Dogs, like humans, need personal care. They need their fur trimmed, nails clipped, daily bathing, and a blow-drying of their wet coat. Some people who own hairy dog breeds like poodles or Maltese even like to get their pooches fancy haircuts.
And why not? These furry creatures are a part of our families, and we can’t ignore them while we get manicures and spa routines for ourselves, right?
Some people, who have owned quite a few pets, or have owned dogs for a while now, are used to the whole grooming routine. While some like to do it at home and by themselves, others prefer more specialized care for their doggos.
However, people who are beginners in owning dogs might be at a loss as to what exactly they need to do. Here, we’re going to discuss some of the best grooming tips for dog parents who are beginners in this game.
Below are the top 9 tips on how to groom your dog, especially for beginners!
Get Hold Of The Correct Tools
When you speak of ‘grooming’, the first thing that comes to mind is– or are– the tools. Before you begin to groom your dog, you need to pick out the right tools to do it.
Begin by investing in high-quality tools such as dog combs, brushes, nail clippers, and blow-dryers. You should specifically pick out the ones that are best suited to your dog’s size and coat type.
If you’re feeling lost for the first time, feel free to consult with a professional groomer for their input and recommendations on what could be the best tools for your pet.
Take It Slow
Your dog may not be accustomed to being groomed regularly, so you need to ease them into it. Do not rush and pack a lot of things on the very first day. The wise thing to do would be to introduce the grooming sessions in a gradual manner, and use various kinds of positive reinforcements, such as rewards and treats if they stay well-behaved during the session.
You can also make the experience pleasurable for them by taking them to a professional grooming expert on their first visit.
Try To Set A Routine
Routine and discipline are important when it comes to grooming your dog. You should create a grooming schedule and try to stick to it.
Setting a certain routine can serve to ease any nervousness or anxiety that your dog may have. If you’re unable to bathe and groom your pet regularly, you should consider consulting a grooming service that can visit your home on specific dates.
Be Careful While Trimming Nails
It is advisable to keep your pet’s nails trimmed to a somewhat comfortable length. Remember to use pet-safe nail clippers for this purpose.
Exercise caution during the process and don’t be in a hurry to cut the nails quickly. Doing so can cause bleeding and pain to your dog. If you are unsure of what to do, ask a grooming expert for a demonstration that you can follow. It is strongly advised to keep styptic powder handy near you while trimming.
It can be used to halt bleeding in case any accident takes place.
Make It A Habit To Brush Its Coat Regularly
You should regularly brush your dog’s coat. This removes a lot of the dirt, loose fur, parasites, and debris. It also prevents the fur from matting.
If you brush their coat daily, then it also helps stimulate their blood circulation and serves to distribute the natural bodily oils. This, in turn, makes the coat look healthy and glowing. You do want your pet to look good, don’t you?
Inspect And Clean The Ears And Eyes
Make sure to take a regular look at the ears and eyes of your pet. Dogs can develop ticks, infections, and suffer from other afflictions such as botfly larvae. Clean their ears and eyes regularly to remove wax, grime, or any discharge.
While doing this, use a pet-safe cleanser and cotton pads/balls. You don’t want your pet to have any injuries, so avoid inserting anything very deeply into the ears.
Get Rid Of All Mats And Tangles
If you find any mats or tangles in your dog’s coat, then be sure to scrub and untangle them by using a slicker comb and a detangling spray.
Avoid pulling or tugging, since this can give your dog short strokes or cause pain and discomfort.
Be Cautious While Bathing Them
You should let your pet take time to get used to regular baths. While bathing them, use mild, dog-friendly shampoo.
A warning: Be mindful of the coat and skin type of your dog, especially if they suffer from any skin conditions. Rinse thoroughly and dry completely afterwards; otherwise, they may develop infections from leftover shampoo in their coats or fur.
Look Out For Health Issues
Before starting to groom your dog, make a note of what health conditions they suffer from. If your dog has very sensitive skin or any kind of illness that can make some grooming methods untenable, then avoid those at all costs.
All dogs deserve a happy, healthy life, and also look gorgeous! Taking care of their appearance in the right way can not only improve their looks but also help keep them happy and healthy!
