Last week my friends and I decided to have some downtime and visit an escape room in Bangalore for some much-needed stress-busting. The experience ended up being even more memorable than we expected, not only because the game was so good but also because the owner had decided to bring in his pet dog into the establishment that day.
While waiting for our turn, and after we were done with the game, we played with the cute golden retriever for a while, and this wholesome experience lifted off so much burden from my mind!
That is when I realized how much our pets do for us without us having to ask. Any pet owner would agree that these animals give so much love and joy to us unconditionally that hardly anything we do in return feels enough. But that is the beauty of such a relationship- it is a mutual dynamic of nurturing each other.
This is why grooming your pets is not only important from a hygienic point of view but also goes a long way to show that you care about them as much as they do about you. Self-grooming your pets can be an excellent opportunity to create a bond of trust and appreciation between the two of you while also allowing you to ensure that your little best friend is doing okay physically.
Best Grooming Tips for Pet Dogs:
1. To Prevent Matting, Regularly Brush Your Dog’s Coat
Dogs need regular brushing to keep their coat glossy and shiny. The coat length and texture determine the amount of brushing needed per week. Golden retrievers and collies are long-haired breeds and need brushing at least once a week. Greyhounds or Labradors are short-haired breeds and brushing only every other week is enough for them.
Badly matted hair can cause pain for long-haired dogs. At the source of irritation, dogs tend to lick or bite themselves, which results in skin infections. Brushing removes dirt and dander from their coat, so make sure to keep up with it regularly.
2. Hair And Nails Might Need DIY Work
Sometimes the overgrown hair around the eyes or paws might need immediate trimming in between your professional grooming appointments. Trimming prevents overgrown hair from blocking your dog’s vision and rubbing against their eyes which can also lead to damage. Before you start with the process, make sure that your dog is calm and stable.
When scissors and blades are near the skin, move slowly and calmly with extra caution. The hair inside their ears also might need trimming to allow better airflow and prevent infection. When it comes to their nails, one rule of thumb to understand if it is time for a trim is to pay attention when they walk. If you start hearing their nails clicking on the floors, it is time for a trim.
3. Regularly Check Your Dog’s Ears
Remember to take a closer look at your dog’s ears while grooming. And if you notice any of these following symptoms show up, take them to the vet ASAP:
- Inflammation or moisture inside the ear
- Odd or pungent odor in the ear
- Increase in the amount of wax discharge in the ear canal
- Your dog feels pain when you inspect the ears
- Constant head shaking or ear scratching
4. Brush Their Teeth Once A Day
Ideally, your dog’s teeth need to be brushed every day. For puppies or dogs who are not very calm, 2 – 3 times a week gets the job done. Make sure to use the kinds of toothpaste that are made especially for dogs.
Human toothpaste contains a lot of harmful chemicals which can make a dog sick because they tend to swallow it. Some people use a kid’s toothbrush because it’s softer on a dog’s gums, but you could also use the rubber finger brush. Dental sprays can be helpful as well.
Dog Grooming Tools:
1. Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush
This is a unique brush that will make brushing through your pet’s looks much easier. A slicker brush helps to de-tangle locks, mats, and knots. It also helps to remove debris and dirt while gently removing the loose fur. The ergonomic handle can self-cleanse with just the push of a button.
2. Groomer’s Combo Dog Brush
This is a dual-sided brush that groomers use after de tangling your dog’s hair with a spray and comb. It is made up of stainless-steel pins on one side to de-tangle and remove all loose hair, while the second side is made with nylon bristles which helps redistribute natural oils for a shiny finish.
3. Thinning Shears
Once a groomer is done washing a fur baby, they want to carefully trim its hair with sturdy dog scissors. The thinning shears remove volume and help blend your dog’s coat. Thinning shears are made up of carbon steel blades that are sturdy and ergonomically designed to ensure a comfortable grooming session. There are many brands that sell facial shears to help with shaping your dog’s face.
4. Dog Nail Trimmer and Clippers with Safety Guard
There are many beginner-friendly clippers and trimmers that you can find online. Most of the brands have an ergonomic design made with 3.5 mm thick stainless steel, which also has a non-slip handle with a safety stop to make sure your dog’s nails don’t get cut too short. The electric file is a great option to file sharp nails and obtain a smooth finish.
The rotary filing device is made up of three safety measures to prevent trimming excess nails. This device comes with two speeds to suit the user’s needs. The handle consists of a rubber grip for good control and can also be used on puppies and dogs for the perfect nail trim.
5. Dog Finger Toothbrush
There are thousands of dog toothbrushes available in the market, but a finger brush option makes it convenient to get the job done during the interval of grooming appointments. This tool is especially helpful for small breeds with tiny teeth that need more scrubbing.
Conclusion
Even a simple home grooming session can help your dog remain healthy and feel cared for. Experts use their grooming time to look for any possible skin infections, bumps, lumps, and pesky hitchhikers such as fleas and ticks. But for at-home sessions, usually, the focus is on the surface-level stuff. To ensure that your dog’s health and wellness are properly maintained, always follow up a grooming session with an appointment at a vet’s clinic.
Author’s Bio:
Aniya More is one of the brightest content writers at https://breakout.in/. She is a passionate writer who loves to read books and explore different escape rooms. With a great work ethic, she spends most of her time researching and reading. When she is not working, she likes to relax with a cup of coffee and enjoy watching her favorite TV shows or walking her dog peanut. You can find her on LinkedIn.
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