As a dedicated pet owner, you’ve probably encountered a myriad of grooming myths. From the safety of human shampoo to the necessity of winter grooming, these misconceptions can often lead to confusion and suboptimal care for our furry companions. Let’s dive into some common grooming myths and uncover the truth.
Grooming Myth #1: Human shampoo is unsafe to use on dogs because the ph of their skin is different.
Facts: Human shampoos aren’t unsafe, but they won’t work as well. Humans bathe more often than dogs, so products intended to be used at that frequency won’t get your dog as clean as a dog shampoo that is designed to be used on a weekly to monthly basis. Human shampoos also don’t contain ingredients for deshedding or deodorizing.
Grooming Myth #2: You don’t want to bathe your dogs too often because it can dry out their skin.
Facts: Show dogs get baths weekly, sometimes more often. Medicated shampoos are meant to be used multiple times a week. If you look up the studies that claim this as fact, check out their methodology. They washed dogs every day for 14 days with diluted Dawn dish soap! They scrub the dogs for several minutes, then the dogs were towel dried and left damp. Of course their skin is going to dry out, dish soap has powerful degreasing agents and should not be used as a daily shampoo, even diluted. Use a good quality dog shampoo and conditioner and your dog’s skin will be healthy.
Grooming Myth #3: Short haired dogs don’t need to be groomed.
Facts: No matter the breed, grooming is an important part of every dog’s life. Regular baths help remove dead skin, hair, dander, and allergens or pollutants, keeping them out of your home (and bed!) Dogs that get bathed regularly are better able to regulate their body temperature and itch less. It also gives you or your groomer an opportunity to inspect your dog’s skin, coat, nails, ears, and teeth to spot any areas of concern early. Many times cancerous growths are found by the groomer. Regular trimming of the nails helps keep your dog’s feet healthy and pain free.
Grooming Myth #4: Shaving your dog in the summer is the best way to keep them cool.
Facts: While some breeds can benefit from a short haircut, going too short can take away their protection from the sun and leave them at risk of sunburn. Double coated dogs especially should not be shaved due to the risk of permanent coat damage. The best way to keep these breeds cool is a thorough deshedding. You can also extend the sanitary shave up their belly a little if your dog enjoys sprawling out on the cold floor.
Grooming Myth #5: Dogs don’t like being groomed.
Facts: Most dogs accept grooming without fuss. Some even get excited when told they’re going to see their groomer. It can depend on an individual dog’s temperament and history, but building a relationship with trust and kindness can go a long way in improving your dog’s perception of grooming. Some dogs only appear nervous at drop off, only to come prancing back to the groom room as soon as their parent leaves!
Grooming Myth #6: Dogs get yearly dental cleanings so they don’t need daily oral care.
Facts: Keeping your dog’s teeth healthy is easy to do. It only takes a few minutes out of your day, and if you go about it the right way, it can be tolerable or even enjoyable for your dog. If you prevent tartar buildup by brushing, you may be able to go longer between vet cleanings, which can be costly.
Grooming Myth #7: Doodles/Poodles/etc. are hypoallergenic breeds.
Facts: No breed is truly hypoallergenic. Allergens are not only found in the dog’s coat, they’re also in the saliva, skin, dander, and urine. Hairless breeds can cause an allergic reaction. Low shedding breeds like poodles are usually a safe choice, but mixed breeds like doodles can have coats that shed. It depends on the genetics of the individual dog.
Grooming Myth #8: Not all dog breeds shed.
Facts: All dogs shed at least a little. Dogs with hair like Poodles, Shih Tzus, etc. shed more like humans do. Their hair tends to shed more slowly, and you might not be covered in it, but if you brush them out you’ll fine some hair in their brush. This is because the hairs that do shed tend to get caught in their coat. That’s why regular brushing is important to prevent these hairs from matting together.
Grooming Myth #9: Dogs don’t need regular grooming in winter.
Facts: Many clients choose to keep their dog’s hair longer for extra warmth during winter. Keeping the coat longer actually requires more maintenance to prevent tangles. Dry skin is very common this time of year and a hydrating bath and conditioner helps soothe itchy, flaky skin. Dogs with double coats need extra brushing to remove loose, dead undercoat. While their undercoat does keep them warm, having too much packed tightly to the skin reduces air flow, which makes it harder to regulate body temperature, and can cause skin irritation. Dog’s nails still need to be trimmed, and the paws should be washed to remove any deicer residue. Instead of forgoing grooming altogether, opt for a bath package with a face, feet, and sanitary trim, or a good deshed.
Grooming Myth #10: Puppies shouldn’t be groomed until they’re 6 months old.
Facts: The sooner you start working with your puppy on accepting grooming, the better! Puppy coats require regular brushing to prevent mats. If you’re waiting until they’re 6 months old to begin, you’re behind schedule. The first professional grooming should be booked for soon after they have their second round of puppy shots. These are usually given around 10-12 weeks. After that, your puppy is ready to have their introduction to the grooming salon.
Grooming Myth #11: It is bad to trim dog’s whiskers.
Facts: Dogs don’t need their whiskers the same way cats do. Dogs do receive minor sensory information from their whiskers, but most dogs get their whiskers trimmed and show no behavioral changes. Poodles get their faces entirely shaved and it’s not possible to trim a dog’s face without trimming the whiskers. It causes them no pain. Overall it is very safe to trim the whiskers.
Grooming Myth #12: Older dogs shouldn’t be groomed because it’s hard on them.
Facts: Old dogs can have a hard time, but they need grooming even more often than younger dogs. Senior dogs aren’t as active and need regular nail trims. They’re also more prone to having skin conditions that can benefit from regular baths. We can make the grooming process easier for them by keeping their coat shorter, maintaining a healthy weight, and choosing supplements for joint health. Bringing your dog to a groomer who specializes in seniors can also make it less stressful.
Grooming Myth #13: Tear stains are an indicator that something is wrong with your dog.
Facts: Tear stains are an aesthetic issue and most dogs with tear stains have no health conditions causing them. Tear stains are caused by Porphyrin: a molecule that contains iron that is excreted through the GI tract, urine, saliva, and tears. All dogs produce it, but some produce more than others. When your dog has a light colored coat, the stains can appear more pronounced. Keeping the hair in your dog’s eye corners trimmed short, clean, and dry can go a long way to reduce visibility of stains.
Conclusion
By dispelling these myths, we can ensure that our dogs receive the best possible care. Book an appointment today and let our expert groomers help you maintain your dog’s health and happiness.
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