Doggie Do’s and Don’t’s: A Guide to DIY Dog Grooming

Doggie Do’s and Don’t’s: A Guide to DIY Dog Grooming

 

 

Grooming is vital for your pet’s health but should you do it yourself? Here’s how to dodge the pitfalls of DIY dog grooming and when to get professional help.

 

A professional and reputable dog groomer is always the best option when it comes to grooming a dog. However, there will be times when this is simply logistically or economically impossible. 

Whatever your reasons for DIY dog grooming, these are the things to keep in mind to so you and your dog don’t become another dog-grooming horror story. 

Why Is It Important to Groom Your Dog?

Grooming a dog is important for their physical and mental wellbeing. When you spend time caring for your pet you strengthen your bond and increase trust. 

It’s also a great time to examine your dog for injuries or parasites. If your dog lives inside, regular dog grooming sessions help keep your home clean and free from pet dander. 

What’s Involved in a Dog Grooming Session?

Most people think of dog grooming as a good going over with a dog brush, but there’s more to it than that. These are the important steps to follow when grooming your dog.

• Brushing and flea combing
• Examining the dog’s body and skin condition
• Checking their ears for odors and inflamed skin
• Toenail clipping
• Toothbrushing with a veterinarian-approved toothpaste and brush

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It may be necessary to start the session off with bathing depending on the breed and activity levels of your dog. Remember that bathing is not a substitute for brushing since it does not stimulate the natural oils in your dog’s coat.  

DIY Dog Grooming Essentials

The two most important things you’ll need for dog grooming are patience and time. Set aside at least 2 hours for the task and make sure you’ve got all your equipment set up before you start.

These are the basic grooming tools you’ll need for pet grooming at home:

• A dog brush or brushes to suit your pet’s fur
• A Flea comb
• Nail clippers or scissors
• Toothbrush and toothpaste designed for dogs

If you’re going to bathe your dog, prepare a tub of lukewarm water in advance and have plenty of dry towels at the ready.

Don’t use human shampoo on your dog, it will irritate their skin. Buy a good brand of tick and flea shampoo instead. 

How to Groom a Dog 101

Grooming your dog should be a simple and enjoyable task. Here are the basic do’s and don’t to get the most out of it.

Groom Your Dog Regularly

Keeping up to date with your dog grooming rituals makes the task easier for everyone. You wouldn’t leave your own hair unwashed and unbrushed for weeks, would you?

If you have a long-haired breed, it’s best to brush them every day to avoid tangles down the line. Short-haired dogs will benefit from once-a-week brushing.

Set aside at least one day a month for a full grooming session or bath.  

Focus and Know When to Quit

Set aside a specific place and time to groom your dog and focus only on that task. Look out for any signs that your dog is uncomfortable or afraid.

If they are whimpering or flinching as you go along, take a break. Over time, your dog will get used to the routine and your patience will pay off. 

Choose a Safe Place

Choose a well-lit, safe area to confine your pet during the session. A non-slip surface is essential to avoid injuries. 

Use the Correct Equipment

Long-haired dogs need way more specialized equipment than short-haired breeds. Ask your local pet store or vet about extra brushes and combs for your type of dog, or do some online research.

Using the wrong tools will cause you frustration and could hurt your dog. 

Take Extra Care with Long-Haired Breeds

Long-haired dogs are hard work. Check their coats daily for signs of tangles. 

Mats are one of the major issues that you may encounter with these dogs. Read this article by Groomit for more information on dealing with matted hair.  

If you stick to these guidelines you should master the art of keeping your pet clean and healthy soon enough. 

These are the pitfalls to avoid if you want to get there sooner.

Forcefully Restraining Your Dog

Don’t tie your dog up, or pull its fur to restrain it. A struggling dog can suffocate itself quicker than you think.

Rather hold onto your dog’s collar if you need to restrain them. First prize is taking the time to train them to stand still during grooming.

Sliding chains are for obedience school, not for bath time.

Using Scented Products

Scented products may irritate your dog’s skin and eyes. Stick to well-known brands of unscented dog shampoo and conditioner. 

Overdoing It

It’s easy to get overenthusiastic when grooming your dog. Don’t bathe them unnecessarily. Water and shampoo strip the natural oils out of your dog’s coat.

Take your time when brushing them and don’t do too much at once. Rushing causes anxiety for you and your pet.

Never blow dry your dog. Bathe them in a warm room, using lukewarm water, and towel-dry their fur. After that, let them dry naturally.

Cutting Nails too Short 

Don’t try to trim your dog’s nails on your own if you aren’t sure what to do. Ask an experienced friend or your vet to show you how it’s done first.

Once you’ve got the hang of it, proceed with caution. Cutting into the quick of the nail will cause bleeding and pain. If your dog is jumpy or agitated, wait until they’re calmer before cutting their nails.

Using Dirty Tools

It makes no sense to try and clean your dog with dirty brushes. After your session, clean all your dog grooming tools, so they’re ready for the next time. 

Neglecting Their Ears

Ears are one of the most often overlooked parts of grooming. Always inspect your dog’s ears for signs of ear mites which show up as red, inflamed skin. 

Avoid getting water in your dog’s ears as this can cause infection. Rather clean them with a veterinarian-approved ear cleaner. 

A Last Word of Caution

In some cases, it’s not a good idea to groom your dog by yourself.

If you have a particularly large and boisterous pet, get a fellow dog lover to help you or leave it to a professional dog groomer.

Should your dog have an irrational fear of bathing or grooming, get a dog trainer to work with them first. Never force your dog to face their fears on your own. 

Rarely, your veterinarian may advise against bathing your dog for medical reasons. Always check with them before resuming your dog’s cleaning rituals. 

Did you enjoy this information about DIY dog grooming? If so, head over to the pet section of our blog for more information on caring for your best friend.