Regular grooming allows the dog to be clean, healthy and peaceful. Many prefer to turn to professional groomers, who allow you to obtain a good result using appropriate tools in complete safety. However, if no one in your area offers this service or if you just want to save money, you can wash your four-legged friend at home without too much effort.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Grooming Before the Bath
Step 1. Get the tools you need for grooming
It would be best to avoid looking for them once you get started. Make sure you have everything you need in one place before you start bathing. See the "Things You Will Need" section to find out which products to prepare for grooming.
Step 2. First, brush the dog
Brushing your fur daily or every other day helps prevent knots from forming. A thorough brushing should always be the first step in the grooming process because, when wet, the knots will become unmanageable. Start from the neck and move along the body. Be careful when you get to the belly area, as it is sensitive, and don't forget to brush the tail.
- You can brush short-haired dogs with simple tools like a curry comb or a grooming glove.
- Brush a medium to long-haired dog with more specialized tools, such as a carder, a round-tipped plastic toothbrush, or a rake comb.
- Whichever tool you use, it must remove any loose hair and distribute the skin oil on the hair.
Step 3. As you brush your dog, praise him
Reward him when he behaves calmly and quietly to encourage him to always react this way. Every now and then, you should give him a cookie to reward him.
Step 4. If necessary, allow him to take a break
The dog should not feel stressed, as negative associations can make grooming more difficult in the future. Make the experience fun by allowing him to take a break from time to time, praising him, giving him cookies, stroking him, and even playing around a bit.
This is especially important with a puppy, who can be educated from an early age to tolerate the process
Step 5. Cut the knots that cannot be brushed
The intricate knots can pull the skin every time the dog moves, complicating his daily life. If you can't untangle them, you need to cut or clip them - it depends on how close they are to the skin surface. If you use scissors, be especially careful to avoid harming yourself and / or your dog.
- If you don't think you can safely remove the knots without harming your dog, take him to a professional groomer.
- Occasionally, the knots can be so thick and close to the skin that bacterial infections can form under the fur. If you suspect it, take your dog to the vet as soon as possible.
- The visible symptoms of a bacterial infection are redness and moisture, with pus leaking in severe cases. The dog may bite or scratch the area due to the itchiness.
Step 6. Clean the dog's eyes
Breeds with white fur or those with large eyes that tear a lot (such as Pekingese, Pugs, etc.) need more care around the eyes. Depending on your dog's specific breed, this step may simply consist of removing eye secretions from the corners of the eyes. Long-haired or white-haired dogs may need special attention to make sure all residue is removed from the coat, as it could cause tear stains. You can buy products designed to remove these white patches at a pet store.
- A healthy eye should be clean and show no signs of irritation or unusual discharge.
- Do not try to pinch the hair on the eyes yourself, as you risk injuring them. Ask your vet or groomer to do this.
Step 7. Clean the dog's ears
For a healthy ear, it is normal to have earwax in it, but it shouldn't give off a particular odor. To clean your dog's ears, apply a cleaning solution (available at the pet store) to a cotton ball. Remove dirt and ear wax from the inner ear, but do not scrub vigorously, as this could damage it. Do not push the swab too far into your ear.
- Before applying the solution to your dog's ear, bring it to body temperature. Place the package in a basin containing water at the same body temperature as the dog, just like you would with a baby's bottle.
- Once you've finished cleaning your ears with a cotton swab or damp towel, dry them with a clean towel.
- Praise the dog. The ears are a sensitive part, so he will need to be reassured.
Step 8. Contact your vet if you have any ear problems
If they are swollen, red, sore, dark or blackened, the dog needs a doctor. You should also call him in case of secretions, wounds or bad smells.
Excessive secretions, inflammation and bad odor are symptoms of ear infections and should be treated with medicines
Step 9. Brush the dog's teeth
In theory, a daily brushing with toothpaste is ideal for maintaining healthy teeth and gums. Use a suitable product, not for humans, because otherwise the dog would risk fluoride poisoning. If you fear that it will bite you, Not try brushing his teeth. When your four-legged friend seems stressed, allow him to take a break to calm down.
- Start by applying a small amount of dog toothpaste to one finger and smear it on the teeth for a few seconds. Reward the dog for his cooperation.
- Once she has allowed you to insert your finger into her mouth for 20-30 seconds, you can move on to gauze or finger brushes, available at the pet store. Gradually work towards using a dedicated dog toothbrush.
- Either way, reassure the dog in the process, so that he has a positive and non-stressful experience.
Step 10. If necessary, take him to the vet to clean his teeth
If your dog has a significant buildup of tartar or plaque, a simple brushing will not be enough. Just like humans, dogs also need professional grooming.
See if the gums are red or if the teeth have brown substances: when you notice these symptoms, home cleaning will be painful for the dog. Don't try to brush your teeth until your dog has been seen by the vet
Step 11. Trim his nails
If you don't take care of them, they can bend under the paw pad or twist the toes in a way that damages the joints. To keep them short, cut them regularly according to the speed of growth. If you hear the clicking of the nails as the dog walks, this means that they touch the ground, so they are too long.
- Cut nails very little (1.5mm) with a dog nail clipper. You can use the one for humans if it is a puppy or small dog.
- If the nails are light, you can see a pink part in the area of the blood vessel. Avoid cutting the pink part, check only the transparent and hard area.
- If the dog has dark nails, be careful to avoid cutting the blood vessel area. Go slowly and cut a little at a time.
- If you overdo the cut and affect the blood vessel, apply an astringent powder or cornstarch and apply pressure to stop the bleeding.
Part 2 of 3: Bathing the Dog
Step 1. Get everything you need
You certainly don't want to rush to find a product and leave your dog wet in the tub, so prepare everything you need before you start. You should also make sure you are wearing clothes that you can get dirty and wet without any problems. Here are the indispensable products:
- Dog shampoo.
- Cookies.
- Several towels.
- Place a towel over the edge of the tub to avoid splashing. The other towels you need to dry the dog.
Step 2. Create a non-slip surface on the bottom of the tub
From experience, you will know that it becomes slippery with the soap. To prevent your dog from losing his balance, place a towel or non-slip mat in the tub.
Step 3. Fill the tub with lukewarm water before introducing your four-legged friend
Hot water can damage a dog's skin, especially if it is short-haired. Avoid letting it run in the tub while your dog is in it, as it could stress unnecessarily. You should take some time to desensitize your four-legged friend to the sound of running water. Use the help of his favorite cookies. Always go slowly to avoid making him nervous and making it worse for both of you.
Step 4. Prevent the dog from moving around in the bathtub
Some are restless during the bath and try to escape. If your four-legged friend behaves this way, buy a bath leash at the pet store. It attaches to the shower wall with a suction cup and keeps the dog steady while washing.
Replace his classic collar with one that doesn't stain his fur or get damaged by water
Step 5. Wet the dog thoroughly
Make sure the coat is completely wet before you start applying the shampoo. If you are not afraid of it, you can buy and use a hand shower to connect to the tap. This tool is especially useful if you have a large or double-coated dog. However, if your four-legged friend is afraid of running water, use a glass or bowl to pour the liquid from the tub instead.
Step 6. Shampoo the dog
Start at the neck and move downward towards the back of the body and legs. Use your fingers to massage the shampoo and work it up to the skin surface. Wash your head last, and don't use soap around your ears and eyes. Instead, use a damp towel or sponge to wash the garment.
Diluted shampoos are easier to apply and rinse off
Step 7. Rinse your dog thoroughly
Keep rinsing until you see no more dirt or foam residue. You can use the same method used to wet the coat before washing. Remember not to let the water run if your dog is afraid of sound. Simply pour water over him with a glass to rinse the shampoo off his fur.
Step 8. Dry the dog
Dab it as much as possible with a towel while it is still in the tub so it doesn't cause too much mess. Place the towel on the dog's back and allow him to shake off the water. Many dogs learn the "bath rules" and will not shake until the towel is placed on their fur to contain the splashes. If he's short-haired or you prefer him to air dry, you're done.
If you have a double or long-haired dog, you may need to use a hairdryer
Step 9. If necessary, use the hair dryer
Is the towel not enough? Use the hair dryer to dry the hair at a low temperature and for a few minutes. If the coat is particularly long, it may need to be brushed as you dry it.
- Make sure the hair dryer is set to the lowest possible temperature. It may take longer than usual, but it's worth it, as the risk of the coat and skin drying out is lower.
- If your dog is afraid of the sound or feel of the hair dryer, don't force him. Dab it as much as possible with a towel and let it air dry in a place where it won't cause as much mess, like in the laundry room.
Part 3 of 3: Trim the Dog's Hair
Step 1. Decide if you need to trim the dog's coat
Many breeds have short hair and do not require regular trimming. However, if you have a four-legged friend with a shaggy coat, you need to constantly trim them for them to be healthy. Breeds that need regular ticks include cocker spaniels, sheepdogs, poodles, Scottish sheepdogs, shih tzus, Pekingese, and chow chows.
Step 2. Trim the dog's coat only once it has dried
If you intend to tick it, be sure to read the instructions on the clipper packaging. Read a book, watch an informative video, or consult a groomer about using this tool correctly. Make sure the blades are sharp and oiled.
Before you cut the hair, you should get an idea of the style you intend to create. Read, ask questions and watch videos to get an idea of how to achieve the desired result. At this point you can get started
Step 3. Gently hold the dog still
It shouldn't move, so use a leash. While cutting, you can place your free hand under your belly to encourage him to stay still instead of fidgeting.
Step 4. Use a clipper
It pays to spend the extra money to buy a good quality product. A small investment will save you some money in the future, since you don't have to pay professional groomers.
- Make sure you use the blade that will allow you to get the desired length.
- Classic scissors will hardly allow you to get a nice and even coat, and you risk hurting the dog in case of sudden movements. A clipper is preferable.
Step 5. Methodically trim the dog's coat
You can safely place the blade against your body, the important thing is not to press it hard on the skin. Move the clipper with a steady hand and slowly on the dog's body to remove the hair: a too fast movement could leave uneven marks. Always move the blade in the direction of growth from the hair. Start at the neck, then work your way over the shoulders, under the ears, towards the chin, throat and chest. Next, cut the hair off the back and hips. Finally, get rid of the one from the paws.
- When you trim the fur from the legs, tail and snout, be careful - these areas are sensitive.
- Check the clipper frequently to make sure it is not warming up enough to injure the dog's skin.
- If the clipper blades get hot, stop and let them cool and / or spray a suitable lubricant.
Step 6. Reward the dog
Standing still is not easy! If he seems stressed by all this, give him a break every 5 minutes. Reward him during the procedure and give him cookies when he takes a break. Don't play with it, because otherwise it could get dirty.
Step 7. Be patient
Before you get a smooth, even cut, you should go through several steps. Do not rush. Give your dog all necessary breaks, and be sure to move the clipper slowly.
Advice
- Learn about the coat care required for your dog's breed or coat type. There are specific requirements for the various breeds to keep the coat clean and / or in certain conditions. For example, a komondor has a hair that requires special attention to separate the knots.
- If you must use a hair dryer, consider a professional quality product (available at the pet store). Double-coated dogs, such as the Bernese Mountain Dog, are at risk of getting burned with a human hair dryer, because it takes a long time to dry. For a smaller dog, you may want to use a manual hair dryer to eliminate or minimize the risk of scalding him.
- Ear hair may need to be removed from time to time. Ask a veterinarian or professional groomer to show you how to do this safely and correctly. Powdered products for ears facilitate and speed up the process by favoring a firmer grip of these hairs, which tend to slip off.
- While unable to find time to bathe the dog, your four-legged friend still needs attention to keep himself clean, healthy and manageable. When you can't groom him, ask a professional.
- Grooming tables and tubs don't put stress on your back, so you don't risk getting hurt. Any sturdy table or surface could be transformed into a grooming table, as long as it doesn't make the dog slip. This excludes tables with casters. At the hardware store you can usually find panels with a rubber base or completely made of this material; they are sold by the meter, so you can cut them to fit any surface.
- If you use dog conditioner, apply a small amount to prevent the coat from having an oily texture and appearance.
- If you can't afford expensive grooming accessories, find out if there are self-service dog wash centers in your area. They offer the tools you need at a lower price; you don't have to pay for a groomer - and the best part is, you don't have to clean up once the bathroom is complete.
Warnings
- If the dog has skin complaints, consult a veterinarian.
- Try not to get the shampoo in the dog's eyes. It could seriously irritate them. Apply it on your hands before spreading it on the pet's fur, do not pour it directly from the bottle. Do not let the foam get into his eyes while rinsing and gently close his ears to prevent the water from bothering him while you wash them. You can put cotton balls in your ears to prevent water from getting into the external ear canal - be sure to remove them once you're done.
- Don't overdo it with washes. Bathing every 2-4 weeks is usually enough. Professional grooming services are recommended every 4-6 weeks for long-haired breeds. Overdoing it can dry out the skin, removing the natural sebum. Between washes, dry shampoos can be used to clean paws and other areas; spray the product directly on the affected parts and remove it with a damp sponge. For the actual wash, use a mild oat shampoo specifically for dogs. If the dog suffers from a particular skin disorder, a medicated shampoo prescribed by the veterinarian is preferable. Consult your doctor if you have any concerns regarding your pet's skin.
- For many dogs, trying to lower the hind leg back when raised is an automatic reflex. Avoid lifting one paw to the side, as this is annoying for most dogs. Instead, lift your foot up and gently push it forward or back. Do not get nervous or scold the dog, try to do your best with this step and praise him when he is standing still. If you have a medium or large dog, you may be able to trim the nails on the hind legs without having to lift them.
- Don't get water in your ears or eyes. If this happens, take a cotton swab or pad (not a cotton swab, as it could get too far into your ear) and dab it gently on the inside. The dog will also likely shake his head to remove the water (such as after a swim). If he seems to be constantly scratching his ears after a bath, take him to the vet to figure out the cause.
- When brushing their teeth, never use human toothpaste. He could swallow it and get sick from the fluoride. Use a veterinarian recommended product.
- Avoid using human shampoos on your dog, as they don't have the right formulation. They could cause a rash.
- If touching certain parts of the dog makes you uncomfortable, overcome this problem. To wash your four-legged friend yourself, you need to take care of the whole body. Fleas or ticks are usually removed from the water. Once the bugs are dead, be sure to wash the fur well to get rid of them. If any remain, they could make the dog sick. To prevent any problems, you should wash your entire body well, even the parts you don't want to touch. Be especially careful to avoid hot water or medicated shampoos getting on the genital area - it's a sensitive part.
