How Variable Is The Grooming Process For Dogs of Different Age and Breed?

One size does certainly not fit all when it comes to dog grooming, especially here at D-O-G.

We treat every pet with the individual attention and love that they deserve, and therefore every groom can be different. Influencing factors will determine what to expect from your grooming session. These include:

• Age
• Breed
• Temperament

Understanding breed-specific grooming requirements

The coat type will be a massive determinant of what your dog grooming session will be like. 

Short-haired breeds:

Short-haired breeds, such as Dalmatians and French Bulldogs, are relatively lower-maintenance compared to their longer haired counterparts.

Short-haired breeds will still require brushing to remove loose hairs and to maintain a healthy shine, but they do not usually require regular haircuts. 
Bathing should remain a regular activity to keep them clean and fresh.

Long-haired breeds: 

Breeds such as a Maltese or Afghan Hound have longer, flowing coats that require regular brushing to prevent tangles and matting. 

A thorough, professional grooming every 4 to 6 weeks is recommended for long-haired breeds.

Double-coated breeds:

Double-coated breeds, such as Samoyeds and Australian Shepherds have a dense undercoat that requires special attention when it comes to grooming.

Shedding season happens twice a year, and they will require extra grooming to manage the heavy fur shedding.

When it comes to specific breeds, poodles and doodles have curly and wavy coats that do not shed as much as straighter coats, however these can become matted more easily. Therefore, regular grooming is required to keep their coats in optimum condition. 

Terriers have wiry coats that need hand-stripping or specialist clipping to maintain their texture and thickness. 

Make sure to choose a professional dog groomer with the relevant skills and experience. 

For their own health and hygiene, breeds known for shorter noses and wrinkled faces such as pugs and bulldogs require special attention to clean their facial folds, to avoid painful and dangerous infections.

The changing requirements as your dog gets older

Puppies, adult and senior dogs have different grooming requirements to ensure they are comfortable and receiving the best care. 

Puppy

Puppy grooming sessions will focus upon familiarising your young dog with the grooming process, rather than a particular focus upon a thorough grooming. 

Short, positive and fun grooming sessions help puppies to get used to being handled and groomed. 

Puppies also have more sensitive skin, so we make sure to choose milder shampoos and conditioners. 

Nail trimming can be an awkward experience for dogs, so we like to acclimatise puppies to this process as soon as they are ready. 

Using treats, toys and praise ensures the experience is positive for the puppy and owner!

Adult 

Adult dogs often have a more established grooming routine, more closely related to their breed specific requirements. 

Regular brushing, bathing, nail trimming and ear cleaning should be a part of their grooming regime. 

As dogs grow older, their skin and coat may change, so regular grooming can help you to stay on top of any developments such as dry skin or hot spots. 

Senior

Senior dogs may start to develop individual needs, such as more gentle handling or specialist products such as hypoallergenic or medicated shampoos. 

Regular grooming with a professional provides an opportunity for regular check ups for lumps, bumps and any other health concern that may require a vet's attention. You can find more tips on looking after your senior dogs coat here. 

We treat every dog who comes to us as a VIP (very important pet), and therefore we tailor every groom to be just right for you and your pet. 

We take into consideration all age and breed specific requirements for your dog, helping us to deliver the best groom every time. 

With three studios across London, in Wimbledon, Wandsworth and Battersea, your pet will be in very safe hands if you are looking for a London dog groomer!