Dog Grooming Tips: How To Keep Your Pup Happy And Healthy
If you're a dog owner, then you'll know that grooming is just as important for your pup's health and happiness as it is for their appearance. If you want to give your furry friend the best care possible, then this article will provide some helpful tips that will make grooming time easier for both of you. Whether they need an emergency bath or a trimming of their nails, you've got all the information in one place!
How To Keep Your Pooch Happy and Healthy
You'll want to bathe your dog regularly, but know that it's not as simple as throwing them in the tub and turning on the water. There are some important things you should do before you can begin bathing: clean their ears of any debris, trim or clip nails so they don't scratch anyone (in particular themselves), brush their teeth to avoid oral problems, and check their skin for any signs of irritation or parasites.
These grooming tips will make sure bath time is pleasant for your furry companion.
Give Them A Gentle Bath
Make sure that your dog is clean before putting them in the tub full of water- this will prevent dirt from getting everywhere during bath time. You want to brush out any debris before getting them wet. Fill a sink with lukewarm water, add a few drops of gentle soap, and then gently bathe your furry friend. When you're done rinsing them off, use towels to dry them completely before taking care of their ears and brushing their teeth again.
Give Them A Cut or Trim When Needed
After bathing is complete, make sure that they are well-groomed by cutting or trimming the hair around their feet, tail, and face. Use a slicker brush to remove any mats or tangles in their fur. When you're done grooming your pup, make sure that they have access to plenty of fresh water before curling up with them for a well-deserved nap!
Gently Remove Eye Build-Up
Removing eye gunk can be a difficult and time-consuming task, but it's important not to neglect this duty. You'll want to use warm water mixed with mild soap or baby shampoo for the best results according to PetDT
in their article, “How To Soften Your Dog’s Eye Gunk”. They also recommend using medicated eye drops to help soften the build before gently wiping it away.
Clean Your Dog's Ears Regularly
You'll also want to clean your dogs' ears regularly to keep them healthy and free of debris. You can use a cotton ball or piece of cloth moistened with warm water mixed with a few drops of oil, such as olive, mineral, tea tree, eucalyptus, or lavender for the best results.
Brush Their Pearly Whites Often
Keep your dog's teeth clean. The easiest way to brush your dog's teeth is by using doggie toothpaste with a finger brush. Start at the gum line and brush towards the back of their teeth, then finish by brushing your finger over the top front teeth.
Check Your Pup For Sores, Wounds, and Skin Irritations
If your pup has any sores, wounds, or skin irritation, then you'll want to contact the veterinarian immediately for further instructions on how best to help them feel better. If their ears are red and inflamed, then it's likely that there is an infection present, so consult with a vet before using any kind of cleaning solution.
Keep Their Paws Clean and Free From Build-Up
Cleaning your dog's paws is a task that is often overlooked but can help in preventing infection. You'll want to use warm water mixed with mild soap or baby shampoo and then gently clean their pads, nails, and between toes.
Regularly Check For Fleas and Ticks
You should also check them for fleas and ticks regularly - they're a common cause of irritation and skin problems. If you find any, then consult with your veterinarian before using anything on them to avoid harming their sensitive fur.
Bonus Tip
If your dog is feeling under the weather (or just not themselves), then you'll want to contact your veterinarian immediately. Don't give your dog a bath when they're ill as this can make the situation worse.
Know when to get help: If you're not sure what's wrong, then consult with your veterinarian. They will be able to help identify the problem and provide a solution that best suits your pup's needs. You should also seek help grooming your dog if the task is more than you can handle.
The tips and tricks shared are meant to be a starting point when it comes to caring for your pup. They are not all-encompassing. If you're unsure whether or not what you're doing is helping, then consult with a veterinarian or professional dog groomer as soon as possible. They'll be able to identify any potential problems that exist and provide some helpful insight into how you might go about fixing them.