5 Dog Grooming Basics

Keeping your dog well-groomed is a lot harder than you think. It’s not just about getting your dog to smell and look good. It is about keeping your dog medically fit too.

Similar to people, dogs also need physical maintenance to look better. Fortunately, dogs do not need to bathe as regularly as humans, but there is a need to learn how much grooming your dog actually needs and how to keep it on a schedule.

5 Dog Grooming Basics:

1. Hair Brushing

Most dogs enjoy being brushed and the sessions will help to strengthen the bond between you and your dog. Brushing not only helps to prevent any skin irritation but also removes ticks and fleas stuck in the fur. Choosing the right amount of brushing is important and it depends on the hair type of the dog.

Here are some guidelines:

• Long-haired dogs usually require daily brushing to prevent matting and tangling of hairs.
• Medium hair dogs should be brushed on a weekly basis.
• Short-haired dogs should be brushed after every 2 few weeks.

Regardless of hair type, you can brush your dog daily, dogs usually enjoy it. It will also make your dog’s fur look shiny and healthy. During shedding season, it would be good if the brushing is done on a regular basis, it helps prevents hair build-up and excess shedding.

2. Bathing

There is no need for frequent bathing for dogs as compared to humans. The type of breed and the atmosphere in which your dog lives largely determines the frequency of bathing required. A good rule-of-thumb is bathing your dog once a month. Do not bathe your dog more than once a week!

Do not use soaps that are meant for humans, it would be harmful to your dog. While giving a bath, use good quality shampoos that are made specifically for dogs. It is always good to use those products which protect your dog’s hair from fleas and ticks.

3. Nail trimming

Nail trimming is not an easy job because dogs hate it. Dogs dislike even having their paws handled by humans. There is a chance that a dog may get hurt while cutting nails. Most dog owners are often uncomfortable while doing this activity because of fear of hurting their dogs.

Some dogs can also develop a fear to nail trimming if they experience pain during the first time and they’ll do anything to avoid this situation again. A vet or a professional dog groomer is recommended for the task or to teach you the steps to nail trimming.

4. Haircut

Dogs that have long hair, such as Poodle or Shih Tzu, need a regular haircut every 2-4 weeks. This task should be done by a professional dog groomer. Dog owners can learn haircut tricks and styling by joining a dog grooming school.

In case, you want to groom your dog at home and give them a professionally groomed look then go for a good dog grooming clipper. Keep in mind that the thicker the hair, the more powerful clipper you will need.

See Also: 21 Cute Pet Dogs With Trendy Hairstyles

5. Ear care

A dog’s ears can get infected by bacteria and yeast if not kept clean. Some dogs have less risk of ear problems and they need ear cleaning on a monthly basis. Some dogs are prone to chronic ear diseases and require multiple cleanings a day.

Dogs that have floppy or long ears are more prone to ear problems because their ear canal does not get much air exposure. Frequent ear problems are a sign of allergies and if your dog has excess itching or foul smell in the ears, it would be better to take your dog to a veterinarian for a thorough checkup.

A vet can prescribe special ear cleaners and medications to resolve ear problems in your dog. It is always better to consult your vet for dog grooming tips based on the breed of your dog.

See Also: Most Common Allergies in Dogs

We would love to hear about your first dog grooming experience, feel free to share your experiences in the comments below!