All dogs require grooming to maintain healthy coats, nails, ears, and snouts. The size, breed, and temperament of a dog will determine the duration, technique, and frequency that it needs grooming.
For those who do not have the time or capability to groom their dog, hiring a groomer might be the best alternative. When hiring a dog groomer, it is important to research businesses or individuals first to ensure that they have the experience and qualifications to provide the best service for your pet.
Here Are Three Basic Tips For Hiring A Dog Groomer:
- Contact your veterinarian, rescue organization, dog trainer, and/or local breed club and ask for recommendations.
- Ask for referrals from other dog owners, especially those with the same breed of dog.
- Contact more than one groomer to compare prices, services offered, products used for each service, and level of experience. In addition, visit the grooming location site beforehand to see whether the environment appears safe and sanitary, as well as how dogs are being handled.
For those who decide to groom on their own, it is important to know what products and supplies are best based on the breed, coat, nails, and current health of their dog.
In addition, it is important to know how frequently to groom the dog. Bathing a dog or clipping a dog’s nails too often can irritate the dog’s skin, eyes, ears, and paws. Researching this information beforehand will maximize your overall effectiveness and success in grooming your pet.
Grooming A Dog Yourself
Grooming a dog for the first time can be a dauting task. With that said, it gets easier with patience and practice. Here are five basic tips for grooming your dog at home:
1. Brush Your Dog Regularly To Reduce Shedding And To Keep Its Coat Glossy
Using a brush that is appropriate for the type and length of your dog’s hair, gently brush around the dog’s head and face. If the dog’s fur is matted or has knots, wash the area with a damp cloth dipped in a detangler solution and slowly brush out the tangles. Use clippers to remove knots that are too big.
2. Trim Your Dog’s Nails Before They Get Too Long
Using either scissor, plier, or filing-style nail trimmers, snip the tip of the dog’s nail. To do this, hold the dog’s paw firmly and find the “quick” of the nail, which is where the blood vessel appears.
Cutting the quick will cause bleeding and pain for your dog, so it is important to find the quick of each nail before cutting it.
3. Bathe Your Dog Once Every 3-4 Months To Keep Its Skin And Coat Clean And Healthy
Brush the dog before bathing to remove all tangles and matted areas. Fill a shallow bath or use a shower sprayer with warm water to wet the dog’s hair, and avoid spraying water in the dog’s nose, ears, and eyes.
Using the appropriate cleansers, lather the dog’s head, neck, and body, including its underside. Gently rinse the dog in this same fashion, and dry the dog completely before allowing it to go outdoors.
4. Clean Your Dog’s Ears Once Every Few Months To Prevent Dirt And Moisture Build-up
Using the appropriate cleaning solution, gently wipe the inside of the dog’s ears with a cotton ball.
5. Cut Your Dog’s Hair To Help It Remain Cool And Clean
Using the appropriate cutting tools, clip the dog’s hair away from its skin and avoid going too deep in the fur to remove hair.
