5 Tips for Pet Grooming at Home!
We are all missing our hair appointments these days, and so are our pets! Although we may not be professionals, there are still things we can do at home to make sure our pets stay fresh and clean- without leaving our homes! Here are some tips for grooming your pet while staying indoors..
1) Keep Up With Regular Bathing
Just like us, our pets shouldn’t go more than a couple weeks without bathing, so don’t put off bathtime because you can’t make it to the groomer! “Bathing your dog should be done in warm water and pick an area to groom your dog where they can take themselves off if they've had enough.” (1) Additionally, be sure to use gentle shampoo for dogs, as human shampoo can be harmful to their coat.
2) Choose the Right Brush for Your Pet’s Fur
Regular brushing is also important to your pet, brushing little and often. “To begin, try brushing your dog a few times a week for a few minutes at a time to create a routine.(3)” “Depending on your dog’s fur and skin type, a special brush might be necessary. Research online, or ask your veterinarian what kind of brush is most appropriate for your dog’s coat. (2)” Decide if a comb, brush or shedding blade is best for them!
3) Trim Fur Only If Necessary
First, if it is not necessary to trim your dogs coat, stick with regular brushing and bathing and leave the haircut to the groomer. If your pet is long haired and in need of a trim, “always start with a dry, clean dog, and only use the tips of sharp shears to trim your dog’s feet, face and tail, which will prevent you from cutting your dog if they move suddenly. “If your dog’s fur is matted, never try to cut it with scissors and use clippers instead. (3)”
4) Nail Trimming Can be Tricky
“An easy way to see if your dog's nails need clipping is to look at them when your dog is standing straight –their nails should not touch the floor.(1)” Only trim your dogs nails (with the appropriate tools) if you feel confident to do so. Don’t hesitate to call your vet for help, or ask an experienced dog owner to step in. “ If your dog has white nails, clip until you see the pink (the quick), and if your dog has black nails, clip a little at a time until you see a solid black dot on the tip. (3)”
5) Don’t Forget the Eyes and Ears!
Cleaning your dog’s ears is important for preventing ear infections. When doing so, “don’t use Q-tips unless your veterinarian recommends it. Instead, use an ear cleaner to clean your dog’s ears periodically if they need it. (2)” If your dog has any discharge around the eyes, use “a small, moist piece of cotton wool that can be carefully wiped from the corner of your dog's eyes in a gentle downwards motion. (1)”
Whether your pet is in need of brushing, bathing or any type of trimming, LICKS ZEN Calming Aid can be an extreme help! Our ZEN Calming aid is fast acting, administer around 45 minutes before you plan to begin the grooming process. This will help to keep them calm during what can otherwise be a stressful experience.
