Does your dog love rolling in the mud? Is your pup always covered in burrs and dirt? Time to clean up – with some helpful tips from our Marltons Grooming Guide.
Regular grooming is essential for dogs of all breeds – it helps them maintain a shiny, tangle-free coat. Also, it allows you to check for parasite infestations and skin issues, improving their overall health and hygiene. Plus, regular grooming can be a positive one-on-one bonding experience for you and your pet.
Follow our list of do's and don'ts to make grooming your dog walk in the park.
Do: Brush Regularly
Brushing is essential to dog grooming as it helps spread natural oils through their coat, keep their skin irritant-free, and prevent their hair from matting, which can be painful.
Of course, longhaired breeds must be brushed more often, but shorthaired dogs can also benefit from a brush every week or two to remove dirt, dander, and loose hairs.
Do: Check your dog as you brush.
Brushing is a great time to check for any skin issues on your pup – ticks and fleas, too!
Here's how to check your dog's skin: Run your fingers through the coat, then feel for odd lumps and bumps. Now, take a closer look at the skin by parting your pup's coat and looking for any rashes, redness, moles, bald spots, or anything unusual.
Please consult your local vet if you see something that doesn't look right.
Don't: Bath your dog too often.
Experts say you only need to bathe your fur baby when necessary – or if they're dirty from playing in sand or mud or have rolled in something smelly.
Why? Bathing dogs too often can strip their coats of essential natural oils and cause skin conditions. The ASPCA recommends bathing your canine companion at least once every three months. But if your dog is a dirt magnet or has a skin problem, this may mean more frequent bathing is necessary! If your dog has a skin condition, please consult your vet for more information on bathing.
Don't: Cut their nails too short.
You know it's time to trim your dog’s nails when you hear them clicking on your floors. Trimming their nails helps prevent them from the discomfort that comes with very long nails.
But before trimming, ensure you're not cutting too close to the quick, or you risk hurting or injuring their paws. If this is your first time trimming your dog's nails, ask your vet or a groomer to show you how.
Do: Bath your doggy in a warm setting.
Make bath time comfortable for your dog or puppy by ensuring it takes place in a warm environment. Bathing them in cold weather and cold water outdoors is like having a cold shower in winter! It can also cause their temperature to drop, giving them the sniffles.
Pour warm water over your dog until thoroughly wet, then gently massage the shampoo into the coat. Avoid the dog’s eyes, mouth, and the insides of its ears.
Steer clear of blow dryers. Most dogs are terrified of them, and it can cause your doggy to overheat. Instead, towel dry your fur baby and let them dry out properly in the sun.
Don't: Neglect your grooming tools.
When it comes to dog grooming, the sharper your tools are, the better your job will be! Keep those scissors and nail clippers sharp and free from rust and dirt; otherwise, they may pull at your dog's nails when you're trimming them.
Do: Make grooming time a positive experience.
Most dogs aren't big fans of grooming time. So, a little positive reinforcement here goes a long way – especially for puppies! Try these little tricks to streamline your grooming routine:
Smear peanut butter on the wall while washing or brushing your fur baby. They'll be too busy licking it up to notice what's happening.
Go slow to reassure your pet that everything's alright.
Make sure you dish out lots of praise and treats for good behaviour so your dog associates grooming time with these things.
Pop a bath mat down before grooming to ensure your fur baby doesn't slip in the tub or shower.
We hope these tips help you with your home grooming. Remember, proper grooming practices such as periodic bathing and regular skin and ear checks are essential for maintaining your dog's health and well-being.
Not only does it show your love and care for your pet, but it also provides quality bonding time for you and your pet.
Click here for our range of available dog grooming products and accessories.
