Grooming can be difficult for some pet owners and a fun experience for others. It doesn’t have to be traumatic for you or your dog, but it can be easier if you know what you’re doing. If you choose to handle your dog’s grooming needs at home, these tips will help.

Grooming can be difficult for some pet owners and a fun experience for others. It doesn’t have to be traumatic for you or your dog, but it can be easier if you know what you’re doing. If you choose to handle your dog’s grooming needs at home, these tips will help.

Bathing

If your dog smells like week-old garbage, a bath is more than just a luxury, it’s a downright necessity. Before your bathe your dog, keep a few things in mind.

Use shampoo and conditioner for a smooth silky coat. You can even get hypoallergenic dog shampoo and shampoo for pets with sensitive or dry skin.

• Keep water warm, but not hot.
• Brush your dog’s fur before washing and remove matted fur before he ever gets near water. Wet, matted fur just gets even more matted, so take care of this before washing your pet.

Brushing

Regular brushing of your dog’s fur will help keep their coat clean and prevent matting in long-haired dogs. Dogs with long fur may need to be brushed daily, while short-haired pups can be brushed weekly to remove parasites, loose fur and improve circulation in your pet’s skin.

Remove matted fur with clippers or have a professional groomer remove them. Matted fur can actually inhibit circulation and become extremely painful for your pet, so treat it as soon as you find it.

Nail trimming

Nail trimming can be a nerve-wracking experience for you as well as your dog. Cut the nail too much, and you risk damaging the ‘quick’, resulting in pain and some bleeding for your pet. Go very slowly, remove only a small bit of nail at a time, and use cornstarch to stop the bleeding if you do nick your pooch. If you, or your pet, are just too nervous, consider letting a professional groomer tackle the job.