On the internet, you will find a wide selection of dog groomers, all of them different from each other. Some of them are extremely professional, but if you’re looking to save a few bucks, there are certain things you can do at home to make sure that your dog is always groomed and clean. Here are some tips.
1) Give Him a Thorough Brushing Once a Week
A thorough brushing involves the use of an undercoat rake; it has four or five rows of metal tips that will neatly comb through your dog’s fur to remove any dirt, debris, or mats. After using the rake, run a good quality bristle brush over his entire body in long slow strokes until he is completely covered with short gleaming hair. Remember to work systematically from head to toe when grooming any animal, this way you won’t miss any patch of skin that could potentially become irritated if not attended to promptly. As professionally trained groomers say, grooming should take up a big part of your dog’s daily schedule. This will be the only way you will be able to keep your dog healthy and most importantly clean.
2) Bathing Is Just As Important As Brushing
After using the rake, put a little shampoo on his back and work it into a lather with your hand before rinsing it off thoroughly with warm water. Next, take your sprayer and set it to a fine mist or light shower mode. Start from his head and work your way back, making sure you rinse him thoroughly at the end of this process as well. In some cases, if your dog has extremely sensitive skin, it is recommended that you use a shampoo specially made for dogs with sensitive skin, but remember to follow the directions on the bottle carefully. Bathing your dog once every two weeks will keep his coat clean and shiny. Professional dog groomers suggest that you dry him with a special towel, so it is able to absorb all excess water.
3) Keep His Nails Neat and Clean
Although, it is something that must be done once a month at least, trimming your dog’s nails can be quite a daunting task for many people because their dogs tend to get really anxious when this unpleasant procedure takes place. In order to make things easier on both of you, one ought to get familiar with the proper technique to make sure nails are cut at the right angle, and it is best to start this routine when your dog is still a puppy, teaching them how to stand for examination. It might take some time before you see visible results, but eventually, your dog will get used to this activity that can help keep him healthy in the long run.
4) Give His Teeth a Good Cleaning
Professional groomers recommend brushing dogs’ teeth daily in order for this important procedure not to be so strenuous on both of you. However, if you have an extremely active dog, once every three days should do just fine. Make sure to pick up one of those specially made toothbrushes for dogs that go into the small spaces, and let him lick some tasty dog toothpaste. The best way to keep your dog’s teeth clean is by preventing plaque from building up, and the only way of achieving this is by giving them hard little biscuits approximately once a week. This will make sure your dog’s teeth and breath will stay fresh for a very long time.
6) Ears Need Love Too!
Another significant part of your dog’s grooming routine would be to regularly check his ears for any kind of infection or unusual discharge, and take him to a vet if necessary. If nothing is wrong with them, you can clean them properly by mixing together one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar with one cup of water in a plastic spray bottle, gently spraying this solution into their ear canal. Afterward, massage the base of the ear for around two minutes until they stop shaking their head. Keep in mind that you have to be very calm so as not to scare your dog away. Then dry the inside crevices with cotton balls or a paper towel to prevent dirt from entering again.
7) Keep It Clean, Inside and Out
In order to keep a healthy dog healthy and well, you have to make sure that he is free from any parasites or infections. Start by checking his skin if he has any fleas, ticks, or lice. Using a fine-toothed comb will be very helpful in this case. If the problem persists, consult your veterinarian about specialized treatment for these parasites. Some of these issues are sometimes invisible, so you must make sure that your pet gets checked by a professional on a regular basis. After your dog is looked over, you will be told if they need any treatment which you can get for them as soon as possible. Some people would prefer to go the natural route with treatment, and will look at Natural Flea Repellent for Dogs, if they so choose. It is up to you to decide, but always consult with your veterinarian as well to ensure you are doing the best for your dog. You should make the overall grooming session enjoyable for both of you, by praising him through it all and rewarding him with a treat or some kind of toy after you are done. In the case of dogs that tend to get anxious, some may prefer to reward them with a game of fetch or tug instead.
Why Do Dogs Need Special Care and Grooming?
Grooming is an important activity that must be done regularly to keep your dog healthy by preventing several issues from arising at a later stage, such as the build-up on their teeth or infections. In addition, it can strengthen the bond between you and your pet because grooming is a great opportunity for some one-on-one time with him. This is a very significant thing and must not be taken for granted.
Some dogs require more care than others, so you have to know your dog’s breed well before you start taking care of him. Different breeds have different types of hair, so if you are not careful enough, you might cut the hair too short entirely or give him a trim that doesn’t fit his body type. That is why you need to do research before getting your dog, as this will make sure you don’t make mistakes in taking care of him.
If you follow all these tips given by professional groomers, then there is no doubt that you will have a healthy and happy dog. Just make sure to watch out for any of these problems before they become serious, and remember to reward them with love and affection as well as a treat. Your dog will definitely thank you for this!
