Top Dog Grooming Tricks Every Owner Should Know

Do you spot pet fur everywhere in your home? If so, it might be time to groom your pet!

 While your pup doesn’t have to look like they’re ready for a dog show, they do need a routine of brushing, bathing, and nail clipping.

If you’ve never groomed your dog before on your own, here are some dog grooming tricks to create the best experience for both your dog and yourself.

Why Bother Grooming Your Pooch?

Dogs need grooming because they shed skin, hair, and most likely spend a considerable amount of time outside collecting dirt and bacteria on their skin. Removing the debris and shed hair makes the skin healthier and creates space for new hair to grow. Brushing their teeth removes excess film or plaque to keep gums healthy and clipping nails keep them balanced.

Also, it allows you to get up close to your dog’s skin to check for hot spots, ticks, and other possible irritants or infections.

10 Dog Grooming Tricks for Keeping Your Dog Clean

It’s true, some dogs would rather be doing anything else than being groomed! This makes it difficult for you and your dog when they need a grooming session. 

Here are some tips to help you get started.

1. Start Early

One of the best ways of helping your dog get used to grooming is by starting them when they’re a pup. Be generous in your praises and rewards for sitting still. Use treats and petting to calm your dog while encouraging and showing them that bathtime is nothing to be afraid of. 

2. Learn About Your Dog’s Breed and Coat

Each dog’s coat and breed are unique, so not every dog requires the same method or amount of grooming. For example, a golden retriever may need more grooming due to the amount of hair it has than a short-haired dog. Take time to educate yourself on your dog’s specific grooming needs based on their coat and breed.

3. Pay Attention to Product Ingredients

There are several ingredients present in human shampoos and conditioners that may be irritating to your dog’s skin and fur because the pH of their skin is different. Using a shampoo formulated specifically for dogs is the best route. If your dog has a skin condition, ask your vet if there are any products they recommend to reduce irritation. 

4. Prepare Them Before They Take A Bath

If some dogs become immediately frightened or skittish once you start preparing for a bath, you can quietly gather your supplies before you spring on the that its bathtime! Doing so will likely lead to a more compliant and cooperative dog and bathtime, especially if you keep some treats handy. 

5. Brush Their Teeth 

Don’t neglect your pups pearly whites! Unlike humans, they’re unable to brush their teeth after every meal to prevent cavities and tooth decay. But like humans, they’re also susceptible to these dental problems and suffer from bad breath as well.

Find a toothbrush and toothpaste that’s designed for dogs and their gums. 

6. Nail Clipping

Trimming your dog’s nails may not seem necessary, but it has a direct impact on the way they move and walk. If their nail becomes too long, it puts pressure on the joints resulting in pain. Keeping your dog’s nails trimmed avoids this problem and it’s easily done at home with a doggie nail clipper. 

The good news is that you don’t have to cut your dog’s nails every time you bathe them. Trimming them every 3-4 months is recommended unless they’re growing extensively. 

7. Take Time to Brush

Brushing your dog’s coat (if they need it!) is very important because it removes the dead hair and skin so the new one can emerge, and keeps it from becoming matted. Having matted hair is a health concern from your dog and there’s more information surfacing that tells us about its harm. 

The frequency of brushing your dog will just depend on the type of breed they are and the length of hair.

Choose a brush that’s suited to your dog’s hair type, and use gentle strokes when brushing to prevent skin irritation. Take time to smooth out knots or matted patches so air can flow freely, which nourishes the skin.

8. Food Plays a Role

Did you know that the food your dog eats can link to the health of their coat, nails, and teeth? The ingredients in your dog’s food could be contributing to skin problems or a lack of a shiny healthy coat, nails, and teeth. Giving your dog the best nutrition you can play a role in their grooming as well. 

9. Drying

Dog’s will jump out of the bath and try to shake themselves dry – they can’t help it! However, you probably don’t want a soppy wet dog roaming around your home, especially if you’re bathing them indoors.

While you can allow your dog to ‘shake it out’ make sure to have some heavy-duty towels on hand to give them an extra boost of dryness. 

10. Maintenance

Finally, it’s important to keep grooming your dog! A regular grooming schedule should be the goal to avoid your dog becoming so dirty and matted that they fight bathtime. The more you bathe them, the more they’ll expect it and might grow accustomed to liking it. 

Dirty Dog? Keep Them Clean!

The responsibility of having a dog is high, but with these dog grooming tricks, hopefully, you feel more confident in caring for them and keeping them healthy.

Want to learn more about dog care? Keep browsing our website today to hear from the experts!