Dogs of all breeds benefit from routine grooming because it
keeps their coats sleek and free of tangles, allows you to check for skin
problems and parasite infestations, and enhances their general hygiene.
Additionally, giving your pet a grooming can be a one-on-one bonding
opportunity.
Even low-maintenance dogs with short coats require routine
nail cutting, washing, and brushing. Longer-coat dogs could also require hair
trimming and clipping. While you may wish to schedule regular appointments with
a professional groomer—especially when it comes to clipping and trimming your
dog's hair—these seven tips will help you establish an at-home dog grooming routine with your dog.
1. Brush your dog's coat regularly to avoid matting
Your dog's coat needs frequent brushing to stay glossy and
sleek, regardless of breed. The length and texture of your dog's coat determine
how much brushing is necessary each week. Long Haired breeds like golden
retrievers and collies will need more frequent brushing (at least once a week,
if not every other day), while shorthaired breeds like greyhounds or labradors
may need a good brushing only every other week.
Poorly matted hair can cause pain for longhaired dogs.
Irritated dogs will lick or bite themselves, which could lead to skin
infections. Foreign bodies like grass seeds can hide inside a matted coat and
even burrow into the skin to cause an abscess. Brushing your longhaired dog
regularly keeps matting from developing into an issue.
Brushing is also beneficial for shorthaired dogs. You can
prolong the time between baths by removing loose hair, dirt, and dander by
brushing your dog's coat.
2. Cut your dog's hair, but proceed with caution
Most dog owners take their pets to a groomer for their dog's
haircut. Nevertheless, between professional grooming appointments, you can
carefully cut excessive hair around your dog's eyes or feet. This can help your
dog see better by removing the overgrown hair that gets in its eyes and rubs
against them, causing damage.
Leave your dog alone when relaxed and, ideally, lying down.
When the scissor blades are close to the skin, proceed cautiously and slowly
and exercise extra caution. When you're done, remember to treat your dog to
acknowledge his composure.
Trimming the hair inside the ears can increase air movement
and help avoid ear infections. The best places to do this are your
veterinarian's office or a skilled groomer.
Recall that using scissors or clippers on your pet can
easily result in accidental cuts. Always take care when trimming; if you're
nervous or prefer to avoid trimming your dog's hair, contact a professional
grooming service.
3. Trim your dog's nails safely
When you hear your dog's nails clicking on your hard floors,
trim them. This will prevent your dog from experiencing discomfort from overly
long nails. However, you'll need a few safety precautions before you clip your
dog's nails for the first time. Learn the entire process for trimming your
dog's nails simply and safely.
4. Check your dog's skin as you groom
Allergic skin illnesses are frequent in dogs, causing
itching and making them claw, chew, or lick their skin. External parasites,
such as fleas, ticks, lice, and mites, can spread diseases and other parasites
like the tapeworm, in addition to making your pet unpleasant.
Make a habit of checking your dog's skin every time you
groom them. Start by feeling odd lumps or bumps on your dog's skin as you run
your fingers through its coat. You can investigate further by parting the coat
to examine the skin more closely for sores, redness, rashes, bald spots and
evidence of parasitic infestations. There are several medications for dogs that are beneficial for preventing your dog’s skin from allergies
and diseases.
5. Teach your dog to enjoy grooming sessions
Many dogs, especially puppies, need encouragement and
positive reinforcement when introducing them to a grooming routine.
The following advice will make the initial at-home grooming
sessions go more smoothly:
- Spread a little Vegemite on a washable surface and let
your dog or puppy lick it off while brushing or washing them.
- Take things slowly and give lots of treats and praise so
your pup will look forward to its next pampering session.
- Place a non-slip mat inside to stop your dog from sliding
around the tub before bath time.
6. Consistently examine your dog's ears
Recall to examine your dog's ears closely when you are
brushing it. Ear infections can be painful, so if you notice any of the
following changes or behaviours, take your dog to your vet for a check-up:
- The inside of the ears is inflamed or moist.
- The ears have an unusual odour (a dog ear infection
typically smells sweet).
- Your dog scratches at its ears or shakes its head.
- The discharge in the ears is different or more abundant
than usual (a little wax is standard).
- When you look at the dog's ears, it whimpers or yells.
7. Avoid giving your dog too many baths
Most dogs with good skin only require an occasional bath to
avoid odours and hygienic problems. More frequent washing than this can cause
your dog's skin to become dry and its coat to lose its natural oils.
Consult your veterinarian if your dog smells unpleasant but
hasn't rolled in anything disgusting. Underlying concerns may imply a skin
infection. For this, You can use a dog shampoo that have ?-Olefin Sulfonate,
N-Alkylaminopropyl Glycinate, Cocamide MIPA, Ricinus Communis Seed Oil, Oryza
Sativa Bran Lipid Complex Ingredients, because these ingredients are beneficial
for any type of dog infection and keep your dog healthy.
Remember these pointers the next time you wash your dog:
- Never use shampoo intended for babies or humans on dogs
because their skin has a different pH than ours. Select a shampoo made
especially for dogs and doesn't contain soap to avoid irritating their skin.
- Try to use a spray on dog shampoo containing natural conditioners and pH balanced.
- Pour warm water over your dog until thoroughly soaked then
gently massage the shampoo into the coat. Avoid the dog's eyes, mouth and the
insides of its ears.
- Rinse the shampoo off with warm water, then let your dog
shake and air dry outside if the weather is warm. In cooler weather, dry the
dog by gently towel-drying the coat or blow-drying it using the most relaxed
setting.
- Good grooming, periodic bathing, and regular skin and ear
checks not only help keep your dog healthy, but they also demonstrate your love
for your pet and give you quality time together.
