First and foremost, it’s important that you are regularly taking your dog to a groomer, but it’s still important to do the little things at home to ensure your pup is happy and healthy. These methods can also make the grooming process easier and, in some cases, cheaper. So, we’ve compiled a list of best practice tips for keeping your dog healthy and clean!
Dog Grooming Best Practice #1:
Regular Brushing
The amount of brushing required and the frequency will differ from coat to coat, but one thing remains the same: you should be brushing your dog regularly to prevent matting and keep their coat healthy.
Dogs with longer coats can easily develop matted hair clumps which can cause pain and discomfort. These dogs would benefit from brushing as often as every other day. Dogs with shorter coats need this type of attention less frequently, but it’s still important to keep up with this activity to keep their coats shiny and clean!
For more details on types of brushes and other tips, check out this great article: Dogs 101: Everything You Should Know About Brushing Your Dog
Dog Grooming Best Practice #2:
Bath Time!
Bath time for dog owners can be stressful: most pups simply don’t want to cooperate. The good news is that most dogs only need to be bathed once every couple months. Doing so more often than this can actually be harmful to your canine companion!
During the bathing process, keep these things in mind:
- Only use dog shampoo
- Gently massage your pup with warm water
- Don’t forget the ears and undercarriage
If your dog still smells after a bath, there may be an underlying condition like dental disease or some sort of infection, so take them to the vet right away. For more information on making the most of bath time, read this article: A Pro Groomer’s Top Tips on How To Properly Bathe a Dog.
Dog Grooming Best Practice #3:
Cutting Nails
Before we get into this one, an important note: if you don’t feel comfortable cutting your pups hair or nails yourself, don’t do it! There’s no shame in relying on a professional groomer to handle sensitive areas like a dog’s paws or coat. These tips are only for those looking to do a bit themselves in-between visits to the groomers.
Cutting Nails:
- Use a clipper or a file
- Have their favorite treats nearby
- Cut each nail, avoiding the quick (it’s a faint pink line)
You’ll know your dog needs their nails cut when they start to click-clack on the floor. Again, a professional groomer like the ones we have at Happy Paws are more than happy to take this strenuous activity off of your hands!
Dog Grooming Best Practice #4:
Use Positive Association
The most important thing about grooming your dog at home is that you work to make it a positive activity as early as possible. When bath-time or a quick cleaning come around, ensure you have many treats on hand for both during and after.
Give your dog lots of praise and affection for their cooperation, and show them a lot of love and their favorite treats after your finished so they know next time they have something to look forward to.
Ultimately, these methods are just ways to maintain your dogs health in-between regular visits to a professional groomer (every month or two). Here at Happy Paws, our grooming team is full of dog lovers with a wealth of experience making the process as seamless as possible.
We would love to pamper your pup. Check out our grooming services here.