Rinse Away Salt and Sand

After swimming in the sea, rinse your dog with clean fresh water. Pay particular attention to the belly, legs, armpits, and spaces between the toes. Salt and sand can dry the skin and tangle long or curly coats.

Gently towel-dry your dog afterwards. Do not leave a thick coat damp for a long time. Warm, moist areas can irritate the skin and encourage tangles to develop.

Brush Carefully and Regularly

Poodles, Yorkshire Terriers, Maltese, Shih Tzus, and other dogs with long or curly coats benefit from regular brushing. Begin at the ends and work gradually towards the roots while supporting each section with your hand.

Check behind the ears, under the front legs, around the groin and tail, and beneath the collar or harness. These are some of the most common areas for mats.

Never try to cut a tight mat with household scissors. A dog’s skin can be pulled very close to the tangled coat, creating a serious risk of injury. Ask a professional groomer for help.

Should You Give Your Dog a Very Short Summer Cut?

A shorter style can make summer coat care easier for Poodles and some companion breeds. The correct length, however, depends on the coat type and the condition of the dog’s skin.

Double-coated dogs generally should not be shaved simply to keep them cool. Loose undercoat should be removed correctly while preserving the protective outer coat. A professional groomer can recommend an appropriate treatment.

Check the Paws After Walks

Inspect the paw pads, spaces between the toes, and surrounding hair after outdoor activity. Remove sand, grass seeds, and other debris. Contact a veterinarian if you notice cracks, redness, a wound, or persistent paw licking.

Choose cooler morning and evening hours for walks and avoid hot pavement.

Professional Summer Grooming

Professional grooming can remove dead hair, clean the coat and skin, deal with small tangles, and keep the paws and nails tidy. The right schedule depends on the breed, coat length, lifestyle, and chosen haircut.

At Pet Studio SlavaFly in Burgas, every grooming plan is tailored to the individual dog. We aim to provide a calm and comfortable experience.

Would you like to prepare your dog for summer or restore its coat after a beach holiday? Book a grooming consultation with Pet Studio SlavaFly: +359 88 266 9946.

Three female poodle puppies were born on 7 June 2026: two apricot Toy Poodle girls and one black Miniature Poodle girl.

The puppies are raised in a family environment with care, socialisation and veterinary supervision. Photos will be added later. For reservations: +359 88 266 9946.

The 95% rule requires that at least 95% of the product consists of the specified ingredient. For example, a food labeled “Chicken for Dogs” must contain at least 95% chicken ingredients. This refers to the amount before cooking, not counting added water. With added water, the named ingredient must make up 70% of the formula. If two proteins are listed in the product name, their combined amount must equal 95% of the total. This rule applies only to animal-derived ingredients mentioned in the product name.

The 25% rule is sometimes called the “dinner rule.” It applies to products in which a meat ingredient makes up at least 25% but less than 95% of the total. To comply with this rule, the product name must include a descriptive term such as “recipe,” “dinner,” “entrée,” “platter,” or “formula.”

The 3% rule is sometimes called the “with rule.” If the word “with” appears in the dog food’s name, it means the food contains at least 3% of the named ingredient. For example, a formula called “Dog Food with Tuna” may contain only 3% tuna.

The “flavor” rule allows any type of meat to be mentioned in the product name—even if the actual amount is minimal—as long as the word “flavor” is used. For example, dog food may be labeled as “Tuna Flavor,” with the tuna content being very low, just enough to provide flavor.

Why nutrition plays a key role

The puppy’s body grows rapidly: the skeleton, muscles, and organs are forming. For this, it needs more nutrients than an adult dog. A lack or excess of certain components leads to issues:

• A lack of calcium causes weak bones;

• An excess of fats leads to obesity;

• A deficiency of protein slows growth and weakens muscles.

A well-balanced diet not only supports health but also affects appearance: shiny coat, strong teeth, bright eyes — all signs of proper nutrition.

Main components of a puppy’s diet

1. Proteins
   The main building material for muscles and tissues. Should be the basis of the diet.

2. Fats
   A source of energy and essential fatty acids needed for skin and coat.

3. Carbohydrates
   Provide energy, but should be given in moderation.

4. Vitamins and minerals
   Especially important are calcium, phosphorus, B-group vitamins, A, D, and E.

5. Water
   A puppy must always have access to fresh water.

Numbered list: feeding rules for a puppy

1. Feed your puppy 3–4 times a day in small portions.

2. Stick to a consistent feeding schedule; do not give food “from the table”.

3. Choose high-quality dog food or a carefully balanced natural diet.

4. Remove the bowl 15–20 minutes after feeding to prevent overeating.

5. Monitor coat condition and stool — they indicate the quality of nutrition.

6. When changing food, introduce it gradually.

7. Consult a veterinarian when choosing a diet.

Bulleted list: foods to avoid

• Chocolate and sweets

• Onions and garlic

• Smoked and salty foods

• Fish and poultry bones

• Fatty and fried foods

• Carbonated drinks and large amounts of milk

Table: comparison of natural and commercial feeding

Additional tips

• Supplements with omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids are beneficial for the coat.

• For toy breeds, choose small kibble sizes.

• Do not change food abruptly — it causes digestive upset.

• Use treats only as a reward, not as the main food.

• Monitor body weight: a puppy should not be too thin or overfed.

Conclusion

Nutrition is the foundation of a puppy’s health. A proper diet affects not only growth and development but also appearance: strong teeth, shiny coat, energy, and vitality. By taking care of nutrition from the first months of life, you ensure your pet many healthy years ahead.

Why it’s important to prepare a dog for the first grooming

Grooming is not just a haircut. It is a set of procedures: bathing, drying, brushing, ear cleaning, and sometimes nail trimming. For a puppy, all of this may seem frightening. If the first experience is negative, future visits to the salon will be stressful for both the pet and the owner.

Proper preparation helps to:

• reduce stress levels;

• make the groomer’s work easier;

• make grooming safer and faster;

• create a habit of regular care.

When to go for the first grooming

The optimal age is 4–6 months. At this age, the puppy is already socialized enough and able to process new experiences. Before this period, you can do “mini-grooming” at home: brushing, light blow-drying, introducing grooming products.

Some breeds, especially long-haired and decorative ones, need earlier introduction because their coat begins to tangle even at a young age.

How to prepare your dog at home

1. Getting used to touch
   Gently touch your puppy’s paws, ears, tail, and belly every day. This teaches the dog to stay calm during handling.

2. Getting used to sounds
   The sound of clippers or a hairdryer can be scary. Start turning them on from a distance and gradually bring them closer.

3. Bathing and drying
   Practice a couple of simple home baths so the dog understands that water and the dryer are safe.

4. Play-based training
   Turn preparation into a game. Give treats and toys during brushing or “rehearsing” with the hairdryer.

5. Walk before the visit
   Before going to the salon, be sure to walk the dog so it is calmer and has less energy for resisting.

6. Owner’s positive attitude
   Animals feel human emotions. If the owner is nervous, the dog will be even more anxious.

Numbered list: step-by-step preparation

1. Start introducing the brush at 2–3 months old.

2. Show the hairdryer and clippers, turning them on briefly.

3. Let the puppy sniff the brushes, scissors, and shampoos.

4. Teach the puppy to stay calm when its paws and ears are touched.

5. Do a few “practice baths.”

6. Feed the dog 2–3 hours before the visit.

7. Go for a walk.

8. Bring a favorite toy or blanket.

Bulleted list: common owner mistakes

• Taking the puppy to grooming without preparation.

• Scolding the dog for fear or anxiety.

• Feeding right before the procedure.

• Delaying the first visit until adulthood.

• Choosing a random salon without reviews.

• Requesting a complicated haircut instead of an adaptation session.

Table: preparation for different breeds

Additional recommendations

• Make the first visit an “introductory” one: let the groomer simply show the tools and pet the dog.

• Praise and reward your pet after every procedure.

• If the dog is afraid, it’s better to make several short visits instead of one long session.

• Choose a groomer who knows how to work with puppies — patience and a gentle approach matter more than speed.

• Consider attending “puppy grooming classes” — some salons offer adaptation sessions.

Conclusion

The first grooming session forms the foundation for future care. If you prepare the dog properly, every following visit will be smooth and stress-free. The puppy will learn to trust the groomer, and the owner will have a well-groomed, beautiful, and happy pet.

Regular coat care not only keeps it beautiful but also prevents skin diseases, makes life easier for the pet, and makes its stay in the home more comfortable for owners. This is especially important for long-haired breeds, where without care the coat quickly tangles, mats form, and the skin underneath becomes inflamed.

Why it is important to care for your dog’s coat

The coat performs several essential functions:

• Protects from cold and heat.

• Retains moisture and prevents the skin from drying out.

• Acts as a barrier against parasites and infections.

• Participates in the body’s thermoregulation.

If coat care is neglected, the hair becomes brittle, accumulates dirt, dust, and bacteria, leading to unpleasant odor, itching, and health problems.

Main stages of coat care

1. Regular brushing
   This is the basis of grooming. Brushing removes dead hairs, improves blood circulation, and prevents mat formation. Short-haired breeds require brushing once a week; long-haired breeds need daily brushing.

2. Bathing
   Too frequent washing is harmful as it removes the skin’s protective oil layer. It is optimal to bathe your dog once every 3–4 weeks. Exceptions include heavy dirt or medical necessity.

3. Using grooming products
   Special shampoos, conditioners, and sprays are designed specifically for dogs. They help keep the coat soft, make brushing easier, and add shine. Human shampoos must not be used.

4. Drying the coat
   Wet fur is a favorable environment for fungi. After bathing, the dog should be thoroughly towel-dried, then finished with a blow-dryer on warm (not hot) air.

5. Haircuts and trimming
   Some breeds (Yorkshire Terriers, Poodles, Shih Tzus) require regular grooming or trimming. This maintains hygiene, prevents mats, and makes coat care easier.

6. Nutrition and vitamins
   Coat quality directly depends on diet. Proteins, omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, B vitamins, and zinc are essential for shine and strength.

Numbered list: rules of proper care

1. Brush your pet regularly, considering breed characteristics.

2. Bathe only with specialized dog shampoos.

3. Never leave your dog with wet fur.

4. Use conditioners to make brushing easier.

5. Monitor the diet and add vitamins if necessary.

6. Treat your dog against fleas and ticks.

7. Visit a groomer every few months.

Bulleted list: mistakes to avoid

• Bathing too often, especially with regular shampoos.

• Using unsuitable brushes that can irritate the skin.

• Ignoring mats in long-haired breeds.

• Lack of parasite prevention.

• Poor diet lacking vitamins.

• Leaving the dog to dry in a draft after bathing.

Table: coat-care features depending on coat length

Additional tips

• Start getting your puppy used to grooming from the first months of life. The procedures will become familiar and stress-free.

• Use different brushes: a slicker brush for long hair, a massage brush for short hair, and a comb to remove mats.

• Increase brushing frequency during shedding to make house cleaning easier.

• If the coat loses shine or dandruff appears, consult a veterinarian — this may indicate dietary issues or skin diseases.

• Don’t forget to take care of the skin: check it for irritations, bites, or wounds.

Conclusion

Caring for your dog’s coat at home is a comprehensive process that includes brushing, bathing, trimming, nutrition, and disease prevention. By investing a little time and attention, you will ensure your pet has a beautiful, healthy coat — and you will enjoy a cleaner, more comfortable home.

Why it’s important to choose responsibly

Many families make the mistake of choosing a puppy based solely on appearance or trends. But every puppy grows into an adult dog with its own characteristics, activity level, and needs. What seems adorable in puppyhood may become challenging later. For example, an energetic Husky that requires daily runs will be unhappy in a small apartment and may destroy furniture out of boredom.

A puppy is a family member for 10–15 years, and it is important to think in advance whether your conditions are suitable for a particular breed.

Key factors to consider

1. Breed size
   If you live in a small apartment, you should consider small or medium-sized breeds. Large dogs require more space and physical activity.

2. Activity level
   Think about how much time per day you are ready to spend walking your dog. Active breeds (Border Collies, Huskies) require long runs and games. Calm breeds (Bulldogs, Pugs) are satisfied with short walks.

3. Coat care
   Different breeds require different grooming routines: Yorkies and Shih Tzus need regular grooming, while a Labrador only needs brushing once a week. If you don’t have time or desire for complex grooming, choose short-haired breeds.

4. Temperament
   Breed temperament matters. If you have children, calm and friendly dogs — Labradors, Retrievers, French Bulldogs — are a good choice. If you want an active companion for hiking, choose energetic breeds.

5. Health
   Always check documents and vaccinations. Puppies from responsible breeders cost more but have a much lower risk of hereditary diseases.

Numbered list: steps for choosing a puppy

1. Determine what dog size suits you.

2. Create a list of breeds based on activity level and temperament.

3. Study coat care requirements for the breeds you are considering.

4. Find a reliable breeder or kennel.

5. Visit the puppy in person and observe its behavior.

6. Check documents, vaccinations, and living conditions.

7. Prepare your home: bowls, bed, toys, and a toilet area.

8. Be ready that the first weeks the puppy will require a lot of attention.

Bulleted list: mistakes to avoid

• Buying a puppy impulsively without preparation

• Ignoring hereditary diseases and documents

• Choosing a puppy only by appearance

• Underestimating costs for food, grooming, and vet care

• Lack of time for walks and training

Table: comparison of popular family breeds

Additional tips

Besides choosing the breed, it is important to evaluate the individual traits of each puppy. Even within the same litter, puppies can have different personalities: one may be calm, another playful. Spend some time with each puppy and choose the one that responds best to you.

Also consider your lifestyle. If you travel often, think about whether you can take the dog with you or leave it under supervision.

Remember that a puppy is an investment not only of money but also of time. In the first months, the puppy will require special care: toilet training, basic education, and regular vet visits.

Conclusion

Choosing the right puppy ensures that your pet becomes a true friend and joy for many years. Approach this step responsibly: study breeds, evaluate your possibilities, and choose a puppy not only with your heart but also with your mind.