When should i brush my dog?
Brushing or combing your dog before a bath will ensure any knots can be removed as water makes matts tighter against the skin.

Is it too cold to bath a dog in Winter?
No. Dogs are a lot tougher than we think, but just to be sure Paws Away! always use warm water and thoroughly dry your dog to make sure your pooch feels pampered and comfortable during the cooler months.

Is Matting harmful to my dog?
Yes. Matts can be extremly uncomfortable for your dog. they restrict blood flow, cause brusing and can be very painful. Brushing your dog regularly to prevent knots and matts is essential. Some people like their dogs coats to grow out during winter but then 3 months later their dog is matted all over. We suggest a light trim during Winter in order to keep your dogs skin and coat healthy and knot free!

What causes matting? Lack of brushing and irregular grooming causes matts. Sometimes dogs wearing coats or jumpers can cause matting as well as some harnesses. The most common areas are armpits, behind the ears and on the chest. The skin needs to breathe and matting can trap moisture under the coat causing redness, irritation and odour.

Are flea rinses sufficiant in controlling fleas?
Unfortuanetly not. A flea rinse is ok at ridding the dog of the majority of fleas but it will still leave about 10% and their eggs. We suggest following up with a treatment from your vet either oral or a spot treatment for the coat a few days after the bath. Dogs should be treated for fleas all year round.

Should i trim by dogs nails?
You can but sometimes it's best to leave it to the professionals. Some dogs have black nails in which it is difficult to tell where the quick of the nail ends. clipping a nail too short can result in having it bleed. Paws Away! have plenty of experience trimming nails and can do so each time your dog is bathed. In the meantime get your dog to walk on concrete to assist in naturally filing the nails.

Are ear infections common in dogs?
They can be. When washing your dog ensure that water never gets in the ears. A ear might appear red, itchy or have a bad odour, if so take your dog to the vet for treatment.

Helpful hint: Cleaning the ears after a bath with an alcohol based ear cleaner helps absorb any water in the ear.