Grooming & Care

Ralph's grooming routine has been a bit of a learning curve (and a dramatic one at times). With his sensitive skin and his dislike to pretty much everything, I've had to be careful about what I use.

I've learned to avoid any fragranced products after a few reactions and stick to gentle, soothing options that dont cause irritation.

Shampoos & Skincare:

Pets at Home Sensitive Dog Shampoo (fragrance free): simple, effective and gentle on his skin. I double shampoo him to ensure he is extra clean and stink free! It's the only shampoo I have used so far that hasn't caused a rash!

Douxo S3 Calm Itch Soothing Shampoo: perfect in moderation, for those flare ups or extra itchy days, I also use the Douxo S3 pads on his paws to calm irritation (especially as he's a bit of a licker).

On All Paws Oatmeal & Coconut Hydrating Paw Butter: great for dry paws, though I avoid the matching shampoo as it caused a rash.

I'm still on the look out for a new nose and paw balm that's fragrance free but deeply moisturising as his pads can get quite cracked and dry, especially after walks on pavements and rough grounds.

Ears & Teeth:

For quick and easy cleaning, I love Vets Best Clean Ear & Teeth Pads - they make keeping on top of hygiene so much easier, especially for his ears! He does have a toothbrush and toothpaste... but let's be honest - that's a two person job and way more effort than it's worth at times!

Grooming & Nail Care:

We've had quite the journey with nail trims - after a few stressful (and slightly traumatic) experiences, we finally found Lucia at The Uptown Dog (Maze Hill), who has been absolutely AMAZING! We've now been 3 times, and although Ralph still puts on a bit of a performance, each visit has been easier and quicker. Lucia's patience and calm approach has made such a difference - highly recommend for anxious sausages!

Brushing:

Ralph isn't exactly a brush enthusiast, but he'll just about tolerate the Bugalugs Bath Brush during bath time. It's not perfect, but it helps loosen little hairs and gives a gentle, massage effect that he seems to prefer over traditional brushes. I'm still on the lookout for something even softer that he'll accept - just to help keep his coat shiny and reduce shedding a bit.

Ralph's Tip: "If it smells nicd, it's suspicious. If it's a brush, it's war. But if it's a paw massage - I'll tolerate it".