How to Groom a Dog
Besides shelter, love, food and water, your dog also needs regular grooming. Just a little effort will keep your dog clean. Follow these steps.
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Things You'll Need
- Dog shampoo
- Dog nail clippers
- Slicker brush
- Dog toothbrush
- Dog toothpaste
- Styptic powder
- Large cup
- Large towel
- Bristle brush
- Rubber mat
Instructions
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Have your dog sit on a towel as you brush your pet to remove loose hair and dead skin with a brush. Use a slicker brush to remove tangles from long hair.
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Place a rubber mat in the bottom of the bathtub to prevent your dog from slipping. If you don't already have one, buy a hand held shower head that you can use when showering your dog.
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Put your dog into the tub carefully. Use the hand held shower head to thoroughly wet the fur, but avoid the eyes and ears. Follow the dog shampoo directions for lathering and rinsing. Some shampoos must sit a few minutes before the final rinse.
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Swipe a damp cotton ball across your dog's eyes to remove dirt from the corners.
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Drain the tub and carefully place your dog on a towel on the floor. Dry your pet with a large towel, and then brush again.
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Hold your dog while you clip the nails. Using dog nail clippers, cut at an angle just before the curve in the nail. If you're not used to doing this, cutting less is better so that you don't harm your pet. If you accidentally cut into the quick, sprinkle with styptic powder to stop the bleeding.
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Gently force the dog's mouth open by pressing with your fingers into the corners by the back teeth. Use a special dog toothbrush and toothpaste to clean your dog's teeth. You don't have to brush the teeth, instead just rub the tooth paste across the teeth of the dog. Brushing them will probably cause the gums to bleed.
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Tips & Warnings
Talk in a gentle, coaxing voice to relax your dog while you groom.
Brushing weekly, or daily for long hair, will keep your dog clean between baths.
See your vet if you notice any skin irritation, foul odor or flea and tick infestation.
Clean the ears, brush the teeth and trim the nails before showering the dog since it will create a mess again if you do it after the shower.
Shampoo residue can irritate a dog's skin. Make sure to rinse very well.
Avoid getting water and shampoo into your dog's eyes and ears, which can lead to irritation.
Frequent baths can dry out your dog's skin. Limit baths to once a month.
