Everyone needs a well-deserved spa day, and that includes your paw-some friends! While we all wish to see our dogs look prim and proper, grooming them frequently feels like a daunting task, especially for new pet parents. It is definitely a little overwhelming to cut, trim, bathe, cut nails, and brush the dog all by yourself. This is why you may need some help.
Of course, professional grooming services at a spa work just fine, but with Pawspace’s at-home dog grooming services, you can say goodbye to your worries and rest assured that your dog maintains a high level of hygiene and appearance without even visiting the spa.
Steps to the Ultimate At-Home Spa Experience for Dogs
The following are some valuable guidelines for dog grooming at home. You can consider them to keep your dog in an immaculate groomed condition:
Gathering the Right Tools for the Grooming Session
Most animals, including dogs, aren’t too comfortable with the idea of getting a makeover. You can expect a lot of resistance from them at first. Therefore, the first step to dog grooming at home is to have all the necessary tools handy. Here’s a checklist of the things you’ll need:
- Dog brush
- Ear cleaning liquid
- Cotton balls
- Dog toothbrush
- Dog shampoo and conditioner
- Nail clippers
- Towel and blow dryer
- Rubbing alcohol
… and don’t forget your dog’s favorite toy or treat to distract them!
Brushing that Fur
Matted and knotted fur is most likely to remain the same even after a bath if the coat is not brushed at least 3 to 4 times a week. Brushing keeps your dog’s fur shiny and knot-free. Just be gentle while you do it, starting from the roots and working your way through the lengths of the fur. Cut-off any knots carefully with a pair of scissors.
Cleaning the Eyes
Begin by washing and removing debris from your dog’s eyes. Some dog breeds are prone to tear stains. You can purchase stain removal products if your dog has lasting tear stains.
Note: Healthy eyes are clear in appearance, and you won’t notice any unusual discharge or irritation in them. If you do, make sure you visit the vet.
Cleaning the Ears
The formation of wax in the ears of your dog is entirely natural. It’s only concerning when you start noticing bad odor, swelling, redness, and abnormal growth in and around the ears.
To clean your dog’s ears from the inside, use an ear-cleaning solution and cotton pads. Cleaning your dog’s ears does not require Q tips. They cause more harm than good in most circumstances, so it’s best to avoid them. After wiping your dog’s ear clean with the cotton ball, make sure to dry them with a dry cloth.
Brushing the Teeth
It is a recommended practice to brush your dog’s teeth regularly to prevent dental issues like tooth infection, loose teeth, cracked teeth, and an abscess.
Start by choosing the right toothbrush as per your dog’s breed with bristles that will find their way into the crevices of a dog’s mouth. Keep whitening toothpaste loaded with Xylitol away from your dog!
Put the paste on the brush and start brushing your dog’s teeth slowly and steadily with gentle movements. It’s better to let your dog control the speed and intensity of brushing.
Trimming the Nails
Never let your furry friend’s nails grow longer than they should. Dogs with long nails are more likely to have joint and mobility problems, such as arthritis. Long nails cause a tiny shift in your dog’s posture, increasing joint tension. This could result in inflammation. Also, dirt and bacteria get stuck underneath the nails which can lead to infections. It can also hurt your dog in case they scratch themselves too hard!
Start by cutting one-sixth of an inch of the nail with a sharp nail cutter. Make sure you do not cut too deep. Continue trimming tiny bits of the nail until you reach a pink area at the curve of the nail. This is where you should stop, or you might hit the part of the nail that contains blood vessels, which can lead to bleeding and other issues.
Bathing, Shampooing, and Conditioning
Use lukewarm water to rinse the fur. Then apply the shampoo evenly all over it.
Note: Never apply shampoo to your dog’s ears, eyes, or face. Shampoos are generally too harsh for the sensitive skin on the face. Instead, clean your dog’s face gently using a wet washcloth to wipe off all the dirt and debris.
Rinse out all the shampoo thoroughly and leave it in the conditioner for a few minutes before rinsing it off as well. Dry your dog with a towel and then finally brush him for the ultimate groomed look that you’ve always wanted.
This comprehensive guide to dog grooming at home will help make your pet look wonderful and feel fabulous too! It has a substantially positive impact on their health and overall well-being.
During every grooming session, be patient, calm, and gentle. Make sure to always keep your dog’s comfort and wellness in mind. Whatever you do, ensure dog grooming at home is part of your fortnightly routine.
If you’re looking for professional at-home dog grooming services at an affordable price, check out PawSpace!
