Is your puppy's routine bath day coming up?
Bathing and grooming your dog can be a hit or miss. Some dogs and owners may love it while others don't. Regardless, it's an important aspect of being a dog owner.
All pet owners want their dogs to be presentable and clean, especially if they're indoor pets. However, grooming is also important for a dog's health. Grooming keeps your dog's skin and coats healthy and free of dead hairs.
Now, if you dread dog grooming sessions, we got you. Here are some grooming tips to get a clean and show-ready dog! Read on to find out more.
1. Start Grooming Your Dog at a Young Age
Do you have a puppy who hasn't had their first bath yet? Use this as an opportunity to introduce bath time as a fun activity. Cleaning your dog will be much easier if they aren't trying to get away from the bath.
Many dog owners bring treats to the bath to reward their dogs for good behavior. If this is your puppy's first bath, use warm water and a lot of affection. Place your dog on a countertop or table and touch their paws.
If you have grooming scissors, allow them to sniff them first. Teach your dog that the blowdryer is not their enemy. Doing so will make trips to a professional groomer easier.
2. Understand Your Dog's Coat Type
Dogs come in various shapes, sizes, and personalities. When grooming a dog, coat type is one of the most important things to understand. If you have a short-haired dog, you haven't much to worry about.
On the other hand, many popular dog breeds like retrievers, poodles, and shih tzus require extra care. Some dog coats are prone to tangling and matting and can be hard to deal with for a beginner dog owner. Some dog owners disregard the shears and shave their dogs instead.
However, shaving is not always the right choice for dogs. For some dog breeds, shaving is only an option for severe matting. It can ruin a dog's undercoat and cause irreparable damage to their fur.
If you have a long-haired or double-coated dog, do your research. It may seem like extra work, but it will save you a lot of time and headaches in the future.
3. Pick Your Products
Be careful not to use any shampoo and conditioner you find at the pet store. Like humans, dogs can have skin conditions like dry or sensitive skin. Using the wrong type of shampoo could further aggravate your dog's skin and give you more problems.
If your dog has dry skin, we recommend using oatmeal-based shampoo. Oatmeal comes with plenty of inflammatory properties and antioxidants. Aside from soothing your dog's skin, it also hydrates and moisturizes it.
If your dog has skin irritations, you may need to use a medicated or hypoallergenic shampoo. You may also use conditioners to boost your dog's skin and coat health.
If you plan on trimming and cutting your dog's hair yourself, invest in some good tools. Keep them all in one place and ensure to maintain them well.
4. Clipping Dog Nails
Most professional groomers kick off the session by trimming the dog's nails. If your dog likes to jump on you, this will help minimize scratches. Cutting your dog's nails is also important for their health.
Unclipped nails can lead to sudden breakage, which can get infected and harm your dog. They can also push into your dog's paws and give them massive discomfort when walking. If left untreated, this can cause skeletal damage.
5. Pay Attention to Your Dog's Diet
Are you wondering how to make your dog's coat shiny and luscious? Proper grooming doesn't stop at baths and hair trims. It also counts on a good and well-balanced diet.
Some dog breeds are prone to skin conditions, and their food may not be helping much. Food allergies could also be making your dog's coat lose its luster. If you want your dog to look healthy, you must ensure that they're in great shape.
Consult your veterinarian to ask about any changes to your dog's diet. They could also recommend supplements to boost your dog's skin and coat health.
6. Don't Skip on Your Dog's Oral Health
Your dog should learn to get used to being handled, especially around the jaw. When grooming your dog, you must never skip oral hygiene. You want to be able to lift your dog's gums and brush their teeth.
Dogs can also experience dental issues, especially if their teeth are not looked after. You can also give your dog chewable treats to ensure their teeth and gums stay healthy.
7. Stay Consistent
When you think about it, grooming your dog is only part of their training. So, develop a routine that works with you and your dog's lifestyle. Consistency also helps young dogs who still feel anxious about grooming.
If it's not bath day, don't forget to brush and detangle your dog's coat. This is the best way to prevent matting and helps you eliminate dead fur from floating around the house.
8. Don't Forget the Paws
Aside from nail trimming, paws aren't often given enough attention. When grooming your dog, this is the one thing you don't want to forget. Trim the hair between the pads of your dog's paws.
You can also use a razor if your pet is comfortable with it. Excessive hair growth in this area could lead to irritation. Keeping this area trimmed also helps with traction, which is important if your dog has an active outside lifestyle.
Grooming Tips for a Beginner Dog Groomer
Now that you know how to groom a dog, it's time to put those skills to use! Dogs will always have different needs, but these grooming tips are sure to help you and your pup enjoy the process.
Are you looking for a grooming professional that can handle your dog's needs? At Bubbly Paws, we offer a full-service session with everything your dog may need. Book an appointment with us today!