Some dogs are stressed by a visit to the grooming salon. Why not consider bathing and grooming the dog and save some cash, too?
Is it necessary to take the dog to a grooming parlour just for a wash and brush up? Not necessarily. Know the basics and save the dog the stress and save some money at the same time.
Dog Grooming Equipment
Some general equipment will be needed, but most can be purchased at a pet store and will last for some considerable time.
First, ear cleaning: cotton wool balls and ear cleaning lubricant is needed. Put a few drops of the liquid on to the cotton wool ball and carefully clean the inside of the ear. Do not push any material too far into the ear, just clean around the underside of the ear.
Eye cleaning: again, cotton wool balls are needed and either boiled and cooled water, or eye cleaning fluid purchased from a pet store. Gently remove any debris from the corner of the dog’s eye.
At this stage, it is also advisable to trim a dog’s nails, and proper nail clippers can be obtained from pet stores. Care must be taken, however, as cutting the nail too much can be harmful. Sometimes ensuring a dog is exercised on a hard surface will be enough to wear down the nails sufficiently.
Before Shampooing.
It is essential to brush the dog’s coat well before shampooing, especially for long-haired dogs. This ensures the coat is tangle-free because once it is wet it will be almost impossible to get any knots out. Use a good dog shampoo, not a shampoo used for humans. The ingredients are important and some contents of human shampoos can be harmful to dogs.
When bathing the dog, choose an area that is easy to access and easily manageable. The bathtub might be the obvious choice, but bending over a boisterous or excited dog can be difficult. A large plastic container can be better, preferably outside. Then if the dog jumps out there is not a horrendous messy bathroom to clear up.
Wet the dog’s coat well with warm water, and then apply shampoo sparingly. Really work the shampoo into the coat. Not only is this good for the coat, but the dog will love it, too. It is the equivalent of a doggy massage. Make sure all areas are well washed, taking great care around the ears and eyes. Avoid getting any water or shampoo into these. When rinsing, use plenty of water to really rinse well. Any remaining shampoo will dry and cause the dog to itch.
Take off any excess water with a towel and towel dry as much as possible. If the dog has a long coat it will be necessary to use a hairdryer but be careful to use on a warm setting only and to hold at least twelve inches away from the dog to avoid overheating.
It is important to use the right equipment. The right size brush and comb compared to the dog’s length of the coat is essential.
Dog bathing is a great way to bond with the dog. It will love the attention and this will soon become an enjoyable activity for both dog and owner. However, too much bathing is not good, as it removes the natural oils from the dog’s coat. Every few weeks would seem adequate.
Who knows, becoming a professional dog groomer may be the next step.