No matter the weather, our furry friends love to get outside, have some fun and make an absolute mess of themselves (and the garden)!  

As a responsible pet owner, our matted and unruly-haired companions need our help to manage their coats. Well maintained coats provide numerous benefits for our animals’ health, comfort and overall wellbeing.  

Clipping is required for several breeds of dogs for many reasons: 

• Temperature control 

Dogs with thick or long coats may struggle with heat regulation, especially in warmer weather. Regular clipping can improve airflow, enabling them to regulate their body temperature effectively. It’s like taking off a winter coat on a hot summer’s day! 

• Healthy coat  

A lustrous coat is a sign of a healthy dog, but maintaining it takes more than just the occasional brushing. Almost all dogs can suffer from matting, tangling and excessive shedding. Regular grooming removes loose hair, distributes natural oils and leaves the coat clean – reducing the risk of skin irritation and infections. 

• Preventing eye and ear irritation 

For breeds with fluffy faces, regular clipping around the eyes is essential to ensure good vision and comfort. Similarly, dogs with floppy ears (such as our spaniels) benefit from regular clipping around the ears to enhance airflow and reduce the risk of ear infections caused by trapped moisture and debris. 

• Barley grass season 

Barley grass seeds can be a problem for dogs. With its sharp awns, barley grass easily becomes embedded in their coat, leading to discomfort, irritation and infection within the skin, if left to burrow in. Breeds with longer coats, particularly around the feet and underarms, are particularly vulnerable. 

Regular clipping and ‘barley grass clips’ not only keep their fur tidy, but also minimise the chances of these pesky seeds embedding themselves. Shorter fur means fewer hiding spots for those prickly invaders!