Dogs are cute and cuddly, playful and excitable, sweet and friendly, but also can be dirty and stinky. With all the playtime and exploration your furry friend embarks on every day, they’re bound to get more than just a few mud stains on their paws.
Taking them to the groomers is not always going to be possible, though, and, not to mention, expensive. That’s why sometimes, it’s good to do their grooming yourself. DIY grooming can be tricky, though, especially if you’re not all that experienced with it.
With these helpful tips, however, you should be on your way to becoming a pro, and to have your dog back to its fresh, clean, huggable self.
Give them Regular Baths
Baths are many dreaded activities for most dogs, although some do enjoy it. A question often asked by dog owners is how often should they be bathed. As a rule of thumb, once a month should be good enough for them. However, if they do end up dirty or stinky faster than usual, then of course you should make sure to get them all cleaned up.
An important thing to note here is that dogs can have skin sensitivities as well. That’s why you also want to be careful not to over-bathe them, otherwise, their skin might get dry and lead to their discomfort.
Also, if your dog finds it stressful taking a bath, start by slowly easing them into the sensation of having water poured over them gently. Scoop water with your hands first and then give them a gentle pat or massage to reassure them that it’s you holding them and that it’s safe. Once they’ve relaxed a bit, then you can slowly incorporate massaging motions to get them more relaxed, until finally you can put the shower directly running over their body. This should make bath times easier for you, and less stressful for them.
To maintain your dog’s hygiene without the stress of frequent baths, consider incorporating some allergy dog wipes into your pet care routine. These wipes, enriched with a natural formula of oatmeal, aloe vera, and witch hazel, offer a practical and convenient solution. They’re gentle on your dog’s skin, relieving allergies, dryness, and irritation, and can be used daily without leaving any residue.
Take Care of Their Oral Health
Dog owners love to tease their pets about having stinky breath. This doesn’t have to be the case, though, because there is a way to address this issue. There are, in fact, toothbrushes specially designed for dogs. Gently brush their teeth and massage their gums, and also check for food bits possibly caught in between.
There are also treats that they can nibble on that help keep their breath smelling fresh, and their teeth strong. Pay attention to the smell of your pet’s breath as this could be indicative of their overall health condition. In some cases, it does not only mean that your dog’s teeth have plaque and tartar, but also that they could possibly have gastrointestinal problems, or even respiratory problems. If bad breath persists despite all efforts, and especially if it is unusual about your dog, consult with a veterinarian immediately.
Brush Away the Matting
Long-haired dogs are especially prone to matting, which can make for a very untidy appearance. Regularly brush your dog’s hair to keep their coat shiny and glossy. It’s not just a matter of looking pretty, too. Matted hair can hurt your dogs because the clump of hair can pinch the skin in that area.
Matted hair also makes your dog prone to skin infections. Foreign objects like blades of grass or thorns, or even insects can get stuck or burrowed inside, causing skin problems for them in the long run. Removing entanglements early on prevents matting, which better helps in the comfort of your dog.
For all of this, it’s important that you invest in good quality dog care products. Suppliers like Vetnique Labs offer a variety of items for pet use, so make sure to identify which ones your dog needs, and then stock up on them.
