Top 10 Professional Dog Grooming Tips for Dog Owners

Every dog in the world needs grooming to some extent or the other. It could be something as simple as trimming nails or as complex as creating a pompadour with bowls for your poodle.

Only some can access or afford that monthly trip to the dog salon close to their place. So some professional tips for grooming your dog could be handy for one and all.

These tips would be within your budget, help your furball look like a million bucks, and make your life much easier.

1. Following a definite routine

You must develop a routine that works for you and the fur baby. It means that you need to use the same shampoo, use the same steps every time you bathe them, and wash them at the same spot time and again.

Hence, it makes the process a lot more convenient for you and the dog since your dog will come to know what to expect every single time you take them for grooming.

In addition, it means they are much less anxious than they would have been otherwise. You have to ensure that you clean every part of their body during this process.

2. Getting the right shampoo 

Just as is the case for human beings, you also get plenty of different kinds of dog shampoos. You can choose the right shampoo based on your needs. For example, you should use flea shampoo if you are looking to control fleas.

If they have dry skin, you can shampoo made using materials like oatmeal. If they have dandruff, hot spots, or skin irritations, using a medicated shampoo containing raw materials such as hydrocortisone and coal tar is better. If you have puppies, you should use special shampoos that would not cause them to tear up.

3. Getting the de-matting and de-shading right

Use a comb or a brush and work through their coat. Even when rinsing, please ensure the extra loose hair is cared for. It helps untangle any mat that may have developed on their bodies. You would find that this is more convenient to do when bathing them compared to when you are drying them.

4. Getting the right grooming equipment  

Are you planning to groom your dog all by yourself? In that case, you must try to buy the right grooming equipment, such as brushes, trimmers, and scissors, to complete the process as it is.

These products will last longer and work better than the cheaper products that are similar to them.

Make sure that every time you use them, you clean the equipment. Do everything to expand the lifespan of the tools, such as sharpening and lubricating them.

5. Organizing the equipment 

Have every piece of equipment, such as shampoo, scissors, combs, trimmers, and brushes, in the right place, as that would help keep the entire process moving without any hindrance.

One of the worst things that can happen to you in such situations is you looking for the scissors while your little angel gets anxious and tries to escape.

6. Getting a helping hand 

Most dogs do not stand still, so you may trim and dry them correctly. Hence, you may need some help from someone at your home. For example, you could use a Groomers Helper device to hold your dog in one place.

With such a device, there is less possibility that they would struggle, spin, or bite during the process. This would help you complete your work in a much shorter time.

Such a device would put your furball at ease as well. Of course, if you cannot afford such equipment, you could ask someone else to help you – it could be anyone your dog is at ease with.

7. Drying them before grooming them

Please ensure you have thoroughly dried your dog before grooming them. If their coat is dried partially, then it could curl even more.

Thus, getting an even trim would make it hard for you. On the other hand, it would help you complete a pass with your clippers rather than two of them.

8. The basics of using clippers in these cases 

If you want to trim your dog’s coat, you require a pair of clippers that can come in handy. Here, you would need more than a blade. The dogs’ edges are numbered differently than the clipper blades used by humans.

In the clipper blades for humans, 1 is the shortest number. If you want to keep their coat lengthier, use any one of #5/8, #4, or #3 to get the desired results.

9. Grooming them with ease

When trimming their hair, you must always follow how their hair is laid. First, could you ensure the blade tip is down against the skin?

Then, hold it back at an angle. Next, make sure that you have pulled the skin taut. Do this as you are moving the trimmer along the coat.

10. Trimming their paws 

While trimming around the edge of the paws or between pads, move your dog toward the edge of the work surface. It would be one of the best things that you could do.

Conclusion 

Apart from the ones listed in the article, you would also require the right tool for trimming their nails. You should also know how to do such work.

You can be sure that when you follow some of these tips, you will be able to take good care of the dog all by yourself in terms of grooming them. So you won’t have to use the services of a professional.

FAQs

Q: How often should I groom my dog?

A: The frequency of grooming depends on the breed, coat type, and individual needs of your dog. Most dogs generally benefit from regular grooming sessions every 4-8 weeks.

Q: What are the essential grooming tools I should have?

A: Some essential grooming tools include a slicker brush, a comb, nail clippers, dog-friendly shampoo, ear cleaner, and a grooming table or non-slip mat. Additional tools may be needed depending on your dog’s specific needs.

Q: How can I prevent matting in my dog’s coat?

A: Regular brushing is key to preventing matting. Use a slicker brush or comb to remove tangles and smooth the coat. Consider professional grooming and regular trims for dogs with long hair to prevent mats from forming.

Q: How can I safely clean my dog’s ears?

A: Use a veterinarian-approved ear cleaner and cotton balls to clean your dog’s ears. Gently wipe the visible parts of the ear, avoiding the ear canal. Please consult your vet if you notice any redness, swelling, or discharge.

Q: How can I make grooming a positive experience for my dog?

A: Positive reinforcement and gradual desensitization can help make grooming enjoyable for your dog. You can start by gradually introducing grooming tools, rewarding your dog with treats or praise during grooming sessions, and keeping the experience calm and stress-free.