You will be familiar with how fast a dog's fur can become unmanageable and dirty. Regular bathing and grooming is the easiest way to keep your dog clean and comfortable. Our Little Elm veterinarians discuss the basics of dog grooming and any other information you might need about grooming your pup.
What You Need to Know about Grooming Your Dog
The main steps of dog grooming
The grooming needs of your dog will be largely determined by the breed and lifestyle that you have chosen for him. Dogs that spend a lot of time outside or have thick or long coats require more grooming. Short haired dogs or dogs who spend the majority of their time inside will also need more Cat dog tips and guides. All dogs need regular grooming in order to look and feel their best.
It is important to start a grooming routine when your dog is young. This will make grooming a calm, enjoyable experience for both you and your pet.
Bathing your Pup
Regularly bathing your dog will remove dirt from its coat and help it smell fresh. Use a dog shampoo specially formulated to clean the fur of your dog. Bathe in warm water (not hot). Human shampoos can cause irritation and dryness to your dog's sensitive skin. Rinse thoroughly your dog to remove all shampoo. Use a detangling conditioner for dogs with long or difficult hair to make it easier to brush.
Dogs with short hair may only need to be washed once every three months. However, dogs with long fur or dogs who are very active outdoors may benefit from bathing them monthly. If you are unsure how often to bathe your dog's, a monthly bath is a good guideline.
Brushing their Fur
Most dogs love to be brushed. Regularly brushing your dog can help prevent matting and remove old hairs from its coat. It may also prevent skin irritation. Weekly brushing allows you to monitor your dog's coat and skin health and reduces the amount of loose hair in your home.
Weekly brushing is best for most dogs. However, some breeds, such as Portuguese Water Dogs and Bichon Frises, will require more frequent brushing to maintain a beautiful coat.
Trimming your dog's nails
All dog breeds require nail trimming. Use nail clippers designed specifically for dogs to trim your dog's claws. Rotary nail trimmers are preferred by some dogs, but can be a bit more time-consuming to use.
Make an appointment to see a professional dog groomer if you're nervous about trimming your dog's nail or if they won't let you trim their nails. You won't need to worry about your dog's nail trimming because a trained groomer will do it quickly and calmly.
Cut Their Hair
When it comes to haircuts, different breeds require very different things. Ask your Little Elm veterinarians how often you should be cutting your dog's hair.
Start by washing and drying your dog. Trim the fur around your dog's feet and face with a pair sharp scissors. Finally, trim your dog's rest of fur with electric clippers.
Professional groomers are equipped with all the necessary tools to cut your dog's hair quickly and easily. Contact us if you would like to leave the dog's hair cut to professionals.
How to successfully groom nervous or anxious dogs
Grooming your dog is an important part of their well-being. Dog food, excessively long nails and matted hair can cause serious health problems.
If your dog is anxious or nervous about grooming, you might start to dislike the process. This includes bathing, brushing, ear cleaning, and nail trimming.
Here are a few tips to help your dog enjoy and relax during the grooming procedure:
- Make sure your dog is well-exercised before you begin to groom it.
- Positive reinforcement works wonders. Treats for good behavior are a great way to reward your child.
- When you wash your dog, remember that dogs love being petted. Dole out pats and hugs to your dog throughout the grooming process to let them know everything is fine and they do not need to be scared.
- Is your pet very nervous? Consider using a diffuser that emits a synthetic hormone, odorless, to calm your dog. Talk to your veterinarian to find out more.
- While bathing your dog, dab some aromatherapy oil on your fingertips (such as lavender).
Basic grooming, combined with regular exercise, annual exams including vaccinations and parasite protection will keep your dog feeling and looking their best.
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