Don’t you love when your furry, fluffy pet dog snuggles with you? It is one of the most precious feelings a pet parent can ever have!
But, hey, are you forgetting something? Did you brush your dog’s coat today or bathe him due for over a week?
Grooming is an unescapable part of a pet parent’s life. Let your long-haired poodle go a week without brushing, and all his fluffiness will be gone.
What’s more important is that your pet will become susceptible to a diversity of diseases and microorganisms. Irregular or delayed grooming can harm your furry pal’s health!
Surprisingly, you don’t have to visit a pet care shop and spend thousands on grooming sessions every month because you can do it at home. (Instead, save that money and buy your pet some treats!)
Feeling confused? Well, don’t because we have articulated a comprehensive guide to grooming your pet dog at home. Dive in
Brush the coat
You should brush your dog’s fur often, especially if he belongs to a long-haired breed. Brushing regularly removes all the dirt prevents tangles and matting. It spreads the natural oils and keeps the skin clean.
To brush, purchase a dog brush from a reputable pet care store. Then, pat your pet to make him comfortable. Gently, start brushing the coat. Brush thoroughly, covering areas like:
- Behind the ears
- In front of hind legs
- Behind the front legs
If your pet feels uncomfortable at any point, do not force him. Instead, stop for a while and pat to make him feel better.
Clean those Teeth
Besides brushing, cleaning is an important pet grooming chore that you should do every 2 to 3 times a week. Ask a professional for the idealistic brushing routine for your particular breed.
Regular brushing prevents serious oral problems from developing. These include tartar, gingivitis, and tooth loss.
It also helps in identifying potential digestive problems. If a dog has bad breath despite the routine brushing, it is an indication of stomach issues. One should seek immediate professional assistance in such a situation.
If your dog has teeth brushing for the first time, make him comfortable with the process by massaging the lips in a circular motion.
Once comfortable, use a vet-approved toothbrush that has softer bristles. Brush at a slight angle of 45-degrees in smaller, circular motions.
Give Regular Baths
Although regular brushing gets rid of most of the dirt, you should always bathe your dog once every three months. If your pet spends excessive time outdoors or is a long-haired breed, we recommend bathing at least once a month.
Here are some dog bathing things you will need:
- High-quality certified dog shampoo
- Lukewarm water
- A large tub
- A super-absorbent drying dog towel
Begin by filling the large tub with a quarter of lukewarm water. The tub must be sufficiently big to let your dog sit comfortably. And, the water must be 1/4th of his size.
Let your dog get calm in the water and gradually wet his fur. Use a spray hose or cup to pour water gently on the fur. Do not pour water on the face directly, especially the eyes, nose, and ears.
Take a few drops of pet shampoo and massage on the fur. Ensure the dog shampoo is high-quality with no scent. Do not apply shampoo to the head or face region.
After massaging, rinse it with water. Then, use a wet cloth to rub the face gently. Once done, squeeze the fur slightly to remove excess water.
Use a damp cotton swab to wipe dirt from the eyes. For ears, gently pull it up and rub the damp cotton swab to clean. Do not go way too inside as it can hurt them. You can also use any vet-approved cleaning solution.
Next, wrap him in a super-absorbent dog drying towel. There are uncountable dog drying pet towel options available in the market, though only a few fulfill their claims.
The PAWPUP’S Microfiber Pet Towel comprises the highest quality microfiber material that absorbs seven times more water than its weight!
It is highly durable and 100-percent machine-washable. The dog drying towel comes in a pack of two and is available in different colors (grey and brown).
Once wrapped, do not rub the towel in a circular motion as it will create knots. Let the towel do the magic!
Don’t Forget the Nails
Certain dog breeds grow nails quickly, whereas others do not. So, the accurate time when to trim nails is immeasurable because it varies from breed to breed.
If you hear your dog’s nails making sounds, like tapping or snagging on the floor as they walk, it is a clear indication that they need trimming.
To trim, you need to purchase proper dog trimmers from a reputable shop. Generally, there are two styles of clippers available; scissor style and a guillotine type.
Once you have purchased, pick a time when your pet is feeling comfortable and calm. Wrap him in a soft pet towel, like the premium PAWPUP’S Microfiber Dog Towel, and let him get comfy.
Put your pet in your lap, and hold one of the paws firmly. Cut the very ends or the hooks of the nails. Do not cut the nails to the very bottom, as dogs have blood vessels in their nails.
One such vessel is Quick, which, when cut, can lead to a lot of bleeding and immense pain. If you feel doubtful at trimming nails, ask an experienced friend or vet to assist you at home.
Final Thoughts
All in all, grooming a pet dog at home is very simple. But before you get on the grooming session, take the time to understand the grooming dos and don’ts properly.
It is an important task that all pet parents must do with utmost responsibility. Not taking the chore seriously or delaying it can create health concerns for your pet dog. So, arrange all the required grooming tools today, and get grooming.