Regular grooming is essential to keeping your dog healthy, happy, and looking their best. But how often should you have your dog groomed, and what specific areas should you focus on? The frequency and specifics of grooming can vary depending on your dog’s breed, coat type, age, and lifestyle. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you understand the essentials of dog grooming.

How Often Should You Groom Your Dog?

1. Short-Haired Dogs

Short-haired breeds like Beagles, Boxers, and Dalmatians typically require less frequent grooming. A grooming session every 4-8 weeks is usually sufficient. Regular brushing at home can help reduce shedding and keep their coat shiny.

2. Medium-Haired Dogs

Breeds with medium-length coats, such as Golden Retrievers, Spaniels, and Border Collies, need grooming every 6-8 weeks. These dogs benefit from regular brushing to prevent matting and tangles.

3. Long-Haired Dogs

Long-haired breeds like Shih Tzus, Yorkshire Terriers, and Afghan Hounds require more frequent grooming. These dogs should be groomed every 4-6 weeks to keep their coats free of tangles and mats.

4. Curly or Wavy-Haired Dogs

Poodles, Bichon Frises, and other breeds with curly or wavy hair need regular grooming every 4-6 weeks. Their coats can easily become matted if not properly maintained.

5. Double-Coated Dogs

Breeds with double coats, such as Huskies, German Shepherds, and Akitas, shed seasonally. During shedding seasons, they may need grooming every 4-6 weeks. Outside of these times, grooming every 8-12 weeks can suffice.

What Specifically Should Be Groomed?

1. Brushing the Coat

Regular brushing is crucial for all dogs. It helps remove loose hair, dirt, and debris, and prevents matting. The type of brush you use depends on your dog’s coat type:

• Short-haired dogs: Use a bristle brush or a rubber curry brush.
• Medium-haired dogs: A slicker brush or a pin brush works well.
• Long-haired and curly-haired dogs: Use a slicker brush and a comb to remove tangles.
• Double-coated dogs: Use an undercoat rake or de-shedding tool.

2. Bathing

Bathing frequency depends on your dog’s lifestyle and coat type. Generally, dogs should be bathed every 4-6 weeks. Use a dog-specific shampoo to avoid skin irritation.

3. Nail Trimming

Regular nail trimming is essential to prevent overgrowth, which can lead to discomfort and mobility issues. Trim your dog’s nails every 3-4 weeks, or as needed. If you’re unsure how to do this safely, a professional groomer can help.

4. Ear Cleaning

Regular ear cleaning helps prevent infections, especially in breeds with floppy ears. Clean your dog’s ears every 2-4 weeks using a vet-approved ear cleaner and cotton balls.

5. Teeth Brushing

Oral hygiene is crucial for your dog’s overall health. Brush your dog’s teeth several times a week using a dog-specific toothbrush and toothpaste. Regular dental check-ups with your vet are also recommended.

6. Hair Trimming

Long-haired and curly-haired dogs often require regular hair trims to keep their coat manageable and free of mats. Focus on areas like the face, paws, and sanitary regions. If you’re not comfortable doing this yourself, a professional groomer can assist.

7. Anal Gland Expression

Some dogs may need their anal glands expressed regularly to prevent discomfort and infections. This is usually done by a professional groomer or vet.

Trust Pupsi Inc. To Make Sure Your Dog is Properly Groomed

Regular grooming is a vital part of your dog’s overall health and well-being. Understanding your dog’s specific grooming needs can help you establish a routine that keeps them looking and feeling their best. If you’re ever unsure about how to groom your dog or how often certain grooming tasks should be performed, contact Pupsi Inc. today and we’ll get an appointment scheduled quick and easy. By staying on top of grooming, you’ll ensure your furry friend stays healthy, comfortable, and happy.

Grooming Your Dog: Everything You Need To Know

Dog grooming is one of the best ways to ensure that your pup lives a happy and healthy life! At Pupsi, we want your dog grooming experience to be as smooth as possible. Read this post to learn a few tips that will help keep you and your pup relaxed and confident. 

What Is Dog Grooming? 

Dog grooming consists of different treatment options to help keep your dog clean, ranging from brushing your dog’s teeth to giving them a flea bath. Although many people think of dog grooming as a stylistic choice, dog grooming offers numerous health benefits: 

What Are The Benefits of Dog Grooming?

Detect & Treat Skin Conditions

According to the ASPCA, dog grooming is a great way to keep an eye out for any causes of underlying skin conditions. Be sure to look for signs of fleas or other irritants to your dog’s skin. For enhanced skin care, request a special shampoo during your dog’s grooming appointment.

Reduce Smell

Lots of exercise and outside time can lead to a smelly dog. Any chance to reduce smelliness is a win for both you and your pup. 

Avoid Fleas

Fleas are not your dog’s friend. Schedule a flea bath during your dog’s grooming appointment to avoid fleas in the future. 

Prevent Shedding

Dogs shed to get rid of damaged or dry hair. The American Kennel Club recommends constantly brushing your dog’s hair to help them stay less sweaty, which ultimately reduces smelliness. 

Upgrade Your Dog’s Look

Want to update your dog’s aesthetic? Dog grooming is a great way for your dog to be ready for their photoshoot. 

How Much Is Dog Grooming? 

Here’s a quick summary of the costs for our dog grooming services. Visit our dog grooming page for more detailed information.

• Bath: $35 and up
• Flea bath: Additional $20
• Grooming package (bath and nail trim): $45 and up
• Shed-less treatment: Additional $20
• Spa package: Additional $20
• Nail clipping: $15
• Teeth Brushing: $10

Please note that these prices are estimates and may change depending on the size or breed of your dog. 

How Often Should You Groom Your Dog? 

Rover estimates that you should bathe your dog at least once every four to six weeks, depending on your dog’s coat. You can schedule other additional services, such as nail trimming or flea baths, on an as needed basis. 

What Do I Need To Get My Dog Groomed? 

If you plan on grooming your dog at home, you can purchase a dog grooming kit. You’ll want to ensure that your dog grooming kit contains the following tools: 

• Clippers
• Combs
• Brushes
• Scissors
• Nail trimmer

You’ll also want to have shampoo/conditioner and a towel. 

Where Can I Get My Dog Groomed? 

Visit your local dog care store to see if they offer dog grooming services. If you’re in the Triangle, come visit us at Pupsi! We’re one of the best dog grooming services in Raleigh, NC. 

Want to see how happy your dog can be when they’re fresh and clean? Schedule a dog grooming appointment at Pupsi today!

Read our roundup of the most dangerous household items for dogs

At PUPSI, we put our dogs first. If you’ve been wondering how to canine-proof your home to avoid any accidents, read below to learn more about what to keep out of the reach of your furry friend. If you’re unsure about something around the house that might be harmful, feel free to contact us and we’ll be happy to answer your questions!

Human food

Our pets eat special food for a reason. Because of their sensitive digestive system, a lot of human foods can be fatal when ingested. Some of the more dangerous foods to avoid giving your dog include:

• Chocolate – Made from the cacao seed, this food contains a harmful ingredient called methylxanthine, which is a stimulant that can cause rapid heart rate, vomiting, diarrhea, panting, excessive thirst, seizures and even death. Keep in mind, that dark chocolate has the highest level of this ingredient, while milk has the lowest.
• Grapes or raisins – These fruits can cause internal stress, including kidney failure. Since these foods are tiny, take caution when you or your children are eating because they can easily fall to the floor where your pet can pick them up.
• Onions & Garlic – These can kill blood cells in dogs, so chop with care when preparing meals, as these foods are used for lots of common recipes.
• Macadamia nuts – These nuts can cause a myriad of problems including weakness, hyperthermia and tremors in dogs. According to the ASPCA, signs usually appear within 12 hours of indigestion.
• Chewing gum and certain kinds of peanut butter – These foods can contain an ingredient called Xylitol which can cause liver failure and low glucose.

Household cleaners

Regular household cleaners contain harmful chemicals found in products like bleach and other disinfectants. Some of these products are kept under the sink in the kitchen or bathroom near the ground, so consider putting them in a higher spot so your pet can’t accidentally stumble upon them! These chemicals can cause lots of problems, and if heavily ingested could be fatal.

Human prescriptions

Many different medications can have harmful ingredients that can be toxic to a dog’s system. Always remember to keep these out of your dog’s reach because even a child-proof cap can be chewed through.

Insecticides

Similar to household cleaners and human medications, insecticides are made with poisons that can cause internal damage when ingested. Even though some may claim they’re non toxic, if a large amount is swallowed, it could mean trouble.

Underwear & socks

Leaving underwear and socks around the house may seem harmless, but these items can cause internal distress that may even require surgery! Dogs can ingest underwear or socks and not show signs until almost a week later, where surgeons have to go in and remove them if the dog hasn’t passed them through.

Always be Alert

Moral of the story? The best thing to do around your home is to keep harmful substances out of the reach of your pet. However, if your dog has ingested any of these substances, don’t waste any time. Call your nearest animal hospital and get professional assistance before it’s too late.