7 Grooming Mistakes to Avoid with Your Dog
You might be tempted to dive right in and snip away at your pup’s fur, but hold your clippers! There are a few common mistakes that many dog owners make while grooming their furry friends that can quickly turn a fun and relaxing experience into a nightmare.
Let’s look at a few tips for what NOT to do while grooming your fur baby.
Inconsistent Grooming Routine
One of the most common mistakes that every dog owner makes is thinking that your dogs only need to be groomed at certain times. However, that is only going to make it difficult for you to groom your pet. Instead, preparing a consistent grooming schedule for your pet can help them relax and anticipate a session.
Regular grooming sessions will also help your dogs realise that they should not be afraid of the groomers. The more your dog is used to being groomed, the less stressed and worried they will be about it. You can also use some special toys like a tubbz duck to help your pets stay calm during grooming sessions and maybe even look forward to them.
Wrong Tools
While it is often said that some things are better left to the experts, when it comes to grooming, it’s not just something you do at a dog spa. With the right equipment, you can easily groom your dog at home.
When choosing the best grooming tools, consider the length and thickness of your dog’s fur. Brushes and other tools often come in multiple sizes, so make sure you pick one that best suits your pup’s needs. For instance, using a professional dog clipper meant for a Poodle on a Husky will not work.
Moreover, if your dog dislikes being groomed, they’re more likely to be well-behaved with you in comparison with a professional groomer. Thus, buying the right tools and learning how to use them can be extremely beneficial.
Using Too Much Soap
As a dog parent, you’re probably no stranger to your dog getting into the dirt and immediately needing a bath. When bathing your pup, the amount of soap you use will depend on your dog’s coat density and length, as well as how much dirt and debris is in it.
Excessive soap can strip away the natural oils in your dog’s skin, causing dryness and irritation. It may also be challenging to rinse off entirely, leaving a residue that attracts dirt and odours. Additionally, an overdose of soap can cause skin allergies and discomfort for your furry friend. To avoid these pitfalls, choose a dog-specific shampoo, follow the recommended usage guidelines, and ensure thorough rinsing for a healthy and clean coat. Moreover, remember to protect their ears from the soap and water using cotton balls.
Cutting the Nails Too Close
Regardless of the dog breed, your fur buddy’s nails should be trimmed regularly. However, this job is more complex than it seems, as cutting the nails too short can hurt your dog and even cause bleeding.
To avoid injuring and upsetting your pup, ask your dog groomer for tips on cutting their nails in a safe and efficient manner. Better yet, schedule regular appointments with the groomer to have their nails trimmed.
Cleaning the Inside of Dog’s Ears
When cleaning and rinsing your dog, avoid putting water or other liquid in or near the ear canal. A damp ear canal becomes a nesting ground for germs, which can lead to ear infections causing itching, swelling and pain. That’s why, when you bathe your dog, make sure you keep their ears, eyes and nose dry.
Cleaning the inside of your dog’s ears requires caution and care. Inserting cotton swabs or any sharp objects into the ear canal can lead to injury and discomfort. Moreover, excessive cleaning can disturb the natural balance of ear wax, leading to irritation and potential infections. Instead, use a veterinarian-recommended ear-cleaning solution and a soft cloth to gently wipe the outer part of the ear. If you notice any signs of ear infection or discomfort, consult a professional for proper diagnosis and treatment immediately.
Brushing Their Wet Coat
After your dog has been exposed to water, whether through a bath, swimming or playing in the rain, it’s important to dry their fur before attempting to brush or comb it. Brushing a wet coat can lead to discomfort for your furry friend especially because wet hair tends to clump together. This leads to knots and mats that pull on the skin when you’re trying to brush them.
Experts recommend brushing and combing dogs with knots and mats prior to bathing, and again after they’re dry. However, short-haired dogs have fewer matting concerns and can be brushed during or after a bath, even if their fur is still wet.
Taking Too Many Baths
When it comes to grooming, another common mistake you should avoid is bathing your dog too often, as it can reduce their hair’s natural oils and make their skin dry and irritated.
Your dog only needs to be bathed once a month unless it has a skin problem or some other medical condition. However, if your mischievous pup does get dirty while playing, the only way to avoid a mess at your home is to give them a quick bath.
To Sum Up
Grooming your furry friend is a fun and rewarding experience, but it is important to avoid common mistakes that can turn it into a disaster. That’s why. you must take the time to properly use the grooming tools and pay attention to your dog’s body language.
Furthermore, although grooming your dog at home can be a fun and cost-effective solution, there are certain situations like cutting their nails and where it is best to leave it to the experts.
