Since dogs cannot groom themselves, it’s our responsibility to help them stay clean. Dog grooming typically involves several steps like bathing, drying, and brushing their fur. But it’s not just about giving your pup a complete head-to-toe bath; it can be work too if they have thick high-maintenance coats or long hair. There are a few ways to groom your dog, including at home, at pet clinics or salons by professional dog groomers, or with a do-it-yourself kit. A do-it-yourself dog grooming kit may be a good choice if your dog is not skittish and you’re comfortable using these types of products. When done at home, the process will likely take longer than when it’s done by a professional groomer; but then, you can do it as often as you need. On the downside, it can be time-consuming, and you may find it difficult to do a good job on some aspects of your grooming routine. If you decide to do it at home, here are some pointers that may help:
- Do Use dog-friendly products only
Human products can be really harmful to your dog. Always use products that are tested and proven to be safe for animal use. For instance, don’t use human soap or shampoo when giving your dog a bath as some chemicals in your shampoo can cause irritation to your dog. That is also the reason why it’s always advisable to use products that are specially made for dogs.
- Do Make sure your dog is comfortable
Before you start any grooming routine, make sure your pet is relaxed and ready. It will be hard to groom your dog when he is not calm.
- Do Prepare everything that you need
To make sure you do the grooming properly, make sure you got the right tools for the job. Research everything that you need and have them all ready and stored properly in one place to avoid confusing them with other human products.
- Do Make grooming stress-free for your dog
Try to make bath and grooming fun for you and your pet. As much as possible, avoid stressing your pet out so he will not dread doing it repeatedly. Try to make it pain-free as well so that your dog will continue to trust you every time you groom him.
- Do seek a professional groomer’s help when needed
It’s okay to ask for help if do-it-yourself grooming doesn’t work for you and your pooch. If you are having trouble doing any part of your dog’s grooming routine, remember to go to the experts who know exactly what to do. It will not only make your life easier, it will ensure that your four-legged pal is groomed properly and hassle-free.
- Do Not force your dog
You will need a lot of patience in almost everything you do with your dog. Take your time and never use force and punishment while grooming your pet. This might cause trauma to your four-legged friend and it will be harder to groom them from then on.
- Do Not self-medicate
If you notice any problems with your dog, do not hesitate to consult a vet. We can try and do a lot of things at home but it is always safe and best to consult the experts when it comes to health. If you are looking for a professional dog grooming service, Cedar Pet Supply can schedule your dog’s next grooming appointment!
