There is nothing in the world better than puppy snuggles. But only when you’re snuggling a clean pup! Grooming your dog at home can seem like a daunting task, which is why so many people use professional groomers – but it doesn’t have to be! You can save lots of money by grooming your dog at home, along with using it as an opportunity to spend some quality time with your pup. Here are some tips for you to do just that!
Establish Trust
Before you can get started with grooming your dog at home, you have to make sure your dog is comfortable with you grooming it. An easy way to make your dog comfortable is by establishing a routine where you regularly brush and groom your dog, rewarding your pup for good behavior with treats and attention.
Tips for Brushing
Ideally, you should brush your dog at least three times a week to establish trust and keep your dog clean. Brushing is an extremely important part of the grooming process: removing dirt, dead skin, hair, and other debris that get stuck in your dog’s coat. Regular brushing cuts down on smell, while also helping to prevent your dog’s allergies. It is also a good time to check for ticks or fleas. Be sure to check with a professional groomer or veterinarian to make sure the brush you’re using is right for your dog’s breed. You should always brush your dog before bathing – it makes it a lot easier!
Tips for Bathing
Determining exactly how often to bathe your dog is tricky and depends on your dog’s age, breed, activity level, coat, and where you live. You should aim to bathe your dog at least three or four times a year, but if your dog is smelly or looks dirty, give it a bath. To make baths easier, wash your dog’s body first and head last – dogs tend to shake their body more when their heads get wet. Use lukewarm water and mild, moisturizing dog shampoos to avoid irritation and allergic reactions, and always be sure to thoroughly rinse and dry your dog!
Tips for General Hygiene
There are three main pieces of puppy hygiene: clean ears, clean mouths, and cut nails! To clean your pup’s ears, all you need to do is gently wipe the inside of their ears every few days with a damp cotton ball or soft cloth, making sure to check for signs of infection (swelling, discharge, smell). Clean your dog’s teeth like you would your own: brushing your dog’s teeth with a brush or by gently wiping its teeth and gums with gauze or a washcloth every day or so. Nail clipping is the trickiest and scariest part of dog grooming, but if you ask your vet they should be able to teach you! In the end, taking care of your dog’s general hygiene will set your dog up for fewer health problems as they age, keeping them happy and healthy for longer!
Tips for Cutting and Shaving Hair
Cutting and shaving should be done when your dog’s hair is clean and dry. Your dog’s hair will be softer then, making it easier. Always make sure the tools you are using are sharp, so they don’t get stuck in your pup’s fur while grooming, resulting in pain for your dog and a lack of trust in your relationship. You can check with a groomer, breeder, or vet to see which tools are right for you!
Aside from the actual process of grooming, another important step in making sure your dog stays clean and smelling nice is their diet. The food your dog eats changes the way its body works. Feeding your dog unhealthy foods – like the processed ingredients found in store-bought dog food can contribute to bad odor, flatulence, and general uncleanliness. Sign up for dog meal subscriptions like Ollie to cut down on your dog’s overall smelliness, along with providing them with delicious, fresh food that will keep them happy and healthy for years to come.