Dog Grooming and Coat Care

A major part of determining good health and condition is shown through the dog’s skin and coat. As breeders of show dogs, you will all understand how vitally important it is that your dog’s coat is full of lustre and exceeds the breed standards.

In this article our Ambassador, Margaret Anderson, has kindly shared her experience.

Margaret has been showing dogs since 1979. She has made up Champions in several breeds including Miniature Pinschers, Pomeranians and Lhasa Apsos. Margaret has won over 100 CCs as well as group winners and has shown Lhasa Apsos since 1990. Her proudest moment was winning Best in Show at Crufts in 2012.

“The type of coat will determine how often and what needs doing to adequately take care of your Dogs. My Miniature Pinschers coats did not take as much time to maintain compared to the Pomeranians and latterly the Lhasa Apsos.

The important thing is starting them off young. This makes it so much easier for them no matter whether they are going to show or pet home. I like to start them off on a table so they can experience being handled, groomed, having their mouths looked at etc. I always reward them so that this becomes a positive experience. I want my puppies to be happy and confident around grooming and at the vets!

Lhasa Apsos take a lot of grooming. Even if kept as pets with short, clipped coats, they ideally need to visit a groomer once a month rather than 6 to 8 weeks which is what is commonly thought. Their coats grow incredibly fast and can soon become tangled due to them moulting into their coat rather than outwardly shedding.

Lhasa Apsos like to be kept clean, so bathing and coat care between groomer visits is vital. They have sensitive skin, fragile coats and are prone to hot-spots so I choose to use a gentle shampoos and conditioners when bathing them.

It is important to me that the food is high quality as this reflects on the skin and coat, especially with my breed. Wellness CORE Ocean Adult is my main choice, although they do have the Lamb and Original also. Their coats look amazing on it which helps with the overall care. My dogs are looking fabulous and absolutely LOVE Wellness CORE food!”

All Wellness CORE recipes are high protein, meat rich, natural, grain free, scientifically crafted, and outcome based. This is important for healthy skin and coat. As hair is 90% keratin, which requires large amounts of dietary protein, having high levels of quality animal protein really fuels the skin and coat. Our grain free recipes avoid ingredients associated with allergies which in turn minimises skin upsets. The inclusion on Omega-3 fatty acids supports skin health and reduces inflammation.

Wellness CORE Ocean Adult is the go-to recipe for skin and coat. The dietary fibre and prebiotics in the recipe support digestive health, improving nutrient absorption and digestion and promoting the ideal balance of intestinal bacteria whilst the Omega-3 fatty acids from salmon help promote healthy skin and a shiny coat.