Three Frequently Asked Questions
Photo by Matt Walsh on Unsplash
Elizabeth Toc, co-owner of The Tailored Tail, has been a professional dog groomer for more than two decades and she gets lots of questions—every day! Here are the top three questions and her answers for each.
I try to brush my dog’s coat but it still becomes tangled and matted by the time I take her to the groomer? Why? And why should I care?
A: Matted hair is not just unsightly but can lead to sores and infections in dogs if left alone for too long. Matted hair looks like a big clump of tangles or clumps of hair. These clumps can feel rough, unlike the rest of the dog’s coat. Detangling fur/hair is important for the dog’s overall health so the effort to detangle is worth it. You can prevent matting by paying special attention to your dog’s tail, ears and legs and brushing them regularly. Always follow the grooming by using a comb afterward. If you find a tangle, use your brush to work it out and then run your comb through once again. A detangling spray or leave-in conditioner can help you do this.
I also recommend slicker brushes to be sure the tangles can be removed. Often, however, the dog needs to see a groomer to handle the toughest tangles.
My dog seems anxious when we come here? What can we do?
A: It is not uncommon for a dog to show signs of anxiety when going to a groomer—especially for the first time. I advise you to exercise your dog before an appointment to get the dog tired and it will help calm your pet down. Also, I find that it helps if you do some grooming (brushing) at home and reward the dog when you brush and groom. This gets the dog used to being handled like they will be at the groomer.
Is it necessary to bathe my dog between grooming appointments?
A: I often get this question. And the answer is it depends! There are many variables like the dog’s breed, skin conditions, age of the dog, etc… I usually tell my clients that baths between grooming visits are a good idea if your dog gets dirty or is shedding excessively. If you do bathe them between visits, consider a gentle shampoo. Regular baths can help prevent skin infections and other health issues. Baths also help with shedding and reducing allergies for the dog and your family. I like to discuss the dog’s bathing needs with clients after seeing their dog’s skin and coat during an appointment.