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Grooming

The Do’s and Don’ts of Grooming Your Dog at Home

At A Glance

Grooming your dog regularly can help keep away mats, dirt, bacteria, and improve blood circulation.

  • Remember to choose a well-lit and warm area to groom your dog, give them treats, and check their mouth, feet, and ears.
  • Only use dog-friendly products, do not bathe them too frequently, and ensure you don't get water and shampoo in their ears.

Last Updated on: Mar 09, 2023

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You’ve decided to groom your dog at home. It could be for a variety of reasons-you want to save money, it’s hard to get suitable time slots, or you are tired of trying to catch your dog and put them in the car to go to the groomer.

Grooming your dog at home has its benefits, including creating some quality time with your pet and strengthening your bond. Follow these tips for grooming your dog at home to ensure your pet is comfortable, safe, and gleaming at the end of the session!

custom oil-painted dog portraits by Poshtraits

Do’s

Choose The Right Spot

One of the most important tips for grooming your dog at home is to choose the right setting. Select a space that is well-lit so you can see what you’re doing, and make sure it’s warm to prevent your dog from shivering.

Want to avoid spending too much time cleaning up the mess that is left behind? Don’t just put them on a regular table. Instead, use dog grooming tubs.

These tubs can catch a lot of hair and keep your floors clean. Once you finish, you can empty out the tub and perhaps do some light sweeping.

Groom Regularly

One thing you want to do is get into a rhythm of regularly grooming your dog. There are several reasons for this.

First, you’ll find that it makes the whole thing easier since their hair or fur won’t grow too long in between.

Secondly, you’ll find that you get better at it each time. You’ll have much-improved results after multiple sessions.

Thirdly, your dog will become more used to the whole process when you do it regularly, so you won’t have too much of a struggle getting them to stay still.

dog with its towel and toy

Give Them Treats

You want your dog to associate grooming with good times. That means giving them treats while they are being groomed.

Who can be upset with a full belly? Also, it’s a great way to get puppies to stand still, and it teaches them the proper behavior while you are grooming them.

Reward them only for good behavior, of course.

Check Their Mouth

You may tend to focus on your dog’s hair and skin when grooming, but don’t neglect the mouth! Take the time to peek at their teeth and gums, though.

Dogs can’t grab a toothbrush or floss, so it’s up to you to monitor that. You don’t want them to get gum disease and infections, which can affect their overall health.

Dogs tend to live longer if their teeth are brushed regularly! Brush daily or at least thrice a week.

Brush their teeth with dog-friendly toothpaste to remove plaque. No using your own toothpaste-that can hurt their stomachs or worse.

Talk to your vet if you need pointers on how to brush your dog’s teeth.

Radius Dog Dental Kit

Your dog’s dental care made easy

This USDA- certified canine toothpaste combines coconut oil, sweet potato and cinnamon to create a toothpaste that’s not just tasty but awesome for your pet’s dental hygiene too. It comes with a premium toothbrush and a free critter case.

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Radius Dog Dental Kit

Your dog’s dental care made easy

This USDA- certified canine toothpaste combines coconut oil, sweet potato and cinnamon to create a toothpaste that’s not just tasty but awesome for your pet’s dental hygiene too. It comes with a premium toothbrush and a free critter case.

  • Linda Anglin

    As seen on the website
    Fred enjoyed the flavored toothpaste which made it quite easy to brush his teeth. I am glad we made this purchase for Fred.

  • Deb

    As seen on the website
    I started using this kit when I got my pup, around 8 or ten weeks. He loves it! t I use as directed a couple times a week. Great product.

  • Stacey

    As seen on the website
    I searched far and wide for a safe and natural, yet effective canine toothpaste and this was the absolute best. My dog loves it.

Check Their Feet

Check all four paws and make sure that they are not dry, cracked, or injured. Is there anything lodged in between the pads? Remove it gently.

Use coconut oil, vitamin E, or a paw balm to heal dry and cracked paw pads.

Trim the hair around the nails and toes, and also cut any long nails to keep them from becoming overgrown. This will prevent discomfort while walking and prevent the nails from getting caught on things and breaking painfully.

Don’ts

Don’t Use Human Products

The shampoos and other products that work on your hair won’t work on your dog. That’s because their PH balance is much different than what a dog needs. If you’re not careful, that can do a lot of damage to their skin and wind up affecting their coat.

Dog shampoos are made with dogs’ needs in mind, and you will get a dog with a much healthier coat and skin that is not irritated. Take the time to research the kinds of dog shampoos and pick the one that suits your pet.

Don’t Bathe Them Too Frequently

Bathing your dog too often may result in the stripping away of natural oils, drying out its skin and fur. Bathe it when it is dirty or smelly; otherwise, simply spot clean and clean its paws after walks.

Don’t Wet Their Ears or Use Q-Tips

When bathing your dog, avoid getting water and shampoo in the ears. They can result in dangerous infections. Refrain from using Q-Tips. Get your veterinarian to occasionally clean your dog’s ears, or ask them for advice on ear-cleaning products.

Pethonesty Dog Ear Cleaner

Safe and soothing ear-cleaning solution

Packed with just the right things to keep your dog’s (and cat’s) ears clean, this ear cleaner and drier also takes care of all ear infections, dirt, excessive wax, and bacteria. It is easy to use and suitable for the most sensitive animal skins.

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vet-approved dog ear cleaning solution for dogs. Can be used for regular painless ear cleaning.

Pethonesty Dog Ear Cleaner

Safe and soothing ear-cleaning solution

Packed with just the right things to keep your dog’s (and cat’s) ears clean, this ear cleaner and drier also takes care of all ear infections, dirt, excessive wax, and bacteria. It is easy to use and suitable for the most sensitive animal skins.

  • Jennifer S.

    As seen on Google
    …My pup dealt with aches his entire life. We’ve spent thousands on ear medicine…causing extreme discomfort & hearing loss! This ear cleaner gives him…relief IMMEDIATELY!! 10 minutes after…it was a complete change!…& has made cleaning his ears a 1 man job!

  • Alex R.

    As seen on Google
    Pet Honesty has great products. My Bracco Italiano, Amos has a yeast infection in his ear. The cleaner dissolves the goopy ear wax for an easy clean and leaves his ear soothed and smelling great. I’m not sure if this product can fix the root of the problem. It’s still a fantastic daily cleaner.

  • Bonita S.

    As seen on Google
    I have a Great Pyrenees with smelly ears. I clean them all the time but they still hold an odor. Once I used the OTIC Ear Cleaner, Kodi’s ears smelled 100% better. He also didn’t mind me cleaning them like he used to. I highly recommend this product. You’ll love how this product smells.

These are just a few tips for grooming your dog at home to ensure that it is easy for you and pleasant for your pet. Then you can unwind with some cuddles and a well-deserved nap!

 

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I am a full-time mum of two kids and a beautiful golden retriever. Writing is my passion: from food journalism to pets, parenting tips, etc. I can write on just about everything under the sun. I have been writing for the past 7 years and during that time, I have been a regular contributor to several blogs and pet magazines. I have also written feature articles, POV pieces, and dabbled in a few different formats of writing over the years.