Grooming for Dogs in Liverpool

Grooming for Dogs in Liverpool

Dog grooming is hygienic care given to a dog, or a process by which the dog's physical appearance is enhanced for showing or other types of competition. A person who earns their living grooming dogs is known as a groomer.

Reasons for grooming

Grooming is an important part of dog care. Depending on the breed, age and health of the dog, grooming may be a daily activity. Many breeds require significantly less grooming than this, but regular grooming helps to ensure the dog is healthy and comfortable.

The main reasons for daily grooming include:

* improved health of the skin and coat
* decreases the chance of various health problems such as thrush, scratches, and other skin problems
* cleans the dog
* allows the groomer to check the dog's health, such as looking for cuts, heat, swelling, lameness, or a change in temperament (such as depression) which could indicate the dog is sick
* helps to form a relationship between dog and owner

Tools used for grooming

Various types of currycombs

Curry or Currycomb: A tool made of rubber or plastic with short "teeth" The tool is rubbed or "curried" in a circular motion to loosen dirt, hair, and other detritus, plus stimulate the skin to produce natural oils. Metal currycombs are also available, but are designed for use on show cattle.

Shedding blade: for grooming certain types of harsh coats, a metal shedding blade with short, dull teeth is used to remove dead hair. The shedding blade is not used to cut the hair.

Scissors and Clippers: used to remove hair on certain types of coats or in sensitive areas.

Bathing

Dogs can be bathed by being wet down with a garden hose, using a hand-held shower head, or with water from a bucket. Many types of shampoos and conditioners formulated for dogs are available. Most dogs do not require frequent bathing: too-frequent shampooing can strip the hair coat of natural oils and cause it to dry out.

Hair removal

The coats of many breeds require trimming, cutting, or other attention. Styles vary by breed and discipline. While some hair removal has its origins in practical purposes, much is based on the taste of the owner, whether or not the dog will be shown, and what work the dog does.

Stripping

Stripping or hand-stripping is the process of pulling the dead hair out of the coat of a non-shedding dog, either by using a stripping knife or the fingers. A hard, wiry coat has a cycle where it starts growing and then sheds as it reaches maximum length. Hand-stripping coordinates the shedding and makes room for a new coat to grow.