDATE MY DOG?
Only veterinarians can prescribe medications. No Groomer or trainer should ever give your dog any kind of drug, whether
you ask for it or not. If your dog is so difficult that sedation is necessary, you need to contact your vet - this is a medical
situation that requires his or her supervision. However, if you are simply having trouble administering vet-prescribed medication
to your dog (pills, ointment, eye drops etc), then I can certainly help you with this.
PLEASE LET US KNOW IF YOU HAVE OTHER GROOMING-RELATED QUESTIONS!
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