With the change of the season, fall can bring our dogs lots of comfort. From cooler weather to muddy puddles for them to play in, keep their coats in check with these friendly tips.
Clean those feet!
Trimming paw pad fur will help prevent mud and debris from sticking around and causing irritation. If you don’t feel comfortable trimming down the fur yourself, see a professional. Groomers can help clean up between the toes and pads with ease, keeping them trap-free. They also can add paw balm to help protect the pads from getting too moist or drying out.
Brush, brush, brush!
You probably hear this often, but with fall rolling in, our dogs tend to shed their summer coat in preparation for their winter coat. Luckily, there are brushes out there for every coat type. A “slicker brush” is best for the curly and wavy coated breeds, like a Poodle or Doodle. Furminators are great for double-coated dogs, such as a Husky or German Shepherd, while Zoom Grooms are an ideal choice for dogs with short coats, similar to a pit bull or Pug.
Check for pests!
Also, keep an eye out for ticks and fleas. Even with the drop in the temperature, these pesky buggers persist. A regular grooming schedule, either by a professional or by doing it yourself, will help you catch fleas and ticks before they become a problem. Checking your dog from nose to tail after fun adventures in wooded areas or fields will also help you catch unwelcome hitchhikers. Don’t forget, there is a wide selection of preventatives out there, from diatomaceous earth to flea and tick pills and topicals. Grooming shops also provide a flea and tick wash for those dogs and cats who may have already come into contact with these pesky pests.
Remember, if you already have a grooming routine, stay on it. If you haven’t already established a routine, come on down and make an appointment with our experienced groomers at Paws For Elegance so we can help maintain the mane.
