Whether your dog is a pampered pooch who doesn’t like getting her paws dirty or a bold adventurer ready to jump into any puddle he can – they’re both going to need to be groomed every so often to keep them smelling fresh.
At Hafod-Y-Bryn, we offer a professional dog grooming service in our very own dog grooming studio. Here are some handy tips we think will help you groom your dogs at home between visits to the studio.
Nail Clipping
Regular nail clipping ensures that your dog’s claws do not get too long and sharp, which can become painful for them. Many active dogs wear their claws down naturally on outdoor surfaces, however dogs that spend most of their time indoors or outside on soft outdoor surfaces (grass, mud) require some help with it.
Select a sturdy pair of scissors to clip your dog’s nails, dog claws can be quite tough! You should trim your dog’s nails enough so that they do not touch on the floor whilst they are standing.
Be careful not to cut past the quick whilst clipping! This part of the claw is the blood supply, and can be recognised as the pink area of a dogs’ claw. Cutting past the quick will cause bleeding and discomfort – definitely something you want to avoid!
If your dog has trouble relaxing whilst you trim his nails, try rewarding him with treats whilst you clip. This will help him to associate nail clipping with positive, tasty rewards.
Shampooing
It is recommended that you do not bathe your dog too often – typically, once a month is considered a healthy amount. Bathing you dog too often can cause scratching and irritation, due to drying of the skin from soaps.
Try to choose mild dog shampoos which contain only natural, moisturising ingredients. Shampoos with too many chemicals and artificial fragrances in can cause irritation to your dogs’ skin.
Avoid getting too much water in your dog’s ears whilst bathing – this can be uncomfortable for them. Detachable shower heads are perfect for ensuring that you have thoroughly rinsed out the shampoo from your dog’s fur.
Hairdryers can be used to dry your dog after a bath; however some dogs may find the noise and heat frightening. If your dog is uncomfortable with a hairdryer, towel drying is a good option.
It is advised that you check your dog’s skin after bathing, to ensure that the shampoo you have chosen is right for your dog.
Brushing
Different dog breeds require different grooming equipment.
Brushing your dog helps keep their coat clean, and also has benefits for their skin. There’s a good chance your dog will love the attention too.
For dogs with longer coats, a Pin Brush or a Slicker Brush is the best option. These brushes remove tangles and prevent the matting of fur. Long haired dogs require daily grooming, as their coats can quickly become matted without sufficient attention.
For short-haired dogs, a rubber or bristle brush works best. Whilst shorter haired dogs don’t require as regular grooming as long-haired breeds, it is still important to ensure your dog stays clean between baths.
