​This week Holly the 10-year-old Standard Poodle visited Pampered Pets for an intense grooming session. A major characteristic of a Poodle's coat is that it is "non-shedding" and continues to grow, similar to human hair.
Poodles of all sizes need regular grooming to maintain their coat, otherwise, it can become overgrown and matted!
Holly's owner felt her coat was becoming too much for them to manage at home and therefore opted for a shorter winter trim with her distinctive pompoms left just above her feet!
With all that fur we wondered how much extra it would increased her overall weight? Not only do we have before & after photos, but we have before & after weights!
The results... Holly's extra fur added 200g to her waistline! Don't you agree that she looks fabulous now and we are pretty sure she feels it! Holly's owner reported back that she is feeling so much happier with her new winter trim!  

The Yorkshire Terrier or Yorkie is one of the most popular breeds of dogs in South Africa. A distinctive feature of this breed is its long silky steel blue and tan coat. If you are a Yorkie owner, you will know that the most difficult aspect to owning this breed is its grooming requirements!

The Yorkshire Terrier has a non-shedding coat which means that the fur grows continuously and therefore requires regular, ongoing attention.

Brushing your Yorkie
It is recommended that a Yorkie should be brushed daily or every second day using a pin brush or slicker brush and a comb. A pin brush is used for the body while a comb is used to brush through areas such as the legs, head and beard.  Line brushing is recommended. (for more information on line brushing, keep an eye on our next blog) 

One should never brush through the coat when it is dry, as it causes the fine coat to break. A grooming spray (purchased from your grooming parlour) will prevent the coat becoming static in addition to breaking.

Bathing your Yorkie
In addition to regular brushing, your Yorkie should be bathed every week or second week. It is preferable to use a mild soap free shampoo such as Vets Own, Basch Yorkie or Wampum (available at Pampered Pets Grooming Parlour).

Remember to brush your dog's coat before wetting and ALWAYS apply a conditioner after shampooing. The conditioner keeps the coat soft, tangle free and in top condition.

Always dry the coat with a hairdryer while brushing out the coat simultaneously.
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Trimming your pet's nails is a very important task. If untrimmed the nails will eventually grow inward and become uncomfortable, even painful to your pet. 
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If you are unsure how to trim your pet's nail rather visit your grooming or veterinarian to assist or ask them to show you how to trim in the future.