4 min read
Skin & Coat Care Between Grooms
How to keep your dog’s skin healthy, reduce irritation and extend that fresh-from-the-salon feeling for as long as possible.
From the salon
Dog Care Tips
✦
Practical advice for every dog owner — keep coats healthy, make grooming visits easier, and enrich your dog’s day with simple, joyful games.
5 min read
How to Prepare Your Dog for a Grooming Appointment
A calm, well-prepared dog gets a safer, better groom. Follow these simple steps before your next visit to Glenboig or Holytown.
4 min read
Games, Training & Bonding with Your Dog
Mental exercise is just as important as physical exercise. Try these games and enrichment ideas to keep your dog happy and well-balanced.
Skin & coat
Skin & Coat Care Between Grooms
A glossy coat starts with healthy skin. Regular professional grooming removes dead hair, distributes natural oils and keeps the skin breathable, but what you do between appointments is just as important.
Brush little and often
Most dogs benefit from a quick brush every day or two. Breeds with long or curly coats — poodles, cockapoos, bichons and similar — tangle fastest, so a five-minute daily comb-through prevents matting. Mats pull at the skin, trap moisture and can hide hot spots or parasites.
Choose the right tools
A slicker brush works well for most coat types, followed by a metal comb to check for knots close to the skin. For short coats, a soft bristle brush or rubber grooming mitt removes loose hair and stimulates circulation.
Bath frequency matters
Over-bathing strips natural oils and can cause dryness. Unless your dog gets muddy, one bath every three to four weeks is usually enough for most breeds. Always use a gentle, dog-formulated shampoo and rinse thoroughly. Leftover product residue is one of the most common causes of itchiness.
Watch for warning signs
Flaking, redness, persistent scratching, a greasy feel or an unusual smell can all signal skin problems. If you notice any of these, book a consultation with a groomer or vet. Early attention stops a minor irritation from becoming a painful infection.
For deeper care, ask about our Tauro Pro Line 6-in-1 ozone spa treatment. The ozone bath supports skin health, reduces odour and leaves the coat exceptionally soft without a full haircut.
Before the appointment
How to Prepare Your Dog for a Grooming Appointment
A little preparation makes a grooming appointment smoother for your dog, the groomer and you. Here is what we recommend before you arrive at our Glenboig or Holytown salon.
Exercise first
A short walk or play session before the appointment helps your dog burn off excess energy. A calmer dog is easier to handle and more likely to enjoy the experience.
Do not feed a big meal right before
Avoid a large meal immediately before the groom. Some dogs feel queasy when lifted or handled, and a lighter stomach reduces the risk of travel sickness or discomfort.
Give them time to settle
Arrive a few minutes early so your dog can sniff the environment and relax. Keep the handover calm and cheerful — dogs read our energy very well. If you are anxious, they may become anxious too.
Be honest about health and behaviour
Tell us about any skin issues, allergies, recent injuries, joint pain or behavioural quirks. The more we know, the safer and more tailored the groom can be. We are experienced with nervous dogs and will always take extra time if needed.
Leave them to us
Dogs usually settle far more quickly once the owner has left. We know it can feel strange, but a calm goodbye and a clear return time help your dog relax and enjoy one-to-one attention.
Both salons are appointment-only, so your dog will never be crowded or rushed. Book online or call the location that suits you best.
Mental & physical health
Games, Training & Bonding with Your Dog
A tired dog is not always a happy dog. Dogs also need mental stimulation, problem-solving and quality time with their owners. These games build confidence, strengthen your bond and can even improve behaviour.
Hide and seek
Ask your dog to stay, then hide somewhere in the house. Call them once and reward them when they find you. This game reinforces recall, builds confidence and is great for rainy days.
Treasure hunt with treats
Hide small treats or a favourite toy around a room and let your dog sniff them out. Start easy and gradually make it harder. It taps into their strongest sense — smell — and gives them a satisfying mental workout.
Puzzle toys and snuffle mats
Puzzle feeders and snuffle mats slow down eating and keep your dog busy. They are especially useful for dogs that get anxious or bored when left alone for short periods.
Short training sessions
Five minutes of positive training each day teaches new skills and refreshes old ones. Keep sessions short, reward generously and end on a success. Trick training, polite lead walking or a solid stay all count as brain work.
Play with purpose
Fetch and tug are wonderful, but add rules: release the toy on cue, sit before you throw the ball, or wait before chasing. Games with boundaries teach self-control and make playtime more rewarding for both of you.
A well-stimulated dog is calmer, more confident and easier to handle at the groomer. If you have a puppy, start these games early and carry the positive attitude into their first salon visits.
Ready for a visit?
Book an Appointment
Choose the Glenboig or Holytown salon and book your dog’s next groom online with Fresha. You can also call, email or use our contact form.