Home grooming tips for dogs

Grooming sessions can become a special bonding time between you and your dog and are also a good opportunity to check on your dog’s health. Look carefully for signs of fleas, ticks, skin irritations, lumps or sore spots. Check your dog's ears, eyes and teeth regularly and consult your vet about any unusual findings.

Regular grooming program

Longhaired dogs need to be groomed daily, while shorthaired breeds may only need one session per week. Pick a time when your dog is relaxed, such as after walking, and when you have sufficient time. Then grooming will be a pleasurable experience for both of you.

Get your puppy accustomed to grooming early in life. Begin gradually by handling your puppy often, touching its ears and paws gently. Start with short grooming sessions and reassure your pup constantly.

Learn where your dog likes to be combed and brushed – some areas may be more sensitive than others. Find that special spot your dog likes the most and grooming will soon become a special treat for your dog!

Combing

Regular brushing and combing will remove loose or matted hair and helps keep the skin free of diseases and parasites such as fleas. Natural oils will be more evenly distributed to give your dog a nice shiny coat. Comb in the direction of hair growth to remove tangles.

Fine-toothed combs are used for soft, thin or silky coats, medium-toothed combs are used for normal coats and wide-toothed combs are best for heavy and thick coats
Flea combs are very fine to remove parasites and flea dirt from the coat and may also be used to comb the hair around the eyes
Rakes are ideal for removing dead undercoat hair in larger dogs with coarser and thicker coats, like the Golden Retriever or German Shepherd

Brushing

Brush in the direction of hair growth, beginning at the head, and work towards the tail and down the legs. Brushing removes loose hair and daily brushing of longhaired and double-coated dogs removes dead hair from the undercoat to help prevent matting.

Slicker brushes are ideal for this purpose but are also a good general brush for all breeds if used lightly
Pin brushes, with rounded tips to prevent damage to the skin, are good for dogs with long, fine hair such as Silky Terriers. They can also be used to fluff the coat by brushing against the direction of hair growth
Bristle brushes are good for dogs with very long coats, such as the Afghan, and help add shine to the short coat
Grooming mitts are also good for shorthaired breeds to add polish and shine once the loose hairs are removed.

Clipping your dog's nails Keep your dog’s nails regularly trimmed by using nail clippers specially designed for dogs. Only clip the tip of each nail, being careful to stop short of the quick where the blood vessels are. Ask your vet to show you the correct technique the first time, especially if your dog has dark nails.
Giving your dog a bath Bath your dog as necessary with shampoos formulated for dogs only. Frequency depends on the breed of your dog and whether you are using a general shampoo, a medicated shampoo for skin conditions or a flea shampoo or rinse.

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Permalink Reply by PetBrags Pet Lovers Paradise on August 14, 2012 at 2:33pm

Great article! Thanks!

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Permalink Reply by Mandy S PBP Admin on August 14, 2012 at 4:28pm

you are welcome

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Permalink Reply by Mandy S PBP Admin on January 15, 2013 at 7:57pm

i have more grooming tips on my group called grooming tips here on the site..feel free to check it out

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Permalink Reply by Eva Thomas on February 21, 2013 at 6:30am

But dogs sometimes don't allow us to trim their nails. in those cases what can we do?

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Permalink Reply by Kathi on February 21, 2013 at 4:21pm

I have a problem with my one dog trimming her nails, I haven't found a solution so end up taking her to the Vet for nail clipping, if anyone has any suggestions I would apreciate it.

Eva Thomas said:

But dogs sometimes don't allow us to trim their nails. in those cases what can we do?

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Permalink Reply by Wanda P PBP Admin on February 28, 2013 at 7:36pm

A good vet will not charge to much to do it, but I bribe Lelo with treats but she's small!

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Permalink Reply by JACQUE on April 5, 2013 at 8:14am

My Rascal hates his nails trimmed too but I usually catch him when he is sleeping or lounging around and just do one or two at a time...and I ALWAYS TREAT HIM immediately afterwards even if I only get one nail trimmed. ;)

Kathi said:

I have a problem with my one dog trimming her nails, I haven't found a solution so end up taking her to the Vet for nail clipping, if anyone has any suggestions I would apreciate it.

Eva Thomas said:

But dogs sometimes don't allow us to trim their nails. in those cases what can we do?

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Permalink Reply by JACQUE on April 5, 2013 at 8:18am

Good information here! ;)

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Permalink Reply by julie klein on April 29, 2013 at 4:52pm

Asi do my own herbal baths and i own the pedi-paws for their nails as i am one for doing all my own grooming cleaning ears and crinkles as i call them as i have pugs which are seniors.I'm one who takes care of my own as i don't like to many people touching them as they are rescues and have been through alot so i'm very protective with them.They enjoy their grooming time with mom then after it's the ole' naptime as it's time for rest.

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Permalink Reply by Wanda P PBP Admin on April 29, 2013 at 5:03pm

Awe Julie love the pug! I too do all my poodles grooming, it's not worth stressing them out!!

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Permalink Reply by Mandy S PBP Admin on June 11, 2013 at 6:26pm

if you have a dog that doesnt like their nails being clipped id suggest getting a pedi-paw because there is a much less chance of getting the quick with that and if the dog is moving you wont clip to far on the nail