Dogs love to be groomed as it makes them feel healthier and happier.

Regular grooming is an essential part of caring for your dog as it is more than just making your dog's coat look good. Whilst grooming we are able to examine your dog closely for any lumps or unexpected bumps and look at the skin for signs of ticks, fleas or redness. We check the dog's coat for matting or dandruff problems and give a thorough groom to remove unwanted hair.

Begin a grooming routine when your dog is still a puppy and they will quickly get used to being handled by strangers.

A good brush to remove tangles and loose hair before being bathed is essential as washing would cause knots to become unmanageable. Shampoos and conditioners must be those especially made for dogs to avoid the skin losing its natural oils.

Grooming can include scissoring or hand stripping (for flat coated breeds of dogs) and at Waggies you can be sure that we are trained to carry out these techniques safely to avoid any injury to your pet.

We will also check your dog's ears as they should be kept clean for a dog to stay healthy.

The dog's nails are trimmed to make him or her more comfortable and to avoid the pain that can be caused by overlong claws.

Breeds of Dogs & Types of Coats

The grooming needs of dogs are different depending on their breed and coat. Some will need grooming more frequently and others less often.

There are different types of dog coats and these include:

Dogs with Long Coats

Newfoundland, Old English Sheepdogs, German Shepherds and Golden Retrievers.

Dogs with long hair would most benefit from a professional groom as they ideally need to be groomed on a daily basis. If this procedure is too difficult for owners to perform it would benefit the dog to be groomed by a professional every 6 - 8 weeks.

Dogs with Non-Shedding Coats

Bichon Frises, Poodles and Bedlington Terriers.

Dogs with non-shedding coats do not moult but they still need grooming as their coats need to be clipped regularly. These types of pets can suffer from excessive hair inside the ear and these needs to be trimmed for comfort and health

Dogs with Wiry Coats

Dachshunds and Schnauzers.

Dogs with Wiry coats are often hand stripped. However on occasion the coat can be clipped but this is generally for previously clipped coats, at owners request or for medical reasons.

Dogs with Silky Coats

Spaniels, Setters, Yorkshire Terriers and Pekinese’s.

Dogs with silky smooth coats are prone to tangles and therefore need regular grooming to prevent matting. These breeds need regular and more frequent attention especially to the ears and feet. It is essential that this type of coat is brushed on a daily basis.

Dogs with Smooth Coats

Labradors, Greyhounds and Dobermans

Even dogs with smooth coats can benefit from being regularly washed and groomed. Smooth coats still moult and general health maintenance can be beneficial to your dog. Regular ear and claw treatments should be made.