Dog Grooming Tips

We all need dog grooming tips because taking care of our dogs is our duty as pet owners. We must make sure that our furry friend is always clean, combed, and smells perfect 🙂

On the infographic below you can see some dog grooming tips about when and how some of our “pet parental” duties need to be done.

I Love Veterinary’s Top Dog Grooming Tips

Like people, dogs can benefit from a bit of pampering — especially as they age. Groomers say that some owners are “treating their pets like family members by offering them everything from high-end diets to pricey spa treatments.”

Professional groomer Jennifer Walker says, “I’ve even had a few people tell me they love to give their dog a facial every week because it makes her feel good.”  The best part is that you don’t need to break the bank or hire a professional just to improve your pet’s appearance and health.

Bathing

Since most dogs can’t bathe themselves, it is up to the owner to bathe their dog on a regular basis. Some breeds require more frequent baths than others. If your dog has an oily coat, he will need more baths per year. Walker recommends two to three times annually if using a good shampoo for this type of dog’s coat.

Dog baths are “most often needed when the weather gets hot or after the dog goes swimming.” Shampoo selection is important because some products are not meant for certain skin types which can lead to problems like broken skin and rashes.

Also, certain dog breeds like Labradors and Poodles “require a dog shampoo meant for dogs with their type of coats,” while some dog breeds like German Shepherds can use any dog shampoo.

Bathing your dog too often can strip its coat of its natural oils which can cause dry skin and dandruff. There are dog shampoos that you can get from your veterinarian or pet store to treat these conditions so it is best to discuss with your vet before washing your dog excessively. When in doubt about shampooing frequency, ask your groomer or veterinarian!

Another problem that comes along with dog grooming is mats and tangles. They form when the dog’s hair gets tangled together and matted into place. The dog’s skin can get irritated when the dog moves around, so it is important to treat mats right away before they become worse.

Walker suggests cutting out patches of matted hair with dog grooming scissors or clippers.

Hair Care

When it comes to dog hair care, this means brushing and combing your dog on a regular basis. There are many types of brushes available for different types of dog coats which you should ask your vet or groomer for recommendations.

According to veterinarian Dr. Patty Khuly “, the most common mistake people make when it comes to their dogs’ coat care is using the wrong brush.” For example, wire-pin brushes aren’t recommended because they can damage your dog’s coat by scraping against the skin.

“It is best to start dog grooming your dog when they are young so that you can practice and get into a good dog grooming routine with them,” says Walker. The dog’s coat will become tangled more easily as it grows longer, so it is important to care for the dog properly before this happens.

Also, if your dog has long hair, “make sure you continue brushing him even after he starts to look like a sheepdog because the process also helps cut down shedding.”

Some breeds of dogs shed all year round while others only shed during certain times of the year. If your dog falls into the latter category it may be necessary to brush your dog daily due to hair build-up since shedding doesn’t come around very often.

“If your dog has any skin issues, check the dog grooming tips on the back of dog shampoo labels to see if there are any treatments or dog grooming products you should avoid. For example, some dog shampoos contain salicylic acid which can irritate dog’s skin.” This goes for anything applied to a dog’s coat like dog conditioners and dog colognes as well.

Other Tips

If you want to “spruce up your dog’s appearance by changing his hair color” then consult with a professional groomer before trying it yourself. There are safe dyes that are made specifically for dogs’ hair but you should always make sure it is safe first! Also, make sure not to spray any chemicals directly onto the dog’s skin.

Don’t forget to take your dog out for dog walks or playtime “since the dog will develop an unpleasant dog odor if he is kept isolated in his dog cage.”

If you don’t like your dog’s natural hair color, then ask your groomer about getting them dyed! It usually lasts around four weeks depending on how often you shampoo your dog. Just make sure it doesn’t irritate their skin and that they look good with the new hair color!