Pugs are a breed originating from China going back as far as 400 BC. Although the pug we know of today is drastically different to their predecessors due to breed requirements as set by the American Kennel Club. Pugs belong to the Brachycephalic breed. They have a short blunt square muzzle with deep and large wrinkles. The shortened muzzle means that their nostrils are narrowed and consequently their airways are also narrowed. Their ears are high set and are either the rose or button type ears with a preference by the AKC for the latter.

Grooming a Pug: Points to Bear in Mind

Grooming a Pug: The Coat

Pugs have a fine, smooth, short and glossy coat which lies flat against the skin. The coat can be fawn, apricot, black or silver. The muzzle, ears, moles on cheeks are deep black in colour. Pugs’ coats are low maintenance but care has to be taken to ensure that they are clean. They tend to pick up dirt and infections easily and as such it is important that a grooming session accommodates these needs.

Grooming a Pug: Standing or Sitting or Lying down?

Pugs tend towards obesity which will impact on their ability to be standing during an entire grooming session. They are predisposed to hip dysplasia and degenerative joint disease such as arthritis. Hence it is important to bear this in mind when it comes to grooming senior Pugs. It’s best to let the dog lead on this. If they want to sit or lie down while being groomed then work around it.

Brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome [BOAS]

Pugs are predisposed to an illness called the Brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome [BOAS] because of their flat faces that can make it difficult to breathe. It’s important to ensure that the Pug being groomed is not too excited, stressed or is in an hot environment.

Skin Allergies/Infections in Pugs

Pugs are prone to skin allergies and infections nearly 11 times more than any other breed. Since they tend to pick up dirt and debris in the folds of their skin especially the wrinkles on their face it is important to clean these areas well.

Grooming a Pug: Ear Cleaning

Pugs are also prone to ear infections. Regular grooming will ensure that ear cleaning is attended to. As well as one would be able to spot an ear infection that is just starting.

Grooming a Pug: Dental Hygiene

Pugs have the same number of teeth as other dogs but due to their flattened face and short muzzle the teeth tend to be crowded in. This can lead to a build up of bacteria and plaque leading to teeth degeneration. One of the ways of combating this is through teeth cleaning during a grooming session. Extra care has to be taken to ensure that all the teeth are thoroughly cleaned and any massive build up of plaque is brought to the attention of the pet parent. So that professional plaque removal can be accessed with a vet.

Pug Eye Cleaning

Pugs are predisposed to eye problems including excessive tear production, dry eye, eye discharge, inflammation, tear staining to name a few. This is because of the breeding requirements that expects large, bold, globular eyes leading to an inability to blink properly [https://focusreferrals.co.uk/information-sheets/the-problem-with-pugs-eyes]. Hence attention needs to be paid to eye cleaning which has to be gentle with the groomer looking out for any signs of bubbling issues.

To Sum Up

In summary while it seems that grooming a pug is probably one of the easier grooming sessions it isn’t so. This is because care has to be taken to incorporate the specific needs the Pug breed has with regard to its predisposition to several illnesses. A grooming session designed specifically for a Pug will then ensure not just that your Pug comes out looking beautiful but also ensure that the well being of your Pug is being monitored regularly and specific needs are attended to.

Pawpad offers dog grooming sessions designed to be breed specific. We groom by appointment only. You can book yours by chatting with us on whatsapp below or call us at 9663077496 to book your appointment.

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The picture that you see above is of Ashley. She is an Indie dog and is all of a wonderful 15 years old.

While dealing with a senior dog it es extremely important to be gentle and empathetic. This will ensure that the pet grooming session an absolute cakewalk for both the groomer and the dog.

Senior Dog Grooming: Health Issues

Senior dogs tend to get dirtier more often because of a very simple reason. They tend to not have the energy to groom themselves. So what you are likely to see is an inability to maintain their nails, ear and eye dirt, matting of the coat and/or skin infections/growths. There could be general fatigue. Or maybe even pain. There could be illnesses. It’s important to take this into account while planning a senior dog grooming session.

Senior Dog Grooming: How much time does it take?

A senior dog decides the grooming session time. This is the default setting. Senior dogs might have mobility issues, fatigue issues, anxiety etc. Breaks during the grooming session may be necessary. It is also important for the groomer to go with what is most comfortable for the dog. Such as if the dog prefers standing or lying down while being groomed. Dogs tend to lose muscle mass as they get older which means that for some standing might become a strain. Whereas some dogs who are anxious may not want to lie down. There is no one size that fits all. When in doubt look to the dog!

What is definitely highly recommended is that grooming sessions are short in duration. It is preferable to schedule more short grooming sessions than one long one. Pet groomers need not be rigid about what they do during a grooming session. It is okay to skip some steps to ensure the well being of the senior dog.

Why Groom A Senior Dog?

Imagine what it must feel like to be taken care of, to be made clean, gently! Going to a professional groomer who has experience with senior dogs also means less anxiety. For the dog as well as the pet parent! One of the advantages of regular grooming sessions is that an expert pet groomer will be able to spot changes in coat/hair/skin early on. If there are growths or if there is pain or if the coat has started to show marked differences in certain areas then these can be informed to the pet parent.

Senior Dog Grooming: Musts for a Pet Groomer

• Get a health history of the dog
• If you are unaware of any illness the dog has read up on it
• Be aware of vision or hearing problems
• Use a non slippary surface to ensure the dog has a grip while standing
• Allow for breaks during the grooming session
• Use gentle equipment
• Use equipment gently to ensure no injuries
• Dogs hide pain. Be hyper aware of any signs that a dog is uncomfortable
• Check skin/coat/hair for any abnormalities
• Keep the grooming session short

Grooming a senior dog is an extremely fulfilling task. You are in the moment and are mindful. You help make things easier and beautiful for a precious being. Enjoy!

Pawpad Bangalore offers dog grooming sessions catering to specific needs. Do speak with our pet groomer while making the appointment.

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For years Pawpad has been using Plush Puppy products in our grooming studio in Bangalore. This is because the wide variety of products that they offer are naturally sourced, are not tested on animals and is environment friendly. Additionally and most importantly these products are extremely safe for use on animals.

This year in 2024 Leena Munikempanna took the Plush Puppy Coat Specialist Examination and passed it to become a Coat Expert. Hence she is now one of the consultant coat specialists for Plush Puppy India. This is an addition to her already being certified internationally as a Canine Esthetician.

Becoming a coat expert and a consultant for Plush Puppy India is a continuation of Leena Munikempanna’s interest in coats. Her interest stems from her belief that coats play a major role in the overall health of an animal. Plush Puppy products address this concern. Thereby designing products that cater to rejuvenating, nourishing and restoring damaged coats.

Leena Munikempanna believes that grooming is not just about pure aesthetics. Hence grooming has to most importantly factor in health conditions. Therefore addressing only symptoms and trying to eradicate them does nothing for the animal. Working with Plush Puppy India means using products that do not aggravate any underlying conditions or cause new ones. What it does do is help nurture coats.

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Pawpad announces its next batch of our pet grooming course. We start on 21st November 2022. This is a four week course. Classes are held Monday to Friday. 11am to 4 pm.

The course is facilitated by Leena Munikempanna who runs Pawpad. She is a certified pet groomer, an internationally certified master cat groomer, an internationally certified canine esthetician and internationally certified in pet emergency care.

For more information do visit our website page: https://pawpad.in/pawpad-pet-grooming-course-bangalore/

You can register here: https://pawpad.in/pawpad-pet-grooming-course-bangalore/register-your-interest/

Registrations will close on 18.11.22 or when the batch is full.

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And then they all successfully graduate from the course! Pawpad wishes our November 2021 batch the very best of luck! Can’t wait to hear about them!

The post Pet Grooming Course: Practical Test Day! No Sweat!! first appeared on Pet Grooming Bangalore | Pawpad.

Creative grooming is an interesting way to spruce up the look of your loved ones. As a pet groomer this offers an exciting opportunity to create art! As a pet parent you may choose to avail of this as this offers an expression of your dog’s personality.

Pawpad is taking small steps in this directions as these creative grooming makeovers are what our loved ones live with albeit temporarily. Creative grooming covers a wide range of creativity. Creative groomers who do shows can go extreme as some of you who have watched this interesting documentary know

What Pawpad currently offers is something that is simple. More like wearing an accessory!

What is Creative Dog Grooming?

Creative dog grooming involves not just colouring (that is the first thing that comes to mind!). It is also sculpting of the coat or coat carving. Additionally, colour can be used as a way to draw attention or enhance an aspect of your dog’s individuality.

Health and Safety

The colours that we use are temporary dyes. They are non-toxic, safe and made specifically for use on dogs. Pawpad has always looked at pet grooming as something that focuses primarily on health and safety of the animals who come to us. Hence, rest assured that this is safe.

Ultimately the decision as to whether to try something unique/different for your dog is something that pet parents take after a lot of thought and discussions. We welcome having such conversations. We can then collaboratively see if this is something that your pet would be happy with. All the attention might just be something your fur baby basks in!!

You can book your pet grooming appointments by registering here.

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