Dog grooming at home can be a fun exercise, that is until you spot some blood on your dog, then it gets scary. Not intentionally, you might have been nicked by your dog at one point or the other while grooming.
An important point to note is that some injuries or health issues that occur as a result of these procedures aren’t always caused by razors alone. Although it’s hard to think that you’ve hurt your pooch and you didn’t even know, it’s true.
However, pet care is too important to neglect. For your dogs’ health and well-being, they have to be taken care of all the time. The pros of grooming your dog outweigh the cons.
So how, you might ask, can I make it injury-free for my dog?
With this article, you’re already well on your way. Whether you groom your dog yourself or you use a dog groomer, this article will help you know other injuries you can look out for, and how to avoid them to make grooming pets better.
Common Dog Grooming Injuries
Here’s a list of the most common mistakes dog owners make:
- Nicks, Scrapes, and Bruises.
These are the most common of all injuries. They include tiny cuts made by nail or coat clippers, scissors, or other sharp objects. It can happen if your dog jerks during grooming, has very thin skin, or has any bumps under their hair like scabs, moles, or warts. It could also happen if his hair is tightly matted.
You can avoid these injuries by helping your pup stay calm while they are being groomed, or by using a professional dog groomer. You should also start grooming your pet from an early age so they get used to it and don’t fidget during grooming.
- Overgrown, Quicked, or Broken Nails.
Quicking a nail is simply cutting into the quick during dog nail trimming. Overgrown or broken nails are usually a result of neglecting your dog’s nails for a long while or nail trauma.
A good answer to quicked nails is using a dog nail grinder which reduces the risk of cutting into the nail quick.
Regular nail checks and trims will help you prevent overgrown and broken nails.
- Brush And Razor Burns.
This injury is more common in dogs than you think but is not easily noticed until it has become a full-blown irritation. Brush burns are caused by continuously brushing one area of a dog with sensitive skin. That’s the wrong way to do it.
Razor burns are also caused by using a hot or blunt razor to repeatedly shave a particular area of skin. The friction makes the tools heat up and burn your dog’s skin.
It can be avoided by using a mild brush to keep your dog’s fur neat and fresh always. That way, their hair doesn’t mat or tangle and wouldn’t require as much shaving that is so close to the skin.
These are blood blisters. It happens when the circulation of blood to an area is hindered and then suddenly allowed. It is usually caused by tightly matted dog hair. Hematomas are found in the dog’s ear.
Brushing often to remove mats also helps your dog prevent this injury.
- Ear Plucking Irritation.
Ear plucking is the removal of hair from the ears of your dog. This process can quickly become an irritation if your dog’s skin is sensitive.
- Eye Irritation.
Eye Irritation is caused when a foreign object like soap enters the eyes and by leaving eye discharge to cake for a long time, making it difficult to remove.
You can prevent this by cleaning your dog’s eye discharge regularly.
- Slips and Falls.
Slips and falls could also lead to bruises. It can be caused by a slippery grooming table or bad positioning.
When you’re at a pet groomer, make sure the table is grease or slip-free and your dog is placed properly on the grooming table.
How To Prevent Grooming Accidents At Home
A lot of mistakes or accidents can be avoided if you:
- Ask Questions.
You can ask professional groomers like PetSmart for tips. If you are confused about anything, always consult your vet or a dog groomer to iron out your confusion. You could also get a seaned dog owner as a mentor to help. Don’t try to solve the problem alone.
- Use The Right Grooming Tools.
Good tools make the whole process a whole lot easier. Never use blunt clippers, bad brushes, or dirty towels during a dog bath. Instead, use a good dog nail file for dog nail trimming and sharp clippers or scissors. Buying quality tools and pet supply is always an investment.
- Start Young.
The best way to help your dog get comfortable with being groomed is to start when they are still young. That way, they grow up being used to the procedures and won’t fuss a lot. A lot of nicks, cuts, and other injuries can be prevented by starting grooming early.
How much does dog grooming cost?
Most people say that using dog groomers is too expensive but it’s definitely worth the money.
Most of them group their services into packages or sets and charge you based on which one you pick.
A standard dog grooming session would include a dog bath, blowdry, nail trims, and ear cleaning. It all probably costs a little more than a haircut. The key is to find a dog groomer that you can afford and stick with them.
If you are grooming your dog yourself at home, you’ll need to get pet supplies like:
- A high-quality dog brush.
- A good comb.
- Coat spray.
- Bath wipes for a quick and easy cleanup.
- Mild dog shampoo.
- Mild dog conditioner.
- Dog towels.
- Dog hair dryer.
- Dog nail clippers.
- Dog nail grinder.
- Styptic powder or cornstarch for bleeding.
- A stripping knife for long-haired dogs.
Conclusion
Never leave your dog unattended on the table or while you groom them. This can also lead to a grooming accident. Get all your tools within arm’s reach.
For dog owners who groom their pets at home, you might not do it with all the finesse as a professional dog groomer, but your efforts will always pay off. You’ll definitely make your canine comfortable.
In case you notice any serious injury during dog grooming, or injuries like broken nails, nail bleeding or hematomas, it’s important to visit the vet’s office as soon as you can.