Things You'll Need:
- Grooming supplies
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Step 1
Brush the dog's coat thoroughly. Shorthaired dogs generally only need a quick brushing with a glove-type brush. However, longhaired dogs may need a stiffer type of brush to remove shedding hair and to deter matting.
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Step 2
Clean the outer ears gently with a cleaning solution and a cotton ball or soft cloth. Be mindful not to get any solution in the inner canal of the ear.
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Step 3
Check the eyes for any unsightly "goop" in the inner corner. If you find any, simply wipe it away with a damp cloth.
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Step 4
Clean the dog's teeth. Some dogs don't mind a brushing with a regular toothbrush at all and will sit perfectly still for it. Others think it's a game of chew-the-stick. As an alternative to a brush, you can use a clean piece of gauze wrapped around your index finger. Also, there are several dental cleaners for dogs available if you wish to use them.
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Step 5
Trim the dog's nails, being careful to avoid the quick, which can lead to pain, bleeding and infection. If you're not sure how much to trim from the nail, ask your vet or a dog groomer to demonstrate.
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Step 6
Prepare to bathe the dog with a mild shampoo and warm water. If at all possible, try to walk your dog into the bath instead of just plopping him into it. Dogs are more apt to stay calm if they're allowed to ease into the water. (Note that you can buy a special grooming apparatus for this purpose, which is available from dog grooming supply carriers.) Be sure to rinse the dog thoroughly after bathing.
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Step 7
Dry as much water as you can from the dog's fur with a towel. If you wish, you may finish drying the coat by using a blow dryer on a low setting.
