Dog Dos - Not Just For Summer!

By Jane Pigott, GP vet & consultant, Veterinary Cardiologist

As the warmer months have gifted us some sunny days of late, many pet owners thoughts have turned to arranging their pet’s summer haircut to keep them comfortable as the temperatures rise. Although a lighter cut in the summer can be helpful, there is no need for drastic measures and a buzz cut in many cases – we live in Ireland, not Barbados after all!

By right, grooming and coat care should really be an all-year-round consideration to optimise your pet’s comfort and welfare, not just a summertime concern. Depending on the length and texture of your pet’s coat, recommended maintenance may range from a wash every 6-8 weeks in the case of very short haired breeds, to daily brushing at home to keep tangles at bay and a full wash, cut and style every 6-8 weeks in the case of longer haired or curly breeds. Some breeds with thick coats may even need help to shed their thick undercoat regularly. If you are not aware of what you need to do to maintain your pet’s coat such that it is tangle free and comfortable, then your local qualified groomer or veterinary practice will be able to guide you.

The areas of the body which are prone to matting are the areas in which there is a lot of movement (the top of the legs in the armpit and groin areas), on and behind the ears, and in some cases around the bottom if the pet has issues with toileting properly. Matts pull and tug at the skin, becoming tighter over time, and can represent a considerable source of pain and distress for pets. Matting can be effectively prevented by regular brushing and visits to the groomers, however if matting is established, then a more extensive professional groom to shave off the mats may be the best solution to return your pet to comfort.