From Scruffy to Snazzy: The Grooming Journey

You need to have an everyday grooming routine with your pet, to keep ticks, fleas, and various infections at bay. So, make sure you take the grooming charge in your own hands to keep your beloved pet healthy and safe. You can always consider getting your pet groomed by a professional groomer to maintain their hygiene and wellness.

Shoo away shedding shenanigans

Many breeds shed more during the summer and monsoon months. Regular grooming with the right tools helps remove loose fur, preventing matting and reducing the amount of hair your pet sheds around your home.

Lush locks with a side of love!

It is a common myth that shaving your pet makes him feel cooler, especially in summer. This is not true. The coat is an essential part of the dog’s heating and cooling system. It is equally efficient at keeping dogs warm in extreme winter conditions and cool in hot summers. The hollow outer guard hair (top layer) works as effective insulation against both heat and cold. Removing or shaving the coat in summer will most likely cause heat exhaustion, heat stroke, or serious sunburn in your furry friend.

Long-haired, double-coat breeds do not need to be shaved. Unless your pet has passed the point of no return in the matting department, the best type of grooming for these breeds is a vigorous undercoat (bottom layer) raking with a special tool that helps remove the undercoat, a bath, professional de-shed treatment, and a blow dry to help separate the hair so the groomer can get the rest of the undercoat out. Once the undercoat is removed, your pet will feel cool and comfortable. The guard hair on the top that does not shed protects against the rays of the sun, and insulates the dog from the heat.

Keeping ‘em sun–safe

Many people don’t know that dogs sweat through their paws and nose. By shaving your pet, you may hamper his natural method of cooling himself and this may lead to an increased risk of heat stroke. If you shave off the coat completely, there are high chance that your pet’s skin may also be damaged by UV rays that they would not otherwise be exposed to. UV damage once caused may take a long time to heal, and your pet may get skin issues like – scaling, rashes, redness, and dandruff as well.

Coat Couture

Regular grooming helps maintain your pet’s skin and coat health. Brushing removes dirt, debris, and dead skin cells that can accumulate on his fur. It also helps distribute natural oils to keep the coat shiny and healthy.

Groom like a pro and keep mats and tangles at bay

Breeds with longer or thicker coats are more prone to developing mats and tangles, which can be uncomfortable for your pet and may lead to skin issues. Regular grooming, including brushing and trimming, helps prevent mats and tangles from forming.

Tick and flea menace – no more!

Keeping your pet’s coat clean and well-groomed can help prevent infestations of ticks and fleas, which are more common during the summer and monsoon months. Regular grooming allows you to check your pet for pests and take preventive measures quickly.

Take care of ears and nails

Don’t forget to check your furry friend’s ears for any signs of infection or foul odour. Ear infections become quite common during the monsoon months, especially in breeds with long and droopy ears. So be cautious.

You can also trim his nails at home. If nail trimming at home is not possible, you can always book a groomer appointment.

Glam up – Grooming and Relationship

Regular grooming is not just beneficial for your pet’s physical health but it also strengthens your bond with him. Spending time grooming your pet will help take your relationship to the next level and create a sense of trust and companionship.

Cannot stress enough on the importance of regular grooming to keep your beloved pet happy, healthy, comfortable, and looking his best. If you’re not sure how to groom your pet properly at home, consider seeking guidance from a professional groomer.

(Jennifer Tavadia is a canine trainer and professional pet stylist. She is the owner and founder of Curly Tails Pet Grooming Salon – Mumbai)