Dog Grooming at Home: What You Should and Should Not Do

If you own a dog, then it’s very important that you groom them at home. The reason for this is that most dogs get very stressed out when they are taken out of their homes into unfamiliar surroundings. This means that taking your dog to a professional groomer isn’t ideal. It can stress them out and cause them unnecessary anxiety. If you are going to groom your dog at home, then there are some things that you need to do, otherwise, you could hurt them or groom them ineffectively.

This article will tell you what you should and shouldn’t do when grooming your dog at home:

Nail Grinding

If you are going to groom your dog at home, then you need to handle your dog’s nails expertly. It’s no secret that most dogs don’t like having their nails trimmed. If you aren’t good at trimming your dog’s nails, then they will run away and become aggressive every time you go to do it. It’s definitely worth investing in a quality dog nail grinder so that you can sort your dog’s nails out smoothly. The better the equipment, the less likely you are to make mistakes. Make sure that you are as careful as possible and don’t hurt your dog.

Regular Brushing

You need to make sure that you brush your dog regularly. Dogs that aren’t brushed on a weekly basis develop tangles and knots in their fur, which can hurt them. Matting in your dog’s fur can lead to skin irritation and even infections. Additionally, fleas and ticks can live deep in a dog’s matted fur, causing an infestation. Brushing not only clears away dirt and debris from your dog’s coat but also prevents matting from occurring. Don’t ever ignore your dog’s fur, make sure that you brush it regularly. For dogs with longer coats, you should brush them two or three times a week.

Cleaning Teeth

You also need to make sure that you clean your dog’s teeth. This is one of the main things that most pet owners overlook, and unfortunately, it often results in their dog’s teeth decaying or becoming infected. It can be very difficult to clean the teeth of a dog because they tend to dislike it. The best way to do this is to get a specially designed dog toothbrush, and gently scrub. If they resist, scold them. When they let you brush their teeth, reward them with a treat. They will then associate treats with tooth brushing and welcome toothbrushing in the future.

Bathing

Bathing is another very difficult thing to do, especially if your dog hates water (which most do). In order to bathe your dog properly, you first need to invest in quality shampoo and body scrub. You then need to clear your bathroom out, put down some plastic sheets on the floor, and gently ease your dog into the tub. Some people muzzle their dogs when they are washing them because their dogs become aggressive. If yours does, then this is a good idea. Never force your dog into the bathroom and do not surprise them with the water. Let it run first, so they know what is happening.

If you own a dog, then you need to groom them properly. If you don’t groom your dog, their health will fall into disarray. Grooming not only improves their physical appearance but also their mental health. It makes them feel better when they are clean and in good physical condition.