Dog grooming tips

The most useful grooming tips are small and regular, not dramatic. A few minutes with the right brush, a check of paws and ears, and a habit of drying a wet dog properly will do more than an occasional panic session.

Work with the coat you actually have. A short-coated labrador needs loose hair lifting out and a wipe of the paws. A curly doodle needs the brush to reach the skin, not just the surface. A double-coated breed should not be clipped to the skin in an attempt to “keep them cool”. Those differences are why we have a separate page on coat types.

Keep sessions short if your dog is impatient. It is better to handle paws, ears and collar area calmly three times a week than to wrestle through a full body brush once a month. Stop and get help if you meet a mat that is tight to the skin, or if the skin looks red or broken — that is matting advice and, if the skin is involved, a vet.

Treats, a non-slip surface and a quiet corner make home grooming easier. So does not surprising a dog with the dryer or the nail clippers. When you do want a professional groom, bring your dog to our Banbury salon; we don’t offer mobile visits. Call us if you would like to talk a first appointment through.