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Tips for grooming your dog at home

By: PVS Care LLP
1. Trim your dog’s hair 

    Most dog owners prefer to take their dogs to a groomer to have their dog’s hair cut. That said, if you proceed carefully you can trim overgrown hair around your dog’s eyes or paws in between professional grooming's. Trimming the hair around your dog’s eyes can prevent overgrown hair from blocking its vision and rubbing against and damaging its eyes.

    Always wait until your dog is calm and preferably lying down. Move slowly and calmly, and use extra caution when scissor blades are near the skin. Make sure to reward your dog’s calmness with a treat after you’re finished. Trimming the hair inside the ears can improve air movement and help prevent ear infections. However, this is best done by an experienced groomer or at your vet clinic.

    2. Safely trim your dog’s nails 

      Trim your dog’s nails when you hear them clicking on the hard floors in your home. This will prevent your dog from experiencing discomfort from overly long nails.

      3. Teach your dog to enjoy grooming sessions 

      Many dogs, especially puppies, need encouragement and positive reinforcement when you first introduce them to a grooming routine.

      These tips will help the first few at-home grooming sessions go smoothly: 

      • Spread a little Vegemite on a washable surface and allow your dog or puppy to lick it off while you brush or wash them.
      • Take things slowly and give lots of treats and praise so your pup will look forward to its next pampering session.
      • Before bath time, lay a slip-proof mat in the tub to prevent your dog from sliding around
      4. When bathing your dog keep these things in mind
        •  A dog’s skin has a different pH level from humans, so never use baby or human shampoo. Choose a soap-free shampoo specially formulated for dogs, which will be gentle on their skin like TopDog Premium shampoos.
        • Pour warm water over your dog until it is thoroughly wet then gently massage the shampoo into the coat. Avoid the dog’s eyes, mouth, and the insides of its ears.
        • Rinse the shampoo off with warm water, then let your dog shake and air dry outside, if the weather is warm. In cooler weather, dry the dog by gently towel-drying the coat or blow-drying it using the most relaxed setting or you can use TopDog Premium Dry Bath Shampoo. 
      Good grooming, periodic bathing, and regular skin and ear checks not only help keep your dog healthy, it demonstrates your love for your pet and give you quality time together.
        5. Check your dog’s skin as you groom
          Allergic skin diseases are common in dogs, causing itchiness and making them scratch, chew or lick their skin. In addition to making your pet miserable, external parasites like fleas, ticks, lice, and mites can transfer diseases or other parasites like the tapeworm.
          Make a habit of checking your dog’s skin every time you groom them. Start by running your fingers through your dog’s coat, feeling its skin for unusual lumps or bumps.
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