Do puppies need grooming?

Have you recently welcomed a puppy into your household? If so, you may be wondering ‘do puppies need grooming’? Many puppy owners ask this question, especially since young dogs’ needs are often different to those of older dogs. Read on to find out more about your puppy’s grooming needs and what you might need to consider when planning their grooming schedule. 

Is grooming really necessary for puppies?

You might assume that puppies don’t need grooming since they are already so soft and snuggly with that glorious ‘puppy smell’ that we all know and love. However, that’s not the case. Grooming is actually an essential part of caring for a puppy’s health and wellbeing. Regular grooming can ensure that your pup stays clean, comfortable, and content. 

Although, keep in mind that your puppy may not require full hair during their first session. The reason for this is that many very young puppies struggle to stand still for a long period of time. Most professional groomers recommend that puppies have two to three grooming sessions before they experience a full-service groom. Generally, a puppy has its first full haircut at around six months old. 

If you’re unsure if your puppy needs grooming, there are some checks you can carry out. These include making sure that your puppy’s ears, eyes, and nose are clean, that their fur isn’t matted and dirty, and their paws are clean. If you notice any issues whilst performing these checks, you should consider professional grooming for your pup.

When should puppies get their first groom? 

You should wait until your puppy is 8-weeks old before booking a grooming session. This is the age that most puppies leave their mother. Once they have settled into their new home and started to build a relationship with their new owner, you can start to think about booking them in for their first grooming session. 

We recommend beginning grooming at around 12-weeks old. Their first appointment will usually consist of an introduction for the puppy (and owner) to the world of grooming. The puppy will be gently introduced to bathing, blow-drying, clipping, and possibly slight trimming.

Have you vaccinated your puppy?

One reason why it’s a good idea to wait until your puppy is slightly older is that they require their vaccinations. In a professional grooming facility, your puppy will likely be exposed to other dogs, and vaccinating them ensures that they are protected against the spread of disease. Diseases can circulate easily if dogs aren’t properly protected. In the UK, puppies are generally vaccinated between eight and ten weeks, with the second dose given two to four weeks later. If you’re not sure if your pet has received all their necessary vaccinations, ask your vet. 

How regularly should puppies be groomed?

The frequency of grooming depends largely on a puppy’s breed. Puppies that have long hair usually require more regular grooming than those with short hair. This is because their hair gets dirtier more quickly and becomes matted more easily. Dog breeds with long ears, including cocker spaniels, usually require more regular attention to be paid to their ears. 

Dog ears tend to be prone to health issues, including infections and dog ear mites. Although it can be tempting, we don’t advise cleaning your puppy’s ears yourself. They are delicate and are usually best handled by professional groomers or a vet. A groomer will be able to clean them properly and safely. 

What are the benefits of grooming?

Some pet owners think of grooming as a luxury instead of a necessity. However, it’s actually an important part of your dog’s life. They can benefit from grooming from being a puppy through to their old age. There’s a multitude of well-being benefits for puppies. As well as letting air into the coat and enhancing healthy hair growth, regular grooming also improves blood circulation and prevents the build-up of grease. Too much grease can quickly block pores and cause cysts, causing pain and discomfort for your dog. 

Grooming not only helps to keep your puppy looking good and feeling comfortable, but it’s also the ideal opportunity to identify any health issues. Most dogs now live indoors and moult much more quickly than dogs living in the wild. This can lead to their hair becoming matted over time. 

If you don’t brush your puppy’s hair regularly, their matted coat may become very tight and feel uncomfortable when they move. Skin problems can also occur in some cases. Grooming allows for the early detection of any skin and health issues, including reducing the chances of ear infections. 

Choose Jaycliffe for dog grooming in Dinnington and Thurcroft 

Jaycliffe has been offering pet grooming in Sheffield for several years, with our team able to groom dogs of all breeds and sizes. Many people feel nervous about grooming their puppy for the first time, but you don’t need to be when you choose us. We can handle even the youngest dogs, keeping them calm and relaxed throughout their grooming session. 

We’ll aim to introduce grooming to your pup in a positive manner, allowing them to build a good association with brushes, clippers, trimmers, and the handling that’s involved in the grooming process. Your puppy will grow to love their pampering sessions at Jaycliffe.

Contact us

If you require further information about our dog grooming services in Sheffield and the surrounding areas, don’t hesitate to get in touch. Call us on 01709 645 046 to talk to one of our friendly team now. You can also send us a message via the website if you prefer. We can answer all your questions and queries and provide you with a competitive price for the puppy grooming service you require.