Grooming is an essential part of pet ownership and can, for many dog owners, be a great way to bond with their pooch. Grooming promotes good health and helps to keep your dog looking and smelling great. Here are a few tips from our Suwanee vets to get you started.
A Beginners Guide to Pet Grooming
If you're new to dog grooming or cat grooming you may be wondering what exactly you should be doing and where to start. Below, our Suwanee vets explain the various aspects of grooming cats and dogs that should be done on a regular basis and explain a bit about how to do them, as well as how often to do them.
Dog Grooming Basics
Your dog's specific grooming requirements will largely depend upon the breed and lifestyle of your pet. Dogs who spend large amounts of time outdoors, or with very long or thick coats will require more grooming than short hair dogs, or dogs that spend most of their time indoors. That said, all dogs require regular basic grooming to keep them looking and feeling their very 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 regularly will help to remove dirt and debris from your dog's coat and keep your dog smelling fresh. Bathe your dog in warm (not hot) water and use a specially formulated dog shampoo to clean your dog's fur. Never use human shampoo on your canine pal since human formulations could cause your dog's skin to become dry and irritated. Rinse your dog thoroughly to ensure that all of the shampoo has been removed. If your dog has very long or difficult fur, use a dog-specific detangling conditioner to make brushing easier.
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 being brushed. Brushing your dog regularly helps to prevent matting, removes old hair from your dog’s coat, and may prevent skin irritation. Weekly brushing also allows you to monitor the health of your dog's skin and coat, and may reduce the amount of loose fur floating around your home.
For most dogs, weekly brushing is ideal, although some breeds such as Portuguese Water Dogs or Bichon Frises will need to be brushed more frequently to keep their coat looking great.
Nail Trimming
Nail trimming is essential for all dog breeds. To trim your dog's nails use nail clippers specifically designed for dogs. Some dogs react better to rotary nail trimmers, but they do take a little longer 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 Suwanee vet to find out how often your dog should have a haircut.
To give your dog a haircut, begin by bathing and towel-drying your canine friend. Next, take a pair of sharp scissors and trim the fur around your pet's face and feet. Finally, use electric clippers to trim the rest of your dog's fur.
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.
Professional Dog Groomers in Suwanee
The fact is that many of us lead busy lives and struggle to find the time to meet our pet's grooming needs on a regular basis. That's where professional groomers come in!
Taking your pet to a professional groomer can help to save you time and anxiety while making sure that your dog is clean and beautifully brushed with nails neatly trimmed.
Professional groomers also have the tools and training to take care of 'yucky' stuff that many pet owners struggle with such as anal gland expression, removing ticks and dealing with fleas.
It is important to note that if you plan to book an appointment with a dog groomer near you, your pet's vaccinations will need to be kept up-to-date and you may be asked to provide proof of vaccinations and parasite prevention.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.