The Basics of Dog Grooming
It can be quite costly to take your dog to a salon for its grooming. But that’s no excuse to take chances with your dog’s health and well being by neglecting its grooming. Similar to humans, dogs need to be pampered occasionally so that they not only look better but feel special.
Happily, it’s not necessary to spend a lot on grooming your dog. There are various ways in which you can take care of your pet by yourself in your own home. All you have to do is purchase some pets grooming tools and supplies and follow these tips on how to properly groom your pet.
The place to start is with your dog’s coat. You don’t want your pet to develop problems with fleas and other pests so you must always clean and maintain its hair. One very essential pet supply is the soft-bristled brush. It’s important to give your dog a good brushing each day so that its coat doesn’t become matted. Regular brushing will also make the coat shiny because it stimulates and spreads the natural oils found in the coat. It prevents shedding because it removes dead and dying hair.
As well, you need to have your dog’s coat trimmed every month or two, depending on the breed. If you plan on doing this yourself, you’ll have to get some clippers, scissors, a brush and a comb, all designed for dogs, not humans. You’ll also need a blow dryer and towels.
Next, when it comes to bathing your dog, you need to get a good dog shampoo and soap, towels, comb, and brush. Prior to bathing, brush out the coat so it doesn’t get hopelessly tangled in the water. Your dog needs a bath once a month if it has long hair, and every two months if it has short hair. Sometimes it will need an extra bath if it’s been engaged in particularly messy activities. Regular bathing will prevent your dog from getting fleas and other skin diseases. And your dog will smell fresh and clean.
Dog grooming also involves nail clipping. Your dog’s nails grow just like yours and longer nails can do a lot of damage to your home. As well, they could break off, which can be a painful situation. So you need to trim your dog’s nails on a monthly basis. This isn’t like clipping your own nails because a dog’s nails are shaped differently and are much thicker. You’ll need to use a dog nail trimmer. You’ll also need some powder to stop the bleeding if you should happen to cut your dog.
Twice a month, check your dog’s ears for fleas and infections. Then clean them using cotton balls, warm water, and mineral oil.
Lastly, it’s not just humans who need to keep their teeth clean. Your dog can also develop cavities and other diseases of the mouth, teeth, and gums. You need toothpaste and a toothbrush designed for dogs; use them a couple of times each week.
How to Groom Long-Haired Dogs : How to Use Clippers when Grooming a Shaggy-Haired Dog
