Dog grooming and overall dog hygiene are both incredibly important. If you don’t do the correct dog grooming and maintenance this can lead to more problems down the road.
Regular dog grooming is essential for the health and happiness of your furry companion. Professional grooming can be expensive, considering the fact that you can do the same work at home for free. You just need to invest in the right tools, and you’re good to go. Here are some dog grooming tips you must know.
Preparing Your Dog for Grooming
To get started, you need to help your dog get used to the grooming process. It would help if you started grooming your dog while they are still young. However, you can still encourage your grown pup to enjoy their grooming routine by making each session fun and rewarding.
This may demand some time and patience from your side, but it eventually becomes worth it. You can spread some treats on a surface and allow them to eat while you gently brush or wash them.
Also, get a slip-proof mat to place inside the bathtub so your dog won’t keep sliding when they are bathing. Remember to give them lots of praise, kisses, and treats to have a positive reinforcement associated with grooming. After a while, they will become eager for their grooming sessions and your work will be much easier.
Regular Brushing is a Must
The bare minimum of dog grooming is regularly brushing your dog’s fur coat. This typical grooming process is essential for removing dirt, dead hair, debris and foul odors.
It will also prevent your dog’s fur from matting up, which can be a disaster. The frequency of brushing depends on your dog’s fur length, texture and density. Breeds like collies and shi tzus will need more frequent brushing, while labradors and pugs will require less regular brushing.
You can use a metal comb to gently get down to the skin and unravel any mattes that may have begun to form. Regular brushing also makes your dog’s coat look glossy. Consistency in brushing your dog’s fur will subsequently reduce the need for frequent baths.
Trim Your Dog’s Hair and Nails Using the Right Clippers
Trimming your dog’s hair and nails is not complicated or intimidating as it seems. You just have to invest in a good pair of clippers that will make your grooming sessions seamless.
If you want to maintain your dog’s unique hairstyle, having your own dog clippers is an affordable way to save a few extra coins that would otherwise have been spent at the groomers.
Moreover, if your dog dreads the trip to the groomers, trimming their fur and nails at home will be more tolerable for them. When shopping for fur or nail clippers, scissor and guillotine-style clippers are the best for inexperienced dog groomers.
If you prefer electric clippers, go for one that suits your dog’s breed and one with low noise if your pet is sensitive. Ensure the blades are sharp enough to smooth the clipping process; you don’t want your clippers to start jamming in the middle of a grooming session.
Dental Hygiene is Important
Dog dental hygiene is crucial for overall health too. Dogs are often prone to undesirable dental issues that can be quite expensive to treat. Ideally, it would be best if you brushed your dog’s teeth every day. However, three times a week is also good enough.
Avoid using regular toothpaste for humans as it may contain toxic chemicals that could be detrimental to your dog’s health. There are special dog toothpaste and toothbrushes available.
You can use a child’s toothbrush, which will be gentle on your dog’s gums. If you want to go the extra mile, you can get your dog chewable treats or dental sprays that will help keep your dog’s dental hygiene at optimum.
You should get your dog used to teeth cleaning as early in their life as possible. Doing so will make it easy for the dog to allow you to effortlessly lift their lips and open their jaws for cleaning.
Take Care of the Ears
An ear infection can be painful for your pet. It is mainly characterized by moist, inflamed ears with a sweet, odd smell. The infected ear can also produce an unusual discharge. Your infected dog will also whine when you want to examine their ears, a clear indication of the pain they are experiencing.
You should clean your dog’s ears at least once a month to avoid the occurrence of an ear infection. If your dog has larger, heavier ears, you should clean them more than once every month. You can opt for store-bought dog ear cleaner or use a DIY recipe to come up with an effective cleaner.
You can find plenty of recipes online that may include the use of hydrogen peroxide and vinegar. Avoid inserting Q-tips deep inside your dog’s ear. Instead, use a piece of cotton and lightly dab the ear folds. You can also ensure that you completely dry your pup’s ear after a swim.
Regular dog grooming can be a great opportunity for you and your furry friend to bond while still keeping up with the health and hygiene standards they need.