Grooming Your Own Dog

When compared to cats, dogs are generally considered to stink fast. It’s because they naturally more active and doesn’t have the innate ability to clean themselves (unlike cats who sometimes lick theirselves the WHOLE day). BUt it’s not only dirt and smell that need to be addressed when grooming your dog. Depending on their breed, some dogs require grooming more frequently because of their fur type. Some dogs also drool more than usual, and that drool usually drips to their coat, making the area thick and dry.

The good news is, people tend to consider grooming dogs easier than grooming cats, and we agree. All you need is some free time, and the right materials.

What you’ll need…

• Water
• Dog shampoo (we recommend Bayli)
• Slicker-brush
• Finishing comb
• Ear wipes
• Nail clippers
• Scissors and razor
• Clean towel

Optional: Gloves for handling, pet cologne, toothbrush and toothpaste

Steps

1. Fill a tub or sink or pale with water. Using our trusty tabo, gently pour water over your dog, starting with their neck, and lather with the shampoo. Do this all over their body and be gentle when you reach their face. Concentrate on their paws and the area around it, as well as their tail and butt(where some waste residue could stay especially if they have a thick and long coat).
2. Rinse them with water and make sure there are no suds left as you do this. You don’t want dry shampoo sticking to their fur. Afterwards, wrap them with a clean towel.
3. Inspect your dog’s ears. If they are dirty, use the ear wipes to gently wipe at the outer portion of their ear. Gently dip a finger in the inner portion, but only briefly and not forcefully. These areas can be sensitive to them.
4. Nail clipping: clip only the tip off the nail as much as possible. If they are not used to it, try bringing some treats with you and rewarding them for every nail clipped in their paws.
5. If you own a long-haired breed, you can opt to trim them especially in the butt. This will help the fur in that area stay free of excrement. Also trim the area around their paws.
6. After bath, once they are completely dry, brush them with the finishing comb (if they have short fur) or a slicker brush (if they have thick and long fur like a Shih Tzu’s). Make sure you don’t pull harshly on entangled hairs, as it can pull on their skin and hurt them as a result.
7. Optional: Shaving. Shave your dog but only if you know how to use a razor. It’s especially useful during the summer, as ours tend to reach 40 degrees celsius and a thick fur can make your dog extremely hot and uncomfortable.
8. Optional: Dog cologne. Only spray on their backs. Avoid their face.

Tips for Grooming Your Dog

• Start them young. Introduce them to grooming as early as possible, so that there won’t be accidents that could lead to injury during grooming.
• Get anti-rabies shots for you and your dog. Grooming can lead to scratching and biting, so be prepared and protect yourself and your dog with vaccines.
• Reward them during grooming. This will help teach them to behave and enjoy the experience.
• Wipe their butts after they go number 2. Or at least check that area to make sure no excrement is left in their fur.
• Put socks on them when you go on walks. This will protect their paws from getting dirty or from sharp objects they might step on. Some dogs may never get used to it, so you can skip this if they really refuse to move when they are wearing it.
• Enjoy the activity! It’s a great bonding time with your dog 🙂