Don’t use scented shampoo. ❌
Perfumed bath products can irritate dogs’ sensitive skin and noses. Choose an unscented shampoo, like this one from 4-Legger.
If your dog is overly fidgety, consider using calming aids. Music can help keep your dog calm, so try playing reggae or classical tunes. You could also use pheromone-laden spray mists during bath time or grooming shampoo that calms your dog. Or consider applying some essential oils on a towel and place it near your dog’s snout. But be sure to check with the vets in phoenix whether the sprays and essential oils are safe for your dog before using them.
Anytime you restrain your dog for grooming, keep in mind that he still has a natural animal instinct. As dogs cannot speak to communicate with you, when they feel pushed over the edge they might bite or scratch. So be sure to keep yourself safe. If your dog constantly growls and shows signs of aggression, do not put off stringent measures like muzzling. Alternatively, consider calling in professional groomers to do the job.
But you can do more. For example, you can teach your dog to have positive associations with the grooming equipment. You can also help your dog be less apprehensive about grooming items, like a grooming brush. Use it briefly on your dog when not grooming. With time, your dog will perceive the tools and as being less of a threat.
Although we have lived with our canine companions for eons, they are yet to accept all of our ways. We love it when our dogs are clean and presentable. It is also crucial for their health and well-being. But many dogs dislike being groomed. A few licks on the limbs, area around the mouth, and other short hair zones (like the anogenital area) are enough for them. Some even hate it and could turn reactive during grooming sessions.
If you need to use the restraint equipment, put it on gently so that your dog does not associate it with pain. If you are not using the equipment, wrap your arm around your dog’s neck. When you wrap your arm around the neck, your ear is close to your dog, and you can feel his growl if he is uncomfortable. Talk to your dog calmly using a calm tone (even when frustrated), and do not try to show him who’s boss. Alternatively, you can wrap your arm around his back, close to the tummy area. If he tries to wiggle out, you can quickly hoist him up.
Desensitize Your Dog to the Equipment
In the days leading up to when you want to groom your dog for the first time, try desensitizing them to the grooming equipment by placing the brush or clippers by their bed or near their favorite toy. It’s also helpful to accompany your grooming tools with treats. Although doing this won’t altogether avoid your dog getting nervous while you restrain them, it can help calm them some.
How can I sedate my dog for grooming at home?
Good grooming will help your dog look and feel his best. Routine grooming sessions also allow you to examine your dog’s coat, teeth, eyes, ears, and nails for signs of problems. How often you need to groom your dog depends on his size, breed, and type of coat.
While good hygiene habits are essential for a healthy dog, unlike humans, most dogs do not require daily hygiene and grooming habits. What is required, and how often, depends on the breed. The Afghan Hound, Poodle, and Komondor — just to name a few — require regular grooming (but are certainly worth the effort), whereas breeds such as the Beagle, Weimaraner, and Boxer allow a bit more freedom in the grooming department. Hygiene such as teeth brushing, ear cleaning, nail trimming, and brushing are most certainly an essential aspect of regular dog care, regardless of the breed.
Professional dog groomers, professional dog handlers, and some veterinary technicians are well trained in grooming, so you can be assured that your pup is in good hands. However, it’s certainly useful for owners to learn maintenance grooming to keep their dogs looking sharp in-between visits to the groomer.
One of the best sources of information for grooming can be your dog’s breeder. An AKC responsible breeder will often have a wealth of knowledge on all topics related to their breed, including grooming tips and equipment needed to do a good job.
Several brushing sessions a week will keep the average dog neat and clean; daily attention is even better. Brush all the way down to the skin, letting the massaging action stimulate blood circulation and loosen and remove flakes of dandruff.
The kind of equipment you need depends on your dog’s coat texture and length. Longhaired dogs need pin brushes, which have long, round-ended stainless-steel or chrome-plated pins. Short-, medium-, and some long-coated breeds need bristle brushes. There are also slicker brushes for removing mats and dead hair; rubber curry combs to polish smooth coats and remove dead hair; clippers, stripping knives, rakes, hairdryers, and other grooming tools.
When brushing, always check for burrs and other stubborn plant material; mats, which most frequently form behind the ears and under the legs; and any cuts or scrapes on the skin itself.
All dogs shed, though some definitely shed more than others. Regular brushing will help keep shedding under control.
Your dog should have regular, but not frequent, baths, depending on the breed and coat of your dog. Too-frequent washing removes natural oils and causes the coat to become dry and harsh.
When necessary, use a mild shampoo formulated for dogs. Stand the dog in a tub or basin, and put cotton balls in his ears and a couple of drops of mineral oil in his eyes. Wet the dog with warm water and apply shampoo from the neck back. After lathering and scrubbing, rinse your dog thoroughly with warm water. Rub vigorously with a towel (he’ll help you with vigorous shaking!), and then blow-dry if necessary. Comb or brush as required.
Nails must be kept short for the feet to remain healthy. Long nails interfere with the dog’s gait, making walking awkward or painful. They can also break easily. This usually happens at the base of the nail, where blood vessels and nerves are located, and precipitates a trip to the veterinarian. If you can hear the nails clicking on the floor, they’re too long.
To trim your dog’s nails, use a specially designed clipper. Most have safety guards to prevent you from cutting the nails too short. You want to trim only the ends, before the “quick” which is a blood vessel inside the nail. (You can see where the quick ends on a white nail, but not on a dark nail.) Clip only the hook-like part of the nail that turns down.
Many dogs dislike having their nails trimmed. You can make it a painless procedure by getting your dog used to having his feet handled in puppyhood. Start trimming gently, a nail or two at a time, and your dog will learn that you’re not going to hurt him.
If you accidentally cut the quick, stop the bleeding with some styptic powder. If you find it impossible to clip your dog’s nails, take him to a veterinarian or groomer.
You should clean your dog’s ears once a month, more if he’s prone to ear problems. Clean the outer part of the ear only, using a damp cloth or a cotton swab soaked in mineral oil. Never force anything into the ear. Some dogs need the hair plucked just inside the ear to keep air circulating; ask your veterinarian if this is necessary for your dog.
Clean slight discharges with a moist cotton ball. Do not put anything irritating in your dog’s eyes.
Clean your dog’s teeth frequently with special toothbrushes and toothpaste designed for dogs. If your dog balks at having his teeth brushed, get him used to it by rubbing his teeth and gums with your finger. Then put a little of the toothpaste on your finger and let him sniff and lick it; do the same with the toothbrush. Make sure to provide chew toys that will help clean his teeth. As your dog gets older, he may have a buildup of tartar that requires special cleaning by a veterinarian.
Anal sacs are located on each side of your dog’s anus; they are glands that exude scent when your dog has a bowel movement. If you notice your dog scooting along on his rear or licking or scratching his anus, he may have impacted anal sacs. Ask your veterinarian how to treat an anal sac problem.
When you combine home grooming and hygiene with regular professional grooming visits, your dog’s coat, nails, teeth, ears, eyes, and paws will be clean, healthy, and odor free — making everyone in the household happy!