How to Groom a Dog

In this article, we’ll talk about how to groom a dog and the different specifics of grooming.

Grooming Your Dog

Before beginning the process of actually having to clean your furbaby, you have to check your dog for any physical abnormalities present like bumps, sores, lumps, wounds, etc. If you do notice something, call your vet for an appointment.

You will also need Pet Parents® Calming Supplements to help your dog feel calm and relaxed in stressful situations like taking a bath, having their coat combed, nails clipped, ears cleaned, and teeth brushed.

Bathing

When bathing your furbaby, make sure to use warm water, as cold water can easily cause chills on your dog and they will associate it as a bad experience.

• Use soap and shampoos that are specifically formulated for dogs. Using human products on your furbaby may cause irritation.
• Lather shampoo or soap all over your dog's body, massage gently, and make sure you don't miss any body parts - including the tail, the belly, the snout.
• Rinse well and dry your dog thoroughly. Drying is a must after every bath to prevent chilling from happening

How regularly you should bathe your dog greatly depends on many factors. According to the American Humane Society, all dogs require regular bathing to keep their skin and coat clean and healthy. The frequency of bathing depends on your dog’s lifestyle, breed, and coat type. It is important to note that dogs should not be bathed too frequently as it strips the skin of natural oils, which can lead to dry skin and flakiness.

However, you can safely use Pet WiPees™ in-between baths to remove excess dander and prevent that dog smell. Pet WiPees™ Dog All Purpose + Skin & Coat Wipes and Pet WiPees™ Dog All Purpose + Allergy Wipes can be used all over your dog to provide a bathless clean. Plus, the bio-based, pH balanced incredients make them safe for every day use.

Coat Brushing

Even without having to take a bath, your furbaby's coat (no matter what breed your dog is) must be brushed or combed on a regular basis, at least twice every week.

If you plan to bathe your dog, brush their coat first as this will lessen the hair tangles and will help remove dead hair. Brushing helps distribute natural skin oils already present in your dog's coat.

When brushing, make sure you brush all the way to the skin but keep it gentle and slow. Applying too much pressure while combing your furbaby can cause brush burns and can pull the tangles which will only hurt your dog.

Brushing and bathing your dog aren't the only ways you can help maintain your dog's skin and coat health. As a matter of fact, you can also provide your dog with Pet Parents® Skin and Coat Supplements. These supplements contain Alaskan Salmon Oil 100% from Wild Alaska Pollock that helps gives a shiny coat and Vitamin E, a fat-soluble nutrient that protects the skin from free radicals and is good for your furbaby's skin and coat health.

Nail Clipping

Long nails are never healthy. These overgrown nails may increase the risks of your pup to developing joint problems and mobility issues. Cutting your dog’s nails is very important but can also be very frustrating, especially when your dog is anxious about getting their nails cut.

When clipping your furbaby’s nails, begin by helping them stay calm by giving them calming supplements and only clip nails when your furbaby is relaxed. Forcing to cut your furbaby’s nails will only make it a bad experience for them and will continue to feel fearful about it.

Here are some helpful tips when clipping your dog’s nails:

• Hold your dog’s foot steadily but gently. Make sure that the way you hold your dog doesn’t make them feel like you’re restraining them, as this will cause them to panic.
• Make sure your nail clippers are not dull. Dull clippers will make the whole process even more difficult and may harm your dog.
• If you accidentally cut your dog and cause any bleeding, place a clean cloth over the wound until the bleeding subsides. Then consult your vet for any pain relievers and wound treatment to avoid infections.
• If you feel like clipping your dog’s nails is too much of a trouble, you can always take your furbaby to professional pet groomers for safety.

Teeth Brushing

Brushing your dog’s teeth is more than just grooming. It also helps your furbaby stay away from periodontal disease that causes bad breath, oral infections, and kidney, liver, & heart illnesses, prompting life-threatening circumstances.

To be on top of your dog’s dental health, you can:

• Visit your vet for regular teeth cleaning sessions.
• Brush your dog’s teeth daily using a toothbrush and toothpaste that is made specifically for canines.
• Offer high-quality chews like Gnawtlers® that can act as a great teeth cleaning tool for your dog! Gnawtlers® are natural, premium antler chews that contain no artificial dyes and are jam-packed with nutrients. These antler chews also do not splinter or break so easily, giving your dog longer gnawing experiences and a healthier set of teeth!

Ear Cleaning

Regularly check your dog’s ears for any debris, dirt, or worse, even parasites! Yikes! If you do see some, clean their ears with some cloth and ear cleaning solution. If your dog’s ears appear sore, inflamed, or smell bad, talk to your vet as soon as possible as these are signs of ear infections.

You have to make sure your dog is relaxed and comfortable. Aside from the fact that it's easier to groom a dog that's calm, dogs remember negative experiences and may eventually develop these into traumas and fears if you force them every grooming time. Take note that the ways on how to groom your dog are not going to be easy and you'll need a lot of patience to succeed.