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4 Effective Tips to Get DIY Dog Grooming Right

A well-groomed Dog not only looks great, but is also healthy, strong and happy. This is the reason why the majority of dog parents give a lot of importance to grooming and consider it best left in the hands of a professional dog groomer. But, it is also perfectly possible to have your dog groomed at home.

DIY dog grooming need not be unnerving. In fact, it is a fabulous opportunity to strengthen the bond you share with your pooch, and build trust and openness in your relationship. There are plenty of fabulous dog grooming professionals in Tampa who may even give you a free consultation on what works best for your dog.

Because all dogs are different, no two dogs will have similar grooming requirements. You will have to take into consideration any health issue your dog may be having and consult the vet before deciding on the best grooming routine for your furry friend.

Here are a few things you should know to get your DIY dog grooming act together for your dog to look gorgeous and stay healthy.

(1) Coat Maintenance Is Key

A lovely, shiny and healthy coat proves that your dog is being well taken care of. Healthy hair also means that he enjoys nutritious dog food and treats, and that his allergies and other conditions are under check.

Most dogs are not averse to having their hair brushed. In fact, if they are trained appropriately since puppyhood, dogs enjoy being brushed by their human parents. They recognize that you have a right and are in a position to groom them.

The brushing requirements of your dog vary according to the length and thickness of his hair. Long-haired dogs have to be brushed daily in order to prevent matting and tangling. Typically, they need more frequent brushing and bathing because the coat attracts debris, odors and ticks easier than other breeds.

The season also has a say in this matter. During mild winters, for example, it is recommended that you brush at least twice a day to prevent matting. This kind of weather is prevalent in Tampa. Since it is not too cold, other problems like dirt accumulation and tangling are less of a problem in Tampa pooches.

Medium-haired dogs do fine with weekly brushing because they have less chances of tangling. Short-haired dogs require lesser brushing with even a couple of times in a month sufficing.

(2) Bathe Your Dog Right


Bath time is not all fun and frolic for mutts as it is made out to be in movies and TV ads. It can get tiresome if your dog is irritated, insecure or terrified. So right from the first time you bathe your pup, focus on making it a positive experience for him. Consult a local professional if you’re unsure about this. If you live in Tampa, for instance, you can also take your dog to a dog suite South Tampa to see how a professional gives your dog the best bath experience.

It is possible to bathe your dog in a walk-in shower, regular bath tub, a specialized raised tub, kitchen sink, or a laundry room. Your dog will be comfortable wherever you give him a shower, provided you are doing it right.

If you are bathing your dog in a tub, remember to place a bath towel or a mat on the floor of the tub so that your dog will have something to grip on to and feel sure of his stability with suds and water all around him.

Lather him with a suitable dog shampoo and ensure that no water gets into his ears. Also, do not shampoo his head because there are chances of soapy water getting into the eyes. Wash neck to toe carefully and clean thoroughly. Remove all residues of soap and shampoo to avoid skin irritation and allergies in your dog. Soap residue will also act like dirt magnet and cause tangling of hair.

If you are washing the head and face, tilt the chin slightly back to ensure water runs off backward and over the neck. Gently wring out the water and wrap him in a towel after the bath.

Do not blow-dry if your dog seems anxious or nervous. Use a towel to ensure that the coat is dry and your pooch isn’t cold.

(3) Trim Nails


If the nails are not trimmed right or if they are cut too short, they will be painful for your dog. If you are scared of getting it wrong, you can speak to your vet to learn the safest method to trim your dog’s nails.

Long and untrimmed nails can curl under the toes and cause sores and infections in foot pads. They may also get entangled in carpets/rugs and get damaged. So trimming is a necessity and you need to pick up skills for accomplishing it.

The nail consists of a hard outer shell and a pink and soft cuticle at the centre towards the base of the nail. Do not cut the cuticle. You should only cut the lighter nail tip. The nail should be trimmed at a distance of at least 2-3 millimeters from the cuticle.

Most dogs only need monthly trims, but if your dog’s nails grow at a faster rate or if he is indoors most of the time, more frequent trims will be needed.

(4) Ear Care Should Be Timely

A vast majority of dogs suffer from ear infections and all dogs are vulnerable to related health issues.

Your pooch’s ears are home to a large number of bacteria. If you do not keep a watchful eye, wax, fleas, ticks, seeds and other debris will build up, and cause painful infection.

Check your dog’s ears regularly. If there is less wax formation, weekly cleanings will be all that your furry friend requires. If there is plenty of wax being formed every day, daily cleanings are called for.

Use an ear cleaner prescribed by your vet. Spray it on a cotton ball or gauze. Use this cotton ball to thoroughly wipe the inside of your dog’s ears, and reach as far within as you possibly can. But, do not push the cotton ball deep into the ear canal because that may damage or rupture the eardrum. Continue swabbing with fresh cleaner-soaked cotton balls until they come clean and there is no debris left. Take as many cotton balls as necessary to continue swabbing until you wind up with a clean cotton ball.

The outer flappy part of the ear is called pinna. Once you are done with cleaning inside the ear, clean and disinfect the pinna with the cleaner.

Conclusion

It is the responsibility of every dog parent to ensure that his/her dog looks and feels his/her best. In addition to timely medical checkups and preventive care, good grooming is also essential to ensure the physical and mental wellbeing of your pooch. Once you are sure of the basics of grooming, regular DIY care will be easy and enjoyable for you as well as your canine friend.



This post first appeared on Lovemypets.com Blog, Pets Blog, Pet Articles, please read the originial post: here

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4 Effective Tips to Get DIY Dog Grooming Right

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