Dog grooming is a delicate act that should be approached with all consciousness. Mishandling during grooming has led to thousands of dog injuries and death. To prevent this, pet parents must know the important do’s and don’ts of the process. If you’re an intending dog parent looking to learn as much as possible before getting one, check out the Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog Puppies for sale.
Grooming your dog the right way guarantees the best results. So, before getting started, here are all the important best practices to keep in mind.
Do’s
Groom Your Dog Regularly
Navigating day-to-day stress can be tiring. However, you should never skip a grooming day for your pet. It’s the same as having long hair and waiting for months before combing and washing it.
Skipping grooming days or schedules can force the hair into painful mats. It can also lead to skin problems that may go unnoticed for the longest time. Pet parents with hairy dog breeds like the Pomeranians and tzus should ensure they are brushed often.
The grooming routine should also cover all the important hygienic practices, from trimming the nails to brushing the hair and trimming longer strands. Doing this helps create a comfortable experience for your dog, ultimately improving their health and mood.
Be Patient When Grooming
Dogs are playful and may take every opportunity to show you how much of a prized possession you are to them. They may often be playful during the grooming process, an act that can frustrate your efforts. On the other hand, dogs can also sense your stress and frustration, dampening their mood.
Patience is key when grooming your dog. Ensure that you’re calm and relaxed throughout the exercise. You can also set aside some play time during the grooming session to wear your pet’s energy down while getting the best results.
It is also important to pay attention to how your dog reacts during grooming. They may be injured, or the process may be painful if they flinch.
For the best result, try grooming your dog weekly to get them into the routine.
Groom in a Safe and Well-Lit Environment
Grooming involves clippers, scissors, and other sharp tools that can harm your dog. Ideally, grooming should be done during the daytime when there’s plenty of natural light. You should also groom in familiar areas where your dog feels safe and calm.
Grooming your dog in strange areas they aren’t familiar with can make them jumpy and apprehensive. This can also increase the chances of injuries.
Use Appropriate Grooming Equipment
The best grooming experience is one that combines experience with the right tools. So, before grooming your pet, ensure you have the right dog grooming brush and nail trimmers. You can ask your veterinarian for recommendations or look online for dog scissors, trimmers, clippers, and other essential grooming equipment.
Pay Extra Attention to Long-Haired or Double-Coated Breeds
Long-haired or double-coated dog breeds are high-maintenance breeds that need more attention than short-haired breeds. It is important to groom these breeds regularly to prevent matting and skin problems.
You may also need professional help to ensure you aren’t taking off too much hair during grooming. Taking out too much hair can affect your dog’s health and how they interact with the environment.
Don’ts
Don’t Rush
Rushing through the grooming process can be dangerous for you and your pet. It is recommended that you find time to go through the process while creating enough play time, in between, for your pet. If you must rush, don’t do it.
Don’t Grip the Fur For Restraint
Similar to human skin, your dog’s skin is also sensitive. Gripping the fur can pull the hair or discomfort your dog. Ensure that you’ve taken active steps to restrain your pet during the grooming process without hurting it.
Don’t Cut Nails Too Short
The goal of grooming is to help your dog maintain a safe appearance. Cutting the nail too short can be counterproductive, especially as your dog needs the nails for other activities. Ensure to read the proper nail length guide to keep you on track.
Don’t Bathe Your Dog Too Often
Bathing your dog to keep it clean and healthy is recommended. However, bathing too often can strip their skin and fur of natural oils that help regulate temperature. You should also avoid using scented shampoos, as this could irritate the skin and cause skin problems.
Don’t Overwhelm Yourself and Your Dog
Getting your pet to look pretty and clean can push you to take on more tasks than you can finish at a go. This doesn’t only affect you but also overwhelms your dog. You are better off planning the grooming process and taking the tasks one after the other.
