You’ve probably heard all kinds of advice from family, friends, and the occasional stranger at the dog park about the proper grooming of your pet, but how much of it is true? Here are three common grooming myths to know about keeping your four-legged friend in tip-top shape!

MYTH #1: ONLY CERTAIN BREEDS NEED GROOMING

FALSE: All dogs need grooming! It may seem as if grooming is just about haircuts, but a regular grooming session benefits dogs of all coat types. A typical groom consists of a bath, blow-dry, brushing, ear cleaning, and anal gland expression, plus a lot of love and attention for your little buddy. Regular ear cleaning is necessary to prevent infection, especially for active dogs or those with long ears, which tend to hold in moisture. Anal gland expression is also essential for the comfort of your dog and the avoidance of impacted glands.

MYTH #2: PETS ONLY NEED OCCASIONAL BATHS

FALSE: Dogs need more than a couple of baths a year to maintain a healthy coat and skin. Bathing frequency depends on several factors, including environment, activity, and medical requirements. In an article by petMD, Dr. Jennifer Coates explains simply that “the best bath frequency depends on the reason behind the bath. Healthy dogs who spend most of their time inside may only need to be bathed a few times a year to control natural ‘doggy odors.’ On the other hand, frequent bathing is a critical part of managing some medical conditions, like an allergic skin disease.'” Your groomer can help you determine a grooming schedule based on your pet’s specific needs. It’s a team effort!

MYTH #3: HUMAN SHAMPOO WORKS JUST AS WELL AS PET SHAMPOO

FALSE: Our canine friends have different bathing needs than humans, and that goes for shampoo, too. Dr. Coates further explains that the natural pH of human and animal skin is quite different and that human shampoo can contain irritating chemicals for Fido’s skin. So what shampoo should you use? Ask your groomer!

There you have it, the truth about grooming’s most frequently asked questions. With regular doggy spa days, you’ll keep your best friend looking and feeling (don’t forget smelling) their best.

Contact us today! We offer various packages to fit your grooming needs, including feline sedation and FURminator Deshedding Solution for pets with excessive shedding issues.