Dog grooming is an essential part of owning and caring for a dog. It doesn’t matter what breed you own or how much time you have to spend playing with your dog – they need to be groomed regularly. Unkempt dogs can be offensive to other people and animals. Unruly hair can also become tangled, which can lead to further problems. But what kind of dog grooming do you need? How much time will it take? Will your dog be okay with it? Do you need any special tools or perhaps a specialist? Is there anything that you should not try at home? Having your dog professionally groomed on a regular basis will help keep them happy, healthy, and clean, which in turn benefits both of you!
Fortunately, professional dog grooming is not only something that needs to be done occasionally; it’s something that can become an easy part of your routine if you know the right tips and tricks. There are many different styles and techniques when it comes to dog grooming. You could opt for a DIY approach at home or find a professional dog groomer in your area and set up a regular appointment. No matter which route you take, these top three tips will make all the difference in keeping your furry friend looking their best!
Brushing your dog’s coat is essential. It keeps your dog looking and feeling clean by removing any loose or dead hair as well as potentially any other impurities. It also helps to keep your dog's coat soft and shiny. Areas that may contain lots of loose and dead hair are the neck and shoulder area as well as the hips and rear.
The best way to brush your dog’s coat is to start at the back of their head and move towards their rear as you continue. Go slow but methodical when brushing because if you brush too quickly, you won't get all of the hair and you might nick their skin. If your dog has skin tags, little extra areas of skin growth be careful to avoid them as you can poke it and damage it with the brush. You should brush the hair in the direction it grows. This will keep the hair looking neat and clean.
You should brush your dog’s hair at least once a week. You can use a soft brush or a comb. Weekly brushing should be done with a slicker brush, double sided brush, or a glove brush like this one (first pictured below). For removing lots of dead and loose hair, a de-shedding tool is needed and is extremely effective. You can find one here (second pictured below).
A dog’s coat can become dirty if it has not been bathed or brushed for an extended period. This is especially true if you live in a cold area. The dog’s coat also gets dirty if the dog lives in a humid environment. A dog's coat is unlike our hair meaning if you were to bathe your pet everyday, it can lead to potential dryness, dander, and even loss of hair.
A helpful tip is to pay attention to how your dog's coat feels and smells after a good grooming and use that to compare and gauge whether your dog is due for another bath or not. Many dogs have a natural tendency to shed. This is normal and is caused by the dog’s natural oil glands. Don't confuse this with the unnatural loss of hair due to a damaged coat. If the coat becomes too dirty, it can cause skin irritations and itchiness.
I know the last thing I want to see is my dog scratching endlessly and uncomfortable. Regular cleaning of the coat is essential to avoid any skin allergies and dander, which is like dandruff but for dogs. There are many types of pet care products available on the market, but the best way to clean a dog’s coat is by using an organic dog shampoo.
Shampoos can be either mineral or organic. Both types are available in a variety of formulations. Many people choose to use organic dog shampoo because of its benefits. Many organic dog shampoo products contain natural ingredients. Ingredients like aloe vera, cedar, and rosemary can help keep the dog’s coat healthy and shiny. Using organic shampoo will help keep the dog’s coat clean and healthy.
If you're considering organic shampoos, you're in luck because we carry organic dog shampoos by Spina Organics. We have a Puppy Shampoo (gentle, but effective, and tear-free!), a Deep Cleansing Shampoo (detoxifying, antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties), and a Hydrating Shampoo (with argan oil and natural humectants to restore moisture and flexibility to your dog's coat and skin).
As with all living things, what we ingest has widespread effects on how our body functions as a whole. Keeping this in mind, the last tip we'd like to offer is to remember to feed them healthy and high-quality dog food. This is the most important way to keep your dog's coat clean, healthy and shiny.
The right dog food will have the correct ratio of nutrients to replenish the proteins, minerals and vitamins your dog expends while awake and active. Absolutely zero processed ingredients should be in your dog's food. It should be all-natural, organic if possible, and contain actual meat products or by-products. Dogs are still animals after all and they need protein from red meat. I have seen vegan food formulas on the market, but have never tried them, so unless your vet recommends it, I would steer clear.
Feeding your dog the right food will ease the burden of brushing and bathing a bit. Regular brushing won't take as long and their coat may stay cleaner for longer in between baths. You can brush and bathe your dog as much as recommended, but if they're not eating the right food, the problem will never be fully solved.
Final Words:
By using the tips we provide, you will be able to care for your dog more effectively. The best thing you can do for your dog is to take care of him. That means taking him on walks, playing with him, and giving him lots of love. He will appreciate the extra attention and love.
