Grooming Basics for Dogs
The grooming needs of your dog will be largely determined by its breed and lifestyle. Dogs who spend a lot of time outside or have very long or thick coats will require more grooming than dogs with short hair or who spend most of their time indoors. Having said that, all dogs require basic grooming on a regular basis to keep them looking and feeling their best.
Starting a regular grooming routine while your pet is young is key to making grooming calm and enjoyable activity for you and your dog.
Bathing
Bathing your dog on a regular basis will help to remove dirt and debris from his coat and keep him smelling fresh. To clean your dog's fur, bathe him in warm (not hot) water and use a specially formulated dog shampoo. Human shampoo should never be used on your dog because human formulations can cause dry and irritated skin. Rinse your dog thoroughly to ensure that all shampoo is removed. Use a dog-specific detangling conditioner to make brushing easier if your dog has very long or difficult fur.
Short-haired dogs may not need to be bathed more than once every 3 months, however, dogs with longer fur, or very active outdoor lifestyles, may benefit from a monthly plunge. If you're unsure of how often you should bathe your dog, once a month is a good rule of thumb.
Brushing
Many dogs enjoy having their coats brushed. Brushing your dog on a regular basis helps to prevent matting, removes old hair from the coat, and may help to prevent skin irritation. Weekly brushing also allows you to monitor your dog's skin and coat health and may reduce the amount of loose fur in your home.
For most dogs, weekly brushing is ideal, although some breeds such as Portuguese Water Dogs or Bichon Frise will need to be brushed more frequently to keep their coat looking great.
Nail Trimming
All dog breeds require nail trimming. To trim your dog's nails, use nail clippers made specifically for dogs. Rotary nail trimmers are preferred by some dogs, but they are more time consuming to use.
If you are nervous about cutting your dog's nails, or if your dog won't tolerate you trimming their nails, make an appointment with a professional groomer. A trained groomer can get your dog's nails trimmed quickly and calmly so you won't have to worry.
Haircuts
Different breeds have very different requirements when it comes to haircuts. Speak to your Murfreesboro vet to find out how often your dog should have a haircut.
To begin giving your dog a haircut, first bathe and towel-dry him. Then, using a sharp pair of scissors, trim the fur around your pet's face and feet. Finally, trim the rest of your dog's fur with electric clippers.
Professional groomers have all the tools to make haircuts for your dog quick and easy. If you'd like to leave your dog's haircut to the professionals, contact us for more information.