Grooming your dog properly isn’t just a must for making them stand out at the dog park. It’s also a really important part of keeping them healthy and happy. But dog grooming isn’t always as simple as it seems – especially for first-time pup parents. So, what should you be doing when you groom your dog’s coat? And what are the absolute no-gos?
As experienced dog groomers in Melbourne, we’re going to share some of our top dog grooming tips, so you can keep your pooch looking fresh between visits to us.
Dog Grooming Tips (For Every Owner)
When we talk about grooming, it’s important to remember that each breed is different and has its own needs. Some pups need to be trimmed regularly and others should never have their coats shaved. Some doggos need regular (even daily!) brushing whereas others can get away with being brushed every couple of weeks.
As well as giving their skin and coats some TLC, it’s very important to trim your pup’s nails correctly (long nails can get infected and become painful) and it’s also a good idea to clean and dry their ears regularly. This helps to prevent the build-up of wax that can cause infection.
So, with that said, here are our top tips for grooming pets.
Tip #1 – Get to Know Your Dog’s Coat
This might seem pretty obvious, but knowing your dog’s coat and how it grows is essential when it comes to keeping it healthy. Some breeds, for example, Golden Retrievers and German Shepherds, have double coats. This means they have a soft, downy layer that keeps them warm and cool, that’s protected by harsher outer hairs.
Other pups, such as Yorkshire Terriers and Poodles, have single coats. Some dogs shed way more than others (or may shed more as the seasons change) and others even have corded coats! Researching a pup’s coat before you adopt them will prepare you for how much grooming you’ll need to do and the best equipment to buy.
Tip #2 – Know When to Bathe Them
As a general rule, dogs only need to be bathed as and when necessary. This might be when they start to really smell or when they’ve rolled in something particularly icky. So, how often your dog needs to be bathed will also depend on their lifestyle. Hunting dogs, for example, may need to be bathed more often as they’re more likely to roll in dirt. Likewise, dogs who love swimming might need bathing more often than those that don’t.
But it’s very important not to bathe dogs too much as this can cause their skin to dry out and become itchy and sore. If you’re unsure about how often you should be bathing your pooch, take them to a professional for some advice.
Tip #3 – Nourish Their Skin
As a pup parent, you might be guilty of over washing your pooch. Whilst it comes from a place of love, it can cause more harm than good. When you over wash your dog’s coat, you strip their skin of the natural oils that nourish and protect it. When they don’t have these oils, their skin can get very flaky, red, and painful.
So, what can you do if you have over washed your pup’s coat?
- Stop washing and wipe instead. If your pooch is suffering from dry skin, try wiping dirt from their coats or only washing the very dirty area. This will give the skin time to produce more protective oils.
- Use a leave-in conditioner. This can add extra moisture and protect your dog’s skin. It can also help to mask any unwanted smells.
- Brush! Brushing is a great way to remove dirt and dead skin, distribute oils and detangle your pup’s coat.
Tip #4 – Get the Correct Gear!
Slicker brush…comb…rake… there are so many different products to choose from, it’s hard to know which is best for your dog’s coat. Their coat type (curly or straight, long or short, or double or single) will influence the kind of brush you buy. But it is important you get the correct one.
If you’re unsure, talk to an expert who can advise on good brands and the best ones for your pooch.
Tip #5 – Make Grooming Part of The Routine from Puppyhood
Grooming your dog is a great bonding exercise. It’s time for you both to relax and it’s also an opportunity for you to check their body for any lumps and bumps. It can, however, take some getting used to for puppies.
We therefore recommend introducing puppies to brushes, shampoos and hair dryers from a young age. It’s certainly a good way of preparing pups for dog grooming. Getting them used to it from a young age can make it a more enjoyable experience for everyone involved.
Conclusion: Tips for Grooming Your Dog at Home
There are lots of things you can do at home to keep your pup’s coat shiny and healthy. The most important thing is to know your dog’s (and the breed’s) coat and groom accordingly. At The Dog Dazzlers, we’re experienced in grooming all different types of breeds – from super shaggy ones to almost bald! Our groomers are experts at handling dogs, and not only will they end up smelling and looking their best, but they’ll also have a great time. Get in touch with the team at The Dog Dazzlers if you’d like to book your pooch in for a pamper!