Introduction
Regular grooming is important for dogs of all breeds – it helps them maintain a shiny, tangle-free coat and gives you the chance to check for parasite infestations and skin issues. Plus, brushing can be a one-on-one bonding experience for you and your pet.
Even dogs with short, low-maintenance coats need regular brushing, bathing and nail trimming. Dogs with longer coats may also need clipping and hair trimming. While you may wish to schedule regular appointments with a professional groomer for clipping and trimming your dog’s hair, you can easily establish an at-home grooming routine with your dog.
Regularly brush your dog’s coat to prevent matting
Regardless of breed, your dog will need regular brushing to keep its coat shiny and glossy by removing loose hair, dirt and dander. The bonus is it also extends the time between baths! The amount of brushing per week depends on your dog’s coat length and texture. Long-haired breeds like Golden Retrievers and Collies will need more frequent brushing (at least once a week, if not every other day), while short-haired breeds like Greyhounds or Labradors may need a good brushing only every other week.
For long-haired dogs, badly matted hair can cause pain. Dogs will lick or bite themselves at the source of irritation, which may result in skin irritations and infections. Foreign bodies like grass seeds can hide inside a matted coat, and can even burrow into the skin to cause an abscess. Regularly brushing your long-haired dog prevents this from becoming a problem.
Trim your dog’s hair – but use caution
Most dog owners prefer to take their dog to a groomer to have their hair cut. That said, if you proceed carefully you can trim overgrown hair around your dog’s eyes or paws in between professional groomings. Trimming the hair around your dog’s eyes can prevent overgrown hair from blocking its vision and rubbing against and damaging its eyes. Remember, it’s easy to accidentally cut your pet with scissors or clippers, so always wait until your dog is calm and preferably lying down. Move slowly and calmly, and make sure to reward your dog’s calmness with a treat after you’re finished.
Trimming the hair inside the ears can improve air movement and help prevent ear infections. However, this is usually best done by an experienced groomer or at your vet clinic.
Safely trim your dog’s nails
Trim your dog’s nails when you hear them clicking on the hard floors in your home, as this will prevent your dog from experiencing discomfort from overly long nails. Since nail trimming can be an anxiety-laden experience for many dogs, start handling your puppy’s feet and trimming their nails when they’re young, so they become accustomed to the process. If you are unsure, always chat to your vet or vet nurse before proceeding.
- Pick up a paw and firmly, but gently, place your thumb on the pad of a toe and your forefinger on the top of the toe on the skin above the nail. Make sure none of your dog’s fur is in the way.
- Push your thumb slightly up and backward on the pad, while pushing your forefinger forward. This extends the nail.
- Clip only the tip of the nail, straight across. Include the dewclaws, located on the inner side of the paw.
- Avoid clipping past the curve of the nail or you risk hitting what is called the quick (the pink area of the nail that contains the blood vessels). A nick there is painful and will bleed. For dogs with dark nails, watch for a chalky white ring.