Spring grooming tips from Blue Wheelers…
If your dog doesn’t have a regular washing & grooming routine, spring is a great time to start! Depending on your dog’s breed, they will have different grooming and washing requirements. During winter you may have found that your dog naturally sheds less or their coat grows slower. Spring is the peak shedding time for breeds that shed and the perfect time for other breeds to go shorter on their haircut for the warmer weather. Keep reading for tips from a Blue Wheelers Mobile Dog Groomer to help you keep your dog looking their best in spring.
Regular brushing
Brushing should be a part of your dog’s daily/weekly schedule all year round. It is especially needed in spring as this is the time when shedding is at its highest while your pup loses their winter coat. Depending on the breed, your dog may need more or less frequent brushing. Short haired breeds such as pugs can benefit from a weekly brush with a ‘Furminator’ or similar comb to remove their loose fur between washes. Other ‘high maintenance’ breeds such as Maltese or Poodle/’Oodle’ mixes should be brushed every day or two to help comb out any tangles before they turn into matts. Matting can be very painful for our doggies and should be avoided as much as possible with regular brushing and grooming. Brushing also helps to spread the natural oils through their coat to keep it looking shiny, healthy and prevent shedding. Spring also means more allergens and pollen in the air, regular brushing will help remove any things your dog may have picked up while outside.
Book in a bath
Your dog’s breed and lifestyle will affect their washing routine, you may have reduced baths over winter as it’s cold and they’re outside less. However, dogs should still be washed regularly, even in colder months. Bathing often helps to get rid of dirt, pollen and loose fur from their coat. Spring can mean more playtime outside, dirt, mud and allergens, so your dog should be washed regularly. When it comes to shampoos during washing, there is a wide range of products available. At Blue Wheelers, we have a range of premium shampoos available to treat different concerns. This includes our standard Premium Herbal Shampoo, Whitening Shampoo that makes white coats shine, our Flea & Tick Shampoo and our Medicated Shampoo which is perfect for dogs with sensitive skin or allergies. You can learn more about our shampoo range here (https://www.bluewheelers.com.au/services/dog-washing/). You can have your dog washed as often as once a fortnight up to once every 6 to 12 weeks. Your pup’s washing routine can be affected by a range of factors such as coat type, breed, smell, time of year and lifestyle. For example, if you have a short haired breed, they require less washing than a dog like a Poodle who needs grooming and washing every 4 to 8 weeks. Have a chat with your local Blue Wheelers Groomer to find the best washing and grooming schedule that works for you and your dog.
Time for a shorter groom?
PJ before and after her spring groom with Alison from Blue Wheelers Lakelands, WA.
Shorter clips are sometimes required for breeds including Poodles, Maltese, Shih Tzus and Oodle Mixes such as Groodles, Labradoodles & Goldendoodles. During winter you may have kept your dog’s coat longer and they have become matted. Not to mention missing out on their regular clips during Covid-19 Lockdowns in some States. A ‘hygiene clip’ to keep pooches clean is often the clip of choice in Winter. Spring is the best time to get off that longer coat (if that’s what you prefer) and get them back to their regular coat length. Most dogs that require grooming should be groomed every 4 - 8 weeks dependant on breed and lifestyle. If you brush your Groodle every day to remove matts and tangles and they keep inside mostly, you should be able to go longer between grooms. It’s best to check with your vet, breeder or groomer to find the right grooming schedule for your fur baby.
Deshedding
All dogs shed, some a lot more than others. This is especially true for double coated dogs. A double coat is made up first of the dense undercoat layer that protects your dog from warm and cold temperatures. Then there are the longer ‘guard hairs’ that protect the undercoat and repel dirt and moisture. Double coated dogs are recommended not to be clipped or groomed as the intact double coat helps regulate their temperature and it’s recommended not to compromise their coat. Breeds that are double coated include Samoyeds, Huskies, Border Collies, Golden Retrievers and Labradors. As the weather heats up in spring, your dog will start to shed their winter coat. Spring is a great time to try a deshed treatment. Blue Wheelers offers a 3 Step Deshed Treatment that can be added to your dog’s usual bath. A deshed helps to get deep into the coat to remove any loose and dead hairs. Getting a deshed will help minimise shedding for weeks after their appointment and stop the constant vacuuming up of dog hair in spring!
If you want to get your dog springtime ready, call Blue Wheelers on 1300 659 055 or go https://www.bluewheelers.com.au/find/ to find your local Groomer and book in your next wash, clip or groom.
Have you been thinking about a career change? Blue Wheelers is always looking for switched on dog lovers who want to be their own boss! No experience necessary - just a major love of dogs. All training provided at our Blue Wheeleers Grooming Schools available in most states. Click the link to learn more about our mobile dog grooming franchise opportunities (https://www.bluewheelers.com.au/franchise-opportunities/) and get your information pack.