What Is Dog Grooming?
People often believe that dog grooming is just a fun thing, something Insta-worthy or trendy, but that is so not the case.
It is mandatory and a crucial part of their routine. It makes them comfortable, happier, and most essentially protected.
The basic dog grooming definition is not merely bathing and it is, however, not limited to just brushing their hair or bathing them; it includes clipping nails, trimming the coat, cleaning the ears, and keeping their paws clean.
Why Grooming Matters
When you wash your pup, you are not just washing them; you are indulging yourself in a bonding ritual. It shows them that you care for them.
It not only washes away the dirt, but it also keeps you and your lovely pet away from bacteria, infections, skin problems, and matting.
By regularly cleaning the fur and clipping the nails to maintain overall hygiene, you can also prevent early signs of health issues, such as ticks, sore spots, lumps, and more, before they become something alarming.
Additionally, it helps to boost confidence and make your pet feel more comfortable.
Understanding Your Dog's Coat
Dogs have different fur, and knowing the fur of your dog is the key to selecting the right grooming schedule. Just to make it easier on your part, we will describe to you five kinds of main coat fur:
Short coats: Dogs such as Beagles and Boxers have fur that is easy to maintain; the fur, nevertheless, requires regular brushing to ensure the skin is shiny and the coats are free of dead hair.
Long coats: Dogs such as Shih Tzus and Collies will be the ones that will need regular brushing and professional cuts to avoid mats and tangles.
Double coats: Dogs such as Huskies and Retrievers possess a thicker undercoat over a longer outer coat, and this gives the dog insulation. They will require de-shedding seasonally or timely to prevent overheating.
Wire-haired Breeds: Dogs such as Schnauzers, they need special equipment or hand-stripping in order to stay textured.
Smooth coats are, however, easier to keep, though they too can be helped by frequent brushing to help in distributing natural oils and help keep the skin healthy.
Knowing and recognizing the coat of your dog will assist you to choose the appropriate brush, shampoo, and grooming routine that would keep them cozy all year round.
How to Learn How to Groom Dogs: The Basics of Dog Grooming
Brushing
The dog must be brushed at least once a week. It sheds loose fur and mats, helps distribute natural oils, and keeps the coat shiny and the skin moist.
In long and curly coats, you can spray the hair with a detangling spray or conditioner and then brush it to minimize the breakage.
Attempt to brush along the hair growth line with a light and gentle force, and not excessively vigorously.
Frequent brushing can help to maintain the coat in good order, as well as to keep things in circulation, maintain the natural immune system, and allow one the opportunity to check on ticks, burrs, or any suspicious lumps.
Bathing
Usually, it is suggested to bathe your dog every two or three months; however, you can bathe your dog weekly or monthly if needed. This is truly dependent on the type of breed that you have and their living conditions.
Using lukewarm water is advised, and also try to use a dog-specific shampoo that corresponds with the type of coat your furry friend has.
People often use their own shampoo, thinking that it will clean the dog well, but it actually harms the dog since their skin is not built to deal with human products.
Using human-based products on dogs will disrupt the pH of the skin, resulting in further dryness and irritation.
Do not bathe your dog too much, as it will strip off their protective oils. At the same time, do not leave it too long, since the accumulation of dirt and dead skin may cause severe infections and itching.
Once you have bathed the dog, be sure to towel-dry the dog or dry the dog with a pet-safe dryer on a low setting without going dry, since this may cause fungal problems, particularly between the toes and under the legs.
Ear Cleaning
The ears of dogs entrap moisture, dirt, and wax. Cleaning them after every month will help in preventing ear infections and hearing loss, and just washing them in water is not sufficient.
Since water is not sufficient to soften the wax, you will have to clean it with a natural saline ear solution and a cotton pad, but not cotton swabs, as they only serve to destroy the ear canal. But when the ear smells funny, is red, or presents signs of discharge, then it is time to see a vet.
Nail Clipping
Cracking, discomfort, and posture problems can be avoided by keeping the nails of your dog trim and clean. Long growth of nails may cause pain or even injuries.
Attempt to cut off the end of each nail, and never cut too near the quick since the pink part has nerves and blood vessels. In case you are scared, you can request a professional groomer to show how it should be done.
Coat Trimming
It may seem counterintuitive, but not all breeds require a haircut, although the frequent cuts of four to six weeks can do a lot of good for a long-haired or curly-haired dog.
The trimming is used to avoid mats and make the coat manageable. A professional groomer should also be consulted because they have a good idea about the various types of coats and how to approach a wiggly or nervous dog safely.