Dog Grooming At Home

In this article: [ Groom your dog before bathing, Dog Grooming At Home, Give your dog a bath, trim your dog’s coat ]

Regular grooming keeps your dog clean and healthy. Many people prefer to hire a professional groomer because they can make a dog look great with their expertise. However, if there isn’t one in your area or you just want to save money, you can do some basic grooming for your dog at home.

Table of Contents

Dog Grooming At Home

Grooming a dog takes work. His toilet includes brushing, mowing, and shampooing. However, going to a grooming salon or training as a groomer is not always necessary. It is quite possible to groom your dog yourself without experience. In order to achieve this, you need to know some basic rules and have the right habits.

Here we have described the 4 best steps that how to groom your dog at home.

So let’s start –

Part 1- How to Groom Your Dog Before a Bath 

1. Gather your dog grooming supplies:-

Dog Grooming At Home

You don’t have to look for tools when you start grooming. Make sure you have everything you need in one place before you start. See the “Required Items” section at the end of this article to find out what materials you will need.

Essentials Every Dog Grooming Kit Should Have
  1. Nail Trimmers. …
  2. Hair Clippers. …
  3. Dog Shampoo, Not People Shampoo. …
  4. Combs and Brushes. …
  5. Scissors.

2. Start by brushing your dog:-

Brushing your friend’s coat every day or once in a while will prevent tangles from forming. A thorough brushing should always be the first step in grooming, as tangles will be difficult to manage once they get wet. Start at the neck and work your way down the body. Pay attention to the level of the belly: it is a sensitive area. Don’t forget to brush the tail.

  • When combing it, if you find a knot, use a brush and try to untie it. However, be careful not to irritate your pooch’s skin by brushing it too long in the same place. Check that the skin is not red under his hair.
  • You can brush short-haired dogs with something as simple as a round brush or gloves.
  • Brush dogs with medium or long hair with more specialized tools such as a curry comb, needle brush, or carder.
  • Whichever tool you use, it should remove dead hair and distribute oil from the skin throughout the coat.

3. Praise him as you brush him :-

Reward calm behavior to encourage it. You may need to include a treat to further reward him.

4. Let him take breaks when he needs to :-

It should not be messed up, as any mismatch could complicate grooming in the future. Make it fun by letting him take breaks from time to time, praising him, petting him, and even playing with him a little.

  • This is especially important with a puppy that you can train to tolerate as much handling from an early age.

5.Cut any knots you can’t untangle:-

Large knots can pull on the skin every time your dog moves and make daily life painful. If you can’t untangle one, you should either cut it off or shave it, depending on how close it is to the skin. Be extremely careful when using scissors to avoid injury to yourself and your dog.

  • If you think it will be difficult to remove a knot safely without hurting your dog, take him to a professional groomer.
  • Sometimes the knots are so tight and close to the skin that a bacterial infection can appear under the knot. If you suspect an infection, take your dog to the vet as soon as possible.
  • The visible symptoms of a bacterial infection are redness and wetness, as well as the secretion of pus in more advanced cases  . Your dog might scratch or chew on the area, as it will itch him.

6. Clean his eyes :-

Dog Grooming At Home

Breeds with white coats or those with large eyes that wet a lot (Pekingese, Pug, etc.) may need more maintenance than others. Depending on your breed, this step may just be a matter of wiping and quickly cleaning the corner of your eyes. Long-haired or white-haired dogs need extra attention to make sure their coats are free of dirt, as tears can form. You can buy products that remove them from a pet store.

  • A healthy eye should be clean and show no signs of irritation or unusual discharge.
  • Do not attempt to trim the hair near the eyes alone, as you may injure your dog. Ask your veterinarian or groomer to do this for you.

rub it too vigorously, as this can cause sores. Don’t go too far into the ear either.

  • Bring whatever solution you use to your dog’s body temperature before putting it in his ear. Put her in a bath at body temperature like you would a baby product.
  • When you are done wiping the ears with a damp cotton or cloth, pat them dry with a dry cotton or cloth.
  • Praise your dog! The ears are a sensitive part of the body and he will probably need comforting.

7. Contact your veterinarian if there are ear problems.

 Your dog will need to be seen by a doctor if his ears appear red, swollen, dark, or black. Any secretions, sores, or bad odors should also be called to the veterinarian.

  • Excessive secretions, inflammation, or odor are signs of an ear infection that needs to be treated.

8. Brush his teeth:-

Dog Grooming At Home
Dog Grooming At Home

Ideally, brushing your dog’s teeth with toothpaste is the way to go for healthy gums and teeth. Use dog toothpaste instead of human products so you don’t poison yours with fluoride. If there is the slightest chance that he will bite you, do NOT attempt to brush his teeth. At any time, if he feels confused, give him a break to calm down.

  • Start by putting a small amount of dog toothpaste on your finger and smearing it on his teeth for a few seconds. Reward him for his cooperation.
  • When he lets you rub his mouth with your fingers for 20-30 seconds, you can switch to gauze or a pet store toothbrush.
  • Whatever you use, put your dog at ease and show him that the experience can be enjoyable without being stressful.

09. If necessary, use a veterinary cleaning:-

 If your dog has a fairly substantial build-up of tartar and dental plaque, simple brushing with a toothbrush will not be enough. As with humans, your dog needs professional cleaning.

  • See if he has red gums or if there is brown matter on his teeth: this is a sign that homemade brushing will be painful. Do not attempt to brush his teeth until he has seen a vet.

10. Cut his claws :-

 If they are not cut, they can turn under the pads or twist the toes and thus damage the joints. To keep your dog’s hair short, trim it regularly depending on how fast it grows. If you can hear them when he walks, they’re touching the ground and they’re too long 

  • Cut off a very small piece of claw (1.5 mm) with a dog nail clipper. Human nail clippers are suitable for very young puppies or small dogs.
  • If your dog’s claws are transparent, you will be able to see the pink part where the blood vessels are. Avoid cutting it by cutting only the transparent and hard part of the claw.
  • Be especially careful with dogs that have dark nails, don’t cut too far so you don’t get to the blood vessels (the pink part), go slowly, cutting little by little. A Dremel (multi-purpose DIY tool) is very effective and easy to use, it avoids touching the blood vessels and allows you to remove nails very gradually. It is best to use a cordless Dremel, otherwise, the cable often gets caught in the hair. Don’t do it too long because it will burn the nail and prolonged use will stress your companion. The ideal is to cut a little and then use the Dremel to round off the cut.
  • If your dog has dark claws, be careful not to cut the blood vessels. Go slowly and cut off bit by bit.
  • If you cut too much and hit a blood vessel, apply styptic powder or cornstarch, pressing down lightly to stop the bleeding.

READ THIS:-

Part 2- Give your dog a bath

Dog Grooming At Home
Dog Grooming At Home

1. Gather your materials:-

 You don’t have to run around looking for the products while your dog is wet in the tub. So put everything you’ll need in one place before you start. You should also make sure to put on clothes that you can get dirty because you will get wet. Here’s the bare minimum you’ll need  :

  • dog shampoo,
  • sweets,
  • several towels,
  • a towel on the edge of the tub to prevent water from splashing outside of the tub. The other towels will be used to dry your dog.

2. Put a non-slip surface on the bottom of the tub:-

You know from experience that a bathtub can be slippery when full of soap. To prevent your dog from slipping, put a towel or a non-slip mat on it.

3. Fill the tub with lukewarm water:-

Hot water can damage your dog’s skin, especially if he is short-haired. Avoid running the water while he’s in the tub, as this may stress him unnecessarily. You could desensitize him to the sound of running water with the help of his favorite treats. 

Always go slowly to avoid confusing him and making things more difficult for both of you. If you have a tub, but no shower, go outside and use a garden hose, as putting it in the tub or pouring water on its fur will not remove shampoo properly, which can cause infection. and dry out his skin. This is also valid for short-haired dogs like pit bulls, you should not use a spray of

  • Read the shampoo’s instructions, as some have specific instructions. If there is none, do not dilute it or the cleaning will not be effective. Some shampoos are only intended for the treatment of fleas and ticks, they are not used for prevention, so do not use them when your dog does not have fleas or ticks.

4. Secure your dog in the tub :-

Some dogs like to run away from the bath. If yours is, buy a dog leash that attaches to the shower wall with a suction cup. You can buy it at a pet store.

  • Replace his usual leash with a leash that won’t stain his coat or that won’t be damaged by water. A choke collar can help you hold it in place, but your dog can choke, so it’s best to hold it in place yourself with your hands.

5. Wet it completely:-

Make sure his coat is completely wet before applying shampoo. If he is not afraid, you can buy and use a hose and a shower head attached to the tap. This is very useful if you have a large dog or a dog that has a double coat. On the other hand, if he is afraid of running water, use a glass or a bucket to pour the water on him.

6 Wash it :-

Start at the neck and work your way down to the bottom and hind legs, using your fingers to distribute the shampoo and work it into the skin. At first, avoid his head (you’ll deal with that later) and don’t use soap around the ears and eyes. Instead, use a damp towel or washcloth to clean the head.

  • When you’ve shampooed, rubbing a rubber brush over his coat will help distribute it and allow the shampoo to penetrate better, but don’t do this too long.
  • Shampoos can be easier to apply and rinse out if diluted.

7.Rinse it off completely:-

 As long as you see dirt or soap bubbles in the water, keep rinsing. You can use the same method as when you wet his coat before shampooing. Remember not to run the water if he is afraid of noise. Simply pour water over him with glass to remove the shampoo from his coat.

8. Dry it :-

Use a dry towel to get him as dry as possible while he’s in the tub so you don’t get anything dirty. Put the towel on his back and let him shake himself to remove the water from his body. Many dogs will learn “bath rules” and wait until you have wrapped them in a towel before shaking themselves off. If yours is short-haired or if you prefer to let their coat dry naturally, you’re done.

  • If you have a double-coated or long-haired dog, you may need to use a hair dryer.

9. Use a hair dryer if necessary:-

 If the towel isn’t enough, using a hairdryer may do the trick without overheating or drying out your dog. If he has particularly long hair, you probably need to dry his coat while brushing him.

  • Make sure the hairdryer is on the minimum setting!  It may take longer than usual, but it’s worth it because her hair and skin will be less likely to dry out.
  • If he’s afraid of the sound or feel of the hairdryer, don’t force him.  Towel dry it and let it air dry in a place it won’t get dirty, like a laundry room.

Part 3- Trim your dog’s coat

Dog Grooming At Home
Dog Grooming At Home

1. See if you need to trim his coat:-

 Many breeds have short coats and do not need to be trimmed regularly. However, if you have a hairier dog, this may need to be done to keep it healthy. Cockers, Spaniels, Sheepdogs, Poodles, Collies, Shih Tzus, Pekingese, and Chowchows especially need someone to care for their coat 

2.Trim the coat when dry.

 If you’re planning on trimming a dog’s coat, be sure to read the instructions that come with the scissors. Educate yourself by reading books, watching videos, or talking to a groomer about how to properly use your scissors. Make sure their blades are sharp and well lubricated.

  • Before trimming, you need to have an idea of ​​how you want your dog to look. Read, ask questions, and watch videos to get an idea of ​​how to do this. Then you can start.

3.Handle your dog gently :-

He shouldn’t move all over the place, so tie him up with a leash. You can put a hand under his belly to encourage him to stay put instead of running away.

4. Use dog grooming scissors. 

Spending a little money on a good pair of grooming scissors is worth it. It’s a small investment that will pay off in the long run, since you won’t have to hire a professional groomer.

  • Be sure to use the correct grooming blades for the length of coat you want to have.
  • Normal scissors won’t give you a nice, even coat and they could hurt your dog if he makes any sudden movements.

5. Trim the hairs methodically 

 You can place the trimmer on his body without danger, but without pressing too much on his skin. Always brush against the direction of hair growth before mowing in the direction of hair growth. By going against the grain, you will cut shorter than the blade setting suggests. 

  • If you mow against the grain, the mower will cut 2 notches shorter than the setting used. For example, if you cut in position 4 against the grain, compared with the result obtained by cutting in the direction of the hair in position 7.
  • Move the clipper slowly, but with a steady hand, going too fast will leave uneven lines. Go in the direction of the hair, unless you want to cut it very short. Start at the neck and down to the shoulders, go behind the ears, down to the chin, throat, and chest. 
  • do not use a high setting (like 7) around the throat, or places like the Achilles tendons, anus, towards the genital area, under the legs, where hair could get caught between the teeth of the trimmer and pull them instead of cutting them. 
  • Then trim the back and sides, then the legs. Be careful mowing on its neck, as you can cut it. Never mow in a straight line, do it at an angle that lets you see what you’re doing and doesn’t cut into the folds of your friend’s skin. Be careful mowing on its neck, as you can cut it. 
  • Never mow in a straight line, do it at an angle that lets you see what you’re doing and doesn’t cut into the folds of your friend’s skin. Be careful mowing on its neck, as you can cut it. 
  • Never mow in a straight line, do it at an angle that lets you see what you’re doing and doesn’t cut into the folds of your friend’s skin.

6. Be careful around the anus:-

The anus may be prominent, like a pimple, and you may cut the skin accidentally, you should anticipate this problem. Do not run the trimmer over the anus itself, only around and at the base of the tail holding the trimmer like a pen.

  • Be careful when mowing around the tail, legs and head. These areas are very sensitive and your dog could cut himself with a sudden movement.
  • Regularly check that the blades of the mower do not overheat so as not to hurt your companion. If they heat up, stop and start again later 

7. Reward your pooch:-

Not moving can be difficult! If he seems overwhelmed by so much manipulation, give him a break from time to time. Praise him throughout the process and give him a treat during breaks. Don’t play with it, otherwise, it will get dirty.

8. Be patient:-

You may need to go over his coat several times before you get an even cut. Do not rush! Let him take as many breaks as possible and be sure to cut slowly.

Advice :-

  • See what regular care needs to be given to your dog’s coat depending on its breed or coat type. There may be specific recommendations you need to follow depending on the breed to keep it clean. For example, to take care of that of a komondor, it is absolutely necessary to separate the strings that are formed.
  • If you must blow-dry your dog, consider getting a professional-grade one. Double-coated dogs like the Bernese Mountain Dog can take so long to dry with a human hair dryer that they may end up getting burned. For smaller dogs, consider purchasing a dog hand dryer to eliminate or minimize the risk of burns.
  • You will probably need to tweeze your ear hair from time to time. Ask a veterinarian or professional groomer to show you how to do it safely and correctly. Ear powders make the process easier and faster by giving them more stickiness.
  • If you don’t have time to bathe your dog, you still need to groom him to keep him clean and healthy. Consider paying a professional groomer to groom your dog when you can’t.
  • A grooming table and an elevated tub will make it less taxing on your back. An old table or a well-fixed board will do the trick, but put some non-slip on it to ensure your dog has a good balance. This means that the table should not have wheels. Generally, DIY stores sell this kind of material by the meter.
  • Use a small amount of dog conditioner. In the best of cases, avoid using it: it can make his coat look greasy.
  • If you don’t want to buy expensive grooming equipment, you can also visit a self-service grooming salon. All the equipment is at your disposal, it costs less than a professional groomer and you won’t have to clean anything afterward!

Warnings:-

  • See a veterinarian to see if your dog has any skin issues.
  • Avoid getting shampoo in your dog’s eyes. It can really hurt him. Put some shampoo in your hands and massage his coat instead of putting it directly on his hair. Also, pay attention to his eyes when rinsing him and gently pinch his ears to prevent water from entering them. You can put cotton balls in his ears to keep water out. Be sure to remove them when you’re done.
  • Don’t bathe him too often. Once every two weeks is enough. The services of a professional are recommended every 4 to 6 weeks. If you bathe your dog too often, you will dry out his skin and strip away naturally occurring oils. Spray dry shampoos are an ideal solution to quickly clean the legs and behind. Apply dry shampoo and scrub with a damp sponge. Use a mild oatmeal shampoo designed for dogs. If yours has skin problems, your vet might prescribe a medical shampoo.
  • Withdrawing its hind leg when it is lifted is a dog reflex. Avoid lifting the paw to the side, as this is uncomfortable for most dogs. Take it and gently push it forward or backward. Do not get angry and do not punish your dog: you will have to deal with it and congratulate it when it is quiet. If you have a large dog, it is possible to clip his nails without having to lift his paw.
  • Never put water in your dog’s ears, it can really hurt him. If this should happen by accident, take a cotton ball or a compress (not a cotton swab, as it might stick in too much) and gently dry the inside of the ear. If you notice your dog constantly scratching his ear after bathing, take him to your veterinarian.
  • Never use human toothpaste to brush your dog’s teeth. He will swallow it and it will make him sick. Use only toothpaste for veterinary use.
  • Do not use shampoo for humans, the formula is not suitable for them. These shampoos will dry out your dog’s skin.
  • If touching certain parts of your dog’s body bothers you, you will have to take it upon yourself. If you want to wash your dog, you will have to do it completely. If he has ticks and fleas, the water will probably drown them. Once they are dead, be sure to rinse your dog thoroughly to keep them away for good. Avoid getting hot water or medical shampoo on their genitals: their skin is much more sensitive to them than ours.

FAQ

How do you groom a dog for beginners?

If you are beginners you can simply do a few things . these three things are more than enough.
1. Cut your dog nails
2. Give him a bath
3. Brushim well

How do you cut a dog’s hair with scissors?

The first thing everyone is not perfect so they can easily trim dog hair. If you don’t have any idea how to cut your dog’s hair or trim kindly take him to a pet care salon and then learn how to cut.

How long should you spend brushing your dog?

Try to brushing your dog atleast 30 second each side That would be enough .

Is it OK to brush a wet dog?

Its not recommnded to brush your dog while he or she is wet because brushing on the wet coat will make mats worse and more difficult to remove

How often should I clean my dog’s ears?

As per vet recommeded once in month we should clean dog’s ears .

Should dogs be bathed in warm or cold water?

First thing which dog owner might don’t know that dog bath water should be lukewarm .

Is it good to shower your dog everyday?

The answer is ”BIG NO” .Pet are not humane because their skin not reqire bath everyday .If you will try to bath them daily it might creat a big problem for their skin .
As per vet recommendation Pet should be bath once in a week .

Can I use human conditioner on my dog?

Its a very bad idea because dog skin is different than human skin . human conditioner might creat a allergy to your dog or your dog might suffer with other skin problem like skin rashes ,itching .

How often should I clean my dog’s eyes?

While we are bathing our dog after that its recomndded that we can clean ourdog eyes But remember always bath your dog once in week .

Is it OK to wash your dog once a week?

The answer is Big YES .Even though vet (pet doctor )also suggested that pet should be bath once in a week .

Can you put coconut oil on dogs?

coconut oil is good for their skin or if your dog eat in small amount than that’s not big issue .

Should I brush puppy teeth?

Yes Puppy teeth should be brush everyday before bedtime. there is no harm in that .

Conclusion

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