Tips for Grooming Your Dog at Home

Dog grooming is an important part of your dog’s physical and mental health. Just like people, dogs need routine maintenance to feel and look their best. The amount of grooming each dog needs depends on their breed, lifestyle, health, and hair type. Some dog could require additional grooming steps if they have a particular ear, skin, or nail condition. If serious, make sure to consult your vet for instructions. You also ensure you have the appropriate dog grooming tools for your pup.

Hair Brushing

Regularly brushing your dog’s hair is an important part of keeping their coat healthy and clean. Some dogs may even enjoy it and it can help strengthen your bond with them. The first step is choosing the right bush for your dog. Next, is creating a brushing schedule. Depending on their breed and hair type, their scheduling needs can vary.

• Short-haired Dogs: Typically they only need to be brushed every few weeks, unless they have a shedding problem.
• Medium-haired Dogs: They need to be brushed weekly if you want to avoid matting issues.
• Long-haired Dogs: Usually they can require daily brushing to keep their hair from tangling.

You can alway brush your dog’s hair more than the recommended amount. It keeps their coat healthy and shiny and prevents shedding and build-up.

Nail Trimming

Nail trimming can be a dreaded task for both you and your pup. Many dogs don’t like to have their paws handled, and some may have an aversion to it if they had a bad experience in the past. Dog owners can be uneasy about trimming nails themselves out of fear of cutting them too short and hurting their furry friend. The best way to learn the correct process is to ask a vet or groomer.

Regardless of you or your dog’s fears, nail trimming needs to occur monthly for most dogs. This can vary from dog to dog based on the rate of nail growth and their activity level. If your pup makes it impossible to trim their nails, there is an alternative. You can try using a rotary file to file their nails rather than cut them. This may make nail trimming easier for the both of you.

Bathing

Even the dogs that love water can hate bath time. The best way to combat this resentment is training your dog to get used to it. Give them treats after or during their time in the tub. Purchase dog bath toys to keep them distracted while you get them clean.

Even if you’re unable to get your furry friend to love bath time, they need to be bathed regularly. Typically, dog owners like to give baths monthly to remove the dirt and oils, as well as reduce any doggy odor. Make sure to use shampoo that is specifically made for dogs. You may need to get recommendations from your vet if your dog has particularly sensitive skin.

Ear Care

Making sure to keep your dog’s ears clean is a primary step in grooming your dog. Without regular cleaning, bacteria and yeast can form which can lead to more serious problems. All that needs to be done to ensure they are clean, is a quick wipe after bathing. Doing this regularly can keep unwanted bacteria from making a home in there.

Some dogs can have more serious ear issues, which would require more cleanings than just after bath time. If your pup has floppy ears or hair in their ear canal, they could be more susceptible to these problems. If you ever notice debris or an odor coming from your dog’s ears, make sure to contact your veterinarian. They may be able to prescribe special medication for them.

Haircuts

Some dogs may not require this step in the grooming process. But those dogs that have continuously growing hair, they need to have their hair cut every four to six weeks. This is best done by a professional dog groomer, rather than doing this yourself. You can do your research to find a groomer that is located near you and within your price range.

If you would rather cut your dog’s hair yourself, make sure you learn the basic skills required for your dog’s breed. You may even want to take a few professional grooming classes to ensure you’re able to handle it.