A grooming prep guide for the UK's premier dog-friendly festival.
Dog Lovers Festival returns to Elvaston Castle in Derby this year, three days billed as the UK's premier dog-friendly event: live music from tribute bands, a Fun Dog Show, dedicated play areas for dogs, and on-site camping for anyone making a full weekend of it. If your dog is coming along, here's how to get them ready.
A festival weekend means hours on your feet, on grass, and around a lot of new dogs and noise. A groom in the week or so before means your dog goes in comfortable, not fresh off a clip.
If you're staying over, a damp coat from morning dew or an evening shower can mat fast without a proper brush-out the next morning. Bring a towel and a slicker brush, not just your own sleeping bag.
Showground grass and gravel paths are harder on paws than a normal walk. Trimmed nails and a pad check before you go help avoid a sore, limping dog by day two.
A tangle-free coat photographs better and handles better if you're entering the show ring, and it's one less thing to worry about with everything else going on.
To find a Birmingham groomer who can fit you in before the festival, browse our directory of Birmingham dog groomers.
Book the groom a week or so out, pack for coat care if you're camping, and go in brushed, trimmed, and ready. Then enjoy the UK's biggest dog-friendly festival with a dog who's just as ready for it as you are.