You love
your dog and always want to care for it. Proper grooming is an excellent way to
deepen the relationship between pet and owner, and it is a key hygiene step to
keeping a dog healthy. These tips for grooming and bathing can help you take
some of the hassle out of the process and keep your pet happy.
Grooming
The most
important technique to remember with grooming is to take your time and be
gentle. Dog hair, especially long hair, mats and tangles easily. Removing them
can be just as unpleasant for a dog as a human, so use a caring touch. The
other key trick here is to use the right brushes for the right jobs. This simple
breakdown should help:
- Short smooth coat - Start with a rubber brush. Follow it with a bristle brush and then finish with a chamois cloth.
- Short thick coat - Begin with a slick brush to remove the tangles and finish with a bristle brush.
- Long coat - Use the same method as the short, thick coat. Take extra care with the slick brush as long coats tend to get more mats and tangles.
Bathing
Some dogs
love baths. If you are not quite so lucky in this department, then there are
some tricks that can help. If you begin the bathing process with a good
brushing, your life will be much easier. Sticking to lukewarm water and
incorporating a bath toys are good ways to handle a temperamental or excited
pet. Also be sure you never spray your dog directly in the nose, eyes or ears.
These are very sensitive regions. Lastly, this quick checklist will make sure
you have the necessary items for a successful bath:
- Dog shampoo
- Floor mat
- Low heat blow dryer
Successful
grooming can be easy to achieve. Stay patient and work with your dog. Many pets
can learn to enjoy the process if you give them the chance.
