Part 1
Having a routine to groom your dog at your home helps keep him healthy and improves his quality of life (not to mention big $ savings). This routine doesn’t have to be complicated, an in-home grooming routine can help you bond closer with your dog and gives you an opportunity for early detection of any potential health issues that require a visit to the veterinarian’s office.
Bath Time
It is common knowledge that dogs don’t require baths often, their skin and coat might dry out if you bath him excessively.
There are different factors that help you determine the frequency to bathe your dog like coat type, lifestyle and/or specific health condition. Also if there is an offensive smell it may be time for a bath.
Bathing time can give your pet some anxiety or frustration -not all dogs love water- so it helps a lot if you have all your accessories ready and organized. Here are some items you might need to make bathing as smooth as possible:
-Doggy treats
-Dog brush, comb, rake, etc.
-Shampoo (special for dogs preferably)
-Dog-safe conditioner
-Rinsing cup (if not removable showerhead available)
-Non-slip mat
-Enough towels
-Blow dryer for double coated breeds (if accessible and if the dog is use to it)
-Helper (if needed and available)
Once you have your supplies ready, is time to get the space ready to go.Make sure all of your supplies are in the bathing area. Have the bath water ready, too, placing the non-slip mat in the tub or sink. Also, check the water to ensure it’s at a comfortable temperature.
Ok, so all supplies are ready and in the bathing area, now is time to set up the space. Have the water ready at a comfortable temperature, place the anti-slip mat in the tub or sink.
Time to get your dog ready! Bring your dog in the room, shot the door (if you have a helper make sure he/she is in the room as well). Place your dog in the tub or sink, start by slowly wetting her body. A good way to distract her is by giving her a treat as you start the process, you can also smear some peanut butter or any of her favorite snacks on the wall.
When washing and conditioning make sure to follow the instructions on the product labels. To avoid any skin irritation rinse thoroughly to get all product out of her hair, once your done bathing, towel dry your dog as best as you can. If needed you can blow dry her fur, starting at the hind limbs and slowly going forward, keep an eye to her behavior if she looks too stressed, stop the blow drying and just finish up with the towels. You can brush her once she is dry.
Brushing Your Dog
Start by brushing from head to toe, and do your best to make it a relaxing and calming experience for the two of you.
Brushing time is one of the best and easiest ways to bond with your dog. It lessens the shedding and if using the right brush she will enjoy it. Remember that it is important to use the right brush, comb or rake according to your pet breed.
Cleaning Your Dog’s Ears
This is not as fun however cleaning your dog’s ears is vital for her ear health. Do it on a regular basis and keep it simple.
Supplies for ear cleaning:
-Cotton ball
-Vet-approved ear cleaning solution
-Dog ear cleaning wipes
-More treats
It is important to use different cotton balls and/or wipes for each ear to avoid spreading an infection if one ear is infected. Wipe down all the visible skin that you can reach with the cotton balls wet with the solution or the wipes.
A red flag would be if the cotton ball or wipe comes out really dirty after you are done, if that is the case it is recommended to visit your veterinarian to examine her. Keep an eye for red ears, bad odors or any signs of inflammation.
Try to be very gentle when cleaning her ears, this is usually not a good experience for her. A treat at the end may help make the process a little better
*Thanks to our friends over at Purina* for posting the original article