Grooming Your Dog; 101

Pet hair can be the bane of a pet owner’s existence. Typically, when your furry friend sheds more than usual, it is time for them to get groomed. But with the exorbitant costs of bringing your pet to the dog groomer it can be a very costly venture going every couple weeks or so, in 2015 alone $5.41 billion was spent on grooming and boarding our pets! Take the tips here to save some money and to groom your dog in your own home!

Before you prepare your bath tub for a furry creature, you must get the right supplies. It is always safe to go as natural as possible, as you only want the best products to care for your pet. All natural pet shampoo, clippers/scissors , brushes, conditioner, and any additional treatments are good to keep on hand. It is also a good idea to determine what kind of skin your dog has in order to get the right pet shampoo, for example dog shampoo for itchy skin, shampoo for dogs with dry skin or flea repellent shampoo.

Brush, Brush, Brush!

Before getting your dog in the tub, you need to brush him in order to get out any tangles or mats. Being that there are different lengths and styles of hair on each dog, you may need a couple different brushes. You can get out the mats in your dog’s fur by holding the fur close to the skin and using short, gentle strokes.

Get Sudsy

Most dogs only need to be washed every week or two. When washing your dog keep the water warm, ensure he is thoroughly wet and work up a lather with the pet shampoo. Start from the head down, and concentrate on his neck where his collar usually is as it is very important to keep that area clean. As you are washing, make sure to thoroughly check your dog’s skin for any cuts, ticks, or hot spots.

Cut those nails

Most pets should have their nails trimmed every two to three weeks so it is a great thing to get in the habit of doing when you give them a bath. Cut off each nail at an angle right before it curves, making special attention not to nick the vein that runs through the nail.

It is also good to note that dogs aged 12 and over may not be able to handle the stress that comes with going to the groomer, so doing it yourself will be an extra way to keep them calm, cool, and clean!

And there you have it! Now prepare yourself for some cuddles with your wonderfully clean pooch!