K9 Grooming 101: What Your Groomer Wishes You Knew

Dog grooming is one of your dog’s basic needs and an important part of dog ownership.

Just like people, dogs need physical maintenance to look and feel their best. Generally, a dog’s grooming needs depend on the breed and hair type. If your dog has a skin, ear or nail condition, follow your veterinarian’s instructions regarding grooming your dog. It is also important to use the appropriate grooming tools. 

Some common tools are seen here in the photo and include: two types of metal combs, nail clippers, a “slicker” style hairbrush and a pair of special grooming scissors.

Brushing

Many dogs may have a low tolerance for being brushed in the beginning, but regular brushing in a positive manner will strengthen the bond with your dog while maintaining a healthy coat. Starting with your puppy at an early age, even though he is wiggley, is best. Keep sessions very short to start. A dog’s minimum brushing needs depend on hair type. Choose the right tools and follow these guidelines.

• Long-haired dogs usually require daily brushing to prevent matting and tangling of hair.
• Medium-haired dogs may be prone to matting and tangles and should be brushed at least weekly.
• Short-haired dogs can typically go up to a month in-between brushing.

More frequent brushing during shedding season can help prevent hair build-up and excess shedding.

Bathing

I personally don’t understand what the big deal is about bathing. My dogs get bathed about twice/month, at home, in my bathroom, by yours truly. Their coats and skin are clean & healthy, there is no offensive doggy odor on them or in my house -where they spend most of their time- and they never have a problem with fleas. ( I do not give flea meds regularly) Because I groom them myself, and regularly, I am familar with their bodies and notice if anything is unusual right away.

Most dogs should be bathed monthly, but bathing as often as once a week is not considered harmful. Always use a soap-free shampoo that is intended for dogs. Depending on the condition of your dog’s skin and coat, your veterinarian may recommend a specific shampoo. In this case, be sure to follow your veterinarian’s instructions about bathing.

And last , but not least, my personal favorite…

Nails! (*cough* ahem*)

Nail trims are often detested by dogs and owners alike. Most dogs dislike even having their paws handled and know how much it hurts when nails are cut too short. Dog owners are often uncomfortable with the process for fear of hurting their dogs.

Dogs will develop an aversion to nail trimming once they experience pain from it. This usually occurs when the “kwik” or “quick”, a blood vein in a dogs nail, has been cut as the result of trimming the nail too short. The best way to avoid this is to learn how to trim nails correctly and exercise caution. In the event this occurs for you keep some Kwik Stop Styptic Powder on hand to help stop the bleeding. (You can find it at most pet stores)

Ideally, a veterinary technician, vet, or groomer should teach you how to trim your dog’s nails or do it for you. Most dogs need monthly nail trims, but your dog may need more or less depending on the rate of growth.

How do I know where the Kwik is and how much to cut off?