Every dog is different and how often they need to be groomed will depend on several factors. Grooming is a process that includes bathing, brushing, nail clipping and cleaning other areas like ears and eyes.

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Brushing

Grooming is a bonding experience that should be done on a regular basis, but it’s important to know which tools and methods are best for your dog. It can be helpful to consult with a professional groomer for tips and advice.

The frequency with which you brush your dog will depend on the length of their coat and shedding habits. Dogs with short coats need to be brushed every few weeks while dogs with medium and long coats need to be brushed daily. If your dog has a thick undercoat, daily brushing is especially important.

In general, most dogs should be brushed with a soft brush (such as a slicker or pin) until they are tangle-free and then switched to a wire-bristled brush for more extensive grooming. Brushing is not just about coat health, though; it can also help prevent fleas, ticks, and other parasites from attaching to your dog’s skin.

Many groomers suggest a bathing schedule that will be in line with your dog’s specific coat type. Curly-haired dogs, like Poodles and poodle mixes, silky-haired dogs, such as Yorkies and Shih Tzus, and wire-haired dogs, such as Airedale Terriers and Brussels Griffons, are best served by bathing at least once a week to keep their coats clean and reduce shedding. Dogs with curly and silky hair may need to be bathed even more frequently, depending on their environment and how much dirt they tend to pick up.

When bathing your pet, be sure to use a gentle, non-toxic shampoo. Avoid harsh, medicated shampoos unless they are prescribed by your veterinarian.

It’s important to remember that your dog might be a bit nervous or frightened during grooming sessions, particularly if they are being handled by a professional groomer. Try to make the grooming process a positive experience for your pet by giving them plenty of verbal praise and high-value treats.

Your dog needs regular upkeep with their nails, teeth, eyes, ears, and anal glands, too. Luckily, most of these tasks can be performed at home. However, a professional groomer can get up close and personal with your dog’s fur, which allows them to detect potential health issues that you might not be able to see on your own. With easy access to local dog grooming experts, you can quickly connect with professionals who provide top-quality grooming services near you.

Bathing

If your dog has a short coat, they may be able to go 4-6 weeks between professional grooming appointments. However, dogs with longer or double coats need more regular grooming to prevent matting. Mats can cause your pup pain, itching and infections if they aren’t removed promptly.

You should bathe your dog on a routine basis, but how often depends on your pet’s coat type and the amount of dirt they collect on walks or in the backyard. If your dog has a short coat, you can probably get away with washing them once or twice a month at home using a gentle shampoo without any conditioners or special ingredients.

Long-haired breeds like poodle mixes, Lhasa Apsos and Samoyeds need to be bathed on a more frequent basis. These breeds typically have a silky topcoat and a dense undercoat, making them more prone to matting. You can help prevent matting by brushing them daily, which will also keep their fur shiny and healthy.

It’s important to use a dog-specific shampoo when giving your dog a bath because human soap can dry out and irritate your pet’s sensitive skin. Dog shampoo also has a neutral pH balance, which is ideal for dogs’ skin.

Some dog owners prefer to bathe their pets at home, and others rely on their local groomers for this service. Regardless of which option you choose, it’s important to start your pup early with grooming so they become accustomed to the experience and are comfortable during and after the process.

Grooming is not just about hair removal, but can include other services like nail trimming and ear cleaning. For instance, dogs with floppy ears (like Pugs and Frenchies) will need to have their anal glands expressed regularly. These glands are located inside of their cheeks and release a natural lubricant to help your pup move comfortably. Your veterinarian or some groomers can perform this task, and you can also learn how to express your dog’s anal glands at home. This will help reduce the number of ear infections they can develop throughout their lifetime.

Nail Trimming

Dogs need to have their nails regularly trimmed, as long nails can interfere with walking and impact how their paw pads and feet function. Long nails may also lead to snagging on things which can be painful and even dangerous for the animal.

Trimming a pet’s nails can be an anxiety-provoking experience, as many dogs do not like to have their paws handled and trimmed. It is therefore recommended that you start doing it when your dog or cat is young, so that they become accustomed to it, as early as possible.

Using the right tools will help to keep your dog calm during the nail trimming process. A good pair of high-quality snippers are ideal, although you can get by with a standard hedge trimmer if needed. Depending on your pet, you may want to use a de-stressing spray or calming medication before the nail trim, which will ensure that they remain relaxed and calm throughout the entire nail clipping procedure.

When cutting a pet’s nails, it is important to avoid the quick, which is the pink part of the nail that contains blood vessels and nerves. The quick is easy to see in light-colored nails, but is less visible in dark or black nails. If you accidentally cut the quick, your dog will likely yelp and may limp on that foot temporarily until the bleeding stops. To avoid this, trim only a small portion of the nail at a time and make sure that you are not squeezing or cutting into the quick.

If you are unsure of where the quick is, put your finger in the nail and feel for a hard area towards the center. Once you feel this, stop the snipping. The quick will soften and turn white as you approach it, so this is a great indicator that you are getting close.

After every snip, give your dog a treat or reward to encourage them to stay still and calm and continue to be positive about the experience. This will help to build a positive association with having their nails trimmed, and it will make the nail trimming process much more enjoyable for both of you in the future.

Ear Cleaning

Ear cleaning is one of the most important grooming tasks to perform with your dog. Keeping your dog’s ears clean can help reduce the risk of ear infections, which can be caused by excess earwax and debris. This is especially important for dogs with long floppy ears, as their ear canal can get blocked by these longer hairs, leaving them more susceptible to infection.

Ear cleansers are available at most pet stores and from your veterinarian. Be sure to use a cleanser that is specifically designed for dogs, as the ears of different breeds can develop ear wax at slightly different rates and require unique cleansing solutions. If you are unsure about what type of ear cleanser to use, check with your veterinarian as they can recommend the best option for your dog.

When you are ready to clean your dog’s ears, make sure that all of your supplies are within reach and that your dog is comfortable with the process. You may need to restrain your dog so that they do not jerk their head, which could cause an injury, or try to pull away from the process. Having a treat available to reward your dog can help ease the discomfort during ear cleanings as well as afterward.

Begin by gently wiping the outside of your dog’s ear with a damp cloth to remove any visible debris or wax. Once the ear is dry, carefully use tweezers or forceps to pluck ear hair in small groups at a time. Be careful not to over-pluck the ear as this can be painful for your dog. Continue until the ear is free of hair, then give your dog a treat for their patience during this uncomfortable grooming task.

Depending on your dog’s ear health and your environment, you may need to clean the ears more or less frequently. Your veterinarian can recommend the best frequency for ear cleaning based on your dog’s unique ear canal structure, ear wax buildup and environmental conditions. Just be sure not to over-clean the ears as this can lead to inflammation and ear infections.