dog grooming certainly keeps dogs' hair and skin healthy ! Because dog grooming helps the dogs get rid of dead hair, and it also helps expose the skin to the air and sunlight, especially in the spring and summer seasons. Your dog's skin needs attention, and without trimming the hair, scales and dead hairs may accumulate on the skin and thus cause infection.
Why Regular dog grooming is Essential
There are many benefits resulting from the process of dog grooming, and these benefits are as follows:
- dog grooming helps get rid of dead hair and the remains of dust and dirt that are widely found on dogs' hair, which is one of the most important benefits of a dog haircut.
- dog and groom also maintains protection from exposure to any insects, individuals and parasites that exist and spread with great speed within the hair of animals.
- dog and groom helps the body to be exposed to healthy air and sunlight, especially in the summer and spring seasons.
- Protecting it from the accumulation of scales and dead hairs on the skin.
- Protection from all diseases that can cause infection and a lot of damage.
- Protecting dogs from exposure to any fleas.
Basic Grooming Tools Every Dog Owner Should Have
For the process of dog and groom to be successful and to achieve amazing results, you must prepare the following:
- shampoo.
- hair conditioner.
- dryer.
- Shaving machine.
- scissors.
- Small scissors.
- a brush.
- Adhesive tape.
Note; before you start shaving, you should prepare a bath with products suitable for the dog's coat, including conditioner if it has long hair. Also, it is necessary to choose a quiet area for cutting. Many dog hairdressers use a table with an extendable arm in order to comfortably tie the dog to it, and facilitate the drying and shaving process.
Grooming Based on Breed and Coat Type
Before starting dog grooming, you must first determine its hair type. The method of shaving dogs' hair varies from one breed to another, and it includes the following:
1.Normal hair
Normal hair requires the use of electric razors, such as dog hair (westy), and the use of conditioners and oils should be avoided.
2.Curly hair
Luxurious hair is one of the characteristics of the poodle dog. This type of hair requires the use of a special moisturizing shampoo, and scissors can be used to cut it.
3.short hair
Short-haired dogs do not need any trimming, such as Puskers and Pitbulls, except for some areas of the body that have medium-length hair, which can be trimmed using a razor, without using moisturizing products or oils.
4.Long hair
Long-haired breeds require hair treatment, smoothing, and trimming using scissors, which is what distinguishes the Yorkshire, Bichon, and Maltese breeds. It is worth noting that only 4 centimeters of their hair must be cut, because cutting it excessively makes their fur curly.
Step-by-Step Guide to Brushing Your Dog
Below are steps through which we show you the correct ways to care for the fur and skin of your beautiful pet dog and what tools are needed for dog grooming:
1.Combing and brushing:
Combing your dog's fur using a dog fur comb or brush is the foundation of any successful pet care routine, as combing and brushing not only contributes to maintaining your dog's fur in an ideal healthy and aesthetic condition, but also provides an opportunity to communicate with your dog and enhance and strengthen the bond between you.
It is worth noting here that the type of comb and brush that you use in the combing process plays a major role in maintaining the health and safety of your pet dog’s beautiful fur and skin. Therefore, it is very necessary to choose a high-quality brush or comb and to know the appropriate type for your dog’s fur. Below we mention the most important types of brushes. And combs and why they are used for dog grooming:
Soft brush:
This type of brush is suitable for dogs with long, curly or wavy fur, as it facilitates the process of untangling the hair easily and smoothly, which makes the process of caring for your dog’s fur more comfortable for your dog.
Bristle brush:
This type of bristle brush is designed to suit short-haired dog breeds. The bristle brushes distribute natural oils, leaving your dog's fur shiny and healthy.
Pin brushes:
For dogs with long, silky hair, the bobby pin brush gets rid of loose hair, prevents hair tangling, and gives the hair a beautiful and tidy appearance.
Double comb:
The double comb is suitable for dog breeds with thick hair with layers stuck together. This type of comb helps reduce hair loss by removing loose hair stuck to the fur, which also contributes to keeping your home clean.
Fine-toothed comb:
The fine-toothed comb is very ideal for enhancing the process of caring for your pet’s beautiful fur, and it is particularly suitable for caring for your dog’s fur in areas around the ears, palms, and other sensitive places.
Regular combing not only keeps your dog looking good, but it prevents hair tangling and the resulting pain during detangling. Combing also helps distribute natural oils for a healthy fur and gives you the opportunity to check for any unexpected infections or pests such as ticks. And fleas.
2.Bathing to maintain healthy fur and skin:
Clean fur is healthy fur, and bathing your dog is an essential part of any Millennial pet care routine. However, choosing the appropriate shampoo and conditioner for your dog’s fur type is necessary to maintain the beauty and health of your dog’s fur and skin and protect it from diseases and diseases.
Therefore, it is necessary to look for Products that are designed to suit your dog's specific fur type and should be taken into account if he suffers from any skin allergies he may have. Bathing periodically helps remove dust, dirt. And odors, and can also soothe irritated and itchy skin. However, you should not over-bathe and use shampoo and conditioner, as excessive bathing leads to stripping your dog’s fur of natural oils.
3.Hair cutting, trimming and maintaining the perfect length:
Many dog breeds need to be trimmed periodically to keep their fur at the proper length and perfect shape. Therefore, cutting equipment and shears are essential tools while professional grooming services are indispensable and often necessary. But it is necessary to have special scissors in your home to cut your pet’s beautiful fur and to do some quick touch-ups between regular shaving appointments.
Maintaining the appropriate length of fur not only enhances your dog's appearance, but also helps him stay comfortable in various weather conditions. Long, thick fur may be beautiful, but in hot weather it can lead to discomfort and a feeling of heat and tightness. On the contrary, in cold weather, fur provides insulation against the cold.
4.Nail care:
Dog nail clipping is a crucial part of the pet care process in general, and it is very necessary to maintain the health, comfort, and safety of your beautiful dog, as long nails may be uncomfortable and may sometimes lead to many health problems, including joint problems and a lack of comfort while walking.
Therefore, it is necessary for you, as a pet dog breeder, to have good quality dog nail scissors and to learn the correct way to cut nails in a safe way that does not cause wounds or harm to your dog. Trimming nails regularly keeps your dog healthy and comfortable, as excessively long nails change his gait, leading to a feeling of discomfort and pain.
Read More: Do Dogs Get Menopause: Unveiling the Mystery
How to Bathe Your Dog Properly
In addition to dog grooming. Here are some tips you can follow:
1.Preparation:
Before starting the bath, we must in the meantime wear clothes that will not be damaged, because a little water will certainly come in...even the owner! Next we need to prepare the water. If the dog is small, you can also choose a plastic tub such as a bathtub for children or for washing clothes. Fill the basin so that your four-legged friend is immersed in warm, but not too hot, water; Bathing your dog should be fun for him too!
2.Shampoos and detergents:
For washing dogs there are specific and different products depending on the dog’s coat and its coat. If your dog is particularly dirty, it is best to apply a dog cleaner. It is necessary to gently massage the skin, avoiding the ears, eyes and muzzle and passing the sponge only where there are more resistant scales. And then, remove the rinse!
3.Ears and muzzle:
These are the most sensitive parts and you must be careful not to get soap into them. For the mask, just run a little water while rinsing, while for the outer ear you can use an oil-soaked cotton swab. For internal, there are specific products on the market to choose from, but it is always best to contact your veterinarian, so he can recommend suitable products
4.Drying:
It is the most important stage in cleaning. We must make sure that our furry friend does not remain wet for a long time, because he may be exposed to the risk of infection or colds. So once you've finished rinsing and before your dog shakes himself to remove the water, pat him immediately with soft towels.
Or if you're indoors, you can dry him with a hairdryer, but be careful not to keep the temperature too high. If you are outside on a hot day, the best gift would be to leave it to dry free in the air and in the sun!
Nail Trimming: How and When to Do It
Speaking about dog grooming. The trimming process can begin if you see the puppy's nails getting too long. On the other hand, there is no specific age at which it is recommended to start cutting dogs’ nails. You may need smaller nail clippers and be more careful if your dog is a young puppy.
Dog nails are living tissue, and although their outer appearance is solid, inside them there is a part of soft tissue called the matrix, and if it is cut instead of the transparent protein part, this will lead to severe pain and infection.
To differentiate between the soft part and the hard part, you can shine a light using your phone on the nail and identify the pink part on the inside. After you find it, avoid it and follow the following 7 steps:
- Create a comfortable atmosphere, so your dog won't get too excited when you start clipping his nails.
- Gently touch the dog's paws every day before you start the clipping process to make it easier and get him used to it.
- After your dog calms down, place him on his paws and check where he needs to be trimmed. The best place to cut is when the nail is long enough to be approximately at ground level, but without touching the ground.
- If this is the first time you have clipped your dog's nails, you need to get him used to the clipper. Do not cut right away, but place the clippers on your dog's nails without actually cutting them. Do this a few times until he gets used to the clipping, then reward him with a treat.
- To cut, simply place the clipper in the correct position and apply enough force to cut the nail. If you are hesitant and not assertive, it will make your dog lose trust in you.
- The cut should be away from living tissue and either straight or pointing slightly downward. Do not cut upwards.
- When you clip your dog's nails on the first foot, give him a treat before moving on to the next step.
Read More: Best Recommended Dog Food for German Shepherd 2024
Cleaning Your Dog’s Ears and Teeth
When it comes to dog grooming. Brushing teeth is one of the basic and preliminary steps that we can start with today, whether for animals or humans. Brushing teeth is considered the basis for maintaining the health of the animal’s mouth. So it is preferable to brush the teeth daily with a brush designed for animals that contains soft bristles. If time is not available, it is preferable to brush its teeth. Once a week using a paste made specifically for pets that can be in different flavors.
Ear cleaning
- Apply the cleaning solution first, gather the tools around you, and make sure your dog is calm and relaxed.
- If your dog’s ears hang down, gently lift them and put the cleaning solution in them in the appropriate amount until the ear canal is filled.
- Do a gentle ear massage for 30 seconds, as massage is considered one of the basic steps. You will likely hear a popping sound, which is the sound of the cleaner stirring or dissolving the wax and secretions inside the ear.
- Dry the ear. Of course, your dog will shake his head automatically, and this is considered very normal. Use the towel to wipe his face wet with the solution, and when your dog stops shaking his head, immediately wipe his ears and ear canal without entering deeply into the ear to avoid discomfort. Sometimes, when you insert cotton deeply into the ear, it can cause damage to the ear tissue.
Although ear cleaning is a simple and easy process, it can be somewhat annoying. As we mentioned previously, your dog may shake his head after putting the solution in his ears, which may cause some chaos around him. Therefore, in this case, we advise you to clean your dog’s ears in a room that is easy to clean in case they become stained with the solution and traces of cleaning.
How to Groom Puppies
Regardless of the scissors used, dog grooming is a process carried out with patience and dexterity, in order to avoid scaring or injuring him. Some usual precautions must be observed so that everything goes smoothly.
Prepare the dog before shearing
Before starting dog grooming, it is recommended to ensure that the dog's fur is clean. To do this, do not hesitate to bathe the animal if necessary, and then dry it completely. Hair should also be combed and detangled provided this is possible of course. If the animal is clean and does not need to be bathed, a brush stroke is necessary to remove dead hair stuck in its fur and potentially clogging the clipper.
Finally, once the fur is no longer long and/or thick, and therefore the skin is visible through it, it is recommended to take a quick look for any potential injury, irritation, mole, etc., which should be avoided with the razor.
Secure the dog properly
In order for the dog grooming process to go as smoothly as possible for everyone, the dog should be fixed in a comfortable position and at the appropriate height, for example on a table. It is best to avoid placing it on the ground, because it can easily escape from the hands of its master.
A belt may also be used to limit his movements. However, if he is agitated, do not hesitate to ask for the help of an additional person to keep him at bay. Moreover, since different preparations can completely unsettle him, do not hesitate to reassure him with caresses and comforting words.
The dog grooming should be done from the top of the body to the bottom. It is therefore necessary to start with the neck, continue to the back, then towards the abdomen, and finally finish with the upper legs. The mower speed should be reduced for more sensitive areas, such as pacifiers. After dog grooming, a smaller hoof can be used to contour its paws. Another option for cutting hair in this fragile area is to use scissors to avoid any cuts.
After cutting
Once the dog grooming is completed, it is important to brush your dog to remove hair stuck in his fur. If this seems necessary, even a shower with clean water can be done.
How Often Should You Groom Your Dog?
How often your dog will need to be shaved depends on his coat, breed, and lifestyle. For example, dogs with waterproof coats rarely need to be shaved, while dogs with oily coats may need to be shaved on a weekly basis.
However, if you have a puppy who loves to roll in the mud, his messy habit will likely completely override these considerations! You can ask your vet about your dog's special needs and how often a small dog groomer is appropriate for the breed of dog you own.
Understanding Your Dog’s Grooming Needs by Age
It is worth noting that there is a direct relationship between age and the number of times needed to dog grooming. The thicker your dog’s hair is and the older he gets, the more times he needs to be shaved.
Seasonal Grooming Tips
A dog may suffer from heat if its fur is too thick, so some veterinarians suggest shaving it when temperatures rise, and recommend against shaving short-haired breeds, as they may be at risk of sunburn once their hair is shaved.
In fact, all dogs are susceptible to sunburn, so you should leave at least an inch of hair to protect your dog from the sun's rays. Some people usually want to shave dogs that stay outside all the time and have matted, wet fur, but this exposes them to a condition called myiasis.
How to Manage Shedding
Some of the more complex causes of hair loss, such as Cushing's disease, should be treated by a veterinarian and monitored closely. However, you can also protect your pet from hair loss at home:
- Be sure to follow recommended directions for regular, effective treatment against fleas and their eggs
- Use a specialized, dermatologist-approved shampoo for your dog to relieve any itching and thus prevent him from scratching
- Give your dog a nutrient-rich food to support skin and hair growth, including biotin and high-quality, highly digestible proteins.
- It is important to take your dog to the vet as soon as you notice any hair loss so they can perform a thorough examination and get the appropriate treatment. You can also ask your vet for advice on caring for your dog's skin and coat at any time.
How to Handle Grooming Nervous or Aggressive Dogs
Here are some tips to handle dog and groom:
1-Make sure to exercise your dog often
Many dog behavior experts recommend exercising them before traveling or before engaging them in any activity that might cause them to become restless and irritable. A dog who is sufficiently exercised will be inclined to rest as he has exhausted his excess energy, so it will be a good idea to arrange for a brisk 30-minute walk before starting activities that are likely to agitate the dog.
2-Bring your dog's favorite toys, blanket, or bedding when traveling
Your dog's favorite blanket or toys have many familiar scents that will ease his anxiety when taking him to an unfamiliar place.
3-Use products containing soothing pheromones
Studies have shown that pheromones are present in all mammals during the infancy stage, and in dogs it is the hormone secreted by the mother of the puppies, so the puppies calm down when they smell it and are sure that their mother is near them.
Examples containing this hormone include: Adaptil spray or collar, Sentry calming collar, and Comfort Zone pheromone diffuser for dogs. Using these products is very easy, as the collars are easily placed on the dog's neck to secrete the hormone regularly for a month.
Diffuser-like products are plugged in and the pheromones are released slowly and continuously for a month. This type of product is ideal for rooms. The spray can be used to spray crates, cars, or any dog carrier the dog is placed in.
Common Grooming Mistakes to Avoid
The most common mistake on dog and groom that people make when cutting animal hair at home is using human hair scissors, and another common mistake is bathing the dog at home without cleaning it beforehand.
Tips for Making Grooming a Positive Experience
Here are some ideas for making a dog and groom such amazing experience:
Bath the dog
The first step is to bathe the dog to remove all dirt, then dry it with a towel and leave the hair damp, ready for the dog and groom. This will make it easier to determine the length of the hair.
comb
Before the dog and groom, comb the fur well to get rid of knots and tangles. This way you will clearly identify uneven areas of hair and the appropriate amount of clipping.
Shave body hair
When you start dog and groom, you should start by cutting from the flank and hind legs, then on the neck, feet and belly. Look at the areas that have fur because they are the ones that should be cut first with scissors (if you are going to match the appropriate length of hair with the electric clipper, it does not matter if They are not equal.)
Cutting facial hair
There are specific tools used to dog and groom in the facial area. You can use thin adhesive bandages to prevent your dog's limbs and ears from moving. It should be noted. That the hair surrounding the eyes also needs to be cut, because it may irritate the dog’s eyes, but tear stains must first be removed from the hair before cutting it, and be careful not to use an electric shaver in this area.
Don't forget to shave your leg hair
The hair that grows between the toes of dogs must be cut. We note that this area is particularly sensitive and dogs tend to move anxiously while being shaved, so you must be careful and do the cutting very carefully.
Dry the whole body with a hair dryer
Once the dog grooming process is complete, it is necessary to dry its hair with a hair dryer while combing it. If you do not have a hair dryer designed for dogs, which makes less noise, You can use a regular one, this way excess hair can be removed from the body and left flawless, shiny and smooth.
Signs Your Dog Might Need Professional Grooming
If you do not have sufficient experience in dog grooming in a professional manner, do not risk it. It is very important that you place your dog in the hands of a specialist in this matter in order to preserve your dog’s psychological health.
Conclusion
In conclusion, keeping your dog's coat neat and light improves his health and protects him from a large number of problems, and he will not only look good, but he will also feel good. Also, you will be able to detect parasites, fleas and ticks more easily during the procedure.
And dog grooming will make the task of getting rid of them easier. dog grooming also contributes to efficiently controlling body temperature and protecting the dog from excessive heat, especially in the summer, as excess hair causes the body temperature to rise.
FAQS
When should I start grooming my dog?
The more you accustom your dog to cleanliness since childhood, the better and easier it will be. Therefore, attention must be paid to dog cleanliness in general since childhood, in order to avoid contracting any infection or causing any infection.
What should I do if my dog is scared of grooming or being brushed?
It is very important to create effective communication between you and your pet through pampering or playing, so before starting haircuts, it is good to prepare the dog to do this.