How to Groom a Dog

How to Groom a Dog thumbnail
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.

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
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      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.

    • 2

      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.

    • 3

      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.

    • 4

      Swipe a damp cotton ball across your dog's eyes to remove dirt from the corners.

    • 5

      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.

    • 6

      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.

    • 7

      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.

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.

Related Searches:

Resources

Comments

You May Also Like

  • How to Start a Dog Grooming Business

    A dog grooming business may be the right choice for someone who love dogs and have an entrepreneurial spirit. Many people love...

  • How to Groom Dogs

    Grooming your dog consists of removing dirt, debris and mats from his fur, washing him and giving him a quick trim. Grooming...

  • How to Groom a Maltese Dog

    A Maltese is a breed of dog in the toy group. Maltese dogs are hypoallergenic and do not shed, so people who...

  • How to Shower Your Dog

    Dogs are considered man's best friend, and just like man, they need to be cleaned on a regular basis. Dogs should have...

  • How to Groom a Dog With Scissors

    After you do an initial grooming with a clipper comb to establish the overall length for the dog's hair, you're ready to...

  • How to Groom a Dog With Clippers

    Grooming clippers provide a uniform haircut to dogs of many breeds and aid removal of fur mats or full pelts. You can...

  • Foot Pad Dog Grooming Tips

    Learn tips on how to groom your dog's foot pads in this free dog grooming instructions video.

  • How to Groom a Samoyed Dog

    Samoyed coats are tough to keep groomed unless you do it often. One method that works well is "line-brushing." I do recommend...

  • How to Groom a Dog

    Learn how to groom a dog in this free video clip

  • How to Groom a Dog at Home

    When economic times get tough, many pet owners are left looking for ways to save money on pet supplies and pet care....

Related Ads

Featured