5 Tips for At-Home Dog Grooming
Caring and grooming your dog can be challenging. This is especially true if you have a pup who requires more love for their locks (looking at you Poodles, Afghans, Bichons…) or they just do not like the process at all (now looking at you Mr. Snips-a-Lot).
Every dog has different grooming needs, but almost all dogs will need to be bathed, brushed and have their nails trimmed. So here are my top 5 tips for keeping your pooch happy, healthy and well-groomed!
1. Treats, treats and more treats!
Grooming should be an enjoyable and relaxing time for you and your pet. It’s a pawsome time to reset and connect with your pup. By infusing a little fun and using treats before, during, and after grooming, you will help your pet see that being spiffed up isn’t so bad.
When you’re starting out, focus on one task at a time to make grooming sessions short. Stay calm, give positive reinforcement, and keep your dog as safely unrestrained as possible.
PRO TIP: PRACTICE CALMING METHODS WITH YOUR DOG BEFORE GROOMING SESSIONS.
My favorite way to naturally calm dogs is using the Tellington TTouch method! Learn why I love it so much here.
2. Know your dog’s coat type and the right grooming approach to use.
Did you know not all dogs should have their hair or fur cut? It’s true. Huskies, Mastiffs, Labradors, and German Shepherds all have coats that don’t need to be cut if they are properly cared for.
Long-haired or double-coated dogs tend to need more regular brushing. (A perfect opportunity to use positive reinforcement with Fido’s favorite treats)! No matter the breed of dog, though, it’s important to stay on top of brushing, especially during the shedding season.
If you have questions about your dog’s coat, consult a local groomer to chat about how to best take care of your pup’s fur.
3. Use dog-friendly products only
Your pet’s skin has a different pH than yours. That’s why it’s important to use dog-safe products only, including shampoo, conditioner and any other product you’re applying to your dog’s skin or coat. Dog skin can become inflamed, itchy, and infection-prone if you use human shampoo.
There are plenty of dog-approved products on the market. Talk to your vet for suggestions, especially if you need to deal with anything like fleas and ticks, skin sensitivities, or skin allergies.
4. Your dog’s nails need to be trimmed regularly.
The stroll around the neighborhood on cement isn’t enough to keep your dog’s nails at a comfortable length. Dogs whose nails are too long can have a lot of problems like difficulty walking, a change in their gait, or excessive paw licking that leads to infections.
If your pooch sounds like a tap-dancing dog on hard surfaces, it’s time for a nail trim!
It’s possible to cut your dog’s nails too short and get into an area of the nail called the quick. The quick is the center of your dog’s nail and contains nerve endings and blood vessels. Some dogs have dark nails so you can’t see the pinkish quick area. If you’re feeling uncertain, ask your vet or a groomer to show you how to do it at-home.
5. Make bath time fun and safe for Fido.
Safety needs to be a priority. Whatever you can do to make it safer (and more fun) in the bathroom, do it. Non-slip bath mats, a special hose or sprayer, pet sprayer attachment, gooey peanut butter to spread on the shower tiles… there are numerous ways you can incorporate choices and positive reinforment during bath time!
When to hire a professional…
Not every dog is great with at-home grooming and not every dog parent is great (or has the time) to groom their pet.
Here are some reasons you’ll want to seek out professional grooming services:
Shampooing mud or a skunked dog
Removing fleas or ticks
Severe fur matting
If your dog is super-stressed getting their nails trimmed, ears cleaned, etc.
Your dog has hair that needs special upkeep
If you dog requires regular anal gland expression
Learning to properly groom your dog is an important pet parent skill to master. Have you found any unique tricks or treats that work perfect for your pup during grooming sessions?