How To Groom A Dog At Home And What You Need

Dog grooming is vital to dogs, just like it is for people. While they don’t need baths as often as people do, they still need some tender loving care.

In general, the care they need will be based upon your dog’s breed, health, and fundamental factors, and upbringing. 

It would be best to ensure the proper care, patience and be careful when learning these techniques. You don’t want injuries for you or your pet. It is a struggle at certain times to get them to hold still and relax when you need them to.

The Dog Grooming Basics In Five Easy Steps

When understanding dog grooming basics, you should know that it can all be done yourself. For example, brushing your dog regularly keeps their coat clean and healthy and offers you a stronger bond with them.

If your dog has long hair, you can comb it to prevent tangles. Short-haired dogs can go a couple of weeks without it, while medium-haired dogs should be brushed once a week. 

Step #1. Dog Bathing

Bath time is another area that is not fun, but it’s essential. You will only need to do this, however, when they are dirty or oily. Depending on the coat of your furry friend, you may have to use a specific shampoo. 

When bathing your dog, you need to have some essential things like a brush, washcloth, shampoo, conditioner, towel, and treats.

There are different places where you can bathe your dog like outdoors, in a dog tub or bathtub, and professional bathing services. You need to train your dog gradually to enjoy baths and with time they will get used. please read here Dog Slings For Handicapped you should know about 

Step #2. Dod Hair Drying

After a successful bath, always dry your dog. You might think that drying your dog is not necessary because they shake off excess water once they are wet. However, you still need to dry him well with an absorbent towel and then let him air dry.

It is not recommended to use hair dryers on dogs because they don’t like the whole idea of air blowing. If you have to use a hairdryer, observe safety precautions and avoid drying the head area. You should also keep the dryer at a distance from the dog to keep them comfortable and prevent them from getting too hot.

Step #3. Head Grooming

You may not know this, but a dog needs ear cleanings sometimes as well. Learning how to do this properly is vital as some dogs will snap having their ears touched. If your dog has a foul odor in the ear or a smell, you will need a vet to give you proper medications. Follow these steps when cleaning your dog’s ears.

• Hold the dog’s head gently such that you expose the open ear
• Apply some otic solution
• Use a sponge or sterilize the gauze pad and wipe the excess solution out

Step #4. Dog Grooming

That’s not a good idea to explain the dog grooming process in written words. Please check this detailed video. I am sure it will help much better.

Step #5. Dog Nail Trimming Process

Nail trimming is another area that needs to happen. However, your furry buddy will not like this one, and it can cause discomfort and pain. A vet is the best place for this one or a professional groomer. However, you can learn this efficiently and adequately by gaining some training. 

• Hold your dog’s foot steadily
• Snip the end part of every toenail just below the quick
• Repeat the above two steps on both feet and remember to clip the declaws. You can apply nail polish if you want please read how to treat clipper burn on dog

 

Dog Grooming Equipment You Need

You need to have the right equipment for a successful dog grooming process. Regardless of your dog breed, there are several dog grooming equipment that you need. Some of them include the following.

• Brush

Get an all-purpose slicker brush to brush your dog’s coat. You can also get a specific brush depending on your dog’s coat. For instance, a curry brush is essential for dogs with short hair and a pin brush works well for dogs with a long coat.

• Comb

If you need an all-round comb, get a medium-toothed comb. For dogs with thin hair, a fine-toothed comb will be fine. A wide-toothed comb is great for dogs with thick hair.

• Shampoo and Conditioner

You need to get pH-balanced shampoos and conditioners for your dog. You should also have some towels for drying your best friend after a bath.

• Nail Clippers

Grooming your dog involves a lot of things like clipping their nails. Get good quality toenail clippers and a styptic powder to stop your dog from bleeding if you clip too close. Please read here: How to Restrain a Large Dog For Nail Clipping

• Electric Clipper

If you need to clip your dog’s coat, an electric clipper should come in handy. please read here 6 Quiet Dog Clippers Review

• Forceps, Gauze, and Otic Solution 

All these are essential for cleaning your dog’s ears.

Final Words

Grooming your dog regularly keeps them healthy and happy. If you prefer grooming your dog at home, you need to gather the right dog grooming tools. We have given you essential things to know when grooming your dog as well as the tools you need. I hope you will have a great dog grooming process.