Dogs are adorable beings filled with energy that can brighten up anyone’s day. They are loyal and trusted companions who will always be by your side through thick and thin. Everyone wants tail-wagging dogs to pet, to play with, and to walk in the park with, but taking care of one is not as easy it seems. They need a lot of care and attention and you should be able to devote quite a bit of your time to them. You need to know a thing or two about grooming them before you get one. If you already have one, or a lot more than one, you can note down a few tips to grooming them.
1. Brush Their Fur Daily
Brushing your wet-nosed companion’s fur should be a daily habit. If your dog’s hair is long, you should get a dog brush to remove the excess fur, which can shed all over the place. Ungroomed dog fur can result in matting, meaning that they can get knots and tangles, which is not only uncomfortable but also unhygienic. If your dog’s fur is short and smooth, you can get grooming mitts from the pet store. You just need to slip one on your hands and run it over your dog’s fur. It will remove shed fur, massage its skin, and remove mites. You can also take this time to check for fleas, mites, and ticks.
2. Brush Their Teeth Once A Week
When it comes to grooming your dog, most of you may skip the important step of brushing their teeth. Just as your dental health suffers when you don’t brush, your dog’s dental health suffers too. If you don’t brush their teeth at least once a week, their teeth may decay and become diseased. There are tooth brushes and pastes designed especially for dogs and some dog bones and chew toys also clean teeth.
3. Bathe Them Once A Month
Dogs like to roll around in the dirt and chase after squirrels due to which they easily get messy. Since they don’t clean themselves up like cats do, it is mandatory to give them regular baths. Bathe them at least once a month, even if they are not fond of it, and it takes all your energy to do so. You need to remove the dirt from their skin so that they don’t get any disease and their fur becomes soft and fragrant. You should choose dog shampoos designed for the particular type of fur they have.
4. Clip And Clean Their Nails Once In 2 Months
Dogs love digging anything they stand on, the couch, the rug, and the backyard. So their nails and paws tend to accumulate a lot of dirt. You should clip their nails regularly to maintain hygiene. Try to do so once every 2 months. Since your dog licks its paws, clean nails and paws reduce the chances of disease and infections. You should clip only till the curve of each nail. You should be careful not to cut the pinkish skin and vein. If you are not experienced enough to clip your furry companion’s nails on your own, you can take it to a pet salon for a manicure.
5. Trim Their Fur Once Every 3 Months
If your dog’s hair gets too long and looks messy, then it’s time to take out your razor and scissors and trim it. Long hair accumulates dirt, get tangled easily, and gets uncomfortable for your dog, especially if it covers the eyes. You should be careful not to cut into their skin when you chop their hair. If you are not confident about doing it by yourself, there are pet salons which can give your pooch a new, stylish look.
Grooming is a wonderful way to bond with your dog, but make sure to use the right tools and supplies, or you may end up harming it. You can always take the help of a professional if you don’t want to spend too much money on buying these tools and if your dog is not cooperative.