Home grooming tricks including matting & FOX POO!!

We have all had to bathe our dog at home at least once haven’t we? You know, that soul destroying scene of your nice clean bathroom covered in mud, hair and slobber. The scratches in your lovely bath tub, the horror when Fido jumps out the bath and legs it down the stairs leaving a trail of soggy destruction… Not fun huh?
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Well, lucky for you we are here to help… well, as much as we can given most owners don’t have access to a salon at home bearing all the necessary magical items to make it as stress free as possible for you and your dog! 
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In an ideal world, we don’t advise owners to bathe at home if they have fluffy/longer haired breeds. A lack of experience and knowledge means it’s more likely you’ll damage or cause matting to the coat doing so. But, we know there’s those emergency times you have no choice. Its those we are focusing on here…

• Rule 1. Always pre plan the procedure! Before you even get Fido in that bathroom, make sure you have to hand your doggy shampoo (ideally a natural one) and towels, because once your dog is in there its going to be a juggling act to nail bathing him without you too enjoying a shower… oh, and close the door behind you if you value your bed or sofa (thank me later)
• Rule 2. Warm water, not hot or cold. Make sure you rinse any product from the coat thoroughly. They wont thank you if the temperature isn’t just so. 
• Rule 3. Be careful when wetting or showering not to squirt water down the ear canals or up the noses, especially in flat nosed breeds like shih tzus. You can not only cause ear damage or infection, but you can also accidentally and scarily easily drown your dog if they inhale water on their lungs. 
• Rule 4. Do NOT towel rub – Rubbing with a towel causes friction and friction causes and worsens matting. Pat and squeeze not rub and ruin… trust me, its not a good idea! 
• Rule 5. This one is GOLDEN. Blow dry your dog on the warm not hot setting and brush at the same time head to toe. You should be able to see skin and move a comb through it with zero resistance. Don’t forget to do every inch of your dog including under tails, behind ears, bellies and muzzles. Skipping this is a recipe for matting. If you don’t want a buzz cut then please, PLEASE brush and comb. 

3 tips and cheats for dealing with the undealable! 

• Tip 1 - Fox poo – it STINKS and it is stubborn to remove if not washed immediately. Soak in tomato ketchup for at least 10 minutes before shampooing. You might need to repeat this more than once. Disclaimer - Please seek veterinary advice first if your dog has sensitive skin/allergies/broken or damaged skin
• Tip 2 - Matting – avoid matting by using a high quality, natural leave in conditioner when brushing and combing (speak to us to find out which tools are best and how to use them properly, yes – there is a knack!). Not only will this reduce breakage which also makes coat mat up, but it also enhances shine, condition and smells great too. Win win! 
• Tip 3 - Use a shower mat in the bottom of your bath tub to help give your dog grip to reduce them panicking whilst also protecting the tub from scratches 

Good luck in your mission!