What dog grooming tips
Grooming your pet is an important part of its health. Most animals will eventually enjoy being groomed at any age. Regular grooming not only builds a healthy relationship but it also helps identify any physical changes such as lumps or sore patches that could require medical attention which might have gone unnoticed had you not started grooming your dog. Our mobile dog groomers Swansea service would love the chance to take care of your furry little friend but if you are looking to do a bit at home yourself then we have a few pointers below.
Firstly start by gently touching or stroking all your pets body parts. This is where you can come across any potential problems but if there seems to be none then carry on stroking as animals learn positive associations with praise and repetition. This will also put them in more of a relaxed state before you start the grooming process. The idea is to get your pet to enjoy being grooming regularly and not just when it's muddy or matted.
Now onto the tips:
Brushing. This should be done daily or at least a few times a week depending on the breed of your dog. Brushing should feel good to your dog as it gets rid of tangles and dead hair, distributes natural skin oils and generally feels nice on their body. You have to remember to comb to the skin but be gentle and don’t put too much force on the skin because this can irritate your pet. If you are planning on bathing your dog then we suggest you brush first.
Baths. Regardless of what time of year it is, you should always use warm water the bath your dogs. Coldwater can give your pet a bad connection with bathing. If you have a smaller sized dog then support them in the tub so that they don't start to panic. Lather up the shampoo by giving them a full body massage and then rinse it all off making sure you don't leave any on the fur as this can irritate the skin if left on. Once washed you need to make sure your animal is thoroughly dried, especially really young, old or sick dogs on cold days to prevent them getting a chill.
Teeth. If done with patience and kindness, most pets will enjoy a mouth massage which involves gently massaging the gums and brushing the teeth. This is essential for a fresh breath and a healthy mouth. It is also a great way to keep an eye on your pet's mouth when they need professional dental work.
Ears. Dog ears can always flap over whilst running and playing in the garden so you should regularly check their ears are clear of debris. If you can see bits in there then you can attempt an ear clean by dampening a cotton ball with suitable ear cleaner and wipe the skin folds. If the ears still look sore or are smelly after you’ve attempted your own clean then you should make an appointment with a veterinarian.
Other than the health benefits, grooming can be a great bonding time with your dog and it can become an enjoyable experience for you both.
Firstly start by gently touching or stroking all your pets body parts. This is where you can come across any potential problems but if there seems to be none then carry on stroking as animals learn positive associations with praise and repetition. This will also put them in more of a relaxed state before you start the grooming process. The idea is to get your pet to enjoy being grooming regularly and not just when it's muddy or matted.
Now onto the tips:
Brushing. This should be done daily or at least a few times a week depending on the breed of your dog. Brushing should feel good to your dog as it gets rid of tangles and dead hair, distributes natural skin oils and generally feels nice on their body. You have to remember to comb to the skin but be gentle and don’t put too much force on the skin because this can irritate your pet. If you are planning on bathing your dog then we suggest you brush first.
Baths. Regardless of what time of year it is, you should always use warm water the bath your dogs. Coldwater can give your pet a bad connection with bathing. If you have a smaller sized dog then support them in the tub so that they don't start to panic. Lather up the shampoo by giving them a full body massage and then rinse it all off making sure you don't leave any on the fur as this can irritate the skin if left on. Once washed you need to make sure your animal is thoroughly dried, especially really young, old or sick dogs on cold days to prevent them getting a chill.
Teeth. If done with patience and kindness, most pets will enjoy a mouth massage which involves gently massaging the gums and brushing the teeth. This is essential for a fresh breath and a healthy mouth. It is also a great way to keep an eye on your pet's mouth when they need professional dental work.
Ears. Dog ears can always flap over whilst running and playing in the garden so you should regularly check their ears are clear of debris. If you can see bits in there then you can attempt an ear clean by dampening a cotton ball with suitable ear cleaner and wipe the skin folds. If the ears still look sore or are smelly after you’ve attempted your own clean then you should make an appointment with a veterinarian.
Other than the health benefits, grooming can be a great bonding time with your dog and it can become an enjoyable experience for you both.