Million-Dollar Looks

1. Trusting the Pros

There are various benefits of taking your dog for a professional grooming session, especially if you’re a working parent and don’t have the time required to keep your pooch looking like a million dollars.

One of the main benefits is that a professional groomer is qualified and has the experience to groom your pet. These groomers are taught all about the different coat types and the best way of taking care of it. They also know which styles suit which breeds the best, and the difference between a winter and summer cut.

2. All About the Coat

It is important to understand your dog’s coat – it can be more complicated than it looks. “The different types of coats need specific types of grooming. And it is also very important that pet owners understand that you can’t simply cut a matted coat. In most instances, the mats have to be combed out first (which can be very painful for the dog), followed by a good brush, and only then can you bath the dog,” advises Letty Shoba, grooming assistant at Family Pet Centre. “Remember that your pet’s coat becomes dry in winter, which means it needs additional conditioning.”

3. Wearing a Jacket

Some dogs, especially small breed dogs and dogs with short or no coats, might benefit from wearing a jacket. Be gentle when putting the jacket on or taking it off, careful not to pull his hair. Ensure the coat lies flat underneath the jacket, and comb out any mats that the jacket may have caused.

4. Pawdicure

If you touch your dog’s paws from an early age, he won’t mind if you regularly check them for cracks, or to give him a ‘pawdicure’. Regularly check his paws for any cracks and massage his paws with a moisturising lotion for dogs. “This will keep his paws soft and keep them from drying out during winter times,” explains Letty.

A ‘pawdicure’ also means that you need to cut his nails. This can be tricky, and if you are too afraid to do it yourself, a professional groomer can take care of this task for you.

Book your appointment now +27 (0)12 764 1400 or for more information go to https://familypetcentre.co.za/pages/pet-grooming.