Home Grooming 101

 

Grooming your pets at home isn’t just about keeping them looking snazzy— it’s also great for their health and a solid bonding experience. Regular grooming helps prevent infections, clears out dead hair, and boosts circulation. While dogs tend to need more attention than cats, both benefit from some tender loving care. In this blog, we’ll cover a lot of tips for grooming your doggo at home, with a few for cats sprinkled in as well. Let’s get started!

Dog Grooming Basics

If you’ve got a pup, it’s best to start grooming them early so they get used to it. For older dogs, take it slow— let them sniff the tools and reward them with treats as they become more comfortable. Keep sessions short, positive, and stress-free.

Putting on a Fresh Coat

Brushing your furbabies twice a week is a must, especially for long-haired or curly breeds. It keeps their coat clean, prevents tangles, and helps with shedding. For long-haired dogs, grab a metal comb; short-haired pups do well with a grooming mitt. Don’t forget to trim around their paws— scissors are easier than clippers for delicate spots like their face and feet. And always, treats make everything better!

Ear Care

Dogs tend to collect dirt in their ears, so clean them once a month (or more often if they’re swimmers). Use a damp cloth, cotton ball, or specialized ear pads for the outer ear, and don’t go deep— if you spot an excess of built-up dirt inside, we’d recommend a vet visit in the near future.

Eyes, Nose, and Teeth

Clean around your dog’s eyes with a damp cloth or cleansing pad, especially if you notice discharge. A dry nose can be normal, but excessive dryness or runniness calls for a vet. As for teeth, dental chews help, but nothing beats brushing— start slow and aim for twice a week using dog-specific toothpaste.

For puppies, this habit is easier to establish early. For older dogs, patience is key— let them get used to the taste and feel of the toothbrush. Over time, aim to brush their teeth twice a week.

Note: Remember, NEVER use toothpaste made for humans on any of your furbabies!

Nail and Paw Maintenance

Check your dog’s paws after walks, especially between their pads. While nails often wear down naturally, some dogs need trims. When trimming, be sure to avoid cutting into the quick, which can cause bleeding. If this happens, apply pressure with a damp cotton ball until the bleeding stops.

What’s the ‘quick’?: The “quick” in a dog’s nail is the sensitive part inside the nail that contains blood vessels and nerves. It’s similar to the pink part of a human fingernail, but it’s covered by the hard outer nail in dogs. If you accidentally cut into the quick while trimming your dog’s nails, it can cause bleeding and pain. In light-colored nails, you can usually see the pinkish quick, making it easier to avoid. However, in dogs with dark nails, it’s harder to see, so it’s best to trim small amounts at a time to avoid cutting too far.

One of our favorite things to do for our doggos who need a little ‘spa’ treatment for their paws is to use a paw cleaning cup, like the ones found in our online store.

Bath Time

Most dogs are good with a monthly bath, but heavy shedders might need more frequent washing. Use dog shampoo and towel-dry them afterward to avoid a damp-dog-smell takeover.

Quick Cat Grooming

Cats primarily handle grooming themselves, but long-haired cats or older ones might need a bit of help. Regular brushing is a good bonding moment and helps keep their coat tangle-free. Stick to cleaning the outer ear with a damp cotton ball and check for any wax buildup or signs of infection. Cats can get dental issues, too, so gently introducing brushing or treats focused on dental health can go a long way in keeping their teeth looking and feeling good.

Grooming can be a fun, relaxing routine with practice. At Pampered Pets Bazaar, we’re all about making sure your pets look and feel their best. As always, if you have any pet-related questions, we’re happy to help! Feel free to comment below! Until next time, happy grooming!

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