6 Dog Grooming Tips That You Need To Hear

Dogs are man's best friends. They've been with us for thousands of years, and they're always there to comfort us when times get tough. But sometimes, our dogs can be a little dirty- especially if you live in an area where the weather is often wet or humid. Luckily, we have some great tips on this topic that will make your pet look and feel better than ever.

Start By Giving Your Dog A Good Bath

Dog grooming starts with giving your dog a good bath. You want to use the proper shampoo that works well for your particular breed of dog and one that is made specifically for dogs. If you're not sure, ask someone at the pet store where you purchased it, or just go online to do some research on what shampoos are best for your particular dog. If your dog is a bit nervous or anxious, the HNH Dog specialist suggests is to start by giving him a bath in the kitchen sink. It's often less frightening to get wet for dogs that aren't used to being bathed or getting water poured on them. If the dog is restless or trying to get away, you can use a hose outside with more room to move around.

Starting with a good bath will get rid of all the dirt and excess oils on your dog's skin which can cause his coat to be dry or itchy later on when you begin grooming him. It also leaves an opportunity for the groomer to check out your dog's skin for any problems that might need medical attention from a veterinarian.

Make Sure You Wipe Your Dog's Ears

This is a simple task, but one that many people skip over. Ears are dirty places and have lots of bacteria in them which can cause infection if not taken care of properly. Use an ear cleaning solution or just water for this job to avoid damaging the sensitive inner ear tissue with harsh chemicals or cleaners.

Gently wipe around the inside of the ear flap with a cotton ball, cloth, or your fingers. Be sure to get all the gunk out - you'll know when you're done because it will be pretty disgusting. Do not insert anything into the ear canal itself as it can damage your dog's hearing or even cause a ruptured eardrum.

Trim The Nails

Trim the nails as needed. This should only be done if your dog's nails are overgrowing, or they're clicking on the floor when he walks around your home because that can cause him pain. If you do not want to trim them yourself, it is safer and easier to take him in for a professional clipping job by an experienced groomer. When trimming your dog's nails at home, use a good quality nail clipper made for dogs and cut the nail just after the curve so that you don't clip into the quick (the vein running down the center of the nail). Avoid cutting too close to the quick as this will cause pain and bleeding. If trimmed properly, you will see a white dot on the nail. This is where you should stop cutting, as this area is sensitive and if cut too short can cause discomfort to your dog for weeks before it grows out again.

Brush The Teeth

Just like with humans, brushing your dog's teeth is important for their overall health. Not only does it help keep their breath smelling good, but it also helps to prevent gum disease and other dental problems.

There are a few different ways to brush your dog's teeth - you can use a toothbrush and toothpaste, or you can use a water bottle and dental chew toys. Whichever method you choose, be sure to brush your dog's teeth at least once a day. If your dog is resistant to having its teeth brushed, start by gradually getting them used to the sensation. Reward them with a treat after they let you brush their teeth for a few seconds. Try to do this several times a day for about two minutes at a time. Make sure you are gentle with your dog while brushing their teeth, as it can be easy to injure them if they struggle too much.

Cut The Hair

If the dog’s hair is too long, you probably end up cutting it way shorter than what you want and then there will be a lot of awkward tufts that don’t match. So if your goal was to take off an inch or two, cut at least half an inch longer so as not to go too short. Get a good dog grooming clipper, something durable and with precision blades to make sure you get the right length without having to worry about it. Several attachments come with most clippers, like guides, combs, and scissors so you can customize the cut according to your needs.

Finally, it is also important to have the right tools for the job. This means having a good pair of dog grooming scissors, a slicker brush, and a metal comb. The scissors are essential for trimming around the ears, face, and paws while the brush will help remove any mats or tangles in the coat. The comb is also important for removing mat and tangles as well as to help you see where the hair needs a little more cutting.

Check For Fleas And Ticks

You must check your dog for fleas and ticks regularly. This can be done by running your hands through their hair, checking their skin, and looking for any black dots (fleas) or brown spots (ticks). If you find any fleas or ticks, it is best to treat them immediately. You can do this by purchasing a tick worm treatment, or asking your vet what they recommend.

Ticks are dangerous because they carry Lyme disease. They can also be very large and some dogs may not feel pain when it's on their body for too long. If you find ticks regularly, then it might be time to talk with your vet about preventative medications or treatment.

And that's it! These six tips should get your dog looking and feeling great. But remember, it's important to groom your pet regularly- at least once a month is ideal. By doing so, you'll help keep them healthy and happy for years to come. Thanks for reading.