6 Tips to Grooming a Dog in Oxford, MS

Do you have a dog? Are you looking for information about how to properly groom them? Have you ever groomed them before, or are you new to the idea of grooming your dog?

If you’re looking for tips and tricks for grooming your dog, we’ve got you covered. Check out the information listed below to find out more about how to properly groom your dog, no matter which type of coat they might have. With the help of this guide, you should be well on your way to taking care of your dog’s grooming and hygiene needs quickly and easily.

1) Use the Right Brush

When brushing your dog, make sure you use the right brush for their coat type. Different coat types require different kinds of brushes, and some coat types may be all but impossible to brush through with the wrong kind of tool.

If you’re unsure which brush type to use on your dog or you don’t know what kind of coat they have, talk to your vet for more information. A professional groomer can also offer you some suggestions for which brushes and other grooming tools you should buy for your dog, depending on their breed and the kind of coat they have.

2) Bathe Often

It is important to keep up with bathing your dog frequently enough, but not so much that you dry out their skin and contribute to skin infection risks. Monthly baths are typically a good idea for dogs who engage in a moderate level of activity.

Dogs who spend a lot of time outdoors or who frequently get dirty, muddy, or wet may need to be bathed more often. Of course, dogs with very long or complex coats may also need more frequent baths, and it is up to you and your vet to determine the best hygiene routine and schedule for your pet.

3) Use Dog-Safe Shampoo

Never use human shampoo on dogs, as it may contain harsh chemicals that are dangerous for use on animals. Additionally, you should avoid using Dawn dish soap to wash your dog unless you have been told to do so by your vet or a professional groomer.

There are plenty of dog-safe shampoos on the market, and you can find a wide variety to choose from when you go to a pet supply store. Your vet may also sell some shampoo options that could work for dogs who have particularly sensitive skin or other health requirements.

4) Don’t Soak the Head

Dogs do not tolerate water being poured over their heads very well, and it’s best to avoid soaking your dog’s head when washing and grooming them. Avoiding this habit can also reduce the risk of infections in their eyes and ears.

Instead of soaking their head, gently wipe your dog’s head, nose, and ears down with a damp wash cloth. This way, they can still get clean, but you won’t have to worry about dumping too much water on them.

5) Introduce the Blow Dryer Slowly

Many dogs are afraid of the blow dryer, especially the first few times they hear it. The drier makes a loud sound and feels warm, so dogs are not quite sure what to make of it. Introduce this part of the grooming process slowly, making sure to praise and reward your dog every time they tolerate it for a few minutes.

If your dog is too frightened by the blow drier to let you use it, this is okay, but you will need to make sure you dry them off thoroughly with a towel instead. Letting your dog air-dry may work if they have a very short coat or if it is very warm outside, but otherwise, this can cause bacterial skin infections easily.

6) Lots of Treats!

Unless your dog is the type who genuinely loves bath time, you may need to keep plenty of treats on hand to ensure they stay calm and feel safe throughout the grooming process.

By providing plenty of treats every step of the way, you can help your dog learn to recognize that grooming isn’t a bad thing. Over time, you may also be able to cut down on the treats you provide to them, as they get more and more used to the process.

Conclusion

Grooming your dog doesn’t have to be difficult, but some dogs are less interested in the grooming process than others. If you have a dog who dislikes baths or grooming, and you can’t seem to train them to feel differently about them, then you may need to work with a professional groomer instead.

Professional groomers are a great solution when you can’t groom your dog at home for any reason. However, by following the tips outlined in the guide above, you should be able to get the hang of home grooming without too much trouble.

If you have more questions about grooming your dog or would like to get a grooming appointment scheduled with us, call us today at (662) 234-4336. Here at Bottletree Animal Hospital, we offer high quality pet grooming for dogs and cats. If you want to learn more, visit our grooming page or give us a call!