How to Groom Your Dog At Home

RAFFI OHANIAN • December 3, 2021

When looking after your pet, it's important to learn how to keep your pet clean and looking fresh. This article will go over what you should know before grooming your friend at home.

Before taking your dog to a groomer, be sure to get tips from professionals on how to groom your pet at home and that your vet has given your dog a clean bill of health. Follow these tips for your dog's health when you bathe and groom them yourself.

Choose the right tools for the job.

It’s important to use specialized tools that are designed for the task, such as a comb and brush (with wide teeth and a rubberized, non-slip grip) and a pair of sharp, stainless steel scissors. Many dog owners also opt to use electric clippers with a comb attachment, although they vary in price and effectiveness. The most important thing to remember is to start small. If your dog is never groomed before, begin by using scissors to trim her nails and the hair around her eyes. Over time, work your way up to trimming her fur.

Give your dog a bath first.

This step may seem counterintuitive, but if you shave your dog’s coat before she gets a good bath, you’ll end up with a big mess. Shampoo and condition your dog before grooming her. This will keep tangles and mats at bay, as well as trap debris that may be picked up during the shedding process. If your dog’s coat is long, you may want to consider clipping her nails after her bath.

Thoroughly examine your dog’s coat.

Groomers tend to the topcoat, but it’s the undercoat that really needs attention. Before you start, inspect your dog’s coat for knots and tangles, since these can easily be missed during grooming. Use a comb or flea comb to gently tease out matted hair.

Be patient and go slow.

Introduce your dog to grooming gradually. It may take some time before she's comfortable with the entire process, especially when it comes to trimming her undercoat. Start with a few minutes of brushing and then give her a tiny trim. When your dog seems comfortable with one aspect, add another. The more you practice, the easier grooming will become for you and your dog.

Understand what your dog’s fur is telling you.

Pay attention to the look, feel, and smell of your dog’s coat. If you notice a change (she looks or smells soiled or her fur feels heavy), have your vet take a look at her skin, coat, nails, and teeth to rule out any health problems.

Keep the following tips in mind when grooming your dog at home:

Use stainless steel scissors and a comb with wide teeth and a non-slip grip when grooming your dog.

Start by clipping your dog’s nails before bathing her. This important step will keep her safe and make grooming easier.

Dogs with long coats may need to be clipped. If you want to save money, you can cut the coat yourself.

When clipping, go slowly and carefully. For example, if you’re clipping the hair around your dog’s eyes, start by trimming a small section at a time, working slowly toward the nose.

Don’t want to handle this yourself? We’re here to help! Looking for a mobile pet grooming service? Get in touch with us today to see how we can help.

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