5 Time Tested Tips to Proper Bathing & Dog Grooming

You may have the easiest dog to care for in the world, yet he will still need attention to be paid to his appearance from dog grooming. That being said, it’s worth learning some of the best and most effective dog grooming techniques to stress-free and easy grooming from the experts for your dog’s health.

Why Should I Groom My Dog?

Up until recently not much attention was paid to dog grooming, but rather to let them live in the back yard to roll in smelly yard trimmings, eat whatever they please, and sometimes spend time with the kids. Today proper dog grooming has become very important in dog health care, not only for aesthetic appearance, but also for dog health reasons. Regular and proper dog grooming minimizes skin care issues (since dog grooming distributes the natural skin oils throughout the coat), and assists you in monitoring your dog’s overall health condition regularly (you can’t help but notice any lumps or bumps if you groom on a regular basis).

Such preventative and proactive actions have saved many canine lives since our dogs can’t tell us where it hurts. Taking the time to check can save a lot of grief in the long run. The trick is to get your dog to tolerate (might I even say enjoy) the dog grooming process!

1.) Properly Prepare your Dog for Grooming:

Since most dogs have a very strong dislike in getting bathed, and in many instances, become panic-stricken when the tub comes out, preparation will be one of the most important steps to accustom your dog to the grooming process. It is easiest to get a dog used to bathing when they are puppies, but even if you have an adolescent dog, you’ll want to start to touch them all over (especially the nose, ears, tummy, neck, head, paws, etc) to really get them comfortable with the actions. It shouldn’t take too long for your dog to begin to trust you and your actions, and actually enjoy your touch. Be sure to add lots of praise, as the more your dog enjoys it, the less stress and the more often he’ll let you groom him (increasing the dog health benefits).

2.) Bath First:

Bathing your dog always comes before dry grooming, as it makes trimming and brushing easier and more effective (there’s no point in brushing a dirty and tangled coat). Some basic tools will be needed (tub, non-slip mat, plastic jug, warm water, small sponge, and some canine shampoo). Don’t use shampoo for humans, as the pH is wrong and will dry your dog’s skin.

• Stand your dog in tub on the mat (if your dog is large or wild, you may wash outside to save the mess).
• Pour warm water over him until he’s wet (this breaks down grease in his fur, ensuring thorough shampooing).
• Combined a little shampoo with more warm water in a jug and thoroughly rub into his fur. Start with his back and move to the head and face.
• Careful not to get water in ears to prevent ear infection (small twist of cotton wool in each ear helps).
• Before washing him off, remember to clean under the tail by dipping the shampoo into the mixture.

3. Rinse…..and Repeat:

Using the jug and clean, warm, shampoo-free water, carefully tip it over his head, using your fingers to help disburse the lather from his coat. Rinse completely at least two times to ensure no residual is left to irritate his skin.

4.) Its Drying Time:

Its now time to dry. If he has short fur, an old towel will do just fine while dogs with longer fur require a gentle toweling, then a hair dryer to get rid of remaining dampness (be sure you set it on low heat and far away from your dog’s fur).

5.) Just Stay Calm:

Just remember that most dogs have an internal dislike of getting bathed, causing anxiety and panic. Since your dog takes many emotional cues from you, be sure to keep your voice and body actions calm, slow, and deliberate. Be sure to praise lavishly and a few treats always helps too! The more he enjoys the dog grooming process, the easier it’ll be for you!

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Dog grooming is just one small aspect of his or her overall dog health and happiness. For a complete encyclopedic survival guide to all aspects of dog health, from preventative care to choosing a vet, to even canine first aid (even the canine Heimlich maneuver!). A survival guide for knowledgeable, effective, and life-saving dog care, this manual keeps your dog’s health and well being firmly within your control – which is exactly where you want it to be.