Pet grooming is not an easy task if you are a beginner. Most beginners get the help of a pet grooming salon. But this can be quite expensive and not everyone can afford it. But this does not mean that you should neglect the necessary grooming for your pet. The physical as well as the mental health of the dog depends on how well it is groomed.
There are numerous ways you can do all the required pet grooming by yourself at your home without having to spend a fortune on a professional groomer. You just need to get a few grooming supplies, tools and by knowing how to go about using these you can cut down the expenses drastically and at the same time give your dog a proper grooming.
Before starting the grooming you have to know what type of grooming is best for your dog as the methods vary according to the breed of the dog. You can consult with your dog’s veterinarian and decide on the type of grooming needed for your dog.
The main steps involved in basic grooming are taking care of the dog’s coat, ears and nails. For the coat you have to first make sure there are no fleas or pests. Maintaining the coat by bathing the dog regularly will keep the fleas and pests at bay. Use a soft dog shampoo, soap and conditioner for bathing and remember to comb the coat before bathing as this will avoid the tangling of hairs when the dog gets wet. At least once a month you should give your dog a good thorough cleaning.
Use a soft bristled brush on your pet. This will prevent the hairs from getting tangled and also makes it look shiny. Further, regular brushing stimulates the hair ends and prevents excessive shedding of hairs as all loose hairs are removed while brushing it. The coat should also be trimmed frequently using trimmers, scissors and also clippers. You can brush the coat with a comb and trim it and then dry it with a towel or a dryer after giving a thorough wash.
The dog’s nails should also be taken care of properly. Use nail clippers to cut the grown nails. Dog’s nails grow as fast as our nails and should be clipped periodically to prevent harm to both the dog and your home. The nails are harder and thicker so you have to do it carefully and have blood clotting powder handy just in case something goes wrong!
The dog’s ears should be checked regularly for any infection or fleas. You can use cotton balls to clean the ears. Warm water and mineral oil can be used for cleaning. This can be done twice a month.
Whether you do the grooming yourself with the help of grooming supplies or take the pet to a professional dog groomer or to your veterinarian your dog should feel pampered and cared for. This will keep him healthy and in good state of mind. Make sure you use quality dog care brands as some may cause allergy to your dog.
