Dog grooming: 5 steps for beginners
Index
How to learn dog grooming
Have you ever considered DIY dog grooming? It’s not an impossible task, and can save you money. But, there’s a few things you need to know first. Otherwise, it can be expensive, time consuming, and leave you covered in dog hair.
No matter the season, it’s always a good idea to get your pooch groomed. Not only will it make your dog look a million dollars, but it will also keep burrs and seeds out of her coat, keep her cool, and discourage fleas.
In this article, we discuss the reasons why you should keep your dog groomed, how to learn dog grooming, and where to find local pet groomers if you would prefer not to do the dirty work!
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Why pet grooming is important
Maintaining a regular dog grooming schedule is a good way to improve your dog’s hygiene. Regular pet grooming helps to keep your dog clean and free of dirt, grime, and parasites like fleas and ticks. This can help prevent skin infections, allergies, and other health problems from arising.
For dogs with long or curly hair, regular brushing and trimming prevents matting and contributes to a healthy and shiny coat. Dog grooming is also an excellent opportunity to monitor your dog’s health, so keep an eye out for any lumps or bumps or other abnormalities you may find on your dog’s skin.
Grooming your dog is also a wonderful way to bond with your pet and show them affection. Many dogs enjoy being brushed and pampered, and it can be a relaxing activity for both you and your furbaby.
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Steps for DIY dog grooming
Want to learn DIY dog grooming? Here are the five main steps to take to groom your dog like a pro:
1. Brushing
When you brush your dog’s coat it removes dirt and shedding hair, and leaves it looking shiny.
Brushing your dog’s coat is the first stage of dog grooming. Before you bath her, you’ll need to make sure that all the tangles and matts are removed, as well as any dead or loose hair. There are a number of brushes you can use, depending on your dog’s type of coat.
Want to find pet grooming near me in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth or Adelaide?
2. Washing
If you’re dog’s coat is dirty, it’s a good idea to give her a bath. It’s important to use a shampoo that’s made for pets.
You’ll need to find a safe place to bathe your dog. Use an old tub in the garden or, if you don’t mind a lot of mess, use the bath. Use a shampoo that’s especially designed for pets – you can also use a medicated shampoo if your dog has fleas. If your dog is very dirty, you might have to repeat the process.
Don’t forget to clean between the toes!
Be sure to rinse the coat out thoroughly to avoid irritating your dog’s skin. After bathing, dry your dog’s coat with a towel, followed by a hair dryer.
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3. Brushing (again!)
Once your dog’s coat is dry, give it a good brush, making sure there are no matted sections or snags. Then, if your dog’s coat is the type to grow continually, it’s time for a hair cut.
4. Clipping
You can purchase grooming clippers from any pet supplies store. Look for clippers with a variety of attachments so that you can vary the length of the clip, depending on whether you are trimming around the face or undercarriage. It’s also useful to have a pair of scissors on hand to trim around ears, whiskers and paws.
It’s helpful to have somebody on hand to pat the dog (and feed her treats) to help calm her during the clipping process. It can be stressful for some dogs.
When clipping dogs, use the clippers in the direction of the hair growth in long, smooth strokes.
Want to find pet grooming near me in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth or Adelaide?
5. Dog nail clipping
Dog nail clipping always needs to be done very carefully. Knowing how to trim dog’s nails is important because they need to be done regularly. If your dog goes for a lot of walks on concrete, however, the concrete can actually act like a nail file and keep the claws trim!
You can buy nail clippers from your local pet shop or supermarket. Don’t trim too close to the “quick” – the soft tissue underneath – to avoid bleeding. You should have a supply of coagulent on standby, just in case you need to stop bleeding. There are medicated versions available, but you can also use a paste of cornflour, and apply it to the nail area for about 30 seconds to help stem the bleeding.
Seeing the quick is easier if your dog has clear nails, but many dogs have black nails, so it pays to trim a tiny bit off at a time. After each trim, look out for a pale circle on the underside of the nail – this indicates the quick – don’t trim beyond this.
Now your doggy is all ready for cuddles!
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How to find dog grooming near me?
Grooming is a great way to bond with your best mate, but it’s not for the faint-hearted. You’ll get wet, covered in dog fur, and you might even get the occasional nip or two if you’re not careful. So it makes sense to find a friendly pet groomer to do the hard work for you.
When looking for a pet groomer, make sure to:
- Ask for references from friends and family
- Read online reviews
- Visit the groomer before booking an appointment
- Ask about their experience and qualifications
By taking these steps, you can find a good pet groomer who will keep your dog healthy and looking great.