Need a little help keeping your canine companion looking their best? Here are ten dog grooming tips every dog owner should know.
The overwhelming majority of Americans own pets. One of the most common household pets, however, is dog.
And why wouldn’t they be, they’re some of the best companions a human could wish for. However, owning a dog implies a certain level of responsibility and accountability toward that animal.
Learn How to Become a Dog Groomer here
This encompasses feeding, watering, providing shelter, and following expert advice on dog grooming tips. Grooming your dog may be tedious, but you owe it to your four-legged companion to keep them clean and healthy.
Top Dog Grooming Tips
Grooming your dog isn’t as simple as spraying the poor thing down with a hose. First, most dogs won’t appreciate that. Second, that would only accomplish making your dog wet and dirty rather than just dirty.
For a better understanding of how to groom your dog, check out our expert tips below.
- Know What You’re Doing
Foremost, you need to know what you’re doing. However, this varies from dog to dog. Different breeds require different treatments. 
For example, not all dogs need or should get haircuts. Some types of dogs are prone to matted and tangled fur, while other short-haired breeds will never have an issue.
Like humans, dogs are all unique individuals with their own personalities. How does your dog do with water? Is your dog prone to freaking out or even lashing out?
These are important things to consider before grooming your dog yourself. It’s also important to tell any professional groomers about potential issues that may arise.
- Don’t Put It Off
An important dog grooming tip that most people do not adhere to is not to procrastinate.
The longer you put off grooming your dog, the more difficult the process will be. You need to consider your dog’s health and comfort. If their hair is matted, twisted, and tangled, it 
can be very comfortable.
Alternatively, not getting your dog groomed quickly enough could present health issues. They may be too warm during the summer and suffer from heatstroke. Or, they may develop a rash or other skin condition from not being clean.
- Start with a Thorough Bathing
One of the most important dogs grooming tips is starting with a bath. Even if their fur is wild and tangles, it’ll be much easier to work with if it’s clean.
There are many benefits to regularly bathing your dog. It helps keep their coat clean and 
healthy, helps rid them of parasites, and keeps them smelling a lot better around the house.
- Make Sure You Have the Right Tools for the Job
Dogs require different grooming kits than humans. This includes various kinds of trimmers and clippers, scissors, and nail clippers. Trying to use make-shift grooming tools could potentially end in you harming your dog.
Don’t forget about the brushes either. Again, you may need more than one type. There are different brushes for dogs with different types of fur. There are also brushes made specifically for removing fleas.
- Prioritize Your Dog’s Health and Well-Being
The most important of all dog grooming tips is looking out for the well-being of your four-legged friend. You are accountable for your dogs’ health and safety above all else.
Remember to stay patient with your dog, especially if they’re new to the whole dog grooming experience. Additionally, take extra measures to make sure you’re not hurting them or causing them unnecessary stress. Take your time and give them time to adapt.
- Always Check Ears and Teeth
If you’ve ever had a friend who’s a veterinarian, you’ve probably noticed that they check your dog’s ears and teeth every time they come over. Most of the time they don’t even know they’re doing it.
However, your vet friend isn’t being rude, it’s simply ingrained in them to check the oral and ear health of animals, as they are often the most neglected by pet owners.
As the dog owner, check your dog’s ears to make sure they’re clean and don’t have any infections. Additionally, check their mouths to see how their teeth are doing and keep aware of any gum infections, broken teeth, etc.
Every time you groom your dog, make a habit of cleaning their ears and brushing their teeth. However, remember that the skin on the inside of their ears are sensitive, be gentle.
- Don’t Forget the Nails
While you’re looking at your dog’s ears and teeth, don’t forget about their nails. A dog with untrimmed nails risks infections or worse.
Not all breeds require nail clippings. For dogs who do, however, be careful to avoid hitting the quick of the nail or you’ll cause your dog some pain and create some bleeding. If your dog has clear nails, it’ll be easy to spot, if not you’ll have to be exceedingly careful or leave it to your vet or a professional groomer.
- Take Proper Care of Your Equipment
Another important dog grooming tip owners should pay attention to is learning how to take care of their dog grooming tools. 
After each grooming, it’s important to thoroughly clean the clippers, trimmers, scissors, and brushes. Failing to do so could cause your equipment to become faulty. This includes removing hair, dirt, gunk, and disinfecting the tools.
- Understand How to Appropriately Restrain Your Dog
There’s a right way and a wrong way to restrain your dog during grooming sessions. If your dog is laid back and typically just goes with the flow, you probably don’t need to worry 
about it.
However, if you have a high-strung dog with anxiety and nervous issues, restraining them may be necessary. You need to make sure your dog can’t jump out of the tub without causing it harm or pain. You can use a leash if necessary, but it will make the process a little more complicated.
- Know When to Call the Experts
Perhaps the most important of all our dog grooming tips is knowing when to admit defeat and call a professional groomer. Even if you’re relatively confident you can figure it out, maybe it’s best not to risk harming your dog.
A professional groomer knows the ins and outs of grooming all breeds and temperaments of dogs. The only thing you need to figure out is do you tip pet groomers?
Good Luck
Now that you have a good idea of all the best dog grooming tips, is there anything else you’d like to know?
Before you leave, be sure to look through the rest of our blog for fun and helpful pet articles!
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