Dog Grooming Tips for Spring

With spring in full swing, most dogs are saying goodbye to their winter coats, allergens are filling the air, and pests are coming out; now is the perfect time to start a grooming routine for your pet. Here are some important spring (and year-round) grooming tips for your furry friend to feel like their best selves:

Brush:
Dogs with thick winter coats will begin shedding as the weather gets warmer with spring. If your dog has a double coat, they’ll shed their thick undercoat for a light one, which is better for the warmer seasons. Brush them often; this helps remove all that extra fur and keeps their coat smooth. Regular brushing is essential during spring to remove dead hair and prevent mats. Brushing also helps remove dirt and improves circulation to promote healthier skin. Using a slicker brush will help to remove loose hair, followed by a comb to keep your pup’s coat knot-free. Visit your local Feeds’n Needs to see our selection of brushes. Not sure what you are looking for? Our Experts can help!

Bath Time:
Ensure all dead hair and mats are removed from brushing before bathing your dog. If a dog is bathed with mats in their fur, it only makes their hair tighter and harder to brush out. It’s important to regularly wash your dog, particularly during the spring, because pollen and other allergens are most active during this time and can take a toll on your dog’s skin. You should bathe your dog every 21 days to align with their skin rejuvenation cycle. Always use dog-safe shampoo and conditioner to keep their coat healthy and clean and avoid any irritation to your dog’s skin. 

Paws and Noses:
Keep your pup’s paws and noses moisturized with paw ointment to prevent dry or cracked skin. Don’t forget about their nails! When you don’t clip your dog’s nails, they get uncomfortable, and walking can hurt. If you don’t feel comfortable cutting your dog’s nails, try using a nail grinder or filer to maintain them between visits to a professional groomer. After your walks, always check your dog for foreign objects. Remove debris and carefully clean paws, examining each pad for any unwanted objects or injuries.

Smelling Sweet:
Keep your furry friends smelling sweet with a nice smelling dog-safe spritz. This will help them get by until their next bath.

Fleas and Ticks:
Pests like fleas and ticks start showing up more in spring. Be sure to check your pet often. A good time to always watch for them is while brushing and bathing your dog. The more frequently you check your pets, the more likely you are to locate these pests.

* Spring brings… muddy paws! If your dog is covered from head to paw in mud, act fast and wipe them down to prevent mud from drying and setting in. When your dog is dry, brush them with a slicker brush to remove any excess dirt and tangles before bath time. 

Get your pup squeaky clean at one of our Splash’n Dash locations!

The Feeds’n Needs in Berwick, NS, and Woodstock, NB, offer a self-service dog wash (with more locations opening soon)! You can bring your dog in for a $12 self-service wash, where we provide professional tubs, shampoo, towels, and dryers. The cost is only $10 if you bring your own towel.

We can’t wait to see your furry friends soon!

Sources:
5 Essential Spring Grooming Tips for Your Dog. (shop-pawness.com)
Spring Grooming Tips to Get Your Dog Ready for Warmer Weather – American Kennel Club (akc.org)
April Showers Bring…Muddy Paws: Tips for Spring Grooming (hsgn.ca)
Spring and Summer Grooming Tips for Dogs (cruisincanines.com)