Grooming Your Dog

Grooming your dog by yourself will not only save money, but it will also allow for special bonding time. However, some dogs may not enjoy the process of being groomed, so you may need to rely on the expertise of a professional groomer. Should you have to resort to this method, you will need to find a trustworthy source that your dog will feel comfy and safe with.

The best time to start grooming your dog is when they are still a puppy so they will become more familiar with the process as they age. You can begin each session by massaging your dog to make him or her feel more relaxed and at ease.

It may also help to keep your dog on a consistent grooming schedule, this way they will know what to expect, and grow more comfortable with the routine. Another tip to make this a more enjoyable experience is to consistently reward your dog for their cooperation and good behavior.

Giving your dog a bath

This may require a bit of patience and care, as some dogs may become hesitant at this stage of the grooming process. You should be prepared with all of the supplies you will need, because more than likely, your dog will not wait patiently for you if you've forgotten something.

It’s best to use a tub that is comparable to the size of your dog. To avoid slipping, place a bathmat or towel on the bottom of the tub. You will also need mild soap, or a dog shampoo that is specially formulated not to irritate your dog's skin, and lukewarm water..

While bathing your dog, be careful to not get water in their eyes or ears, as they are very sensitive and prone to infection. Persuade your dog to cooperate by speaking to them in a firm but gentle tone, you want them to feel safe, not forced or threatened.

Cleaning your dog's teeth

Another very important part of the grooming process is to brush your dog's teeth. Dental hygiene will help to avoid various health problems and will also keep your dog's breath smelling fresh.

This may take some patience as well, and will be much easier if you introduce this practice to your dog early on. The best way to begin is by using your finger and a small cloth. Once your dog becomes more comfortable with the procedure, you can introduce the usage of a toothbrush or finger-brush and flavored toothpaste that’s made specifically for dogs.

If your dog simply will not allow you to brush their teeth, you can buy chew toys or bones that are designed to help keep the teeth clean. In general, you can help fight tartar build-up by feeding your dog kibble rather than canned food. Try mixing in cooked brown rice with the dry kibble to make the food more palatable, and also to help enhance the digestive process.