Why Is Dog Grooming So Important?

In addition to regular appointments with a groomer, you as the owner have a very important role to play in ensuring that your dogs’ coat is kept in good condition. Different breeds have different needs and if you have a dog with a longer coat this will need to be looked after and brushed regularly even in between grooms. For dogs with shorter haired coats it is still important to give them a weekly brush to remove excess dead coat, its still important to get your shorter haired dogs to the groomers every once in a while to get a good clean and de-shed to promote a healthy coat and skin.
It’s more so important for your longer coated dogs to be regularly brushed to prevent knots and matts forming. If these form they will be a massive discomfort for your dog, imagine if you went weeks without brushing your hair, you wouldn’t feel very good in yourself would you? If you're able to twist your hair and pull really hard and that will replicate a similar feeling to what a knot and matt feels like.

Regular brushing will help promote a healthy coat and skin and make your dog feel amazing and happy.

For your breeds of dogs who do have longer coats grooming will play a massive part in their lives so you need to get them conditioned to be groomed and relate to it as a positive thing. This means they need to get used to a brush from being a puppy and get used to be checked over, fiddle with their paws and toes, legs, tail & face consistently as they grow up and reward them with treats and attention for doing this so they can always relate it as a positive activity.

What is matting?
Matting is where the coat/hair has developed into knots and has not been dealt with so becomes a big clump which can become impossible to remove with a brush. Matting will cut off the air flow in the hair and can trap moisture, which can lead to infections, build up off bacteria, skin issues and sores.
If you think your dog is matted get in touch with a groomer or vet ASAP to get these removed. Typically matts will be removed with clippers and a short cutting blade, only allow professionals to do this to reduce the risk of injury to your dog.