Dog grooming can be very expensive if you visit a pet grooming salon. However, you must not compromise your pet’s hygiene and overall physiological and psychological health by ignoring its need to be well-groomed. Just like people, they also need some pampering and grooming every now and then so that they look and feel better.
Fortunately, you don’t need to spend a lot of money on dog grooming. There are various ways in which you can take care of your pet by yourself in your own home. All you have to do is purchase some grooming tools and supplies and follow these tips on how to properly groom your pet.
The first thing you have to consider is your dog’s coat. You don’t want your pet to develop problems with fleas and other pests so you must always clean and maintain your pet’s hair. One very essential pet supply is the soft-bristled brush. You have to make sure that you brush your dog’s coat every day to prevent it from becoming tangled. Regular brushing will also make the coat shiny because it stimulates and spreads the natural oils found in the coat. It prevents shedding because it removes dead and dying hair.
As well, you need to have your dog’s coat trimmed every month or two, depending on the breed. If you want to do this on your own, you need to have clippers or trimmers, scissors, a brush or a comb, a blow dryer, and towels.
Next, when it comes to bathing your dog, you need to get a good dog shampoo and soap, towels, comb, and brush. Before the bath, brush your dog’s coat so that it doesn’t become tangled when it gets wet. You have to bathe the dog every month (for dogs with long hair) or every two months (for short-haired dogs) or whenever the dog needs it (e.g. when it has rolled over in the mud or something smelly). Regular bathing will prevent your dog from getting fleas and other skin diseases. It also keeps the dog smelling nice and feeling clean.
Dog grooming also involves nail clipping. Your dog’s nails grow just like yours and longer nails can do a lot of damage to your home. They might also break off, which would be painful for your pet. Therefore, you must cut your dog’s nails about once a month. This isn’t like clipping your own nails because a dog’s nails are shaped differently and are much thicker. You’ll need to use a dog nail trimmer. You should also have some blood-clotting powder handy if the need arises.
Twice a month, check your dog’s ears for fleas and infections. Then clean them using cotton balls, warm water, and mineral oil.
Finally, not only people have to brush their teeth. Your dog can also develop cavities and other diseases of the mouth, teeth, and gums. You need pet toothpaste and a toothbrush to clean the mouth twice a week.