Petbarn’s grooming development manager Janelle Austin’s tips on keeping your pooch fresh

Petbarn’s grooming development manager Janelle Austin reveals her top dog grooming tips to help makeover even the most unkept of mutts.

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Is your pooch looking more tramp than lady? If so, it might be time to give them a grooming once-over.

Just like you, your faithful friend needs a bit of TLC to keep them looking (and smelling) great.

Ms Austin (not pictured) says be sure to use the product that best suits your dog’s coat type or skin care requirements. Picture: iStock

From washing and brushing, to ear cleaning and nail trimming, Petbarn’s grooming development manager, Janelle Austin, reveals her top dog grooming tips to help makeover even the most unkept of mutts.

TOP DOG GROOMING TIPS

BATHING BASICS

As a rule of thumb, dogs should only be bathed when necessary, namely if they smell or if they’re dirty.

If you’re not sure on how often to wash your pet, speak with your local Petbarn Groomer or Greencross Vets.

Also, be aware that the pH of dog skin is different to the pH of human skin, so your shampoo won’t cut it for Fido.

Mickleham Local, Janelle Austin, Grooming Development Manager, won Best in Group and placed 1st in Gundog Masters Class. She is pictured with her American Cockerspaniel Rocky at work.

“Be sure to use the product that best suits your dog’s coat type or skin care requirements,” Ms Austin said.

“First, wet your pet through to the skin using lukewarm water, lather your dog’s coat using the shampoo to remove any dirt, completely rinse and then massage conditioner into the pets coat from roots to ends, and rinse thoroughly.

“To finish, use a clean towel to remove all excess water then a hairdryer on a low speed with no heat.”

COAT BRUSHING

An important part of general pet care, brushing and combing your dog’s hair helps keep coats in tip top condition by removing excess hair, untangling knots, and helping distributing natural skin oils to promote a glossy shine.

“Brushing and combing your dog regularly is the only way to avoid a matted and knotty coat,” Ms Austin said.

“Matting is caused when dead hair or small knots are not removed and this can become very uncomfortable for your pet.

Ms Austin says brushing and combing your dog regularly is the only way to avoid a matted and knotty coat. Picture: iStock

Start by combing your dog with the lay of the coat and when you hit a knot, support the skin by holding the coat between your thumb and index finger, then work the knot out gently.”

Ms Austin recommends speaking to an experienced groomer or checking in with the local Petbarn to find out which – out of the many brushes and combs on the market – are right for your hound.

TRIMMING TALONS

Probably the most disliked of all grooming tasks by dog owners, trimming the talons of your pooch is a task filled with potential pitfalls.

“Overgrown nails can cause your dog discomfort and can result in the nail embedding into the paw pad,” Ms Austin said.

“Look for the ‘quick’ – this is where the blood vessel and nerves of the nail bed sit – inside the white of the nail. If your dog has darker nails then check with a groomer or vet.

Janelle Austin with her American Cockerspaniel Rocky.

“When cutting the nail hold your dog’s paw in one hand gently separate the toes and put a little pressure on the toe to hold it in place, trim the nail using the nail clippers a little at a time avoiding cutting the nail past the tip of the quick.

“If you hit the quick apply some styptic powder with some pressure to stop any bleeding.

“Lastly, use a nail file to smooth off any rough edges.”

EAR CLEANING

If you’ve noticed your pet scratching or rubbings their ears, or repeatedly shaking their head, then it could be a sing that their ears need a thorough clean.

While dogs with healthy ears should have their ears left alone, if you’ve noticed signs such as the above, or a strong smell emanating from your pup’s ears, then it might be time to take action.

Ms Austin (not pictured) says owners can clean their dog’s ears at home, but it’s best to have a professional groomer or vet show you how to do it first. Picture: iStock

“It’s best to visit your vet first so that they can rule out any issues,” Ms Austin said.

“You can clean your dog’s ears at home, but it’s best to have a professional groomer or vet show you how to do it first – Petbarn grooming salons offer an ear cleaning service that you can take advantage of, for example.

“But if you’re doing it yourself, firstly fold the ear back, and use a cotton wool ball and ear cleaning solution – or ear cleaning wipes – to gradually remove the dirt and wax.”

Originally published as Petbarn’s grooming development manager Janelle Austin’s tips on keeping your pooch fresh