Dog Grooming Tips for Beginners

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Dog grooming is a vital part of dog ownership. It refers to not just the hygienic care and cleaning of your dog, but the physical appearance of your dog. 

How much grooming a dog needs depends on its breed, age and health. Regular grooming can ensure your dog stays healthy and comfortable. The main reasons for grooming your dog include:

• Decreased risk (Opens in a new window) of health problems such as thrush, ear infections, scratched corneas and other skin conditions

• Less matting caused by fur getting tangled, knotted and twisted around itself

• Easier viewing of any parasites (fleas/ticks) that need removing asap

• Increased bonding between pet and owner

• General cleanliness of your dog

The basics of dog grooming

If you’ve never attempted any type of dog grooming, the basics you should understand include:

Brushing

Long-haired breeds require brushing on a daily basis to prevent tangling and matting, but even short-haired breeds require brushing every few weeks. Doing this will keep coats healthy and shiny and during shedding season your dog will be more comfortable and cooler. Your clothing and furniture will thank you too.

Your dog should always be brushed before it’s bathed. If there’s any matting and the coat is not brushed out before it’s washed, it will become twice the nightmare. Use the right brushes and combs (Opens in a new window) and if you notice any matting, use a wide-tooth comb and brush it bit by bit so that you don’t pull on the skin. 

Washing

The frequency you bathe your dog will depend on several factors. The length of their fur, your tolerance for unpleasant “dog smells”, and where your dog lives are some of the factors to consider. (A city dog generally gets less dirty than a country dog.) Do note that it’s possible to bath your dog too much (Opens in a new window). Your dog has natural oils that are stripped during bath time and it can take a few days for these oils to build back up. Too much bathing can be bad for your dog’s skin and can encourage excess shedding. Try to keep baths down to once a month. 

When bathing your dog, use a shampoo that’s specifically designed for dogs. Oatmeal and Aloe are great inclusions or if you’re in a pinch you could use a baby-formulated shampoo. If your dog is experiencing flaky skin or hair shedding, look for a shampoo that addresses the issue of concern.

Towel dry or blow dry your dog and then give them another brush once they are dry.

Ear care

Your dog’s ears can be a nasty haven (Opens in a new window) for yeast and bacteria, particularly in breeds that have floppy ears. Gently cleaning the external ear canal for debris build up can prevent any issues occuring, just don’t use cotton tips, which can damage their ear canal. 

To clean your dog’s ears, take an ear wipe or a cotton ball and use a product specifically formulated to dissolve wax and debris. You may need a second pair of hands to assist you. 

Nail trimming

Nail trimming is a job nobody likes. Your pet hates it and most owners hate it too. Unfortunately, nail trimming must be done (Opens in a new window) to keep both you and your pet comfortable. 

Nail trimming can be dicey, as too short a trim can be painful and can cause bleeding or infection. Too long a trim will mean you’ll be back doing it all over again too soon. As a general rule, avoid cutting within 2mm (Opens in a new window) of the quick (the soft cuticle that contains the blood vessel and nerves of your dog’s nail). 

Clipping

Some dogs have short hair that doesn’t grow long, while others grow continuously and must be maintained regularly. It’s important to note that if you have a short-haired breed, you should never cut their hair or shave them without specific instruction to do so by your vet. By removing their fur, you are also removing their protection (Opens in a new window) from both the heat and UV rays of the sun. 

If your dog’s hair does grow, always ensure that the face, ears and hygienic areas are maintained. This will reduce their risk of scratches, infections and bacteria build up. You might like to do an all-over clip roughly every six weeks. 

Checking for parasites

You should be checking your dog regularly for fleas and ticks, with favourite locations being the armpit and groin areas. Gently part your dog’s fur so that you can examine the skin and look for any small, dark insects. Make this a regular part of your routine if you take your dog to the park or for a hike. 

If you find a tick, remove it using a pair of fine-point tweezers or with a tick removal tool. If you notice fleas, learn how to treat them (Opens in a new window). 

Getting started with grooming

To get started with grooming, purchase a grooming kit. Read the instructions for each tool and know what kind of blades you’re using/how they work etc. You don’t need anything too expensive, but you want to aim for tools that are high-quality and safe to use. 

Train your dog to enjoy bath time and pay attention to your dog’s temperament and condition. Before you start a grooming session, give your pet a good workout. A long walk or a bout of play will ensure your pet is free of any hyperactivity. Calmness is the key to a successful grooming session.

When you groom, reward and praise often. Have treats on hand that your dog loves – cooked chicken, cheese or a favourite commercial dog treat will make a grooming session a lot more bearable for each of you. The goal should be to teach your dog to associate the grooming ritual with a pleasurable experience and regular rewards and praise will get you there. Just be patient.

Regular grooming not only helps your dog look and feel great, but it also gives you a chance to spot early signs of skin conditions, lumps, or other health concerns. If you do notice something unusual, pet insurance (Opens in a new window) can help cover the cost of veterinary care, so you can act quickly without worrying about unexpected bills.