Everything you need to know to help you give your pup a pawsome makeover plus where to get the right tools from.
If you’re reading this, then you’re looking for information on the best way to go about DIY dog grooming. And let us just say, that you have come to the right place. Grooming your dog on a regular basis is important to ensure she stays healthy and comfortable.
Clipping her nails, cleaning around her eyes and trimming her coat (we’ll get to the details on this in a bit) will do wonders in removing excess hair, dirt and dead skin. Picture this grooming session as a spa day for your dog, although she might not enjoy the process, she will thank you for it later (we promise).
Read this: 4 Pet Care Tips Every Pet Parent Should Know About (#3 is a lifesaver!)
Grooming tools you will need
Some pet suppliers might be available for online delivery if you’re in need of grooming tools. The Onepet Store has a great range of brushes, shampoos, and more. Here’s what you will need:
- A brush or comb: you need a high-quality brush or comb. If your dog has a long coat, then a metal-pinned brush is suitable. For dogs with short hair, a brush with rubber teeth is suitable.
- Scissors: you need a pair of sharp, professional-grade scissors to cut the hair easily without pulling or snagging your pooch (ouch!).
- Nail Clippers: pick a reliable pair of clippers that have a nail stop to ensure you cut your dog’s nails safely.
- Shampoo: do not use any old shampoo on your dog as this might irritate her skin and dry it out. Make sure you choose a high-quality shampoo made especially for dogs.
- Two old towels: for drying.
Where is the best place to groom your dog?
It’s a good idea to choose a room with a surface where your dog will not slip and where he or she feels calm. You need to bathe your dog in warm water and where you have enough space to dry your dog after the bath.
Ideally, your bathroom will work well, make sure you put one towel on the floor and use the other to dry your dog when she is placed on the floor towel after her bath.
Is it okay for me to shave my dog’s coat at home?
If you are thinking about shaving your dog’s coat yourself, then you need to have the exact right tools to do so. You should ideally leave any shaving to a professional groomer. If you are wanting to use human hair clippers on your dog, then this might injure your dog or leave her skin visible as human hair clippers have very short blades.
The best thing to do for your dog if she has a long coat is to invest in a proper brush and brush her on a daily basis, focusing on her chest and behind the ears and legs. If you need a little help, give your local groomer a call and ask them for advice in trimming your dog’s coat at home and what tools you will need.
A good pair of sharp scissors can help get rid of any knots in your dog’s coat. Take a look at this video on how to cut your dog’s coat at home.
6 Steps to DIY Dog Grooming
1. Start by brushing the coat
Brush your dog’s coat before you bath her. This will help get rid of any mats and any excess hair. Brushing could also help calm her down as you talk to her in a calm and loving manner about the grooming session about to take place. It’s beneficial to brush before the bath to prevent matting of the coat.
Related: Cat Grooming 101: How to Groom a Cat
2. Bathing
Now it’s time for the main event – the bath! Run a bath to a warm (not too hot) temperature. Wet all of your dog’s fur and then grab the dog shampoo to then lather and rinse. Make sure you get the shampoo out of your dog’s coat and allow her to dry thoroughly before brushing.
3. Drying
If your dog does not like a hairdryer, then use an old towel to ensure she is properly dried before you begin the in-depth grooming process.
4. Clean the eyes
If your dog has a discharge in her eyes, use a moist piece of cotton wool and carefully wipe her eyes in a downwards and gentle motion. This should be done daily to prevent a buildup. Do not cut the discharge with scissors as this could end in disaster!
5. Clip the nails
Depending on the growth of your dog’s nails, you might need to cut them every 3 to 6 weeks. An easy way of knowing if the nails need a trim is when your dog is standing straight, her nails should not touch the floor. If they do, then you might need to give them a little trim.
Here’s how to do it:
- Hold your dog’s foot steady, but gently – you can use a lot of praise and treats here
- Using your pooch clippers, snip off a small bit of the end of each nail
- Cut the claw to within approximately 2 mm of the quick (the pink skin showing under your dog’s nails)
You cannot see the quick on dark coloured claws, which makes them more difficult to trim without cutting your dog and hurting her. If this is the case, cut dark coloured claws in a few small trimmings to reduce the risk of injury
6. Reward her with praise and treats
It’s important for your pooch to enjoy grooming and not be scared of it. Ensure you keep your voice at a calm and gentle tone and reward her with treats after each step!
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