Best Grooming Tips: All You Need To Know About Grooming Your Dog!

posted byShotaro Nabeya 11/18/2021

Grooming your dog is an essential part of being a responsible dog owner, not only will it have your dog feeling refreshed but it is also a great opportunity to bond with them!

Taking a nice warm (or cold) shower in the morning for the evening always helps us feel refreshed.

That tenderness of feeling squeaky clean can put anyone in a good mood! The same goes for our dogs. Looking clean and smelling good will have your dog in a great mood for all the activities and playtime that is about to begin.

Not only will your dog be feeling their best, but it is also a great way to build a deeper bond with your dog.

Your dogs love being touched and paid attention to, so grooming can be very pleasant if it’s a regular part of their routine.

Not to mention that grooming is a way to connect and show affection in the animal kingdom. It is highly recommended to start grooming your dog from day 1.

This allows your dog to learn to enjoy the 1 on 1 grooming session for the rest of their lives.

We will teach you the best ways to groom your dog & also what not to do in the article below!

Article Summary

What Are Some Ways I Can Groom My Dog?

  • Brushing Your Dog At Home:
    Several brushing sessions a week will help your dog look neat and tidy. If you have the time to brush them daily, even better.

    All dogs shed, some more than others. Brushing your dog will help keep their shedding under control and save you the hassle of vacuuming your house daily.

    Depending on the type and length of fur your dog has, will ultimately decide which type of dog brush you should use.

    Long haired dogs will need pin brushes. These brushes have long, round-ended steel or chrome plated pins. Short & medium furred dogs will need bristle brushes.

    These bristle brushes can help remove loose hair, dander, dust and dirt from their fur.
  • Bathing Your Dog At Home:
    Your dog should have regular monthly baths. It is essential that you don’t over bathe your dog as that can remove natural oils and cause your dog’s fur to become very dry and harsh.

    When bathing your dog, make sure to use mild soap free shampoo for dogs.

    Put cotton balls in their ears to stop water from entering and start by wetting your dog with warm water. Once you’ve scrubbed your dog, rinse thoroughly with warm water and then help them dry with a towel.

    This process becomes very easy for dogs that are used to taking baths from a younger age.

    It is also recommended to give your furry friend a treat before, during and after their bath so they understand that bath time is a happy time!

    Once you’ve helped them dry off with a towel, you should also blow dry them if necessary. During winter, it can get really cold in some areas, so to prevent your beloved dog from falling sick, make sure to use a warm blow dryer!

    Refer to the information below to find out how to pick the most suitable dog shampoo for your pup!
  • Nail Trimming Your Dog At Home:
    Shorter nails will promote healthier hygiene in your dogs. Long nails can interfere with your dog’s gait as it can make walking or running very awkward for them. Long nails can also break easily, and cause a lot of pain for your furry friend.

    A general rule of thumb is, if you can hear their nails clicking on the floor, chances are, their nails are too long.

    To trim your dog’s nails, use a specific dog nail clipper. Just like bathing your dog, this process can be hard for dogs that are not used to having their paws handled at a young age.

    Once your dog gets used to the process and understands that you are not going to hurt them, this process becomes very easy and painless.

    By any chance, if you accidentally cut too deep and cause bleeding. Apply some styptic powder immediately and bring them to your local veterinarian.
  • Ear Cleaning Your Dog At Home:
    You should clean your dog’s ear at least once a month. If your dog is prone to ear problems you should clean it more regularly. When cleaning your dog’s ears, be sure to only clean the outer part of the ear using a damp cloth or a cotton swab soaked in mineral oil. Keep in mind to never force anything into the ear as that can cause discomfort. Some dogs need the hair in their ears to be plucked to keep airflow circulating.
  • Eye Cleaning Your Dog At Home: Clean slight discharges with a moist cotton ball or cloth. You should gently wipe the area around the eye and refrain from wiping the eyeballs directly.
  • Tooth Brushing Your Dog At Home:
    Make sure to brush your dog’s teeth frequently with special dog toothbrushes & toothpastes.

    Another process that can be hard for dogs that are not used to having their teeth brushed from a young age. If your dog is adamant on not having their teeth brushed.

    You can help them get used to it by putting some of the special dog toothpaste on your finger and rubbing it against their teeth. Another way to clean your dog’s teeth is to buy specialized chew toys that can help clean your dog’s teeth.

  • During your grooming session with your dogs, make sure to always check for ticks & fleas. There are tools that can make this process much easier. The quicker you remove a tick the better, as some ticks or fleas can carry infections.

What Not To Do When Grooming My Dog?

Never use human beauty products such as shampoo, conditioners and toothpastes on your dog. Many human toothpastes contain a substance called xylitol which is toxic to dogs.

If you feel uncomfortable doing any of the grooming techniques mentioned above, do not force yourself.

It is always wise to bring your dog to a professional groomer as they know exactly how to groom your dog perfectly. Groomers have the necessary equipment and tools needed to make sure everything goes smoothly. They are also experts when it comes to the grooming needs of your dog’s breed.

Never attempt to clean your dog’s anal sacs yourself.

This is better done by the groomer or vet, but you can always ask if your veterinarian is willing to train you to do it correctly.

How To Pick Out The Best Shampoo For My Dog?

There are many different types of dog shampoos, some bad and some good.

Dog shampoos that contain dyes or artificial fragrances can cause skin problems or irritations.

When picking a shampoo, always make sure to look at the ingredients list and find out if all substances are natural.

Go for natural fragrances, that way your dog will smell good as well as stay healthy!

Shampoos made from Aloe Vera and oatmeal are the ideal ingredients to look out for when buying your dog shampoo.

Aloe Vera Shampoo For Dogs

Just like us humans, Aloe Vera can also be very good for your dog's skin.

It is considered therapeutic as well as antibacterial and anti-inflammatory. The minerals, vitamins and amino acid makes it the perfect concoction to ease any itching your dogs may have.

It can help with eczema, lupus, sunburns and even acne if your dog is breaking out.

Oatmeal Shampoo For Dogs

Another great ingredient to look for when picking your dogs shampoo is Oatmeal shampoo or shampoo with oatmeal as the primary ingredient.

Many dog parents have sworn by the oatmeal shampoo and for good reason. Oatmeal contains polysaccharide which prevents skin from drying up.

This substance does that by forming a protective seal around your dog’s body, therefore locking in all that essential oil and moisture, while at the same time locking out bacteria and fungi.

Give the oatmeal shampoo a try on your next visit to the pet shop!

Conditioner for Dogs

A conditioner made specifically for dogs can help replace natural oils that may have been removed while shampooing your furry friend.

Conditioners can help make your dog’s fur silkier and fluffier, making it easier to comb your dog, especially for double-coat dogs.

Keep in mind never to use human shampoo on your dog!

Merci Collective Grooming Products

Merci Collective will soon be releasing a new line of pet products specifically made for grooming! Our new line of products include:

  • Healing Crystal Infused Shampoo: You have the choice of picking which healing crystal you would like to get from. Amethyst, Sodalite, and Rose Quartz.
  • Healing Crystal Infused Conditioner/Rinse
  • Healing Crystal Infused Mist/Cologne.
  • Natural & Essential Oils/Paw Balm.

Make sure to subscribe to our newsletter at www.mercicollective.com to find out more about our latest products and also have a chance to receive discount codes! If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to send us an email!

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