Vet voice: spring grooming tips for warmer weather
Dr Betty Chan, Senior Veterinary Officer at PetSure (Australia), shares expert tips to perfect your DIY dog-grooming routine.
As the weather heats up, it's important to keep our pets comfortable and healthy under their fur coats. Proper grooming is not only about good looks but also about their overall wellbeing. To get your dog ready for spring and summer, add these steps to your grooming routine:
regular brushing: brush your dog daily to remove loose fur and prevent matting. For short-haired breeds, consider using a bristle or rubber brush; for long-haired breeds, consider a slicker brush or pin brush. Brushing will also help you detect foreign material or parasites that may have latched onto your dog, such as ticks or fleas.
bathing: bathe your dog with a non-irritating, mild pet shampoo every four to six weeks. Rinse and dry your pet thoroughly; it’s not ideal to let your dog air-dry.
nail trimming: dogs that walk on concrete regularly will not need much nail maintenance. Should your dog need a trim, use a dog nail-clipper or grinder to cut off only enough nail to prevent overgrowth and discomfort – and definitely don't clip into the quick.
ear cleaning: check your dog's ears weekly. If they need cleaning, you can use a mild dog ear-cleaning solution. Always allow your dog to shake out excessive ear cleaner before wiping out their ears.
paw checking: some breeds have lots of hair growing out from their paws. Gently trim that hair back with a pet clipper to prevent slipping or uncomfortable matting***.
To do DIY grooming well, invest in quality grooming tools; create a calm environment for your precious pooch; and make grooming a stress-free experience for your dog.
It's also important to take your time to help your dog familiarise themselves with the grooming experience. Start by only brushing your dog. Once your dog is used to that sensation, add bathing on the same day; by adding stages bit by bit, you'll slowly build up your dog’s confidence when grooming.
As always, consult your vet for specific grooming needs and advice. Members who have a pet insurance policy from RACT, together with petinsurance.com.au can reach out to our friendly vets through the LiveVet> service.
Petinsurance.com.au policies entered into for the first time on or after 7 November 2023 and subsequent renewals of those policies are issued by PetSure (Australia) Pty Ltd ABN 95 075 949 923, AFSL 420183 (PetSure) and promoted and distributed by PetSure’s Authorised Representatives (AR) Pet Insurance Pty Ltd ABN 38 607 160 930, AR 1234944 (PIPL) and The Royal Automobile Club of Tasmania Limited ABN 62 009 475 861, AR 228578. Petinsurance.com.au policies entered into for the first time prior to 7 November 2023 and subsequent renewals of those policies are issued by The Hollard Insurance Company Pty Ltd ABN 78 090 584 473, AFSL 241436, arranged and administered by PetSure (Australia) Pty Ltd ABN 95 075 949 923, AFSL 420183 (PetSure) and promoted and distributed by PIPL. Any advice provided is general only and does not take into account your individual objectives, financial situation or needs. Please consider the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) to ensure this product meets your needs before purchasing, or choosing to continue with the product. PDS and Target Market Determination available at petinsurance.com.au.
***This is general veterinary information only. Please consult with your vet before acting on it.
>Live Vet Support is a service provided by PetSure that gives you 24/7 access to general veterinary telehealth advice for your insured pet(s) via online video or chat, via the Customer Portals owned and operated by PetSure. Access to Live Vet Support consultations subject to the Customer Portal terms of use available at petportal.petinsurance.com.au.