How often should I bathe my dog?
One aspect is bathing. Pretty much every breed of dog needs to be bathed relatively regularly. We usually don't recommend too often, so no more than once monthly, unless your dog has a skin condition that a vet is managing.
Do all breeds need regular grooming?
Some breeds, if they don't shed on their own—like the classic poodle—need regular grooming. In addition to bathing, they also need to have their fur trimmed regularly. If they don't get groomed regularly, they can get matted fur and skin infections underneath.
Bathing, clipping, grooming, and ear cleaning are very important as well. This depends on the needs of an individual pet. Some pets need their ears cleaned a couple of times a week, while other dogs can go months.
Nail trimming is also quite important. This varies based on how much the dog walks on pavement and hard surfaces. Some dogs can wear down their nails on their own pretty regularly, but the average is we want to trim nails at least once monthly, more often if needed. I think all breeds need to be groomed; it really just depends on the breed as to how frequently that is—whether it's once a month or once every couple of months.
What are the risks of not grooming my dog?
If dogs aren't groomed regularly, particularly those that don't shed on their own, such as poodles, the biggest concern is severe matting. If their hair gets really matted, it traps a lot of moisture and heat, making them prone to skin infections, and it's uncomfortable. Those mats often pull on their skin and can cause irritation and discomfort.
How can I help my dog get used to grooming?
Many dogs don't necessarily like being groomed, but it's important for their health and wellbeing. If you have a young puppy that's resistant to grooming, we usually recommend positive reinforcement and taking it slow. Giving them treats or food they enjoy and doing little bits at a time—like trimming one nail, then letting them play for a few minutes before continuing—can be effective.
What if my dog is afraid of grooming?
Some dogs develop a phobia of being groomed or don't like being restrained during the process. This is where professionals can be very helpful. A professional groomer deals with dogs day in and day out and can often manage dogs more easily than an owner might.
As veterinarians, we can assist with pharmaceuticals. Sometimes we'll prescribe sedatives or mild anxiety medications to help them get through the grooming process. For dogs that become aggressive or extremely stressed during grooming, we offer full sedation or give them injectable sedation, performing the entire grooming process while they're in a twilight sleep, which is sometimes safer for the pet and the staff.
What should I do if I accidentally cut my dog's nail too short?
This is a common injury with nail trimming. Some dogs' nails are either too wiggly, or their nails are dark, making it hard to see exactly where to cut. It happens to the best of us.
As far as what to do, the most important thing is to apply direct pressure to the bleeding site for a solid 5 minutes. Hold that pressure without moving it to check, as we want a blood clot to form. If pressure does not stop the bleeding, cornstarch or flour can be used to pack the nail and provide more stability with pressure. If the nail is still bleeding, we recommend seeing a veterinarian. We have products that can assist with clotting the blood quickly and effectively.
Do groomers require proof of vaccination for dogs?
Most groomers will and should require proof of vaccination. They want to ensure they're keeping all of their pets safe. They'll definitely need vaccine proof for rabies, distemper, and bordetella.
How can I find a trustworthy dog groomer?
Sometimes it can be hard to know whether a groomer is trustworthy. Most importantly, they should care for both your pet's hygiene and grooming, as well as their mental and physical health. If your dog becomes too stressed, anxious, or shows signs of aggression, a good groomer will inform you so that you can work through those problems together or get your veterinarian involved if your pet needs sedatives.
Want to learn more about our veterinary services? Call us at (848) 217-5000 or email [email protected]. Our team is happy to answer your questions and help schedule your pet’s visit.