Pet Grooming Essentials: From DIY to Professional Care 

Pet grooming is more than just a spa day – as well as making your pet look and feel great, it’s essential for their health and wellbeing. At Bellarine Veterinary Practice in Geelong, we know that regular grooming helps prevent skin issues, keeps coats shiny and strengthens the bond between you and your pet. Whether you choose to groom at home or book a professional service, here’s what you need to know before spring! 

Home Grooming Tips 

Home grooming is a great way to maintain your pet’s comfort between professional visits. Start with brushing, which removes loose fur, reduces shedding, and prevents painful mats that can irritate the skin and restrict movement. For dogs, choose a brush suited to their coat type – slicker brushes for long-haired breeds and bristle brushes for short-haired pets. Cats benefit from regular brushing too, especially during shedding season. 

Bathing should be done every 4–6 weeks or as needed. Use a pet-safe gentle shampoo and lukewarm water, avoiding human products that can irritate their skin. Don’t forget nail trimming – long nails can cause discomfort and even lead to joint issues. If you’re unsure, ask our helpful team for a quick demonstration. 

Regular checks during grooming are vital. Look for signs of fleas, ticks, skin irritation, or ear infections. Early detection can prevent health problems escalating. 

Professional Grooming Benefits 

Professional grooming offers more than a tidy appearance. Our experienced dog groomers go beyond washing and trimming coats – they carefully check your dog’s skin, coat, nails, teeth, ears, and eyes for any signs of potential health issues. Because they work closely with our veterinary team, any concerns are promptly addressed before they become bigger problems.  

Our groomers love animals as much as you do and are skilled at handling even the most energetic or shy pets. Services include full grooming sessions, tidy-ups, hydro-bathing, ear care, nail trimming and anal gland expression, which can be tricky for owners to manage at home. 

For breeds with high-maintenance coats, professional grooming is essential to prevent matting and skin infections. Even short-haired pets benefit from occasional professional care, especially if they have sensitive skin or allergies. 

Many cats also require professional grooming, particularly long-haired breeds. For those with a more irritable disposition or for arthritic elderly cats, brushing at home can be difficult or dangerous. We perform cat grooms in our clinics under closely monitored sedation to reduce stress and anxiety for your pet and to allow grooming of sensitive regions such as the belly, armpits and groin.  

Why Grooming Matters 

Regular grooming keeps your pet comfortable, reduces shedding, and supports overall health. It’s also a great opportunity for bonding with your pet. Whether you choose home grooming or professional services (or both), consistency is key. 

Ready to Pamper Your Pet?  

At Bellarine Veterinary Practice, we’re here to help. Known as the Doggy Day Spa, our professional grooming team are located at our Newcomb and Grovedale clinics.  Our team can recommend grooming schedules and demonstrate techniques. We cater for dogs of all ages and sizes, and puppies enjoy a complimentary puppy clip! 

Appointments fill quickly, particularly in the spring and summer months, so book an appointment today by calling (03) 5248 2009