Grooming a small dog breed is strangely challenging. Smaller breeds tend to be wrigglers, and find it hard to sit still to allow you to comb through their whole coat. Similarly, some small breeds such as Jack Russells may even have less fur coverage than the average, making their skin more reactive and sensitive. That’s why it’s important to know how to avoid common skin and coat issues before picking up a brush – here are the important things to keep in mind.
Common Skin Issues in Small Dogs
Dandruff
Dandruff is the most common pet skin disorder. An experienced groomer will be able to pinpoint the reason behind the dandruff, so you won’t be left guessing as to why your pooch is covered in flakes.
Shampoo Allergy
It’s common for dogs to have allergies, but the smaller breeds are at higher risk of intolerances than any other sized dogs.
Ticks and Mites
If your small breed has thick fur, such as the Shih Tzu or Pomeranian, these nasty little creatures can be hard to spot, let alone remove. Always talk to a vet if you think your dog has signs of them.
Eczema
Eczema, and other topical skin conditions, can be caused by a variety of things. In small dogs like Spaniels, dermal issues like these are very common and can be exacerbated by inconsistent or poor grooming.
How a Lack of Grooming Can Affect a Dog’s Coat
Without a regular grooming routine, your dog’s coat can suffer. This is never more true than in cases where a small dog also has a skin issue to contend with.
However, trying to sort out the issue often makes the problem worse. Indeed, you may find it hard to keep up with a grooming routine if your dog finds it uncomfortable, and even painful, to be bathed, combed, or have their nails trimmed.
Visit a Groomer Regularly to Avoid Skin and Coat Issues
Bathing your dog is the first step in grooming them correctly. It’s usually best to use a hypoallergenic shampoo, but certain smaller breeds can still find commercial shampoos and conditioners to be hard to tolerate. So, what do you do now?!
Well, if you’re not sure how to groom your dog properly, and you want the job done right every single time, visit a professional groomer. These are experienced and skilled professionals who have handled all kinds of breeds over the years and know them inside and out. That’s where we can help.
Trust an Experienced Mobile Dog Groomer in Richmond, VA
Don’t want your dog’s coat to suffer? Silky Paws Mobile Grooming is here to help. We offer a full-service grooming package which is perfect for small dogs with sensitive skin and coats.
Check out our services for more information or contact us to get started.
