Beginner’s Guide to At Home Dog Grooming

Brushing

Regular brushing is important for keeping out any knots and/or matting that might end up in your pup’s coat. Brushing also helps remove dead hair and skin, stimulating the surface of the skin. It also helps distribute the oils in your dog’s skin that are necessary for a clean and healthy coat.

How often you brush your pup depends on what type of dog breed they are and the length and thickness of their coat. A dog with a long, silky coat should be brushed anywhere from 2-3 times a week, whereas a breed with short hair that does not get tangled only needs to be brushed every couple of weeks or so. It is a good idea to brush out your dog’s coat after they swim, bathe, and during shedding season.

The type of brush you use also depends on your dog’s coat. The JW-Double-Sided Brush is a great universal brush for dogs with curly, flat, wiry, long, medium, and short hair. It features a pin brush on one side to tease out knots and tangles and on the other side a bristle brush to finish and bring out the shine in the coat.

Bathing

Dogs do not require a daily bath likes we do, but regularly bathing your dog is important. How often you should choose to bathe your pup depends on multiple factors like their coat and lifestyle. Generally, bathing once a month works for most types of dogs. Can’t tell if your dog needs a bath? Just give him a good sniff. If he smells unpleasant then start running the water.

The shampoo you choose to use on your pup can make a big difference in their skin’s health and its dryness. The Aroma Paws Dog Shampoo & Conditioner cleans and lathers well using safe, healthy ingredients and comes in different formulas that can perfectly cater to your dog’s needs.

Nail Trimming

Nail trimming can be a very anxious experience for any dog, so getting them accustomed at a young age is important. When introducing them to the nail trimmers it is important to be patient and slowly expose them to the situation, rewarding them with good behavior as they progress.

When trimming your pup’s nails, start by gently grabbing their paw and placing your thumb on the pad of a toe and your forefinger on top. Push up your thumb while pushing your forefinger forward to expose the nail. Clip the tip of the nail, avoiding the quick (the part of the nail that includes a blood vessel and nerve). On white nails, the pink portion peeking through is the quick. For dogs with dark nails, lift their paw and look at the center of their nail head-on. Clip until you see a black spot in the middle of the nail. This spot is an indication that you are near the quick and that you should not proceed to make it any shorter.

When buying nail trimmers, you want to be sure that they are the right size. The Safari Grooming Dog Nail Clipper is a professional nail trimmer that comes in the sizes regular and large and is perfect for any pup in need of a trim.

Ear & Eye Cleaning

Dirty ears can be irritating and cause discomfort if left untreated for too long. To clean your dog’s ears, squeeze a veterinarian-recommended ear-cleaning solution like Zymox into their ear canal and gently massage at the base. If it is your dog’s ear flaps that are dirty, try using the Nootie Ear Wipes.

Some dogs build up more eye gunk than others. If this is common for your pup, take a wet washcloth and gently wipe the area around the eyes to loosen and remove any dirt.

Teeth Cleaning

Just like humans, teeth brushing is important for good oral health. It is recommended that you try and brush your dog’s teeth daily, but most people do not often have time to do so. Aiming to brush their teeth weekly is perfectly fine, but the more the better. Human toothpaste contains ingredients that are toxic for dogs, such as xylitol and fluoride, so it is important to choose a toothpaste made specifically for dogs. These typically come in flavors like chicken and peanut butter which can make the hassle of brushing your dog’s teeth a bit easier.

If you struggle to find time for your dog’s teeth brushing, there are other ways to maintain their oral health. Dog chews are great for keeping their teeth clean as the constant gnawing helps scrape off plaque from the teeth, as well as keeping your dog busy simultaneously. There are also dental chews like Greenies that can help control plaque and tartar buildup in your dog’s smile.

Want to learn more about maintaining your pet’s skin, coat, ears, and nails? Join groomer Chris Coopwood as he gives 3 mini sessions on basic grooming methods.

WEDNESDAY July 21, 2021

8:00 AM – 9:30 AM CDT / Tear Stains and Ear Maintenance

12:00 PM – 1:30 PM CDT / Tips and Tricks on Nail Trims and How to Prep Your New Puppy for a Visit to the Groomer

5:00 PM – 6:30 PM CDT / Mats, Tangles, and Brush Recommendations

Click here to register now!