Here are some home dog grooming tips to ensure that your pet remains in tip top condition. Grooming your dog is also great for bonding with your furry pal!

Daily Brushing for Long-Haired Dogs

If you have a long haired or fluffy dog, make sure that you brush them daily to keep them comfortable. Pay special attention to areas that are more likely to create friction such as under their collar or between their legs to make sure you gently tease out any knots or tangles.

Grooming Short-Haired Dogs

Even very short haired dogs will benefit from a good groom with an appropriate brush which will act like a massage and leave them nice and shiny! It is a great opportunity to check your dog for ticks or any lumps or bumps they may have acquired. Generally once a week will work well for short-haired dog breeds.

Bathing Tips for Dogs

You might normally leave bathing your dog up to the professionals and indeed bathing a fluffy dog too often can increase the formation of matts and knots in their coat. If you do need to bathe your dog before you can get to the groomers again, here is some advice for those with fluffy dogs:

• Remove knots before bathing – the process of bathing the dog can often make these knots harder to remove.
• Do not dry your dog by rubbing them with a towel. This friction will create knots and matts in their fluffy coat. Instead pat dry, or even blow dry (on a cool setting) to keep the coat as straight as possible.
• Use conditioner on fluffy or wool type coats to help reduce matting.
• Always test the water temperature is not too hot or cold.
• Always stay calm and allow plenty of time for grooming. If you rush or become stressed this may may your dog stressed to.
• Give praise and reassurance throughout to make each session a positive interaction with your dog. Practice makes perfect!

Of course, every groomer will tell you a good diet is essential to maintaining a great coat. Upgrade your groom to a full pampering package by using Carnilove wet dog food smeared on a Lickit mat as a distraction during the grooming or reward them at the end of the process with a tasty Carnilove treat.

If you are looking for more information about grooming your dog, this article from the Blue Cross is a good place to start. Alternatively there are many breed specific online forums where you might find ideas for dealing with your dog’s coat.