Peat, heather and park paths.
- Local authority
- City of Bradford Metropolitan District Council
- Postcode district
- BD21
- From Bradford
- 8 mi northwest
- Main roads
- the A629, the A650 and Skipton Road
- Where dogs walk
- Cliffe Castle Park, Victoria Park and the moorland paths towards Haworth
The moorland paths towards Haworth are open, exposed and often wet. Peat is the main problem for a coat: it is dark, fine and sticky, and it stains pale fur brown. White and cream dogs, such as West Highland terriers and poodle crosses, may need a bath after every moor walk to avoid a stained, yellow-brown tinge in the legs and belly.
Cliffe Castle Park offers woodland, lawns and a playground nearby, and it is a favourite for dog walkers who want a gentler outing. The soil there is often damp under the trees, which means leaf mould in the feathering. A towel rub, then a comb through the legs, gets most of it out before it sets.
Victoria Park is smaller and more urban, with hard paths and short grass. Dogs that walk mostly on pavements wear their nails down a little, but those that spend time on soft ground do not, so nail clipping every month or so is a sensible habit. Long nails twist toes and change the way a dog stands.
Heather brings its own chores. Dry sprigs break off and lodge in feathered coats, and the dry seed heads work into tails and ears. In winter, snow and wet clay then pack into the pads and between the toes. A groomer can trim the hair between the pads, which stops the ice balls and the mud balls that otherwise form there.
General estimates only. Prices vary by groomer, dog and area.
Full Groom£40 to £90 per full groom→Bath and Brush£25 to £55 per bath and brush→Nails and Tidy-ups£8 to £25 per visit→Three things to do first.
- Look at your dog's coat and decide whether it needs a trim, a wash or a rescue from tangles.
- Ask each groomer how they work, whether they cover Keighley and how they handle a nervous dog.
- Pick one brushing spot after your usual walk around Cliffe Castle Park, Victoria Park and the moorland paths towards Haworth and do it every time for a fortnight.
Nearby communities. Also in this guide.
Local resources. Learn more about Keighley.
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Good questions
Before you begin.
How do I clean peat stains from a white coat?
Brush out dried peat first, then bathe with a shampoo made for dogs. Persistent staining is best discussed with a groomer, who may suggest a brightening shampoo.
Why does my dog get snowballs on its paws?
Snow and wet mud clump on the hair between the pads. Trimming that hair short helps, and wiping the feet after a walk stops balls from forming.
How often should I trim hair between the pads?
Many owners do it every four to six weeks, often at the same time as nail clipping.