Your dog’s hair coat should be brushed regularly to remove shed hair and prevent hair mats. Grooming is especially important for dogs with thick or shaggy hair coat that mats or tangles easily. Mats can irritate the skin, and the moist, stuffy condition underneath them leaves the skin more susceptible to bacterial or parasite infections. Mats should be removed with clippers or scissors carefully not to cut the skin underneath. Periodic bathing with a pet shampoo is also important for maintaining healthy skin and fur. However, excessive bathing can irritate and dry the skin and hair. On average, most dogs do not need to be bathed more than once a month, depending on weather conditions, coat color and life style (indoor or outdoor pet).

Professional grooming is becoming popular in Uganda and there are already a few certified groomers you can call. Professional grooming is recommended for dogs who should maintain a certain shape, according to their breed standard. It is also recommended to long-haired dogs of mixed breed because owners often fail to keep the mats under control. Depending on the breed of the dog, professional grooming is done every three to six months. Professional groomer can also notice health issues like wounds, blisters on the feet, ear and eye infections, skin infections and so on. However, professional groomer is not a veterinarian and whereas he can advise you that the problem exists, he will not be able to treat it. Always take your dog to a veterinarian for proper treatment and management of any health issues.