Dog Grooming Tips For Beginners You Should Not Miss

Dog Grooming Tips For Beginners You Should Not Miss

Grooming your dog is more than just making it look good. It is important to ensure your furry friend’s well-being. A well-groomed dog looks good and lives a long life.
If you are planning to buy a puppy, know that it will need proper grooming for its entire life. You will need to groom your furry friend from the day it enters your life.
Different breeds have different grooming needs. Generally, dogs with long and thick coats need more extensive grooming than those with shorter and thinner coats. Consult a reputed dog breeder in your city for personalized grooming support.
Many breeders also provide dog grooming services. Depending on your furry friend’s requirements, you can take it to these professionals every once in a while. As a pet parent, you will need to look after most of your dog’s grooming needs yourself. If you are a first-time pet parent, here are a few important dog grooming tips you shouldn’t miss:

Focus On The Coat Type

Dogs with different coats need different grooming sessions. Know your dog’s coat type well before grooming it. The length and thickness of your furry friend’s coat will determine its bathing, brushing, and cleaning needs.
Shorthaired breeds like Pugs, Doberman dogs, and Beagles require minimal grooming. It is okay even if you brush their coats once or twice every week. If you have a long-haired breed like a Golden Retriever, Shih Tzu, or a Lhasa Apso, you will need to brush your furry friend’s coat regularly. This helps you avoid complications like matting and tangling.
Breeds with curly/wavy coats like Poodles need regular trimming. Their furs grow like human hair and need similar maintenance.
Finally, if you have a dog with a double coat (German Shepherds, Huskies, etc.), you should focus more on de-shedding. These dogs shed heavily and require heavy maintenance.

Buy The Right Grooming Tools

Getting the right grooming tools does half of your job as a beginner. Consult a trusted dog breeder to find tools that best suit your furry friend.
Irrespective of your dog’s breed, you will need these grooming tools to keep your furry friend clean and healthy: • A slicker brush for de-shedding and detangling • A fine comb to brush your little companion’s face • Nail clippers made for dogs • Dog shampoo and conditioner with the right pH levels • Absorbent and quick-drying towels • Cotton balls with ear-cleaning solutions • Canine toothbrush and toothpaste

Learn The Bathing Basics

Just like humans, dogs need regular baths to stay healthy. While some breeds need to be bathed more often than others, you shouldn’t take this routine for granted.
Always brush your furry friend before bathing it. This removes excess fur and ensures fuss-free bathing. Bathe your dog with lukewarm water and avoid its eyes and ears during the process. Leave no shampoo residue as it may harm your dog’s skin and fur.
If you use a dryer to dry your dog’s coat, avoid high heat to protect your furry friend’s sensitive skin. Never make the mistake of using shampoos or conditioners made for humans on dogs.

Be Gentle With Ear Cleaning

Dog ears are sensitive and need regular care. They easily trap dirt, moisture, and debris. Ignoring your dog’s ears can lead to harmful infections.
You should be gentle while cleaning your furry friend’s ears, especially if it has long and floppy ears. Buy a vet-approved cleaning lotion that suits your dog’s breed.
Start by gently lifting your furry friend’s ears and squeezing the liquid into its ear canal. Slowly massage the base of your dog’s ear to get rid of any dirt or debris.
Use a soft cotton ball (and not a cotton swab) to clean the inside of your furry friend’s ear flaps. Clean your pet’s ears more often if it loves swimming (common for Labradors and Golden Retrievers).

The Final Word

Grooming your dog regularly may seem challenging for beginners. However, all you need is a little bit of discipline and a lot of love for your furry friend! Consult dog breeders and vets to buy the right grooming products for your dog, depending on its breed. Focus on brushing, bathing, and cleaning your furry friend’s ears to keep them clean, healthy, and happy.