Have you ever noticed that dogs seem to “know” when they’ve been groomed? They have a little bit more spring in their step, and some breeds even tend to “prance” a bit more after a grooming session! At Animal Clinic of Woodruff, one reason we like to think this happens is because they just plain feel better! (Don’t we all after a bath!)
Dogs need regular brushings and groomings for a number of reasons. This blog will highlight the benefits of simple grooming at home, plus share a few tips for grooming your dog from the comfort of your own home.
Benefits of Grooming your Dog at Home
When we talk about “at-home grooming,” we’re not saying you should become a master groomer, or forego going to a professional groomer on a regular basis. However, there are a few reasons why getting into a simple at-home pet care routine is important:
- Regular brushing helps to keep your dog’s shedding down, remove debris, and lessen the chance of dry skin.
- Additionally, by grooming your dog, you’ll be able to better examine the health of his eyes, ears, nails and skin for any signs of problems.
At-home grooming should include bathing, brushing, checking your dog’s ears and trimming their nails. Not all of these things have to be done every time together, but getting into a regular routine can be very beneficial. Let’s get into the steps of grooming.
Bathing your Dog
Great news! Your dog does not need baths as much as we humans do. However, different breeds need baths at different rates so look up how often your dog’s breed should have a regular bath. First, make sure you choose a mild pet shampoo. After the bath, stand back and get ready for the shake shake shake that’s sure to come! Often people like to blow-dry their dog’s coat so that they don’t run around the house trying to dry themselves off on your carpet and furniture.
Brushing your Dog
The next step is to brush your dog’s coat. This can also happen without a bath beforehand. Either way, a daily brush of your dog’s coat is ideal. If you have a long-haired dog, you will need a “pin brush.” However, dogs with shorter hair need something called a “slicker brush.” The right brush can help you brush more effectively.
While you’re brushing, check for any mats or tangles that have developed. These can take some time, and occasionally special grooming tools are needed to remove tougher tangles. Just remember, the more you brush your dog’s coat, the fewer hair and tangles you’ll deal with in the long run!
Trimming your Dog’s Nails
Trimming your dog’s nails is important for keeping your dog’s feet healthy. When you trim, you’ll want to use a specially designed clipper for dog nail cutting. Be sure that you only trim the ends and not all the way up to the “quick” or darker area.
Remember, the more often you trim your dog’s nails, the more comfortable they’ll be with this kind of grooming and the easier it will be!
Ear Cleaning
It’s important to clean your dog’s ears. We suggest using an approved ear cleaner from your veterinarian.
Eye Cleaning
Moisten a cotton ball and clean the outer area to remove any signs of discharge.
Tooth Brushing
Use a specially designed toothpaste and brush for your dogs’ teeth. You can get him used to the idea of tooth brushing by rubbing his teeth and gums with your finger. Try to clean his teeth frequently and watch for signs of any tartar building up. If you do notice a build-up, it would need to be professionally cleaned by our trained staff at Animal Clinic of Woodruff.
Grooming your dog on a regular basis can be a fun experience and a gift to your dog’s health. If you have any questions about how best to groom your pet, don’t hesitate to give us a call at Animal Clinic of Woodruff. Happy grooming!
