Your canine trots into the kitchen, paws muddy and hair entangled. You sigh. It’s always a mission to get your pooch into the bathtub. If grooming your pet is a struggle, we’ve asked the expert to compile a short, guide to help you take the pain out of this endeavour. It’s important to build trust with your dog during the process, so be sure to reward them after grooming.
Start with a brush
Experts suggest that brushing is a good introduction to general grooming. Brushing helps to get rid of excess hair, spreads the natural oils on their skin, massages them and can be a relaxing, bonding time for owner and pet. In addition, brushing also helps keep their coats clean.
How often: A few times a week and before bathing
What you need: Brush. Bristle brushes work well for short-haired dogs, while slicker brushes are better suited for long-haired breeds.
Splish, splash, I was taking a bath!
How often should I bathe my dog: Opinions vary from once every month to every three months. What most agree on is that it depends much on the breed, their activity level, and where they spend their time. The best rule of thumb is to bathe them when they start smelling bad. What’s important to remember is too much bathing, and some products can cause skin irritation. Therefore, it’s recommended that you consult your vet on this issue if you are unsure.
What time: Early in the morning/ Before it gets cooler in the evening
What you need:
- Dog shampoo (something that is gentle on your pooch’s skin)
- Towel
- Bathtub
Step 1: Getting in the bath
For some owners, this is the most demanding step. If your pooch does not like bathing, it’s a good idea to reward them with a treat or something enjoyable afterwards so that they can associate it with something good.
Step 2: They’re in the bath…now what?
- Brush their coats
- Pour lukewarm water onto your pup
- Rub the shampoo onto their bodies being careful not to get it into their eyes, mouth or nose.
- Rinse off
- Dry them off with a towel
Short on time?
Just moisten a towel and rub them down.
Time for a snip!
Hair
Your dog’s coat is essential. It protects their skin against sunburn and the cold. Your dog will naturally shed its coat to accommodate for warmer weather. However, long-haired breeds often require trimming around the eyes, mouth and bum to prevent matting. If you’re not willing to take your dog to a groomer, consult your local vet so you can make sure how to trim your unique pooch correctly.
Nails
Dogs who don’t venture outside a lot are best suited for trimming. Consult a groomer or ask your vet if you’d like to do it yourself.
