Proper grooming is essential to your dog’s health and should be part of your daily care routine. Even if you are not a groomer, you should always know the basics to continue caring for your dog at home.

Not all dogs like to be bathed, brushed, or have their nails clipped. Therefore, teaching the correct techniques and tools will make it easier for everyone involved. Here are some tips to help you brush up on your dog grooming skills!

1) Invest in the Right Tools

Proper grooming is the best way to get started without spending a fortune. Make sure your dog has the best grooming experience in a comfortable environment.

Brushes and combs: The coat’s type and length will determine the brush you should choose, from a simple rubber bristle for short coats to a metal comb that is effective against shedding. You may also want to add a flea comb to your collection, especially if your dog has frequent contact with other dogs.

Dog shampoo: Human shampoo is insufficient; it is essential to use a specific shampoo for dogs. Look for a dog shampoo that is appropriate for your pet’s coat and easy to rinse. Also, pay attention to your dog’s skin problems, especially for breeds such as bulldogs and Shar-Pei, to ensure that the shampoo is gentle and does not contain hydrogen peroxide or cause irritation.

Nail clipping: Long nails are not suitable for dogs and can be uncomfortable. As part of grooming, nails should be clipped regularly with regular scissors or nail clippers.

Cotton balls: Cotton balls are essential to your dog’s grooming kit. They can be used not only to clean the eyes and ears but also to dry and protect the dog’s inner ear flaps during bathing.

2) Bath Planning

Bathing is essential. Most dogs must be shampooed every few months to keep their entire body clean. However, bathing too often can drain the natural oils in the coat and cause dry skin. You can also always opt for dry dog shampoo if your dog gets a little dirty or smells terrible between baths.

3) Regular Brushing

The purpose of regular brushing is not only to remove loose hair, but also to trap dirt and dander and to distribute the natural oils in the dog’s coat and skin. Brushing is most effective when done in the direction of the dog’s coat and without excessive force. Regular brushing can also prevent tangles from developing. If left untreated, tangles can progress and require the care of a professional groomer. In addition, regular brushing can reduce the number of times a professional groomer is needed.

4) Don’t Forget the Eyes and Ears

When grooming your dog at home, it is easy to overlook the eyes and ears, but regular checks are also essential dog grooming tips. In addition to gently wiping your puppy’s eyes with a clean, moistened cotton ball or cotton swab, please take this opportunity to take a closer look at your dog’s eyes and examine them for excessive tearing, cloudiness, irritation, or any other problems noted by your vet.

The same goes for your dog’s ears. They are delicate organs that can be affected by the buildup of earwax and dirt, so regular checkups can help prevent otitis externa, which requires veterinary care. You can also gently clean the ear canal with a special ear cleaner for dogs to remove visible earwax and dirt.

5) Use Nail Clippers Correctly

Nail clipping also requires special attention unless you ask a professional grooming service to do it. If your puppy’s nails are too long, they can be uncomfortable to work with, or worse, the nails can curl around the soles of his feet, causing pain and infection.

Nail clipping should be done about once every six weeks, or more often if less active. Even dogs that run regularly should have their nails checked once a week. To determine if a nail clipping is necessary, observe the dog while standing, and if the nails touch the ground and are pushed back or if there is a loud clicking sound when walking, it is time for a nail clipping.

When cutting nails, one must avoid cutting the pink part of the nail, the cuticle, as it will bleed.