You love your dog no matter what, but sometimes they’re not quite as appealing when they really need a bath! Keeping a dog healthy and happy is an owner’s responsibility and involves regular baths, brushing, nail clipping and ear cleaning.
Some dog owners prefer to leave their dog’s grooming to a professional, but grooming your dog can be relatively simple at home. Grooming your dog yourself will save money and can also become a bonding experience for you and your beloved best friend. Here are some of the basic elements of grooming you need to know in order to keep your pooch looking their furry best:
Bath time
Before you run the bath, remember that dogs have different skin to humans so you need to purchase special dog shampoo. And if your dog has sensitive skin, choose an allergy tested shampoo.
Regular bathing of your dog is essential so they smell and look good, but also to make sure they’re not carrying any nasties like parasites and bacteria from their outdoor escapades. In general, a bath once a month is enough, but this really depends on your dog’s lifestyle. If they’re an energetic dog that loves digging holes and going for runs, then they might need a little more washing!
Dogs can find bath time a little stressful, so take your time and reassure your dog by patting them. Avoid the eye and face area and make sure you work the shampoo into a lather. Finally, rinse your dog thoroughly so that no shampoo is left behind.
Brushing
Even dogs with short hair benefit from regular brushing because it massages the skin and spreads the natural oils from their skin across their entire coat, keeping it healthy and shiny. During your weekly brushing session you should also check your dog over for any ticks, and ensure that your dog’s fur isn’t becoming matted in places. There are also specific brushes available that help get rid of fleas and assist with looking for ticks.
Nail clipping
Dogs have sensitive nails, so it’s essential to clip them at the right length. Before doing this yourself, ask your vet for a demonstration. Professional dog nail clippers are a great investment if you do start clipping your dog’s nails at home – and once you get the hang of it, it’s easy. Once you know how to do this, tire your pet out with some play before you begin trying to cut their nails. If it becomes too stressful for the both of you, it might be best to leave it to the groomers.
Ear cleaning
Dog’s ears are prone to infection, so it’s important to keep them clean and dry. During bath time, make sure no water gets inside their ears and then dry them afterwards. Each week during brush time, check your dog’s ears for any discharge and take them to the vet for treatment if necessary. If your dog seems to be prone to chronic infections, then you may want to purchase anti-bacterial ear cleaning products from your vet to use on a regular basis.