Malfredos Poodles

                                       

Grooming is important for all dogs, but it is absolutely essential for poodles. Not only does a well groomed poodle look its best, but also the grooming routine is vital in the prevention of skin, coat, dental and other health problems. It is often said that poodles are non-shedding and hypo-allergenic, so it may come as a surprise to learn that poodles do shed. However, the loose hair stays in the coat, rather than falling out. In order to keep your poodle's coat from becoming a matted mess, you must brush and comb it out regularly (at least twice a week). As for being hypo-allergenic, many people with allergies have no problems living with a poodle because the poodle does not develop dander, which is what actually causes the allergic reaction. Dander is old skin scales which are constantly shed. Older animals produce more dander than young ones because their skin is drier.Grooming is important for all dogs, but it is absolutely essential for poodles. Not only does a well groomed poodle look its best, but also the grooming routine is vital in the prevention of skin, coat, dental and other health problems. It is often said that poodles are non-shedding and hypo-allergenic, so it may come as a surprise to learn that poodles do shed. However, the loose hair stays in the coat, rather than falling out. In order to keep your poodle's coat from becoming a matted mess, you must brush and comb it out regularly (at least twice a week). As for being hypo-allergenic, many people with allergies have no problems living with a poodle because the poodle does not develop dander, which is what actually causes the allergic reaction. Dander is old skin scales which are constantly shed. Older animals produce more dander than young ones because their skin is drier.The hair of a poodle never stops growing, therefore a trim every six to eight weeks is required. You can have your poodle trimmed by a professional or learn how to trim it yourself.

Home Trimming

 Completing a full bathing/drying and trimming at home can be time consuming and quite a task, but it is less costly than using a professional groomer and can often build an even closer bond between you and your poodle. If you think you'd like to try trimming your own poodle, you will need to learn the basic techniques and procedures involved. To do this it is best to try to find a professional groomer who is willing to teach you or there are some good books and dvds out there  that will help you

Choosing A Professional Groomer

Should you decide that trimming your own poodle isn't for you, you will need to find a gentle groomer for your poodle who doesn't speak harshly, likes your dog and seems to enjoy the animals she grooms . It is also important that your groomer listens to what you have to say about your dog's haircut. When it comes to finding a groomer, word of mouth is invaluable. Be on the look out for well-groomed poodles. When you see one, ask the owner who their groomer is. Also ask your friends, family, vet and breeder. Visit the groomers you are considering, assess the general environment, cleanliness and noise-level of the shop. Pay attention to how the groomer interacts with the dogs. The groomers should be a positive experience for your dog and your dog should love the experience ....... theres nothing worse than a dog dreading going to the groomers

Care In Between Trimming

Even if you take your poodle to a professional groomer there are some things you will have take care of at home.

You must brush and comb it out regularly . As you do this, get into the habit of performing a mini 'health check' of your dog. Make sure you are aware of the appearance of your poodle when in good health. This will help you to spot any changes during regular health checks carried out at home.

Pay attention to:

Eyes

Look for bright eyes surrounded by white whites with little, if any, discharge.

Ears

Check inside your poodle's ears for any signs of redness or swelling. Watch for brown waxy debris or bad odour, which could be signs of an ear infection. The hair inside the ears of a poodle should be removed by careful plucking. If you have your poodle trimmed by a professional groomer this should be attended to by them.

Mouth

Your poodle's teeth should be pearly white and clean of tartar. Make a habit of brushing your poodle's teeth with a canine toothpaste and brush as part of your twice weekly grooming routine. Regular gentle brushing reduces build up of tartar and promotes healthy teeth and gums.

Be sure to know what your poodles normal gum colour is - pale gums could be a sign of a problem.

Body

Run your hands over the body of your poodle and feel for any unusual lumps or areas of the body that are tender to touch. Keep a mental note of weight gain or loss which can be felt according to how hard you need to press to feel the ribs.

Consult your vet if you find anything out of the ordinary