For thousands of years, dogs have been groomed and designed by their owners, and still today, several trends are going around in dog grooming. Here are a few of the more popular ones and a bit of history in dog grooming.
Dyeing Fur
One of the more popular forms of dog grooming is dyeing a dog’s fur. It is well known that dyeing your hair is a very expressive way to show off your personality, so people have started doing it to their dogs, too! The most popular breed of dog to dye fur has been the poodle. Poodles tend to have their hair dyed in many colors since it is much fluffier and different from most dog fur, giving the poodle a distinct look. Though many dogs with white skin have had their fur dyed, poodles have been at the top of the list, especially with the color pink. However, we at Cascade Kennels would like to inform you that dyeing a dog’s fur could negatively affect the dog (they could be allergic to the dye), so if you do it, do it cautiously.
Animal-Like Grooming
In addition to dyeing fur, another prevalent trend, especially in Asian cultures, is grooming your pet to look like another animal. You may have seen pictures of this on social media, the trend where people dye and shear the fur of their pets to look like different animals. One trendy animal people like to make their pets represent is the panda. Raccoons, tigers, lions, and foxes are a few of the other popular ones.
Another similar trend is grooming dogs to look like wild animals. The dog will be groomed to give them a more feral appearance. This form of widespread grooming is observed as most of a Western trend. This trend also does not always include dyeing the fur, which could be better for the dog in the long run.
Health Benefits Are Always Trendy
On a different note, the most popular trend is pet grooming itself. Not for the fancy fur designs but instead for the health benefits for the dog. Here are just a few reasons grooming will always be on trend:
- Reduces the risk of skin problems. Regular grooming helps to remove dirt, debris, and dead skin from your dog’s coat. This can help to prevent skin problems such as hot spots, dermatitis, and seborrhea.
- Prevents the spread of parasites. Grooming your dog regularly can help to prevent the spread of parasites such as fleas, ticks, and mites.
- Improves your dog’s overall health. Grooming your dog helps to keep their skin and coat healthy. This can lead to several health benefits, such as increased energy levels, improved digestion, and a more robust immune system.
- Makes your dog more comfortable. A well-groomed dog is less likely to have mats or tangles in their fur. This can make them more comfortable and can also help to prevent injuries.
- Strengthens the bond between you and your dog. Grooming your dog can be a great way to bond with them. It is when you can relax and spend quality time together.
- With the spread of Covid-19, getting your pet groomed regularly has become very popular to help prevent the spread of pet-related or human-related diseases.
Grooming in History
Evidence of dog grooming goes back to Ancient Egypt when they were groomed to keep the dogs clean and healthy. In the early 1900s, during the Elizabethan times, dog grooming was a way to display one’s status and wealth. Dogs were often shown off at social gatherings, and their appearance became important to the people of that time. Dogs were bathed, brushed, and their nails were trimmed. However, there were some differences in the grooming products and techniques used compared to today’s standards.
One of the most important differences was the use of soap. In Elizabethan times, soap was made from animal fat and lye. It was very harsh on the skin and could dry it out. Today, we use soap made from plant-based oils, and it is much gentler on the skin.
Another difference was the use of brushes. In Elizabethan times, they were made from natural materials such as boar bristles. Today, we use brushes made from synthetic materials such as nylon. Modern brushes are more durable and do not shed as much as natural brushes.
Finally, Elizabethans used a variety of natural remedies to keep their dogs healthy and clean. These remedies included using vinegar to clean their ears, salt or eggshells to clean their teeth, and herbs and flowers on their coats to repel fleas and help them smell better. Today, we use commercial products for these purposes.
Overall, the basic principles of dog grooming have not changed much since Elizabethan times. However, the products and techniques used have improved over time. This has enabled us to keep our dogs healthy and clean without damaging their skin or fur.
Regularly grooming your dog helps keeps the dog happy and healthy. We at Cascade Kennels offer excellent pet grooming services, so your dog can stay looking their best and healthy at the same time! We also offer premium pet boarding for your dog. If you ever need a place for your pet to stay, why not try Cascade Kennels?
