3 Tips for Grooming Your Dog at Home

Grooming your pet on a regular basis helps keep your pet clean and is also a great bonding experience for both of you. Regularly grooming your pet is an important step in maintaining your pet’s comfort, health, and happiness. 

While it’s important to have regularly scheduled professional grooms for your pet, you can do a relatively easy and quick 15-minute grooming session at home!

 

How to Groom Your Dog at Home

Here are 3 tips for grooming your dog at home:

• Brush your dog’s fur at least every other day: It is important to brush your dog’s fur regularly to eliminate any dirt, control shedding, and create a shiny coat. Another benefit of regularly brushing your dog’s fur is if any fleas, ticks, or anything else unusual comes up, you will be alerted immediately and can take your dog to a vet before any complications occur. Make sure to use an appropriate brush for your dog’s fur. Generally, bristle brushes are better for short-haired breeds while sleeker brushes are preferred for long-haired breeds. If you have any questions though, contact your professional groomer for their opinion on the best brush to use for your dog.

 

• Brush your dog’s teeth at least every other day: Another important aspect you can do at home to keep your dog clean and healthy is to brush your dog’s teeth at least every other day. There are dog toothbrushes (generally soft-bristled toothbrushes are better so it is easy on the teeth and gums) and dog toothpaste that come in a variety of flavors that can be used to brush your dog’s teeth. If this is your first time brushing your dog’s teeth, proceed slowly and allow your dog to get comfortable with you handling their mouth. Let the dog sniff the toothbrush and toothpaste, and then slowly begin brushing. Start in a circular motion and slowly work your way towards the back of your dog’s teeth. Make sure to keep some treats handy to reward your dog for being a good doggy!

 

• Wipe your dog’s feet with a moist towel after walks: Finally, you want to wipe your dog’s feet with a moist towel to clear up any dirt that may have accumulated after daily walks and playtime. While doing this, inspect your dog’s paws for any cuts, lacerations, or anything else unusual so you can go to your vet if needed.   

 

We Can Give Your Dog a Complete and Professional Groom

While grooming your dog at home is important and a great way to keep your pet fresh and clean, it is important to regularly schedule a professional groom to take care of the tougher jobs such as ear cleanings, nail trimmings, and baths. If you’re in the Chicago and Lakeview areas, stop by Dogaholics for your dog’s professional grooming or contact us if you have any questions!