Grooming a dog is not as simple as it may sound. There are several steps that go into dog grooming. Proper dog grooming and the benefits of dog grooming is important to know for anyone that is going to own a dog.

Grooming

Step 1: Comb the Dog

Before grooming it is important to comb the dog at least every other day to keep hair from matting. Brush the hair and remove anything that it gets stuck on. Brush the dog starting at the head and go down. Be carefully on the belly since this area is sensitive. Dog brushes will help remove loose hair and help spread the essential oil that a healthy coat needs. Be sure to give the dog plenty of praise while they are being brushed.

Step 2: Remove the Mats

Mats can damage the skin and become painful for the dog. If a mat cannot be brushed out then it needs to be cut off. If it is, get a pair of scissors or a shaver and cut as close to the skin as possible. Be sure to check the skin for any disease or infection.

Step 3: Clean the Eyes

Be careful when cleaning the eyes. Take a soft cloth and wipe the corner of each eye. Do not trim the hair near the eye as this may injure the pet. A healthy eye should be clear so be aware of any problems.

Step 4: Bathing the Dog

Hot water can harm the dog. Make sure to use lukewarm water in the bath. Do not run the water while the dog is in the tub as it may cause them stress. Wet the dog and then apply gentle dog shampoo on the coat. Once the dog is scrubbed take a small bucket or even a large cup and pour water on the dog to wash out the soap. Watch out for the ears and the eyes of the dog as they are sensitive. Make sure all of the shampoo is off the dog.

Step 5: Dry the Dog

Use a soft towel and dry off the dog. Be sure to get their back and allow the dog to shake off as they feel they need to. Many dogs will learn the bathing process after a couple of time and will wait to shake. If the dog has long hair a blow dryer on a low setting can be used to dry them off.

Step 6: Trim the Nails

If the dog’s nails become too long they can cause the dog pain when they walk. Long nails can also damage the joints if they become overgrown. The nails should be properly trimmed as part of the grooming process. There are a number of nail cutters on the market for this. If a person does not feel comfortable trimming the nails they can take the dog to the vet or a professional groomer for this.

 Step 7: Clean the Ears

It is very important to make sure the dog has clean ears. A little bit of wax is normal but it should not have an odour There are some ear cleaning solutions designed specifically for use with dogs that can be purchased at the pet store. Wipe any visible dirt out of the ear and then use the solution to clean the air. Do not push too far into the ear as this can cause pain.

Step 8: Brush the Teeth

It is important to brush the dog’s teeth so they stay healthy and have healthy gums as well. There is special toothpaste that is designed for dogs. A small amount of toothpaste should be placed on the finger and spread on the teeth. Once the dog is used to this use a piece of gauze to clean the teeth, be sure to praise the dog as well. So this can be seen as a positive experience.

 Benefits of Grooming

Grooming the dog has a number of benefits. These benefits include : 

l Healthy Skin: Dog tends to get dirty. Between playing outside and the natural buildup of dander the skin can become dirty. Feces may even get stuck to their coat. Regular grooming will keep the dog clean and healthy.

l Spot Disease: Dogs can get a number of skin conditions. Grooming the dog will make their owner alert to the first sign of disease. If they see anything that looks like irritate skin, redness, or anything swollen the dog should be taken to the vet right away. A person can also find parasites that have infected the dog.

l Reduce Stress: When a person grooms the dog they should massage the skin as well. This will help reduce stressful feelings that the dog may have.

l Allergies Relief: If a dog has allergies proper grooming will reduce their symptoms. It can also help reduce the allergy symptoms for humans as well. This will remove the dander and dead skin cells which may be cause the allergic reaction.

This is a simple guide to learning how to groom a dog. Dog grooming is very important. Proper grooming will keep the dog clean and healthy. The dog will be happy and less stressed as well. Proper dog grooming will also help strength the bond between the dog and their owner.

About The Author:

Mackenzie Grove is the founder of Dogclippersly. She is a pet lover, owner over the last 10 years and worked on a growing pet business for almost 3 years. 

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