There is no shortage of pet grooming services in Singapore, that is why it is important to ask for recommendations and to develop a rapport with a groomer before deciding to groom pet.
Types of Dog Coats
Most of the experienced pet groomers in Singapore should be able not just to deal with dog behavior and temperament, but also be able to work with different breeds and dog coats. Getting the wrong pet grooming services for your dog can have disastrous consequences if the groomer does not understand what your dog specifically needs.
Here are the types of dog coats that any reputable pet grooming shop should be familiar with.
- Smooth Coat. This type of coat is characterized by a short, single coat close to the body and does not shed heavily. Ideally, bathing should be done only once every twelve weeks with warm water and an all-purpose shampoo. Next, towel dry the coat before using a hand dryer set at a warm temperature and high speed. The groomer can use either just the hands or a bristle brush while drying the hair. After brushing, the groomer should use a rubber grooming glove to massage the body. A sheen brush may be used if there is a need to make the coat shiny.
- Double Coat. Double-coated dogs need special care when grooming because they shed their undercoats at least twice a year. At the pet grooming shop, the groomer will first spray mist of the coat before brushing with a slicker brush or a mat breaker. A finishing comb is used on smaller mats on the coat, while the mats in the ears are loosened using an undercoat rake. Washing is recommended once every 12 weeks, but more frequently when the dog is molting. Towel-dry the coat before using a hair dryer and a slicker brush.
- Wire Coat. Wire-coated dogs have a soft undercoat and wiry hair that require regular trimming depending on the breed. An expert pet grooming in Singapore service should be familiar with the specific needs of various breeds, because this is a high-maintenance coat. Bathing is recommended once every twelve weeks with warm water and an all-purpose shampoo. Towel-dry the coat before using a dryer to remove the loose hair. The groomer should inspect the areas near the tail and trim any excess in the area above and below the anus. When combing while the coat is dry, an anti-static spray is required to make the process smoother.
- Curly Coat. Curly-coated dogs are prone to tangles if they are not groomed properly by occasional trimming and combing. Ideally, you should only keep the hair length at two inches every six to eight weeks. Before trimming, however, dead hair need to removed using a slicker brush and a wide-toothed comb. When trimming the hair, the groomer starts with the paws, legs, and the underside before moving on to the head and finally, the tail, body, and belly. After a trim, bathing is recommended to rinse off the hair. For this type of coat, towel-drying is the best method, because blow-drying is not recommended. If you are planning to include your dog in shows and competitions, you should invest in pet grooming regularly
- Long Coat. Long-haired dogs need regular brushing daily to remove the tangles and mats. Brushing with soft-bristled brush is also recommended before bathing the dog, so that it is easier to remove the dead hair later. When bathing, the direction of the water should always be downward and start by working your way from the top to bottom. Use your hair to comb through the hair while shampooing, then rinse thoroughly. Towel-dry before using the blow dryer, then inspect the foot pads and claws if they need any trimming.
- Most of the hair is found only on the hair, feet, tails, and ears. Regular oiling and application of sunscreen is required to protect their skin. While, bathing is recommended only once every four weeks with mild shampoo to prevent blackheads from appearing. Towel-dry before using a hand-dryer. Finally, check the hair in between the pads and trim any excess between the claws. Finally, hair is brushed with a pin-brush first, then a wide-toothed comb.