DIY Pet Grooming

Keen to save some time or money on grooming Fido or Kitty? Mel Hearse chats to Petbarn’s grooming manager, Janelle Austin, about grooming your pet at home.

- Janelle Austin

While some jobs are best left to the professionals (such as clipping, if you’re not confident), many of your pet’s grooming needs can be met at home. Spending time sprucing up your dog or cat is necessary to maintain their appearance and help prevent eye, ear, skin, teeth and nail infections, as well as early detection of skin problems.

DOGS

A general rule of thumb when it comes to the “how often” you need to wash your dog is when they start to smell, though Janelle says most healthy dogs will benefit from having a bath every two to four weeks and being brushed on a daily or weekly basis, depending on their breed and age. “Some breeds have oily or thick coats — for example, Basset Hounds — and they’ll benefit from a weekly wash. Other breeds with water-repellent coats or very short hair will require less-frequent washes, and regular brushing will mean they require even less frequent washing,” she says.

Dogs with active lives that include plenty of mud puddles or splashing in water may also need to up the ante in the bath department to help remove dirt and debris that can build up in fur and on skin. On the flipside, dogs with skin allergies or sensitive skin should be bathed as infrequently as possible, with vet recommended products.

“It’s important to know the right frequency for your pet’s breed as too much or too little washing can create or exacerbate skin conditions,” Janelle advises. Sensitive skin can cause a great deal of discomfort and pain for your pet and should always be assessed by your vet, who can advise you about the best type of product to use as well as how frequently you should wash — and give you tips on grooming techniques that won’t irritate the condition further.