Expert: Delores Beck - 2/15/2009

Question
QUESTION: Hi can you give me your suggestions please for best brushes/combs etc to use for cocker spaniels and also recommend some grooming sprays to use in between baths to help keep coat looking and feeling good. All other sites seem to recommend shampoos but no one covers the grooming in between baths.
Many thanks Carol

ANSWER: The way to keep the coat looking good is daily brushing.  For that, buy what's called a "slicker brush".  You have to brush in both directions.  Then you use a comb.

Under normal circumstances a bath at the monthly grooming session should be enough.

A lot of keeping the coat & skin healthy is dependent on the quality of food you're using.  If you take good care of the "inside", the outside will be fine.  So, nutrition is where this conversation should begin.

If you write back and tell me what you're feeding, I'd be happy to offer suggestions.
Delores

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi Delores  I am feed a complete food called wrigley's working crunch. Thanks for the information i do already do what you suggested but have seen many grooming sprays etc at dog shows and wondered which would be best for me to use. I know the various stalls etc would advise but they all want to sell there own products.
So thought advise from an expert would be better.

Answer
Ah..you're in the UK?

As far as grooming sprays are concerned, they "do" nothing but make the dog's coat look shiny for the Judges.

If you want to produce a nice "silky" look, then a really good conditioner after the shampoo will do it.

If you're showing - then I'd ask other handlers.  I can't suggest a product since you're in the UK...but a good trick is to give the dog an oatmeal soak (5 minutes) after the bath.  This is great for his skin and makes the coat shiny and silky.

I don't know what's available to you - but Aveeno makes a pure colloidal oatmeal (comes in a box with packets of powder).  Whatever you can find the label should say "100% pure colloidal oatmeal".

You just fill the tub - mix in one packet well (warmish water) and pop the dog in.

Hope this helps a bit.
Delores