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Grooming Questions.

Q - My dog keeps getting fleas and washing does not seem to get rid of them, what is the best way to keep my dog flea free!
A - There are a number of insecticidal products available through your vet to rid your dog of fleas. Alternatively we offer a Citronella shampoo which, as well as excellent cleaning properties, has a lemon scent which proves effective at discouraging fleas. Click here to see our range of Diamond Edge shampoos.
 
Q – Is it safe to use a hairdryer to dry my dogs coat after bathing?
A – Yes it is, as long as you follow sensible safety procedures.  Water and electricity don’t mix and a hairdryer should never be used near water or in very wet conditions. So after bathing your pet firstly towel dry the dog’s coat and move to a dry area to use the hairdryer. As an added safety feature use an RCD adaptor to cut off the electricity in an emergency. Diamond Edge has a range of hand-held hairdryers or larger stand dryers suitable for drying and grooming your pet to perfection.
 
Q – How close should I cut my dogs coat, it’s a cocker spaniel and is always in the mud and bushes when out walking and sometimes difficult to clean, if I cut his coat short will it be OK?
A – Cocker spaniels have thick coats that may become matted and require regular brushing. Unless you intend to show your dog, your cocker will look good and be perfectly happy with a short coat. After washing, drying and combing through the coat, we would suggest that 7mm (size 5) clipper blade would be suitable although in winter in a slighter longer cut may be required.  You need to consider how you want the coat to look and whether you want a ‘Skirt’, which will require more ongoing grooming or an all over short cut. It may be worth the time to take your pet to a professional groomer and discuss the different types of cut so that you get exactly what you want with a professional finish.
 
Q – Is there a correct time of year to clip my dog’s coat?
A – Dogs can be clipped at any time of the year; however in winter it is better to have the coat longer, and like us, our pets prefer a warmer coat in the winter months. Depending on the type of dog you have and the length of the coat, maintenance of the coat will vary from the occasional combing or brushing to regular clipping. Seek the services of a professional groomer to ensure the appropriate grooming for your dog.
 
Q – How do I cut my Dogs nails safely?     
A – An active lifestyle for a dog in which hard surfaces are commonly used, will keep nails worn down naturally, but if a dog is mainly exercised on soft ground or as they become older and less active, their nails will get longer, as like humans they are constantly growing. Click here to view our range of nail grooming equipment. Great care should be taken with cutting the nails of your dog and if you are unsure then we suggest you take your dog to a vet or professional Groomer. 

Q – Can you advise the safest way to trim the hair around my dog’s paws to help keep her clean, she is a lovely poodle but does get mucky in the garden?
A – As part of the grooming regime for your dog, regular trimming between toes and around the pads is essential to keep your pet in peak condition. Not all dogs will remain still during grooming so always use a pair of ball tip scissors for grooming your dogs' feet as these  scissors have blunt ends and will not  ‘Stab’ into the pad or toes if there are any sudden movements. Click here to see our range of safety scissors.
 
Q – I have a three year old Scottie with a skin complaint that the vet has treated successfully and has said I should use a non irritating shampoo, what do you recommend?
A - Using a shampoo with Aloe Vera is the best way to help protect your dog from skin irritations. It soothing and gentle on the skin and helps the healing process as well as being useful in preventing reoccurrence of the problem. Always seek the advice of a vet for any persistent skin condition that your pet has. Click here for the Diamond Edge range of shampoos.
 
Q - How often should I bathe my dog?
A – The first point to make about bathing your dog is that it is usually for your benefit, as a dog would not naturally bathe, and most of the cleaning would be by its own tongue. Dogs have natural and essential oils in their coats which they require for warmth and also to stay dry, the amount of oil within a coat varies from breed to breed. However most dogs can benefit from a bath occasionally and dependent on what your nose is telling you about how strong your dog smells, a bath once a month would be the maximum requirement to maintain your pets coat in peak condition. Always use a good quality shampoo and conditioner. See our Diamond Edge range of Dog Shampoos and Conditioners.
 
Q – What is the easiest way to get the tangles out of a dog’s coat?
A - There are many tangle combs and brushes on the market, for regular grooming we would recommend a comb with rotating teeth that makes grooming easier and causes less stress to your dog.  Click here to view our range of dog combs. If a dog’s coat is severely matted seek advice from a professional groomer or vet.
Grooming Equipment  Questions.

Q – What are the best scissors for grooming my dog a Yorkshire terrier and how often should I do it?
A - If only grooming a single dog then we would recommend that it is done approximately every couple of months to maintain the length and appearance that you want. There are a number of great value scissors that would be suitable and for a small dog such as a Yorkshire terrier a straight 6 or 6½" pair of scissors would be suitable. Click here for dog grooming scissors. Also, see our advice page on buying scissors.
 
Q – I have been given a Wahl Clipper set as a present to groom my new dog, he is a Heinz 57 rescue dog and we think mainly spaniel. How should I clip his coat – I have never done it before?
A – Before attempting to clip your dog, wash, dry and comb the coat to remove any knots and tangles. If you have attachment combs with your clipper kit, select and fit one of the required length and clip with the lie of the coat. Extra care should be taken around face and ears, as this will usually be clipped to a shorter length. To work efficiently clipper blades should be oiled before and during use and cleaned and re-oiled after use and before storing the clippers.
 
Q - I am having trouble with fitting the new blade to my clippers, they won’t seat properly and come off when I start the clipper. The clipper is an Andis and the blade was a spare and came with the clippers but has never been used?
A – This is an occasional problem with new clippers and blades, when everything is unused and a tight fit. To assist with attaching the blades, we suggest pushing the blade release latch up and the manufacturers advise you to have the clippers running when pushing the blade onto the clippers - use the flat of your hand to push against the back of the blade to avoid risk of injury. Following these guidelines will usually enable the blade to engage correctly. Once the blades have been correctly fitted you should find they fit more readily next time.
 
Q – What would you recommend as a general purpose clipper, I have a Irish wolf hound and want to learn to groom her myself?
A – Click here for our advice section on choosing clippers. We would suggest the Andis Pro Pet clipper for a new groomer with up to 3 dogs. It is a well priced general purpose clipper with a wide range of blade sizes available that will give a professional finish. Before you start grooming your dog and to avoid problems, take some time to read about grooming a dog and learn the techniques to help get a professional finish . Click here for our full range of domestic dog grooming clippers.
 
Q – Do I need thinning scissors to groom Barney my 3 year old Alsatian we have just taken in from an elderly relative, he has not been groomed  and his coat looks scruffy and straggly in places?
A – Alsatians coats are long and regular combing to rid the coat of tangles and loose hair is advisable. We would suggest a 30 tooth double-serrated thinning scissors to reduce the volume of coat without cutting it too short. Click here to view our range of dog grooming thinning scissors.
 
Q – My clippers get very warm and are noisy, which makes the dogs fidget when I am grooming, I am not a professional but I have four dogs of my own and like to keep them looking good. They work Ok but the noise is irritating is this normal?
A – With four dogs your clippers will be getting a lot of use and whilst they will get warm with prolonged use, this should not be excessive. Most clippers will make a noise when working, but should not be excessively noisy as you describe. As you say, it is irritating and can also stress your dog. With extended use, wear and tear will occur that will reduce the effectiveness of the clippers and eventually they will require repair or replacement. From what you write, we would suggest that you have your clippers inspected and if appropriate serviced and the blades sharpened as necessary. Diamond Edge services all makes of clipper at our Brighton Workshop and we will be pleased to advise you on what work is required before taking any action. Click here for our servicing information .