Dog Grooming Made Easy: Simple Tips for Happy Pets

Dog grooming may seem like a luxury to some people, but for most pet parents, it is essential, just like feeding, walking, etc. If your dog has been scratching perpetually, smells strange, or is leaving an ‘impression’ of their fur everywhere they go, then you know it is time to: Groom! Whether you’re a first-time pet lover or just trying to get in the swing of things, this simple approach will make grooming effortless, and possibly fun, too!

Why Dog Grooming Isn’t Just About Looks

Understanding Grooming Beyond Appearance

Dog Grooming is not just about beautifying and adorning your dog (though it does lend a level of adorableness). It directly relates to your dog’s well-being.

Regular grooming furthers the chance of noticing skin infections, lumps, or parasites. It also helps to keep your dog’s coat looking healthy, prevents painful matting, and can aid with bonding as well.

Dog Grooming Basics: Start with Brushing Your Dog’s Coat

Brushing your dog’s coat is one of the easiest things you can do for your dog at home. But let’s face it – all dogs are not created equal. Some short-haired dogs (pugs, for example) may only need to be brushed once a week. In contrast, a long-haired breed dog like a golden retriever or a shih tzu may be able to tolerate daily sessions.

Brushing is important for many reasons: it removes dirt, dead hair, and dandruff! Just as importantly, it spreads your dog’s natural oils throughout the coat, which keeps the coat shiny and healthy. Use the correct kind of brush when you groom your dog. For example, slicker brushes for long coats, rubber curry brushes for short-haired breeds, and an undercoat rake are useful for dogs with a double coat!

Bathing Your Dog: How Often Should You Groom with a Bath?

The truth is, not all dogs need to bathe regularly. Bathing too often can cause dry skin. The majority of dogs can live with a bath every 4 to 6 weeks, except when they roll in something disgusting or have an underlying medical condition.

Always use a dog shampoo, rinsing away all the soap. No one likes soap residue in their fur. After the bath, dry them with a towel, then brush. If you use a hairdryer, make sure not to aim directly at their face or ears and always use a cool or low heat setting.

Essential Dog Grooming: Cleaning Ears, Eyes, and Brushing Teeth

Ears can be tricky. Dogs with floppy ears, or excessive fur inside their ear canals (e.g, cocker spaniels) have a higher risk of infection in the ear. You should inspect ears and assess for excessive redness, odor, and/or discharge at least once a week. You may clean only the outer ear with a cotton ball and a vet-approved cleaning solution. Do not stick anything down inside the ear. 
Eyes should be clear, bright, and free of any discharge.
Teeth may matter even more than you know. Dental disease is extremely common in dogs, and it can damage or lead to heart and kidney disease in dogs. If possible, aim to brush your dog’s teeth with dog toothpaste (NEVER human toothpaste) two to three times a week. There are also dental chews, and/you can also use a water additive.

Nail Care

Trimming nails is one of the scariest parts of dog grooming. For the dog and the person trimming. However, if you don’t trim nails, then you will end up with longer nails, which can be painful for your dog and make their posture a little funky.

If your dog’s nails are clicking loudly on the floor, then their paws are too long. They only need to be trimmed about every 3-4 weeks. You can use a dog nail clipper or da dog nail grinder. If you are scared to cut the nails, you can trim a tiny bit at a time or let the groomer take care of it for you.

Dealing With Dog Shedding

Some dogs are just going to shed like nobody’s business! Especially when the seasons are changing. While brushing does help, deshedding tools can be a lifesaver, for example, a Furminator. You should also be feeding a balanced diet and try giving omega-3 supplements to reduce excessive shedding.
Also, do not forget to vacuum often, and you should think about buying a lint roller or two; you will be glad you did.

Start Early and Take it Slow.

If your dog is extremely young, then this is the ideal time to expose them to dog grooming. Get them to enjoy it with treats, reassure them verbally in a calm tone, and do it briefly at first. While adult dogs may learn to love grooming, the principle here is patience and training on your part.

Here’s something that doesn’t get mentioned enough: Your dog can feel energy. Should you be in a rush or upset, they will be aware of it. Remain calm and patient while grooming. If your dog gets really anxious, consider consulting your vet about anti-anxiety sprays or chew toys.

Final Thoughts

Dog grooming has never been about having a perfect dog. Dog grooming is about loving your dog, caring for your dog, and maintaining their body. You don’t need any fancy equipment or spend huge amounts of time to groom your dog. The trick is showing up, being consistent, and committing to grooming at least fairly regularly.”

Every brush stroke, a bath, and trim to those nails will end up making something for a happy, healthy dog. So when you reach for that brush or towel again, maybe hold onto the thought that you are creating an indelible memory that would last forever through dog grooming-love towards their pet!

While you hold onto the thought, we all know grooming is a leisure activity, time-consuming, rather to be honest, that’s where Petsfolio comes with their full force of help and experience to spoil you and your furry friend once in a while!
Check out this for their all-round services, including pet grooming in Hyderabad.