Grooming Mistakes

DON'T MAKE A GROOMING MISTAKE

"Even knowledgeable owners make common home grooming mistakes," says Sherri Glass, a Certified Master Groomer at Cornerstone Dog Grooming Academy in Clyde, Ohio.

"For example, owners who bathe dogs frequently because of a 'doggie smell' might accomplish more with increased brushing, or a visit to the vet to discuss diet changes or health."

Another common bathing mistake, using baby shampoo instead of dog shampoo leads to dry skin. "Brushing stimulates oil glands, disperses oils, and minimizes dryness and flaking on short- as well as long-haired dogs," Glass says.

Combing may also be neglected. "Owners of double-coated or long-haired dogs (like Bouviers) need a good metal comb to find tangles near the skin that brushes miss," Glass says. Groomers most often find missed hair mats under dog's arms, between legs, or behind ears.

"Preventive brushing is more beneficial and economical than detangler products," Glass says.

The most common nail-trimming mistake is not conditioning the dog to paw handling. There are no easy fixes. "If your dog won't sit still for traditional clipping, don't spend money on nail buffers, which require even more time," Glass says. "With a fidgety dog, ask your groomer or vet to trim the nails."

-L.M.H.