Top Facts to Know: What Is Dog Grooming?

Every dog owner has a responsibility to care for their dog’s well-being. Aside from nutritious foods, dogs also need proper and regular grooming. It is among the top things a dog owner should always do in daily life.

Dog grooming at home is not a difficult thing to do. And take note that hiring a groomer is only one of many options. Grooming your dog will be one of the best experiences you will have. Whether you are a beginner or an expert in dog grooming, you need to know the proper order and frequency.

This article will be your guide regarding the grooming process. Below is a list of things you will learn about dog grooming.

1. What Is Dog Grooming?
2. Helpful Tips on Proper Bathing
3. Dog Grooming Order and Frequency
4. Things to Remember

What Is Dog Grooming?

Dog grooming is part of the process of keeping your dog clean and healthy. As a part of general pet care, bathing your dog is an effective way of removing dirt and unpleasant odors. It will also help clean the skin and create a shiny coat.

Whatever dog breed you have, grooming should not be neglected. And with the help of professionals, you don’t have to worry about how to do it. Keeping your dog clean and healthy is for the benefit of your family.

If you can’t afford to visit a grooming salon, you can also do the grooming process on your own. But make sure you know what to do. The information in this article can be a great help for dog owners who want to provide grooming for their cute and lovely dogs.

When it comes to bathing your dog as a part of dog grooming, it is not recommended to do it too often. It may result in dry skin and other health problems. Always seek advice from professionals, especially if you don’t know what to do.

The shampoo that you are to use should also be provided by your trusted veterinarian. Always make sure to use suitable products for your pet to avoid any medical problems later.

*Note: The use of a human shampoo on dogs is prohibited. Never use it for the safety of your pet.

Helpful Tips on Proper Bathing

When you bathe your dog, which is an essential part of grooming, make sure to make it fun and enjoyable. Know the type of your dog’s coat. Once you determine it, you can use the appropriate shampoo and conditioner advised by your vet. Dogs with shorts coats need oil, while those with long coats need moisturizers.

For puppies, you can provide treats and cuddles while doing the grooming. You can also provide swaddling to make them feel safe. And by doing so, your dog can enjoy grooming time. Note that puppies don’t need cleansing products, unlike adult dogs.

With the use of lukewarm water and a rag, you can start cleaning your pet’s coat. Shampoo and conditioners that are pH balanced are recommended. Moreover, be gentle when bathing or grooming your dog. Scrubbing your dog’s coat is not advised.

After applying shampoo, thoroughly rinse your dog’s coat. Be gentle in blow-drying your dog’s coat, and brush his hair. For your dog’s regular grooming and health, maintain a bathing routine. Help your dog to get used to having a bath for him to remain clean.

Dog Grooming Order and Frequency

Whether you have a new puppy or an adult dog, your pet must undergo dog grooming. If you can’t decide whether you are going to visit a professional dog groomer or do it yourself, this article will be your guide.

Dog grooming includes nail clipping, brushing, teeth brushing, bathing, ears, eyes and paw cleaning, and hair trimming. Below are the dog grooming order and frequency as your guide in case you choose to do dog grooming at home.

1. Nail Clipping

All dogs need their nails clipping. It is recommended to check your dog’s nails often. You are probably asking how often you should trim your dog’s nails. Some dogs need frequent nail clipping while other dogs need it done at least once a month.

Dogs feel uncomfortable with long nails as they can poke their feet. For small dogs, dog clipping can be done every couple of weeks. But you have to be careful in trimming your dog’s nails and don’t cut them too short. Cutting your dog’s nails a little bit every week is also advised.

*Note: Use dog nail clippers, this is the easiest and safest way. Trim a little bit at a time.

2. Brushing

Occasional brushing is recommended for dogs. Whether you have a long-haired or a short-haired dog, brushing is necessary. But note that it is advised to use the right brush to remove loose hair.

There are different types of brush for every coat. A metal comb is required for most types. Whether your dog’s hair is very short, curly, straight, medium, or shedding, there’s a brush available for each coat type.

3. Teeth Brushing

Do you have a three-year-old dog? If yes, you have to make sure that your dog is safe from periodontal disease and other dental problems. Even gum disease should not affect your pet. Most dogs suffer from dental problems due to a lack of teeth brushing.

Just as we, humans, need to brush our teeth regularly, dogs too should have clean teeth through teeth brushing. It is to avoid bacteria from getting into your pet’s bloodstream that may result in death.

Note: Only use dog toothpaste, dental sprays, and tooth wipes recommended by your trusted veterinarian. Human toothpaste is not recommended.

4. Bathing

As a dog owner, caring for your dog can be a costly yet enjoyable process. It is your responsibility to keep your dog clean and healthy. According to professionals, dog owners should wash their pet at least every one to three months.

It is not advisable to wash your dog too often. Also, gentle shampoo and conditioner prescribed by a veterinarian are recommended. If you wash your dog frequently, it can dry out your dog’s skin and coat.

*Note: Never use human shampoo when bathing your dog. If you do, the worst things could happen.

5. Ears, Eyes, and Paw Cleaning

You need to clean your dog’s ears once a month. Using an ear cleaner for dogs is recommended. Check if your dog’s ears are clean and not infected. If you use a cotton ball in cleaning your dog’s ears and you notice that it is gunky or stinky, it means that your dog has an ear infection.

Aside from ear infections, some dogs are prone to eye problems. It is advised that you inspect your dog’s eyes at least once a week. For you to confirm that your pet is free from eye problems, make sure that his eyes are bright and clear. The color of his eyes should be of minimal redness and free from cloudiness.

If you have a dog with hair that grows in the corner of his eyes, you need to trim it regularly. This is to avoid irritating your dog’s eyes. Use round-tipped shears and other recommended trimmers.

In cleaning your dog’s paws, you can use scissors or trimmers. However, make sure that you don’t dig down between the paw pads. Make sure that your dog feels comfortable while you’re cleaning his ears, eyes, and paws.

6. Hair Trimming

If you choose to trim your dog’s hair, be careful not to injure your dog. Also, make sure to choose the appropriate dog grooming clippers. It is advised to trim your dog’s hair slowly to avoid an accident. But if you are not confident in doing it alone, you can visit a professional dog groomer for help.

Things to Remember

Among the things that dog owners need to remember is proper dog grooming. As you have read in this article, regular grooming is necessary. It is among the needs of dogs for them to stay healthy and free from diseases.

Having a dog at home provides fun and excitement to a family. However, if grooming is not maintained, it will result in health problems later. As mentioned in this article, there’s a proper time for dog grooming.

When bathing your dog, remember to use only the prescribed products. Using human products may bring harm to your pet. Avoid hurting your dog through the grooming process. It should be a time for both of you to enjoy.

There are many grooming salons for dogs everywhere. They offer different grooming services such as baths, haircuts, and more. There are also signs by which you can know when to visit a professional dog groomer. Understanding about dog grooming, dog grooming order and frequency is required for all dog owners.

Some of the signs include tear stains, long nails, matted fur, and full anal glands. If you notice these signs, immediately ask for a professional’s help.