Learning how to groom a dog is one of the easiest ways to trim money from your dog-care budget. Here's how to get your dog clean and shiny!
Brush Your Dog's Coat
Dogs with different types of fur require different types of brushes. Longhairs require what's called an undercoat rake and should be brushed for at least five minutes, while shorthairs require what's called a slicker brush and can just be given a quick once over.
Give Your Dog a Wet Wash
As most dog owners know, the trickiest part of a bath can be just getting your dog to stay in the tub or under the shower. For larger dogs, you might want to try getting into the shower with your dog and keeping it still between your legs. (Of course, this means you're taking a shower, too!) Also, some self-service grooming parlors have tubs with collars attached to the tub wall by a short cord to prevent the dog from escaping.
If your dog will tolerate it, gently insert cotton balls into its ears beforehand to prevent suds from entering the ear canal. Any gentle pet shampoo should do; dogs who have dry skin should also be given a conditioner. Always rinse very well to prevent itching later on. Towel-dry your dog and brush its coat again. For longhairs, wait until the fur has completely dried before brushing to prevent follicle breakage.
Clean Your Dog's Ears
Ear cleaning is important for dogs because their ears are often hosts to a number of tiny parasites. Use manicure scissors to individually trim any long ear hairs. Swab the outer part of the ears with a store-bought ear cleaning solution and cotton balls (or cotton swabs for tiny dogs). Never insert anything into the ear canal; only clean the parts of the ear that you can see.
Trim Your Dog's Coat
Finally, you might want to trim your dog's nails. This step can be very nerve-wracking for both you and your dog. There are blood vessels inside a dog's nails, so it's possible that there will be some bleeding and that your dog will try to wriggle away. For large dogs, you might need a second person to help hold the dog in place. For best results, use a nail clipper designed for dog nails. If you find it too hard to do this step on your own, many vet offices will trim your dog's nails during a routine check-up, either for free or for a small additional fee, so you can still avoid the pricier grooming salons.
Brush Your Dog's Coat
Dogs with different types of fur require different types of brushes. Longhairs require what's called an undercoat rake and should be brushed for at least five minutes, while shorthairs require what's called a slicker brush and can just be given a quick once over.
Give Your Dog a Wet Wash
As most dog owners know, the trickiest part of a bath can be just getting your dog to stay in the tub or under the shower. For larger dogs, you might want to try getting into the shower with your dog and keeping it still between your legs. (Of course, this means you're taking a shower, too!) Also, some self-service grooming parlors have tubs with collars attached to the tub wall by a short cord to prevent the dog from escaping.
If your dog will tolerate it, gently insert cotton balls into its ears beforehand to prevent suds from entering the ear canal. Any gentle pet shampoo should do; dogs who have dry skin should also be given a conditioner. Always rinse very well to prevent itching later on. Towel-dry your dog and brush its coat again. For longhairs, wait until the fur has completely dried before brushing to prevent follicle breakage.
Clean Your Dog's Ears
Ear cleaning is important for dogs because their ears are often hosts to a number of tiny parasites. Use manicure scissors to individually trim any long ear hairs. Swab the outer part of the ears with a store-bought ear cleaning solution and cotton balls (or cotton swabs for tiny dogs). Never insert anything into the ear canal; only clean the parts of the ear that you can see.
Trim Your Dog's Coat
Finally, you might want to trim your dog's nails. This step can be very nerve-wracking for both you and your dog. There are blood vessels inside a dog's nails, so it's possible that there will be some bleeding and that your dog will try to wriggle away. For large dogs, you might need a second person to help hold the dog in place. For best results, use a nail clipper designed for dog nails. If you find it too hard to do this step on your own, many vet offices will trim your dog's nails during a routine check-up, either for free or for a small additional fee, so you can still avoid the pricier grooming salons.
Plus, check out more tips, like how to choose a dog and how to make homemade dog food!
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