Hi Guys,

I wonder if anyone can help me, i have got a 9 week old westie, called Gizzy, he is wonderful, but i have noticed his eyes are getting alittle weepy, and his fur around his rear is getting matted in poo, does anyone know a good groomer in the wiltshire or oxfordshire area? how much does grooming cost? also i have got some hair clippers, i use them on my son, but wondered if they would be ok to use on Gizzy when i have enough knowledge and guts to clip him myself, i have never owned a westie before, i have always loved them though, i have had loads of GSD dogs, but wanted smaller dog this time, if anyone can give me any tips or advice on grooming westies i would be very greatful

Thanks in advance

Lorraine xx

At 9 weeks you should have only had him for a week and his breeder should have given him a "top and tail trim" before he left home last week, so if he has a mucky tail end, then maybe his diet needs adjusting????
Charney Kennels are in Faringdon. http://www.charneykennels.co.uk/clipping.htm
They will either handstrip/clip your dog for you or teach you to do him yourself, ahtough they will want him to have completed his vaccinations before you take him.  Please don't put clippers or scissors near him without someone experienced showning you what to do.  If not handled correctly for him first trim, he could be frightened and take ages to regain his confidence.

Hi

Thanks for your reply, i am moving to faringdon in january he would of had all his jabs by then so will definately go there, the puppy has never been clipped, they said they never clip their pups until they are 11 months old, i thought that is a bit long too wait, but then i dont know what do you think? i just dont want him getting conjuctivitis due to his fur around the eyes growing inwards, he eyes are weepy, he goes to the vets on thursday so will get him cheaked out fully when he has his jab. i have cleaned his rear with cotton wool with water to clean the area, as i dont like too see him like that, what age would you recomend to get him groomed? i brush him daily and he loves it.

Thanks

Lorraine x

Hi Lorraine,

Buy a either a pair of blunt end baby scissors or blut end scissors from a pet store.  Use them to trim the hair around your Gizzy's anus.  Unless your puppy has loose motions, this should keep him clean.   For my dogs (Cairns) I then use a thinning scissor (cuts the hair unevenly, so it looks more natural) to trim a bit more down the rest of their rears.   

If there is hair that you think may be irritating Gizzy's eyes, you will usually find in growing near the inside corner of his eyes.  Use your fingers to gently pull the hair out.  

Stacey

Hi

I gave gizzy a bath yesterday, as he was mucky at the rear, he loved his bath, i cleaned his eyes with warm water and used my nail to scrap the muck away from his eyes, and cleaned his but as well, he is now a fluffy clean ball of fur :) will do this from now on until i get him groomed, thanks for all your suggestions though.

Hugs

Lorraine x