What to Know About Grooming Your Dog at Home
Friday, September 14, 2018 02:30:18 PM America/Los_Angeles
Whether you have a Great Dane, a Chihuahua, or any breed in between, owning a dog comes with a lot of decisions and a lot of responsibility. Should you send them to obedience school? What kind of potty training system will you use? What tricks should you teach them? These questions and more can have a huge impact on your dog's health and quality of life.
One question can have a very immediate impact on your dog's health. How do you handle dog grooming? Learn more now about the importance of dog grooming no matter your dog's breed, as well as why you should groom your dog at home instead of taking them to the groomer.
The Importance of Pet Grooming at Home
There are numerous reasons why dogs should be groomed on the regular. Dogs who are groomed regularly will look better, feel happier, and be less predisposed to skin issues. Grooming a dog isn't just about looks—it's about physical health, too. A dog who isn't groomed regularly is more likely to get mats in their fur, acquire fleas and ticks, or overheat when warm weather encroaches. By regularly grooming your dog, you're able to keep an eye on their skin and fur health.
Why Should You Groom Your Dog At Home?
Especially for dogs with high-maintenance grooming needs, regular trips to the groomer can get expensive. To take care of your dog without breaking the bank, learning how to groom your dog can go a long way in putting money back in your pocket (so you can put it back towards your dog).
In addition to the financial benefit, being groomed at home is much less stressful for the dog. Especially in skittish animals or dogs who don't leave home often, going to the groomer can be an extremely stressful experience. Being groomed at home ensures your dog is being tended to in a safe, familiar environment, by someone they love and trust. You may even avoid some accidents from nervous dogs or dogs still in the process of housebreaking.
How to Groom Your Dog By Fur Length
Once you make the decision to groom your dog at home, it's important to educate yourself on how to meet your dog's needs. After all, a Labrador Retriever has vastly different needs from a Poodle. Here's what to know when grooming dogs with different fur lengths.
Grooming Dogs With Short Coats
Grooming a dog with a short coat is one of the easiest processes for dog owners, as these dogs don't need as frequent or intensive grooming as other dogs. However, they could still use regular brushing with a bristle brush to remove any loose hair or dead skin cells. Keep in mind that dogs that shed will need to be brushed more frequently than those that do not.
By ThamKC via shutterstock
Grooming Dogs With Medium-Length Coats
When grooming a medium-coated dog, you can continue to use a bristle brush, so long as you use a brush with longer bristles. Be sure to brush your dog more regularly so their fur can't get matted. It's recommended to give medium-coat dogs a light brushing every three days to ensure their coat stays healthy.
Grooming Dogs With Long Coats
Dogs with long fur coats require the most attention and maintenance, especially if their fur is curly or wiry. Because these dogs are so prone to getting matted or tangled fur, dog owners with long-coated dogs are the most at risk of throwing in the towel and phoning up the local groomer. But hope isn't lost! If you groom your dog regularly and give them special treatment, you can ensure they look healthy and happy for years to come. Consider buying several different grooming brushes so you can target trouble spots in your dog's fur.
How to Groom Your Dog By Fur Type
Just as how dog fur has different needs depending on length, the texture of the fur has an impact on the dog's grooming requirements. Here are a few considerations for grooming dogs with different fur textures.
Grooming Dogs With Smooth Coats
Grooming dogs with a smooth coat is similar to grooming dogs with a short coat, especially if they don't shed often. Brushing them once or twice a week and giving them regular baths should ensure your dog is kept healthy.
Grooming Dogs With Curly Coats
Curly-haired dogs cover a broad range of breeds and tend to be high-maintenance, with coats that range from loose waves to tight, locking curls. No two curly coats are the same, so be sure to consult with a professional or a trusted resource to learn how best to groom your dog's curly coat.
Grooming Dogs With Wiry Coats
Though most dogs with wiry coats tend to have short- to medium-length fur, they frequently need more grooming than smooth-coated dogs with a similar fur length. Many dogs with this texture of fur don't shed, so they need regular brushing, and their hair may need to be clipped or plucked by their owner, as well.
Choosing the Right Grooming Tools For Your Dog
There are a lot of decisions to make when you own a dog, from dog potty training methods to food choices to grooming, but a good pet owner will do proper research before making those decisions. Grooming needs and grooming tools vary vastly from dog to dog, so reach out to a veterinarian or dog grooming professional to learn how best to take care of your dog's breed. Doing so will ensure you can continue giving them all the love and care they deserve for years to come.
