Grooming Tips To Keep Your Dog In Tip Top Condition

When was the last time you took a bath? Have you brushed your teeth? What about your pet? If you can't remember the last time your dog was bathed or brushed, they're overdue. Here are some dog grooming tips to keep your best companion healthy from head to tail, whether you do it yourself or hire a professional.

1. For Your Dog’s Skin And Coat

Bathe your dog regularly using a gentle shampoo designed specifically for canines. Using lukewarm (not hot) water, rub the shampoo into their coat gently with your hands or a soft towel. Scrub their undercarriage, the tops of their feet, and their tail, and be extremely careful around their eyes. Rinse them completely with lukewarm water and pat them dry with a soft towel. You have to ensure that you dry the insides of your dog's ears as well, as a damp ear is an infection's best buddy.

You can brush your pet's hair while it's still damp if they have long hair or if it tends to be unruly. Even after they are completely dry, brush them again to remove any stray hairs. Brush your dog's hair daily or weekly, depending on the breed and length of its hair, to avoid knots and keep shedding under control.

This is also the best time to apply a monthly flea prevention treatment. Make a calendar reminder of the date so you don't forget to do it every month.

2. For Your Dog’s Ears

Check and clean their ears once a week using a cotton ball or tissue and a solution designed exclusively for the task. To clean your pet's ears, never use anything smaller than your finger (and that means no Q-Tips!) and do not reach into the ear canal.

If you see a fluid that resembles a brown discharge, pus, or your pet's ears smell awful, he or she has an infection and should visit the veterinarian immediately. Depending on their condition, your pet may require both oral and topical prescription, so don't wait or try to treat it at home.

3. For Your Dog’s Teeth

Brush your pet's teeth daily at home between yearly dental visits. All you need is a proper-sized toothbrush, toothpaste developed specifically for dogs (do not use human toothpaste as it may contain compounds dangerous to pets), and a little patience.

4. For Your Dog’s Nails

Trim your dog's nails to the appropriate length. Most pets dislike having their nails clipped, so if you're going to do it yourself, do it after a long walk or a strenuous play session when they're exhausted and calm.

5. For Your Dog’s Anal Glands

Some pets may require their glands to be expressed regularly for the rest of their lives. Others will just require assistance at particular times. The most fortunate will never require gland expression at all. Determine which category best describes your pet. If your dog falls under the category of “the rest of their lives” make a maintenance schedule (this might range from weeks to months) and stick to it. If you're not sure when your pet needs expression, keep track of when they start scooting and attempt to plan ahead for a few weeks for the next scooting occurrence.

6. For Your Dog’s Emotional Problem(s)

A happy pet is one that has been well-cared for. Brushing and petting your pet regularly will acquaint you with your pet's body and what is "normal," allowing you to identify irregularities (cuts, growths, aching limbs) and bring your pet to the doctor early while the ailment is curable (and less expensive!). Aside from keeping your pet healthy, the physical act of caring for your furry loved one helps you and your pet form an emotional connection. 

Keeping your pet clean and healthy does not have to be a difficult task. Maintain a calm, cheerful mood when bathing and brushing your pet, lavishly giving out praises, and spend additional time washing or massaging those places you know that your pet will love. Your pet may even come to appreciate this time spent with you over time. A large amount of patience, praise, and food should assist with the less enjoyable activities on this list. Or you can just let the professional groomer handle the rest.

7. Your Dog Deserves Nothing But The Best

Here at Pet Master, we provide skilled and professional pet grooming services for pets as we believe that every pet's soul exists in the same way that we humans do. They have feelings, so we are always looking to give and pet a nice and calming pet grooming experience with us. 

Curious what grooming services and spa treatments we have over at Pet Master to maintain your canine’s coat? Do click here to find out more!

Tags: Grooming