Learning to groom your pet to keep it clean, huggable, and healthy is one of many responsibilities of being a pet parent. Grooming your pet is essential, as it helps avoid parasites and keeps their fur smooth and shiny. Pet grooming can be difficult because it appears messy and unpleasant at first. But with time and practice, you’ll get used to it.
Meanwhile, some essential tools are needed when grooming your pet. This includes a brush or flea comb, nail clippers, pet toothbrush and toothpaste, organic flea control shampoo, and a towel. If you’re unsure what tools are suitable for your pet, seek help from your vet.
Here are some of the essential grooming tips that new pet owners should know.
- Be Friends With Your Pet First
For starters, dog grooming can be scary and unfamiliar to your pet. If you have a new dog, it’s important that you establish trust with them so that they feel safe around you. This is a crucial step before you start grooming your pet.
On the other hand, some dog and cat breeds are easier to manage than others, so spend time getting to know your pet. The more comfortable and confident they’re with you, the easier it’ll be to groom them.
- Bathing
Bathing your dog regularly is essential for their hygiene and overall well-being. Bathing helps remove dirt and makes the dog feel more comfortable and active. Since cats clean themselves, they don’t require any bathing.
To bathe your dog, first, place them in a bathtub, then wet the dog with warm water and start applying dog shampoo. After a few minutes, rinse the dog well and dry off the dog using a towel or a hair dryer.
Regular baths help keep the dog’s coat smooth and shiny. This also removes unpleasant odors. Alternatively, you can also use dry shampoo for dogs if you don’t have time to wash them. When bathing your dog, avoid using human shampoo as it has ingredients that can be harmful to dogs. Remember to clean their tail, belly, behind the ears, and beneath their legs.
- Nail Trimming
If you hear clicking sounds on the floor when your dog walks, it may be time to trim their nails. Dogs’ nails should be cut and filed every month. Nail trimming is an important part of a dog’s grooming routine to avoid deep scratches when they rub their paws on you.
It can be tricky for beginners to trim a dog’s nails as dogs are always moving. Because the process can be daunting, it’s essential to start trimming their nails when they’re young. This helps your pet become familiar with it and get used to it.
When trimming their nails, gently place your hands on their paws and hold them tightly. Then, cut their nails straight across. However, refrain from trimming the nails too short to avoid injuring them.
Essentially, not trimming your dog’s nails makes them overgrow. Overgrown nails can get stuck on fabric, causing bleeding and injuries to the paws. You can make the trimming process fun for your dog by giving them treats during the process.
- Teeth Brushing
Just like humans, your pet’s teeth can smell if they’re not brushed regularly. As a pet owner, you should frequently brush your pet’s teeth to eliminate bad breath and remove tartar and plaque. In addition, regular brushing prevents gum diseases like gingivitis and periodontal disease.
Meanwhile, brushing your pet’s teeth is challenging and should be done with extreme caution to avoid hurting them. Furthermore, you should also consider having the right toothbrush and toothpaste for your pet.
Initially, you can prepare your pet for brushing by giving them a small sample of the paste. This helps them get familiar with the taste. Then, brush their teeth slowly to avoid hurting them. You can even offer them their favorite treats so they can concentrate.
- Trimming Their Hair
Trimming extra coats around your pet’s eyes, mouth, and paws is essential for pets with long hair. This prevents the hair from causing irritation or obstructing their sight. Be very careful when trimming around their face to avoid hurting them, as dogs can be hyperactive.
Furthermore, don’t forget to trim the hair inside their ears to prevent dirt and debris accumulation. You can hold your pet gently in your lap to avoid accidents when trimming them. Essentially, you should trim your pet’s hair every two months.
Conclusion
The above tips will help keep your pet clean, happy, and healthy. To effectively groom your pet, you need to earn their trust and make them feel comfortable around you.
Moreover, you also need to get high-quality products that are gentle to your pet’s skin; this gives them a reason to love grooming. If it’s still challenging to groom your pet, you can reach out to an expert groomer for help.
